Corilagin alleviates liver fibrosis in zebrafish and mice by repressing IDO1-mediated M2 macrophage repolarization.

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis caused by chronic liver injury, eventually develops into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no effective drugs to relieve liver fibrosis due to the lack of molecular pathogenesis characteristics. Former research demonstrates that the hepatic immune microenvironment plays a key role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, thus macrophages are important immune cells in the liver. Our previous study has found that IDO1 plays an important role in the liver immune microenvironment. CRG is a gallic acid tannin found in medicinal plants of many ethnicities that protects against inflammation, tumors and chronic liver disease. However, the mechanism of by which CRG mediates the interaction of IDO1 with macrophages during hepatic immune maturation is not clear. PURPOSE: To investigate the regulatory mechanism of CRG in liver fibrosis and the intrinsic relationship between IDO1 and macrophage differentiation. METHODS: Zebrafish, RAW264.7 cells and mice were used in the study. IDO1 overexpression and knockdown cell lines were constructed using lentiviral techniques. RESULTS: We discovered that CRG remarkably reduced the AST and ALT serum levels. Histological examination revealed that CRG ameliorates CCL4-induced liver fibrosis and depressed the expression of α-SMA, Lamimin, Collagen-Ι and fibronectin. Besides, we found that CRG promoted increased MerTK expression on partly macrophages. Interestingly, in vitro, we found that CRG suppressed IDO1 expression and regulated macrophage differentiation by upregulating CD86, CD80 and iNOS, while downregulating CD206, CD163, IL-4 and IL-10 expression. Additionally, we found that CRG could inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation by direct or indirect action. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CRG alleviates liver fibrosis by mediating IDO1-mediated M2 macrophage repolarization.

MnO2 nanosheets and gold nanoparticles supported electrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells.

The concentration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood is strongly correlated with the progress of certain metastatic cancers. In this study, we have developed a novel and facile electrochemical biosensor for the detection of CTCs based on the use of manganese dioxide nanosheets (MnO2 NSs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Aptamer sequence of target cell is modified on the surface of AuNPs for specifical recognition. With low-speed centrifugation, numerous AuNPs@DNA can be removed from the supernatant. On the other hand, MnO2 NSs are modified on the electrode surface to capture unreacted AuNPs@DNA. The declined electrochemical signal intensity can be used to reflect the level of CTCs. This biosensor achieves a wide linear range from 10 to 104 cells mL-1 and a limit of detection as low as 3 cells mL-1. Due to the specific aptamer as the recognition element, interfering cells can be successfully distinguished and this method performs satisfactorily in clinical samples. Therefore, it has great potential to be used as a powerful tool benefiting rare cells analysis and the investigation of dynamics of cellular interactions.

Biejiajian pill inhibits progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating PDGFRß signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Biejiajian pill (BJJP) is a canonical formula that is clinically used to treat chronic liver disease, especially to decrease the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms underlying the prevention of HCC progression by BJJP remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to determine whether BJJP inhibits HCC progression by downregulating platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRß) signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in a mouse model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEN 2 weeks after birth, followed by repeated injections of CCl4 weekly from 6 weeks of age onwards, to recapitulate features of HCC. At week 14, BJJP was orally administered to mice. The effects of BJJP on HCC progression were evaluated using histology, immunohistochemistry, and serum biochemical marker levels. Transcriptome analysis, molecular docking, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blot were used to study the genes targeted by BJJP and the associated signaling pathway. The effects of BJJP on PDGFRß signaling in CAFs and the underlying mechanism were demonstrated. RESULTS: BJJP treatment significantly suppressed carcinogenesis and cancer progression, and it ameliorated liver inflammation in mice with HCC. A total of 176 genes, including PDGFRß, were significantly downregulated after BJJP treatment and five components of BJJP with high binding affinity to PDGFRß were identified. BJJP inhibited the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß) by suppressing PDGFRß expression in CAFs, and it also downregulated the expression of the downstream proteins hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Furthermore, BJJP-containing serum consistently reduced PDGFRß, HGF, and VEGF-A expression levels in HSC-derived CAFs in vitro. Importantly, PDGF-BB induced PDGFRß activation in CAFs and both BJJP and sunitinib (a kinase inhibitor) inhibited PDGF-BB/PDGFRß signaling. CONCLUSION: BJJP inhibits the progression of HCC through suppressing VEGF-A and HGF expression in CAFs by downregulating PDGFRß signaling.

RAGE promotes dysregulation of iron and lipid metabolism in alcoholic liver disease.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is associated with hepatic inflammatory activation and iron overload. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is an important metabolic mediator during the development of ALD. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of RAGE on iron homeostasis in ALD. We found increased circulating transferrin, hepcidin and ferritin in ALD patients and positively correlated with RAGE level. RAGE knockout (RAGE-/-) and wild-type mice were subjected to chronic alcoholic feeding for 6 weeks to induce ALD, and RAGE inhibitor, iron chelator or lipid peroxidation inhibitor were administered. We showed that chronic alcohol administration triggered hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which were eliminated by deficiency or inhibition of RAGE. Surprisingly, pathways of hepatic iron metabolism were significantly altered, including increased iron uptake (Tf/TfR) and storage (Ferritin), as well as decreased iron export (FPN1/Hepcidin). In vitro experiments confirmed that RAGE had different effects on the mechanism of iron metabolism of hepatocytes and macrophages respectively. In conclusion, our data revealed preclinical evidence for RAGE inhibition as an effective intervention for alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury.

Efficacy of metformin therapy in patients with cancer: a meta-analysis of 22 randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether metformin monotherapy or adjunctive therapy improves the prognosis in patients with any type of cancer compared to non-metformin users (age ≥18). METHODS: Databases (Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and clinical trial registries ( ClinicalTrials.gov ; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were screened for randomized, controlled trials (RCT) reporting at least progression-free survival (PFS) and/or overall survival (OS). Main outcome measures included hazard ratios (HR), and combined HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: Of the 8419 records screened, 22 RCTs comprising 5943 participants were included. Pooled HRs were not statistically significant in both PFS (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82-1.15, I2 = 50%) and OS (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.86-1.13, I2 = 33%) for patients with cancer between the metformin and control groups. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that metformin treatment was associated with a marginally significant improvement in PFS in reproductive system cancers (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-1.00) and a significantly worse PFS in digestive system cancers (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03-2.04). The PFS or OS was observed consistently across maintenance dose, diabetes exclusion, median follow-up, risk of bias, and combined antitumoral therapies. CONCLUSION: Metformin treatment was not associated with cancer-related mortality in adults compared with placebo or no treatment. However, metformin implied beneficial effects in the PFS of the patients with reproductive system cancers but was related to a worse PFS in digestive system cancers. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42022324672.

Hepatic TGFßr1 Deficiency Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide/D-Galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Failure Through Inhibiting GSK3ß-Nrf2-Mediated Hepatocyte Apoptosis and Ferroptosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition with high mortality and morbidity, characterized by glutathione depletion, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ferroptosis may be involved in ALF. Indeed, emerging studies have shown that ferroptosis plays a significant role in ALF. However, the mechanism of ferroptosis in hepatocytes during ALF remains unknown. METHODS: Hepatic-specific transforming growth factor ß receptor 1 knockout (TGFßr1Δhep-CKO) mice and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 knockout (Nrf2-/-) mice were generated and subjected to ALF. Electron microscopy was used to detect mitochondrial and other cell substructure changes during ALF. RESULTS: In this study, we noticed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN) induced caspases-mediated apoptosis as current research reported, we also found lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and glutathione, co-enzyme Q10 system inhibition mediated ferroptosis during LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF. Rescue studies have shown that ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and deferoxamine mesylate (DFOM), the inhibitor of ferroptosis, could alleviate LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF. In addition, we noticed that TGFß1 was increased during ALF, while ALF was relieved in TGFßr1Δhep-CKO mice. We also noticed that liver TGFßr1 deficiency alleviated LPS/D-GalN-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis by affecting the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß and Nrf2, a key antioxidant factor, by up-regulating the levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), glutamine antiporter xCT (XCT), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), and down-regulating transferrin receptor (TFR), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (Ptgs2), chaC glutathione specific gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase 1 (CHAC1), and cytochrome P450 reductase (POR) expression. The further supplemental experiment showed that ferroptosis was aggravated significantly in Nrf2-/- mice compared with its wild-type controls and reversed by ferrostatin-1. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that TGFßr1 plays a critical role in mediating LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF by promoting apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 aggravates acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by triggering excess nitroxidative stress and iron accumulation.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF), which is characterized by GSH depletion, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the specific mechanism of APAP-induced ALF remains to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrated that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) aggravated APAP-induced ALF associated with excess lipid peroxidation, which was reversed by lipid peroxidation inhibitor (ferrostatin-1). Meanwhile, IDO1 deficiency effectively decreased the accumulation of reactive nitrogen species. Additionally, IDO1 deficiency prevented against APAP-induced liver injury through suppressing the activation of macrophages, thereby reduced their iron uptake and export, eventually reduced iron accumulation in hepatocytes through transferrin and transferrin receptor axis. In summary, our study confirmed that APAP-induced IDO1 aggravated ALF by triggering excess oxidative and nitrative stress and iron accumulation in liver. These results offer new insights for the clinical treatment of ALF or iron-dysregulated liver diseases in the future.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Alleviates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Steatosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has become a heavy burden on health worldwide. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), extracted from Panax quinquefolium L., has protective effects on many diseases, but the effect and mechanisms of GRb1 on ALD remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GRb1 on ALD and to discover the potential mechanisms. Zebrafish larvae were exposed to 350 mM ethanol for 32 h to establish a model of acute alcoholic liver injury, and the larvae were then treated with 6.25, 12.5, or 25 µM GRb1 for 48 h. The human hepatocyte cell line was stimulated by 100 mM ethanol and meanwhile incubated with 6.25, 12.5, and 25 µM GRb1 for 24 h. The lipid changes were detected by Oil Red O staining, Nile Red staining, and triglyceride determination. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by fluorescent probes in vivo, and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that GRb1 alleviated lipid deposition in hepatocytes at an optimal concentration of 12.5 µM in vivo. GRb1 reversed the reactive oxygen species accumulation caused by alcohol consumption and partially restored the level of glutathione. Furthermore, GRb1 ameliorated liver inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration in the liver parenchyma and downregulating the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B pathway-associated proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß. This study revealed that GRb1 has a protective effect on alcohol-induced liver injury due to its resistance to lipid deposition as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings suggest that GRb1 may be a promising candidate against ALD.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 limits hepatic inflammatory cells recruitment and promotes bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a course of chronic liver dysfunction, can develop into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammatory insult owing to pathogenic factors plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) can affect the infiltration of immune cells in many pathology processes of diseases, but its role in liver fibrosis has not been elucidated completely. Here, the markedly elevated protein IDO1 in livers was identified, and dendritic cells (DCs) immune-phenotypes were significantly altered after BDL challenge. A distinct hepatic population of CD11c+DCs was decreased and presented an immature immune-phenotype, reflected by lower expression levels of co-stimulatory molecules (CD40, MHCII). Frequencies of CD11c+CD80+, CD11c+CD86+, CD11c+MHCII+, and CD11c+CD40+ cells in splenic leukocytes were reduced significantly. Notably, IDO1 overexpression inhibited hepatic, splenic CD11c+DCs maturation, mature DCs-mediated T-cell proliferation and worsened liver fibrosis, whereas above pathological phenomena were reversed in IDO1-/- mice. Our data demonstrate that IDO1 affects the process of immune cells recruitment via inhibiting DCs maturation and subsequent T cells proliferation, resulting in the promotion of hepatic fibrosis. Thus, amelioration of immune responses in hepatic and splenic microenvironment by targeting IDO1 might be essential for the therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis.

Geniposide Enhances Macrophage Autophagy through Downregulation of TREM2 in Atherosclerosis.

Macrophage autophagy defect is closely related to the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and is regulated by the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2). TREM2 is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the deficiency of which leads to anomalous autophagy in microglia. However, the role of TREM2 in the autophagy of plaque macrophages is still unclear. Geniposide (GP) can inhibit AS progression and enhance macrophage autophagy, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We found that high-fat diet (HFD) feeding significantly increased TREM2 levels and inhibited autophagy in the macrophages of ApoE[Formula: see text] mice. TREM2 overexpression in RAW264.7 macrophages decreased autophagy via activation of mTOR signaling. GP inhibited the progression of AS in ApoE[Formula: see text] mice, reinforced macrophage autophagy, and downregulated TREM2 by inhibiting mTOR signaling. Taken together, augmenting the autophagy levels in plaque macrophages by inhibiting the TREM2/mTOR axis can potentially impede atherosclerotic progression. The promising therapeutic effects of GP seen in this study should be validated in future trials, and the underlying mechanisms have to be elucidated in greater detail.

Forsythoside A protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through up-regulating microRNA-124.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease without effective pharmacotherapies, so far. Forsythia suspensa is frequently used in the treatment of lung infection in traditional Chinese medicine. In search for natural anti-inflammatory components, the activity and the underlying mechanism of Forsythoside A (FA) from Forsythia suspensa were explored. In the present paper, BALB/c mice and murine RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS to establish inflammation models. Data showed that FA inhibited the production of TNF-α and IL-6 and the activation of STAT3 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, FA increased the expression level of microRNA-124 (miR-124). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of FA on STAT3 was counteracted by the treatment of miR-124 inhibitor. Critically, FA ameliorated LPS-induced ALI pathological damage, the increase in lung water content and inflammatory cytokine, cells infiltration and activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway in BALB/c mice. Meanwhile, FA up-regulated the expression of miR-124 in lungs, while administration with miR-124 inhibitor attenuated the protective effects of FA. Our results indicated that FA alleviates LPS-induced inflammation through up-regulating miR-124 in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate the potential of FA and miR-124 in the treatment of ALI.

Mutual antagonism between indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 regulates the maturation status of DCs in liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis can develop into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma substantially without effective available treatment currently due to rarely characterized molecular pathogenesis. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1(IDO1) can be detected on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and modulates various immune responses. However, the role of IDO1 in the regulation of dendritic cells (DCs) during liver fibrosis is rarely reported. Here, we found that hepatic IDO1 was up-regulated during CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, which accompanied by a significant decrease in the frequencies of CD11c+CD80+, CD11c+CD86+, CD11c+CD40+ and CD11c+MHCII+ cells and a reduction in the subsequent T cell proliferation rate, whereas these changes were reversed significantly in IDO1-/- mice. Overexpressing IDO1 by adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9) significantly inhibited the maturation status of DCs, worsened fibrosis. In vitro studies showed that significantly elevated CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHCII expression were observed in BMDCs derived from IDO1-/- mice. Moreover, the maturation of BMDCs derived from WT mice were significantly increased after stimulated with IDO1 inhibitor (1-methyl- D -tryptophan). Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of the cellular adaptive response to oxidative insults and inflammation, exhibited a markedly decrease in the liver of WT fibrotic mice, nevertheless, knockout of IDO1 enhanced the protein level of Nrf2. Moreover, the expression of IDO1 and Nrf2 exhibited inverse colocalization pattern suggesting that ectopically expressed IDO1 down-regulated Nrf2. Additionally, up-regulation of IDO1 was also observed in the livers of Nrf2-/- fibrotic mice. Taken together, these data uncovered mutual antagonism between IDO1 and Nrf2 on the maturation status of DCs during hepatic fibrosis.

Inhibition of the STAT3 Signaling Pathway Contributes to the Anti-Melanoma Activities of Shikonin.

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma is an extremely aggressive and metastatic cancer, and highly resistant to conventional therapies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling promotes melanoma development and progression, which has been validated as an effective target in melanoma treatment. Natural naphthoquinone shikonin is reported to exert anti-melanoma effects. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the anti-melanoma activities of shikonin and explore the involvement of STAT3 signaling in these effects. METHODS: Zebrafish tumor model was established to evaluate the anti-human melanoma effects of shikonin in vivo. MTT assay and colony formation assay were employed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of shikonin on human melanoma A375 and A2058 cells. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis induction. Wound healing assay and Transwell chamber assay were conducted to examine the cell migratory and invasive abilities. Immunofluorescence assay was used to observe F-actin, Tubulin, and STAT3 localization. Western blotting was used to determine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis and key proteins in the STAT3 signaling pathway. Immunoblotting was performed in DSS cross-linked cells to determine the homo-dimerization of STAT3. Gelatin zymography was employed to evaluate the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Transient transfection was used to overexpress STAT3 in cell models. RESULTS: Shikonin suppressed melanoma growth in cultured cells and in zebrafish xenograft models. Shikonin induced melanoma cells apoptosis, inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mechanistic study indicated that shikonin inhibited the phosphorylation and homo-dimerization of STAT3, thus reduced its nuclear localization. Further study showed that shikonin decreased the levels of STAT3-targeted genes Mcl-1, Bcl-2, MMP-2, vimentin, and Twist, which are involved in melanoma survival, migration, and invasion. More importantly, overexpression of constitutively active STAT3 partially abolished the anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive effects of shikonin. CONCLUSION: The anti-melanoma activity of shikonin is at least partially attributed to the inhibition on STAT3 signaling. These findings provide new insights into the anti-melanoma molecular mechanisms of shikonin, suggesting its potential in melanoma treatment.

Comprehensive analysis of the compound profiles of Folium Camelliae Nitidissimae extract by ultrafast liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and hepatoprotective effect against CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice.

Folium Camelliae Nitidissimae (jinhuacha in Chinese, JHC) is a kind of caffeine-less tea with antioxidant, antitumor and antibacterial effects. Studies on the chemical profiles and hepatoprotective effects of JHC extracts have not been systematically conducted so far. This study comprehensively investigated the compound profiles of JHC extract by ultrafast liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. We also determined JHC's hepatoprotective effects against CCl4 -induced liver injury in mice. A JHC extract was administered orally to mice at 1.95 and 7.80 g/kg body weight once daily for 14 consecutive days prior to CCl4 treatment. Eighty-four compounds including flavonoids, organic acids, catechins, coumarins, phenylpropanol, amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins and nucleosides in JHC extract were authentically identified or tentatively identified by comparing MS information and retention times with those of authentic standards or available references. JHC administration significantly decreased elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in mouse serum, inhibited hepatic malondialdehyde formation and enhanced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities in the liver of CCl4 -treated mice. The histological observations also further supported the results. These results demonstrate that JHC contains various chemical compounds and its hepatoprotective effects against CCl4 -induced liver injury correlated with decreasing lipid oxidation are significant.

Liang-Ge-San, a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, attenuates acute inflammation in zebrafish and RAW 264.7 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Liang-Ge-San (LGS) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that commonly used in acute inflammatory diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of LGS are not fully studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and explore the underlying mechanisms of LGS in zebrafish and cell inflammation models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LPS-induced zebrafish inflammation model was established by LPS-yolk microinjection. The protective effect of LGS on zebrafish injected with LPS was observed using survival analysis. Infiltration of inflammatory cells was determined by H&E staining assay. Expression levels of key inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were measured by q-PCR assay. Recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages were observed by fluorescence microscopy, SB staining and NR staining. In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of LGS were evaluated on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The generation of IL-6 and TNF-α was detected by ELISA. The protein expression levels of JNK, p-JNK (Thr183/Tyr185), Nur77 and p-Nur77 (Ser351) were determined by Western blotting. Finally, two additional inflammatory models in zebrafish, which were induced by CuSO4 or tail fin injury, were also established and the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages were observed for the determination of the anti-inflammatory activity of LGS. RESULTS: LGS protected zebrafish against LPS-induced death and dose-dependently inhibited LPS-induced acute inflammatory response in zebrafish, as indicated by increased survival rate, reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, decreased recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, and downregulated expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, LGS inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6, increased the expression of Nur77, and reduced the expression of p-Nur77 (Ser351) and p-JNK (Thr183/Tyr185) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory action of LGS was also observed in another two zebrafish inflammation models, which was supported by the inhibition on neutrophils and macrophages recruitment. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that LGS possesses anti-inflammatory activity in zebrafish inflammation models and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, which is related to the inhibition on p-JNK and p-Nur77. This finding provides a pharmacological basis for LGS in the control of inflammatory disorder.

Naringin attenuates alcoholic liver injury by reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress.

AIMS: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading health risk worldwide, which can induce hepatic steatosis, progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and even carcinoma. As a potential therapeutic drug for ALD, naringin, an abundant flavanone in grapefruit, could improve resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation and protects against multiple organ injury. However, the specific mechanisms responsible for protection against alcoholic injury remain not fully understood. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect and the regulatory mechanisms of naringin in the liver and whole body after alcohol exposure under zebrafish larvae system. MAIN METHODS: At 96 h post fertilization (hpf), larvae from wild-type (WT) and transgenic zebrafish, with liver-specific eGFP expression (Tg(lfabp10α:eGFP)), were exposed to 2% ethanol for 32 h to establish an ALD model. Different endpoints, such as morphological changes in liver shape and size, histological changes, oxidative stress-related free radical levels, apoptosis and the expression of certain genes, were chosen to verify the essential impact of naringin in alcohol-induced liver lesions. KEY FINDINGS: Subsequent experiments, including Oil red O, Nile red, pathological hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and TUNEL staining and qPCR, revealed that naringin treatment reduced alcoholic hepatic steatosis, and this inhibitory effect was dose dependent. Specifically, a 25 mg/L dose resulted in an almost normal response. SIGNIFICANCE: This finding suggested that naringin may inhibit alcoholic-induced liver steatosis and injury by attenuating lipid accumulation and reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Liang-Ge-San, a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Liang-Ge-San (LGS) is a classic formula in traditional Chinese medicine, which is widely used to treat acute lung injury (ALI), pharyngitis and amygdalitis in clinic. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, we discovered that LGS exerted potent anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. We found that LGS significantly depressed the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 were also inhibited. Moreover, LGS activated α7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor (α7nAchR). The blockage of α7nAchR by selective inhibitor methyllycaconitine (MLA) or α7nAchR siRNA attenuated the inhibitory effects of LGS on IκBα, NF-κB p65, IL-6 and TNF-α. Critically, LGS significantly inhibited inflammation in LPS-induced ALI rats through the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. However, these protective effects could be counteracted by the treatment of MLA. Taken together, we first demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of LGS both in vitro and in vivo through cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The study provides a rationale for the clinical application of LGS as an anti-inflammatory agent and supports the critical role of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in inflammation.

Beijing ambient particle exposure accelerates atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout mice by upregulating visfatin expression.

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure has been associated with atherosclerosis. However, research on the effect of real-world exposure to ambient PM in regulating visfatin expression in an animal model is very limited. The objective is to investigate whether Beijing ambient PM exposure could accelerate atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice by upregulating visfatin expression. Forty male ApoE(-/-) mice were exposed to untreated ambient air (PM group, n = 20) or filtered air (FA group, n = 20), 24 h/day, 7 days/week, for 2 months. During the exposure, the mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in the two groups were continuously monitored. Moreover, a receptor source apportionment model was applied to apportion sources of PM2.5. At the end of the exposure, visfatin in plasma and aorta, biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in blood samples, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined, and the plaque area of the atherosclerosis lesions was quantified. PM-exposed mice were significantly higher than FA-exposed mice in terms of plasma visfatin, OxLDL, MDA, serum TC, LDL, TNF-α as well as IL-6, TNF-α, OxLDL, and MDA in BALF, while SOD and GSH-Px activities in plasma and BALF were reduced in PM-exposed mice. Pathological analysis of the aorta demonstrated that the plaque area and visfatin protein in the PM group increased significantly compared to the FA group. Our findings indicate that ambient PM exposure could accelerate atherosclerosis, which is related to visfatin upregulation, as well as the activation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Visfatin induces cholesterol accumulation in macrophages through up-regulation of scavenger receptor-A and CD36.

As a new potential inflammatory mediator, visfatin plays an important role in inflammation and atherosclerosis. The formation of macrophage-derived foam cells occurs at the early stage of atherosclerosis and underlies the visible fatty streak. Recent studies have indicated that visfatin may be associated with the development of foam cells, but its exact effect and molecular mechanism remain unknown. This study aims to study the effect of visfatin on foamy cell formation and its underlying molecular mechanism. Visfatin levels were determined in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) mice on a western diet for 16 weeks. Effects of visfatin in cholesterol accumulation were studied both in vivo and in vitro. The levels of scavenger receptors located in macrophage surface were measured in RAW264.7 cells after treatment with visfatin. Visfatin levels were much higher in ApoE KO mice than that in the control mice. Meanwhile, oxidized low-density lipoprotein induces both visfatin release from RAW264.7 cells and its cellular levels within 24 h. Visfatin promotes lipid accumulation mainly through excessive cholesterol uptake not only in RAW264.7 cells but also in peritoneal macrophages isolated from ApoE KO mice. Furthermore, visfatin induces the activation of scavenger receptors (SR)-A and cluster of differentiation (CD)36, but not that of SR-BI, ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC)A1, or ABCG1 in RAW264.7 cells. Both transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation may work in concert to mediate the expression of SR-A and CD36 in visfatin-treated cells. Visfatin induces cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and accelerates the process of atherosclerosis mainly through modulating the expression of SR-A and CD36.

[Protective effect of licoflavone on gastric mucosa in rats with chronic superficial gastritis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of licoflavone on gastric mucosa in rats with chronic superficial gastritis and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS: SD rat models of chronic superficial gastritis was established by intragastric administration of 0.02% ammonia and long-term irregular diet. The rat models were then randomized into model group, vitacoenzyme group and 3 licoflavone groups of high, medium, and low doses. After 30 days of treatment, the gastric histopathology, mucosal lesions, scanning electron microscopy, mucin function production by the gastric mucosa epithelial cells, serum PGE(2) level and gastric microcirculation were assessed to evaluate the protective effect of licoflavone on gastric mucosa. RESULTS: Compared with normal control rats, the rat models of chronic superficial gastritis showed significantly higher gastric mucosal injury rate, histopathological scores and gastric mucin content. Licoflavone significantly ameliorated gastric pathology and increased serum PGE(2) level, enhanced acidic mucin secretion by the epithelial cells, and improved gastric microcirculation in the rat models. CONCLUSION: Licoflavone feeding suppresses gastric mucosa injury, protects and restores the injured mucosa in rats with chronic superficial gastritis, and these effects are related with the up-regulation of serum PGE(2) level.