An integrated approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification uncovers kaempferol as the effective modulator of HSD17B1 for treatment of endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies globally, and the development of innovative, effective drugs against EC remains a key issue. Phytoestrogen kaempferol exhibits anti-cancer effects, but the action mechanisms are still unclear. METHOD: MTT assays, colony-forming assays, flow cytometry, scratch healing, and transwell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of both ER-subtype EC cells. Xenograft experiments were used to assess the effects of kaempferol inhibition on tumor growth. Next-generation RNA sequencing was used to compare the gene expression levels in vehicle-treated versus kaempferol-treated Ishikawa and HEC-1-A cells. A network pharmacology and molecular docking technique were applied to identify the anti-cancer mechanism of kaempferol, including the building of target-pathway network. GO analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were used to identify cancer-related targets. Finally, the study validated the mRNA and protein expression using real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Kaempferol was found to suppress the proliferation, promote apoptosis, and limit the tumor-forming, scratch healing, invasion, and migration capacities of EC cells. Kaempferol inhibited tumor growth and promotes apoptosis in a human endometrial cancer xenograft mouse model. No significant toxicity of kaempferol was found in human monocytes and normal cell lines at non-cytotoxic concentrations. No adverse effects or significant changes in body weight or organ coefficients were observed in 3-7 weeks' kaempferol-treated animals. The RNA sequencing, network pharmacology, and molecular docking approaches identified the overall survival-related differentially expressed gene HSD17B1. Interestingly, kaempferol upregulated HSD17B1 expression and sensitivity in ER-negative EC cells. Kaempferol differentially regulated PPARG expression in EC cells of different ER subtypes, independent of its effect on ESR1. HSD17B1 and HSD17B1-associated genes, such as ESR1, ESRRA, PPARG, AKT1, and AKR1C1\2\3, were involved in several estrogen metabolism pathways, such as steroid binding, 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (NADP+) activity, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and regulation of hormone levels. The molecular basis of the effects of kaempferol treatment was evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Kaempferol is a novel therapeutic candidate for EC via HSD17B1-related estrogen metabolism pathways. These results provide new insights into the efficiency of the medical translation of phytoestrogens.

Diffusion tensor imaging of white matter in patients with prediabetes by trace-based spatial statistics.

BACKGROUND: Prediabetes is an intermediate state in which blood glucose is higher than normal but does not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI method that can sensitively detect microscopic lesions in the white matter of the brain, but most previous DTI studies only focused on patients with diabetes, and little is known about prediabetes. PURPOSE: To investigate the changes in the microstructure of brain white matter in prediabetes patients using DTI and trace-based spatial statistics (TBSS). STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Sixty subjects (30 patients with prediabetes and 30 healthy volunteers) were enrolled. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0T/DTI-MRI sequence with single-shot echo-planar imaging sequence (SE-EPI). ASSESSMENT: DTI data were collected and analyzed using the TBSS method in the FMRIB software library. STATISTICAL TESTS: DTI using a two-sample t-test. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on DTI values and neuropsychology scale results (mini-mental state examination [MMSE], Montreal cognitive assessment [MoCA], self-rating anxiety scale [SAS], and self-rating depression scale [SDS]) RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the right part of the corpus callosum body (bCC) (P = 0.035), the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF.R) (P = 0.047), and the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF.L) in the prediabetic group were reduced (P = 0.040). DATA CONCLUSION: DTI as a noninvasive technique can assess early changes in the white matter microarchitecture of patients with prediabetes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1105-1112.

Use of Postpartum Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis and Classification of Retained Placenta Tissue.

OBJECTIVE: To study the potential application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for classification of retained placental tissue (RPT) in the uterus postnatally. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with clinically or pathologically proven RPT were studied. RESULTS: The thickness ratio (D1/D2) of invaded (D1) to normal (D2) myometrium could be categorized into 3 groups (>0.6, 0.1-0.6, and <0.1) correlating with the 3 types of RPT: accreta vera (RPA), increta (RPI), and percreta (RPP) (r = -0.861, P < 0.01). After uterine arterial embolization, the RPT showed lower signal intensity than the myometrium without flow voids on T2-weighted images. Two cases of RPP showed gradual enhancement, except 1 case of infection and 2 cases that did not involve enhancement examinations, whereas 17 cases of RPA and RPI showed early enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging can facilitate diagnosis of RPT severity. Dynamic contrast enhancement can indicate RPT activity and blood supply, thereby ensuring appropriate clinical decision making.

The function and magnetic resonance imaging of immature dendritic cells under ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO)-labeling.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) labeling on the maturity or immune tolerance of immature dendritic cells (imDCs) as the success of immunotherapy with immature dendritic cells is highly dependent on immune tolerance. RESULTS: The feasibility of tracking implanted USPIO-labeled imDCs in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was explored. The effects of USPIO labeling on the immune tolerance of imDCs was examined. USPIO when higher than 200 µg/ml caused considerable damage to imDCs, induced imDC maturation, and impacted the immune tolerance of imDCs. USPIO labeling caused a dose-dependent increase in autophagosome formation in imDCs, and autophagy inhibitors prevented the maturation of imDCs while stimulating their immune tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that high concentrations of USPIO can be used to induce imDC maturation, and that this process is likely mediated through an autophagy-related pathway.

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor B on proliferation and migration in EA.Hy926 cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) was reported to be angiogenic, and it was considered as a neuroprotective agent in mouse retinal ganglion cells following optic nerve crush. Thus, it was necessary to investigate whether VEGF-B contributes to the process of retinal and choroidal neovascularization. We aimed to investigate the effects of VEGF-B on proliferation and migration in EA.Hy926 cells. The proliferation of cells was analyzed by cell counting kit 8 assay, and the migration of cells was evaluated by a modified Boyden chamber assay. The levels of phospho-ERK1/2 (P-ERK1/2), ERK1/2, phospho-p38 and p38 were detected by western blotting. The results showed that VEGF-B induced proliferation and migration of EA.Hy926 cells (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), and ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation were significantly activated. Our study suggested that VEGF-B was an angiogenesis factor in vitro and that ERK1/2 and p38-related signaling pathways were involved in these VEGF-B activities.

Toxicity and Toxicokinetics of a Four-Week Repeated Gavage of Levamisole in Male Beagle Dogs: A Good Laboratory Practice Study.

Levamisole (LVM) is considered an immunomodulatory agent that has the potential to treat various cancer and inflammation diseases. However, there is still much debate surrounding the toxicokinetic and toxicological information of LVM. Therefore, it is crucial to assess its toxicity to provide useful data for future human LVM risk assessments. In this study, a barrier environment was established under the guidance of good laboratory practice (GLP) at the Fujian Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation. Male beagle dogs were orally administered with 5, 15, and 30 mg/kg of LVM daily for four weeks. Toxicity assessment was based on various factors such as mortality, clinical signs, food and water consumption, body weight, body temperature, electrocardiogram, ophthalmological examination, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ/body coefficients, histopathological study, and toxicokinetic analysis. The results of this study showed that LVM did not exhibit any significant toxicological effects on beagle dogs at the exposure levels tested. A no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of LVM was set at 30 mg/kg/day for male beagle dogs, which is equivalent to a 12-fold clinical dose in humans. Moreover, the repeated exposure to LVM for four weeks did not lead to any bioaccumulation. These findings provide valuable insights for future human LVM risk assessments.

Vascular endothelial growth factor B prevents the shift in the ocular dominance distribution of visual cortical neurons in monocularly deprived rats.

A key model for examining the activity-dependent development of primary visual cortex (V1) involves the imbalance in activity between the two eyes induced by monocular deprivation (MD). MD early in life causes dramatic changes in the functional and structural organization of mammalian visual cortex. The molecular signals that mediate the effects of MD on the development of visual cortex are not well defined. Neurotrophic factors are important in regulating the plasticity of visual cortex, but the choice of an appropriate growth factor as well as its delivery has proven difficult. Although vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) is a homolog of the angiogenic factor VEGF-A, it has only minimal angiogenic activity, raising the question of whether this factor has other (more relevant) biological properties. Intrigued by the possibility that VEGF family members affect neuronal cells, we explored whether VEGF-B has a role in the nervous system. In rats, VEGF-B infusion during monocular deprivation (MD) counteracted the normally occurring ocular dominance (OD) shift toward the non-deprived eye so that the deprived eye dominated the VEGF-B-treated cortex after MD. In particular, VEGF-B counteracted the effects of MD without causing detectable alterations in spontaneous discharge or behavior. In conclusion, the simultaneous analysis of visual cortical cell discharge and ocular dominance plasticity suggests that VEGF-B has important effects on the functional architecture of the visual cortex. Therefore, VEGF-B is a new candidate trophic challenge molecule for the visual cortex.

Identification and study of a FBN1 gene mutation in a Chinese family with ectopia lentis.

PURPOSE: To identify the mutation in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1) in a Chinese family with ectopia lentis (EL) and to predict the structural and functional consequences of the mutation. METHODS: Patients and family members were given complete physical, ophthalmic, and cardiovascular examinations. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes of venous blood of three affected and three unaffected individuals in the family, and 100 healthy controls. All 65 coding exons and their flanking intronic boundaries of FBN1 were amplified in the proband by polymerase chain reaction, followed by direct sequencing. The mutation identified in the proband was screened for in other family members and 100 healthy controls by direct sequencing. Protein conservation analysis was performed in seven species using an online ClustalW tool. Protein structure was modeled based on the Protein data bank and mutated in PyMOL 1.1r1 to predict the structural and functional consequences of the mutation. RESULTS: A heterozygous c.2262A>G change in exon 18 of FBN1 was detected in the proband, which resulted in the substitution of tyrosine by cysteine at codon 754 (p.Y754C). This mutation was also present in the affected family members, but absent in other unaffected family members and 100 healthy controls. The mutant residue, located in the calcium binding epidermal growth factor-like7 domain, was highly conserved among mammalian species. The mutation could probably affect the disulfide bond formation of the domain and calcium binding of the adjacent domain, which would induce a critical functional change of the domain itself and neighboring domains. CONCLUSIONS: We indentified a p.Y754C mutation in FBN1, which is the causative mutation for EL in this family. This missense mutation introduced an additional cysteine residue by substitution of a highly conserved tyrosine residue within the cbEGF-like7 module.

A novel splicing mutation of the FRMD7 gene in a Chinese family with X-linked congenital nystagmus.

PURPOSE: To identify a potential pathogenic mutation in a four-generation Chinese family with X-linked congenital nystagmus (XLCN). METHODS: Routine clinical examination and ophthalmic evaluation were performed on normal controls, two patients and two healthy members of the family. Genomic DNA was prepared from the peripheral blood of members of the family and from 50 normal controls. All coding exons and the intronic boundaries of the four-point-one (4.1), ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain-containing 7 (FRMD7) gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: A previously unreported splicing mutation, c.163-1 G→T transversion (c.163-1 G>T), was detected preceding exon3 of FRMD7 in the patients but not in the unaffected family members and 50 unrelated healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel mutation (c.163-1 G→T) of FRMD7 in this Chinese family with XLCN. Our finding is the first report related to c.163-1 G→T mutation in FRMD7. The result expands the mutation spectrum of FRMD7 in association with congenital nystagmus.

VEGF-B inhibits apoptosis via VEGFR-1-mediated suppression of the expression of BH3-only protein genes in mice and rats.

Despite its early discovery and high sequence homology to the other VEGF family members, the biological functions of VEGF-B remain poorly understood. We revealed here a novel function for VEGF-B as a potent inhibitor of apoptosis. Using gene expression profiling of mouse primary aortic smooth muscle cells, and confirming the results by real-time PCR using mouse and rat cell lines, we showed that VEGF-B inhibited the expression of genes encoding the proapoptotic BH3-only proteins and other apoptosis- and cell death-related proteins, including p53 and members of the caspase family, via activation of VEGFR-1. Consistent with this, VEGF-B treatment rescued neurons from apoptosis in the retina and brain in mouse models of ocular neurodegenerative disorders and stroke, respectively. Interestingly, VEGF-B treatment at the dose effective for neuronal survival did not cause retinal neovascularization, suggesting that VEGF-B is the first member of the VEGF family that has a potent antiapoptotic effect while lacking a general angiogenic activity. These findings indicate that VEGF-B may potentially offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemia Affects the Pharmacokinetics of Koumine and its Anti-Allodynic Action in a Rat Model of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain.

Koumine (KM), the most abundant alkaloid in Gelsemium elegans, has anti-neuropathic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities; thus, it has the potential to be developed as a broad-spectrum analgesic drug. However, factors determining the relationship between analgesic efficacy and the corresponding plasma KM concentration are largely unclear. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of KM and their optimization in the context of neuropathic pain have not been reported. We investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of KM after oral administration in a streptozotocin-induced rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) using a population approach. A first-order absorption and elimination pharmacokinetics model best described the plasma KM concentration. This pharmacokinetic model was then linked to a linear pharmacodynamic model with an effect compartment based on the measurement of the mechanical withdrawal threshold. KM was rapidly absorbed (time to maximum plasma concentration: 0.14-0.36 h) with similar values in both DNP and naïve rats, suggesting that DNP did not influence the KM absorption rate. However, the area under the curve (AUC0-∞) of KM in DNP rats was over 3-fold higher than that in naïve rats. The systemic clearance rate and volume of KM distribution were significantly lower in DNP rats than in naïve rats. Blood glucose value prior to KM treatment was a significant covariate for the systemic clearance rate of KM and baseline value of the threshold. Our results suggest that streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia is an independent factor for decreased KM elimination and its anti-allodynic effects in a DNP rat model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the role of DNP in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics of KM in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Construction of dual nanomedicines for the imaging and alleviation of atherosclerosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential tool for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, a chronic cardiovascular disease. MRI primarily uses superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) as a contrast agent. However, SPIO integrated with therapeutic drugs has rarely been studied. In this study, we explored biocompatible paramagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in a complex with low pH-sensitive cyclodextrin for the diagnostic imaging and treatment of atherosclerosis. The NPs were conjugated with profilin-1 antibody (PFN1) to specifically target vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the atherosclerotic plaque and integrated with the anti-inflammatory drug, rapamycin. The PFN1-CD-MNPs were easily binded to the VSMCs, indicating their good biocompatibility and low renal toxicity over the long term. Ex vivo near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and in vivo MRI indicated the accumulation of PFN1-CD-MNPs in the atherosclerotic plaque. The RAP@PFN1-CD-MNPs alleviated the progression of arteriosclerosis. Thus, PFN1-CD-MNPs served not only as multifunctional imaging probes but also as nanovehicles for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Orally Administered Koumine Persists Longer in the Plasma of Aged Rats Than That of Adult Rats as Assessed by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Aging leads to changes in nearly all pharmacokinetic phases. Koumine (KM), an alkaloid derived from Gelsemium elegans Benth., is effective against age-associated chronic diseases, but its dose proportionality following oral administration in aged individuals remains unknown. Herein, we established and validated a simple method that requires low sample volumes to determine KM concentration in rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 7 mg·kg-1 KM was ~12-fold and ~24-fold higher than that of 0.28 mg·kg-1 KM in adult and aged rats, respectively (P < 0.01). Time to reach Cmax (Tmax) for 7 mg·kg-1 KM was 4-fold longer in aged rats (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of 7 mg·kg-1 KM was >17-fold and >43-fold higher than those of 0.28 mg·kg-1 KM in adult and aged rats, respectively (P < 0.01). The half-life (t1/2) of 7 mg·kg-1 KM was over 4-fold longer than that of 0.28 mg·kg-1 KM in adult rats (P < 0.01). The t1/2 of 1.4 and 7 mg·kg-1 KM were 1.5~2-fold longer, than that of 0.28 mg·kg-1 KM in aged rats (P < 0.05). The clearance rate of 7 mg·kg-1 KM was significantly lower in aged than in adult rats (P < 0.05). For 7.0 mg·kg-1 KM, the Cmax in aged rats was higher than in adult rats during the Tmax period (P < 0.05). In aged rats, the AUC for KM was >2.5-fold higher (P < 0.05) and the t1/2 was >60% longer than in adult rats (P < 0.05). These results help interpret the pharmacokinetics of KM in aging-associated diseases.

Octreotide inhibits choroidal neovascularization in rats.

AIMS: Octreotide exhibits anti-angiogenic activity in animal models of retinopathy of prematurity and in clinical cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In this study, we tested the applicability of using octreotide for inhibiting experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rats. METHODS: Of 15 adult rats used, 3 served as non-laser-treated controls. CNV was induced in the right eye of the remaining 12 rats by laser photocoagulation. These 12 rats were divided into two groups (n = 6 each) which were retrobulbarly injected with octreotide (50 miucrog/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (0.15 ml) immediately and on day 3 after the first injection. Fluorescein angiography and quantitative analysis of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroidal flat mounts were performed 14 days after the operation to evaluate the changes in the CNV lesions. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to compare the changes shown by the octreotide-, PBS-, and non-laser-treated rats (n = 3 each) with regard to mRNA levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in the RPE-choroidal complex. RESULTS: Octreotide treatment significantly inhibited fluorescein leakage and the extent of neovascularization as was observed in the flat mounts of choroidal tissue derived from the rats with induced CNV. The VEGF and IGF-1 mRNA levels were reduced following treatment with octreotide. CONCLUSION: The retrobulbar administration of octreotide may be an effective new therapeutic strategy for CNV.

Immunological effect of subunit influenza vaccine entrapped by liposomes.

OBJECTIVE: To elevate the immunological effect of subunit influenza vaccine in infants and aged people (over 60) using liposomal adjuvant in the context of its relatively low immunity and to investigate the relation between vaccine antigens and liposomal characteristics. METHODS: Several formulations of liposomal subunit influenza vaccine were prepared. Their relevant characteristics were investigated to optimize the preparation method. Antisera obtained from immunizinged mice were used to evaluate the antibody titers of various samples by HI and ELISA. RESULTS: Liposomal trivalent influenza vaccine prepared by film evaporation in combinedation with freeze-drying significantly increased its immunological effect in SPF Balb/c mice. Liposomal vaccine stimulated the antibody titer of H3N2, H1N1, and B much stronger than conventional influenza vaccine. As a result, liposomal vaccine (mean size: 4.5-5.5 microm, entrapment efficiency: 30%-40%) significantly increased the immunological effect of subunit influenza vaccine. CONCLUSION: The immune effect of liposomal vaccine depends on different antigens, and enhanced immunity is not positively correlated with the mean size of liposome or its entrapped efficiency.

VHPKQHR peptide modified magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles for MRI detection of atherosclerosis lesions.

Mortality attributable to atherosclerosis can be reduced significantly with timely diagnosis and treatment. It is meaningful to find a proper way to diagnose and prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressed by endothelial cells is a prominent marker of atherosclerotic plaques. There are a number of researches on VCAM-1 based probes for targeted imaging, but rarely on a system with both targeting and drug delivery. Here, we report a novel magnetic mesoporous silicon nanoparticle that is capable of drug delivery and targeting at atherosclerosis plaque. The nanoparticles were constructed using incorporated FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) and VHPKQHR peptide into Fe3O4@SiO2 (FITC-VHP-Fe3O4@SiO2). The FITC-VHP-Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles showed great morphological characteristics, superior targeting ability, low toxicity and good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo experiments showed that FITC-VHP-Fe3O4@SiO2 is a superior contrast agent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of atherosclerosis plaques.

Myocardial perfusion at rest in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes patients without coronary artery disease evaluated by 320-multidetector computed tomography: A pilot study.

Using computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (CTP) to investigate resting myocardial perfusion alterations in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).A total of 34 participants with 544 myocardial segments were included prospectively: 17 uncomplicated T2DM patients with no significant coronary artery stenosis on coronary computed tomography angiography and 17 healthy controls. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by transmural perfusion ratio (TPR). Parameters of cardiac structure and function were measured for cardiac comprehensive assessment. Analyses included descriptive statistics and group comparisons.TPR of segments 5, 7, 9, 10 to 14 were significantly reduced in T2DM group compared with controls (P < .05). When 16 myocardial segments were localized into different areas according to the wall orientations, axial levels of left ventricle and coronary artery territories, respectively, TPR of each area in T2DM group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). No significant differences were found in cardiac anatomy and function analyses between 2 groups.In uncomplicated T2DM patients without obstructive CAD, myocardial perfusion impairments were present and may develop prior to cardiac morphological and functional abnormalities, which can be early detected by CTP.

Reversal of chemical-induced liver fibrosis in Wistar rats by puerarin.

Puerarin is a major isoflavonoid compound isolated from Pueraria lobata, an edible vine used widely for various medicinal purposes. It has been used for centuries in China to counteract alcohol intoxication. However, the effects of puerarin on chemical-induced liver fibrosis have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of puerarin on liver fibrosis in Wistar rats induced by alcohol plus carbon tetrachloride administration. Liver fibrosis was produced in rats by treatment with a mixture (50% alcohol, 8 g/kg per day; corn oil, 2 g/kg per day; pyrazole, 24 mg/kg per day; ig) once a day and by intraperitoneal injection of 0.25 ml/kg of a 25% solution of carbon tetrachloride in olive oil twice a week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, treatment with puerarin (0.4 and 0.8 g/kg ig, daily for 4 weeks) was conducted to examine its therapeutic effects. At the same time, the model group and treatment group continued to receive the chemical mixture, while the control group received saline instead of the chemical mixture. Upon pathological examination, the puerarin-treated rats significantly reversed the symptoms of liver fibrosis and other hepatic lesions. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as indexes of hepatic cell disruption, were reduced with puerarin treatment, whereas no significant effect was discovered in the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities. A significant increase in apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) was found by flow cytometric analysis of the hepatic tissues. And the expression of bcl-2 mRNA was down-regulated after puerarin administration. Consequently, all these results showed that puerarin could effectively reverse chemical-induced liver fibrosis in experimental rats, via the recovery of hepatic injury as well as the induction of apoptosis in activated HSC.

Effect of Chinese medicine Qinggan Huoxuefang on inducing HSC apoptosis in alcoholic liver fibrosis rats.

AIM: To investigate the effect of Qinggan Huoxuefang (QGHXF) on improvement of liver function and pathology in rats, and to analyze the mechanism. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups at random: normal control group (12),micro-amount carbon tetrachloride group (CCl(4))(12) and model group A (60). The model group A was ingested with the mixture (500 mL/L alcohol, 8 mL/kg per day; corn oil, 2 mL/kg per day; pyrazole, 24 mg/kg per day) once a day and intraperitoneal injections of 0.25 mL/kg of a 250 mL/L solution of CCl(4) in olive oil twice a week for 12 wk. The CCl(4) group received intraperitoneal injections only. At the end of 8 wk the model group A (60) was divided into 5 subgroups: model group, Xiaochaihu Chongji (XCH) group, QGHXF high dose group, moderate dose group and low dose group, and were given the drugs respectively. At the end of 12 wk, all the rats were killed and blood samples collected, as well as liver tissue. Blood samples were used for evaluation of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT). Liver specimens were obtained for routine HE, apoptosis gene array and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: A liver fibrosis animal model was successfully established. Fibrosis was obviously reduced in QGHXF high dose group, and no fibrosis formed in CCl(4) group. Compared with model group the QGHXF group and XCH group could obviously decrease the level of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT (P<0.05). QGHXF high dose group was better than XCH group in ALT (615+/-190 vs 867+/-115), and AST(1,972+/-366 vs 2,777+/-608). Moreover, QGHXF could reduce liver inflammation, fibrosis-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis and regulate apoptosis gene expression. The HSC apoptosis rates of QGHXF groups were 22.4+/-3.13, 13.79+/-2.26 and 10.07+/-1.14, higher than model group, 6.58+/-1.04 (P<0.05). Compared to model group, 39 genes were up-regulated, 11 solely expressed and 17 down-regulated in high dose group. CONCLUSION: QGHXF can improve liver fibrosis and induce HSC apoptosis.

Calibration and standardisation of graded optic nerve injuries in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To calibrate and standardise an animal model of graded optic nerve injury (ONI) in rats to facilitate future inter-laboratory data comparisons, focussing on quantification of injury intensity, injury severity, and the correlation between them. METHODS: A pair of cross-action forceps or a pair of artery clips was used to induce optic nerve (ON) crush injuries. A lever principle and a simplified method were used to measure the crushing force. The simplified method directly measured weights as an external force exerted on the tip of the forceps or clips, which was just sufficient to maintain a gap and was equivalent to the closing (crush) force. The impulse and averaged impulse were explored as physical quantities to compare injury intensities. Graded ONIs were made by crushing the ON for 3, 6, 12, 30 or 60 seconds by the cross-action forceps, or 5, 10 or 15 seconds by the artery clips. The injury severity was evaluated by counting surviving retinal ganglion cell (RGC) through applied FluoroGold to the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate body before ON crush, intact RGC counting by applied FluoroGold after ON crush, and ON axon counting. RESULTS: Similar results were obtained by the lever principle method and the simplified method. The crushing force of the cross-action forceps and the artery clips was 148.0 gram force (gf) and 32.4 gf, respectively. The graded ONI animal models were successfully created in rats without retinal ischaemia post-trauma. The averaged impulse produced by the artery clips for 15 seconds was equal to that produced by a 3-second crush of the cross-action forceps. The correlation between injury intensity and injury severity was fitted for a power function. DISCUSSION: Our results provide a simplified and effective means to quantify and analyse data from ON crush studies compared with previously reported animal models.