Lysyl Oxidase 3 Is a Dual-Specificity Enzyme Involved in STAT3 Deacetylation and Deacetylimination Modulation.

In mammalian cells, histone deacetylase (HDAC) and Sirtuin (SIRT) are two families responsible for removing acetyl groups from acetylated proteins. Here, we describe protein deacetylation coupled with deacetylimination as a function of lysyl oxidase (LOX) family members. LOX-like 3 (Loxl3) associates with Stat3 in the nucleus to deacetylate and deacetyliminate Stat3 on multiple acetyl-lysine sites. Surprisingly, Loxl3 N-terminal scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) repeats, rather than the C-terminal oxidase catalytic domain, represent the major deacetylase/deacetyliminase activity. Loxl3-mediated deacetylation/deacetylimination disrupts Stat3 dimerization, abolishes Stat3 transcription activity, and restricts cell proliferation. In Loxl3-/- mice, Stat3 is constitutively acetylated and naive CD4+ T cells are potentiated in Th17/Treg cell differentiation. When overexpressed, the SRCR repeats from other LOX family members can catalyze protein deacetylation/deacetylimination. Thus, our findings delineate a hitherto-unknown mechanism of protein deacetylation and deacetylimination catalyzed by lysyl oxidases.

Combined signatures of serum proteome and transcriptome in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcer.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a common oral disease with unclear mechanism. This study aimed to explore the serum signatures of RAU patients via proteomic and transcriptomic analysis. METHODS: This study was based on clinical observation. Part of serum was used for clinical tests, while the rest was processed for isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (ITRAQ) labeling coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS) combined with microRNA (miRNA) microarrays. Bioinformatic analysis was then used to obtain significant signatures, which was verified by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. RESULTS: Clinical data showed that triglyceride level, white blood cell count, and neutrophils percentage were increased in RAU group, while lymphocytes percentage was decreased. ITRAQ-2D LC-MS/MS identified 22 upregulated and 33 downregulated proteins in RAU group. Simultaneously, miRNA microarrays identified 64 upregulated and 31 downregulated miRNAs. After integrative bioinformatic analysis and verification, three miRNA-protein pairs, mainly involved in oxidative stress and inflammation responses, were obtained. Additionally, the interaction network indicated the crucial role of complement and coagulation cascade pathway in RAU. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that complement and coagulation cascade pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation responses may act as vital factors in pathogenesis of RAU.

[Research progress on Astragali Radix and prediction of its quality markers (Q-markers)].

Astragali Radix, a medicinal herb for invigorating Qi, has anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunoregulatory, blood sugar-and lipid-lowering, anti-fibrosis, anti-radiation and other pharmacological effects. This article reviewed the studies about the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Astragali Radix. According to the theory of quality markers(Q-markers) of Chinese medicinal materials, we predicted the Q-markers of Astragali Radix from traditional efficacy, chemical component validity, measurability, plant phylogeny, and pharmacokinetis. The results showed that total polysaccharides, flavonoids(e.g., calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside, formononetin, calycosin, quercetin, and ononin), and saponins(e.g., astragalosides Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ) can be taken as the main Q-markers. This review lays a foundation for regulating the quality research and standard establishment of Astragali Radix, and benefits the control and quality supervision of the production process of Astragali Radix and its related products.

Low dose lead exposure at the onset of puberty disrupts spermatogenesis-related gene expression and causes abnormal spermatogenesis in mouse.

Implications of lead (Pb) exposure in dysregulated spermatogenesis in sexually active individuals during adulthood is well established; however, the effect of Pb exposure on spermatogenesis in the early stages of puberty is not clear yet. Moreover, the mechanism of Pb mediated dysregulation of spermatogenesis in adults is also poorly understood. Exposure to environmental toxicants during puberty may cause serious consequences in adulthood causing developmental retardations, especially in the reproductive system. Here we investigated the effects of lead exposure on spermatogenesis at the onset of puberty and the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Male ICR mice were exposed to low (50 mg/L) and high (200 mg/L) doses of Pb through the drinking water for 90 days. At the end of this period, the blood Pb level of the low-dose and high-dose exposure groups were found 6.14 ± 0.34 µg/dL and 11.92 ± 2.92 µg/dL respectively which were in agreement with the US CDC-recommended (5 µg/dL) and Chinese CDC-recommended (10 µg/dL) reference blood Pb level for the children. Although no visible toxicity was observed in either group, Pb exposure caused considerable histopathological changes in testis and epididymis; increased sperm DNA fragmentation indices as well as disrupted sperm heads and head-neck conjunctions. Moreover, both low and high-dose Pb exposures caused aberrant expressions of several important spermatogenesis-related genes in epididymis and testis. These results suggest that although the blood Pb levels are close to the recommended-reference values, low dose Pb exposure at the onset of puberty can disrupt spermatogenesis-related gene expression and cause abnormal mouse spermatogenesis.

[Experience of Professor Fan Yongsheng in treating arthralgia with insect drugs].

National-level famous traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) doctor Professor Fan Yong-sheng has high-level accomplishments in the treatment of arthralgia. According to clinical diagnosis and dialectic,TCM with appropriate medicinal properties were flexibly applied,with a remarkable efficacy. Especially in the application of insect drugs,he has accumulated abundant clinical experience.According to the main syndromes of arthralgia and pathogenic site,patient' s constitution,Scorpio,Scolopendra,Pheretima,Vespae Nidus,Bombyx Batryticatus,Manis Squama,Bungarus Parvus,Zaocys,Agkistrodon,Cicadae Periostracum,Aspongopus,Eupolyphaga Steleophaga,Silkworm Sand were properly selected. Attention was also paid to the compatibility between insect drugs and antirheumatic drugs,blood-activating drugs and tonifying drugs. In the premise of safe and effective application in the treatment of arthralgia,insect drugs show such efficacies as antipyretic,activating collaterals and relieving pain.

Theoretical study on femtosecond laser optical breakdown threshold in water mediated by aluminum nanoparticle coated with silica.

A strongly coupled finite element model of the optical breakdown during femtosecond laser pulse interaction, with different morphology of aluminum nanoparticles in water, was developed. This model provided new insight into the optical breakdown dependence on the nanoparticles' morphology and assembly. This model was used to theoretically investigate a 300 fs laser pulse interaction with uncoupled and plasmon coupled aluminum coated silica shell nanoparticles. This study revealed how the nanoparticles' one-dimensional assembly affected the optical breakdown threshold of its surrounding mediums. The optical breakdown threshold had much stronger dependence on the optical near-field enhancement than on the nanostructure's extinction cross-section. The maximum electric field that is outside of the aluminum nanoparticles, with 2 nm silica shell and 2 nm gap, was more than 4 times greater to the one inside of the aluminum nanoparticles. For dimer and trimer configuration, the calculated lattice cross-section temperatures at each breakdown threshold were below their melting point. It is suggested that water could be ionized by aluminum/silica (core/shell) nanostructure during femtosecond laser exposures without nanoparticles consumption. This model could increase understanding of the aluminum nanoparticle-mediated optical breakdown in water.

The STAT3 HIES mutation is a gain-of-function mutation that activates genes via AGG-element carrying promoters.

Cytokine or growth factor activated STAT3 undergoes multiple post-translational modifications, dimerization and translocation into nuclei, where it binds to serum-inducible element (SIE, 'TTC(N3)GAA')-bearing promoters to activate transcription. The STAT3 DNA binding domain (DBD, 320-494) mutation in hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES), called the HIES mutation (R382Q, R382W or V463Δ), which elevates IgE synthesis, inhibits SIE binding activity and sensitizes genes such as TNF-α for expression. However, the mechanism by which the HIES mutation sensitizes STAT3 in gene induction remains elusive. Here, we report that STAT3 binds directly to the AGG-element with the consensus sequence 'AGG(N3)AGG'. Surprisingly, the helical N-terminal region (1-355), rather than the canonical STAT3 DBD, is responsible for AGG-element binding. The HIES mutation markedly enhances STAT3 AGG-element binding and AGG-promoter activation activity. Thus, STAT3 is a dual specificity transcription factor that promotes gene expression not only via SIE- but also AGG-promoter activity.

Oxidative stress-related DNA damage and homologous recombination repairing induced by N,N-dimethylformamide.

The intensified anthropogenic release of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has been proven to have hepatotoxic effects. However, the potential mechanism for DMF-induced toxicity has rarely been investigated. Our research implicated that DMF induced a significantly dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HL-7702 human liver cells. Moreover, oxidative stress-related DNA damage, marked as 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, was increased 1.5-fold at 100 mmol l(-1) . The most severe DNA lesion (double-strand break, DSB), measured as the formation of γH2AX foci, was increased at/above 6.4 mmol l(-1) , and approximately 50% of cells underwent DSB at the peak induction. Subsequently, the DNA repair system triggered by molecules of RAD50 and MRE11A induced the homologous recombination (HR) pathway by upregulation of both gene and protein levels of RAD50, RAD51, XRCC2 and XRCC3 at 16 mmol l(-1) and was attenuated at 40 mmol l(-1) . Consequently, cellular death observed at 40 mmol l(-1) was exaggerated compared with exposure at 16 mmol l(-1) . Although the exact mechanism relying on the DMF-induced hepatotoxicity needs further clarification, oxidative stress and DNA damage involved in DSBs partially explain the reason for DMF-induced liver injury. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage should be first considered during risk assessment on liver-targeted chemicals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Investigation of microRNA-155 as a serum diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer.

The aim of the present study was to explore serum microRNA-155 (miR-155) expression in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and examined the potential usefulness of this molecule as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in CRC. Serum samples were obtained between May 2007 and March 2013 from 146 CRC patients and 60 healthy controls. Serum miR-155 expression levels were measured by quantitative real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method and assessed by the log-rank test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for the prediction of cut-off values of the markers. Serum miR-155 expression level on average was upregulated in CRC patients compared with the matched healthy controls (P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that miR-155 was a useful marker for discriminating cases from healthy controls, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.776 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.714 to 0.837, P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test indicated that high serum miR-155 expression had a significant impact on overall survival (38.2 vs. 69.9%; P < 0.001) and progression-free survival (34.8 vs. 66.0%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the detection of miR-155 levels in the serum might serve as a new tumor biomarker in the diagnosis and assessment of prognosis of CRC.

Hypermethylation of glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter results in glucocorticoid receptor gene low expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the DNA methylation status of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene promoter and mRNA expression level of GRα gene of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fifteen newly emerging SLE patients and fifteen healthy controls were enrolled in this study. DNA and total RNA were extracted from the PBMCs of the SLE patients and healthy controls. The DNA methylation status of GR gene promoter 1 of PBMCs was detected through bisulfite-sequencing PCR. The mRNA expression of GRα, DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b) and growth arrest, and DNA damage-induced 45α (GADD45α) of PBMCs was detected using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. The mRNA expression of GRα was significantly declined in SLE patients, and the mRNA expression of DNMT1 and GADD45α was significantly elevated in SLE patients. The global methylation status of PBMCs in SLE patients was obviously lower than healthy controls. There were 38, 25, 30, and 49 CpG islands in amplified fragment of GR promoter 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1H, respectively. The overall mean methylation status of the 152 CpG islands of the four promoters was significantly elevated in SLE patients. There was a negative correlation between hypermethylation of GR promoter and GRα mRNA expression in SLE patients. This study demonstrated that hypermethylation of GRα promoter may result in GRα gene low expression in PBMCs of patients with SLE. This study also found that the global methylation status of PBMCs in SLE patients was obviously lower than healthy controls, and it was related to the elevated GADD45α mRNA expression in SLE patients. These conclusions have to be certified by larger-scale clinical studies.

In vitro immunosuppressive and cytotoxic activities of Tripterygium wilfordii extract.

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TW) is a traditional herbal medicine which has been widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. However, adverse reactions of TW such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity have been frequently reported in clinic. With the aim to evaluate the potency and toxicity of TW, we collected eleven batches of TW from different localities across Chinese mainland, and investigated the inhibition of their methanol extracts on the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes, normal human hepatocyte (L-02) cells and African green monkey kidney (COS-7) cells. TW extracts with three different concentrations were designed as the experimental groups. Our present findings provided consistent evidence that TW had significant concentration-dependent inhibitory action on lymphocytes, L-02 and COS-7 cells. At the concentrations of 0.75 and 1.5 mg/mL, most TW groups showed statistically significant inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation when compared with the control group (p < 0.01), and the inhibition of TW extract on lymphocytes was almost equal to 1.0 mg/mL aspirin (p > 0.05). In most test groups, significant toxicities were shown on L-02 cells at 0.6 and 3.0 mg/mL (p < 0.01), and on COS-7 cells at 3.0 mg/mL (p < 0.01). At 3.0 mg/mL, almost all TW groups exerted obvious toxicities toward L-02 and COS-7 cells which were equal to or even higher than 1.0 mg/mL aspirin. In view of these results, further studies are needed to elucidate the relations among the effective component, curative effect and toxicity of TW to ensure its effectiveness and safety for human consumption.

[Effect of jiedu quyu zishen recipe on TLR9 signal pathway of murine macrophage cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore efficacy enhancing and detoxification roles of Jiedu Quyu Zishen Recipe (JQZR) in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by studying its effect on Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) signal pathway of murine macrophage cells after JQZR stimulated CpG oligodeoxynucletide (CpG ODN). METHODS: Murine macrophage cells in vitro cultured were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the blank serum group, the CpG ODN stimulus group, the CpG ODN + dexamethasone group, the CpG ODN + medicated serum group. Murine macrophage cells were collected after 24-h intervention. The expression of TLR9, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF-KB, IFN-α mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR. The expression of TLR9 and NF-κB protein were analyzed by Western blot. Changes of the NF-KB transcriptional activity were assayed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay system. RESULTS: mRNA expressions of TLR9, MyD88, NF-κB, and IFN-α, protein expressions of TLR9 and NF-κB, and NF-κB transcriptional activities were enhanced, showing statistical difference when compared with those of the blank serum group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the CpG ODN stimulus group, mRNA expressions of MyD88, NF-κB, and IFN-α, the protein expression of NF-κB and the NF-κB transcriptional activities decreased in the CpG ODN + dexamethasone group with statistical difference (P <0. 01). Compared with the CpG ODN stimulus group, mRNA expressions of TLR9, MyD88, NF-κB, and IFN-α, protein expressions of TLR9 and NF-κB, and NF-κB transcriptional activities were decreased in CpG ODN+ medicated serum group with statistical difference (P <0. 01). CONCLUSION: Efficacy enhancing and detoxification roles of JQZR in treatment of SLE might be realized through regulating TLR9 signal pathways.

Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1: a potential serum marker for gastric cancer.

No ideal serum markers for gastric cancer (GC) screening have been identified. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) as a serum marker for GC. The ESM-1 levels in serum specimens from 114 patients with GC and 55 health subjects were measured using a sandwich ELISA kit. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to assess the diagnostic value of ESM-1. Survival curves by the Kaplan-Meier method were plotted to display overall survival distributions. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to assess independent prognostic factors for overall survival in GC. We showed that the ESM-1 levels in the serum of patients with GC (83.7 ± 16.2 pg/mL) were significantly elevated compared to health subjects (44.7 ± 16.4 pg/mL). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ESM-1 for GC were 0.946, 98, and 80 %, respectively, by ROC curve analysis. The positive and negative predictive values were 91 and 93.6 %, respectively. The likelihood ratios of a positive or negative test result were 20.9 and 0.14, respectively. When analyzed with a Cox regression model, a higher serum ESM-1 level (≥84.2 pg/mL) was correlated with poor prognosis. This study suggests that serum ESM-1 level is increased in patients with GC and that ESM-1 can be used as a potential serum marker for early detection and prognosis evaluation of GC.

Metabolomics analysis of collagen-induced arthritis in rats and interventional effects of oral tolerance.

A serum metabolomics method based on rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS) was performed for a holistic evaluation of the metabolic changes of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and to assess the interventional effects of type II collagen (CII) in this model. Partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was employed to study the metabolic profiling of CIA rats and control rats. Ten metabolites, namely, 12(S)-HHTrE, 12(S)-HEPE, PGE2, TXB2, 12(S)-HETE, LysoPE(16:0), PE(O-18:0/0:0), Lyso-PE(18:2), Lyso-PE(20:4), and Lyso-PC(22:5) were identified as differential metabolites associated with the pathogenesis of CIA. These results suggested that dysregulation of the arachidonic acid (AA) and phospholipid metabolic networks is involved in the pathomechanism of CIA. Differential metabolomics and histopathological analyses demonstrated that CII inhibits the progress of arthritis. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects of CII on CIA may involve regulation of the disordered AA and phospholipid metabolic networks. This metabolomics study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of arthritis and, furthermore, indicates the potential mechanism underlying the significantly increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, defined as a clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, in arthritis patients.

Genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in the type I interferon system (STAT4 and IRF5): association with Asian SLE patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease with a polymorphic clinical presentation involving multisystem damages with significant differences in prevalence and disease severity among different ethnic groups. Although genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors have been demonstrated to contribute a lot to SLE, the pathogenesis of SLE is still unknown. Numerous evidence revealed that gene variants within the type I interferons (IFN) signaling pathway performed the great genetic associations with autoimmune diseases including SLE. To date, through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic association studies showed that more than 100 susceptibility genes have been linked to the pathogenesis of SLE, among which TYK2, STAT1, STAT4, and IRF5 are important molecules directly connected to the type I interferon signaling system. The review summarized the genetic associations and the detailed risk loci of STAT4 and IRF5 with Asian SLE patients, explored the genotype distributions associated with the main clinical manifestations of SLE, and sorted out the potential reasons for the differences in susceptibility in Asia and Europe. Moreover, the therapies targeting STAT4 and IRF5 were also evaluated in order to propose more personalized and targeted treatment plans in SLE.

Reciprocal regulation of SIRT1 and AMPK by Ginsenoside compound K impedes the conversion from plasma cells to mitigate for podocyte injury in MRL/lpr mice in a B cell-specific manner.

Background: Deposition of immune complexes drives podocyte injury acting in the initial phase of lupus nephritis (LN), a process mediated by B cell involvement. Accordingly, targeting B cell subsets represents a potential therapeutic approach for LN. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a bioavailable component of ginseng, possesses nephritis benefits in lupus-prone mice; however, the underlying mechanisms involving B cell subpopulations remain elusive. Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice were administered CK (40 mg/kg) intragastrically for 10 weeks, followed by measurements of anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory chemokines, and metabolite profiles on renal samples. Podocyte function and ultrastructure were detected. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate B cell subpopulations. Metabolomics analysis was adopted. SIRT1 and AMPK expression were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Results: CK reduced proteinuria and protected podocyte ultrastructure in MRL/lpr mice by suppressing circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and mitigating systemic inflammation. It activated B cell-specific SIRT1 and AMPK with Rhamnose accumulation, hindering the conversion of renal B cells into plasma cells. This cascade facilitated the resolution of local renal inflammation. CK facilitated the clearance of deposited immune complexes, thus reinstating podocyte morphology and mobility by normalizing the expression of nephrin and SYNPO. Conclusions: Our study reveals the synergistic interplay between SIRT1 and AMPK, orchestrating the restoration of renal B cell subsets. This process effectively mitigates immune complex deposition and preserves podocyte function. Accordingly, CK emerges as a promising therapeutic agent, potentially alleviating the hyperactivity of renal B cell subsets during LN.

Rutin alleviates lupus nephritis by inhibiting T cell oxidative stress through PPARγ.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by complex clinical symptoms and multi-organ damage. One of the most prevalent complications of SLE is lupus nephritis (LN). Rutin, a natural flavonoid compound found in various plants used in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and renal protective effects. In our study, we treated MRL/lpr mice, a model known for spontaneously developing LN, with Rutin. Our findings reveal that Rutin markedly reduced serum cytokine and autoantibody levels and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in renal tissues, thereby ameliorating kidney pathology. In vitro experiments indicated that Rutin's therapeutic effect on LN is linked to its significant reduction of oxidative stress in T cells. Further investigations suggest that Rutin enhances oxidative stress management through the modulation of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). We observed that Rutin modulates PPARγ activity, leading to reduced transcriptional activity of NF-κB and STAT3, which in turn inhibits the secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17. In summary, Rutin can exert an antioxidant effect by regulating PPARγ and shows therapeutic action against LN.

The Role of the Gut-Joint Axis in the Care of Psoriatic Arthritis: A Two-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study.

INTRODUCTION: Observational studies and clinical trials have supported the association between gut microbiota and psoriatic arthritis. However, the causal link between gut microbiota and psoriatic arthritis is still unclear. METHODS: A two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using the summary statistics of gut microbiota from the largest available genome-wide association study meta-analysis (n = 13,266) conducted by the MiBioGen consortium. The summary statistics of psoriatic arthritis were extracted directly from the FinnGen consortium, which consists of 3186 psoriatic arthritis patients and 24,086 controls. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the validity of our findings. Enrichment analyses were used to investigate the biofunction and pathways. RESULTS: Inverse variance weighted (IVW) estimates suggested that family Rikenellaceae (P = 0.032) and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011 (P = 0.014) had a detrimental effect on psoriatic arthritis. We also noticed the negative association between the class Methanobacteria (P = 0.032), order Methanobacteriales (P = 0.032), family Methanobacteriaceae (P = 0.032), genus Eubacterium fissicatena group (P = 0.010), genus Methanobrevibacter (P = 0.031), and genus Butyricicoccus (P = 0.041) with psoriatic arthritis. Sensitivity analyses showed that genus Butyricicoccus had pleiotropy and heterogeneity. According to the results of reverse MR analysis, the causal effect of psoriatic arthritis was found on six taxa, respectivelyc family Clostridiaceae1, family Defluviitaleaceae, genus Butyrivibrio, genus Defluviitaleaceae UCG011, genus Clostridium sensu stricto1, and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011. CONCLUSION: This two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that the gut microbiota had a causal effect on psoriatic arthritis and implied the potential role of probiotics in the management and prevention of psoriatic arthritis.

Protective effects of the flavonoid-rich fraction from rhizomes of Smilax glabra Roxb. on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Hepatoprotective agents could prevent tissue damage and reduce morbidity and mortality rates; such agents may include folkloric or alternative treatments. The present study evaluated the protective effects of the flavonoid-rich fraction from rhizomes of Smilax glabra Roxb. (SGF) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats were orally treated with SGF daily and received CCl4 intraperitoneally twice a week for 4 weeks. Our results showed that SGF at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the elevated activities of serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase and the level of hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances compared to the CCl4-treated group. Moreover, SGF treatment was also found to significantly increase the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione compared with CCl4-induced intoxicated liver. Histopathologic examination revealed that CCl4-induced hepatic damage was markedly reversed by SGF. The results suggest that SGF has hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in CCl4-induced liver injury in rats.

[Effect of yangyin yiqi huoxue recipe on immune balance of Th1/Th2 in serum and submaxillary glands of NOD mice with Sjogren's syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Yangyin Yiqi Huoxue Recipe (YYHR) on expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and immune balance of Th1/Th2 in serum and submaxillary glands of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with Sjogren's syndrome (SS), and to explore its mechanisms. METHODS: Totally 32 NOD mice were randomly into 4 groups, i.e., the model group, the Chinese medicine group [CM, administered with YYHR at the dose of 0.4 mL by gavage (100 g/kg)], the Western medicine group [WM group, administered with hydroxychloroquine 0.4 mL by gavage (60 mg/kg)], and the combined group [administered with YYHR (50 g/kg) and hydroxychloroquine (60 mg/kg) 0.4 mL by gavage], 8 mice in each group. Eight Balb/C mice were recruited as the normal control group. Mice were sacrificed to withdraw blood after 8 weeks. The submaxillary gland was excised. Serum levels of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. Protein expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 in submaxillary glands was detected by SP method. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, levels of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 in serum and submaxillary glands all increased in the model group (P < 0.05). Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-10 in serum in the CM group and the combined group were lower than those of the WM group (P < 0.05). Serum levels of IFN-gamma and IL-2 in submaxillary glands in combined group were lower than those of the WM group (P < 0.05). The ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in serum and submaxillary glands in the model group were higher than that of the rest groups (P < 0.05). Besides, it was the nearest to that of the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: YYHR could decrease the levels of Th1 and Th2 related cytokines and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in serum and submaxillary glands of NOD mice with SS. It could achieve therapeutic effects through adjusting immune balance of Th1/Th2 in SS mice.