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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangbikang granules on oxidative stress of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats by regulating adenylate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α/mitochondrial Sirtuins 3 （AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3） signaling pathway. MethodThe spontaneous obesity type 2 diabetes model was established using ZDF rats. After modeling， they were randomly divided into high， medium， and low dose Tangbikang granule groups （2.5， 1.25， 0.625 g·kg-1·d-1） and lipoic acid group （0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1）， and the normal group was set up. The rats were administered continuously for 12 weeks after modeling. The blood glucose of rats was detected before intervention and at 4， 8， 12 weeks after intervention. At the 12th week， motor nerve conduction velocity （MNCV）， sensory nerve conduction velocity （SNCV）， nerve blood flow velocity， mechanical pain threshold， and thermal pain threshold were detected. The sciatic nerve was taken for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining to observe the tissue morphology. The ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in sciatic nerve were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expressions of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 in sciatic nerve were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the normal group， fasting blood glucose in the model group was increased at each time point （P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold was decreased （P<0.05）， and the incubation time of the hot plate was extended （P<0.01）. MNCV， SNCV， and nerve blood flow velocity decreased （P<0.05）. The expression level of SOD was decreased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of MDA， IL-1β， and TNF-α were increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 were decreased （P<0.01）. The structure of sciatic nerve fibers in the model group was loose， and the arrangement was disordered. The demyelination change was obvious. Compared with the model group， the fasting blood glucose of rats in the high dose Tangbikang granule group was decreased after the intervention of eight weeks and 12 weeks （P<0.01）. The mechanical pain threshold increased （P<0.05）. The incubation time of the hot plate was shortened （P<0.01）. MNCV， SNCV， and Flux increased （P<0.05）. The expression level of SOD was increased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of MDA， IL-1β， and TNF-α were decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， and SIRT3 were increased （P<0.01）. The sciatic nerve fibers in the high-dose Tangbikang granule group were tighter and more neatly arranged， with only a few demyelinating changes. The high， medium， and low dose Tangbikang granule groups showed a significant dose-effect trend. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve sciatic nerve function in diabetic rats by regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway partly to inhibit oxidative stress.
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BACKGROUND:Most scholars now believe that children with cerebral palsy who have severe spinal deformities in early childhood(<15 years of age)may have a higher risk of progression of spinal deformities,which may result from imbalances in movement due to pelvic tilt,pain,etc. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship between lumbar spine development and hip joint development in children with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed in 102 children with spastic cerebral palsy admitted at Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from January 2014 to December 2021.All admitted children had X-rays of the pelvic position and the lumbar lateral position.Anteroposterior X-ray of the pelvis was performed to measure femoral head migration percentage,central edge angle,neck-shaft angle,and acetabular index.The sagittal Cobb angle,sacral slope,arch-top distance,and lumbar lordosis index were measured by the lateral X-ray of the lumbar spine.Correlation of the two sets of indicators was further analyzed.All children were divided into normal group,risk group,hip subluxation group and total hip dislocation group according to their femoral head migration percentage,and the differences in lumbar spine indexes between groups were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Pearson correlation analysis showed that the femoral head migration percentage was moderately positively correlated with sagittal Cobb angle and arch-top distance,and weakly positively correlated with lumbar lordosis index;the central edge angle was moderately negatively correlated with the arch-top distance and weakly negatively correlated with the sagittal Cobb angle;the neck-shaft angle was weakly positively correlated or not correlated with the sagittal Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis index;and the acetabular index was weakly positively correlated with the sagittal Cobb angle and arch-top distance.No statistically significant correlation was found between the remaining indicators.According to the femoral head migration percentage,the children were divided into four groups,including 25 cases in the normal group,41 cases in the risk group,27 cases in the hip subluxation group,and 9 cases in the total hip dislocation group.The sagittal Cobb angle was significantly increased in the risk group,the hip subluxation group and the total hip dislocation group compared with the normal group,showing an increasing trend group by group,and there were significant differences between groups(P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the lumbar lordosis index in the risk group and the hip subluxation group increased significantly,and there were significant differences between groups(P<0.05).There was an increase trend in the lumbar lordosis index of the total hip dislocation group compared with the normal group.Compared with the normal group,the arch-top distance in the hip subluxation group and the total hip dislocation group increased significantly(P<0.05),and there was a stepwise increasing trend.There was no significant difference in sacral slope between groups.To conclude,the development of the lumbar spine in children with cerebral palsy is closely related to the development of the pelvic hip joint,and the most obvious relationship is between lumbar lordosis and hip dislocation.
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BACKGROUND:Shujin Jiannao Prescription is an empirical formula for the treatment of cerebral palsy in Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,with clear clinical efficacy,but the specific mechanism needs to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To explore the possible mechanism of Shujin Jiannao Prescription in treating cerebral palsy. METHODS:Sixty-four 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=12)and a model group(n=52).An animal model was established by the Rice-Vannucci method.After successful modeling,52 model rats were randomly divided into control model group(n=12),minocycline group,and the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of the Shujin Jiannao Prescription(n=10 per group).Rats in the minocycline group were given 40 mg/kg·d minocycline by gavage;rats in the low-,medium,and high-dose groups were given 4,8,and 16 g/kg·d Shujin Jiannao Prescription granules by gavage,respectively;and rats in the normal group and control model group were given an equal dose of normal saline by gavage.Medication in each group was given once a day for 1 week.The rats in each group were evaluated behaviorally using suspension test,abnormal involuntary movement score,and Bederson score.The pathological changes of the cerebral cortex were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The levels of tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin 1β,and interleukin 10 in the cerebral cortex were determined using ELISA.The positive expressions of Janus kinase 2(JAK2),phosphorylated Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3)in the cerebral cortex were detected using immunohistochemistry.The protein expression levels of JAK2,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 were detected using western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the suspension test score and involuntary movement score were decreased in the control model group(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05).The pathological results showed structural disruption of nerve cells,formation of large numbers of vacuoles,cell swelling,and increased intercellular space in the control model group.In addition,the expressions of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased(P＜0.01),the expression of interleukin 10 was decreased(P＜0.05),and the protein expressions of JAK2,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased(P＜0.01)in the control model group compared with the normal group.Compared with the model group,minocycline and Shujin Jiannao Prescription at each dose could improve the behavioral indexes of rats(P＜0.01 or P＜0.05)and ischemic-hypoxic pathological changes were attenuated,with only a small amount of necrotic nerve cells and a few vacuoles,and reduced intercellular space.Moreover,the expressions of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β in the cerebral cortex were decreased in each drug group compared with the control model group(P＜0.05),while the protein expressions of JAK2,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 in the cerebral cortex were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The most obvious improvement was observed in the high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription group.To conclude,Shujin Jiannao Prescription can inhibit inflammation in the cerebral cortex of rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that there is a close association between spinal cord injury and ferroptosis,and that tetramethylpyrazine has the function of regulating redox reactions. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effect of tetramethylpyrazine on ferroptosis in rats with spinal cord injury and its mechanism. METHODS:Thirty-six female specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group,model group and tetramethylpyrazine group,with 12 rats in each group.Animal models of spinal cord injury were established using the modified Allen's method in the latter two groups.No treatment was given in the sham-operated group,while rats in the model and tetramethylpyrazine groups were given intraperitoneal injection of normal saline and tetramethylpyrazine solution,once a day,for 28 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The Basso,Beattie&Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale score in the tetramethylpyrazine group was lower than that in the sham-operated group but higher than that in the model group after 14,21,and 28 days of treatment(P＜0.05).After 28 days of treatment,hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that in the model group,the spinal cord tissue of rats showed cavity formation,necrotic tissue and inflammatory infiltration with fibrous tissue formation;in the tetramethylpyrazine group,the area of spinal cord tissue defects was smaller,and inflammatory infiltration and fibrous tissue formation were less than those in the model group.After 28 days of treatment,Prussian blue staining showed that a large amount of iron deposition was seen in the spinal cord tissue of rats in the model group,and less iron deposition was seen in the spinal cord tissue of rats in the tetramethylpyrazine group than in the model group.After 28 days of treatment,the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the rat spinal cord tissue were decreased(P＜0.05)and the level of malondialdehyde was increased in the model group compared with the sham-operated group(P＜0.05);the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the rat spinal cord tissue were increased(P＜0.05)and the level of malondialdehyde was decreased in the tetramethylpyrazine group compared with the model group(P＜0.05).After 28 days of treatment,qRT-PCR and western blot assay showed that the mRNA and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4,ferritin heavy chain,and ferroportin in the rat spinal cord tissue in the model group were decreased compared with those in the sham-operated group(P＜0.05),while the mRNA and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4,ferritin heavy chain,and ferroportin in the rat spinal cord tissue in the tetramethylpyrazine group were increased compared with those in the model group(P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence staining showed that after 28 days of treatment,the neuronal nuclei positive staining in the spinal cord of rats was the most in the sham-operated group and the least in the model group.To conclude,tetramethylpyrazine can improve motor function and play a neuroprotective role in rats with spinal cord injury by regulating ferroptosis.
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BACKGROUND:Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is one of the most common causes of cerebral palsy.Shujin Jiannao Prescription is an experienced formula for treating cerebral palsy and improving blood supply to the brain developed by the Dongzhimen Hospital,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. OBJECTIVE:To explore the possible mechanism of Shujin Jiannao Prescription in treating hypoxic-ischemic cerebral palsy. METHODS:Sixty-four 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups.There were 12 rats in each of the control and model groups as well as 10 animals in each of the minocycline group,and the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Shujin Jiannao Prescription.The neonatal rat ischemic-hypoxic cerebral palsy model was established in all groups except for the control group.After successful modeling,rats in each drug group were respectively gavaged with minocycline and Shujin Jiannao Prescription at a dose of 4,8,and 16 g/kg per day for 1 week.Body mass of rats was measured and behavioral changes were detected before and after drug administration.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histomorphology of hippocampal CA1 region of rat brain tissue,and immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect the expression levels of Bcl-2,Bax,and Caspase-3 in the brain tissue of rats. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the model group,medium-and high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription significantly increased the body mass of rats(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,minocycline effectively prolonged the suspension time of ischemic-hypoxic cerebral palsy rats(P<0.05),while medium-and high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription significantly prolonged the suspension time,shortened the inclined plane test time,and increased the Longa score of rats(P<0.05).The pathological results showed that after drug intervention,only a small number of neuronal cells in the brain tissue of rats were necrotic,the cells were more neatly arranged,the cell structure was more complete,and only part of the cell nuclei became smaller.Compared with the model group,minocycline and medium-and high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription reduced the expression of Bax Caspase-3(P<0.05),medium-and high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription increased the expression of Bcl-2(P<0.05),and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression was increased in minocycline and three Shujin Jiannao Prescription groups(P<0.05).In addition,the protein expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner after intervention with Shujin Jiannao Prescription,and there was no significant difference between the minocycline and three Shujin Jiannao Prescription groups(P>0.05).To conclude,the mechanism by which Shujin Jiannao Prescription treats ischemic-hypoxic cerebral palsy in rats may be to enhance the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,inhibit the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax,and reduce the expression of Caspase-3,ultimately inhibiting the apoptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells in rats with cerebral palsy.Within a certain range,the higher dose of Shujin Jiannao Prescription indicates the better therapeutic effect,and the high-dose Shujin Jiannao Prescription is as effective as minocycline.
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BACKGROUND:At present,there are some limitations in evaluating the severity of acute spinal cord injury,and a rapid and accurate evaluation method is urgently needed. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the correlation between the expression levels of serum oxidative stress and nerve injury indexes and the severity of the disease in patients with acute spinal cord injury. METHODS:A total of 65 patients were included in the study from August 2020 to May 2022,including 32 patients in the experimental group(acute spinal cord injury)and 33 patients in the control group(simple spinal fracture).American Spinal Injury Association(ASIA)Impairment Scale and neurological function score were evaluated within 8 hours of admission.Meanwhile,serum levels of superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,glutathione,nitric oxide,glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase were detected and compared between the two groups.The correlation between the expression levels of the above serological indicators in serum and ASIA impairment grade and AISA neural function score was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The average serum levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.001),while the average serum levels of malondialdehyde,nitric oxide,glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.01).The serum levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in the experimental group were positively correlated with the damage grade of AISA(r=0.862 4,0.849 3,P<0.01),while the serum levels of malondialdehyde,nitric oxide,glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase were negatively correlated with the damage grade of AISA(r=-0.866 1,-0.638 1,-0.746 6,P<0.001),and the serum level of nitric oxide was not significantly correlated with the damage grade of AISA(r=-0.177 5,P>0.05).The serum level of glutathione in the experimental group was positively correlated with AISA sensory function scores(r=0.569 9,P<0.001),while the serum levels of malondialdehyde,glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase were negatively correlated with AISA sensory function scores(r=-0.574 1,-0.099 2,-0.708 6,P<0.05),and the serum levels of superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide were not significantly correlated with AISA sensory function scores(r=0.230 8,-0.376 2,P>0.05).The serum levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in the experimental group were positively correlated with ASIA motor function scores(r=0.380,0.524 7,P<0.05);the serum levels of malondialdehyde,glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase were negatively correlated with AISA motor function scores(r=-0.577 9,-0.452 2,-0.662 8,P<0.05);and the level of nitric oxide had no significant correlation with AISA motor function scores(r=-0.049 7,P>0.05).To conclude,the serum levels of superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,glutathione,nitric oxide,glial fibrillary acidic protein and neuron-specific enolase in serum of patients with acute spinal cord injury are significantly correlated with ASIA impairment grade and ASIA neural function score,which could be used as biomarkers for early clinical assessment of disease severity.
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Objective:To study the effects of tetramethylpyrazine on the expressions of ferroptosis related molecules after spinal cord injury; To explore the mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine promoting the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:Totally 36 SD rats were divided into sham-operation group, model group and tetramethylpyrazine group according to random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The rats in the sham-operation group underwent laminectomy without injury to the spinal cord. The SCI model was prepared in the other two groups. The rats in the tetramethylpyrazine group were intraperitoneally injected with tetramethylpyrazine of 80 mg/kg, and the rats in the sham-operation group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of normal saline, once a day, continuous intervention for 28 days. One day before operation and 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 days after operation, BBB limb motor function score was used to evaluate the limb motor function of rats. Nissl staining was used to observe the morphology of neurons. Prussian staining was used to observe iron deposition. Assay kit was used to detect the contents of MDA and ROS in spinal cord tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of xCT, GPX4 and ACSL4, and qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of mRNA of xCT, GPX4 and ACSL4.Results:On the 14th, 21st and 28th days after operation, compared with the model group, the BBB score of tetramethylpyrazine group increased ( P<0.01); tetramethylpyrazine could significantly improve the morphology and structure of neurons and reduce the iron content in spinal cord tissue; compared with the model group, the contents of MDA and ROS in the spinal cord tissue of tetramethylpyrazine group decreased ( P<0.01); the levels of xCT and GPX4 mRNA and protein increased ( P<0.01), while the expression of ACSL4 mRNA and protein decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Tetramethylpyrazine can regulate lipid peroxidation by regulating the expressions of ferroptosis related molecules, which is conducive to the recovery of limb motor function in rats with spinal cord injury.
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ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Tangbikang granules（TBK） on type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. MethodT2DM and NAFLD were induced in ZDF rats， which were then respectively treated （ig） with low-dose （0.625 g·kg-1）， medium-dose （1.25 g·kg-1）， and high-dose （2.5 g·kg-1） TBK for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose （FBG） and body mass were recorded every 4 weeks during the treatment. One week before sampling， the feed intake of rats was detected， and after 12 h night fasting， oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed. The area under the curve （AUC） was used to evaluate glucose tolerance， and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） was calculated. Blood in abdominal aorta and liver were collected for determination of blood glucose and lipid metabolism indexes： Fasting serum insulin （FINS）， serum total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， and nonesterified fatty acids （NEFA）. The liver was weighed to calculate the liver index， and the liver tissue morphology was observed and analyzed based on hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining. The protein levels of insulin receptor substrate （IRS）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt） and phosphorylated IRS and Akt were detected by Western blotting. All data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0. ResultThe feed intake of the model group was higher than that in the normal group （P<0.01）， and the feed intake the administration groups was lower than that in the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. At the 8th and 12th week， the body mass in the model group was lower than that in the normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， TBK reduced FBG in a concentration-dependent manner. The blood glucose level in OGTT and AUC in the model group were higher/larger than those in the normal group （P<0.01）. The blood glucose value in OGTT was decreased in TBK groups and the metformin group compared with that in the model group， and AUC in the administration groups was significantly different from that in the model group （P<0.01）. The serum level of FINS and HOMA-IR in the model group were higher than those in the normal group （P<0.01）， and they were lower in the TBK groups than in the model group （P<0.01）. Serum levels of TG， TC， HDL-C， NEFA （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and LDL-C were higher in the model group than in the normal group. Serum levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， and NEFA in the TBK groups were lower than those in the model group， and the levels of TG， LDL-C， and NEFA in TBK groups were concentration-dependent （lowest levels in high-dose TBK group）. Compared with the model group， high-dose TBK significantly increased the level of HDL-C （P<0.05）. Liver index of the model group was higher than that in the normal group （P<0.01）. The liver index of the administration groups showed a decreasing trend with no significant difference from that in the model group. As for the HE staining result of liver， the model group had unclear structure of liver lobule， enlarged cells of different sizes， and obvious steatosis of hepatocytes. TBK of all doses alleviated liver injury， particularly the high dose. For the PAS staining， compared with the normal group， the model group demonstrated significant fat vacuoles and significant reduction in purplish red glycogen granules in the cytoplasm. The staining results of high- and medium-dose groups of TBK were more similar to the normal group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of liver tissue. The expression of PI3K protein， p-IRS1/IRS1， and p-Akt/Akt in the model group were lower than those in the normal group （P<0.01）， and they were higher in the high-dose TBK group than in the model group （P<0.01）. ConclusionTBK exerts therapeutic effect on T2DM combined with NAFLD in ZDF rats by activating the typical PI3K signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Tangbikang granules （TBK） against diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN） based on network pharmacology and in-vivo experiment. MethodThe active components in medicinals of TBK and their target genes were searched from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）. The active components of the medicinals which are not included in TCMSP were searched from previous research. After the analysis of drug-likeness by SwissADME， the target genes of them were predicted with SwissTargetPrediction. DPN-related target genes were retrieved from GeneCards. The common targets of the disease and the prescription were the hub genes of TBK against DPN， which were uploaded to Metascape for Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis. High-sugar and high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin （STZ， ip） were employed to induce diabetes in rats， and then the model rats were respectively treated with low-dose （0.625 g·kg-1）， medium-dose （1.25 g·kg-1）， and high-dose （2.5 g·kg-1） TBK for 12 weeks. Sensory nerve conduction velocity （SNCV） was evaluated. After hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， the sciatic nerve was observed under light microscope to examine the nerve damage. Real-time PCR was performed to detect the gene expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK） pathway-related targets in rat sciatic nerve， and Western blot to measure the protein expression of AMPK and phosphorylated （p）-AMPK in rat sciatic nerve. ResultThe main active components of TBK， such as quercetin， kaempferol， β-sitosterol， leech pteridine A， stigmasterol， and baicalein were screened out， mainly acting on interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， protein kinase B （Akt）， JUN， and HSP90AA1 and signaling pathways such as AMPK， nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）， and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT）. Molecular docking results showed that β-sitosterol and stigmasterol had high binding affinity with IL-6， TNF， JUN， and HSP90AA1. As for the animal experiment， compared with the normal group， model group had low SNCV of sciatic nerve （P<0.01）， disordered and loose myelinated nerve fibers with axonotmesis and demyelinization， low mRNA expression of AMPKα， AMPKβ， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， Sirtuin 3 （SirT3）， mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM）， and low p-AMPK/AMPK ratio in sciatic nerve （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， TBK of the three doses raised the SNCV （P<0.01）， restored nerve morphology and nerve compactness， and increased the mRNA expression of AMPKα， AMPKβ， PGC-1α， SirT3， and TFAM （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK in the high-dose and medium-dose TBK groups was higher than that in the model group （P<0.01）， while the protein expression in the low-dose TBK group was insignificantly different from that in the model group. ConclusionTBK exerts therapeutic effect on DPN through multiple pathways and targets. The mechanism is that it activates and regulates AMPK/PGC-1α/SirT3 signaling， which lays a basis for further study of TBK in the treatment of DPN.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Tangbikang granules （TBK） on sciatic nerve inflammation in diabetic rats through modulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/nuclear factor （NF）-κB pathway. MethodSD rats were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 8 weeks and then treated with streptozotocin （STZ， ip） at 35 mg·kg-1 for modeling. Then the rats were randomized into diabetes group， low-dose （0.625 g·kg-1）， medium-dose （1.25 g·kg-1）， and high-dose （2.5 g·kg-1） TBK groups， and lipoic acid group （0.026 8 g·kg-1） according to body weight and blood glucose level， and a normal group was designed. After modeling， administration began and lasted 12 weeks. The body mass， blood glucose level， and thermal withdrawal latency （TWL） of the rats were detected before treatment and at the 4th， 8th， and 12th week of administration. At the 12th week， the sciatic nerve was collected for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Luxol fast blue （LFB） staining， and the structural changes of sciatic nerve were observed under scanning electron microscope. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in sciatic nerve were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the levels of AMPK， phosphorylated （p）-AMPK， and NF-κB proteins in the sciatic nerve were measured by Western blot. ResultThe blood glucose concentration and TWL in the model group were higher than those in the normal group at each time point （P<0.01）. The levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， and NF-κB protein in sciatic nerve in the model group were higher than those in the normal group （P<0.01）， and the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio was smaller than that in the normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， TBK of the three doses lowered the TWL （P<0.05， P<0.01） and the levels of IL-1β， TNF-α， and NF-κB protein in sciatic nerve of rats （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and high-dose and medium-dose TBK raised p-AMPK/AMPK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The sciatic nerve fibers were orderly and compact with alleviation of demyelination in rats treated with TBK compared with those in the model group. ConclusionTBK improves the function of sciatic nerve and alleviates neuroinflammation in diabetic rats. The mechanism is the likelihood that it up-regulates the expression of AMPK in the AMPK/NF-κB pathway and inhibits the expression of downstream NF-κB， thereby alleviating the neuroinflammation caused by high levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α due to NF-κB activation.
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Diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN） is a symptom and/or sign of peripheral nerve dysfunction that occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus when other causes are excluded. DPN， one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus， can lead to disability， foot ulcers， and amputation at a later stage. Its pathogenesis is closely related to high glucose-induced inflammatory damage， oxidative stress， mitochondrial disorders， and apoptosis in neural tissues. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） signaling pathway is a key mechanism mediating the expression of inflammatory factors， oxidative factors， and apoptotic factors of neural tissues in DPN. The inflammatory response， oxidative stress damage， and apoptosis， induced by the activation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation by factors such as high glucose， can cause cell lipid peroxidation， protein modification， and nucleic acid damage， which results in axonal degeneration and demyelination changes. The current treatment of DPN with western medicine has obvious shortcomings such as adverse effects and addictive tendencies. In recent years， the research on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the prevention and treatment of DPN has gradually increased， and the exploration of Chinese medicine intervention in the p38 MAPK pathway transduction to improve DPN has advanced. The present study reviewed the relations of the p38 MAPK pathway with insulin resistance and peripheral neuropathy and summarized the molecular biological mechanisms involved in the pathological process of DPN， such as inflammation regulation， oxidative stress， polyol pathway regulation， and Schwann cell apoptosis in the past 10 years. In addition， the literature on Chinese medicine monomers， Chinese patent medicines， and Chinese medicine compounds in inhibiting inflammatory reactions， oxidative injury， and apoptosis of DPN peripheral nerves based on the p38 MAPK pathway， resisting axonal degeneration and demyelination changes， improving sensory and motor abnormalities， relieving peripheral pain sensitization， and facilitating nerve conduction mechanism to provide references for the development of new drugs for clinical prevention and treatment of DPN.
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Objective:To observe the effect of Hippocampus kelloggi on GRP-78/PERK/ATF-4 signal pathway and explore its mechanism on improving spinal cord injury. Methods:A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and hippocampus group with 12 rats in each group. Only laminectomy was performed in the sham operation group. The spinal cord injury model was prepared in the model group and hippocampus group. Rats in the hippocampus group were given 10 ml/kg Hippocampus kelloggi extract by gavage for 14 days. Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score was used to evaluate the motor function of the limbs. The neuron morphology was observed by Nissl staining. The expression of GRP-78, p-PERK and ATF-4 proteins were detected by Western blot, the expression of GRP-78 and ATF-4 mRNAs was detected by qPCR, Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 were detected by ELISA, and the apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. Results:Compared with the model group, the BBB score of hippocampal group increased on the 7th, 9th, 11th and 14th day after operation ( P<0.05). For hippocampus group, the relative expression of GRP-78 (0.49 ± 0.06 vs. 0.74 ± 0.03), p-PERK (0.63 ± 0.04 vs. 0.81 ± 0.06) and ATF-4 (0.51 ± 0.06 vs. 0.69 ± 0.05) protein were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), GRP-78 mRNA (0.54 ± 0.05 vs. 0.63 ± 0.06) and ATF-4 mRNA (0.61 ± 0.06 vs. 0.78 ± 0.04) were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the content of Caspase-3 and caspase-12 were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate of hippocampal group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Hippocampus kelloggi can regulate the stress response of the endoplasmic reticulum after spinal cord injury by inhibiting GRP-78/PERK/ATF-4 signaling pathway to promote the repair of neurons.
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This study was aimed to observe the effects of gymnema sylvestre total saponins (GA) on insulin resistance (IR) in adipose tissues of KKay mice,in order to discuss the action mechanism from the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway.A total of 27 KKay mice were randomly divided into the model group (DM),Pioglitazone group (BG) and GA group.Nine normal C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal control group (NC).Intragastric administration of drugs was given for eight weeks.The bodyweight and food intake of all mice were tested each week.After the experiment was completed,fasting plasma insulin (Fins) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were detected and the insulin sensitive index (ISI) was calculated.Expressions of PDK-1,AKT,P-AKT (Ser473),P-AKT (Thr308) in adipose tissues of epididymis in mice were detected.And expressions of PI3K-p85 mRNA,PTEN mRNA,APN mRNA were also measured.The results showed that compared with DM group,bodyweight of BG and GA groups were decreased (P＜0.05,P＜0.05);FPG and Fins level of BG and GA groups were decreased (P＜0.05,P＜0.05,P＜0.05,P＜0.05),ISI increased (P＜0.05,P＜0.05);APN mRNA increased in BG and GA group (P＜0.01,P＜0.01);PI3K-p85 mRNA increased in GA group (P＜0.05);P-AKT (Thr308) protein expression increased in BG and GA group (P＜0.05,P＜0.01);P-AKT (Ser473) protein expression increased in GA group (P＜0.05);the phosphorylation of AKT (Thr 308) was enhanced in BG and GA group (/9＜0.01,P＜ 0.01);the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) was enhanced in GA group (P＜0.01,P＜0.01).PDK-1 protein expression was decreased in BG and GA group (P＜0.05);PTEN mRNA decreased in BG and GA group (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).It was concluded that GA can ameliorate IR by sensitizing PI3κ/AKT signal pathway in adipose tissues of KKAy mice.
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BACKGROUND:Chinese medicineTangbikang can improve nerve conduction velocity in diabetic rats, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Insulin like growth factor-I is a key target in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect ofTangbikangon the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I and its receptor protein and mRNA in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rat model. METHODS:The experimental diabetes melitus rat models were induced by feeding high fat forage and injection with streptozotocin. After model establishment, rats were givenTangbikang 4.18, 8.35, 16.7 mg/kg per day. This study set positive control methycobal, model and normal control groups. Intragastric administration was performed for 16 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the model group, blood glucose levels were similar in the methycobal group, but decreased in the high-doseTangbikang group (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemical staining and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection revealed that body mass, motor nerve conduction velocity, insulin like growth factor-I and its receptor protein and mRNA expressions were increased in the methycobal and high-dose Tangbikang groups (P< 0.05 orP < 0.01). Results indicated that Tangbikang can prevent and treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy by promoting insulin like growth factor-I and its receptor. Cite this article:Mu XH, Sun W, Qin LL, Wu LL, Li WL, Guo X, Zhang L, Liu TH.Effects of Tangbikang on insulin like growth factor-I and its receptor expression in sciatic nerves of diabetic rats. Zhongguo Zuzhi
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BACKGROUND:Rat models of complete spinal cord transection are common models for neural tissue engineering. After transecting the spinal cord by the previous methods, gap length of broken end cannot keep relatively uniform, so we cannot objectively evaluate effects of various treatments or tissue engineering materials. OBJECTIVE:The spinal cord transection models were established by using double edged micro scissors, andthe feasibility of this new model was explored by comparing with the conventional method. METHODS: A total of 42 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into group A (n=6), group B (n=18) and group C (n=18). Group A only received laminectomy. In the group B, the spinal cord was transected with a sharp-pointed knife. Knife point should touch anterior wal of spinal canal and sidewal bone surface. Complete spinal cord transection models were prepared by repeated cutting. In group C, complete spinal cord transection models were established by using self-made double edged micro scissors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) At 1 week after model establishment, in the groups B and C, complete paralysis of the hind limbs was found, and BBB scores were similar. However, significant differences in the spacing of broken end were detected. (2) At 4 weeks after model establishment, hind limb functions could restore to different degrees in both groups, but no significant difference in BBB scores was found. (3) At 8 weeks after model establishment, significant differences in hindlimb motor function scores were detectable between both groups. Biotin glucosamine tracer display: In group B, a few labeled axon fibers were observed at the caudal side of the injured spinal cord. In group C, spinal cord was completely transected, and labeled axon fibers cannot be found at the caudal side. (4) Results suggested that the modeling method of self-made double edged micro scissors could effectively eliminate individual differences, contribute to quantitative analysis and comparative study of therapeutic effects.
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This study was aimed to observe the effect ofGuava leaf total flavonoids on HIT-T15 pancreaticβcell insulin resistance. Effective part of FSL was prepared. The dosing time, concentration and high glucose concentration of FSL were confirmed by observing HIT-T15 pancreaticβ cell growth curve and the influences of HIT-T15 pancreaticβ cell proliferation by different concentrations of glucose and FSL. Afterwards, the influence of FSL on HIT-T15 pancreaticβ cell insulin secretion, the expression of insulin receptor mRNA and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 protein were measured under the environment of high glucose. The results showed that 50 mmol·L-1 glucose can significantly inhibit the proliferation of HIT-T15 pancreaticβ cell (P < 0.01). The 50μg·mL-1 FSL can significantly promote the proliferation of HIT-T15 pancreaticβ cells (P < 0.01), the insulin secretion (P < 0.05), the expression of insulin receptor mRNA (P < 0.05), and the protein expression of IRS 1 (P <0.01). It was concluded thatGuava leaf total flavonoids can promote the insulin secretion of HIT-T15 pancreaticβ cells under the circumstance of high concentration of glucose which may be related to its effect of increasing expression of insulin receptor mRNA and IRS-1 protein.
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This study was aimed to investigate the action mechanism ofHypoxis Hemerocallidea (African Potato, AP) on the AMPK signal pathway of skeletal muscles in diabetic rats. Among 40 male SD rats, 10 rats were used as the normal group, and the other 30 rats were fed with high-fat food for one month, and then injected with STZ for the model establishment. After the successful model establishment, rats were divided into the model group, pioglitazone hydrochloride group and the AP group. Intragastric administration was given for 5 weeks in each group. Then, the skeletal muscle tissues were embedded and sliced for immunohistochemistry test. The protein expression of p-AMPKα, p-AS16 and GLUT4 in skeletal muscles was detected by western blot. The 100 mmol·L-1 glucose was used in the establishment of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells insulin resistance model. AP drug-containing serum was used in the establishment of the treatment group. The control group was the normal cells. Glucose consumption, cell proliferation, SOD content, and MDA content were detected. And the protein expressions of p-AMPKα, p-AS160, GLUT4 were detected with the western blot and RT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the normal group, AP can up-regulate p-AMPKa protein express (P < 0.01), increase skeletal AS160 phosphorylation level (P < 0.01), and up-regulate the GLUT4 level (P < 0.01). Compared with the normal group, the high glucose caused the decrease of C2C12 skeletal muscle cell activity and the decrease of glucose consumption (P < 0.05), decrease of SOD, increase of MDA (P < 0.01), and the decrease of p-AMPKα, p-AS160, GLUT4 protein expression (P < 0.01). After 48 h intervention, the SOD of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells in the AP drug-containing serum group was significantly increased (P < 0.01), the MDA content was decreased (P < 0.05), the AMPKa and AS160 phosphorylation levels were increased (P < 0.01), the GLUT protein expression was increased (P < 0.01). It was concluded that the induced AMPKa and AS160 phosphorylation promoted GLUT 4 expression may be one of the action mechanism of insulin resistance of skeletal muscles in diabetes.
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BACKGROUND:Titanium artificial cervical disc has good biocompatibility, but titanium al oy is shown to have poor biological activity, low bonding strength, easy release of metal ions under physiological conditions. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of different coating for the titanium plate of domestic cervical artificial disc on adhesion and differentiation ability of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s. METHODS:Passage 3 bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s from Wistar rats were seeded into 24-wel titanium plates with hydroxyapatite coating, titanium powder+hydroxyapatite coating and bare titanium plate. Cel culture was terminated after 24 and 48 hours, and the cel growth was observed under scanning electron microscope. After 24 hours of inoculation, osteogenic inducer was added;then, cel supernatant was col ected at 3, 5, 7 days after cel lysis and centrifugation to detect the activity of alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After composite culture with titanium plates with hydroxyapatite coating or titanium powder+hydroxyapatite coating, cultured cel s were in polygonal shape, and pseudopodia were extended into the micropores that were adhered closely to the material surface. Cel s cultured with bare titanium plates had poor differentiation and adhesion rate. With time, the expression of alkaline phosphatase was increased in each group, especial y in the groups of titanium plates with hydroxyapatite coating and titanium powder+hydroxyapatite coating (P<0.05). These findings indicate that titanium plates with hydroxyapatite coating or titanium powder+hydroxyapatite coating can promote adhesion and differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s.
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This article was aimed to study effects and mechanisms of Gymnema sylvestre on protein kinase B (PKB) and its phosphorylation in adipose tissues of KKAy mice which were mainly characterized by insulin resistance (IR). A total of 18 KKAy mice were randomly divided into the diabetes model (DM) group and Gymnema sylvestre (GS) group according to body weight levels. And 9 normal C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal control (NC) group. Intragastric administration of medication was given to mice for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all animals were tested for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin level (Fins) for evaluation of insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Expressions of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1), PKB, P-PKB (Ser473), P-PKB (Thr 308) in adi-pose tissues of epididymis were determined. The expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mRNA was also determined. The results showed that compared with the DM group, the GS group showed lower FPG and Fins, higher ISI. The expression of P-PKB (Ser473) phosphorylation and P-PKB (Thr 308) were increased, and the PDK1 and PTEN mRNA were decreased. It was concluded that GS can improve insulin sensitivity of KKAy mice through activating PKB by up-regulate the expression of P- PKB (Ser473) and its phosphorylation ratio and P- PKB (Thr 308) in adipose tissues.
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This study was aimed to explore the effect of Tang-Nai-Kang (TNK) on trans-differentiation of renal tubular epithelial cell in KKAy mice in order to discuss the possible mechanism. Fifty 12-week-old male KKAy mice were randomly divided into the model group, valsartan group, TNK high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose group, with 10 rats in each group. Ten C57BL/6J mice were used in the normal group. Rats in the model group and normal group were given 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Rats in other groups were given the corresponding drugs. After 8 weeks of gavage administration, kidneys of all mice were sampled and given Mosson and PAS dyeing. Expression distribution of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin in kidney tissues were observed under immunohistochemical staining. Expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was measured by western blot. The results showed that compared with the normal group, the area of renal fibrosis in the model group was significantly increased (P < 0.01); the expression of α-SMA was stronger; and the expression of E-cadherin was weaker. Compared with the model group, the area of renal fibrosis in the valsartan group, TNK high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose groups were significantly decreased (P< 0.01); the expression of α-SMA was weaker (P< 0.01);and the expression of E-cadherin was obviously increased (P < 0.05). The TGF-β1 expression in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the TGF-β1 expression in the valsartan group, TNK low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose groups were significantly lowered (P<0.01). And the TGF-β1 expression in the TNK high-dose group was even lower than that in the valsartan group. It was concluded that TNK was able to suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cell, and lessen the renal tubule interstitial fibrosis, in order to protect the kidney.