Huoxue Qianyang Qutan recipe attenuates cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome signalling pathway in obese hypertensive rats.

CONTEXT: HuoXue QianYang QuTan Recipe (HQQR) is used to manage hypertension and cardiac remodelling, but the mechanism is elusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine the mechanism of HQQR on obesity hypertension (OBH)-related myocardial fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OBH models were prepared using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and divided (n = 6) into saline, low-dose (19.35 g/kg/d) HQQR, high-dose (38.7 g/kg/d) HQQR, and valsartan (30 mg/kg/d) groups for 10 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), and Lee's index were measured. Heart tissues were examined by histology. HQQR's effects were examined on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) stimulated with angiotensin II and treated with HQQR, a caspase-1 inhibitor, siNLRP3, and oeNLRP3. RESULTS: HQQR(H) reduced SBP (201.67 ± 21.00 vs. 169.00 ± 10.00), Lee's index (321.50 ± 3.87 vs. 314.58 ± 3.88), and left ventricle mass index (3.26 ± 0.27 vs. 2.71 ± 0.12) in vivo. HQQR reduced percentage of fibrosis area (18.99 ± 3.90 vs. 13.37 ± 3.39), IL-1ß (10.07 ± 1.16 vs. 5.35 ± 1.29), and inhibited activation of NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1ß pathway. HQQR also inhibiting the proliferation (1.09 ± 0.02 vs. 0.84 ± 0.01), fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (14.74 ± 3.39 vs. 3.97 ± 0.53), and collagen deposition (Col I; 0.50 ± 0.02 vs. 0.27 ± 0.05 and Col III; 0.48 ± 0.21 vs. 0.26 ± 0.11) with different concentrations selected based on IC50 in vitro (all ps < 0.05). NLRP3 interference further confirmed HQQR inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome signalling. CONCLUSION: HQQR blunted cardiac fibrosis development in OBH and suppressed CFs proliferation by directly interfering with the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1ß pathway.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Systemic Biomarkers and Cognition in Late Middle-Aged Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease.

Increasing evidence indicates that physical activity and exercise training may delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, systemic biomarkers that can measure exercise effects on brain function and that link to relevant metabolic responses are lacking. To begin to address this issue, we utilized blood samples of 23 asymptomatic late middle-aged adults, with familial and genetic risk for AD (mean age 65 years old, 50% female) who underwent 26 weeks of supervised treadmill training. Systemic biomarkers implicated in learning and memory, including the myokine Cathepsin B (CTSB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and klotho, as well as metabolomics were evaluated. Here we show that aerobic exercise training increases plasma CTSB and that changes in CTSB, but not BDNF or klotho, correlate with cognitive performance. BDNF levels decreased with exercise training. Klotho levels were unchanged by training, but closely associated with change in VO2peak. Metabolomic analysis revealed increased levels of polyunsaturated free fatty acids (PUFAs), reductions in ceramides, sphingo- and phospholipids, as well as changes in gut microbiome metabolites and redox homeostasis, with exercise. Multiple metabolites (~30%) correlated with changes in BDNF, but not CSTB or klotho. The positive association between CTSB and cognition, and the modulation of lipid metabolites implicated in dementia, support the beneficial effects of exercise training on brain function. Overall, our analyses indicate metabolic regulation of exercise-induced plasma BDNF changes and provide evidence that CTSB is a marker of cognitive changes in late middle-aged adults at risk for dementia.

The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels.

BACKGROUND: Shilajit is a safe, fluvic mineral complex exudate that is common to Ayurvedic medicine and is composed of fulvic acids, dibenzo-α-pyrones, proteins, and minerals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks of Shilajit supplementation at 250 mg·d- 1 (low dose) and 500 mg·d- 1 (high dose) versus placebo on maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, concentric peak torque, fatigue-induced percent decline in strength, and serum hydroxyproline (HYP). METHODS: Sixty-three recreationally-active men ([Formula: see text] ± SD: 21.2 ± 2.4 yr.; 179.8 ± 6.3 cm; 83.1 ± 12.7 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to the high dose, low dose, or placebo group (each group: n = 21). During pre-supplementation testing, the subjects performed 2 pretest MVICs, 2 sets of 50 maximal, bilateral, concentric isokinetic leg extensions at 180°·s- 1 separated by 2-min of rest, and 2 posttest MVICs. Following 8 weeks of supplementation, the subjects repeated the pre-supplementation testing procedures. In addition, the groups were dichotomized at the 50th percentile based on pre-supplementation MVIC and baseline HYP. Mixed model ANOVAs and ANCOVAs were used to statistically analyze the dependent variables for the total groups (n = 21 per group) as well as dichotomized groups. RESULTS: For the upper 50th percentile group, the post-supplementation adjusted mean percent decline in MVIC was significantly less for the high dose group (8.9 ± 2.3%) than the low dose (17.0 ± 2.4%; p = 0.022) and placebo (16.0 ± 2.4%; p = 0.044) groups. There was no significant (p = 0.774) difference, however, between the low dose and placebo groups. In addition, for the upper 50th percentile group, the adjusted mean post-supplementation baseline HYP for the high dose group (1.5 ± 0.3 µg·mL- 1) was significantly less than both the low dose (2.4 ± 0.3 µg·mL- 1; p = 0.034) and placebo (2.4 ± 0.3 µg·mL- 1, p = 0.024) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrated that 8 weeks of PrimaVie® Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg·d- 1 promoted the retention of maximal muscular strength following the fatiguing protocol and decreased baseline HYP. Thus, PrimaVie® Shilajit supplementation at 500 mg·d- 1 elicited favorable muscle and connective tissue adaptations.

Hydroxyproline Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice: Involvment of the NF-κB Signaling and Oxidative Stress.

SCOPE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of gastrointestinal tract in which oxidative stress and overactivation of inflammatory response are implicated. The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that hydroxyproline (Hyp), an amino acid with an antioxidative property, attenuates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male C57BL/6 mice supplemented with or without 1% Hyp are subjected to 2.5% DSS in drinking water to induce colitis. Hyp attenuates the severity of colitis as evidenced by reduced disease activity index scores, decreased myeloperoxidase activity, histological damage, and apoptosis. Furthermore, DSS-induced increases in reactive oxygen species accumulation, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion, and malonyldialdehyde activity and a decrease in reduced glutathione in the colon are ameliorated by Hyp. The enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 and NF-κB following DSS administration is mitigated by Hyp, which is also observed in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of Hyp on IL-6 expression is mainly mediated by the NF-κB signaling, because the induction of STAT3 and IL-6 by LPS is markedly reversed by Bay11-7085, a specific inhibitor NF-κB. CONCLUSION: In summary, Hyp is a critical nutrient with an ability to attenuate DSS-induced colonic damage in mice. This beneficial effect of Hyp is partially mediated by inhibiting the NF-κB/IL-6 signaling and the restoration of redox homeostasis.

Enteral feeding with low-methoxyl pectin accelerates colonic anastomosis healing in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Enteral feeding with pectin has proven beneficial for anastomosis healing in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) or high-methoxyl pectin (HMP), on colonic anastomosis healing in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (age 7 wk) were fed liquid diets containing LMP, HMP, or no pectin (pectin-free [PF]) for 14 d (n = 10/group). The rats underwent colonic anastomosis surgery on day 7 and were sacrificed on day 14. Bursting pressure, breaking strength, and salt-soluble hydroxyproline at the anastomosis site were used as indices of anastomosis healing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecal contents were analyzed. RESULTS: Breaking strength was higher in the LMP group than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). The salt-soluble hydroxyproline content was higher in LMP group than in the PF group (P < 0.01). Bursting pressure did not differ among the three groups. The LMP group produced normal, formed stools, whereas watery stools were observed in HMP and PF groups throughout the experimental period. Cecal SCFAs were highest in LMP group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LMP promotes healing of colonic anastomosis more effectively than HMP, which may be explained by the mechanical stresses generated by the movement of normally formed stool though the colon.

Protective effect of ethanolic extract of Urtica urens L. against the toxicity of imidacloprid on bone remodeling in rats and antioxidant activities.

Imidacloprid (IMI) is very harmful to human health and cause problems. Recently, plants have been considered as potential agents for protection against these disorders. Urtica urens L. (UU) is very useful for relieving rheumatic pains and there is no scientific evidence justifying its use, which lets us think of its direct effect on the bone. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of UU against toxicity effects of IMI in female rat. Rats were divided into control group, 3 groups treated with IMI at 50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day and 3 groups co-treated with IMI (50, 200 or 300mg/kg/day)+100mg/kg/day of UU. We studied bone remodeling through histological, histomorphometry and biochemical analyses. In IMI- treated groups, we have noted, following histomorphomotric analysis, significant decreases in cortical, trabecular thicknesses and osteoid surfaces. Elsewhere, IMI intoxication significantly decreased serum vitamin D and hydroxyproline levels in the groups treated for 60days. IMI intoxication increased significantly calcium, phosphorus contents, MDA and AOPP levels and the rate of calcification. It decreased significantly GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, 17b-Estradiol and vitamin E levels, induces a tendency of rarefaction and increases of intrabecular spaces. The co-treatment with UU improved all biochemical parameters (hydroxyproline, MDA, AOPP, GSH, GPx, SOD, CAT, 17b-Estradiol, vitamin D, vitamin E calcium, phosphorus). UU leads to a significant increase in cortical, trabecular thicknesses, osteoid surfaces, a decrease in the intrabecular spaces and the rarefaction of bone. In conclusion, IMI inhibits bone remodeling and enhances bone formation. A significant antioxidant activity was also observed in UU and a total of 6 compounds were identified. Co-administration of UU provided a significant protection which might be due to its antioxidant property.

Application of Glutamine-enriched nutrition therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of glutamine (Gln)-enriched nutritional therapy during chemotherapy on the nutritional status and immune function of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: We enrolled 48 children who were newly diagnosed with ALL in our department during the period of 2013.1-2014.12. The patients (follow random number table) were randomly divided into the control group (peptamen) and the treatment group (peptamen + glutamine), 24 cases in each group. The remission induction regimens were all based on VDLP (D) chemotherapy (VCR (Vincrisstine), DNR (Daunomycin), L-ASP (L-Asparagiase), Prednisolone and Dexamethasone). The treatment group received Gln-enriched nutritional therapy every day during the full course of chemotherapy,and the control group is as same as the treatment group except without glutamine. The indicators of general nutritional status, such as weight, height, and triceps skinfold thickness, and the indicators of biochemical tests, such as serum albumin, prealbumin, creatinine-height index, retinol binding protein, and urinary hydroxyproline index, were compared between the two groups at the end of the first, second, third and the fourth week when the chemotherapy was completed. And in the fourth week, flow cytometry was applied to detect the levels of T cell subsets and the activities of natural killer (NK) cells in peripheral blood of the two groups. RESULTS: 1. after 4 weeks nutritional therapy, there is no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the two groups of children in weight, height and other indicators. 2. At the end of 2 weeks treatment, the level of prealbumin (PA) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) is higher in treatment group than that in the control group (P <0.05), at the end of 3 weeks treatment, the thickness of triceps skinfold is higher (P <0.05) than that in the control group; 3. At the end of 3 and 4 weeks, the concentrations serum ALB, PA, RBP and UHI were higher than in the control group (P <0.05); 4. There is statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups in edema incidence; 5. At the end of treatment (4 weeks), the percentages of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD4 +/CD8 +, NK cell are significantly decreased in the two groups (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Gln-enriched nutritional therapy can effectively improve the systemic nutritional status of children with leukemia, improve immune function.

Protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins on cardiovascular remodeling in DOCA-salt hypertension rats.

Cardiovascular remodeling, as a hallmark of hypertension-induced pathophysiology, causes substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is increasing evidence that has demonstrated a broad spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic benefits of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) against oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, 180- to 200-g SD rats treated with DOCA (120 mg/week sc with 1% NaCl and 0.2% KCl in drinking water) and GSP (150, 240, 384 mg/kg) or amlodipine (ALM) (5 mg/kg) for 4 weeks were recruited. The protective effects of GSP on blood pressure and cardiovascular remodeling in rats with DOCA-salt-induced hypertension were investigated. Our results indicated that DOCA-salt could induce hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction, oxidative stress and the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and could increase JNK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation. GSP or ALM treatments significantly improved hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction and oxidative stress, restrained the release of ET-1 and down-regulated the JNK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that GSP has protective effects against increase of blood pressure induced by DOCA-salt hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway via restraining the release of ET-1.

High vitamin D and calcium intakes increase bone mineral (Ca and P) content in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone formation, mineralization, and remodeling. Recent studies demonstrated that an increased body mass can be detrimental to bone health. However, whether an increase in dietary vitamin D and calcium intakes in obesity is beneficial to bone health has not been established. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of increased vitamin D and calcium intakes, alone or in combination, on bone status in a high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. We hypothesized that DIO in growing mice affects bone mineral status and that high vitamin D and calcium intakes will promote mineralization of the growing bone in obesity via Ca(2+) regulatory hormones, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Male mice were fed high vitamin D3 (10 000 IU/kg), high calcium (1.2%), or high vitamin D3 plus high-calcium diets containing 60% energy as fat for 10 weeks. Bone weight, specific gravity, mineral (Ca and P), and collagen (hydroxyproline) content were measured in the femur and the tibia. Regulators of Ca(2+) metabolism and markers of bone status (PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25(OH)2D3, and osteocalcin) were measured in blood plasma. Diet-induced obese mice exhibited lower bone Ca and P content and relative bone weight compared with the normal-fat control mice, whereas collagen (hydroxyproline) content was not different between the two groups. High vitamin D3 and calcium intakes significantly increased bone Ca and P content and relative bone weight in DIO mice, which was accompanied by an increase in 1,25(OH)2D3 and a decrease in PTH and osteocalcin concentrations in blood. The findings obtained indicate that increased vitamin D and calcium intakes are effective in increasing mineral (Ca and P) content in the growing bone of obese mice and that the hormonal mechanism of this effect may involve the vitamin D-PTH axis.

The relationship between fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

AIM: A lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women is an important factor causing the development of osteoporosis. Our purpose is to investigate the effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) on bone mineral metabolism and bone turnover. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO), 32 patients with postmenopausal osteopenia and 30 healthy control subjects (postmenopausal non-osteoporosis) were included in this study. In order to assess the bone mineral metabolism; FGF 23, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and hydroxyproline levels were measured. RESULTS: FGF 23 levels were found significantly higher in PMO group compared with postmenopausal osteopenia and control groups (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). Urine hydroxyproline level was detected to be significantly lower in PMO patients compared with control group (P<0.01). Lomber and femur BMD levels were found to be significantly lower in PMO patients compared with postmenopausal osteopenia and control groups (P<0.001, P<0.001; P<0.001, P<0.001 respectively). On the other hand, when we categorized the PMO group subjects according to the age of menopause, the FGF 23 levels were found to be significantly higher in the group of menopausal age <5 years compared to the group of menopausal age >10 and to the group of menopausal age 5-10 years (P<0.05, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We think our findings indicate that serum FGF 23 level is a significant determinant of increased bone turnover at early periods in PMO patients.

Antiosteoporotic activity of echinacoside in ovariectomized rats.

PURPOSE: Echinacoside (ECH), isolated from Cistanche tubulosa (Schrenk) R. Wight stems, has been reported to enhance bone regeneration in MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. The objectives of this study were to investigate the antiosteoporotic effect of ECH on bone metabolism in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis in vivo. METHODS: Fifty-six aged 6 months female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into sham-operated group (SHAM) and six OVX subgroups (n=8 each). The OVX rats were then subdivided into six groups treated with vehicle (OVX), Xian-ling-gu-bao (XLGB, 0.5 g/kg body weight/day, orally), 17ß-estradiol (E2, 50 µg/kg body weight/day, orally) or ECH (30, 90, and 270 mg/kg body weight, daily, orally) for 12 weeks respectively. We evaluated the pharmacological effects of E2, XLGB and ECH against osteoporosis by evaluating the body weight, uterus wet weight, serum and urine biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone biomechanical properties, bone microarchitecture, bone histomorphology and uterus immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In OVX rats, the increases of body weight, serum hydroxyproline (HOP) levels, and the decreases of uterus wet weight and BMD were significantly reversed by ECH treatment. Moreover, three dosages of ECH completely corrected the increased urine concentration of calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), and HOP observed in OVX rats. Furthermore, Micro-CT analysis results of distal femur showed that all ECH-treated groups notably enhanced bone quality compared to OVX group (p<0.05). Consistent with this finding, total femur BMD and biomechanical strength of tibia were significantly improved (p<0.05) after 12 weeks ECH administration. Histological results also showed the protective activity of ECH through promotion of bone formation and suppression of bone resorption. In addition, the ECH administration also significantly enhanced the expression of ER in the uteri according to immunohistochemical evaluation (p<0.05). Those findings, based on the serum and urine biochemical, BMD, Micro-CT, biomechanical test, histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters, showed that ECH has a notable antiosteoporotic effect, similar to estrogen, especially effective for prevention osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ECH, as a new class of phytoestrogen, has a remarkable antiosteoporotic activity, and may be a promising candidate for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency in a natural way through herbal resources.

Metabolic regulatory and anti-oxidative effects of modified Bushen Huoxue decoction on experimental rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the metabolic, regulatory and anti-oxidative effects of modified Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD), a Chinese herbal medicine for kidney (Shen)-reinforcement and blood-activation, on an osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. METHODS: A rabbit model for knee joint OA was established by the classic Hulth's method. The OA model rabbits were randomized into 5 groups: the model control group, the positive control group treated with glucosamine sulfate, and the three BSHXD treated groups treated respectively with low, moderate, and high doses of BSHXD. In addition, a normal control group and a sham-operated group were set up. Experimental animals were sacrificed after a 7-week treatment, and pathological changes in cartilaginous tissue were estimated using the Mankin criteria. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents in blood serum and urine, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and nitric oxide (NO) content in blood serum and knee joint synovial homogenates were detected. RESULTS: Mankin scoring showed insignificant statistical differences between the various treatment groups (P >0.05), but all were better than the model control group (P <0.05). Serum and urinary contents of Hyp and MDA as well as serum and synovial levels of NO were significantly lower, but the SOD activity in blood serum and synovial tissue was higher in the BSHXD treated groups than in the model group P <0.01); the effect of BSHXD was dose-dependent to some extent. CONCLUSION: The modified BSHXD shows an effect of improving cartilage metabolism in experimental rabbits with OA, and possesses osteo-chondric protective effects in antagonizing peroxidation injury.

[Biochemical indices of connective tissue metabolism in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C].

37 patients with chronic hepatitis B and C were examined. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the degree of connective tissue dysplasia. We investigated: free and protein-bounded hydroxyproline, collagenase activity, total alkaline phosphatase and its bone fraction, creatinine, calcium and phosphorus content in the blood serum and urine. It has been found the dependence of collagen synthesis from the state of connective tissue. The higher is the degree of dysplasia, the more intensive is the process of collagen synthesis (P < 0.05). The index of corellation between protein-bounded and free fraction can be used as a biochemical marker for determination the stage of pathological process in the liver and for monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.

[Plasma metabonomics study of ischemic cerebral apoplexy rats treated with Tongsaimai pellets].

OBJECTIVE: To observe abnormal metabolic changes caused by ischemic cerebral apoplexy and the regulating action of Tongsaimai pellets on abnormal metabolism by analyzing the change of small molecules in plasma of ischemic cerebral apoplexy rat. To find the potential biomarkers, and to explore metabolic mechanisms of Tongsaimai pellets. METHOD: Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion was established with electric coagulation, and rats were divided into 4 groups, model group, sham-operation group, Tongsaimai pellets group and positive control group. Tongsaimai pellets and positive control group were orally administrated by 13.2 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) of crude drugs and 32 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) of Nimodipine respectively, m odel and sham-operation group by equal volume of distilled water for a week. Plasma of model and sham-operation group were collected, and plasma of Tongsaimai pellets and positive control group were collected on the 1st, 3rd , 7th day after administration. Endogenous metabolites of four groups were determined with GC-MS. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to analyze multivariate data and set up model, and T-test was used in significant statistical analysis. RESULT: Compared with sham-operation group rats, pyruvic acid, taurine and hydroxyproline obviously increased in model group rats, while lactic acid, glyceric acid, aminomalonic acid, fructose, tryptophan and leucine significantly decreased, so these metabolites were potential metabolic biomarkers. These endogenous metabolites except taurine got restoration in Tongsaimai group rats. CONCLUSION: Abnormal metabolite level in plasma can be certainly recovered by Tongsaimai pellets, and the treatment of Tongsaimai pellets can be connected with the regulation of related metabolic pathways.

Effect of Cissus quadrangularis Linn on the development of osteopenia induced by ovariectomy in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to see the efficacy of petroleum ether extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) on development of osteopenia in ovariectomy induced Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The female Wistar rats were ovariectomized or Sham operated. The rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (40 mg/ kg b.w, i.p.), the ovaries were removed bilaterally. Sham-operation was performed in the same manner but only exposing the ovaries (sham operated (SHAM) group). A day later, the ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each. The groups are 1. Sham operated (SHAM), 2. Ovariectomized (OVX), 3. Ovariectomized and treated with 25 mg/kg b.w of raloxifene (OVX+RAL), 4. Ovariectomized and treated with 500 mg/kg b.w of petroleum ether extract of CQ (OVX+CQ). The treatment continued for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, rats in all groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Before sacrifice, blood was collected for the estimation of serum ALP, TRAP, Calcium and hydroxyproline; where as the left femur was used for histomorphometrical analysis. RESULTS: The findings assessed on the basis of animal weight, morphology of femur, histomorphometry and biochemical analysis. As compared to SHAM group, OVX group animals showed a significant rise in serum ALP, TRAP and hydroxyproline levels at the end of 1 month following ovariectomy while no significant change was seen in the serum calcium levels. ALP and TRAP levels of OVX + RAL and OVX + CQ groups showed a further increase following administration of raloxifene and Cissus quadrangularis. The serum hydroxyproline content was found to be increased in the OVX + CQ compared to SHAM group. CQ significantly increased the thickness of both cortical (p <0.001) and trabecular bone (p <0.001).This action of CQ is comparable to action of Raloxifene. )These data suggest a strong anti-osteoporotic activity of CQ. CONCLUSION: The results confirm, at least in part, for the use of Cissus quadrangularis in folk medicine to treat osteoporosis.

Effect of Tridax procumbens (Linn.) on bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

The present study was undertaken to clarify whether methanolic extract of Tridax procumbens prevents liver fibrosis in rat. The hepatic fibrosis was induced by 28 days of bile duct ligation in rats. The 4-week treatment with Tridex procumbens reduced the serum aspartate aminotransferase (U L⁻¹), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (U L⁻¹), alkaline phosphatase (IU L⁻¹), lactate dehydrogenase (IU L⁻¹), total bilirubin (mg dL⁻¹), direct bilirubin (mg dL⁻¹) and hydroxyproline (mg gm⁻¹) content in liver and improved the histological appearance of liver section. The results of this study led us to conclude that T. procumbens can reduce the degree of hepatocellular damage and may become antifibrotic agent for liver fibrosis.

Protective effects of Phyllanthus amarus on fibrotic markers during alcohol and polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced toxicity.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains a major problem, with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. One of the serious consequences of ALD is hepatic fibrosis. This happens when the matrix synthesis rate exceeds that of matrix degradation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) play a key role in matrix remodeling. Disruption of MMP/TIMP balance can lead to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components resulting in severe liver injury. The focus of the present study is to analyze the effect of Phyllanthus amarus on MMP and TIMPs activity in alcohol and thermally oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Male albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The matrix metalloproteinase expression was found to be significantly decreased and the levels of TIMPs and the collagen were significantly increased in alcohol + thermally oxidized PUFA-treated rats. Administration of Phyllanthus amarus extract significantly decreased the levels of collagen and TIMPs; and positively modulated the expression of MMPs. From this study, we conclude that Phyllanthus amarus effectively modifies alcohol + thermally oxidized PUFA-induced fibrosis.

Experimental evidence for the protective effects of coffee against liver fibrosis in SD rats.

BACKGROUND: Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. Accumulating clinical evidence has shown an inverse relationship between coffee and liver cirrhosis. We investigated the protective effect of coffee against liver fibrosis and underlying molecular mechanisms using a dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis model. RESULTS: Coffee administration significantly prevented the deterioration of body weight, organ weight, and serum biochemistry by DMN treatment. Histopathological examination revealed that necrosis/inflammation and fibrotic septa decreased significantly in coffee-treated rats compared to those treated with DMN and water. Coffee administration also significantly inhibited the accumulation of hydroxyproline (P < 0.001) and the production of malondialdehyde (P < 0.05), as well as stellate cell activation caused by DMN injection. Coffee protected the depletion of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in liver tissue. In addition, coffee treatment inhibited the gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-beta in liver tissues, and lowered the concentration of TGF-beta and PDGF-beta in liver. Coffee inhibited NO production by macrophages. CONCLUSION: Coffee exerts protective effects against liver fibrosis via antioxidant action and the suppression of fibrogenic cytokines, TGF-beta and PDGF-beta.

Effect of antler extract on corticosteroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Deer antler, traditionally used as a tonic and valuable drug in oriental medicine, has been considered to possess bone-strengthening activity and effectively used in bone diseases therapy. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed to investigate therapeutic effect of antler extract on avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) induced by corticosteroids in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were intragluteally injected with dexamethasone at 50mg/kg twice per week for 6 weeks to induce ANFH. Then the rats were treated with antler extract by oral gavage at 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800 mg/kg once per day for 60 days. The concentration of hydroxyproline and hexosamine in serum was measured and the ultrastructure of femoral head was examined. In vitro, effect of the drug-containing serum of antler extract on proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts were investigated by MIT assay, ALP activity assay and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS: After treatment with antler extract, the degree of necrosis induced by dexamethasone was significantly reduced, hydroxyproline was significantly decreased, and hexosamine and the ratio of hexosamine/hydroxyproline were significantly increased. The drug-containing serum of antler extract promotes osteoblastic proliferation through regulation of cell cycle progression. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that antler extract has a positive curative effect on ANFH by promoting osteoblastic proliferation.

Inhibitory effects of citrus extracts on the experimental pulmonary fibrosis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: A Chinese herbal formula, Hu-qi-yin possessed an anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect. Pericarp of Citrus reticulata, one of the herbal drugs contained in this formula showed the most potent inhibitory activity on the proliferation of human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF). The present study was designed to clarify the active principles responsible for the activity and further explore the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The water, 75% ethanol and flavonoids-enriched extracts of Citrus reticulata were prepared and screened for their anti-proliferation activity using HELF culture system. The ethanol extract was further administered orally at doses of 100 and 200 mg/(kg day) to bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis rats. The analyses of the rat body weight, hydroxyproline levels in serum and lung, scores of alveolitis and fibrosis, as well as the expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) at the protein and the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in lung were performed. RESULTS: The ethanol extract showed the strongest inhibitory activity on HELF proliferation. Further research using BLM-induced rat model revealed that the ethanol extract at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/(kg day) caused a marked increase of body weight at first 7 days, significantly lowered the hydroxyproline levels in lung, greatly improved the pathologic scores, as well as inhibited the overexpressions of TGF-beta(1) protein and mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the ethanol extract of Citrus reticulata has anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects and might have a great potential for the treatment of fibrosis of lung.