Advances in common in vitro cellular models of pulmonary fibrosis.

The development of in vitro models is essential for a comprehensive understanding and investigation of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) at both cellular and molecular levels. This study presents a literature review and an analysis of various cellular models used in scientific studies, specifically focusing on their applications in elucidating the pathogenesis of PF. Our study highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to studing PF, emphasizing the necessity of considering multiple cell types and organs and integrating diverse analytical perspectives. Notably, primary cells demonstrate remarkable cell growth characteristics and gene expression profiles; however, their limited availability, maintenance challenges, inability for continuous propagation and susceptibility to phenotypic changes over time significantly limit their utility in scientific investigation. By contrast, immortalized cell lines are easily accessible, cultured and continuously propagated, although they may have some phenotypic differences from primary cells. Furthermore, in vitro coculture models offer a more practical and precise method to explore complex interactions among cells, tissues and organs. Consequently, when developing models of PF, researchers should thoroughly assess the advantages, limitations and relevant mechanisms of different cell models to ensure their selection is consistent with the research objectives.

Astragaloside IV inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease involving multiple factors and genes. Astragaloside IV (ASV) is one of the main bioactive ingredients extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and improve cardiopulmonary function. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of the process of pulmonary fibrosis, and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) can promote pulmonary fibrosis in an EMT-dependent manner. Here, we found that ASV effectively inhibited the ZEB1 and EMT in both bleomycin (BLM)-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis and TGF-ß1-treated A549 cells. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying effects of ASV in IPF, we explored the truth using bioinformatics, plasmid construction, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and other experiments. Dual luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics proved that miR-200c not only acts as an upstream regulatory miRNA of ZEB1 but also has binding sites for the lncRNA-ATB. In A549 cell-based EMT models, ASV reduced the expression of lncRNA-ATB and upregulated miR-200c. Furthermore, overexpression of lncRNA-ATB and silencing of miR-200c reversed the down-regulation of ZEB1 and the inhibition of EMT processes by ASV. In addition, the intervention of ASV prevented lncRNA-ATB as a ceRNA from regulating the expression of ZEB1 through sponging miR-200c. Taken together, the results showed that ASV inhibited the EMT process through the lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway, which provides a novel approach to the treatment of IPF.

[Retracted] Astragaloside IV inhibits oxidized low­density lipoprotein­induced endothelial damage via upregulation of miR­140­3p.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that the ß­actin control western blotting data featured in Fig. 3E were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in another article by different authors. Upon asking the authors to explain this phenomenon, they were unable to provide the raw data for this experiment. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere prior to its submission to International Journal of Molecular Medicine, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 44: 847­856, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4257].

[Retracted] Exosome­mediated transfer of lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 promotes erlotinib resistance in non­small cell lung cancer.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that various panels showing the cellular data in Fig. 1B, the western blotting data shown in Figs. 2B and 3C, the TEM scanning data shown in Fig. 4B, the ChIP assay data in Fig. 2F and the flow cytometric assay data in Fig. 3D were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors from different research institutions. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published, or were already under consideration for publication elsewhere, prior to its submission to International Journal of Oncology, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors independently contacted the Editorial Office to request the retraction of this paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Oncology 53: 527­538, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4412].

Identification and Validation of Potential Biomarkers and Pathways for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, irreversible, high-mortality lung disease, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. Our purpose was to explore potential genes and molecular mechanisms underlying IPF. METHODS: IPF-related data were obtained from the GSE99621 dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between IPF and controls. Their biological functions were analyzed. The relationships between DEGs and microRNAs (miRNAs) were predicted. DEGs and pathways were validated in a microarray dataset. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on these common DEGs. Western blot was used to validate hub genes in IPF cell models by western blot. RESULTS: DEGs were identified for IPF than controls in the RNA-seq dataset. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in immune and inflammatory response, chemokine-mediated signaling pathway, cell adhesion, and other biological processes. In the miRNA-target network based on RNA-seq dataset, we found several miRNA targets among all DEGs, like RAB11FIP1, TGFBR3, and SPP1. We identified 304 upregulated genes and 282 downregulated genes in IPF compared to controls both in the microarray and RNA-seq datasets. These common DEGs were mainly involved in cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, oxidation-reduction process, and lung vasculature development. In the PPI network, 3 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes could be considered hub genes, which were confirmed in the IPF cell models. CONCLUSION: Our study identified several IPF-related DEGs that could become potential biomarkers for IPF. Large-scale multicentric studies are eagerly needed to confirm the utility of these biomarkers.

Metastasis-associated protein 1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by up-regulating Snail expression.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and usually fatal lung disease that lacking effective interventions. It is well known that aberrant activation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1) frequently promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in IPF. Metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) has identified as an oncogene in several human tumours, and aberrant MTA1 expression has been related to the EMT regulation. However, its expression and function in IPF remain largely unexplored. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies, we found that MTA1 was significantly up-regulated in bleomycin-induced fibrosis rats and TGF-ß1-treated alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial (RLE-6TN) cells. Overexpression of MTA1 induced EMT of RLE-6TN cells, as well as facilitates cell proliferation and migration. In contrast, knockdown of MTA1 reversed TGF-ß1-induced EMT of RLE-6TN cells. The pro-fibrotic action of MTA1 was mediated by increasing Snail expression through up-regulating Snail promoter activity. Moreover, inhibition of MTA1 effectively attenuated bleomycin-induced fibrosis in rats. Additionally, we preliminarily found astragaloside IV (ASV), which was previously validated having inhibitory effects on TGF-ß1-induced EMT, could inhibit MTA1 expression in TGF-ß1-treated RLE-6TN cells. These findings highlight the role of MTA1 in TGF-ß1-mediated EMT that offer novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of IPF.

Sirt1 antisense long non-coding RNA attenuates pulmonary fibrosis through sirt1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Long noncoding RNAs sirt1 antisense (sirt1 AS) was reported to play crucial roles in the progression of organ fibrosis. However, the roles of sirt1 AS in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are still unknown. In addition, we have previously demonstrated that astragaloside IV (ASV), a bioactive saponin extract of the Astragalus root, significantly alleviates IPF by inhibiting transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further investigations into the influence of ASV on lncRNAs expression will be helpful to delineate the complex regulatory networks underlying the biological function of ASV. Here, we found sirt1 AS expression was significantly decreased in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. We further found that sirt1 AS effectively inhibited TGF-ß1-meidated EMT in vitro and alleviated the progression of IPF in vivo. Mechanistically, sirt1 AS was validate to enhance the stability of sirt1 and increased sirt1 expression, thereby to inhibit EMT in IPF. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ASV treatment increased sirt1 AS expression and silencing of sirt1 AS impaired anti-fibrosis effects of ASV on IPF. Collectively, sirt1 AS was critical for ASV-mediated inhibition of IPF progression and targeting of sirt1 AS by ASV could be a potential therapeutic approach for IPF.

Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Pulmonary Fibrosis via a DANCR/AUF-1/FOXO3 Regulatory Axis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by the accumulation of lung fibroblasts and extracellular matrix deposition. Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), the major bioactive component that can extracted from roots of angelica, plays functional roles in immunomodulation, anti-tumor activity, and hematopoiesis. Emerging evidence has suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in pathophysiological processes in various diseases. However, the roles of lncRNAs and ASP in IPF remain poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ASP in IPF, as well as their functional interactions with lncRNA DANCR (differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA). IPF models were established by treating Sprague-Dawley rats with BLM and treating alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial (RLE-6TN) cells with TGF-ß1. Our results showed that ASP treatment suppressed pulmonary fibrosis in rats and fibrogenesis in RLE-6TN cells. The lncRNA DANCR is downregulated after ASP treatment in both rat lung tissues and RLE-6TN cells, and DANCR overexpression dramatically reversed the suppressive effects of ASP in IPF. Mechanistically, DANCR directly binds with AUF1 (AU-binding factor 1), thereby upregulating FOXO3 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, overexpression of AUF1 or FOXO3 reversed the functional effects induced by ASP treatment. In conclusion, our findings showed that DANCR mediates ASP-induced suppression of IPF via upregulation of FOXO3 protein levels in an AUF1-dependent manner. Therefore, DANCR could serve as a promising therapeutic target in IPF treatment with ASP.

Correction to: Gingerol inhibits cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis in rats and minks by regulating the central and peripheral 5-HT, SP, and DA systems.

In the original publication of the article, Figures 2, 3, 5, 11 and 13 were published incorrectly. The corrections version of figures are given below.

Gingerol inhibits cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis in rats and minks by regulating the central and peripheral 5-HT, SP, and DA systems.

Gingerol, a biologically active component in ginger, has shown antiemetic properties. Our study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of gingerol on protecting rats and minks from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The preventive impact of gingerol was evaluated in the pica model of rats and the vomiting model of minks induced by cisplatin at every 6 h continuously for a duration of 72 h. Animals were arbitrarily separated into blank control group, simple gingerol control group, cisplatin control group, cisplatin + metoclopramide group, cisplatin + three different doses gingerol group (low-dose; middle-dose; high-dose). The area postrema as well as ileum damage were assessed using H&E stain. The levels of 5-TH, 5-HT3 receptor, TPH, SERT, SP, NK1 receptor, PPT, NEP, DA, D2R, TH, and DAT were determined using immunohistochemistry or qRT-PCR in rats and minks. All indicators were measured in the area postrema along with ileum. The kaolin intake by rats and the incidence of CINV of minks were significantly decreased after pretreatment with gingerol in a dosage-dependent way for the duration of 0-24-h and 24-72-h. Gingerol markedly decreased the levels of 5-TH, 5-HT3 receptor, TPH, SP, NK1 receptor, PPT, DA, D2R, TH, alleviated area postrema as well as ileum damage, and increased the accumulation of SERT, NEP, DAT in the area postrema along with ileum of rats and minks. Gingerol alleviates cisplatin-induced kaolin intake of rats and emesis of minks possibly by regulating central and peripheral 5-HT system, SP system and DA system.

Astragaloside IV protects endothelial progenitor cells from the damage of ox-LDL via the LOX-1/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Purpose: Functional impairment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is frequently observed in patients with diabetic vascular complications. Astragaloside IV (ASV) has a significant protective effect against vascular endothelial dysfunction. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of ASV on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced EPCs dysfunction and its potential mechanisms. Methods: EPCs were isolated from the peripheral blood of mice and treated with different concentration of ASV (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 200 µM). ox-LDL was served as a stimulus for cell model. The proliferation and migration, and improved tube formation ability of EPCs were determined. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured. The expression oflectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1) andNod-like receptor nucleotide-binding domain leucine rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were detected by Western blot analysis. Results: We found ASV treatment alleviated ox-LDL-induced cellular dysfunction, as evidenced by promoted proliferation and migration, and improved tube formation ability. Besides, ASV treatment significantly suppressed ox-LDL-induced ROS production and the levels of inflammatory cytokines. ASV inhibited ox-LDL-induced expression of LOX-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Overexpression of LOX-1 in EPCs triggered NLRP3inflammasome activation, while inhibition of LOX-1 or treatment with ASV suppressed ox-LDL-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, overexpression of LOX-1 in ox-LDL-induced EPCs furtherly impaired cellular function, which could be ameliorated by ASV treatment. Conclusion: Our study showed that ASV may protect EPCs against ox-LDL-induced dysfunction via LOX-1/NLRP3 pathway.

Astragaloside IV inhibits oxidized low­density lipoprotein­induced endothelial damage via upregulation of miR­140­3p.

Oxidized low­density lipoprotein (ox­LDL)­mediated endothelial cell injury has an important role in the vascular complications of type 2 diabetes. Astragaloside IV (ASV) is an active component of Radix Astragali, which has been demonstrated to exert protective effects against endothelial damage. The present study explored whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in mediating the protective effects of ASV on ox­LDL­induced damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RNA sequencing and reverse transcription­quantitative PCR analyses revealed that ox­LDL treatment significantly downregulated miR­140­3p expression in HUVECs. miR­140­3p overexpression promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in ox­LDL­induced HUVECs. However, inhibition of miR­140­3p expression could reverse the effects of ASV on ox­LDL­induced HUVECs and reactivate ASV­inhibited PI3K/Akt signaling in ox­LDL­induced HUVECs. In addition, Krüppel­like factor 4 (KLF4) was identified as a target of miR­140­3p in ox­LDL­treated HUVECs. Subsequent experiments revealed that KLF4 overexpression partially counteracted the protective effects of miR­140­3p or ASV treatment in ox­LDL­induced HUVECs. Taken together, the current findings demonstrated that the protective effects of ASV on HUVECs were dependent on miR­140­3p upregulation and subsequent inhibition of KLF4 expression, which in turn suppressed the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The present results shed light to the molecular mechanism by which ASV alleviated ox­LDL­induced endothelial cell damage.

lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 promotes pulmonary fibrosis through ZEB1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition by competitively binding miR-141-3p.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in various pathophysiological processes in many diseases. However, the role and mechanism of lncRNAs in pulmonary fibrosis have not been explicitly delineated. In the present study, we found that lncRNA ZEB1 antisense RNA 1 (ZEB1-AS1) is upregulated in the lungs of BLM-induced rats and TGF-ß1-induced RLE-6TN cells, and positively correlated with the levels of ZEB1, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) master regulator. Knockdown of ZEB1-AS1 alleviated BLM-induced fibrogenesis, in vivo, via inhibiting EMT progress. Mechanistically, we identified that ZEB1-AS1 promoted fibrogenesis in RLE-6TN cells and ZEB1-AS1 silencing inhibited TGF-ß1-induced fibrogenesis through modulation of miR-141-3p. Further experiments revealed that ZEB1-AS1 acted as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-141-3p: forced expression of ZEB1-AS1 reduced the expression of miR-141-3p to activate Zinc-finger Ebox Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in RLE-6TN cells. In addition, we found that upregulation of miR-141-3p prevented fibrogenesis by targeting ZEB1. Therefore, our finding suggested lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 as a new profibrotic molecule that acts as a regulator of miR-141-3p/ZEB1 axis during lung fibrosis and demonstrated ZEB1-AS1 as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Astragaloside IV modulates TGF-ß1-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Astragaloside IV (ASV), a natural saponin from astragalus membranaceus, has shown anti-fibrotic property in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The current study was undertaken to determine whether EMT was involved in the beneficial of ASV against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and to elucidate its potential mechanism. As expected, in BLM-induced IPF, ASV exerted protective effects on pulmonary fibrosis and ASV significantly reversed BLM-induced EMT. Intriguing, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) was found to be up-regulated, whereas Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) was hyperphosphorylated and less expressed. However, ASV treatment inhibited increased TGF-ß1 and activated FOXO3a in lung tissues. TGF-ß1 was administered to alveolar epithelial cells A549 to induce EMT in vitro. Meanwhile, stimulation with TGF-ß1-activated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and induced FOXO3a hyperphosphorylated and down-regulated. It was found that overexpression of FOXO3a leading to the suppression of TGF-ß1-induced EMT. Moreover, ASV treatment, similar with the TGF-ß1 or PI3K/Akt inhibitor, reverted these cellular changes and inhibited EMT in A549 cells. Collectively, the results suggested that ASV significantly inhibited TGF-ß1/PI3K/Akt-induced FOXO3a hyperphosphorylation and down-regulation to reverse EMT during the progression of fibrosis.

Exosome-mediated transfer of lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 promotes erlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.

Currently, resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as erlotinib, has become a major obstacle for improving the clinical outcome of patients with metastatic and advanced­stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While cell behavior can be modulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), the roles of lncRNAs within extracellular vesicles (exosomes) are largely unknown. To this end, in this study, the involvement and regulatory functions of potential lncRNAs wrapped by exosomes during the development of chemoresistance in human NSCLC were investigated. Erlotinib-resistant cell lines were established by grafting HCC827 and HCC4006 cells into mice and which were treated with erlotinib. After one treatment course, xenografted NSCLC cells were isolated and transplanted into nude mice again followed by erlotinib treatment. This process was repeated until 4th generation xenografts were isolated and confirmed to be erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cells. lncRNA microarray assays followed by RT­qPCR were then performed which identified that lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 was upregulated in erlotinib-resistant cells when compared to normal NSCLC cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) could bind to the promoter region of lncRNA RP11­838N2.4, resulting in its silencing through the recruitment of histone deacetylase. Functional experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 potently promoted erlotinib-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, extracellular lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 could be incorporated into exosomes and transmitted to sensitive cells, thus disseminating erlotinib resistance. Treatment-sensitive cells with exosomes containing lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 induced erlotinib resistance, while the knockdown of lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 abrogated this effect. In addition, the serum expression levels of exosomal lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 were upregulated in patients exhibiting resistance to erlotinib treatment. On the whole, exosomal lncRNA RP11­838N2.4 may serve as a therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC.

Establishment of a Novel In Situ Rat Model for Direct Measuring of Intestinal Drug Absorption: Confirmation of Inhibitory Effects of Daijokito on the Absorption of Ranitidine.

BACKGROUND: Daijokito (DJKT), a classical traditional Kampo and Chinese medicine, has been used to treat acute pancreatitis in China. In our previous study, DJKT was found to reduce the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of ranitidine in humans. Therefore, we established a novel rat model to examine the direct absorption of ranitidine after daijokito administration. METHODS: An in situ intestinal injection with portal vein sampling (IIPS) model was created to determine the rate of intestinal drug absorption. Rats were divided into two groups: the ranitidine group (R, n = 6) or the ranitidine and daijokito group (RD, n = 6). Blood was collected after intestinal injection of drugs. After the experiment, the concentrations of ranitidine were measured by LC/MS/MS analysis. RESULTS: The concentrations of ranitidine increased linearly with time in both groups. Compared with the R group, the concentrations of ranitidine in RD group significantly decreased throughout the experiment. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of ranitidine with DJKT resulted in significant decreases in intestinal absorption in rats. The reduction of the systemic ranitidine concentration by co-administration of DJKT may be due, at least in part, to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of ranitidine.

[Characteristics of Water Extractable Organic Nitrogen from Erhai Lake Sediment and Its Differences with Other Sources].

The 47 samples from Erhai Lake surface sediments were collected in different seasons. The distribution and structure characteristics of sediment water extractable organic nitrogen(WEON) were investigated by using the combined techniques of UV-Vis absorption and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix spectra(3DEEMs). The differences in DON of various sources(overlying water, pore water, inflow Rivers and wet deposition) were explored to analyze its effects on sediment. The results showed that:1the temporal distribution followed the pattern of summer > spring > autumn > winter, with the spatial WEON distribution of northern > southern > central. 2 The humic degree of Erhai sediment WEON was relatively high and mostly composed of fulvic acid, which mainly contained UV-like humic-like fluorescence peak A and high-excited tryptophan fluorescence peak B. This indicated that it was mainly affected by terrestrial input and microbial activity. 3 There were two fluorescent components(C1, C2) in the sediments and other sources of Erhai Lake. The component C1 was the endogenous visible ultraviolet peak formed by biodegradation, while the component C2 was the tryptophan peak. The bioavailability of wet deposition samples was comparatively high, greatly impacting Erhai Lake in heavy rainfall. The DON bioavailability in the inflow river was the lowest, which was prone to be accumulated in sediments. 4The DON component C1 and C2 in overlying water had significant negative correlation with Erhai sediment WEON contents(r=-0.79, P<0.01;r=-0.944, P<0.01). This suggested that the overlying water DON components could indirectly reflect the sediment WEON content of Erhai Lake, namely the higher the fluorescence components C1 and C2 in overlying water DON were, the lower the sediment WEON content was.

Effect of Gingerol on Cisplatin-Induced Pica Analogous to Emesis Via Modulating Expressions of Dopamine 2 Receptor, Dopamine Transporter and Tyrosine Hydroxylase in the Vomiting Model of Rats.

BACKGROUND: Gingerol, the generic term for pungent constituents in ginger, has been used for treating vomiting in China. We are going to investigate the mechanisms of inhibitive effect of gingerol on cisplatin-induced pica behaviour by studying on both peripheral and central levels, and the effects of gingerol on homeostasis of dopamine (DA) transmission: dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). METHODS: The antiemetic effect of gingerol was investigated on a vomiting model in rats induced by cisplatin 3 mg·kg(-1) intraperitoneal injection (i.p.). Rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (C), simple gingerol control group (CG), cisplatin control group (V), cisplatin + metoclopramide group (M), cisplatin + low-dose gingerol group (GL), cisplatin + middle-dose gingerol group (GM) and cisplatin + high-dose gingerol group (GH). In observation period, rats in Groups C and V were pretreated with sterile saline 3 mL i.g.; rats in Group CG were pretreated with gingerol 40 mg·kg(-1) i.g.; rats in Group M were pretreated with metoclopramide 2.5 mg·kg(-1) i.g.; rats in Groups GL, GM and GH were pretreated with gingerol 10, 20 and 40 mg·kg(-1) i.g. for 3 days, respectively. Cisplatin (3 mg·kg(-1), i.p.) was administered one time after each treatment with the antiemetic agent or its vehicle except the Groups C and CG. The distribution of D2R, DAT and TH in the area postrema and ileum were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitated based on the image analysis, and the expression of DAT and TH in the area postrema and ileum were measured by RT-PCR. The weights of kaolin eaten of the remaining rats were observed in every 6 h continuously for 72 h. RESULTS: The weight of kaolin eaten in rats induced by cisplatin was significantly reduced by pretreatment with gingerol in a dose-dependent manner during the 0-24 h and 24-72 h periods (P < 0.05). Gingerol markedly improved gastric emptying induced by cisplatin in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), and exhibited effective dose-dependent inhibition on the increase of expression levels of D2R and TH and the decrease of expression levels of DAT in both the ileum and area postrema (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gingerol is effective on cisplatin-induced emesis in rats possibly by inhibiting central or peripheral increase of DA by inhibiting D2R, TH and accelerating DAT.

Pharmacokinetic Interaction Study of Ranitidine and Daijokito in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Ranitidine is a histamine 2 receptor antagonist, and daijokito is a Kampo (Chinese herbal medicine as practiced in Japan) formula, which is traditionally used for treating constipation and digestive trouble. Previous study demonstrated that daijokito significantly affected the pharmacokinetics of ranitidine in rats; however, the doses of ranitidine and daijokito in that study were higher than in clinical practice. Therefore, we examined the pharmacokinetic interaction between ranitidine and daijokito in clinical practice doses in healthy volunteers. METHODS: This was a randomized, open label, two-period crossover study in healthy volunteers (n = 7). Volunteers received administrations of either a single dose of ranitidine 300 mg, or ranitidine 300 mg in combination with daijokito extract granules 2.5 g. Plasma concentrations of ranitidine were measured over 12 h by LC/MS/MS method. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of ranitidine were lower with co-administration of daijokito compared with ranitidine alone. Co-administration of daijokito significantly decreased ranitidine area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0-12) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) with geometric mean (GM) ratio [90% confidence interval (CI)] for AUC0-12 of 0.609 (0.449, 0.826) and Cmax of 0.515 (0.345, 0.771). CONCLUSION: Co-administration of ranitidine with daijokito resulted in a significant decrease in plasma level of ranitidine in healthy volunteers.

Effect of Daisaikoto on Expressions of SIRT1 and NF-kappaB of Diabetic Fatty Liver Rats Induced by High-Fat Diet and Streptozotocin.

BACKGROUND: Daisaikoto (DSKT), a classical traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been used for treating digestive diseases for 1800 years in China. Therefore, in this study, we are going to investigate the effect of DSKT on diabetic fatty liver rats induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ), and the effects of DSKT on silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). METHODS: Diabetic fatty liver rat model was selected to establish a high-fat diet and STZ. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 10): control group, high-fat diet + STZ group, simvastatin treatment group, DSKT low dose, medial dose and high dose treatment groups. After 8 weeks of drug intervention, body and liver weights, blood chemistry, blood glucose and insulin were examined. The expressions of sirtuin 1 and NF-kappaB in the liver were observed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: A high-fat diet increased body, liver weights, and serum cholesterol concentrations. Intraperitoneal injection of STZ increased blood glucose and decreased body weights. DSKT improved them. Homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were increased in the high-fat diet groups. DSKT improved them too. In histological examinations of the liver, we observed a significant improvement after treatment. Immunostaining expression of NF-kappaB in the liver was improved by DSKT and simvastatin. The mRNA expressions of SIRT1 in the liver were increased by DSKT and simvastatin. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that DSKT is capable of reversing dyslipidemia and insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet and STZ. High dose DSKT reveals a stronger effect than simvastatin on the expressions of SIRT1 and NF-kappaB. Furthermore, DSKT has shown a strong dose-depended protective effect on diabetic fatty liver.