New insights into the oscillations of the nucleon electromagnetic form factors.

The electromagnetic form factors of the proton and the neutron in the timelike region are investigated. Electron-positron annihilation into antinucleon-nucleon (N¯N) pairs is treated in distorted wave Born approximation, including the final-state interaction in the N¯N system. The latter is obtained by a Lippmann-Schwinger equation for N¯N potentials derived within SU(3) chiral effective field theory. By fitting to the phase shifts and (differential) cross section data, a high quality description is achieved. With these amplitudes, the oscillations of the electromagnetic form factors of the proton and the neutron are studied. It is found that each of them can be described by two fractional oscillators. One is characterized as "overdamped" and dominates near the threshold, while the other is "underdamped" and plays an important role in the high-energy region. These two oscillators are essential to understand the distributions of polarized electric charges induced by hard photons for the nucleons.

Hepatic protective effects of Shenling Baizhu powder, a herbal compound, against inflammatory damage via TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: High-fat diet (HFD) and inflammation are two key contributors to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Shenling Baizhu powder (SLBZP), a classical herbal compound, has been successfully used to alleviate NAFLD. However, its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the anti-NAFLD effect of SLBZP in vivo. METHODS: Rats were fed an HFD with or without SLBZP or with probiotics. At the end of week 16, an echo magnetic resonance imaging (EchoMRI) body composition analyser was used to quantitatively analyse body composition; a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging system was used to evaluate whole body and liver fat; and the Moor full-field laser perfusion imager 2 was used to assess liver microcirculation, after which, all rats were sacrificed. Then, biochemical indicators in the blood and the ultrastructure of rat livers were evaluated. Protein expression related to the liver Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway was assessed using Western blot analysis. Further, high-throughput screening of 29 related inflammatory factors in liver tissue was performed using a cytokine array. RESULTS: SLBZP supplementation reduced body weight, serum free fatty acid, and insulin resistance index (P < 0.05). It also ameliorated liver microcirculation and ultrastructural abnormalities. EchoMRI and micro-CT quantitative analyses showed that treatment with SLBZP reduced fat mass and visceral fat (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, SLBZP decreased the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway-related proteins and altered the expression levels of some inflammatory cytokines in liver tissues. CONCLUSION: SLBZP can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and interleukin-1ß release by suppressing LPS-induced TLR4 expression in rats with HFD-induced NAFLD. Thus, SLBZP may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory damage and associated diseases.

Berberine Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats via Activation of SIRT3/AMPK/ACC Pathway.

This study aimed to verify the effects of berberine (BBR) on the fat metabolism proteins involved in the sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)/adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) pathway in the liver tissues of rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into the normal control (NC) group, HFD group or BBR group, with 16 rats in each group. After 8 and 16 weeks of treatment, serum and liver samples were collected. Subsequently, body parameters, biochemical parameters and liver pathology were examined. The expression levels of proteins involved in the SIRT3/AMPK/ACC pathway in the liver were detected by Western blotting. After 8 and 16 weeks of a HFD, the successful establishment of rat models with different degrees of NAFLD was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil Red O staining. NAFLD rat models exhibited obesity and hyperlipidemia, and the protein expression levels of SIRT3, p-AMPK, p-ACC, and CPT-1A in the liver were significantly decreased compared to those in the NC group. The concurrent administration of BBR with the HFD effectively improved serum and liver lipid profiles and ameliorated liver injury. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of SIRT3, p-AMPK, p-ACC, and CPT-1A in the liver were significantly increased in the BBR group as compared with those in the HFD group. In conclusion, our data suggest that the mechanism by which BBR ameliorates HFD-induced hepatic steatosis may be related to the activation of the SIRT3/AMPK/ACC pathway in the liver.

Effect of Soothing Gan (Liver) and Invigorating Pi (Spleen) Recipes on TLR4-p38 MAPK Pathway in Kupffer Cells of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of inflflammatory-mediated toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway in Kupffer cells (KCs) of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats and the intervention effect of soothing Gan (Liver) and invigorating Pi (Spleen) recipes on this pathway. METHODS: After 1 week of acclimatization, 120 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups using a random number table (n=15 per group): normal group, model group, low-dose Chaihu Shugan Powder (, CHSG) group (3.2 g/kg), high-dose CHSG group (9.6 g/kg), low-dose Shenling Baizhu Powder (, SLBZ) group (10 g/kg), high-dose SLBZ (30 g/kg) group, and low- and highdose integrated recipe (L-IR, H-IR) groups. All rats in the model and treatment groups were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). The treatments were administrated by gastrogavage once daily and lasted for 26 weeks. The liver tissues were detected with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. Levels of liver lipids, serum lipids and transaminases were measured. KCs were isolated from the livers of rats to evaluate the mRNA expressions of TLR4 and p38 MAPK by real-time flfluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and proteins expressions of TLR4, p-p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK by Western blot. Levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 in KCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: After 26 weeks of HFD feeding, HE and oil red O staining showed that the NASH model rats successfully reproduced typical pathogenesis and histopathological features. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant increases in body weight, liver weight, liver index, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase as well as TC and TG levels in liver tissues, and significant decrease in serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Plt;0.05 or Plt;0.01), while those indices were significantly ameliorated in the H-IR group (Plt;0.05 or Plt;0.01). Higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 in KCs were observed in the model group compared with the normal group (Plt;0.01). Significant decreases in TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were observed in the H-SLBZ, H-IR and L-IR groups compared with the model group (Plt;0.05 or Plt;0.01). The mRNA expressions of TLR4 and p38 MAPK and protein expressions of TLR4, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK in KCs in the model group were significantly higher than the normal group (Plt;0.01), while those expression levels in the L-IR and H-IR groups were significantly lower than the model group (Plt;0.05 or Plt;0.01). CONCLUSION: Inflflammation in KCs might play an important role in the pathogenesis of NASH in rats. The data demonstrated the importance of TLR4-p38MAPK signaling pathway in KCs for the anti-inflflammatory effect of soothing Gan and invigorating Pi recipes.

Ginsenosides from stems and leaves of ginseng prevent ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in human L02 hepatocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ginsenosides from stems and leaves of ginseng on ethanol-induced lipid deposition in human L02 hepatocytes. METHODS: L02 cells were exposed to ethanol for 36 h and treated with or without ginsenosides. The viability of L02 cells was evaluated by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay and the triglyceride (TG) content was detected. Lipid droplets were determined by oil red O staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the mitochondrial membrane potential were tested by flow cytometry. The ATP level was measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The expression of cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Ethanol exposure resulted in the increase of TG level, lipid accumulation and ROS generation, and the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production in the cells. However, ginsenosides significantly reduced TG content (9.69±0.22 µg/mg protein vs. 4.93±0.49 µg/mg protein, P<0.01), and ROS formation (7254.8±385.7 vs. 5825.2±375.9, P<0.01). Meanwhile, improvements in mitochondrial membrane potential (10655.33±331.34 vs. 11129.52±262.35, P<0.05) and ATP level (1.20±0.18 nmol/mg protein vs. 2.53±0.25 nmol/mg protein, P<0.01) were observed by treatment with ginsenosides. Furthermore, ginsenosides could down-regulate CYP2E1 expression (P<0.01) and upregulate PPARα expression (P<0.01) in ethanol-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Ginsenosides could prevent ethanol-induced hepatocyte steatosis in vitro related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and the improvement of mitochondrial function. In addition, the modulation of CYP2E1 and PPARα expression may also play an important role in the protective effect of ginsenosides against lipid accumulation.

[Expression and significance of Nrf2/ARE pathway ralated factors in the HepG2 cell model of steatosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore a new method of establishing HepG2 cell model of steatosis and observe the expression and significance of nuclear factor erythroid-2p45-related factor 2(Nrf2)/antioxidative response element (ARE) pathway related factors in HepG2 cells of steatosis. METHODS: HepG2 cells were induced with DMEM containing 25% fetal bovine serum, 0.1% MCT/LCT Fat Emulsion and 0.1 mmol/L free fatty acid (FFA) at different stages and the control group cells were cultured with normal DMEM medium. After the cell models were successfully established, lipid droplets in cytoplasm were observed with Oil Red 0 staining, and the triglyceride (TG) accumulation in HepG2 cells were tested by biochemical assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration were detected by flow cytometry. Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase(SOD), malonyldialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) were tested by biological reagent kit, while the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2p45-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO1) were analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with that in the control group, red cytoplasmic lipid droplets were visible in model group; TG,ROS, NO, MDA concentration (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01)were significantly higher in model group, while SOD, GSH-Px concentration reduced significantly (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The in vitro cell model of steatosis and oxidative stress was successfully established. The activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway related factors maybe relevant to the overreaction of oxidative stress in HepG2 cells of steatosis.

Effects of Soothing Liver and Invigorating Spleen Recipes on the IKKß-NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Kupffer Cells of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Rats.

This study investigates the effect of soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipes on steatohepatitis examining the IKKß-NF-κB signaling pathway in KCs of NASH rats. SD male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups, and the NASH model was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). After 26 weeks, liver tissue was examined in H&E stained sections and liver function was monitored biochemically. KCs were isolated by Seglen's method, with some modifications. The mRNA and protein expression of the IKKß-NF-κB signaling pathway components was examined by quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The results show that the high-fat diet induced NASH in the rats, and the soothing liver recipe and invigorating spleen recipe decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 in KCs, as well as inhibiting the mRNA and protein expression of the IKKß-NF-κB signaling pathway components. In conclusion, the experiment indicated the importance of the IKKß-NF-κB signaling pathway in KCs for the anti-inflammatory effects of the soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipes.

[Intervention of berberine on lipid deposition in liver cells of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rats induced by high fat diet].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of berberine on lipid metabolism disorder and lipid deposition in liver cells of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats induced by high fat diet. METHODS: After one week adaptable feeding, 45 SPF level male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the normal control group, the model group, and the berberine group, 15 in each group. Except those in the normal control group, all rats were fed with high fat diet to prepare NAFLD model. As for rats in the berberine group, Berberine Hydrochloride was administered by gastrogavage. HE staining and oil red O staining were performed to identify the model after 8 weeks. Hepatocytes were isolated, and their activities and purities were tested by Typan blue staining and flow cytometry (FCM). Serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were detected using automatic biochemical analyzer. mRNA expression levels of LXRα and FAS in liver cells were analyzed by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Protein levels of LXRα and FAS in liver cells were examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The NAFLD rat model was successfully established by high fat diet. The yields of purified liver cells in each rat were (6.0-7.5) x 10(8). The viability of isolated liver cells with purity over 90% (tested by FCM analysis) was higher than 95%. Compared with the normal control group,the expression of LXRα and FAS at mRNA and protein levels was higher in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of LXRα and FAS at mRNA and protein levels was obviously down-regulated in the berberine group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: LXRα/FAS signaling pathway was one of important signaling pathways of NAFLD lipid metabolism disorders. Berberine could recover hepatocyte fatty deposits in NAFLD rats by adjusting the LXR/FAS signaling pathway of hepatocytes, which might be one of important mechanisms for fighting against NAFLD.

[Effects of soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipes on SREBP-1c, SCD-1 mRNA and proteins expression in hepatocytes of NAFLD rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipes on the expression levels of SREBP-1c, SCD-1 mRNA and proteins in hepatocytes of NAFLD rats,and to explore its possible mechanisms of prevention and treatment of NAFLD. METHODS: 75 SD male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, oothing liver group (administrated with 9.6 g/kg), invigorating spleen group (administrated with 30 g/kg)and integrated group (administrated with 39.6 g/kg). The rats of NASH model were induced by feeding a high-fat diet. After treatment for 8 weeks,9 rats were randomly taken to detect liver function, TC, TG and pathological changes in liver tissue. The other 6 rats of each group were taken respectively and collagenase (Type IV) was perfused to digest liver tissue with the circulation in vitro to separate hepatocytes. Real-time Q-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression levels of SREBP-1c, SCD-1 mRNA and proteins. RESULTS: Compared with the model group,the different decrease levels of SREBP-1c, SCD-1 genes and proteins were found in all drug therapy groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), as well different degrees that liver lipid and pathological changes became better, especially that of in soothing liver group. Comparison between the all drug therapy groups,the hepatocytes expression levels of SREBP-1c and SCD-1 mRNA in soothing liver group were lower than that of in invigorating spleen group (P < 0.05), but expression levels of the proteins had no statistical significances. CONCLUSION: Soothing liver and invigorating spleen recipes prevent and treat NAFLD,its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of SREBP-1c/SCD-1 signal pathway in hepatocytes to down-regulate TC and TG synthesis and reduce hepatic lipid deposition. SREBP-1c, SCD-1 mRNA and proteins may be the effective targets.

Effects of Chaihu-Shugan-San and Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San on p38 MAPK Pathway in Kupffer Cells of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Chaihu-Shugan-San (CSS), Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SLBZS), and integrated recipe of the above two recipes on inflammatory markers and proteins involved in p38 MAPK pathway in Kupffer cells of NASH rats induced by high fat diet (HFD). Rats were administered at low or high dose of CSS, SLBZS, and integrated recipe except normal group and model group for 16 weeks. The levels of hepatic lipid, TNF- α , IL-1, and IL-6 in liver tissues were measured. Kupffer cells were isolated from livers to evaluate expressions of TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, and p38 MAPK by Western blotting. The results showed that the NASH model rats successfully reproduced typical pathogenetic and histopathological features. Levels of hepatic lipid and liver tissues inflammatory factors in high-dose SLBZS group and integrated recipe group were all lower than that of model group decreased observably. Expressions of TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, and p38 MAPK in Kupffer cells were decreased in all treatment groups, but there was no significant difference between treatment groups. The high-dose SLBZS group had the lowest expression levels of TLR4, and the most visible downtrend in the expression levels of p-p38 MAPK and p38 MAPK was found in the high-dose integrated recipe group. The ratio of p-p38 MAPK to total p38 MAPK protein was obviously increased in all treatment groups. Therefore, our study showed that the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in Kupffer cells might be related to the release of inflammatory factors such as TNF- α , IL-1, and IL-6 in NASH rats. High dose of SLBZS and integrated recipe might work as a significant anti-inflammatory effect in Kupffer cells of NASH rats induced by HFD through suppression of p38 MAPK pathway. It indicated that p38 MAPK pathway may be the possible effective target for the recipes.