scholarly journals Qingshen Buyang Formula Attenuates Renal Fibrosis in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats via Inhibiting EMT and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Xueqin Zhang ◽  
Jing Fang ◽  
Zhiqiang Chen ◽  
Bingwu Zhao ◽  
Su Wu ◽  
...  

As renal fibrosis significantly contributes to various kinds of chronic kidney diseases, this study aimed to investigate the renal protective effects of Qingshen Buyang Formula against renal fibrosis on 5/6 nephrectomized rats, and its underlying mechanisms were explored. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), 5/6 nephrectomy group (5/6Nx group), and Qingshen Buyang Formula treatment group (QBF group). The intervention was intragastric administration for 12 weeks. In the end, the blood samples were collected to test renal functional parameters, urine proteins were measured, and the left kidneys were removed for histological studies, as well as mRNA and protein expression analysis. The results showed that Qingshen Buyang Formula significantly decreased BUN, Scr, and proteinuria in 5/6Nx rats. Meanwhile, it ameliorated the kidney injury and fibrosis, exemplified by the depressed expression of collagen I and fibronectin (FN), which are the main components of ECM. Furthermore, the process of EMT inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes, such as Wnt4, TCF4, β-catenin, and p-GSK3β. Collectively, the Qingshen Buyang Formula can improve renal function and attenuate renal fibrosis, and its underlying mechanisms may be related with inhibiting EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangfeng Liu ◽  
Huijun Kang ◽  
Jiangfeng Lu ◽  
Yike Dai ◽  
Fei Wang

Abstract Background Poor osseointegration is the key reason for implant failure after arthroplasty,whether under osteoporotic or normal bone conditions. To date, osseointegration remains a major challenge. Recent studies have shown that deferoxamine (DFO) can accelerate osteogenesis by activating the hypoxia signaling pathway. The purpose of this study was to test the following hypothesis: after knee replacement, intra-articular injection of DFO will promote osteogenesis and osseointegration with a 3D printed titanium prosthesis in the bones of osteoporotic rats. Materials and methods Ninety female Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the experiment. Ten rats were used to confirm the successful establishment of the osteoporosis model: five rats in the sham operation group and five rats in the ovariectomy group. After ovariectomy and knee arthroplasty were performed, the remaining 80 rats were randomly divided into DFO and control groups (n = 40 per group). The two groups were treated by intraarticular injection of DFO and saline respectively. After 2 weeks, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the levels of HIF-1a, VEGF, and CD31. HIF-1a and VEGF have been shown to promote angiogenesis and bone regeneration, and CD31 is an important marker of angiogenesis. After 12 weeks, the specimens were examined by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), biomechanics, and histopathology to evaluate osteogenesis and osseointegration. Results The results of PCR showed that the mRNA levels of VEGF and CD31 in the DFO group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The immunohistochemistry results indicated that positive cell expression of HIF-1a, VEGF, and CD31 in the DFO group was also higher. Compared with the control group, the micro-CT parameters of BMD, BV/TV, TB. N, and TB. Th were significantly higher. The maximal pull-out force and the bone-to-implant contact value were also higher. Conclusions The local administration of DFO, which is used to activate the HIF-1a signaling pathway, can promote osteogenesis and osseointegration with a prosthesis in osteoporotic bone.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Zhi-gao Sun ◽  
Ya-zhuo Hu ◽  
Yu-guo Wang ◽  
Jian Feng ◽  
Yong-qi Dou

BuPiHeWei (BPHW) decoction, a classic Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) prescription, has been widely used in clinical practice to relieve digestive symptoms caused by chemotherapy, such as diarrhea and vomiting. The present study aimed to investigate whether BPHW decoction exerted a protective role in the 5-Fu-induced intestinal mucosal injury in the rats by regulating the mechanisms of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway. There were 35 Sprague Dawley rats randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, 5-Fu group, 5-Fu + BPHW decoction group (10.5 g/kg, for five continuous days), and 5-Fu + Bacillus licheniformis capsule group (0.2 g/kg, for five continuous days). Animal models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-Fu (30 mg/Kg, for five consecutive days). At the end of the treatment period, body weight, diarrhea score, and histological examination were examined. Furthermore, the expression of TLR-4/NF-κB pathway was detected to reveal its mechanism. The results showed that BPHW decoction effectively reduced diarrhea score and increased body weight and height of villi after 5-Fu chemotherapy. In addition, BPHW decoction could significantly inhibit the expression of TLR-4, NF-κB, and inflammatory factors (including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the intestine, and the efficacy was significantly higher than that of Bacillus licheniformis capsule. In summary, BPHW decoction might be considered an effective drug to alleviate intestinal mucosal injury in the rats induced by 5-Fu.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Jihong Zhan ◽  
Mingjie Liu ◽  
Lijun Pan ◽  
Liqun He ◽  
Yinxue Guo

Fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. We previously discovered that Rosa roxburghii fruit (Cili) possesses antifibrosis property in chronic renal disease, but the mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that Cili might prevent fibrosis development through mediating TGF-β/Smads signaling, which is known to be involved in renal fibrosis. This study aimed to confirm the effects of freeze-dried Cili powder in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and examine TGF-β/Smads signaling. Rats were randomized to (n=12/group): sham operation, UUO, UUO with losartan, UUO with moderate Cili dose (3 g/kg/d), and UUO with high Cili dose (6 g/kg/d). The rats were sacrificed after 14 days of treatment. Collagen deposition was tested using Masson’s staining. TGF-β/Smads signaling was examined by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Rats in the UUO group showed excessive deposition of collagen in kidney interstitium, accompanied with high levels of renal 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, renal malondialdehyde, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and proteinuria (all P<0.05). Cili powder efficiently alleviated the pathological changes and oxidative stress in the kidneys of UUO rats, and decreased BUN, Scr and proteinuria (all P<0.05). Cili powder also inhibited the upregulation of TGFB1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD2, and SMAD3 and reversed the downregulation of SMAD7 in obstructed kidneys (mRNA and protein) (all P<0.05). In summary, the results suggest that Cili freeze-dried powder effectively prevents renal fibrosis and impairment in UUO rats, which is associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress and TGF-β1/Smads signaling.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-ming Zhao ◽  
Bin Yang ◽  
Qiu Zhang ◽  
Jin-hu Wang ◽  
Jin-ning Zhao ◽  
...  

The objective of this study is to investigate if sinomenine hydrochloride (SIN-HCl) could be effective against adriamycin-induced renal fibrosis by regulating autophagy in a rat model. Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, telmisartan group, and SIN-HCl group; rat model was induced by adriamycin; all rats were given intragastric administration for 6 weeks. Urine was collected from rats in metabolic cages to determine 24 h protein level. This was done after intragastric administration for the first two weeks and then once for every two weeks. Renal pathological changes were examined by the staining of HE, Masson, and PASM. Expressions and distributions of fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), light chain 3 (LC3), and Beclin-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry. SIN-HCl ameliorates proteinuria, meanwhile attenuating the renal pathological changes in adriamycin-induced rats and also attenuating renal fibrosis and excessive autophagy by reducing the expression of FN, LN, LC3, and Beclin-1. SIN-HCl attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting excessive autophagy induced by adriamycin and upregulates the basal autophagy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shulan Ma ◽  
Dongju Li ◽  
Yi Feng ◽  
Jianwei Jiang ◽  
Bo Shen

Aim To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on uterine morphology and expression of oestrogen receptor (ER) α and β in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. Methods Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats with regular 4-day oestrus cycles were divided into a sham operation group (Control, n=10) and two OVX groups that remained untreated (OVX group, n=10) or received EA treatment (OVX+EA group, n=10). In the latter group, EA was applied at CV4, CV3, SP6 and bilateral Zigong (30 min per day) for 3 days. The effects of EA on uterine morphology were observed by H&E staining. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Results Relative to the (untreated) OVX group, EA treatment significantly increased the uterine wet weight to body weight (UWW/BW) ratio (0.47±0.04 vs 0.31±0.03 g/kg, p=0.04), and myometrial thickness (109.39±10.71 vs 60.81±8.1 μm, p=0.016) of OVX rats. Similarly, the total number of endometrial glands per cross section and endometrial thickness in the OVX +EA group was significantly increased compared to the (untreated) OVX group. EA treatment also increased protein (but not mRNA) expression of both ERα and ERβ in the uteri of OVX rats. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that EA treatment decreases uterine atrophy in OVX rats. This unique effect of EA on the uterus may be due to upregulation of serum levels of E2 and differential regulation of sex steroid receptors ERα and ERβ.


2011 ◽  
Vol 212 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aiying Liu ◽  
Liping Gao ◽  
Shoulei Kang ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Chuanying Xu ◽  
...  

After menopause, the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is due not only to estrogen decline but also to androgen decline. This study examined the effects of either estradiol (E2) or testosterone replacement alone or E2–testosterone combination on isolated myocytes in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Furthermore, we determined whether the effects are associated with β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR). Five groups of adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were used: Sham operation (Sham) rats, bilateral Ovx rats, Ovx rats with E2 40 μg/kg per day (Ovx+E), Ovx rats with testosterone 150 μg/kg per day (Ovx+T), and Ovx rats with E2 40 μg/kg per day+testosterone 150 μg/kg per day (Ovx+E/T). We determined the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, percentage of rod-shaped cells and apoptosis of ventricular myocytes from rats of all groups subjected to I/R. Then, we determined the above indices and contractile function with or without a selective β2-AR antagonist ICI 118 551. We also determined the expression of β2-AR. Our data show that either E2 or testosterone replacement alone or E2 and testosterone in combination decreased the LDH release, increased the percentage of rod-shaped cells, reduced apoptotic cells (%), and combination treatment appeared to be more effective than either E2 or testosterone replacement alone. ICI 118 551 abolished the effects of the three. Combination supplementation also enhanced the expression of β2-AR. We concluded that in Ovx rats, testosterone enhances E2's cardioprotection, while E2 and testosterone in combination was more effective and the protective effects may be associated with β2-AR. The study highlights the potential therapeutic application for CVD in postmenopausal women.


2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Chen ◽  
Yuan-Jie Lin ◽  
Xu-Ya Zhou ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
Yong Jin

Rosiglitazone, which is mainly used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, is also involved in the regulation of inflammation. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ receptor subtype appears to play a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammation. However, the exact mechanism for the protective effects of rosiglitazone against inflammation such as liver injury remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rosiglitazone on inflammation in the liver of rats treated with D-GaIN/LPS. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with D-GaIN/LPS with or without pre-administration of rosiglitazone (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). Our data showed that rosiglitazone significantly inhibited D-GaIN/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by both diagnostic indicators of liver damage (serum aminotransferase activities) and histopathological analysis. Western blot analysis showed that rosiglitazone significantly decreased protein expression levels of COX-2 and production of pro-inflammatory markers, including TNF-α and IL-6, in D-GaIN/LPS-treated rat liver. The results indicated that the inhibition of D-GaIN/LPS-induced inflammation by rosiglitazone can be attributed, at least partially, to its capacity to regulate the the immunoregulatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Zeng ◽  
Bao-fu Yu ◽  
Nan Liu ◽  
Yan-yan Yang ◽  
Hua-yi Xing ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract Background Endogenous α-synuclein (α-Syn) is involved in many pathophysiological processes in the secondary injury stage after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and the mechanism governing these functions has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This research aims to characterize the effect of α-Syn knockdown on transcriptional levels after SCI and to determine the mechanisms underlying α-Syn activity based on RNA-seq. Result The establishment of a rat model of lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of α-Syn in Sprague-Dawley rats with T3 spinal cord contusion. The results of the RNA-SEQ analysis showed that there were 191 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SCI group and the LV_SCI group, and 96 DEGs in the LV_SCI group compared with the sham operation group (CON group). The top 20 biological transition terms were identified by Gene ontology (GO) analysis. The Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis showed that the LV_SCI group significantly up-regulated the cholinergic synaptic pathway and the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Enriched chord analysis analyzes key genes. Further cluster analysis, gene and protein interaction network analysis showed that Chrm2 and Chrnb2 together observed the LV_SCI group to promote the proliferation of Chrm2 and Chrnb2 and the neurogenesis of the injury site by immunofluorescence. Further by subcellular localization, the LV_SCI group enhanced the expression of Chrnb2 at the cell membrane and cell junction. Conclusion Knockdown of α-synuclein after spinal cord injury enhance motor function and promote neurogenesis probably through enhancing cholinergic signaling pathways and neuroreceptor interactions. This study not only further clarifies the understanding of the mechanism of knockdown of α-synuclein on SCI but also helps to guide the treatment strategy for SCI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huajun Tang ◽  
Peiyue Zhang ◽  
Lianlin Zeng ◽  
Yu Zhao ◽  
Libo Xie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is one of the main pathological features of various progressive renal damages and chronic kidney diseases. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been verified with significant improvement in the therapy of fibrosis diseases, but the mechanism is still unclear. We attempted to explore the new mechanism and therapeutic target of MSCs against renal fibrosis based on renal proteomics. Methods TIF model was induced by adenine gavage. Bone marrow-derived MSCs was injected by tail vein after modeling. Renal function and fibrosis related parameters were assessed by Masson, Sirius red, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Renal proteomics was analyzed using iTRAQ-based mass spectrometry. Further possible mechanism was explored by transfected galectin-3 gene for knockdown (Gal-3 KD) and overexpression (Gal-3 OE) in HK-2 cells with lentiviral vector. Results MSCs treatment clearly decreased the expression of α-SMA, collagen type I, II, III, TGF-β1, Kim-1, p-Smad2/3, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα compared with model rats, while p38 MAPK increased. Proteomics showed that only 40 proteins exhibited significant differences (30 upregulated, 10 downregulated) compared MSCs group with the model group. Galectin-3 was downregulated significantly in renal tissues and TGF-β1-induced rat tubular epithelial cells and interstitial fibroblasts, consistent with the iTRAQ results. Gal-3 KD notably inhibited the expression of p-Akt, p-GSK3β and snail in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells fibrosis. On the contrary, Gal-3 OE obviously increased the expression of p-Akt, p-GSK3β and snail. Conclusion The mechanism of MSCs anti-renal fibrosis was probably mediated by galectin-3/Akt/GSK3β/Snail signaling pathway. Galectin-3 may be a valuable target for treating renal fibrosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marietta Z. Poles ◽  
Anna Nászai ◽  
Levente Gulácsi ◽  
Bálint L. Czakó ◽  
Krisztián G. Gál ◽  
...  

Background and AimsThe systemic host response in sepsis is frequently accompanied by central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Evidence suggests that excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can increase the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and that the evolving mitochondrial damage may contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a metabolite of tryptophan catabolism, exerts pleiotropic cell-protective effects under pro-inflammatory conditions. Our aim was to investigate whether exogenous KYNA or its synthetic analogues SZR-72 and SZR-104 affect BBB permeability secondary to NET formation and influence cerebral mitochondrial disturbances in a clinically relevant rodent model of intraabdominal sepsis.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were subjected to fecal peritonitis (0.6 g kg-1 ip) or a sham operation. Septic animals were treated with saline or KYNA, SZR-72 or SZR-104 (160 µmol kg-1 each ip) 16h and 22h after induction. Invasive monitoring was performed on anesthetized animals to evaluate respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and metabolic parameters to calculate rat organ failure assessment (ROFA) scores. NET components (citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3); myeloperoxidase (MPO)) and the NET inducer IL-1β, as well as IL-6 and a brain injury marker (S100B) were detected from plasma samples. After 24h, leukocyte infiltration (tissue MPO) and mitochondrial complex I- and II-linked (CI–CII) oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were evaluated. In a separate series, Evans Blue extravasation and the edema index were used to assess BBB permeability in the same regions.ResultsSepsis was characterized by significantly elevated ROFA scores, while the increased BBB permeability and plasma S100B levels demonstrated brain damage. Plasma levels of CitH3, MPO and IL-1β were elevated in sepsis but were ameliorated by KYNA and its synthetic analogues. The sepsis-induced deterioration in tissue CI–CII-linked OXPHOS and BBB parameters as well as the increase in tissue MPO content were positively affected by KYNA/KYNA analogues.ConclusionThis study is the first to report that KYNA and KYNA analogues are potential neuroprotective agents in experimental sepsis. The proposed mechanistic steps involve reduced peripheral NET formation, lowered BBB permeability changes and alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction in the CNS.


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