A Lanosteryl Triterpene (RA-3) Exhibits Antihyperuricemic and Nephroprotective Effects in Rats

Considering the global health threat posed by kidney disease burden, a search for new nephroprotective drugs from our local flora could prove a powerful strategy to respond to this health threat. In this study we investigated the antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective potential of RA-3, a plant-derived lanosteryl triterpene. The antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effect of RA-3 was investigated using the adenine and gentamicin induced hyperuricemic and nephrotoxicity rat model. Following the induction of hyperuricemia and nephrotoxicity, the experimental model rats (Sprague Dawley) were orally administered with RA-3 at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, daily for 14 days. Treatment of the experimental rats with RA-3, especially at 100 mg/kg, effectively lowered the serum renal dysfunction (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) and hyperuricemic (uric acid and xanthine oxidase) biomarkers. These were accompanied by increased antioxidant status with decrease in malondialdehyde content. A much improved histomorphological structure of the kidney tissues was also observed in the triterpene treated groups when compared to the model control group. It is evident that RA-3 possesses the antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective properties, which could be vital for prevention and amelioration of kidney disease.

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Antitumor activity of tanshinone and its nanoparticles on U14 cervical carcinoma-bearing mice

Nanobiomedicine ◽

10.1177/1849543516673446 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 184954351667344

Author(s):

Ya Di ◽

Qingjie Meng ◽

Hongwei Yang ◽

Kun Li ◽

Liyan Cao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Superoxide Dismutase ◽

Cervical Carcinoma ◽

Antitumor Effect ◽

Salvia Miltiorrhiza ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Tumor Inhibition ◽

Malondialdehyde Content ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group

In this study, tanshinone was extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza. To improve the utilization and the dissolution of the drug, the tanshinone extractions were prepared at a pharmaceutical nanoscale and in the nanometer range of 100–200 nm. Then, the rate of tumor inhibition and the activity of antioxidant system and the thymus/spleen indices were investigated to find the antitumor effect of nanoparticles of tanshinone in cervical carcinoma-bearing mice. Our data suggest that tanshinone inhibits cervical tumor growth and the rates of tumor inhibition of all drug groups were more than 45%. The highest rate was 70.88% in the high dose of nanoscale tanshinone group. The activities of superoxide dismutase were higher in drug groups than in the model control group, and the concentrations of malondialdehyde were significantly lower. These findings suggested that tanshinone enhance the superoxide dismutase activity of the mice and decrease the malondialdehyde content. It may be one of the mechanisms of antitumor effect of tanshinone. The thymus index and spleen index were higher than normal control or model control. These data suggested that tanshinone also enhanced the immune system of mice.

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Long-Term Administration of Anthraquinone Rhein on Induction of Constipation in Sprague-Dawley Rats via SCF/c-Kit Signaling Pathways

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ◽

10.1155/2021/6649199 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Bo Zhang ◽

Mingdong Huo ◽

Zhicheng Chen ◽

Feng Gao ◽

Yan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Normal Saline ◽

Transmission Function ◽

Normal Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

Western Blot Assay ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Stimulation Of

Background and Study Aims. It has been shown that abuse of laxatives is becoming a serious problem; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of its effect and possible mechanism on colon motility is essential to select effective treatments and avoid their abuse. Herein, we aimed to investigate the long-term stimulation of rhein on induction of constipation in rats and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods. After establishing rat models of constipation, the rats were randomly divided into two equal subgroups and administered daily with normal saline (model control group) or 10 ml/kg PEG4,000 (PEG-treated group). Simultaneously, normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered with normal saline (normal group). Physiological and fecal parameters were calculated, and intestinal transmission function was evaluated. After scarification, colonic tissues were freshly prepared for histological localization detected by immunohistochemical analysis and for the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and c-kit proteins determined by western blot assay. Results. Following the initiation of rhein-induced rat constipation, body weight was lost slightly, the first time of black stool discharge was obviously longer, and the fecal moisture and number of fecal pellets decreased distinctly as compared with normal group. A decreased expression of SCF and c-kit was detected in model control group in comparison with normal group. Notably, compared with model control group, neither the alterations of fecal parameters and intestinal transmission function were effectively restored, nor the expression of SCF and c-kit was markedly elevated after administration of PEG4,000 for 30 d. Conclusion. Long-term stimulation of rhein can develop the constipation via SCF/c-kit signaling pathway, yet the symptoms of constipation and colon power cannot be alleviated or restored by PEG4,000. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest that long-term use of anthraquinone laxatives should be avoided for clinical treatment of constipation.

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The Effect of Different Laser Irradiation on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Leucopenia in Rats

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/756406 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jizhong Zhao ◽

Ke Cheng ◽

Haiping Deng ◽

Ling Zhao ◽

Lanlan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Laser Irradiation ◽

Normal Control ◽

Sham Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Sham Treatment ◽

Irradiation Group ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Wbc Count ◽

First Time

Objective. To assess the effect of different lasers on cyclophosphamide- (CTX-) induced leucopenia in rats.Methods. 11 rats were normal control and 55 rats were injected with a dose of 80 mg/kg CTX for the first time and 40 mg/kg on the 6th and the 11th days to establish a leucopenia model. Rats of the irradiation groups received a 5-minute laser irradiation with either single 10.6 μm or 650 nm laser or alternatively 10.6 μm–650 nm laser irradiation, besides a sham treatment on acupoint Dazhui (DU 14) and acupoint Zusanli (ST 36) of both sides, 8 times for 16 days. Normal and model control group received no treatment.Results. On day 16 after the first CTX injection, the WBC counts from all the laser irradiation groups were significantly higher than those from the model control and the sham group (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences compared with the normal control (P>0.05). The TI of 10.6 μm–650 nm laser irradiation group was significantly higher than that of the model control group (P<0.05).Conclusions. The single and combined 10.6 μm and 650 nm laser irradiation on ST36 and DU14 accelerated the recovery of the WBC count in the rats with leucopenia.

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The Polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Modulates the Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota of Cyclophosphamide-Treated Immunosuppressed Mice

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules23071801 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (7) ◽

pp. 1801 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Yu-Ping Fu ◽

Bin Feng ◽

Zhong-Kai Zhu ◽

Xin Feng ◽

Shu-Fan Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Immunoglobulin A ◽

Control Group ◽

Group Model ◽

Codonopsis Pilosula ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Immunosuppressed Mice ◽

Secretory Immunoglobulin

Based on previous studies about microflora regulation and immunity enhancement activities of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen (CPP), there is little study on intestinal mucosal immunity, which is a possible medium for contacting microflora and immunity. In the present study, the BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (eight mice in each group), including a normal group (Con), a model control group (Model), and model groups that were administered CPP (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/d) orally each day for seven days after intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg BW/d cyclophosphamide (CP) for three days. CPP recovered the spleen index and restored the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, as well as serum IgG. In addition, it elevated ileum secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the number of Lactobacillus and acetic acid content in cecum. These results indicated that CPP plays an important role in the protection against immunosuppression, especially mucosa immune damage, and the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria colonization, which could be considered a potential natural source of immunoregulator.

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Nephroprotective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Therapy of Kidney Disease Induced by Toxicant

10.21203/rs.3.rs-60475/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shujun Lin ◽

Wenshan Lin ◽

Chunling Liao ◽

Tianbiao Zhou

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Drug Toxicity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

The Difference ◽

And Control ◽

Nephroprotective Effect

Abstract Background: Renal damage caused by drug toxicity is becoming more and more common in clinic. How to avoid and treat kidney damage caused by drug toxicity is essential to maintain patient health and reduce social economic burden. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the nephroprotective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in therapy of kidney disease induced by toxicant. Methods: Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched up to Dec 31, 2019 to identify the studies and extract the data to assess the efficacy of MSCs for kidney disease induced by toxicant using Cochrane Review Manager Version 5.3. 27 studies were eligible and recruited for this meta-analysis. Results: The results showed that the difference of Scr between MSCs treatment group and control group was notable for 2 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6-8 days, 10-15 days, ≥42 days (2 days: WMD =-0.88, 95%CI: -1.34, -0.42, P=0.0002; 4 days: WMD=-0.69, 95%CI: -0.99, -0.39, P<0.00001; 5 days: WMD=-0.46, 95%CI: -0.67, -0.25, P<0.0001; 6-8 days: WMD=-0.51, 95%CI: -0.79, -0.22, P=0.0005; 10-15 days: WMD =-0.38, 95%CI: -0.56, -0.20, P<0.0001; ≥42 days: WMD =-0.22, 95%CI: -0.39, -0.06, P=0.007). Furthermore, the difference of BUN between MSCs treatment group and control group was notable for 2-3 days, 4-5 days, 6-8 days, ≥28 days. The results also indicated that MSCs treatment can alleviate the inflammatory cells, necrotic tubule, regenerative tubules, renal interstitial fibrosis in kidney disease induced by toxicant. Conclusion: MSCs might be a promising therapeutic agent for kidney disease induced by toxicant.

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Curative Effect and Mechanism of Guiren Runchang Granules on Morphine-Induced Slow Transit Constipation in Mice

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/5493192 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Yihan Sun ◽

Chengqiu Yan ◽

Shifeng Jin ◽

Chong Shi ◽

Jingming Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Slow Transit Constipation ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Slow Transit ◽

Transit Constipation ◽

Medium Dose

Recent studies have identified the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine for constipation. The mechanism of action of Guiren Runchang granules (GRGs) in the treatment of slow transit constipation (STC) was evaluated in this study. Here, we assessed the efficacy of GRG by comparing the differences in fecal characteristics, stool weight, and intestinal transit rate (ITR) among 6 groups (n = 12/group), which were administered three concentrations of GRG, mosapride, and saline. The influence of GRG on the SCF/c-kit pathway, AQP4, and serum motilin of mice was assessed through ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. The dry weight of mouse feces at 24 hr and ITR in the MD (medium-dose GRG; 9.44 g/kg/d) and HD (high-dose GRG; 18.88 g/kg/d) groups was higher than that in the MC (model control) group. The serum motilin of morphine-induced mice level was lower in the MC group than in the NC (normal control) group, and this condition was improved in the HD group. The HD group expressed significantly higher levels of SCF and c-kit protein but lower levels of AQP4 and simultaneously presented more SCF-positive and c-kit-positive cells. However, no differences in the serum SCF level were found among the six groups. Certain concentrations of GRG are effective in STC mice, the potential mechanism of which may be associated with repairing the SCF/c-kit pathway and reducing the expression of AQP4 in the colon. GRG improved the serum motilin level but had no influence on the serum SCF level.

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Effect of triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticles on diabetic retinopathy in rats

Materials Express ◽

10.1166/mex.2020.1784 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1511-1517

Author(s):

Chengyan Li ◽

Guihong Zhao ◽

Lianwei Lu ◽

Xiuping Du

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Blood Glucose ◽

Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽

Glycosylated Hemoglobin ◽

Control Group ◽

Group Model ◽

Pathological Changes ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group

Triamcinolone acetonide acetate (TAA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared to investigate their transdermal absorption in vitro and establish a diabetic retinopathy (DR) rat model. To evaluate the effect of triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticle capsules on improving the structure of the retina and pancreas, we measured blood glucose levels and investigated the pathological changes in the retina and pancreas. The effect of triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticle capsules on the morphology of the retina and pancreas of the rats with DR was determined and compared among the normal group, model control group, positive control group, and triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticle group. After treatment with triamcinolone acetonideloaded nanoparticle capsules for 2 months, the blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly lower (P < 0.01) and the pathological changes were less severe in the triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticle group than in the model control group. In addition, the arrangement of the photoreceptor cell layers in the retina was organized, intracellular and extracellular edema in each layer was reduced compared with that in the model control group, the capillary lumen was not occluded, and the peripheral cells were slightly edematous in the triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticle group. Triamcinolone acetonide-loaded nanoparticle capsules could effectively reduce the blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improve the structure of the retina and pancreas in the rats with DR.

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Effects of Moxibustion Stimulation on the Intensity of Infrared Radiation of Tianshu (ST25) Acupoints in Rats with Ulcerative Colitis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2012/704584 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Xiaomei Wang ◽

Shuang Zhou ◽

Wei Yao ◽

Hua Wan ◽

Huangan Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Infrared Radiation ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Points ◽

Moxibustion Group ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Biophysical Mechanism ◽

The Right ◽

Colitis Model

ST25 is a key acupoint used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis by moxibustion stimulation, but the biophysical mechanism underlying its effects is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the biophysical properties of ST25 acupoint stimulated by moxibustion in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. The infrared radiation intensity of fourteen wavelengths of ST25 showed significant differences between the normal and model control groups. The intensity of infrared radiation of forty wavelengths showed significant differences compared with the corresponding control points in normal rats. The intensity of infrared radiation of twenty-eight wavelengths showed significant differences compared with the corresponding control points in model rats. The intensity of infrared radiation of nine wavelengths in the herb-partition moxibustion group, eighteen wavelengths in the ginger-partition moxibustion group, seventeen wavelengths in the garlic-partition moxibustion group, and fourteen wavelengths in the warming moxibustion group of the left ST25 showed significant differences compared with that of the model control group. For the right-hand-side ST25, these values were 33, 33, 2, and 8 wavelengths, respectively. This indicated that one possible biophysical mechanism of moxibustion on ST25 in ulcerative colitis model rats might involve changes in the intensity of infrared radiation of ST25 at different wavelengths.

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Effect of Polysaccharide from Tricholoma Matsutake on TNF-α and IL-2

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.644-650.5435 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 644-650 ◽

pp. 5435-5438

Author(s):

Tan Li ◽

Ming Zhu ◽

Ming Yue Zhai ◽

Ye Shen ◽

Gang Lv ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mrna Expression ◽

Tricholoma Matsutake ◽

Control Group ◽

Transcriptional Level ◽

Mrna Transcription ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Factor Alpha

The effects of the polysaccharide extracted from Tricholoma matsutake on the immune response of Sarcoma180 bearing mice were evaluated. Mice were treated with two doses of polysaccharideL-2(1,10mg/kgbodyweight) for 10 days. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-2(IL-2) in mice serum and TNF-α mRNA expression were determined. The concentration of TNF-α in serum increased significantly in two doses groups compared to the model control group, but IL-2 not. The level of TNF-α mRNA transcription increased significantly in two doses groups to the model control group. Results of these studies demonstrated the polysaccharide significantly promoted TNF-α production, immunity potentiating and anti-tumor effects of the polysaccharide were associated with its potentiation of TNF-α mRNA expression at the transcriptional level.

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MicroRNA-34a alleviates steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head by targeting Tgif2 through OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway

Experimental Biology and Medicine ◽

10.1177/1535370217703975 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 242 (12) ◽

pp. 1234-1243 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Wu-Xun Peng ◽

Chuan Ye ◽

Wen-Tao Dong ◽

Lei-Luo Yang ◽

Chun-Qing Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Femoral Head ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Normal Control ◽

Normal Control Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Micro Ct ◽

Model Group ◽

Model Control ◽

Model Control Group ◽

Necrosis Of Femoral Head

The study aims to investigate the effect of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) targeting Tgif2 on steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head (SANFH) by regulating OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway. SD rats were divided into normal control and model (RNAKL rat models) groups. The model group was further assigned into model control, negative control, miR-34a mimics and miR-34a inhibitors groups. QRT-PCR was applied to detect miR-34a, Tgif2, OPG, RANK and RNAKL mRNA expressions. Femoral head tissues were collected for Micro-CT scanning and HE staining. QRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect expressions of miR-34a, Tgif2, OPG, RANK, RANKL and Runx2, OPN and OC in bone tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to testify the target relationship between miR-34a and Tgif2. Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed increased Tgif2, RANK and RANKL mRNA expressions, but decreased miR-34a and OPG mRNA expressions. Tgif2 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with miR-34a and OPG mRNA expressions. Micro-CT showed cystic degeneration of femoral head, with decreased bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), bone surface area/bone volume and trabecular number in the model control group compared with the normal control group. Compared with the model control group, the miR-34a mimics group showed increased BV/TV and trabecular thickness and Runx2, OPN and OC expressions, while the parameters decreased in the miR-34a inhibitors group. Compared with the normal control group, the other groups showed increased Tgif2, RANK and RANKL expressions but decreased miR-34a and OPG expressions. Compared with the model control group, Tgif2, RANK and RANKL expressions decreased and miR-34a and OPG expressions increased in the miR-34a mimics group, while the miR-34a inhibitors group had a reverse trend in contrast to the miR-34a mimics group. Tgif2 is a target gene of miR-34a. In conclusion, miR-34a can alleviate SANFH through targeting Tgif2 and further regulating OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway. Impact statement miR-34a can alleviate SANFH through targeting Tgif2 and further regulating OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, which can be used as a new theoretical basis for SANFH treatment.

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