Effects of Muscone on Cartilage Morphology and Matrix Metalloproteinases-3 (MMP-3h) and Matrix Metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat Models

Aim: To discuss Muscone treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat Models and relative mechanisms. Materials and methods: Dividing 36 rats as 4 groups as Normal, Model, DMSO and Muscone groups (n = 9). Rats of Model, DMSO and Muscone groups were made Rheumatoid Arthritis model. Muscone group were treated with 2 mg/kg Muscone after modeling. HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of cartilage tissue, measuring MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression by RT-PCR, Western Blotting (WB) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Compared with Model group, the pathological changes of Muscone group was significantly improved and average optical density of collagen fibers was significantly depressed (P < 0.001, respectively) via MMP-3 and MMP-9 proteins significantly depressing (P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Muscone improved Rheumatoid Arthritis by depressing MMP-3 and MMP-9 proteins in vivo study.

The Effects and Mechanisms of Improvement of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Purpose: To discuss the effects and mechanisms of improvement of Hydroxysafflor yellow A in pulmonary fibrosis by in vivo study. Material and Methods: In this study, dividing the C57BL/6 mice as 4 group, there were 10 mice in every group. Collecting the serum of difference groups and measuring the Hyp, SOD, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Lung tissues were taken out and evaluating the pathology by HE staining and fibrosis degree by Masson staining. The relative proteins (α-SMA and E-cadherin) were measured by IHC and WB in lung tissues of difference groups. Results: With HSYA or DXM supplement, the Hyp, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations significantly suppressed and SOD concentration significantly enhanced (P < 0.05, respectively). Compared with Sham group, the pathology injury and fibrosis degree of Model group were significantly up-regulation (P < 0.001, respectively); With HSYA or DXM treatment, the pathology injury and fibrosis degree of HSYA and DXM groups were significantly improved (P < 0.05, respectively). By IHC and WB assay, the α-SMA and E-cadherin proteins expressions of Model group were significantly differences (P < 0.001, respectively); however, the α-SMA and E-cadherin proteins expressions of HSYA and DXM groups were significantly improved with HSYA or DXM supplement (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: HSYA improves pulmonary fibrosis by regulation α-SMA and E-cadherin in vivo study.

Gypenosides Attenuate Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc Pathway

Gypenosides (Gyps), the major active constituents isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Previous studies have demonstrated that Gyps displayed potent ameliorative effects on liver fibrosis and renal fibrosis. In this study, we found that Gyps significantly reduced the mortality of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice (40% mortality rate of mice in the model group versus 0% in the treatment group). Masson staining showed that Gyps could reduce the content of collagen in the lung tissue of pulmonary fibrosis mice Masson staining and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the expression of the collagen gene α-SMA and fibrosis gene Col1 markedly decreased after Gyps treatment. The active mitosis of fibroblasts is one of the key processes in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. RNA-seq showed that Gyps significantly inhibited mitosis and induced the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. The mTOR/c-Myc axis plays an important role in the pathological process of pulmonary fibrosis. RNA-seq also demonstrated that Gyps inhibited the mTOR and c-Myc signaling in pulmonary fibrosis mice, which was further validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. AKT functions as an upstream molecule that regulates mTOR. Our western blot data showed that Gyps could suppress the activation of AKT. In conclusion, Gyps exerted anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc pathway.

The Ability and Mechanism of nHAC/CGF in Promoting Osteogenesis and Repairing Mandibular Defects

Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) is a new type of bone tissue engineering scaffold material. To speed up the new bone formation of nHAC, this study used concentrated growth factor (CGF) and nHAC in combination to repair rabbit mandibular defects. nHAC/CGF and nHAC were implanted into rabbit mandibles, and X-ray, Micro-CT, HE and Masson staining, immunohistochemical staining and biomechanical testing were performed at 8, 16 and 24 weeks after surgery. The results showed that as the material degraded, the rate of new bone formation in the nHAC/CGF group was better than that in the nHAC group. The results of the HE and Masson staining showed that the bone continuity or maturity of the nHAC/CGF group was better than that of the nHAC group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that OCN expression gradually increased with time. The nHAC/CGF group showed significantly higher BMP2 than the nHAC group at 8 weeks and the difference gradually decreased with time. The biomechanical test showed that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the nHAC/CGF group were higher than those of the nHAC group. The results suggest that nHAC/CGF materials can promote new bone formation, providing new ideas for the application of bone tissue engineering scaffold materials in oral clinics.

IL35 Attenuated LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Regulating Macrophage Polarization

Background Interleukin 35 (IL35) has been reported to play a role in acute lung injury (ALI); however, the current results on the relationship between IL35 and ALI are inconsistent. Therefore, we will further determine the function of IL35 in mouse ALI and its potential mechanism in this paper. Materials and Methods HE staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate lung injury in mice. Immunohistochemical staining was used to calculate the expression of IL35 p35, TLR4 and MD2 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 and p-P65/P65. The expression levels of IL35 EBi3, CD68, CD206 and MPO were detected by immunofluorescence staining. RT–PCR was used to examine the expression levels of IL1β and IL6. TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptotic cells. Results Overexpression of IL35 alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. IL35 overexpression decreased the expression of CD68 and increased the expression of CD206 in ALI mice. Furthermore, upregulation of IL35 expression obviously reduced the expression of MPO, IL1β and IL6 in lung tissues of mice with ALI. Mechanistically, IL35 suppressed the TLR4/NFκB-P65 pathway, leading to the promotion of M1 to M2 macrophage transition and inflammation relief in ALI in mice.Conclusions IL35 relieved LPS-reduced inflammation and ALI in mice by regulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/NFκB-P65 pathway.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics, Radiological Predictors, Pathological Features, and Perioperative Outcomes Associated with Perinephric Fat Adhesion Degree

Background. To assess the clinical characteristics, radiological predictors, and pathological features of perinephric fat adhesion degree (PFAD) graded based on fixed criteria and to determine the impact of adherent perinephric fat (APF) on retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) outcomes. Methods. 84 patients undergoing RLPN were included and graded into 4 groups based on PFAD. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for clinical characteristics and radiological predictors of PFAD. Perioperative data were compared between APF groups and non-APF groups. Masson staining determined collagen fibers. Immunohistochemistry detected CD45 immune cells and CD34 vessels. Results. 20, 28, 18, and 18 patients were graded as normal perinephric fat (NPF), mild adherent perinephric fat (MiPF), moderate adherent perinephric fat (MoPF), and severe adherent perinephric fat (SPF), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender ( p < 0.001), age ( p = 0.003), and hypertension ( p = 0.006) were significant clinical risk factors of PFAD, while radiological predictors included perinephric stranding ( p = 0.001), posterior perinephric fat thickness ( p = 0.009), and perinephric fat density ( p = 0.02). APF was associated with drain output ( p = 0.012) and accompanied by immune cells gathering in renal cortex near thickened renal capsule with many vessels. Conclusions. Clinical characteristics and radiological predictors can evaluate PFAD and may assist to guide preoperative surgical option. Pathological features of APF reflect decapsulation and bleeding during kidney mobilization at RLPN.

Attenuation Effect of Radiofrequency Irradiation on UV-B-Induced Skin Pigmentation by Decreasing Melanin Synthesis and through Upregulation of Heat Shock Protein 70

Excess melanin deposition in the skin causes cosmetic problems. HSP70 upregulation decreases microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression, which eventually decreases tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation upregulates p53, which increases the melanocortin receptor (MC1R) and MITF. Furthermore, HSP70 decreases p53 and radiofrequency irradiation (RF) increases HSP70. We evaluated whether RF increased HSP70 and decreased p53, consequently decreasing the MITF/tyrosinase pathway and melanogenesis in UV-B radiated animal skin. Various RF combinations with 50, 100, and 150 ms and 5, 10, and 15 W were performed on the UV-B radiated mouse skin every 2 d for 28 d. When RF was performed with 100 ms/10 W, melanin deposition, evaluated by Fontana–Masson staining, decreased without skin crust formation in the UV-B radiated skin. Thus, we evaluated the effect of RF on decreasing melanogenesis in the HEMn and UV-B radiated skin at a setting of 100 ms/10 W. HSP70 expression was decreased in the UV-B radiated skin but was increased by RF. The expression of p53, MC1R, and MITF increased in the UV-B radiated skin but was decreased by RF. The expression of p53, MC1R, and MITF increased in the α-MSH treated HEMn but was decreased by RF. The decreasing effects of RF on p53, MC1R, CREB and MITF were higher than those of HSP70-overexpressed HEMn. The decreasing effect of RF on p53, MC1R, CREB, and MITF disappeared in the HSP70-silenced HEMn. MC1R, CREB, and MITF were not significantly decreased by the p53 inhibitor in α-MSH treated HEMn. RF induced a greater decrease in MC1R, CREB, and MITF than the p53 inhibitor. Therefore, RF may have decreased melanin synthesis by increasing HSP70 and decreasing p53, thus decreasing MC1R/CREB/MITF and tyrosinase activity.

Serum-derived miR-574-5p-containing exosomes contribute to liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells

Aim To investigate the association of serum exosomes miR-574-5p with liver fibrosis, and explore the effect and mechanism of serum exosomes on HSC activation. Materials and methods Using serum samples collected from healthy adults and patients with liver cirrhosis, we extracted human serum exosomes via ultra-high-speed centrifugation, and co-cultured them with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) line LX2. LX-2-mediated intake of human serum exosomes was examined by confocal microscopy. To induce liver fibrosis, we administered 20% CCl4 to mice intraperitoneally and adopted an exoEasy MIDI kit to extract serum exosomes.Liver fibrosis-related molecules were determined via qRT-PCR, Western blot, Masson staining, and Immunohistochemical staining. Results Significantly high miR-574-5p levels were expressed in serum exosomes and were positively correlated with the expression of miR-574-5p, collagen deposition, and α-SMA expression in liver tissues of mice during liver fibrosis. Compared to healthy subjects, serum exosomes from cirrhosis patients were associated with higher expression of miR-574-5p. MiR-574-5p mimic promoted the expression of α-SMA and COL1A1 mRNA and protein in LX-2, whereas miR-574-5p inhibitor exerted no effect. Conclusion This article demonstrates that miR-574-5p expression in serum exosomes is positively correlated with collagen deposition and HSC activation in liver tissues during liver fibrosis.Serum exosomes potentially activate HSC through the transfer of miR-574-5p to HSC during liver fibrosis.

Therapeutic Effect of Biejiaxiaozheng Pills on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats through the NF-κB/Nrf2 Pathway

Aims. To explore the effects of Biejiaxiaozheng pills on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats through the NF-κB/Nrf2 pathway and to explore the possible antifibrotic mechanisms of the drug. Material and Method. A rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established via CCl4 induction. Liver function and antioxidant indices were detected using commercial kits. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were used to detect pathological changes in hepatic tissues. ELISA was used to measure plasma TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6 levels. RT-PCR was used to measure changes in TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6 levels in hepatic tissues. Changes in p65, P-p65, Nrf2, and HO-1 protein expression were detected using western blotting. Results. In rats with hepatic fibrosis, Biejiaxiaozheng pills effectively improved liver function, alleviated fibrosis in hepatic tissues, and significantly reduced collagen accumulation. The pills significantly downregulated inflammatory cytokine expression in hepatic tissues by suppressing p65 phosphorylation and reduced plasma inflammatory cytokine levels to some extent. The pills upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in hepatic tissues, enhanced antioxidant potential, and upregulated plasma antioxidant levels. Conclusion. Biejiaxiaozheng pills improved hepatic fibrosis symptoms and lesions in rats, likely by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and promoting the Nrf2 pathway.

Jiedu Tongluo Decoction Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis Through Inhibition of The TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Pathway

Background: Jiedu Tongluo (JDTL) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula containing three herbal ingredients that is widely used to treat myocardial fibrosis (MF). This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of action of JDTL decoction for the treatment of MF. Methods: The chemical constituents of Traditional Chinese medicine were analyzed by HPLC, Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, Jiedu Tongluo decoction low-dose and high-dose treatment groups, with 10 rats in each group. Rat myocardial fibrosis model was induced by subcutaneous injection of 5 mg•kg-1 isoproterenol hydrochloride. 5 and 50 g•(kg.d) -1 were given intragastric administration for 7 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were performed for histological evaluation of myocardial tissue, MTT method detects the activity of cardiac fibroblasts, The alkaline water method is used to determine the content of hydroxyproline in myocardial tissue and myocardial fibroblasts, Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of myocardial tissue transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, p smad2/3, and type III collagen (Col III) expression, Immunofluorescence to detect the expression of α-SMA/Vimentin in myocardial tissue and myocardial fibroblasts; Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of TGFβ1 and psmad2/3 in cardiac fibroblasts.Results: In this study, six compounds of JDTL decoction were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining showed that in the isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO)-induced MF rat model, JDTL treatment protected the myocardial structure and inhibited type III collagen (COL3) expression(p<0.05). The immunohistochemistry (IHC) results also showed that JDTL treatment significantly reduced the expression of vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in the rat MF model(p<0.05). Rat cardiac fibroblasts (RCFs) were used for the following assays performed in vitro: hydroxyproline detection, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, wound-healing test, western blot, and double immunofluorescence staining; the results of these assays confirmed the inhibitory effects of JDTL decoction on the proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation abilities of RCFs as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, including the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway through downregulation of TGF-β1 expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 as well as inhibition of vimentin and α-SMA expression(p<0.05). Conclusion: JDTL decoction can prolong the process of MF through inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.