贯叶连翘提取物对小鼠免疫性心肌炎心肌纤维化的影响及其机制*

目的:研究贯叶连翘提取物(HPE)对小鼠实验性免疫性心肌炎心肌纤维化(MFEAM)的影响。方法:利用猪心肌肌球蛋白免疫易感鼠系,建立小鼠MFEAM模型,将MFEAM模型组小鼠随机分为: MFEAM模型组(n=14)、HPE100 mg/kg组(n=13)、HPE 40 mg/kg组(n=13)、Cap 50 mg/kg对照组(n=13)。各组药物每次均分别以0.4 ml生理盐水溶解,采用灌胃给药方式,每天2次,共60 d;正常对照组(n=10),MFEAM模型组按上述方法同体积同疗程给予生理盐水。通过观察小鼠一般情况,测定心脏重量、脾脏重量与体重之比,检测小鼠血清中I型前胶原N端前肽(PINP)、III型前胶原N端前肽(PIIINP)含量及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)浓度,Masson染色显微镜观察心肌纤维化(MF)程度及胶原容积分数(CVF)测定,Western blot检测心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达。结果:MFEAM模型组小鼠血清中TGF-β1浓度及PINP、PIIINP含量显著升高,MF程度及CVF增加,心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达上调,与正常组比较差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);而HPE 40 mg/kg、100 mg/kg及Cap对照组血清PINP、PIIINP含量及TGF-β1浓度均减少,不同HPE或Cap剂量显著改善或降低MFEAM模型小鼠MF程度及CVF,不同程度下调心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达水平,与MFEAM模型组比较差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)。结论:HPE对MF有治疗作用,可能与其减少胶原蛋白沉积,抑制TGF-β1信号通路有关。     

益气化瘀化痰方对肺纤维化大鼠的干预作用及其机制*

目的: 探讨益气化瘀化痰方对由博来霉素(BLM)诱导的大鼠肺纤维化的影响及其可能的机制。方法: 采用气管内一次性注射盐酸博来霉素5 mg/kg诱导制备肺纤维化大鼠模型。将60只SPF级SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组、阳性对照组、益气化瘀化痰方低浓度组(低浓度组)、益气化瘀化痰方中浓度组(中浓度组)和益气化瘀化痰方高浓度组(高浓度组),每组10只。各中药治疗组在造模4周后分别采用益气化瘀化痰方低、中、高浓度制剂(3.6 ml/(kg·d))灌胃,阳性对照组给予醋酸氢化可的松(3.6ml/(kg·d))灌胃,正常对照组和模型对照组给予同等体积的生理盐水(3.6 ml/(kg·d))灌胃,每日1次。12周后处死各组大鼠,取大鼠肺组织,称量肺质量并计算肺系数,HE染色观察组织形态学改变,Masson染色观察胶原纤维沉积情况;蛋白免疫印迹(Western blot)检测各组大鼠肺组织中转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、锌指蛋白转录因子(Snail1)、E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、纤连蛋白(Fibronectin)等蛋白表达水平;实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测组织TGF-β1、Snail1、E-cadherin、Fibronectin等mRNA表达水平。结果: ①与模型组比较,各药物干预组肺系数均有降低(P＜0.05);②与空白组比较,模型组肺纤维化明显;各药物干预组与模型组比较,各治疗组肺间质胶原沉积减少,肺纤维化程度减轻;③治疗各组与模型组比较,各治疗组大鼠肺组织TGF-β1、Snail1、Fibronectin蛋白表达均明显减少(P＜0.05),E-cadherin蛋白表达明显升高(P＜0.05);④低、高浓度组与中浓度组比较,尤以中浓度组表达结果最显著(P＜0.05);⑤中药治疗各组与阳性组比较,表达结果优于阳性组(P＜0.05);mRNA表达与蛋白表达趋势一致。结论: 益气化瘀化痰方能显著治疗博来霉素所致的大鼠肺纤维化,其机理可能是通过下调TGF-β1调控TGF-β/Snail信号通路表达抑制大鼠的上皮细胞-间充质转化,而改善大鼠肺纤维化。     

姜黄素类似物L6H4对2型糖尿病大鼠肾脏的保护作用

目的：探讨姜黄素类似物L6H4对2型糖尿病大鼠肾脏的保护作用及机制。方法：24只SPF级雄性SD大鼠,随机分成3组（n=8）：对照组（NC组）、糖尿病组（DM组）和糖尿病治疗组（DT组）,采用高脂饮食加腹腔注射低剂量链脲佐菌素诱导2型糖尿病大鼠模型。DT组按0.2 mg/kg·d剂量的L6H4灌胃8周。治疗结束后测24 h尿蛋白、空腹血糖（FBG）、甘油三酯（TG）、血肌酐（Scr）、血尿素氮（BUN）、尿酸（UA）。采用光镜和透射电镜观察大鼠肾脏的形态学改变;用免疫组化法测定大鼠肾脏组织转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）、纤维粘连蛋白（FN）、四型胶原（Col-IV）的表达水平。结果：DM组大鼠24 h尿蛋白、FBG、TG、Scr、BUN均明显升高（P<0.01）,肾小球体积增大、不规则,弥漫性系膜基质增多,伴基底膜不同程度的增生肥厚及足突融合现象;肾组织的TGF-β1、FN、Col-IV表达水平明显增加（P<0.05）。经L6H4治疗后,DT组的24 h尿蛋白、FBG、TG、Scr、BUN水平明显下降（P<0.01）,大鼠肾小球形态较规则,系膜区基质明显减少,足细胞肿胀、融合现象减轻;肾组织的TGF-β1、FN、Col-IV表达明显减少（P<0.05）。结论：L6H4可能通过下调TGF-β1的表达,抑制FN、Col-IV的大量分泌,减轻细胞外基质的沉积,从而起到保护2型糖尿病大鼠肾脏的作用。     

姜黄素及其类似物J7对2型糖尿病大鼠睾丸氧化应激损伤的干预作用*

目的: 研究姜黄素(CUR)及其类似物J7对糖尿病大鼠睾丸氧化应激损伤的干预作用。方法: 60只SD大鼠随机分组,其中10只作为正常(NC)组,余50只通过高脂饮食和腹腔注射链脲佐菌素诱导建立糖尿病大鼠模型,造模成功后将其再分为4组:糖尿病(DM,n=12)组、姜黄素治疗(CUR,n=10)组、J7高剂量治疗(J+,n=10)组、J7低剂量治疗(J-,n=10)组。CUR组大鼠每天予以姜黄素20 mg/kg灌胃治疗,J+及J-组分别予以J7 20 mg/kg、10 mg/kg灌胃治疗,8周后处死大鼠,测量各组大鼠体重、空腹血糖,羟胺法和硫代巴比妥酸法分别检测超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量,Western blot法检测tNrf2、pNrf2、CAT、NQO1蛋白表达水平,qRT-PCR检测CAT、NQO1、HO1 mRNA表达水平,光镜下观察大鼠睾丸形态学改变,免疫组化检测Nrf2及CAT蛋白表达情况。结果: DM组血糖、MDA水平升高(P＜0.05),体重、SOD活性、pNrf2/tNrf2、CAT、NQO1蛋白及CAT、NQO1、HO1 mRNA水平均有下降(P＜0.05);光镜下见睾丸各级生精细胞减少、排列紊乱;免疫组化显示Nrf2蛋白核周表达量下降,CAT蛋白表达水平降低。经姜黄素及J7治疗后,三个治疗组的MDA水平均下降(P＜0.05),SOD活性、pNrf2/tNrf2、CAT、NQO1蛋白及NQO1、HO1 mRNA水平均上升(P＜0.05),J+及J-组血糖显著下降(P＜0.05),J+组CAT mRNA水平显著上升(P＜0.05);J+组pNrf2/tNrf2比值明显高于CUR组及J-组(P＜0.05),J+组CAT蛋白水平也明显高于J-组(P＜0.05),其余指标在三个治疗组间不具有显著性差异。光镜下见三个治疗组睾丸形态学病变减轻;免疫组化显示Nrf2蛋白核周表达量上升,CAT蛋白表达水平升高。提示高剂量J7抗糖尿病大鼠睾丸的氧化应激损伤的能力较强。结论: 姜黄素及J7可在一定程度上对抗糖尿病大鼠睾丸的氧化应激损伤,其机制可能与Nrf2-ARE信号通路的激活相关。     

地塞米松联合DPSCs对糖尿病Beagle犬种植体周围炎龈沟液中炎症因子及TGF-β3的影响*

目的:探讨地塞米松联合牙髓干细胞(DPSCs)治疗对糖尿病Beagle犬种植体周围炎龈沟液中炎症因子及转化生长因子-β3(TGF-β3)的影响,阐明其潜在的作用机制。方法:9只健康成年Beagle犬随机分为对照组、模型组及治疗组,每组3只。采用四氧嘧啶(50 mg/kg)诱导法构建糖尿病模型,模型组及治疗组继续建立种植体周围炎模型。造模成功后,治疗组采用地塞米松喷雾+犬来源的DPSCs+Bio-Oss骨粉+Bio-Gide膜覆盖处理,其余两组予以PBS溶媒对照,每周1次,持续12周。治疗完成后,采用X线片观察种植体近、远中边缘骨高度的变化,酶联免疫吸附(Elisa)试剂盒检测龈沟液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)及TGF-β3水平。结果:与对照组比较,模型组Beagle犬种植体近、远中边缘骨高度明显下降(P＜0.05),龈沟液TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量均显著升高(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),TGF-β3水平下降(P＜0.01);地塞米松喷雾联合DPSCs治疗后,种植体近、远中边缘骨高度增加(P＜0.05),龈沟液TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量明显降低(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),TGF-β3水平显著回升(P＜0.01)。结论:地塞米松联合DPSCs治疗对糖尿病种植体周围炎有明显的改善作用,其机制可能与降低炎症因子含量及上调TGF-β3水平有关。     

丁基苯酞对心力衰竭大鼠心房颤动的影响及作用机制

为探讨丁基苯酞(DL-3-N-butylphthalide,NBP)对心肌梗死诱导的心力衰竭(heart failure,HF)大鼠心房结构重塑和心房颤动形成的影响,本研究将心力衰竭模型大鼠随机分为丁基苯酞组(NBP)、模型组(Model)和假手术组(Sham)。将丁基苯酞用大豆油溶解,制成10 mg/mL的丁基苯酞溶液。丁基苯酞组按照80 mg/kg体重对SD大鼠进行灌胃,模型组和假手术组用等量的大豆油灌胃。假手术组大鼠接受相同手术但未结扎左前降支冠状动脉。分别检测大鼠的超声心动图、心房颤动诱导性试验及心房纤维化,并检测TNF-α、TGF-β1、NF-κB、Nrf2和HO-1的蛋白表达。研究显示,应用丁基苯酞治疗4周后,NBP组大鼠心功能显著改善(p<0.05);NBP组大鼠心房颤动诱导能力和持续时间显著降低(p<0.05);NBP组大鼠心房纤维化程度显著减轻(p<0.05)。丁基苯酞显著抑制TNF-α,NF-κB和TGF-β1的蛋白表达,并上调Nrf2和HO-1的蛋白表达。并且,NBP对TNF-α/NF-κB/TGF-β1和纤维化的抑制作用可能与Nrf2/HO-1信号通路的激活有关。因此,丁基苯酞有望成为预防房颤的上游治疗中的有效药物。     

耐力运动对增龄大鼠脑皮层突触可塑性的影响及相关调控机制*

目的:探讨规律性耐力运动对脑皮层增龄性老化适应性的作用与机制。方法:将三个不同年龄段的健康SPF级雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠分为3月龄 (青年,n=20)、13月龄 (中年,n=24)和23月龄 (老年,n=24)组,每组又随机分为静息组和运动组;静息组三组静息,运动组三组实施10周递增负荷规律的中等强度耐力运动:运动方式为跑台运动(坡度0),运动强度从最大摄氧量(V·O2max) 60%～65%逐渐递增到70%～75%,运动时间为10周;取大鼠脑皮层,HE染色测试大鼠脑皮层增龄性形态学变化,检测BDNF和SOD的蛋白表达及突触素-1(SYN1)和CaMK IIα/AMPKα1/ mTOR通路等相关基因。结果:静息各组大鼠的脑皮层结构呈现年龄增龄性衰老变化,脑皮层SOD表达呈增龄性下降趋势,BDNF表达变化呈增龄性上升趋势,SYN1和CaMK IIα表达水平随增龄性趋势变化不大,AMPKα1和SirT2以及 IP3R、AKT1、mTOR mRNA表达水平随年龄变化呈现中年略上升而老年下降趋势;与静息各组大鼠相比,运动各组大鼠脑皮层神经细胞核排列紧密有序,显微镜下观察细胞核的数量明显增加,运动促进大鼠脑皮层SOD、BDNF和突触素SYN1表达水平增加,其中老年大鼠SOD、BDNF表达水平显著上调(P＜0.01),青年和老年大鼠SYN1表达水平显著上调(P＜0.05),运动上调中年和老年大鼠脑皮层CaMK IIα表达水平上调(P＜0.01),而对青年大鼠CaMK IIα表达水平却是下调(P＜0.01),运动可上调青年大鼠脑皮层的AMPKα1表达水平(P＜0.05),而对中年和老年大鼠AMPKα1的影响不显著,运动均可上调各年龄大鼠脑皮层的SirT2表达水平(P＜0.05),运动上调各年龄大鼠脑皮层的IP3R/AKT1/ mTOR表达水平,其中青年IP3R显著上调(P＜0.01),青年和中年mTOR显著上调(P＜0.01),老年mTOR也显著上调(P＜0.05)。结论:耐力运动通过上调BDNF的表达水平,调控CaMK IIα信号、激活AMPK信号通路和IP3R/AKT1/mTOR信号通路,改善脑皮层的突触可塑性。     

积雪草对早期糖尿病肾病大鼠TGF-β1表达及相关下游信号的影响

目的：通过研究积雪草（CA）对早期糖尿病肾病大鼠转化生长因子β₁（TGF-β₁）表达及相关下游信号的影响,阐明积雪草防治早期糖尿病肾病（DN）的分子机制。方法：60只雄性SD大鼠,按体重随机分为假手术组（n=10）和造模组（n=50）。造模组大鼠进行右肾切除术,1周后给以腹腔注射链脲佐菌素（STZ）30 mg/kg,连续给3 d;72 h后测血糖,以 ≥ 16.7 mmol/L,尿糖+++以上及尿量大于对照组的50%为DN模型成模标准。假手术组进行右肾被膜损伤,并注射相应量生理盐水。造模组通过灌胃给药,分为：DN模型组（模型组）、DN+福辛普利组（蒙组1.6 mg/kg·d）、DN+积雪草高剂量组（高剂量组16.8 mg/kg·d）、DN+积雪草中剂量组（中剂量组11.2 mg/kg·d）和DN+积雪草低剂量组（低剂量组5.6 mg/kg·d）（n=10）,连续给药16周,每日上午1次灌胃。利用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot分别检测肾组织中TGF-β₁、TβR1、TβR2、Smad2/3、p-Smad2/3及Smad7 mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果：与假手术组相比,DN组TGF-β₁、TβR1、TβR2、Smad2/3 mRNA和蛋白表达及Smad2/3蛋白的磷酸化水平显著增加（P<0.05）、Smad7 mRNA和蛋白表达明显减少（P<0.05）,而福辛普利和高剂量积雪草能倒转DN引起的TGF-β₁、TβR1、TβR2、Smad2/3 mRNA和蛋白表达增加（P<0.05）及Smad7 mRNA和蛋白表达降低（P<0.05）。结论：积雪草可能通过调控TGF-β₁/Smad信号通路起到防治DN的作用。     

阿里红多糖通过激活Nrf2/ARE通路改善阿尔茨海默病大鼠海马及脑皮层的氧化应激损伤

探讨阿里红多糖(Fomes officinalis Ames polysaccharides,FOPS)抗氧化应激的作用,并从Nrf2/ARE信号通路研究其作用机制。72只健康雄性SD大鼠称体质量并按随机原则分为空白组、模型组、盐酸多奈哌齐组(0.5 mg/kg)、阿里红多糖高、中、低剂量组(100、50、25 mg/kg),每组12只。采用大鼠双侧海马CA1区注射(5μL/侧)Aβ1-42建立AD大鼠模型,给药30天,Morris水迷宫检测行为学变化,荧光定量RT-qPCR和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blotting)检测各组大鼠脑皮层和海马组织中结构蛋白Keap1、Nrf2及下游抗氧化蛋白HO-1、NQO1 mRNA及蛋白含量。结果发现,干预30天后,与空白组比较,AD模型组大鼠学习记忆能力显著下降(P<0.01),大鼠海马区及脑皮层Nrf2、NQO1、HO-1的mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著下降(P<0.01),而Keap1 mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,盐酸多奈哌齐和阿里红多糖高、中剂量组大鼠的学习记忆能力显著升高(P<0.01),大鼠海马区及脑皮层Nrf2、NQO1、HO-1 mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.05,P<0.01),Keap1 mRNA含量及蛋白表达量显著降低(P<0.05,P<0.01)。研究表明阿里红多糖通过调节Keap1的表达,促进Nrf2激活,诱导NQO1、HO-1的表达,发挥提高机体抗氧化损伤作用,从而改善AD大鼠学习记忆能力。     

推拿对失神经骨骼肌萎缩大鼠的治疗作用及其机制*

目的:探讨推拿对失神经骨骼肌萎缩大鼠的治疗作用及其机制。方法:48只雄性SD大鼠随机分为模型组(n=24)和推拿组(n=24),通过切断右侧胫神经制备腓肠肌萎缩大鼠模型。术后第2日开始给推拿组大鼠手术侧腓肠肌给予手法干预,模型组不予干预。两组分别在0 d、7 d、14 d、21 d四个时间点各处死6只大鼠,取大鼠双侧腓肠肌,称重后计算各组大鼠腓肠肌湿重比;HE染色测定肌纤维截面积和直径,实时荧光定量PCR检测腓肠肌中miR-23a、Akt、MuRF1、MAFbx基因相对表达量。结果:与0 d比较,模型组和推拿组大鼠腓肠肌湿重比、肌纤维截面积和直径呈现进行性下降的趋势,其中7 d、14 d、21 d推拿组腓肠肌湿重比、肌纤维截面积和直径均显著高于模型组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);与0 d比较,模型组和推拿组MuRF1、MAFbx、Akt mRNA表达均呈现先升后降的趋势,其中7 d、21 d推拿组MuRF1 mRNA表达均显著低于模型组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),7 d、14 d、21 d推拿组MAFbx mRNA表达均显著低于模型组(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,P＜0.01),7 d、14 d、21 d推拿组Akt mRNA表达均显著高于模型组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);与0 d比较,模型组和推拿组21 d时miR-23a mRNA表达升高,推拿组miR-23a mRNA表达显著高于模型组(P＜0.05)。结论:推拿能延缓失神经骨骼肌的萎缩,其机制可能与上调miR-23a、Akt基因的表达,下调 MuRF1、MAFbx基因的表达,使蛋白降解速度受到抑制,从而减轻骨骼肌蛋白的降解程度有关。     

β-Casomorphin-7 attenuates the development of nephropathy in type I diabetes via inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells

This study was designed to investigate the putative protective effect of β-casomorphin-7 on diabetic nephropathy in a rat model, and to explore the possible mechanism of this effect. SD rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: control group, diabetes group and β-casomorphin-7-treatment group. All rats were euthanized after 30 days with or without β-casomorphin-7 treatment. Biochemical parameters including blood glucose and renal function were quantified. The concentration of plasma TGF-β1 was measured by ELISA. Histopathological changes to the kidney were studied by Masson and Sirius red staining. Expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, vimentin, cytokeratin19 and TGF-β1 mRNA in rat renal cortices were analyzed by real-time PCR. Changes in α-SMA and E-cadherin protein expression in rat renal cortices were quantified by Western blot. β-Casomorphin-7 treatment of diabetic rats reduced urinary glucose, urinary protein, serum creatinine, blood urinary nitrogen, plasma TGF-β1 and the ratio of kidney: body weight. Masson and Sirius red staining showed that β-casomorphin-7 treatment attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic rats. Compared to the control rats, diabetic rats had elevated expressions of α-SMA, vimentin and TGF-β1 mRNA and α -SMA protein and decreased expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin19 mRNA, and E-cadherin protein. β-Casomorphin-7 treatment of diabetic rats partially normalized these changes. Our results suggest that administration of β-casomorphin-7 attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis caused by diabetes. This protective effect may be associated, in part, with down regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells.     

淫羊藿总黄酮通过TGF-β1/Smad3信号通路改善自然衰老大鼠肾脏组织纤维化

为探讨淫羊藿总黄酮(TFE)对自然衰老大鼠肾脏纤维化的影响及其可能的作用机制,将18月龄SD大鼠随机分为自然衰老组、淫羊藿总黄酮低(10 mg/kg)、高(40 mg/kg)剂量组,另取2月龄SD大鼠作为青年对照组,给药4个月。通过HE染色和Masson染色观察肾脏组织形态及胶原纤维含量,生化酶法检测肾脏组织SOD活力和MDA含量,免疫组化法检测αSMA的蛋白表达水平,实时定量PCR和Western blot技术检测TGF-β1和Smad3的mRNA及蛋白表达水平。结果显示,TFE(低、高剂量)可改善衰老SD大鼠肾脏组织形态,减少胶原纤维,提升肾脏组织SOD活力(P<0.05),降低MDA含量(P<0.05),并降低肾脏组织中αSMA蛋白表达(P<0.05),同时显著下调TGF-β1及Smad3的mRNA和蛋白表达(P<0.05)。淫羊藿总黄酮可改善自然衰老大鼠肾脏纤维化,其机制可能与其抑制TGFβ1/Smad3信号通路传导有关。     

糖尿病大鼠血糖控制前后肾小管上皮细胞VEGF、TGF-β1及Smad蛋白表达的动态研究

目的动态观察链脲佐菌素（STZ）诱导的糖尿病大鼠血糖控制前后肾小管上皮细胞（TEC）中血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）、Smad2/3、Smad4的表达情况,探讨四者在糖尿病大鼠TEC表型转变和肾间质纤维化中可能发挥的作用及相互关系。方法实验动物随机分为5组,依病程长短分为①A组（2周组）,②B组（4周组）,③C组（8周组）,④D组（16周组）,⑤E组（24周组）,每组分别设有正常对照组（N组）和糖尿病组（a组）;另外,16周、24周两组加设胰岛素治疗组（b组）。采用尾静脉注射STZ法复制糖尿病大鼠模型;免疫组织化学方法检测肾小管VEGF、TGF-β1、Smad2/3、Smad4及α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（-αSMA）和纤连蛋白（FN）的表达;Western blot检测肾皮质VEGF和TGF-β1蛋白;PAS染色光镜观察肾小管基底膜变化及细胞外基质沉积情况等形态学改变;生化方法测定血糖、血肌酐及24小时尿蛋白量。结果正常对照组VEGF、TGF-β1及Smad2/3、Smad4在肾小管均有少量表达,-αSMA在肾小管无表达;糖尿病组肾小管前述四者的表达均显著高于正常对照组,且从16周开始肾小管上皮细胞可见α-SMA蛋白阳性表达;糖尿病16周时肾小管VEGF、TGF-β1、Smad2/3、Smad4两两之间呈正相关;随糖尿病进展,α-SMA及FN在肾小管表达增多,24h尿蛋白增多,肾脏肥大指数增大,而VEGF、TGF-β1二者都分别和-αSMA、FN、24h尿蛋白及肾脏肥大指数呈正相关性;胰岛素治疗后,VEGF、TGF-β1、Smad2/3、Smad4及FN的表达都比糖尿病组明显下降,且各指标之间的正相关性依然存在,-αSMA蛋白则呈阴性表达。结论糖尿病肾病大鼠肾小管上皮细胞表达的VEGF、TGF-β1及Smad2/3、Smad4参与了TEC表型转变和肾间质纤维化的发生,并且VEGF和TGF-β1相互作用,共同促进了肾脏损害。胰岛素对DN大鼠TEMT和肾间质纤维化的影响可能部分是通过间接阻断VEGF、TGF-β1和Smad2/3、Smad4在TEC中的合成来实现的。     

含蛋白转导域的SARA/SBD融合蛋白对腹膜透析大鼠

目的：探讨含蛋白转导域的SARA融合蛋白（PTD-SAR／SBD）对腹膜透析大鼠腹膜纤维化的抑制作用。方法：每日腹腔注射4．25％葡萄糖腹膜透析液（PDF）制备腹膜透析大鼠模型。28只Sprague-Dawley大鼠随机分为正常对照组（n=8）;腹膜透析模型组（n=10）;PTD-SARA／SBD蛋白干预组（n=10）。4周后行腹膜平衡试验,检测超滤量、葡萄糖吸收率;留取壁层腹膜组织行HE染色;免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠壁层腹膜间皮细胞转分化指标E-cadherin和Twist的表达;Westemblotting测定E-cadherin、twist,以及CollagenⅠ、TGF-β1、P-Smad3、t-Smad3的表达。结果：①与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠壁层腹膜增厚,糖转运率增加,超滤量降低（P〈0．01）;免疫组织化学与westernblotting检测结果显示E-cadherin表达下调,Twist表达上调;CollagenⅠ、P-Smad3、TGF-β1表达增加。②与模型组比较,PTD-SARA／SBD蛋白干预组大鼠壁层腹膜糖转运率降低,超滤量增加（P〈0．05）;E-cadherin表达上调,Twist表达下调;CollagenⅠ、TGF-β1、P-Smad3表达减少,各组t-Smad3无明显变化。结论：PTD-SARA／SBD融合蛋白通过抑制TGF-WSmads信号通路部分逆转腹膜间皮细胞转分化从而改善腹膜结构和功能,为防治腹膜透析所致腹膜纤维化奠定基础。     

Hydrogen‐rich water alleviates cyclosporine A‐induced nephrotoxicity via the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway

Oxidative stress induced by long‐term cyclosporine A (CsA) administration is a major cause of chronic nephrotoxicity, which is characterized by tubular atrophy, tubular cell apoptosis, and interstitial fibrosis in the progression of organ transplantation. Although hydrogen‐rich water (HRW) has been used to prevent various oxidative stress‐related diseases, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of HRW on CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity and its potential mechanisms. After administration of CsA (25 mg/kg/day), rats were treated with or without HRW (12 mL/kg) for 4 weeks. Renal function and vascular activity were investigated. Histological changes in kidney tissues were analyzed using Masson's trichrome and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling stains. Oxidative stress markers and the activation of the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway were also measured. We found that CsA increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), but it reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Such alterations induced vascular dysfunction, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular apoptosis. This was evident secondary to an increase in urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, ultimately leading to renal dysfunction. Conversely, HRW decreased levels of ROS and MDA while increasing the activity of GSH and SOD. This was accompanied by an improvement in vascular and renal function. Moreover, HRW significantly decreased the level of Keap1 and increased the expression of Nrf2, NADPH dehydrogenase quinone 1, and heme oxygenase 1. In conclusion, HRW restored the balance of redox status, suppressed oxidative stress damage, and improved kidney function induced by CsA via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.     

Dose-dependent deleterious and salutary actions of the Nrf2 inducer dh404 in chronic kidney disease

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a central role in the progression and complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are, in part, due to impairment of the Nrf2 system, which regulates the expression of antioxidant and detoxifying molecules. Natural Nrf2-inducing phytochemicals have been shown to ameliorate kidney disease in experimental animals. However, owing to adverse outcomes a clinical trial of a synthetic Nrf2 activator, bardoxolone methyl (BARD), in CKD patients was terminated. BARD activates Nrf2 via covalent modification of reactive cysteine residues in the Nrf2 repressor molecule, Keap1. In addition to Nrf2, Keap1 suppresses IKKB, the positive regulator of NF-κB. Treatment with a BARD analog, dh404, at 5–20 mg/kg/day in diabetic obese Zucker rats exacerbates, whereas its use at 2 mg/kg/day in 5/6 nephrectomized rats attenuates, CKD progression. We, therefore, hypothesized that deleterious effects of high-dose BARD are mediated by the activation of NF-κB. CKD (5/6 nephrectomized) rats were randomized to receive dh404 (2 or 10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 12 weeks. The vehicle-treated group exhibited glomerulosclerosis; interstitial fibrosis and inflammation; activation of NF-κB; upregulation of oxidative, inflammatory, and fibrotic pathways; and suppression of Nrf2 activity and its key target gene products. Treatment with low-dose dh404 restored Nrf2 activity and expression of its target genes, attenuated activation of NF-κB and fibrotic pathways, and reduced glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation. In contrast, treatment with a high dh404 dosage intensified proteinuria, renal dysfunction, and histological abnormalities; amplified upregulation of NF-κB and fibrotic pathways; and suppressed the Nrf2 system. Thus therapy with BARD analogs exerts a dose-dependent dimorphic impact on CKD progression.     

Novel poricoic acids attenuate renal fibrosis through regulating redox signalling and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation

BackgroundRenal fibrosis is the final manifestation of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal fibrosis is largely driven by oxidative stress and inflammation.PurposeThe aim of the current study was to identify novel poricoic acids from Poria cocos and investigated their antifibrotic effects and the underlying mechanism.MethodsIn this study, we identified six novel poricoic acids from Poria cocos and examined their antifibrotic effect using transforming growth factor-β1- (TGF-β1-) induced cultured human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).ResultsTreatment with six poricoic acids significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression at both mRNA and protein levels in HK-2 cells. Three compounds with an intact carboxyl group at C-3 position showed a stronger inhibitory effect than that of other three compounds with esterified carboxyl group at the C-3 position. Mechanistically, poricoic acid ZM (PZM) and poricoic acid ZP (PZP) attenuate renal fibrosis through the modulation of redox signalling including the inhibition of proinflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling and its target genes as well as the activation of antioxidative nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling and its downstream target gene in both TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells and UUO mice. PZM treatment and PZP treatment inhibit the upregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor and they target the gene expression in UUO mice. Intriguingly, PZM treatment exhibits a stronger inhibitory effect than that of the PZP treatment. Structure–function relationship reveals that the carboxyl group at C-3 position is the most important bioactive function group in secolanostane tetracyclic triterpenoids against renal fibrosis.ConclusionsPZM and PZP attenuated renal fibrosis through the modulation of redox signalling and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling pathway. Our findings will provide several promising leading compounds against renal fibrosis.     

丝胶对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏TGF-β_1/Smad3信号通路的作用

目的：观察彩色蚕茧提取物—丝胶对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）和Smad3蛋白表达的影响。方法：60只雄性SD大鼠随机分为5组（n=12）：正常对照组、糖尿病肾病模型组、丝胶治疗组、二甲双胍组和丝胶预防组。模型组、丝胶治疗组、丝胶预防组和二甲双胍组大鼠均建立链脲佐菌素（STZ）致动物模型,以血糖≥16.7 mmol/L作为成模标准;待模型成功建立后,丝胶治疗组大鼠给予丝胶灌胃（2.4 g/（kg.d）,35 d）、二甲双胍组大鼠给予二甲双胍灌胃（55.33 mg/（kg.d）,35 d）,丝胶预防组大鼠于注射STZ前给予同等剂量丝胶灌胃35天。分别检测各组大鼠血糖和肾重/体重;免疫组化染色观察肾脏TGF-β1蛋白的表达;Western blot法观察肾脏Smad3蛋白的表达。结果：与正常对照组大鼠相比,模型组大鼠血糖、肾重/体重和肾脏TGF-β1、Smad3蛋白的表达均明显升高（P〈0.01）。丝胶治疗组、丝胶预防组和二甲双胍组大鼠的血糖和肾脏TGF-β1、Smad3蛋白的表达明显低于模型组（P〈0.01）,且丝胶治疗组、丝胶预防组与二甲双胍组比较无明显差别（P〉0.05）;丝胶治疗组、丝胶预防组和二甲双胍组大鼠的肾重/体重明显低于模型组（P〈0.01）,且丝胶治疗组、丝胶预防组大鼠的肾重/体重明显低于二甲双胍组（P〈0.05）。结论：丝胶可抑制糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏TGF-β1/Smda3信号通路的激活,减轻肾小球硬化和肾间质纤维化,发挥对糖尿病肾病肾脏损伤的保护和预防保护作用,且作用与二甲双胍相当。