育阴软肝颗粒剂对肝纤维化大鼠TGF-β1表达的影响

目的：观测育阴软肝颗粒剂对大鼠肝纤维化模型的防治作用及对转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）表达的影响。方法：将Wistar大鼠分为6组（n=10）,注射四氯化碳、饲以高脂饲料并饮用20%乙醇6周复制肝纤维化大鼠模型,经6.2~24.8 g/kg育阴软肝颗粒剂干预（qd）6周后,测定肝纤维化大鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）活性、透明质酸（HA）、Ⅲ型前胶原（PCⅢ）、Ⅳ型胶原（C-Ⅳ）及板层素（LN）含量,观测肝组织病理学及肝组织TGF-β1表达的变化,对育阴软肝颗粒剂防治肝纤维作用及机制进行研究。结果：实验第7周,模型组大鼠肝组织出现明显的纤维化病变（P<0.01）;与模型组比较,6.2~24.8g/kg的育阴软肝颗粒剂能明显降低肝指数以及血清ALT、AST活性与HA、PCⅢ、C-Ⅳ、LN含量,缓解肝组织纤维化病理变化,抑制纤维化肝组织TGF-β1的表达（P<0.05,0.01）。结论：育阴软肝颗粒剂对多因素复制肝纤维化大鼠造模具有明显的治疗作用,而抑制TGF-β1的表达可能是其作用机制之一。     

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression by interleukin-1 alpha and tumour necrosis factor alpha in hepatic stellate cells

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key players in liver fibrosis and regeneration via collagen degradation and synthesis. These phenomena involve inflammatory cytokines released from non-parenchymal liver cells such as Kupffer cells. Although the effects of individual cytokines on many cell types have been investigated in various conditions, such as inflammation and tissue fibrosis, investigating the effect of combined cytokines would further our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in tissue fibrosis. Here, we report the effect of multiple cytokine combinations on primary HSCs. We first examined the effect of individual cytokines and then the simultaneous exposure of different cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1 alpha (IL-1α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), on matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) gene expression in primary HSCs. We observed that the combination of all five cytokines induced higher levels of MMP1 gene expression. Of these cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1α were found to be the key cytokines for not only inducing MMP1 expression, but also increasing α-smooth muscle actin gene expression. In conclusion, the combined treatment of TNF-α and IL-1α on HSCs had an enhanced effect on the expression of the fibrotic genes, MMP1 and α-smooth muscle actin, so appears to be an important regulator for tissue regeneration. This finding suggests that stimulation with combined anti-fibrotic cytokines is a potential approach in the development of a novel therapy for the recovery of liver fibrosis.     

壳聚糖介导CrmA基因治疗小鼠肝纤维化的研究

目的：探讨壳聚糖介导的CrmA对小鼠肝纤维化的治疗效果,以期为肝纤维化的基因治疗提供实验基础。方法：清洁级的75只雄性小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、壳聚糖介导的CrmA组、壳聚糖介导的空载体组、壳聚糖组,每组15只。应用30％四氯化碳橄榄油溶液3ml／kg腹腔注射制备肝纤维化小鼠模型。治疗8周后,眼眶取血,检测血清的肝功能指标,并取肝组织做HE染色,观察各组小鼠肝脏的病理形态,Real TimePCR检测肝组织IL-1β、α-SMA、TGF—β1、TIMP-1表达量。结果：与模型组小鼠相比,壳聚糖介导的CrmA组小鼠的肝纤维化程度减轻,ALT、AST显著降低（P〈0．01）,肝组织IL-1β、α-SMA、TIMP1、TGF-β1的表达明显减少（P〈0．05）,而模型组、壳聚糖介导的空载体组和壳聚糖组均无显著性差异。结论：壳聚糖介导的CrmA能有效减轻肝纤维化小鼠的肝脏损伤和纤维化程度,为基因治疗肝纤维化提供了一种潜在的新思路和方法。     

Ascorbic acid supplementation down-regulates the alcohol induced oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cell activation, cytotoxicity and mRNA levels of selected fibrotic genes in guinea pigs

Both oxidative stress and endotoxins mediated immunological reactions play a major role in the progression of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis. Ascorbic acid has been reported to reduce alcohol-induced toxicity and ascorbic acid levels are reduced in alcoholics. Hence, we investigated the hepatoprotective action of ascorbic acid in the reversal of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in male guinea pigs (n = 36), and it was compared with the animals abstenting from alcohol treatment. In comparison with the alcohol abstention group, there was a reduction in the activities of toxicity markers and levels of lipid and protein peroxidation products, expression of α-SMA, caspase-3 activity and mRNA levels of CYP2E1, TGF-β(1), TNF-α and α(1)(I) collagen in liver of the ascorbic acid-supplemented group. The ascorbic acid content in liver was significantly reduced in the alcohol-treated guinea pigs. But it was reversed to normal level in the ascorbic acid-supplemented group. The anti-fibrotic action of ascorbic acid in the rapid regression of alcoholic liver fibrosis may be attributed to decrease in the oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cells activation, cytotoxicity and mRNA expression of fibrotic genes CYP2E1, TGF-β(1), TNF-α and α(1) (I) collagen in hepatic tissues.     

Long-term administration of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) alleviates liver fibrosis and oxidative damage induced by biliary obstruction in rats

The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant and antifibrotic effects of chronic administration of aqueous garlic extract on liver fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Wistar albino rats by bile duct ligation and scission (BDL). Aqueous garlic extract (AGE, 1 ml/kg, i.p., corresponding to 250 mg/kg) or saline was administered for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed by decapitation. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined to assess liver functions and tissue damage, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was also assayed in serum samples. Liver tissues were taken for determination of the free radicals, renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an end product of lipid peroxidation; glutathione (GSH) levels, a key antioxidant; and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, as an indirect index of neutrophil infiltration. Hepatic collagen content, as a fibrosis marker was also determined. Serum AST, ALT, LDH, and TNF- alpha levels were elevated in the BDL group as compared to control group, while this increase was significantly decreased by AGE treatment. Hepatic GSH levels, significantly depressed by BDL, were elevated back to control levels in AGE-treated BDL group. Increases in tissue free radical and MDA levels and MPO activity due to BDL were reduced back to control levels by AGE treatment. Similarly, increased hepatic collagen content in the BDL rats was reduced to the level of the control group with AGE treatment. Since AGE administration alleviated the BDL-induced oxidative injury of the liver and improved the hepatic structure and function, it seems likely that AGE with its antioxidant and antifibrotic properties, may be of potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver fibrosis and oxidative injury due to biliary obstruction.     

黑果枸杞汁对大鼠酒精性肝损伤的保护作用*

目的: 研究黑果枸杞汁对大鼠酒精性肝损伤的保护作用,探讨其中Toll样受体4(TLR4)/p38 丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 MAPK)信号通路的调节机制。方法: 60只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组(C)、模型组(M)、低剂量黑果枸杞汁组(LLM)、中剂量黑果枸杞汁组(MLM)、高剂量黑果枸杞汁组(HLM),每组12只。M、LLM、MLM和HLM组每天以20 ml/kg(8 g/(kg·d))剂量分2次灌胃400 g/L酒精,C组于相同时间点灌胃等体积蒸馏水。每日首次酒精灌胃前4 h,黑果枸杞汁各剂量组分别以2.4、4.8、9.6 ml/(kg·d)进行灌胃,其他组于相同时间点灌胃等体积蒸馏水。实验周期4周,末次实验结束后24 h处死大鼠,取血液和肝脏,计算肝脏指数,HE染色观察肝脏组织形态,比色法检测血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)活性,免疫组化法检测肝脏TLR4、p38 MAPK及磷酸化p38 MAPK(p-p38 MAPK)蛋白质表达,酶联免疫吸附试验检测肝脏肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、白细胞介素-18(IL-18)水平。结果: 与C组比较,M组成功建立酒精性肝损伤模型。与M组比较,黑果枸杞汁各剂量组的相关指标出现改善,其中HLM组肝脏组织形态改善最为显著,其肝脏系数、血清ALT和AST、肝脏TLR4蛋白质表达、p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK比值、TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-18水平均显著降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),肝脏IL-10水平显著升高(P＜0.01)。黑果枸杞汁各剂量组组间比较,肝脏系数、血清AST、肝脏TLR4蛋白质表达、p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK比值、TNF-α和IL-18水平,HLM组较LLM组均显著降低(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);肝脏IL-10水平,HLM组较LLM和MLM组均显著升高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);其余主要指标组间比较均无统计学差异(P＞0.05)。结论: 黑果枸杞汁可以通过调控TLR4/p38 MAPK信号通路,改善炎症应激,缓解大鼠酒精性肝损伤,高剂量组效果优于其他剂量组。     

鳖甲育肝颗粒对复合因素所致肝纤维化大鼠TGF-β1/Smads通路的影响*

目的: 探讨鳖甲育肝颗粒对复合因素所致肝纤维化大鼠的治疗作用及其对TGF-β1/Smads信号通路的影响。方法: 将SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组、秋水仙碱组、鳖甲育肝颗粒各剂量组(1.85、3.70、7.40 g/kg, n=8),通过每天灌胃5%乙醇15 ml/kg的基础及每周皮下注射40%四氯化碳2次复制大鼠肝纤维化模型,连续42 d,观测鳖甲育肝颗粒对大鼠肝功能、肝指数及其含水量、血清肝纤维化相关指标,测定TGF-β1/Smads信号通路关键蛋白及基因表达的影响。结果: 与空白对照组比较,模型组大鼠血清ALT、AST、ALP、HA、PCⅢ、C-Ⅳ、LN活性,肝组织含水量及肝指数、TGF-β1、Smad3 mRNA与Smad7 mRNA表达均显著升高(P＜0.01)。与模型组比较,秋水仙碱不同剂量鳖甲育肝颗粒干预组大鼠上述血清肝功能及肝纤维化相关指标,肝组织含水量及肝指数,TGF-β1及Smad3 mRNA表达显著下降(P＜0.01),而Smad7 mRNA表达均显著升高,(P＜0.01)。结论: 鳖甲育肝颗粒具有明显的降酶保肝、抗肝纤维化的作用,而抑制TGF-β1/Smads信号通路是其抗肝纤维化的作用机制之一。     

Ascorbic acid supplementation down-regulates the alcohol induced oxidative stress,hepatic stellate cell activation,cytotoxicity and mRNA levels of selected fibrotic genes in guinea pigs

Both oxidative stress and endotoxins mediated immunological reactions play a major role in the progression of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis. Ascorbic acid has been reported to reduce alcohol-induced toxicity and ascorbic acid levels are reduced in alcoholics. Hence, we investigated the hepatoprotective action of ascorbic acid in the reversal of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in male guinea pigs (n = 36), and it was compared with the animals abstenting from alcohol treatment. In comparison with the alcohol abstention group, there was a reduction in the activities of toxicity markers and levels of lipid and protein peroxidation products, expression of α-SMA, caspase-3 activity and mRNA levels of CYP2E1, TGF-β₁, TNF-α and α₁(I) collagen in liver of the ascorbic acid-supplemented group. The ascorbic acid content in liver was significantly reduced in the alcohol-treated guinea pigs. But it was reversed to normal level in the ascorbic acid-supplemented group. The anti-fibrotic action of ascorbic acid in the rapid regression of alcoholic liver fibrosis may be attributed to decrease in the oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cells activation, cytotoxicity and mRNA expression of fibrotic genes CYP2E1, TGF-β₁, TNF-α and α₁ (I) collagen in hepatic tissues.     

胆道闭锁患儿血清GPC3、TGF-β1和VEGF水平与肝硬度值和肝功能的关系研究

目的:研究胆道闭锁(BA)患儿血清磷脂酰肌醇蛋白聚糖3(GPC3)、转化生子因子β1(TGF-β1)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)水平与肝硬度值和肝功能的关系。方法:选择2016月3月-2019年3月期间在我院接受Kasai手术治疗的62例BA患儿作为研究对象(BA组),并根据总胆红素水平分为黄疸患儿(总胆红素≥34.2μmol/L)、无黄疸患儿(总胆红素<34.2μmol/L);另取同期在本院体检的50例健康儿童作为对照组。检测BA组患儿术后2个月、对照组儿童体检时的血清GPC3、TGF-β1、VEGF及肝功能指标白蛋白(ALB)、丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(GGT)的水平及肝硬度值,采用Pearson相关分析血清GPC3、TGF-β1和VEGF水平与肝硬度值和肝功能的相关性。结果:BA组患儿的血清GPC3、TGF-β1、VEGF、ALT、AST、GGT水平及肝硬度值均明显高于对照组(P<0.05),血清ALB水平与对照组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05);BA组中黄疸患儿的血清GPC3、TGF-β1、VEGF、ALT、AST、GGT水平及肝硬度值均明显高于无黄疸患儿,血清ALB水平明显低于无黄疸患儿(P<0.05);BA组中血清GPC3、TGF-β1、VEGF水平与血清ALT、AST、GGT水平及肝硬度值呈正相关(P<0.05),与血清ALB水平呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论:BA患儿术后GPC3、TGF-β1和VEGF的升高与肝纤维化进程、肝功能破坏有关,未来可能成为研究BA术后肝纤维化发生机制的靶点。     

Ghrelin alleviates biliary obstruction-induced chronic hepatic injury in rats

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are implicated in hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis, which are initiated by recruitment of inflammatory cells and by activation of cytokines. OBJECTIVE: The possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ghrelin were evaluated in a hepatic fibrosis model in rats with bile duct ligation (BDL). METHODS: Under anesthesia, bile ducts of Sprague Dawley rats were ligated, and half of the rats were subcutaneously administered with ghrelin (10 ng/kg/day) and the rest with saline for 28 days. Sham-operated control groups were administered saline or ghrelin. On the 28th day of the study, rats were decapitated and malondialdehyde (MDA) content--an index of lipid peroxidation, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity--an index of neutrophil infiltration--were determined in the liver tissues. Oxidant-induced tissue fibrosis was determined by collagen contents, while the hepatic injury was analyzed microscopically. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined to assess liver function and tissue damage, respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokines; TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 were also assayed in plasma samples. RESULTS: In the saline-treated BDL group, hepatic MDA levels, MPO activity and collagen content were increased (p<0.001), suggesting oxidative organ damage, as confirmed histologically. In the ghrelin-treated BDL group, however, all of the oxidant responses were reversed significantly (p<0.05-p<0.001). Serum AST, ALT, LDH levels, and cytokines were elevated in the BDL group as compared to the control group, while this increase was significantly decreased by ghrelin treatment. CONCLUSION: Owing to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect as demonstrated in our study, it is possible to speculate that exogenously administered ghrelin may possess an antifibrotic effect against biliary obstruction-induced liver fibrosis. Thus, it seems likely that ghrelin may be of potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver fibrosis and oxidative injury due to biliary obstruction.     

复合应激型ED大鼠模型促炎细胞因子IL-6、TNF-α和TGF-β1水平的研究

目的:探讨环境雌激素样饲料联合冷刺激诱导的ED大鼠血清与阴茎组织中促炎因子IL-6、TNF-α和TGF-β1的变化及其对ED大鼠阴茎组织纤维化的影响.方法:取100只SD雄性大鼠,20只为正常组(N),其余120只为建模组,以环境雌激素样饲料联合冷刺激予以复合干预,24周后通过APO阴茎勃起实验和交配实验筛选ED大鼠,...     

Antifibrotic effects of crocin on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Liver fibrosis is a major health concern that results in significant morbidity and mortality. Up-to-date, there is no standard treatment for fibrosis because of its complex pathogenesis. Crocin is one of the main nutraceuticals isolated from the stigma of Crocus sativus with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study aimed at evaluating the potential antifibrotic activity of crocin against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in mice as well as the underlying mechanism using silymarin as a reference antifibrotic product. Crocin at two doses (25 and 100 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and total bilirubin (TB). Further, the high dose significantly protected against the increase in serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). These effects were confirmed by light microscopic examinations. Crocin antioxidant activities were confirmed by the observed inhibition of reduced glutathione depletion (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD) exhaustion and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in liver tissue. The antifibrotic effects of crocin were explored by assessing fibrosis related gene expression. Administration of crocin (100 mg/kg) hampered expression of tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), α alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1-α expression and significantly raised gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Further, it reduced protein expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as assessed immunohistochemically. These anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by the observed protein expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Thus, it can be concluded that crocin protects against TAA-induced liver fibrosis in mice. This can be ascribed, at least partly, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.     

抵抗素对NAFLD肝纤维化的影响及可能的体内外机制

应用高脂饮食饲养Wistar大鼠建立非酒精性脂肪肝病(non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,NAFLD)肝纤维化体内模型,选用重组抵抗素作用于肝星状细胞(hepatic stellate cell-t6,HSC-T6)建立体外模型。观察肝组织纤维化的情况;检测体内体外Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、透明质酸(HA)、Ⅳ型胶原(CIV)、层黏蛋白(LN)水平;检测肝组织抵抗素mRNA和蛋白的表达水平;检测HSC-T6中转化生长因子β-1(TGF-β1)mRNA及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)mRNA表达水平。结果显示,随着高脂喂养时间的延长,大鼠肝组织抵抗表达逐渐增加且纤维化程度逐渐加重;随着抵抗素浓度的增加,HSC-T6上清中纤维化指标升高,细胞中TGF-β1mRNA及TNF-αmRNA表达增加。与对照组比较,各指标差异均有显著性(P<0.05或0.01)。上述结果显示抵抗素通过TNF-α、TGF-β1诱导NAFLD肝纤维的发生和发展。     

TGF-β1和FBRS可指示肝纤维化发展程度

为了探讨转化生长因子(TGF-β1)、外周血纤维化蛋白(FBRS)表达水平变化与肝纤维化发生发展的相关性,本研究选取自2015年5月至2017年6月间在我院诊治的慢性病毒性肝炎患者120例,设为肝炎组。采用免疫组化法检测肝组织TGF-β1的表达水平,酶联免疫分析检测血清中TGF-β1的含量,RT-PCR检测外周血单个核细胞FBRS mRNA的表达水平,分析TGF-β1、FBRS与肝纤维化程度的相关性。研究结果表明:随肝纤维化程度的不同,肝组织TGF-β1、血清TGF-β1表达水平、FBRS mRNA表达水平与肝脏胶原含量同步性升高(p<0.05)。进一步的相关分析表明:肝组织TGF-β1水平、FBRS mRNA与肝纤4项检查,即血清Ⅲ型前胶原(PC-Ⅲ)、Ⅳ型胶原片段(Ⅳ-C)、层粘连蛋白(LN)和透明质酸(HA)水平之间均呈正相关。本研究结果初步得出结论,慢性病毒性肝炎肝组织TGF-β1、血清TGF-β1表达水平、外周血FBRS的表达水平与肝组织纤维化程度呈正相关。     

脐带间充质干细胞对内毒素血症诱发的大鼠急性肝功能损伤的影响

目的评价脐带间充质干细胞（hUC-MSCs）对内毒素血症诱发的大鼠急性肝功能损伤的影响及其与凋亡机制的关系。 方法6周龄雄性SD大鼠18只,随机分为3组,分别是对照组（C组）、内毒素血症组（M组）和内毒素血症+hUC-MSCs治疗组（M+cells组）,每组6只。大鼠腹腔注射5 mg/kg脂多糖（LPS）诱导内毒素血症模型,并经尾静脉注射含20×10⁶个hUC- MSCs。4 h时检测血清谷草转氨酶（AST）和谷丙转氨酶（ALT）,ELISA方法检测肿瘤坏死因子（TNF-α）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）,HE常规染色鉴定肝脏组织病理,Western Blot法检测肝脏组织抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2、促凋亡蛋白Bax、凋亡信号调节激酶1（ASK1）、应激活化蛋白激酶即JUN氨基末端激酶（JNK）蛋白的表达。多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,相关分析选用pearson。 结果（1）C组AST、ALT、TNF-α和IL-6浓度分别为（74.66±6.39）U/ L、（40.07±6.07）U/ L、（37.74±3.08）ng/L和（0.42±0.07）ng/L;与M组比较（310.75±9.13）U/L、（107.04±10.04）U/ L、（160.32±4.88）ng/L和（0.90±0.09）ng/L,差异具有统计学意义（P均 < 0.05）,M组AST、ALT、TNF-α、IL-6浓度分别为（310.75±9.13）U/L、（107.04±10.04）U/ L、（160.32±4.88）ng/ L和（0.90±0.09）ng/L,与M+cells组比较（204.49±15.36）U/L、（71.24± 7.34）U/ L、（117.61±9.37）ng/ L和（0.60±0.10）ng/L,差异具有统计学意义（P均 < 0.05）。（2）C组大鼠肝细胞形态正常,可见肝小叶结构清晰,肝汇管区无炎性细胞浸润,M组大鼠肝小叶散在点状坏死肝细胞伴炎性浸润,肝细胞间隙散布增生的Kuffer细胞,M+cells组大鼠肝小叶炎性细胞浸润及肝细胞间隙Kuffer细胞浸润改善。（3）与C组比较,M组大鼠肝脏组织JUN、ASK1和Bax蛋白表达均增高（P均 < 0.05）,Bcl-2蛋白表达降低（P < 0.05）;与M组比较,M+cells组大鼠肝脏组织JUN、ASK1和Bax蛋白表达降低（P均 < 0.05）,Bcl-2蛋白增加（P < 0.05）。（4）单因素相关分析显示大鼠血清ALT、AST与TNF-a指数呈正相关（r值分别为0.9580、0.9865,P均< 0.05）,大鼠血清ALT、AST与IL-6指数呈正相关（r值分别为0.9892、0.9630,P均 < 0.05）,大鼠血清ALT、AST分别与BAX、ASK1、JNK指数均呈正相关（r值分别为0.9993、0.9851、0.7901、0.9864、0.9557、0.7128,P均 < 0.05）,大鼠血清ALT、AST分别与BCL-2指数均呈负相关（r值分别为-0.8824、-0.9338,P均 < 0.05）,大鼠血清TNF-α分别与BAX、ASK1、JNK指数均呈正相关（r值分别为0.9466、0.8958、0.6025,P均< 0.05）,大鼠血清TNF-α与BCL-2指数呈负相关（r = -0.6025,P均 < 0.05）,大鼠血清IL-6分别与BAX、ASK1、JNK指数均呈正相关（r值分别为0.9941、0.9997、0.8679,P均< 0.05）,大鼠血清IL-6与BCL-2指数呈负相关（r = -0.8078,P均 < 0.05）。 结论hUC-MSCs具有减轻内毒素血症大鼠急性肝功能损伤的作用,其机制与抑制肝脏细胞凋亡相关。     

The antioxidant and antifibrogenic effects of the glycosaminoglycans hyaluronic acid and chondroitin-4-sulphate in a subchronic rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrogenesis

Hepatic fibrosis involves the interplay of many factors including reactive oxygen species. Recent reports described antioxidant properties of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Since several findings have shown that hyaluronic acid (HYA) and chondroitin-4-sulphate (C4S) may act as antioxidant molecules, the aim of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of HYA and C4S treatment in a rat model of liver fibrosis. The effect on tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) was also studied. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by eight intraperitoneal injections of CCl4, twice a week for 6 weeks. HYA or C4S alone (25 mg/kg) or HYA and C4S in combination (12.5 + 12.5 mg/kg) were administered daily by the same route during the 6 weeks. At the end of the 6-week treatment period (24 h after the last dose of GAGs), the following parameters were evaluated: (1) serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, as index of hepatic cell disruption; (2) hepatic conjugated dienes (CD), as index of lipid peroxidation; (3) hepatic TIMPs activity and expression; (4) hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as index of endogenous defences; (5) hepatic hydroxyproline, as index of collagen deposition. CCl4-induced liver fibrosis enhanced lipid peroxidation and TIMPs activation, increased ALT and AST, depleted antioxidants SOD and GPx, and caused collagen deposition in liver tissue. Treatment with GAGs, especially when in combination, successfully reduced ALT and AST rise, lipid peroxidation by evaluating conjugated dienes, TIMPs activation and mRNA expression, partially restored SOD and GPx activities, and limited collagen deposition in the hepatic tissue. The data obtained showed that these molecules were able to limit hepatic injury induced by chronic CCl4 intoxication and especially limited liver fibrosis. They also confirm that HYA and C4S may exert antioxidant mechanism, while reduction of TIMPs expression suggests that GAGs may influence MMPs and TIMPs imbalance in liver fibrosis.     

壳聚糖介导CrmA基因治疗小鼠肝纤维化的研究

目的:探讨壳聚糖介导的CrmA对小鼠肝纤维化的治疗效果,以期为肝纤维化的基因治疗提供实验基础。方法:清洁级的75只雄性小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、壳聚糖介导的CrmA组、壳聚糖介导的空载体组、壳聚糖组,每组15只。应用30%四氯化碳橄榄油溶液3 ml/kg腹腔注射制备肝纤维化小鼠模型。治疗8周后,眼眶取血,检测血清的肝功能指标,并取肝组织做HE染色,观察各组小鼠肝脏的病理形态,Real Time PCR检测肝组织IL-1β、α-SMA、TGF-β1、TIMP-1表达量。结果:与模型组小鼠相比,壳聚糖介导的CrmA组小鼠的肝纤维化程度减轻,ALT、AST显著降低(P0.01),肝组织IL-1β、α-SMA、TIMP1、TGF-β1的表达明显减少(P0.05),而模型组、壳聚糖介导的空载体组和壳聚糖组均无显著性差异。结论:壳聚糖介导的CrmA能有效减轻肝纤维化小鼠的肝脏损伤和纤维化程度,为基因治疗肝纤维化提供了一种潜在的新思路和方法。     

The use of pentoxifylline as adjuvant therapy with praziquantel downregulates profibrogenic cytokines, collagen deposition and oxidative stress in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni

This study investigates the possible use of pentoxifylline (PTX), with antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, as adjuvant in treatment of schistosomal liver fibrosis through determination of some profibrogenic cytokines, oxidative stress and collagen deposition. Animals were classified into seven groups: normal control (i), Schistosoma mansoni-infected untreated (ii), infected treated with praziquantel (PZQ) curative, 1000 mg/kg (iii) or sub curative, 200 mg/kg dose (iv), infected treated with PTX alone (10 mg/kg/day; 5 days/wk) for 8 weeks starting from the 2nd to the 10th week post infection (v), or in addition to curative (vi) or sub curative dose of PZQ (vii). Serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, glutathione related antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results showed that S. mansoni infection produced remarkable elevations in the serum levels of TGF-β1, TNF-α, MMP-2 and the hepatic contents of Hyp, glutathione reductase (GR), MDA with significant reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) when compared with their corresponding normal controls. Treatment of infected mice with PTX in addition to PZQ curative rather than its sub curative dose produced the best results evidenced by complete normalization in the previously mentioned serum and hepatic parameters. Conclusion: PTX could attenuate liver fibrosis in early stages of S. mansoni infection through downregulation of profibrogenic cytokines, oxidative stress and collagen deposition.     

Pioglitazone ameliorates hepatic damage in irradiated rats via regulating anti-inflammatory and antifibrogenic signalling pathways

Hepatic irradiation during radiotherapy is associated with liver damage. The current study was designed to investigate the possible modulatory effects of pioglitazone against γ irradiation-induced hepatic damage in rats. Animals were exposed to a single dose of 6?Gy and received pioglitazone (10?mg/kg/day) orally for 4 weeks starting on the same day of irradiation. Results showed that irradiation increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities as well as serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Furthermore, it elevated inflammatory mediators; tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6); nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in hepatic tissues. Moreover, it increased levels of serum fibrotic markers; hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and type III procollagen (PCIII). Additionally, hepatic fibrotic markers; transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and hydroxyproline (HP) levels were elevated. Histological analysis of H&E and MT staining of liver sections exhibited cellular infiltration and fibrous deposition in irradiated rats. It was observed that pioglitazone modulated the described deviations. In conclusion, pioglitazone could serve as a promising therapeutic tool for attenuating radiation-induced liver injury in patients with radiotherapy which might be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities.     

Protective effect of aescin from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum on liver injury induced by endotoxin in mice

To investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of aescin on acute liver injury induced by endotoxin, liver injury was established by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Animals were assigned to seven groups: the control group and groups treated with LPS (40 mg/kg), aescin (3.6 mg/kg), LPS plus dexamethasone (4 mg/kg) and LPS plus aescin (0.9, 1.8 or 3.6 mg/kg). Hepatic histopathological changes were examined under a light microscope. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were determined. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidative parameters in liver homogenate were measured. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) expressions in liver were determined by western blotting. Treatment with escin could inhibit immigration of inflammatory cells, alleviate the degree of necrosis, and decrease serum ALT and AST activities. Aescin also down-regulated levels of inflammation mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β and NO) and 11β-HSD2 expression in liver, up-regulated GR expression, enhanced endogenous antioxidative capacity, but have no obvious effect on 11β-HSD1 expression in liver. The findings suggest aescin has protective effects on endotoxin-induced liver injury, and the underlying mechanisms were associated with its anti-inflammatory effects, up-regulating GR expression, down-regulating 11β-HSD2 experssion, and antixoidation.