Chromium picolinate supplementation improves insulin sensitivity in Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats

Chromium picolinate (CrP) supplementation has been studied as a potential therapy of insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities. There have been some reports involving chromium supplementation in patients with diabetes, but the results are varied. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of CrP on insulin sensitivity and body weight in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats. We supplemented normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and GK diabetic rats with supplemental CrP, 100 mg/kg/day once a day for 4 weeks. In the normal SD rats, the mean body weight of the control group increased by 50.5%, whereas that of the CrP-treated group increased by 65.9% (P < 0.05 vs control). Similarly, in the diabetic GK rats, CrP supplementation showed increased weight gain compared to the control group (133.4% vs 119.6% of the baseline weight, P < 0.01). Glucose tolerance tests (GTT) [ip injection of glucose; 2 g/kg] and insulin sensitivity tests [SQ injection of insulin (5 U/kg) plus ip injection of glucose (30 min after insulin injection)] were conducted. During insulin sensitivity tests at the end of treatment, the glucose levels were significantly lower in CrP-treated rats compared with the control rats (AUC_0→120; 113.1 ± 32.0 vs 170.5 ± 49.0 mg-min/mL, P < 0.05). During GTTs, the glucose levels and insulin concentrations in the CrP-treated rats were not different from those in the control rats.

The results of these studies suggest that CrP supplementation in GK diabetic rats leads to increase of weight gain and improvement of insulin sensitivity. This raises the possibility that CrP supplementation can be considered to improve carbohydrate metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

川陈皮素对糖尿病肾病大鼠的治疗作用研究

为观察川陈皮素对糖尿病肾病的治疗作用,本研究选用120只SD大鼠适应性喂养2周后分为正常组(20只)和糖尿病肾病造模组(100只),成功构建糖尿病肾病模型后选取50只,分为模型组,川陈皮素低剂量、中剂量和高剂量组以及阳性药物贝那普利组,每组10只,治疗6周后处死,收集尿液检测24h-尿量和24h-尿蛋白,收集血液检测血糖、胰岛素、血脂、肾功能指标和炎性因子的变化特点,收集肾脏检测肾脏病理学以及肾脏组织中凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase-3表达水平。结果显示,模型组有明显肾小球增大、部分系膜增生和间质纤维化,相较于模型组,贝那普利组和川陈皮素三个剂量组肾小球病变减轻;与模型组相比,贝那普利组和川陈皮素低、中、高剂量组UCr、24h蛋白尿、BUN、Scr、血糖、TG、TC、IL-1、IL-6和TNF-α明显降低(P<0.05),胰岛素含量明显升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,贝那普利组和川陈皮素低、中和高剂量组Bax和Caspase-3明显降低(P<0.05),Bcl-2明显升高(P<0.05)。上述研究表明,川陈皮素对糖尿病肾脏损害大鼠肾功能具有明显的保护作用。     

Effects of physical activity on the progression of diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important microvascular complication of diabetes. Physical activity (PA) is part of a healthy lifestyle for diabetic patients; however, the role of PA in DN has not been clarified. Our aim was to conduct a meta-analysis to explore the association between PA and DN risk.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles examining PA in diabetic patients and its effect on renal function. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020191379).Results: A total of 38991 participants were identified from 18 studies. The results indicated that PA was associated with increases in the glomerular filtration rate (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI = [0.02–0.17]) and decreases in the urinary albumin creatinine ratio (SMD = −0.53, 95% CI: −0.72 to −0.34), rate of microalbuminuria (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = [0.46–0.81]), rate of acute kidney injury (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = [0.01–0.04]), rate of renal failure (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = [0.52–0.97]) and risk of DN in patients with Type 1 diabetes (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = [0.51–0.89]).Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated that PA is effective for improving DN and slowing its progression; however, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are required on this topic.     

Extract of Cassiae semen attenuates diabetic nephropathy via inhibition of advanced glycation end products accumulation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Chronic hyperglycemia leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which accelerates the development of diabetic complications. Previous studies have shown that extract of Cassiae semen (CS), the seed of Cassia tora, has inhibitory activity on AGEs formation in vitro and reduces transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and extracellular matrix protein expression via inhibition of AGEs-mediated signaling in glomerular mesangial cells. In this study, to examine the preventive effects of CS extract on the development of diabetic nephropathy in vivo, streptozotocin (STZ)-injected diabetic rats were orally administered CS extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 weeks. Serum glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in diabetic rats were significantly higher compared to control rats. CS or aminoguanidine (AG) treatment significantly reduced these factors. Proteinuria and creatinine clearance were also significantly decreased in the CS-treated group compared with the untreated diabetic group. The CS-treated group had significantly inhibited COX-2 mRNA and protein, which mediates the symptoms of inflammation in the renal cortex of diabetic rats. Furthermore, histopathological studies of kidney tissue showed that in diabetic rats, AGEs, the receptor for AGEs, TGF-β1, and collagen IV were suppressed by CS treatment. Our data suggest that oral treatment of CS can inhibit the development of diabetic nephropathy via inhibition of AGEs accumulation in STZ-induced diabetic rats.     

Dexpanthenol reduces diabetic nephropathy and renal oxidative stress in rats

Hyperglycemia increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the resulting oxidative stress contributes to the development of diabetic complications. Dexpanthenol (Dxp) is the biological active form of pantothenic acid. We investigated whether Dxp administration could decrease oxidative stress as a way to treat renal complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, Dxp, DM and DM + Dxp. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ). After administration of STZ, the DM + Dxp group was administered 500 mg/kg Dxp intraperitoneally every day for 6 weeks. At the end of the study, blood glucose levels were measured and rats were sacrificed. Kidneys were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff. The mean malondialdehyde levels, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and total antioxidant and total oxidant status also were measured. The control group was normal in histological appearance. We observed congestion, inflammation, glomerulosclerosis, tubular desquamation, loss of villi and hydropic degeneration in tubule cells in the DM group. Indicators of oxidative stress were elevated and antioxidant activity was reduced in the DM group compared to controls. In the DM + Dxp group, oxidative stress was decreased, antioxidant activity was increased and histopathological changes were reduced compared to the DM group. We found that Dxp exhibited ameliorative effects on STZ induced diabetic nephropathy by increasing antioxidant activity.     

Comparative analysis of diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic nephropathy disease

ObjectiveClinical symptoms of diabetic nephropathy patients and non-diabetic nephropathy are compared and analyzed, hemodialysis effect and quality of life of two kinds of nephrotic patients are analyzed.MethodsRespectively extract 1300 cases of diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic nephropathy patients admitted to different hospitals during December 2011-December 2014. Based on whether the patient suffers from diabetes, they were divided into diabetic group and control group. Hemodialysis of two groups of patients were followed up to observe effectiveness of blood treatment, and complications were observed after one year of follow-up.ResultsHematodialysis effectiveness of diabetic nephropathy patients is significantly lower than that of non-diabetic nephropathy group. After 1 year’s follow-up, it can be found that survival rate of diabetic nephropathy patients is much lower than that of control group. In statistical comparison of data involved in the two groups of patients, P < 0.05, the difference is statistically significant.ConclusionTreatment effect of diabetic nephropathy patients is relatively poor compared to that of non-diabetic patients. In clinics, management and prevention of diabetic patients should be strengthened to avoid complication of nephropathy which brings serious injury to patients.     

Satureja khozestanica essential oil ameliorates progression of diabetic nephropathy in uninephrectomized diabetic rats

Diabetic nephropathy is the common cause of leading to end stage of renal disease (ESRD). Satureja khozestanica essential oil (SKEO) was used as an antioxidant and antidiabetic for the inhibition of diabetic nephropathy. Forty male rats were uninephrectomized and divided in four groups randomly; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, groups three and four treatment with SKEO by 250 or 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second, third and fourth groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After eight weeks treatment, serum malondialdehyde, serum creatinine and serum urea were measured. The kidney paraffin sections were stained by periodic acid Schiff method. Glomerular volume and glomerular number were estimated by stereological rules. Glomerular sclerosis was studied semi-quantitatively. The means were compared by SPSS 13 software and Mann-Whitney test at p < 0.05. Satureja khozestanica essential oil (250 or 500 ppm) significantly inhibited the progression of glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular number loss, glomerulosclerosis, lipid peroxidation, serum urea and creatinine compared with the diabetic untreated group. The level of glomerular number, serum malondialdehyde, serum creatinine and urea in the treated groups was significantly maintained at the same level as that of the control group. In conclusion, satureja essential oil significantly can ameliorate glomerular hypertrophy, loss of glomerular number, glomerulosclerosis and attenuated serum urea and serum creatinine in diabetic rats.     

Effects of losartan on expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in hyperuricemic nephropathy rats

Abstract

The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of progression of renal failure. This is based on the observations done both in various animal models of renal damage and in different types of human renal disease. During the development of non-infectious kidney stones, crystals are formed and deposited on the kidneys and the kidneys are surrounded by monocytes/macrophages. We have proposed that in response to crystal exposure, renal epithelial cells produce chemokines, which attract the monocytes/macrophages to the sites of crystal deposition. In this study, we investigated the expression of MCP-1 protein by SD rats exposed to oxonic acid (OA). Our study showed that hyperuricemia accelerates renal progression via a mechanism linked to high MCP-1 which may mediate the inflammation reaction of renal diseases induced by hyperuricemia. Losartan may retard the progression of advanced renal dysfunction, and the mechanism was partly due to blocking of renal inflammation induced by the uric acid. Because the number of experiments performed here is very few, results must be confirmed by more extensive studies with a larger sample size.     

Protective effects of thymoquinone on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was designed to investigate the possible beneficial effects of the thymoquinone (TQ) in streptozotocine (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. The rats were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: A (control), B (diabetic untreated), and C (diabetic treated with TQ); each group contain ten animals. B and C groups received STZ. Diabetes was induced in two groups by a single intra-peritoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (50 mg/kg, freshly dissolved in 5 mmol/l citrate buffer, pH 4.5). Two days after STZ treatment, development of diabetes in two experimental groups was confirmed by measuring blood glucose levels in a tail vein blood samples. Rats with blood glucose levels of 250 mg/dl or higher were considered to be diabetic. The rats in TQ treated groups were given TQ (50 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally by using intra gastric intubation for 12 weeks starting 2 days after STZ injection. Treatment of TQ reduced the glomerular size, thickening of capsular, glomerular and tubular basement membranes, increased amounts of mesangial matrix and tubular dilatation and renal function as compared with diabetics untreated. We conclude that TQ therapy causes renal morphologic and functional improvement after STZ-induced diabetes in rats. We believe that further preclinical research into the utility of TQ treatment may indicate its usefulness as a potential treatment in diabetic nephropathy.     

骨桥蛋白与糖尿病肾病关系的研究进展

骨桥蛋白(OPN)是一种具有细胞粘附和迁移功能的分泌型磷酸化糖蛋白。在肾脏中有广泛分布,研究发现其参与糖尿病肾病(DN)蛋白尿形成、DN的炎症反应及肾脏纤维化过程,抑制OPN可改善糖尿病肾脏病变。     

骨桥蛋白与糖尿病肾病关系的研究进展

骨桥蛋白（OPN）是一种具有细胞粘附和迁移功能的分泌型磷酸化糖蛋白。在肾脏中有广泛分布,研究发现其参与糖尿病肾病（DN）蛋白尿形成、DN的炎症反应及肾脏纤维化过程,抑制OPN可改善糖尿病肾脏病变。     

Hepatic expression of cytochrome P450 in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

Although hepatic expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) changes markedly in diabetes, the role of ketone bodies in the regulation of CYP in diabetes is controversial. The present study was performed to determine the expression and activity of CYP in non-obese type II diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with normal levels of ketone bodies. In the present study, basal serum glucose levels increased 1.95-fold in GK rats, but acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were not significantly different. Hepatic expression of CYP reductase and CYP3A2 was up-regulated in the GK rats, and consequently, activities of CYP reductase and midazolam 4-hydroxylase, mainly catalyzed by CYP3A2, increased. In contrast, hepatic expression of CYP1A2 and CYP3A1 was down-regulated and the activities of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and 7-methoxyresorufin-O-demethylase, mainly catalyzed by CYP1A, also decreased in GK rats. Hepatic levels of microsomal protein and total CYP and hepatic expression of cytochrome b(5), CYP1B1, CYP2B1 and CYP2C11 were not significantly different between the GK rats and normal Wistar rats. Moreover, the expression and activity of CYP2E1, reported to be up-regulated in diabetes with hyperketonemia, were not significantly different between GK rats and control rats, suggesting that elevation of ketone bodies plays a critical role in the up-regulation of hepatic CYP2E1 in diabetic rats. Our results showed that the expression of hepatic CYP is regulated in an isoform-specific manner. The present results also show that the GK rat is a useful animal model for the pathophysiological study of non-obese type II diabetes with normal ketone body levels.     

Quantitative proteomic profiling identifies new renal targets of copper(II)‐selective chelation in the reversal of diabetic nephropathy in rats

This study aimed to identify new diabetic nephropathy (DN)‐related proteins and renal targets of the copper(II)‐selective chelator, triethylenetetramine (TETA) in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats. We used the recently developed iTRAQ? technology to compare renal protein profiles among non‐diabetic, diabetic, and TETA‐treated diabetic rats. In diabetic kidneys, tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TINag), voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel (VDAC) 1, and VDAC2 were up‐regulated in parallel with alterations in expression of proteins with functions in oxidative stress and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) pathways. By contrast, mitochondrial HSP 60, Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase, glutathione S‐transferase α3 and aquaporin‐1 were down‐regulated in diabetic kidneys. Following TETA treatment, levels of D ‐amino acid oxidase‐1, epoxide hydrolase‐1, aquaporin‐1, and a number of mitochondrial proteins were normalized, with concomitant amelioration of albuminuria. Changes in levels of TINag, collagen VIα1, actinin 4α, apoptosis‐inducing factor 1, cytochrome C, histone H3, VDAC1, and aquaporin‐1 were confirmed by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Changes in expression of proteins related to tubulointerstitial function, podocyte structure, and mitochondrial apoptosis are implicated in the mechanism of DN and their reversal by TETA. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that this new experimental therapy may be useful for treatment of DN.     

苯那普利联合氯沙坦治疗早期糖尿病肾病的临床研究

目的：研究苯那普利联合氯沙坦对2型糖尿病肾病（diabetic nephropathy,DN）患者肾功能以及血浆脂联素（adiponectin,APN）和高敏C反应蛋白（highsensitivity-C responseprotein,hs-CRP）的影响。方法：选择我院心血管内科住院的2型糖尿病肾病患者42例,均符合早期糖尿病肾病的诊断标准,给予苯那普利10-20mg治疗3个月后,给予苯那普利10mg联合氯沙坦50mg-100mg再治疗3个月,检测和比较治疗前后患者血肌酐（Scr）和24小时尿蛋白定量（24h—UPE）以及血浆hs-CRP和APN水平。结果：苯那普利治疗3个月后,患者的Scr、24h—UPE和hs-CRP水平较治疗前明显降低;血浆APN水平较治疗前明显升高,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。而苯那普利联合氯沙坦再治疗3个月后,患者的Scr、24h-UPE水平和hs-CRP水平较苯那普利治疗3月时更低,血浆APN水平较苯那普利治疗3个月时更高,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论：苯那普利联合氯沙坦治疗可更好地保护早期糖尿病肾病患者的肾功能,这可能与其提高血浆APN水平和降低CRP水平有关。     

Mitochondrial nutrients improve immune dysfunction in the type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

The development of type 2 diabetes is accompanied by decreased immune function and the mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesize that oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction may play an important role in the immune dysfunction in diabetes. In the present study, we investigated this hypothesis in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats by treatment with a combination of four mitochondrial-targeting nutrients, namely, R-α-lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, nicotinamide and biotin. We first studied the effects of the combination of these four nutrients on immune function by examining cell proliferation in immune organs (spleen and thymus) and immunomodulating factors in the plasma. We then examined, in the plasma and thymus, oxidative damage biomarkers, including lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, reactive oxygen species, calcium and antioxidant defence systems, mitochondrial potential and apoptosis-inducing factors (caspase 3, p53 and p21). We found that immune dysfunction in these animals is associated with increased oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction and that the nutrient treatment effectively elevated immune function, decreased oxidative damage, enhanced mitochondrial function and inhibited the elevation of apoptosis factors. These effects are comparable to, or greater than, those of the anti-diabetic drug pioglitazone. These data suggest that a rational combination of mitochondrial-targeting nutrients may be effective in improving immune function in type 2 diabetes through enhancement of mitochondrial function, decreased oxidative damage, and delayed cell death in the immune organs and blood.     

益生菌辅助厄贝沙坦片对糖尿病肾病大鼠的疗效及调节肠道菌群作用的研究

研究益生菌联合厄贝沙坦对糖尿病肾病大鼠的疗效及对肠道菌群的调节作用。

随机选择24只雄性SD大鼠,平均体质量（220±20）g,随机选择6只SD大鼠作为正常组,另取18只SD大鼠为造模组,以高糖高脂饲料+5%葡萄糖水喂养21 d,对造模组大鼠进行腹腔链脲佐菌素（STZ）注射3 d,对照组大鼠腹腔注射枸橼酸缓冲液,将造模成功的大鼠随机分为模型组、厄贝沙坦组和联合给药组,每组各6只。对于正常组和模型组大鼠进行等量生理盐水灌胃,厄贝沙坦组大鼠进行20 mg/mL厄贝沙坦片灌胃,联合给药组大鼠在厄贝沙坦组基础上加用益生菌灌胃（1×10¹⁰ CFU/mL乳酸菌+1×10⁸ CFU/mL其他菌）,每天灌胃1次,共灌胃2周。治疗结束后收集新鲜粪便于−80 ℃冰箱中储存,收集24 h尿液,测定24 h 尿蛋白（UP）,收集腹主动脉血液,测定尿素氮（BUN）和血肌酐（Scr）,对血样中空腹血糖（FBG）水平进行检测。应用DNA提取试剂盒提取粪便DNA,应用紫外分光光度法对DNA含量进行检测,对16S rDNA V4区进行PCR扩增检测,对rDNA文库进行高通量测序。

经过15 d治疗,厄贝沙坦组和联合给药组大鼠的FBG、Scr、BUN和24 h UP水平均有降低,其中联合给药组大鼠的FBG、Scr、BUN和24 h UP水平降低情况优于厄贝沙坦组（t = 8.379,P = 0.001;t = 3.570,P = 0.005;t = 7.579,P = 0.001;t = 2.486,P = 0.032）;粪便样本中有60%以上高质量序列,组间粪便样本差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;厄贝沙坦组和联合给药组大鼠的Ace指数和Chaol指数均相对模型组有所改善（t = 9.210,P = 0.001;t = 2.134,P = 0.050;t = 12.314,P = 0.001,t = 7.180,P = 0.001）,而且联合给药组改善情况优于厄贝沙坦组（t = 3.091,P = 0.011;t = 2.769,P = 0.020）;在门水平上群落结构相似（P＞0.05）,在属水平上,乳杆菌属在各组中均有较高丰度。相对正常组,模型组大鼠肠道菌群门、纲、目、属分类水平均有差异,在科、属中,SMB53科、脱硫弧菌科、消化链球菌科、传代菌属和双歧杆菌属丰度有所上调,瘤胃菌科、理研菌科、梭菌属、乳杆菌属丰度有所下降,厄贝沙坦组和联合给药组大鼠各菌属表达均有所改善,其中联合给药组大鼠改善程度优于厄贝沙坦组（t = 9.181,P = 0.001;t = 2.497,P = 0.032;t = 11.288,P = 0.001;t = 2.466,P = 0.033;t = 2.598,P = 0.027;t = 3.152,P = 0.010;t = 7.924,P = 0.001;t = 5.313,P = 0.001;t = 2.287,P = 0.045）。

益生菌联合厄贝沙坦对糖尿病肾病大鼠的治疗效果显著且对肠道菌群有显著改善作用。

     

Contribution of hyperglycemia on diabetic complications in obese type 2 diabetic SDT fatty rats: effects of SGLT inhibitor phlorizin

The spontaneously diabetic torii (SDT) fatty rat is a new model of type 2 diabetes showing overt obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. With early onset of diabetes mellitus, diabetic microvascular complications, including nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy, are observed at young ages. In the present study, blood glucose levels of female SDT fatty rats were controlled with phlorizin, a non-selective SGLT inhibitor, to examine whether and how these complications are caused by hyperglycemia. Phlorizin treatment adequately controlled plasma glucose levels during the experiment. At 29 weeks of age, urinary albumin excretion considerably increased in SDT fatty rats. Glomerulosclerosis and tubular pathological findings also indicate diabetic nephropathy. These renal parameters tended to decrease with phlorizin; however, effects were partial. Sciatic nerve conduction velocities were significantly delayed in SDT fatty rats compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density, an indicator of subclinical small nerve fiber neuropathy, significantly decreased in SDT fatty rats. Retinal dysfunction (prolongation of peak latency for oscillatory potential in electroretinograms) and histopathological eye abnormalities, including retinal folding and mature cataracts were also observed. Both nerve and eye disorders were prevented with phlorizin. These findings indicate that severe hyperglycemia mainly causes diabetic complications in SDT fatty rats. However, other factors, such as hyperlipidemia and hypertension, may affect diabetic nephropathy. These characteristics of diabetic complications will become helpful in evaluating new drugs for diabetic complications using SDT fatty rats.     

普罗布考对糖尿病大鼠肾组织氧化应激的影响

目的研究普罗布考（Probucol）对糖尿病大鼠肾组织氧化应激的影响。方法采用腹腔注射链脲佐菌素（STZ）建立糖尿病大鼠模型。30只Wistar大鼠分为正常对照组（NC）、糖尿病组（DM）、糖尿病普罗布考治疗组（DP）。8周末称取体重、肾重、计算肾肥大指数（肾重/体重）,检测尿白蛋白排泄率（UAER）;测定各组生化指标包括血糖（BG）、胆固醇（TC）、三酰甘油（TG）、血清肌酐（SCr）、血尿素氮（BUN）;检测肾组织中丙二醛（MDA）的含量及超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）与谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）活性;肾组织切片行PAS染色分析肾小球面积及肾小球体积。结果 DM组大鼠肾重、肾重/体重、UAER、TC、TG、SCr、BUN、肾小球面积、肾小球体积较NC组均明显增加,DP组上述改变较DM组均明显减轻（P〈0.05）。DP组肾组织中MDA含量明显低于DM组,SOD、CAT、GSH-Px活性明显高于DM组（P〈0.05）。结论普罗布考可能部分通过减轻肾组织氧化应激反应实现对糖尿病大鼠肾脏的保护作用。     

Effects of honokiol and magnolol on acute and inflammatory pain models in mice

The antinociceptive actions of honokiol and magnolol, two major bioactive constituents of the bark of Magnolia officinalis, were evaluated using tail-flick, hot-plate and formalin tests in mice. The effects of honokiol and magnolol on the formalin-induced c-Fos expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn as well as motor coordination and cognitive function were examined. Data showed that honokiol and magnolol did not produce analgesia in tail-flick, hot-plate paw-shaking and neurogenic phase of the overt nociception induced by intraplantar injection of formalin. However, honokiol and magnolol reduced the inflammatory phase of formalin-induced licking response. Consistently, honokiol and magnolol significantly decreased formalin-induced c-Fos protein expression in superficial (I-II) laminae of the L4-L5 lumbar dorsal horn. However, honokiol and magnolol did not elicit motor incoordination and memory dysfunction at doses higher than the analgesic dose. These results demonstrate that honokiol and magnolol effectively alleviate the formalin-induced inflammatory pain without motor and cognitive side effects, suggesting their therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory pain.     

Inhibition of MCP-1/CCR2 pathway ameliorates the development of diabetic nephropathy

Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) is an important mediator for macrophage recruitment in atherosclerosis and various glomerulonephritis. However, the role of MCP-1 and its receptor CCR2 in the progression of diabetic nephropathy remains unknown. Using a type 1 diabetic nephropathy model that shows noticeable glomerulosclerosis, we examined the role of MCP-1/CCR2 by propagermanium (Pro; CCR2 antagonist) treatment, and confirmed it by transfection of plasmids carrying the 7ND (a mutant of MCP-1) gene. We measured the mesangial matrix expansion, type IV collagen (Col4), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 positive area, and macrophage infiltration in glomeruli after 12 weeks. Mesangial matrix expansion and macrophage infiltration were increased in diabetic mice and inhibited by Pro or 7ND-treatment. Increased glomerular expression of Col4 and TGF-beta1 in diabetic mice was also ameliorated. Thus blocking the MCP-1/CCR2 pathway ameliorated glomerulosclerosis, indicating that the MCP-1/CCR2 pathway plays a crucial role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy.