Preventive effect of phytoglycoprotein (27 kDa) on inflammatory factors at liver injury in cadmium chloride-exposed ICR mice

Cadmium is one of the inflammation‐related xenobiotics and has been regarded as a potent carcinogen. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJE) has been used to cure inflammation in Korean folk medicine for a long time. The purpose of present study is the inhibitory effect of glycoprotein isolated from GJE (27 kDa) on inflammation mechanism in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice. We evaluated the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), activities of anti‐oxidative enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthathione peroxidase (GPx)], activities of c‐Jun N‐terminal protein kinase (JNK), heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), activator protein (AP)‐1, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and expression of inflammation‐related mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6 in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice using immunoblot analysis, EMSA and RT‐PCR. It notes that mice plasma was used to measure ALT, LDH, and TBARS after treatment with cadmium chloride alone or cadmium chloride under the pretreatment with GJE glycoprotein. Liver tissues were used to assess activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes, SAPK/JNK, Hsp27, AP‐1, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in this study. The results obtained from this study revealed that GJE glycoprotein (10 mg/kg) decreased the levels of LDH, ALT and TBARS, whereas increased the activity of hepatic anti‐oxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice. Moreover, it decreased the activity of JNK/AP‐1, NF‐κB, Hsp27, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6). Taken together, the results in this study suggest that GJE glycoprotein inhibits the expression of inflammation‐related cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) in cadmium chloride‐exposed ICR mice. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 694–703, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

T-5224, a selective inhibitor of c-Fos/activator protein-1, attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice

The effect of T-5224, a selective inhibitor of c-Fos/activator protein (AP)-1, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced liver injury was examined in mice. Administration of LPS (10?mg?kg^?1, i.p.) markedly increased serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST), liver tissue levels of macrophage-inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), as well as hepatic necrosis and inflammation, leading to 67?% lethality. Administration of T-5224 (300?mg?kg^?1, p.o.) after intraperitoneal injection of LPS imparted appreciable protection against acute elevations in serum levels of TNFα, HMGB1, ALT/AST as well as in liver tissue levels of MIP-1α and MCP-1, and reduced the lethality (27?%). These data indicate that T-5224 ameliorates liver injury and improves survival through decreasing production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in endotoxemic mice.     

Hepatoprotective effect of allicin against acetaminophen‐induced liver injury: Role of inflammasome pathway,apoptosis, and liver regeneration

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose leads to liver injury. NLRP3 inflammasome is a key player in APAP‐induced inflammation. Also, apoptosis and liver regeneration play an important role in liver injury. Therefore, we assessed allicin's protective effect on APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity and studied its effect on NLRP3 inflammasome and apoptosis. Mice in the APAP group were injected by APAP (250 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). The allicin‐treated group received allicin orally (10 mg/kg/d) during 7 days before APAP injection. Serum and hepatic tissues were separated 24 hours after APAP injection. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed using the colorimetric method. Hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase‐1, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatic Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 were investigated by immunohistochemistry. APAP significantly increased AST, ALT, and ALP, whereas allicin significantly decreased their levels. Also, APAP significantly decreased albumin and allicin significantly improved it. APAP produced changes in liver morphology, including inflammation and massive coagulative necrosis. Allicin protected the liver from APAP‐induced necrosis, apoptosis, and hepatocellular degeneration via increasing Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 levels. APAP significantly increased the hepatic MDA, whereas allicin significantly prevented this increase. APAP markedly activated the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and consequently increased the production of caspase‐1 and IL‐1β. Interestingly, we found that allicin significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which resulted in decreased caspase‐1 and IL‐1β levels. Allicin has a hepatoprotective effect against APAP‐induced liver injury via the decline of oxidative stress and inhibition of the inflammasome pathway and apoptosis. Therefore, allicin might be a novel tool to halt the progression of APAP‐stimulated hepatotoxicity.     

Potential Role of Interleukin‐18 in Liver Disease Associated with Insulin Resistance

Objective: Interleukin (IL)‐18 has been associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both risk factors for the development of liver disease, but the role of IL‐18 in liver disease associated with insulin resistance is presently unknown. We hypothesized that circulating IL‐18 would be related to serum concentrations of liver chemistry tests (LCTs) in apparently healthy subjects and wished to study whether this correlation was dependent on insulin sensitivity (S_I). Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred six apparently healthy white men consecutively enrolled in a cross‐sectional, population‐based study dealing with S_I in men were studied, and S_I (minimal model analysis), LCTs (colorimetry), and IL‐18 serum concentrations (immunoassay) were assessed. Results: Compared with subjects in the lowest quartile for serum IL‐18, subjects in the highest quartile exhibited increased serum triglycerides and decreased S_I, in addition to higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (all p < 0.05). The direct association between both ALT and AST and IL‐18 was further confirmed by examining the distribution of serum IL‐18 by quartiles of ALT and AST. Subjects in the highest quartile for serum ALT and AST had higher IL‐18 concentrations compared with subjects in the lowest quartile for these LCTs (both p = 0.01). In multiple regression analysis, IL‐18, but not S_I, was an independent predictor of serum concentrations of ALT and AST, explaining 7% and 4% of their variance, respectively. Discussion: In summary, IL‐18 serum concentrations are associated in apparently healthy humans with plasma concentrations of various LCTs. IL‐18 could contribute to the development of liver disease associated with insulin resistance.     

Diallyl sulfide ameliorates carbon tetrachloride‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats via suppressing stress‐activated MAPK signaling pathways

The underlined effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS) against CCL₄‐induced oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic acute hepatic damage were assessed. Administration of DAS (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) along with CCL ₄ effectively mitigated serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities, MDA, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and MCP‐1 levels, as well as significantly restored HO‐1, GSH levels and SOD activity in liver tissues compared with those in rats treated with CCL ₄. Moreover, DAS inhibited CCL ₄‐induced increase of liver NF‐κB (p65), Bax, p38 MAPK, and JNK protein expression. In addition, DAS accelerated protein expression of Nrf2 and Bcl‐2. The hepatoprotective properties of DAS were further confirmed by the reduced severity of hepatic damage as demonstrated by histopathological findings. In conclusion, DAS achieved its protective potential against CCL4‐induced hepatotoxicity through antiapoptotic activity, as well as the synchronized modulation of NF‐κB and Nrf2 for the favor of antioxidant/anti‐inflammatory effects via suppression of the upstream stress‐activated MAPKs pathways.     

IL‐6 Trans‐Signaling Plays Important Protective Roles in Acute Liver Injury Induced by Acetaminophen in Mice

Our study was undertaken to evaluate the important role of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) trans‐signaling in acetaminophen (AAP)‐induced liver injury. A soluble gp130 protein (sgp130Fc) exclusively inhibits IL‐6 trans‐signaling, whereas an IL‐6/soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R) fusion protein (hyper‐IL‐6) mimics IL‐6 trans‐signaling. Using these tools, we investigated the role of IL‐6 trans‐signaling in AAP‐induced liver injury. Blockade of IL‐6 trans‐signaling during AAP‐induced liver injury remarkably increased the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase; lowered the level of serum sIL‐6R; aggravated liver injury; inhibited the expression of phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glycogen synthesis; and induced the expression of Caspase3, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and hepatocyte apoptosis in the liver of mice. In summary, our study suggested that IL‐6 trans‐signaling plays important protective roles by regulating the hepatocyte proliferation and apoptosis, angiogenesis, CYP2E1 expression, and glycogen metabolism during AAP‐induced liver injury in mice.     

Gastrodin alleviates Tourette syndrome via Nrf‐2/HO‐1/HMGB1/NF‐кB pathway

The aim is to study the effects of gastrodin (GA) on striatal inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with Tourette syndrome (TS). The rat model of TS was induced by 3,3′‐iminodipropionitrile. Behavioral tests were carried out by stereotype experiment. The concentrations of amino acid transmitters glutamic acid (Glu) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in striatum were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and striatum were detected by commercial kits. Cytokines in serum and striatum were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Western blot analysis was used to detect striatum nuclear erythroid factor 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1)/high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1)/nuclear factor‐кB (NF‐кB) pathway‐related proteins. The expressions of Nrf‐2 and P‐NF‐кBp65 in striatum were detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the stereotype scores of rats in the model group significantly increased, and the contents of Glu and GABA in striatum obviously increased. GA significantly reduced the stereotype scores and decreased the contents of Glu and GABA. The levels of SOD in serum and striatum were decreased and the content of MDA in serum and striatum were increased compared with the control group, while GA significantly restored the changes. GA significantly adjusted Nrf‐2/HO‐1/HMGB1/NF‐кB pathway‐related proteins changes consistent with immunohistochemical changes. GA may protect striatum of rats with TS by regulating Nrf‐2/HO‐1/HMGB1/NF‐кB pathway protein changes in striatum.     

紫檀芪调节Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1信号通路对非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠氧化应激和细胞凋亡的影响

摘要 目的：研究紫檀芪调节Kelch样ECH关联蛋白1（Keap-1）/核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）/血红素加氧酶-1（HO-1）信号通路对非酒精性脂肪肝（NAFLD）大鼠氧化应激和细胞凋亡的影响。方法：将60只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、紫檀芪低剂量组（30 mg/kg）、紫檀芪高剂量组（60 mg/kg）、紫檀芪（60 mg/kg）+N-（4-（2,3-二氢-1-（2''-甲基苯甲酰）-1H-吲哚-5-基）-5-甲基-2-噻唑基）-1,3-苯并二氧唑-5-乙酰胺（ML385）（30 mg/kg）组，每组12只。模型组与药物干预组大鼠以高脂饲料饲养诱导NAFLD模型，对照组大鼠以普通饲料饲养，各组连续喂养12周。以紫檀芪和ML385分组处理14 d后（对照组以等剂量生理盐水处理），检测各组大鼠脂代谢指标[三酰甘油（TG）、总胆固醇（TC）及游离脂肪酸（FFA）水平]、肝指数、肝功能指标[谷丙转氨酶（ALT）及谷草转氨酶（AST）]水平、血清白细胞介素（IL）-17、IL-6、IL-10、氧化应激指标[丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）及过氧化氢酶（CAT）]水平；原位末端标记法（TUNEL）染色检测各组大鼠肝细胞凋亡率；蛋白免疫印迹法检测各组大鼠肝组织凋亡相关蛋白及Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1通路相关蛋白表达。结果：与对照组相比，模型组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平显著降低（P＜0.05），TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Keap-1及Bax表达水平显著升高（P＜0.05）。与模型组相比，紫檀芪低、高剂量组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平均升高（P＜0.05），TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Keap-1、Bax表达水平均降低（P＜0.05）；与紫檀芪低剂量组相比，紫檀芪高剂量组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平升高（P＜0.05），TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Keap-1及Bax表达水平降低（P＜0.05）；与紫檀芪高剂量组相比，紫檀芪+ML385组大鼠血清IL-10、SOD及CAT水平、肝组织Nrf2、HO-1、Bcl-2表达水平降低（P＜0.05），TG、TC及FFA水平、肝指数、ALT及AST水平、血清IL-17、IL-6、MDA水平、肝细胞凋亡率、肝组织Bax表达水平升高（P＜0.05）。结论：紫檀芪可能通过激活Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1信号通路，改善NAFLD大鼠脂代谢水平，调节炎症反应及氧化应激，减轻肝组织脂肪变性及细胞凋亡。     

Impacts of exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation on liver function in rats

Objective: To study the impacts of exposure to electromagnetic radiation(EMR) on liver function in rats. Methods: Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group and radiated group. The rats in normal group were not radiated, those in radiated group were exposed to EMR 4 h/d for 18 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed immediately after the end of the experiment. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST), and those of malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) in liver tissue were evaluated by colorimetric method. The liver histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and the protein expression of bax and bcl-2 in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical method. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick and labelling(TUNEL) method was used for analysis of apoptosis in liver. Results: Compared with the normal rats, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the radiated group had no obvious changes(P0.05), while the contents of MDA increased(P0.01) and those of GSH decreased(P0.01) in liver tissues. The histopathology examination showed diffuse hepatocyte swelling and vacuolation, small pieces and focal necrosis. The immunohistochemical results displayed that the expression of the bax protein was higher and that of bcl-2 protein was lower in radiated group. The hepatocyte apoptosis rates in radiated group was higher than that in normal group(all P0.01). Conclusion: The exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone 4 h/d for 18 days could induce the liver histological changes, which may be partly due to the apoptosis and oxidative stress induced in liver tissue by electromagnetic radiation.     

The uncoordinated-5 homolog B receptor affects hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury

Recent evidence has demonstrated additional roles for the neuronal guidance protein receptor UNC5B outside the nervous system. Given the fact that ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) of the liver is a common source of liver dysfunction and the role of UNC5B during an acute inflammatory response we investigated the role of UNC5B on acute hepatic IRI. We report here that UNC5B(+/-) mice display reduced hepatic IRI and neutrophil (PMN) infiltration compared to WT controls. This correlated with serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate- (AST) and alanine- (ALT) aminotransferase, the presence of PMN within ischemic hepatic tissue, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, injection of an anti-UNC5B antibody resulted in a significant reduction of hepatic IR injury. This was associated with reduced parameters of liver injury (LDH, ALT, AST) and accumulation of PMN within the injured hepatic tissue. In conclusion our studies demonstrate a significant role for UNC5B in the development of hepatic IRI and identified UNC5B as a potential drug target to prevent liver dysfunction in the future.     

柴芩承气汤对重症急性胰腺炎并发肝损伤大鼠的治疗作用及其机制

目的：研究柴芩承气汤（CQCQD）对重症急性胰腺炎（SAP）并发肝损伤大鼠的治疗作用及其机制。方法：72只SD大鼠随机分为3组（n=24）：假手术（sham）组,重症急性胰腺炎模型（SAP）组和柴芩承气汤治疗（CQCQD）组。去氧胆酸钠胰胆管逆行注射建立SAP大鼠模型,CQCQD组给予柴芩承气汤治疗,于造模后1 h、5 h、10 h观察各组不同时间点的胰腺、肝脏组织病理学变化,检测血清中淀粉酶（AMS）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）活性、白介素-6（IL-6）水平及胰腺、肝脏组织单核细胞趋化蛋白-1（MCP-1）和IL-6 mRNA的表达情况。结果：与sham组比较,SAP组血清AMS、ALT、AST活性及IL-6水平明显升高,胰腺、肝脏组织MCP-1及IL-6 mRNA表达升高（P<0.05）;与SAP组比较,CQCQD组血清AMS、ALT、AST活性及IL-6水平明显降低;胰腺和肝脏组织病理损伤减轻,胰腺、肝脏组织MCP-1及IL-6 mRNA表达明显减弱（P<0.05）。结论：MCP-1参与了SAP并发肝损伤的进展;柴芩承气汤能显著抑制胰腺、肝脏组织MCP-1的表达,减轻SAP时胰腺、肝脏组织病理损伤,对SAP并发肝损伤起到治疗作用。     

Suramin prevents fulminant hepatic failure resulting in reduction of lethality through the suppression of NF-kappaB activity

AIM: Suramin is a symmetrical polysulfonated naphthylamine derivative of urea. There have been few studies on the effect of suramin on cytokines. We examined the effects of suramin on production of inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: We made an acute liver injury model treated with d-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Plasma AST, ALT, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were measured. We compared with survival rate, histological found and NF-kappaB activity between with and without treatment of suramin. In macrophage like cell line, TNF-alpha and IL-6 production, TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression, and NF-kappaB activity was measured. RESULTS: The lethality of mice administered suramin with GalN/LPS was significantly decreased compared with that in mice without suramin. Changes of hepatic necrosis and apoptosis were slight in suramin-treated mice. Serum AST, ALT, TNF-alpha, IL-6 levels and NF-kappaB activity in the liver were significantly lower in mice administered suramin. In an in vitro model, suramin preincubation inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-6 production, TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA expression, and NF-kappaB activity. CONCLUSIONS: Suramin inhibits TNF-alpha and IL-6 production through the suppression of NF-kappaB activity from macrophages and shows therapeutic effects on acute liver damage.     

自噬抑制剂氯喹对急性酒精诱导小鼠肝损伤的影响

目的：探讨自噬抑制剂氯喹（CQ）对急性酒精诱导肝损伤的影响及其作用机制。方法：将雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为3组：正常对照组、酒精组、氯喹干预组（n=7）,其中酒精组按4.5 g/kg剂量给予33%（V/V）酒精灌胃。HE和油红O染色检测各组小鼠肝组织脂滴变化;检测肝组织甘油三酯（TG）含量变化;检测血清谷草转氨酶（AST）和谷丙转氨酶（ALT）活性;免疫荧光法检测微管相关蛋白轻链3（LC3）蛋白变化;Western blot法检测LC3蛋白和核蛋白P65表达的变化;ELISA法检测促炎因子TNF-α、IL-6的变化。结果：与对照组比较,酒精组脂滴形成、TG含量、血清AST和ALT活性明显增高。与对照组比较,酒精组LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达明显增加;与酒精组比较,氯喹干预组使酒精诱导的LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达增强进一步加剧,使酒精诱导的TG含量、血清AST和ALT活性进一步增高,同时增加了酒精诱导的p65入核及TNFα、IL-6释放。结论：急性酒精能引起小鼠肝脏脂肪变化及炎症,而自噬抑制剂氯喹抑制自噬进程,加剧酒精诱导的肝损伤,说明自噬在酒精诱导肝损伤中可能具有保护效应。     

Protection against CCl4-induced injury in liver by adenovirally introduced thioredoxin gene

Antioxidation therapy is a promising strategy for treating or preventing oxidative stress-related liver diseases. The human thioredoxin (TRX) gene was inserted into an adenovirus vector (Adv-TRX), which was administered to mice. The mice were treated with 1 ml/kg CCl4 48 h after the infection. Blood samples were taken and the liver was excised 24 h after the CCl4 treatment. Serum ammonia, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were determined, and liver sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. RT-PCR analysis showed that the introduced TRX gene was expressed only in the liver. Adv-TRX decreased the serum ammonia, AST, and ALT levels. Hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated that the CCl4-induced injury was significantly prevented by the Adv-TRX infection. The gene delivery of TRX, which plays a central role in intracellular redox control, was shown to be effective in protecting the liver against oxidative stress-induced injury.     

Cultured mycelium Cordyceps sinensis protects liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in acute liver injured mice

Cultured mycelium Cordyceps sinensis (CMCS) was widely used for a variety of diseases including liver injury, the current study aims to investigate the protective effects of CMCS on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in acute injury liver and related action mechanisms. The mice were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and d-galactosamine (D-GalN). 39 male BABL/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, model control, CMCS treatment and 1,10-phenanthroline treatment groups. The Serum liver function parameters including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were assayed with the commercial kit. The inflammation and scaffold structure in liver were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and silver staining respectively. The LSECs and sub-endothelial basement membrane were observed with the scanning and transmission electronic microscope. The protein expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in liver were analyzed with Western blotting. Expression of von Willebrand factor (vWF) was investigated with immunofluorescence staining. The lipid peroxidation indicators including antisuperoxideanion (ASAFR), hydroxyl free radical (·OH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were determined with kits, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 (MMP-2/9) activities in liver were analyzed with gelatin zymography and in situ fluorescent zymography respectively. The model mice had much higher serum levels of ALT and AST than the normal mice. Compared to that in the normal control, more severe liver inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis, worse hepatic lipid peroxidation demonstrated by the increased ASAFR, ·OH and MDA, but decreased SOD and GST, increased MMP-2/9 activities and VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and vWF expressions, which revealed obvious LSEC injury and scaffold structure broken, were shown in the model control. Compared with the model group, CMCS and 1,10-phenanthroline significantly improved serum ALT/AST, attenuated hepatic inflammation and improved peroxidative injury in liver, decreased MMP-2/9 activities in liver tissue, improved integration of scaffold structure, and decreased protein expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. CMCS could protect LSECs from injury and maintain the microvasculature integration in acute injured liver of mice induced by LPS/D-GalN. Its action mechanism was associated with the down-regulation of MMP-2/9 activities and inhibition of peroxidation in injured liver.     

FGF21 alleviates acute liver injury by inducing the SIRT1‐autophagy signalling pathway

Liver injury can lead to different hepatic diseases, which are the mainly causes of high global mortality and morbidity. Autophagy and Sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1) have been shown protective effects in response to liver injury. Previous studies have showed that Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) could alleviate acute liver injury (ALI), but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we verified the relationship among FGF21, autophagy and SIRT1 in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)‐induced ALI. We established CCl₄‐induced ALI models in C57BL/6 mice and the L02 cell line. The results showed that FGF21 was robustly induced in response to stress during the development of ALI. After exogenous FGF21 treatment in ALI models, liver damage in ALI mice was significantly reduced, as well as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Consistently, FGF21 also greatly reduced the levels of ALT, AST, pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) in ALI cell lines. Mechanistically, exogenous FGF21 treatment efficiently upregulated the expression of autophagy marker microtubule‐associated protein light chain‐3 beta (LC3 II) and autophagy key molecule coiled‐coil myosin‐like BCL2‐interacting protein (Beclin1), which was accompanied by alleviating hepatotoxicity in CCl₄‐treated wild‐type mice. Then, we examined how FGF21 induced autophagy expression and found that SIRT1 was also upregulated by FGF21 treatment. To further verify our results, we constructed an anti‐SIRT1 lentit‐RNAi to inhibit SIRT1 expression in mice and L02 cells, which reversed the protective effect of FGF21 on ALI. In summary, these results indicate that FGF21 alleviates ALI by enhancing SIRT1‐mediated autophagy.     

红景天苷调节AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路对结肠癌SW480细胞裸鼠的肝脏损伤的影响

摘要 目的：探讨红景天苷（Sal）调节单磷酸腺苷活化蛋白激酶（AMPK）/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mTOR）/Unc51样激酶1（ULK1）信号通路对结肠癌SW480细胞裸鼠肝脏损伤的影响。方法：通过皮下注射SW480细胞悬浮液建立肝转移裸鼠模型,将造模后的裸鼠随机分为模型组、Sal低剂量（Sal-L,50 mg/kg Sal）组、Sal中剂量（Sal-M,100 mg/kg Sal）组、Sal高剂量（Sal-H,200 mg/kg Sal）组,Sal-H+AMPK抑制剂（Compound C,200 mg/kg Sal+10 mg/kg Compound C）组,以未接种SW480细胞悬液的裸鼠作为对照组。腹部主动脉取血,检测裸鼠血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）水平;处死裸鼠,检测肝转移瘤数目及肝脏重量;HE染色观察肝脏组织病理变化;qRT-PCR检测肝脏组织中AMPK、mTOR、ULK1 mRNA表达水平;Western blot检测肝脏组织中自噬（Beclin1、p62）蛋白及通路相关蛋白表达。结果：与对照组相比,模型组裸鼠组织中出现肝转移瘤,肝脏重量、AST、ALT水平、mTORmRNA、ULK1 mRNA、p62表达显著增加（P<0.05）;Beclin1、AMPK mRNA及蛋白表达显著降低（P<0.05）;与模型组相比,Sal-L、Sal-M、Sal-H组肝转移瘤数目、肝脏重量、AST、ALT水平、mTORmRNA、ULK1 mRNA、p62表达显著降低（P<0.05）;Beclin1、AMPK mRNA及蛋白表达显著增加（P<0.05）;与Sal-H组相比,Sal-H+Compound C组肝转移瘤数目、肝脏重量、AST、ALT水平、mTORmRNA、ULK1 mRNA、p62表达显著增加（P<0.05）;Beclin1、AMPK mRNA及蛋白表达显著降低（P<0.05）。结论：Sal可通过减少裸鼠肝转移瘤形成,保护裸鼠肝脏,其机制可能与激活AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路,促进肝脏自噬有关。     

Truncated thioredoxin (Trx‐80) promotes pro‐inflammatory macrophages of the M1 phenotype and enhances atherosclerosis

Vascular cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress that is believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. Thioredoxin‐1 (Trx‐1) is an oxidative stress‐limiting protein with anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties. In contrast, its truncated form (Trx‐80) exerts pro‐inflammatory effects. Here we analyzed whether Trx‐80 might exert atherogenic effects by promoting macrophage differentiation into the M1 pro‐inflammatory phenotype. Trx‐80 at 1 µg/ml significantly attenuated the polarization of anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages induced by exposure to either IL‐4 at 15 ng/ml or IL‐4/IL‐13 (10 ng/ml each) in vitro, as evidenced by the expression of the characteristic markers, CD206 and IL‐10. By contrast, in LPS‐challenged macrophages, Trx‐80 significantly potentiated the differentiation into inflammatory M1 macrophages as indicated by the expression of the M1 cytokines, TNF‐α and MCP‐1. When Trx‐80 was administered to hyperlipoproteinemic ApoE2.Ki mice at 30 µg/g body weight (b.w.) challenged either with LPS at 30 µg/30 g (b.w.) or IL‐4 at 500 ng/30 g (b.w.), it significantly induced the M1 phenotype but inhibited differentiation of M2 macrophages in thymus and liver. When ApoE2.Ki mice were challenged once weekly with LPS for 5 weeks, they showed severe atherosclerotic lesions enriched with macrophages expressing predominantly M1 over M2 markers. Such effect was potentiated when mice received daily, in addition to LPS, the Trx‐80. Moreover, the Trx‐80 treatment led to a significantly increased aortic lesion area. The ability of Trx‐80 to promote differentiation of macrophages into the classical proinflammatory phenotype may explain its atherogenic effects in cardiovascular diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1577–1583, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

姜黄素对小鼠胆汁淤积性肝纤维化的改善作用及其机制研究*

目的:探讨姜黄素对小鼠胆管结扎所致的胆汁淤积性肝纤维化的保护作用,为肝纤维化治疗提供新的治疗方法。方法:42只健康成年雄性BALB/c小鼠随机分为假手术(n=6)处理组、假手术+姜黄素(n=6)处理组、胆管结扎(BDL)处理组(n=10)、BDL+姜黄素处理组(n=10),BDL+姜黄素+锌原卟啉(ZnPP)处理组(n=10)。BDL手术7 d后,假手术+姜黄素组、BDL+姜黄素组每日给予姜黄素(30 mg / kg)腹腔注射;BDL+姜黄素+ZnPP组每日给予姜黄素(30 mg / kg)以及nPP(50 μmol/ kg)腹腔注射;对于假手术组和BDL组,小鼠每天一次腹膜内注射等体积的盐水。整个给药过程持续7 d。小鼠BDL14 d后,取血和肝脏组织,检测谷草转氨酶(AST)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)水平,观察肝组织病理形态变化、肝纤维化情况、检测肝组织中血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)的蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组相比,BDL组小鼠肝脏胆囊肿大,血清谷草转氨酶(ALT)、谷丙转氨酶(AST)水平显著升高 (P＜0.05),同时,天狼星红染色及促纤维化相关基因的qRT-PCR结果显示肝脏出现胶原蛋白沉积,巨噬细胞及中性粒细胞免疫组化结果显示肝脏出现炎性细胞浸润;与BDL组相比,姜黄素治疗组血清ALT、AST水平明显降低(P＜0.05),胶原蛋白沉积及炎性细胞浸润情况有所改善,同时,补充姜黄素后HO-1表达升高(P＜0.05);对姜黄素治疗组给予HO-1活性抑制剂ZnPP发现,姜黄素对肝损伤的保护作用被逆转。结论:姜黄素可以改善BDL所致的肝脏炎症及肝纤维化,这种保护作用可能与姜黄素调节HO-1活性有关。     

银杏叶提取物对对乙酰氨基酚诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的：探究银杏叶提取物（GBE）对对乙酰氨基酚（APAP）诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法：30只小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、GBE低、中、高剂量组（50,100,and 200 mg·kg^-1）,每组6只。除对照组外,剩余小鼠腹腔注射APAP （300 mg/kg）一次,随后GBE低、中、高剂量组按照相应剂量灌胃给药,治疗2 d后取材。观察各组肝脏大体情况和肝组织的病理组织学变化;取血测定各组小鼠血清中ALT、AST的活性和TNF-α、IL-6的水平;取肝检测各组肝组织中SOD、MPO的活性和GSH、MDA的含量;通过Western blot检测各组肝组织中Nrf2、HO-1蛋白的表达量。结果：与对照组相比,模型组肝脏明显肿大,病理表现差,血清中ALT、AST、TNF-α、IL-6的水平显著升高（P<0.01）,肝组织中GSH的含量和SOD的活性显著降低（P<0.01）,MDA的含量和MPO的活性显著升高（P<0.01）,Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达明显下调（P<0.01）。与模型组相比,GBE组肝脏肿大减轻,病理表现有所改善,血清中ALT、AST、TNF-α、IL-6的水平显著降低（P<0.01）,肝组织中GSH的含量和SOD的活性显著提高（P<0.01）,MDA的含量和MPO的活性显著降低（P<0.01）,Nrf2、HO-1蛋白表达上调（P<0.05）,其中高剂量GBE组治疗效果最明显。结论：GBE可对APAP诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤具有保护作用,其作用机制可能是通过Nrf2/HO-1抗氧化途径发挥作用。