Tetrahydroberberine alleviates high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice via augmenting lipoprotein assembly-induced clearance of low-density lipoprotein and intermediate-density lipoprotein

The promotion of excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL) clearance stands as an effective clinical approach for treating hyperlipidemia. Tetrahydroberberine, a metabolite of berberine, exhibits superior bioavailability compared to berberine and demonstrates a pronounced hypolipidemic effect. Despite these characteristics, the impact of tetrahydroberberine on improving excessive LDL clearance in hyperlipidemia has remained unexplored. Thus, this study investigates the potential effects of tetrahydroberberine on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in mice. The findings reveal that tetrahydroberberine exerts a more potent lipid-lowering effect than berberine, particularly concerning LDL-cholesterol in hyperlipidemic mice. Notably, tetrahydroberberine significantly reduces serum levels of upstream lipoproteins, including intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and very low-density lipoprotein, by promoting their conversion to LDL. This reduction is further facilitated by the upregulation of hepatic LDL receptor expression induced by tetrahydroberberine. Intriguingly, tetrahydroberberine enhances the apolipoprotein E (ApoE)/apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) ratio, influencing lipoprotein assembly in the serum. This effect is achieved through the activation of the efflux of ApoE-containing cholesterol in the liver. The ApoE/ApoB100 ratio exhibits a robust negative correlation with serum levels of LDL and IDL, indicating its potential as a diagnostic indicator for hyperlipidemia. Moreover, tetrahydroberberine enhances hepatic lipid clearance without inducing lipid accumulation in the liver and alleviates existing liver lipid content. Importantly, no apparent hepatorenal toxicity is observed following tetrahydroberberine treatment for hyperlipidemia. In summary, tetrahydroberberine demonstrates a positive impact against hyperlipidemia by modulating lipoprotein assembly-induced clearance of LDL and IDL. The ApoE/ApoB100 ratio emerges as a promising diagnostic indicator for hyperlipidemia, showcasing the potential clinical significance of tetrahydroberberine in lipid management.

Curcumin Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis via Improving Hepatic Endothelial Function with Microbial Biotransformation in Rats

Hepatic endothelial function is central to the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Curcumin (Cur) is reportedly hepatoprotective, however, it remains unknown whether Cur improves hepatic endothelial function in NASH. Additionally, the poor bioavailability of Cur renders it difficult to elucidate its hepatoprotective effect, hence, its biotransformation should be considered. Herein, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Cur and its bioconversion on hepatic endothelial function against high-fat diet-induced NASH in rats. The results revealed that Cur improved hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NF-κB and PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathways, however, these effects were weakened via antibiotic addition, which was closely related to reduced tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) produce in the liver and intestinal content. Moreover, THC exerted a better effect than Cur on restoring liver sinusoidal endothelial cells function to attenuate steatosis and injury in L02 cells. Thus, these findings indicate that the effect of Cur on NASH is closely related to hepatic endothelial function improvement with intestinal microbial biotransformation.

[Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum RyR1 receptor phosphorylation leads to diaphragmatic dysfunction in septic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of endoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) expression and phosphorylation in sepsis- induced diaphragm dysfunction.

METHODS

Thirty SPF male SD rats were randomized equally into 5 groups, including a sham-operated group, 3 sepsis model groups observed at 6, 12, or 24 h following cecal ligation and perforation (CLP; CLP-6h, CLP-12h, and CLP-24h groups, respectively), and a CLP-24h group with a single intraperitoneal injection of KN- 93 immediately after the operation (CLP-24h+KN-93 group). At the indicated time points, diaphragm samples were collected for measurement of compound muscle action potential (CMAP), fatigue index of the isolated diaphragm and fitted frequencycontraction curves. The protein expression levels of CaMK Ⅱ, RyR1 and P-RyR1 in the diaphragm were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

In the rat models of sepsis, the amplitude of diaphragm CMAP decreased and its duration increased with time following CLP, and the changes were the most obvious at 24 h and significantly attenuated by KN-93 treatment (P < 0.05). The diaphragm fatigue index increased progressively following CLP (P < 0.05) irrespective of KN- 93 treatment (P>0.05). The frequency-contraction curve of the diaphragm muscle decreased progressively following CLP, and was significantly lower in CLP-24 h group than in CLP-24 h+KN-93 group (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the sham-operated group, RyR1 expression level in the diaphragm was significantly lowered at 24 h (P < 0.05) but not at 6 or 12 following CLP, irrespective of KN-93 treatment; The expression level of P-RyR1 increased gradually with time after CLP, and was significantly lowered by KN-93 treatment at 24 h following CLP (P < 0.05). The expression level of CaMKⅡ increased significantly at 24 h following CLP, and was obviously lowered by KN-93 treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sepsis causes diaphragmatic dysfunction by enhancing CaMK Ⅱ expression and RyR1 receptor phosphorylation in the endoplasmic reticulum of the diaphragm.

High fructose-induced skeletal muscle insulin resistance could be alleviated by berberine via AMPD1 and ADSL

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of energy homeostasis that is activated in response to an elevated intracellular AMP/ATP ratio. Although many studies have shown berberine is an AMPK activator widely used in metabolic syndrome, how to properly control AMPK activity remains obscure. Our present study aimed to examine the protective effect of berberine against fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats and L6 cells, as well as its potential activation mechanism on AMPK. The results showed that berberine effectively reversed body weight gain, Lee's index, dyslipidemia and insulin intolerance. Moreover, berberine alleviated inflammatory response, antioxidant capacity and promoted glucose uptake in vivo and in vitro. The beneficial effect was associated with upregulation of both Nrf2 and AKT/GLUT4 pathways, which were regulated by AMPK. Notably, berberine could increase the level of AMP and the ratio of AMP/ATP, then further activate AMPK. Mechanistic experiments revealed that berberine suppressed the expression of adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) and promoted the expression of adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSL). Taken together, berberine exerted excellent therapeutic effect on insulin resistance. And its mode of action may be related to the AMP-AMPK pathway by regulating AMPD1 and ADSL.

[The related factors of postoperative recurrence in trigeminalneuralgia patients undergoing fully neuroendoscopic microvascular decompression]

Objective: To evaluate the related factors of postoperative recurrence intrigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients treated with fully neuroendoscopic microvascular decompression (MVD). Methods: The clinical baseline data and preoperative MRI imaging data of 112 patients with TN treated by neuroendoscopic MVD from December 2008 to December 2020 in the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, including: area ratio of cerebellopontine area (CPA)(healthy side/affected side), trigeminal nerve(TGN)length ratio(healthy side/affected side), TGN angle ratio(healthy side/affected side), and criminal vessel type. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the factors affecting postoperative recurrence. Results: Among the 112 patients in this group, there were 49 males and 63 females. The age ranged from 20 to 82 (59±9) years, and the course of disease was 0.05 to 30.00 (5.60±5.15) years. Pain was located on the left side in 43 cases (38.39%) and on the right side in 69 cases (61.61%), respectively. All patients were followed up for more than 1 year, with an average follow-up time of 21.5 months, and 11 cases recurred. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that disease duration≥3 years(HR=9.34, 95%CI:1.12-39.07), CPA area ratio(healthy side/affected side)>1 (HR=27.47, 95%CI:1.69-44.20), criminal vessel type with vein(HR=35.39, 95%CI:1.26-18.60) and criminal vessel type with arteriovenous (HR=46.07, 95%CI: 2.74-27.75) were the main factors influencing recurrence of MVD surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The disease duration≥3 years, CPA area ratio(healthy side/affected side)>1, and criminal vessel type with vein/arteriovenous are the relevant factors that affect the recurrence rate after the fully neuroendoscopic MVD treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.

Andrographolide sodium bisulfite ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and liver injury in mice via inhibiting macrophage proinflammatory polarization from the gut-liver axis

Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory disease, is widely thought to be associated with colonic barrier damage and inflammatory response. With the destruction of the colonic barrier, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enters the liver through the portal vein and causes liver injury. Liver injury in turn exacerbates UC to form a vicious cycle, so the treatment of liver injury cannot be ignored. Andrographolide (Andro) has a protective effect against colitis and liver injury, but with low bioavailability. Andrographolide sodium bisulfite (ASB), a water-soluble sulfonate of Andro, has better bioavailability, whether it has a better curative effect against UC and liver injury is rarely reported. Hence, we investigated the protective effect and potential mechanism of ASB against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC and liver injury in mice. The results showed that treatment with ASB significantly relieved the clinical symptoms of UC and liver injury by reducing disease activity index, inhibiting gut-derived LPS leakage, and improving colonic and hepatic injury, and its curative effect was better than Andro. Moreover, ASB effectively decreased the YAP-mediated colonic inflammation and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory factor release in the liver. Both colonic and hepatic inflammation were associated with macrophage proinflammatory polarization, but they were significantly inhibited by ASB. ASB showed good safety in the treatment of UC and liver injury and has no nephrotoxicity as previously described. In conclusion, ASB has an effective protective effect on DSS-induced UC and liver injury, mainly by suppressing macrophage proinflammatory polarization from the gut-liver axis.

β-Patchoulene Ameliorates Water Transport and the Mucus Barrier in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis Rats via the cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway

Intestinal mucositis (IM) is the main side effect observed in patients who receive cancer chemotherapy. The characteristics of ulceration, vomiting, and severe diarrhea cause patients to delay or abandon further treatment, thereby aggravating their progress. Hence, IM cannot be overlooked. β-patchoulene (β-PAE) is an active ingredient isolated from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (Labiatae) and has shown a marked protective effect against gastrointestinal diseases in previous studies. However, whether β-PAE plays a positive role in IM is still unknown. Herein, we explore the effects and the underlying mechanism of β-PAE against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced IM in IEC-6 cells and rats. β-PAE significantly recovered cell viability, upregulated the IM-induced rat body weight and food intake and improved the pathological diarrhea symptoms. Aquaporin is critical for regulating water fluid homeostasis, and its abnormal expression was associated with pathological diarrhea in IM. β-PAE displayed an outstanding effect in inhibiting aquaporin 3 (AQP3) via the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. Besides, inflammation-induced mucus barrier injury deteriorated water transport and aggravated diarrhea in IM-induced rats. β-PAE’s effect on suppressing inflammation and recovering the mucus barrier strengthened its regulation of water transport and thus alleviated diarrhea in IM-induced rats. In sum, β-PAE improved IM in rats mainly by improving water transport and the mucus barrier, and these effects were correlated with its function on inhibiting the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

β-patchoulene protects against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via interrupting the vicious circle among oxidative stress, histanoxia and lipid accumulation in rats

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an extreme progressive subtype of metabolic associated fatty liver disease, is well characterized by hepatic steatosis, injury and inflammation. It causes irreversible hepatic damage and there are no approved interventions for it. β-PAE, a representatively pharmacological active substance isolated from Pogostemon cablin, has been indicated to alleviate hepatic steatosis and injury through modulating lipid metabolism in rats with simple steatosis. However, its protection against NASH remains unclear. Here, this study explored the potential effect of β-PAE against high-fat diet-induced NASH in rats. The results displayed that β-PAE significantly reduced the gains of body weight and epididymal adipose tissue, liver index and attenuated liver histological damages in NASH rats. It also markedly alleviated hepatic inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In NASH, the active NLRP3 inflammasome is caused by hepatic lipid abnormal accumulation-induced oxidative stress. Excessive oxidative stress results in hepatic histanoxia, which exacerbates lipid metabolism disorders by elevating CD36 to suppress AMPK signalling pathways. Moreover, the lipid accumulation led by lipid metabolism dysfunction intensifies oxidative stress. A vicious circle is formed among oxidative stress, histanoxia and lipid accumulation, eventually, but β-PAE effectively interrupted it. Interestingly, soluble CD36 (sCD36) was tightly associated not only with hepatic steatosis and injury but also with inflammation. Collectively, β-PAE exerted a positive effect against NASH by interrupting the vicious circle among oxidative stress, histanoxia and lipid accumulation, and sCD36 may be a promising non-invasive tool for NASH diagnosis.

[Efficacy analysis of fully endoscopic microvascular decompression in primary trigeminal neuralgia via keyhole approach]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and technical features of fully endoscopic microvascular decompression(MVD) in primary trigeminal neuralgia(PTN) via keyhole approach. Methods: The clinical data of 97 patients with PTN underwent fully endoscopic MVD via keyhole approach in the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from December 2014 to February 2019 was collected. During fully endoscopic MVD in PTN via keyhole approach, performer use natural clearance without grinding except developed rock bone crest or excessive retraction of the brain tissue, visually and panoramically observe and evaluate the CPA area, accurately identify the responsible vessels, to avoid the omission of responsible vessels or insufficient decompression. And the use of preplaced technology, bridging technology and submersible technology, ensure the efficacy of surgery and reduce the surgical side injuries.Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score was used to evaluate the efficacy and identify the recurrence. The surgical efficacy was analyzed. Results: The offending vessels were identified under endoscope in 96 cases. Among them, arterial compression was found in 77 cases, venous compression in 6 cases, and both arterial and venous compression in 13 cases. About the pain outcomes, 87 cases had immediate and complete relief of pain, 5 cases had almost relief of pain, 4 cases had partial relief of pain, and still needed medication control, but the dose was lower than that before operation, and 1 case had no obvious relief of pain. About complications, there were 4 cases of temporary facial numbness, 1 case of temporary hearing loss, both of them recovered after symptomatic treatment. There was no cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, intracranial or incision infection. All cases were followed up for 3.0-38.0 months with a median period of(22.4±2.2) months. During the follow-up periods, postoperative recurrence occurred in 3 cases. Conclusion: Fully endoscopic MVD for PTN through keyhole approach, provides panoramic view to avoid omission of offending vessels and reduce complications, seemed to be a safe and effective surgical method.

β-patchoulene improves lipid metabolism to alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via activating AMPK signaling pathway

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been a leading cause of chronic metabolic disease, seriously posing healthy burdens to the public, whereas interventions available for it are limited to date. Patchouli oil had been reported to attenuate hepatic steatosis in our previous study. β-patchoulene (β-PAE) is a representative component separated from patchouli oil with multiple activities, but its effect against NAFLD is still unknown. To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of β-PAE on NAFLD, we used high fat diet (HFD) in vivo and free fatty acid (FFA) in vitro to induce hepatic steatosis in rats and L02 cells, respectively. Histological examination was evaluated via Hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining. The parameters for hepatic steatosis were estimated via biochemical kits, western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Compound C, the inhibitor of AMPK, was applied further to examine the precise mechanism of β-PAE on NAFLD. Our results indicated that β-PAE significantly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic injury, lipid deposition in serum and hepatic tissue as well as FFA induced-lipid accumulation. Besides, β-PAE markedly improved the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream factors which correlate with hepatic lipid synthesis and oxidation in vivo and in vitro. Nevertheless, Compound C abrogated the benefits derived from β-PAE in L02 cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that β-PAE exerts AMPK agonist-like effect to regulate hepatic lipid synthesis and oxidation, eventually prevent NAFLD progression.

β-patchoulene simultaneously ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and secondary liver injury in mice via suppressing colonic leakage and flora imbalance

Ulcerative colitis (UC) often occurs accompanied by colonic leakage and flora imbalance, resulting in secondary liver injury (SLI). SLI, in turn, aggravates UC, so the treatment of UC should not ignore it. β-patchoulene (β-PAE), a tricyclic sesquiterpene isolated from Pogostemon cablin, has been reported to exert a protective effect in gastrointestinal disease in our previous studies. However, its protection against UC and SLI remains unknown. Here we explored the protective effect and underlying mechanism of β-PAE against dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC and SLI in mice. The results indicated that β-PAE significantly reduced disease activity index, splenic index and attenuated the shortening of colonic length in UC mice. It alleviated colonic pathological changes and apoptosis through protecting tight junctions, reducing neutrophil aggregation, and inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. These effects of β-PAE were associated with the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and ROCK1/MLC2 signalling pathway. UC-induced colonic leakage caused abnormally high LPS levels to result in SLI, and β-PAE markedly inhibited it. β-PAE simultaneously ameliorated SLI with reduced biomarker levels of endotoxin exposure and hepatic inflammation. High levels of LPS were also associated with flora imbalance in UC mice. However, β-PAE restored the diversity of gut microbiota and altered the relative abundance of characteristic flora of UC mice. Escherichia-dominated gut microbiota of UC mice was changed to Oscillospira-dominated after β-PAE treatment. In conclusion, pharmacological effects of β-PAE on UC and SLI were mainly contributed by suppressing colonic leakage and flora imbalance. The findings may have implications for UC treatment that not neglect the treatment of SLI.

MiR-448 downregulates CTTN to inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in glioma

OBJECTIVE

miRNAs have been confirmed to be related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we detected the potential effect of miR-448 on glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miR-448 and CTTN expression levels were detected in glioma cell lines with quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cells were transfected with miR-448 mimics and inhibitor by using lipofectamine 2000 respectively. The proliferative ability of transfected cells was detected via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assays. Cell apoptosis and cell-cycle were tested using flow cytometry. The regulatory correlation between miR-448 and CTTN was explored by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Lower expression of miR-448 and higher level of CTTN were detected in glioma cells. MiR-448 could regulate cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, and cell cycle. CTTN was negatively regulated by miR-448.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-448 downregulates CTTN to inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in glioma, which indicates a potential therapeutic target of glioma.

[Application of complete endoscopic technique in microvascular decompression related tovertebrobasilar artery compression]

Objective: To study the operative method, special technique and curative effect of complete neuroendoscopic microvascular decompression(MVD) related to vertebrobasilar artery compression. Methods: Thirteen patients with functional cranial nerve disease caused by vertebrobasilar artery as direct or indirect responsible vessel accepted complete endoscopic MVD, including 11 patients with hemifacial spasm and 2 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The procedure and curative effect of endoscopic surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Results: All procedures of complete neuroendoscopic MVD were successfully completed.Intraoperative observation by endoscope showed that 6 cases were oppressed directly by vertebral artery, 2 cases were oppressed directly by basilar artery, 5 cases were combined oppressed by displaced basilar artery and other vessels (1 case was superior cerebellar artery and 4 cases were anterior inferior cerebellar artery). During the operation, Teflon sheets was placed directly into the compression point in 2 cases, the "Pre-placed" technique was used to place Teflon sheets in 7 cases, and the "Set up bridge" technique was used to place Teflon sheets in 4 cases. Follow-up for 8-38 months,the symptoms disappeared completely in 12 cases and improved in 1 case. No deaths and severe complications occurred, such as postoperative bleeding, cerebellar infarction and intracranial infection. Conclusion: MVD related to vertebrobasilar artery compression can be performed by complete neuroendoscopic technique, which can achieve sufficient decompression effect and curative effect.Flexible use of the special technology of placing Teflon sheets by single-hand under endoscope, such as the "Pre-placed" and "Set up bridge" technique, is an important technical guarantee for the successful completion of endoscopic MVD.

[Efficacy analysis of soft neuroendoscopic techniques in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of soft neuroendoscopic techniques in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methods: A retrospective analysis of 201 cases of CSDH diagnosed and treated at Beijing Shijitan Hospital (CMU) from January 2006 to December 2017 was conducted. From January 2006 to December 2010, 126 cases of CSDH were treated with skull drilling and drainage (non-endoscopic group). From January 2011 to December 2017, 75 cases of CSDH were treated with soft neuroendoscopy (endoscopic group). The operation time of the non-endoscopic and endoscopic groups, the hematoma clearance rate on the first day after surgery, the time of the drainage tube, the length of hospital stay, the incidence of complications, mortality and recurrence rate were compared. Results: There were no deaths in both groups. The average operation time of the non-endoscopic group was 43 min, compared with the average operation time of the endoscopy group of 50 min, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). The average hematoma clearance rate on the first day after surgery in the endoscopy group (98.2%) was significantly higher than that in non-endoscopic group (87.3%) (P<0.01). The average time of drainage tube in the endoscopy group (23 h) was significantly shorter than that in the non-endoscopic group (50 h) (P<0.01). On the first postoperative day, the proportion of patients with mRS≤3 in the endoscopic group was significantly higher than that in the non-endoscopic group (P<0.01). At the time of discharge, the proportion of patients with mRS≤3 in the endoscopy group was also significantly higher than that in the non-endoscopic group, P<0.05. There was no significant difference in the average hospital stay between endoscopy group (7 d) and non-endoscopic group (8 d) (P>0.05). The postoperative complication rate in the endoscopy group was significantly lower than that in the non-endoscopic group (P<0.01). During 0.5-8 years of follow-up, the recurrence rate of CSDH in the endoscopic group (5.33%) was significantly lower than that in the non-endoscopic group (15.07%) (P<0.01). Conclusion: The application of visualization features of soft neuroendoscopy in the treatment of CSDH can significantly improve hematoma clearance, shorten the time of drainage tube, reduce postoperative complications and recurrence rate, and improve surgical outcomes.

Berberine Improves Cognitive Deficiency and Muscular Dysfunction via Activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1a Pathway in Skeletal Muscle from Naturally Aging Rats

OBJECTIVE

The manifestations of aging include cognitive deficits and muscular dysfunction, which are closely linked to impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, presents multiple anti-diabetic pharmacological effects. Evidence has indicated that insulin resistance and cognitive impairment share the same pathogenesis, and berberine could reverse glucose metabolism abnormalities and muscle mitochondrial dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet. This study was used to investigate whether berberine could be used as an anti-aging drug to prevent cognitive deficits and muscular dysfunction in natural aging.

METHODS

Biochemical indicators and an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were tested in 5-month-old rats (5 mo group), 24-month-old rats (24 mo group) and 24-month-old rats that had undergone 6 months of berberine treatment (BBR group). A Morris water maze test was conducted to assess the cognitive ability of the rats. Insulin resistance in whole-body was evaluated by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). The morphology of the skeletal muscle tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed with corresponding reagent kits. The protein expressions of GLUT4, AMPK, SIRT1 and PGC-1α in skeletal muscle were examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

The results showed that administration of berberine for 6 months significantly improved cognitive deficits and insulin resistance in naturally aging rats (p<0.01). Furthermore, berberine treatment helped normalize the disordered alignment and the decreased number of muscle fibers (p<0.01) in the skeletal muscle of 24 mo rats. Berberine decreased the levels of ROS in both the serum and the skeletal muscle of 24 mo rats (p<0.01). Berberine increased the protein expression of p-AMPK, SIRT1 and PGC-1α and increased the production of ATP in the skeletal muscle of aging rats (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Berberine markedly ameliorates aging-related reductions in cognitive ability and muscular function, and the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in skeletal muscle may be the underlying protective mechanism of berberine on muscular function.

Iron overload induced by ferric ammonium citrate triggers reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis via both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in human hepatic cells

BACKGROUND

Hepatic iron overload is common in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and may predispose to peri- and post-HCT toxicity. To better understand the mechanisms of iron overload-induced liver injury, we examined the effects of iron overload induced by ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) on oxidative stress and apoptosis signaling pathway in human hepatic cell line HH4.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hepatic HH4 cells were exposed to FAC to force iron uptake, and cellular responses were determined. Incubation with 5 mM FAC resulted in increased intracellular iron content in a time-dependent manner. High concentration of FAC impaired cell viability and increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and addition of antioxidant reagent such as glutathione or N-acetylcysteine dramatically reduced FAC-induced intracellular ROS generation. FAC overload significantly increased the phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB-α, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) p65 and promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Knockdown of Fas and Bid expression by small interfering RNA in iron-treated HH4 cells resulted in restoration of cell viability.

CONCLUSIONS

We reported that FAC treatment is capable of inducing both extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial signaling pathway-mediated HH4 cells apoptosis through ROS-activated p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Schistosoma japonicum: susceptibility of neonate mice born to infected and noninfected mothers following subsequent challenge

This study was to investigate the differences between neonate mice born to Schistosoma japonicum-infected mothers and those born to noninfected mothers in subsequent challenge. The intensity of infection (evidenced by worm burden and liver egg burden) and liver immunopathology (number and size of liver granulomas) were significantly reduced in neonates from infected mothers (I.M.) compared with neonates from noninfected mothers (N.M.). Anti-soluble worm antigen of S. japonicum (SWA) IgG could be detected in sera of neonates from I.M. (N.N./I.M.) at 1 week after delivery, remained a plateau for 2 weeks and gradually decreased until 8 weeks of age. Parasite-specific IgM was not detected in sera from N.N./I.M. at any time after delivery. At 6 weeks after infection, the level of anti-SWA IgG in infected neonates from I.M. (I.N./I.M.) was significantly higher than that of infected neonates from N.M. (I.N./N.M.). In addition, production of IFN-γ, IL-12 and TGF-β by cultured splenocytes from I.N./I.M. was significantly increased, while the level of IL-4 was significantly decreased when compared to those from I.N./N.M.. These data demonstrate that congenital exposure to schistosomiasis japonica may render neonatal mice born to I.M. less susceptible to subsequent challenge and result in down-regulation of both infection intensity and immunopathology.

Polymorphisms of KAP6, KAP7, and KAP8 genes in four Chinese sheep breeds

High glycine-tyrosine proteins (HGTPs), also known as keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), play a key role in the major structures and mechanical properties of wool fiber. Sheep HGTPs consist of three multigene families: KAP6, KAP7, and KAP8 genes. Polymorphisms of these three genes have been proposed to have important effects on wool fiber traits. The aim of the present study was to identify polymorphisms of the KAP6, KAP7, and KAP8 genes in four sheep breeds, including Chinese Merino superfine wool sheep, Hu sheep, a Merino x Hu crossed breed, and Romney sheep. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product direct sequencing, PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism, and cloned sequencing methods were used to find genetic variation and identify polymorphisms in these genes. The Mutation Surveyor v3.97 software was used to analyze the sequences. These methods revealed six different sequences of the KAP6 gene, two different sequences of the KAP7 gene, and five different sequences of the KAP8 gene. Accordingly, three (with frequencies>1%) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the KAP6 gene, one SNP of the KAP7 gene, and five SNPs of the KAP8 gene were detected. Interestingly, some of these sequences were present in only certain sheep breeds, thereby suggesting that these special allele sequences could be used as candidate genes of wool characteristics in further studies.

Cav-1 deletion impaired hematopoietic stem cell function

A tightly controlled balance between hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartments is required to maintain normal blood cell homeostasis throughout life, and this balance is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic cellular factors. Cav-1 is a 22-kDa protein that is located in plasma membrane invaginations and is implicated in regulating neural stem cell and embryonic stem cell proliferation. However, the role of Cav-1 in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function is largely unknown. In this study, we used Cav-1^−/− mice to investigate the role of Cav-1 in HSCs function during aging. The results showed that Cav-1^−/− mice displayed a decreased percentage of B cells and an increased percentage of M cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, and these changes were due to an increased number of HSCs. FACS analysis showed that the numbers of Lin⁻Sca1⁺c-kit⁺ cells (LSKs), long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs), short-term HSCs and multipotent progenitors were increased in Cav-1^−/− mice compared with Cav-1^+/+ mice, and this increase became more pronounced with aging. An in vitro clonogenic assay showed that LT-HSCs from Cav-1^−/− mice had reduced ability to self-renew. Consistently, an in vivo competitive transplantation assay showed that Cav-1^−/− mice failed to reconstitute hematopoiesis. Moreover, a Cav-1 deletion disrupted the quiescence of LSKs and promoted cell cycle progression through G2/M phase. In addition, we found that Cav-1 deletion impaired the ability of HSCs to differentiate into mature blood cells. Taken together, these data suggest that Cav-1-deficient cells impaired HSCs quiescence and induced environmental alterations, which limited HSCs self-renewal and function.

Radiosensitization of breast cancer cells by TRAIL-endostatin-targeting gene therapy

One of the key issues in cancer radiotherapy research is to sensitize tumor cells to the cell killing effects of ionizing radiation while leaving normal tissues intact. One potential approach to achieve this is gene-radiotherapy, i.e. a combination of radiation therapy and gene therapy. It is to choose certain exogenous radiation-inducible regulatory genes, for example, early growth response-1 (Egr-1), and transcript its downstream tumor-therapeutic genes under ionizing radiation so as to kill the tumor cells synergistically by the expressed gene products together after transfection and irradiation exposure. In this study, we engineered a plasmid encoding both TRAIL and endostatin under the control of the radiation-inducible Egr-1 promoter, and evaluated its anti-tumor efficacy in combination with radiotherapy. Our plasmid showed significant efficacy in up-regulating the levels of TRAIL and endostatin proteins after transfected into breast cancer cells and exposed to X-ray irradiation. The detected cellular effects in vitro manifested that TRAIL-endostatin-based gene therapy could enhance radiosensitizing effects in breast cancer cells in terms of tumor cell growth inhibition, promoting apoptosis and the induction of cell cycle arrest. In summary, our results suggest that TRAIL-endostain-targeting approach might be a promising method to sensitize solid tumors to radiation therapy.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 deletions protect against hemorrhagic transformation after 1 h of cerebral ischemia and 23 h of reperfusion

Although elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 levels were highly related to the degradation of tight junction (TJ) proteins and basal lamina and neuronal injury after ischemia, until very recently, little experimental evidence was available to test the role of the MMP-2 knockout (KO) in blood-brain-barrier (BBB) injury and the development of hemorrhage transformation (HT). Here, we assessed the role of the MMP-2 KO in BBB injury, HT and other brain injuries after 1h of ischemia and 23 h of reperfusion. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed in MMP-2 KO mice. Reperfusion was started 1h after the onset of MCAO. All mice were sacrificed 24h after the MCAO. MMP-2 deficiency reduced the decrease in protein levels of collagen IV and cellular membrane occludin (p<0.01 and 0.05 vs. wild-type (WT), respectively) and attenuated increase in cytosol occludin level in ischemic brain (p<0.01 vs. WT). The hemorrhage volume and brain infarction were significantly decreased in both the cortex and striatum in the MMP-2 KO mice (p<0.01 vs. WT). The MMP-2 KO also had reduced brain swelling in the cortex and improved neurological deficits (p<0.01 vs. WT). These studies provide direct evidence that targeting MMP-2 will effectively protect against collagen and occludin loss and HT after ischemia and reperfusion.

Performance evaluation of the Abbott CELL-DYN Emerald for use as a bench-top analyzer in a research setting

INTRODUCTION

The CELL-DYN Emerald is a compact bench-top hematology analyzer that can be used for a three-part white cell differential analysis. To determine its utility for analysis of human and mouse samples, we evaluated this machine against the larger CELL-DYN Sapphire and Sysmex XT2000iV hematology analyzers.

METHODS

120 human (normal and abnormal) and 30 mouse (normal and abnormal) samples were analyzed on both the CELL-DYN Emerald and CELL-DYN Sapphire or Sysmex XT2000iV analyzers. For mouse samples, the CELL-DYN Emerald analyzer required manual recalibration based on the histogram populations.

RESULTS

Analysis of the CELL-DYN Emerald showed excellent precision, within accepted ranges (white cell count CV% = 2.09%; hemoglobin CV% = 1.68%; platelets CV% = 4.13%). Linearity was excellent (R² ≥ 0.99), carryover was minimal (<1%), and overall interinstrument agreement was acceptable for both human and mouse samples. Comparison between the CELL-DYN Emerald and Sapphire analyzers for human samples or Sysmex XT2000iV analyzer for mouse samples showed excellent correlation for all parameters.

CONCLUSION

The CELL-DYN Emerald was generally comparable to the larger reference analyzer for both human and mouse samples. It would be suitable for use in satellite research laboratories or as a backup system in larger laboratories.