Assessing myocardial indices and inflammatory factors to determine anxiety and depression severity in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)have a progressive disease that is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality.Many patients experience anxiety and depression(A&D)symptoms,which can further accelerate disease progression.We hypothesized that indicators of myocardial function and inflammatory stress may reflect the severity of A&D symptoms in patients with CHF.Changes in these biomarkers could potentially predict whether A&D symptoms will deteriorate further in these individuals.AIM To measure changes in cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients with CHF to determine A&D severity and predict outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with CHF treated at the Jingzhou Hospital,Yangtze University between 2018-2022 and grouped them according to Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores.We compared clinical data in the no-A&D,mild-A&D,moderate-A&D,and severe-A&D groups,the SAS and SDS scores with the New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional classification,and cardiac markers and inflammatory factors between the no/mild-A&D and moderate/severe-A&D groups.Regression analysis was performed on the markers with P<0.05 to determine their ability to predict A&D severity in patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was used to evaluate their accuracy.RESULTS In the inter-group comparison,the following variables had an effect on A&D severity in patients with CHF:NYHA class,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(P<0.05).Other variables did not differ significantly between the A&D groups(P>0.05).In addition,we found that higher NYHA classes were associated with higher the SAS and SDS scores(P<0.05).Regression analysis showed that LVEF,NTproBNP,and IL-6 were independent risk factors for A&D severity(P<0.05).Among them,NT-proBNP had the best predictive ability as a single indicator(AUROC=0.781).Furthermore,the combination of these three indicators exhibited a good predictive effect toward discriminating the extent of A&D severity among patients(AUROC=0.875).CONCLUSION Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers,such as LVEF,NT-proBNP,and IL-6,are correlated with A&D severity in patients with CHF and have predictive value.

Correlation of preoperative inflammatory factors and emotional disorders with postoperative delirium in patients with craniocerebral trauma

BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury(TBI)imposes a substantial societal and familial burden due to its high disability and fatality rates,rendering it a serious public health problem.Some patients with TBI have poor treatment outcomes and are prone to postoperative delirium(POD),which affects their quality of life.Anxiety has been linked to increased POD incidence in some studies,while others have found no correlation.AIM To investigate the correlation of POD risk factors,preoperative inflammatory factors,and mood disorders in patients with TBI.METHODS We retrospectively collected data on the treatment of 80 patients with TBI from November 2021 to September 2023.Patients were grouped as POD and non-POD,according to their POD status,and the general data of the two groups were compared.Inflammatory factor levels were detected preoperatively,and the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)were used to investigate the risk factors associated with POD in these patients.Logistic regression was used to identify the independent risk factors.RESULTS Twenty-one patients(26.25%)developed POD,including 7,10,and 4 cases of the excitatory,inhibitory,and mixed types,respectively.There were 59 cases(73.75%)in the non-POD group.Compared with the non-POD group,the POD group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with low Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)scores before admission,unilateral mydriasis,preoperative hemorrhagic shock,intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH),and postoperative hyperglycemic hyperosmolar disease(P<0.05).In the POD group,interleukin-6(IL-6),human tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),myeloperoxidase levels,HAMA,and HAMD scores were higher than those in the non-POD group(all P<0.05).Logistic multivariate analysis showed that GCS score at admission,IVH,IL-6,TNF-α,HAMA,and HAMD were independent risk factors for POD in patients with TBI(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Low GCS score at admission,IVH,elevated IL-6 and TNF-α,other inflammatory indicators,anxiety,and depression,can increase the risk of POD in patients with TBI after surgery.

Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common and serious psychological condition,which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability.Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling;however,these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations.In recent years,nonconvulsive electrotherapy(NET)has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method.However,the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear.We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression,and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment.AIM To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022,the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)and NET treatment(n=70)and the control group that only received MBSR therapy(n=70).The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors,including the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-17,self-rating idea of suicide scale(SSIOS),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment.The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared.Comparisons were made using t and χ^(2) tests.RESULTS After 8 wk of treatment,the observation group exhibited a 91.43%overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29%(64 vs 52,χ^(2)=7.241;P<0.05).The HAMD,SSIOS,and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups.Moreover,the observation group had lower scores than the control group(10.37±2.04 vs 14.02±2.16,t=10.280;1.67±0.28 vs 0.87±0.12,t=21.970;5.29±1.33 vs 7.94±1.35,t=11.700;P both<0.001).Additionally,there was a notable decrease in the IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6 in both groups after treatment.Furthermore,the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group(70.12±10.32 vs 102.24±20.21,t=11.840;19.35±2.46 vs 22.27±2.13,t=7.508;32.25±4.6 vs 39.42±4.23,t=9.565;P both<0.001).Moreover,the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group(Social function:19.25±2.76 vs 16.23±2.34;Emotions:18.54±2.83 vs 12.28±2.16;Environment:18.49±2.48 vs 16.56±3.44;Physical health:19.53±2.39 vs 16.62±3.46;P both<0.001)after treatment.CONCLUSION MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression,lowers inflammation(IL-2,IL-1β,and IL-6),reduces suicidal thoughts,enhances sleep,and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

Effects of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores on ankylosing spondylitis patients with sleep disorder

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)frequently suffer from comorbid sleep disorders,exacerbating the burden of the disease and affecting their quality of life.AIM To investigate the clinical significance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in patients with AS complicated by sleep disorders.METHODS A total of 106 AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders were included in the study.The patients were grouped into the desirable and undesirable prognosis groups in accordance with their clinical outcomes.The serum levels of inflammatory factors,including C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,interleukin(IL)-6,tumour necrosis factor-αand IL-1β,were measured.Disease activity scores,such as the Bath AS functional index,Bath AS disease activity index,Bath AS metrology index and AS disease activity score,were assessed.The health index was obtained through the Short Form-36 questionnaire.RESULTS The study found significant associations amongst serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores in AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders.Positive correlations were found between serum inflammatory factors and disease activity scores,indicating the influence of heightened systemic inflammation on disease severity and functional impairment.Conversely,negative correlations were found between disease activity scores and health index parameters,highlighting the effect of disease activity on various aspects of healthrelated quality of life.Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the predictive value of these factors on patient outcomes,underscoring their potential utility in risk assessment and prognostication.CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the intricate interplay amongst disease activity,systemic inflammation and patientreported health outcomes in AS patients complicated by sleep disorders.The results emphasise the need for comprehensive care strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by these patients and underscore the potential relevance of serum inflammatory factors,health index and disease activity scores as prognostic markers in this patient population.

Relationship between postoperative rehabilitation style, gastrointestinal function, and inflammatory factor levels in children with intussusception

BACKGROUND Intussusception occurs in children and progresses rapidly.If not treated in time,it may lead to secondary complications such as intestinal perforation,which affect the quality of life and health of children.Surgery is the most common clinical treatment and has a good effect.However,the postoperative prognosis of children with intussusception has a correlation with the postoperative rehabilitation method.Therefore,in this study,we explored the relationship between postopera-tive rehabilitation,gastrointestinal function,and the expression of inflammatory factors in children with intussusception.The medical records of 18 children who were admitted to our hospital for intussusception surgery between October 2022 and May 2024 were retrospectively reviewed.The patients were divided into the routine nursing group(n=6)and rehabilitation training group(n=12)according to the postoperative rehabilitation method.The general data,gastrointestinal function,and inflammatory factor levels of the two groups were statistically analyzed.Pearson correlation analysis of gastrointestinal function,inflammatory factors,and postoperative rehabil-itation was performed.RESULTS We found no significant intergroup differences in sex,age,or disease course(P>0.05).The times to first defecation,bowel sound recovery,and anal exhaust were shorter and inflammatory factor levels were lower in the rehabilitation training group than in the routine nursing group(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that gastrin and motilin levels were positively correlated with postoperative rehabilitation(P<0.05).Interleukin(IL)-2,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were negatively correlated with postoperative rehabilitation(P<0.05).Gastrointestinal function was positively correlated(P<0.05),and levels of inflammatory factors were negatively correlated with postoperative recovery time(P<0.05).CONCLUSION We found a positive correlation between gastrointestinal function and postoperative rehabilitation training,and a negative correlation between inflammatory factor levels and rehabilitation training in children with intussus-ception.

Vitamin D deficiency and increased inflammatory factor intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 indicate severe leukoaraiosis in northern China

Background and objective:Commonly plaguing in the frigid zone of the world,vitamin D deficiency,as indicated by low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D,exacerbated inflammatory responses and impaired endothelial function.Leukoaraiosis(LA)is a prevalent cause of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly and is potentially associated with inflammatory responses.This study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D on the severity of LA.Methods:Patients with LA were categorized based on 3.0 T brain MRI findings into mild(N=43),moderate(N=40),or severe groups(N=29)using the Fazekas scale(scoring 1-6).A control group consisting of 41 healthy individuals was included.Serum fibrinogen C,homocysteine,plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D,and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)levels were measured using ELISA.Results:All LA severity groups exhibited lower plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared to the control group,with a more pronounced decrease observed as LA severity increased.Low plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was identified as an independent risk factor for LA(P<0.05)according to Multiple logistic regression analysis.Additionally,a negative association was observed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vascular inflammatory factor ICAM-1.Conclusions:Disease severity positively correlated with levels of the inflammatory marker ICAM-1,worsening as plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration decreased.Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D emerged as an independent risk factor for LA,potentially exacerbating the inflammatory response.These findings suggest 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic approach for LA.

Effects of Wuwei Xiaodu Decoction on Uterine Energy Metabolism and Serum Inflammatory Factors in Rats with Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

[Objectives]To observe the effects of Wuwei Xiaodu Decoction on uterine energy metabolism and serum inflammatory factors in the acute pelvic inflammatory disease(APID)model.[Methods]75 Wistar rats(females)were randomly divided into control group,model group and Wuwei Xiaodu Decoction low,medium and high dose groups(n=15).Except for the control group,the rat APID model was established by right uterine inoculation.On the fifth day after inoculation,the low,medium and high dose groups of Wuwei Xiaodu Decoction were administered at 4,8 and 16 g/kg,and the control group and model group received normal saline.Rats were killed 12 h after nondose administration,blood was collected from the abdominal aorta and measured by ELISA for serum interleukin-6(interleukin-6,IL-6),IL-8,and C-reactive proteins(CRP);the right uterus of rats was tested for high-energy phosphate adenosine phosphate(AMP),adenosine diphosphate(ADP),adenosine triphosphate(ATP)and total adenine nucleotides(TAN)level to evaluate the uterine energy metabolism.[Results]AMP,ADP,ATP and TAN were significantly higher in the Wuwei Xiaodu Decoction of low,medium and high dose than the model group,while the serum IL-6,IL-8 and CRP were significantly lower than the model group,and the difference between the low,medium and high doses(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The Wuwei Xiaodu Decoction can dose-dependent promote uterine energy metabolism and inhibit inflammatory response in APID model rats.

Mendelian Randomization Study of Causal Relationship between Inflammatory Factors and Vascular Dementia and Chinese Herbal Medicines Screening for Prevention and Treatment

Objective: This study aims to examine the causal relationship between inflammatory factors and the probability of developing vascular dementia (VD) using Mendelian Randomization (MR) and Chinese herbal medicine prediction method, and to screen potential Chinese herbal medicines for the prevention and treatment of VD. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that exhibit a strong association with vascular dementia (VD) were identified as instrumental variables from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The primary analytical method employed was inverse variance weighting (IVW), while auxiliary analyses included the MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model, and weighted model. A two-way Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between inflammatory factors and the risk of VD, thereby identifying the key inflammatory factors involved. The MR-Egger intercept test and Cochran’s Q test were employed to assess the horizontal polymorphism and heterogeneity of instrumental variables. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding one method at a time. Ultimately, based on key inflammatory factors, predictions for the prevention and treatment using traditional Chinese medicine were made, along with the screening of homologous herbal remedies. Results: Based on the results of the forward MR, the probability of developing VD was elevated when the inflammatory factors CXCL10 and CXCL5 were expressed at higher levels, whereas the probability of developing VD decreased as the expression levels of IL-13 and IL-20RA increased. These findings were supported by the assessment of pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and sensitivity. The results of the reverse MR analysis showed that there was no causal relationship between VD, as an exposure dataset, and these four inflammatory factors. According to the key inflammatory factors, 37 Chinese herbal medicines such as Siraitia grosvenorii were selected. Their characteristics including four natures, five flavors, channel tropism and treatment efficiency were cold, warm, neutral, pungent, sweet, bitter, lung meridian, spleen meridian, liver meridian, kidney meridian and clearing heat. Among them, Siraitia grosvenorii, Poria with hostwood, Perilla frutescens, and Radix Platycodi were all medicine and food homologous Chinese herbal medicines. Conclusions: The increase of CXCL10 and CXCL5 expression levels can increase the risk of VD, and the increase of IL-13 and IL-20 RA expression levels can reduce the risk of VD. Siraitia grosvenorii and other Chinese herbal medicines might be potential sources of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of VD. Medicine and food homologous Chinese herbal medicines, such as Siraitia grosvenorii, Poria with hostwood, Perilla frutescens, and Radix Platycodi, may help the elderly population with corresponding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitutions to prevent VD.

Efficacy and Impact on Inflammatory Factors and Lung Function in Pediatric Bronchial Asthma Treated with Modified Dingchuan Decoction

Objective:To study the efficacy of treating pediatric bronchial asthma with a modified Dingchuan Decoction and its effect on inflammatory factors and lung function levels.Methods:Sixty cases of bronchial asthma admitted to the hospital between January and December 2023 were divided into two groups using a computerized randomization method.One group of 30 cases received basic treatment with a salmeterol ticarcoson powder inhaler(control group),while the observation group received the same treatment plus a modified Dingchuan Decoction.The disappearance time of symptoms,levels of inflammatory factors,lung function indexes,and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.Results:The disappearance time of symptoms in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group.The levels of inflammatory factors after treatment were lower,and lung function indexes were higher in the observation group compared to the control group.Additionally,the total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:In the clinical treatment of pediatric bronchial asthma,supplementing conventional Western medicine with a modified Dingchuan Decoction is effective,as it actively reduces inflammatory factor levels and improves lung function.

The effect of Jiangan Xiaozhi Formula on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective:To investigate the effects of Jiangan Xiaozhi Formula(JGXZ)on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods:Between September 2022 and December 2023,our hospital admitted a total of 58 patients with NAFLD.These patients were split into two groups at random:one for experimentation and the other for control.There were 27 patients in the experimental group at the end,compared to 26 in the control group,reasonable exercise,weight management,lipid regulation,and oral polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules(PPC).The experimental group received JGXZ in addition to the above treatments for 12 consecutive weeks.Changes in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,blood lipids,liver function indicators,the levels of oxidative stress markers,such as malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and superoxide dismutase(SOD),as well as serum inflammatory factors,such as interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(IL-8),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),were measured both before and after treatment.Results:After treatment,both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores(P<0.05)and improvements in blood lipids,liver function indicators,inflammatory factors,and oxidative stress markers(P<0.05).Improvements were noticeably better in the experimental group than in the control group.(P<0.05).Conclusion:JGXZ can significantly improve clinical symptoms,regulate blood lipids,and protect liver function in patients with NAFLD.Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating the balance of the oxidation-antioxidation system.

Hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning enhances the immunosuppressive properties of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have great potential for the treatment of various immune diseases due to their unique immunomodulatory properties.However,MSCs exposed to the harsh inflammatory environment of damaged tissue after intravenous transplantation cannot exert their biological effects,and therefore,their therapeutic efficacy is reduced.In this challenging context,an in vitro preconditioning method is necessary for the development of MSC-based therapies with increased immunomodulatory capacity and transplantation efficacy.AIM To determine whether hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning increases the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs without affecting their biological characteristics.METHODS Umbilical cord MSCs(UC-MSCs)were pretreated with hypoxia(2%O_(2))exposure and inflammatory factors(interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,interferon-γ)for 24 h.Flow cytometry,polymerase chain reaction,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and other experimental methods were used to evaluate the biological characteristics of pretreated UC-MSCs and to determine whether pretreatment affected the immunosuppressive ability of UC-MSCs in coculture with immune cells.RESULTS Pretreatment with hypoxia and inflammatory factors caused UC-MSCs to be elongated but did not affect their viability,proliferation or size.In addition,pretreatment significantly decreased the expression of coagulationrelated tissue factors but did not affect the expression of other surface markers.Similarly,mitochondrial function and integrity were retained.Although pretreatment promoted UC-MSC apoptosis and senescence,it increased the expression of genes and proteins related to immune regulation.Pretreatment increased peripheral blood mononuclear cell and natural killer(NK)cell proliferation rates and inhibited NK cell-induced toxicity to varying degrees.CONCLUSION In summary,hypoxia and inflammatory factor preconditioning led to higher immunosuppressive effects of MSCs without damaging their biological characteristics.

Correlation analysis of anxiety with psoriasis severity, oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Objective:To investigate the anxiety status of patients with psoriasis vulgaris,and analyze the correlation between anxiety and severity of the disease,oxidative stress factors and inflammatory factors.Methods:From August 2021 to February 2022,84 patients with psoriasis in the Dermatology Department of Dongzhimen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were recruited.Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),psoriasis lesion area and severity index(PASI),VAS pruritus scale(VAS)were collected to detect serum malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH px),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-17A(IL-17A),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Based on the HAMA score,a group controlled study and correlation analysis were conducted.In addition,the HAMA scores of 84 healthy people were collected for a controlled study.Results:HAMA score of patients with psoriasis vulgaris was higher than that of healthy people(Z=-7.730,P<0.05).There were differences in PASI,VAS scores,MDA,SOD,GSH px,IL-6,IL-17A secretion levels between psoriasis vulgaris patients with anxiety and psoriasis vulgaris patients without anxiety.HAMA score was positively correlated with PASI and VAS scores in patients with psoriasis vulgaris(r=0.564,0.513,P<0.05).It was positively correlated with MDA,IL-6,IL-17A in serum(r=0.390,0.355,0.248,P<0.05).It was negatively correlated with SOD and GSH px(r=-0.313,-0.502,P<0.05);and TNF-αnot relevant.Conclusion:The anxiety risk of psoriasis patients was higher than that of healthy people;anxiety is closely related to psoriasis,and is reflected in the skin lesions,itching,oxidative stress and inflammatory factor levels of psoriasis patients.The comorbidity mechanism of anxiety and psoriasis may be related to oxidative stress and up regulation of inflammatory factors.

Effect of hepatocyte growth factor on inflammatory factors associated with CCL_(4)-induced hepatocyte injury

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor(HGF)on the expression levels of IL-8,TNF-α,IL-4,and IL-21 in mice with liver injury induced by CCL_(4).Methods:An acute liver injury mouse model was established using CCL_(4),and hepatocytes and white blood cells were separated by gradient density centrifugation.Different concentrations of HGF were added in vitro,and the expression levels of cytokines were detected using ELISA.Results:In the in vivo injury model,the hepatocyte experiment results showed that the expression level of IL-8 was reduced in the 10 ng/mL HGF group compared to the injured hepatocyte group(P<0.05),and increased in the 50 ng/mL HGF group compared to the 10 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05).For IL-4,the expression levels were reduced in both the 25 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05)and the 50 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05)compared to the injured hepatocyte group.The white blood cell experiment results showed that the expression levels of TNF-αwere reduced in both the 10ng/ml HGF group(P<0.05)and the 25 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05)compared to the injured white blood cell group.In the in vitro injury model,hepatocyte experiment results showed that the expression levels of TNF-αwere reduced in both the 25 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05)and the 50 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05)compared to the normal control group.For IL-4,the expression level was reduced in the 25 ng/mL HGF group compared to the normal control group(P<0.05).The white blood cell experiment results showed that the expression level of TNF-αwas increased in the 50 ng/mL HGF group compared to the 10 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.001);for IL-21,the expression levels were reduced in the CCL_(4) model group(P<0.05),10 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05),25 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05),and 50 ng/mL HGF group(P<0.05)compared to the normal control group.Conclusion:when the liver of mice is acutely damaged by CCL_(4),HGF can reduce the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-8,TNF-α,IL-4 in hepatocytes,and TNF-αin liver white blood cells.

Effect of resveratrol on activation of nuclear factor kappa-B and inflammatory factors in rat model of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To observe the effect of resveratrol on nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and the inflammatory response in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (control), severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group, and severe acute pancreatitis group treated with resveratrol (RES). A SAP model was established by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate 1 mL/kg through puncturing the pancreatic duct. In Res group, Res was given at 30 mg/kg b.m. intraperitoneally after the SAP model was successfully established. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 h after modeling. The expression of NF-κB activation of pancreas was detected by irnmunohistochemical staining, whereas the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in pancreatic tissues were estimated by radioimrnunoassay. The pathological changes of pancreas and lungs were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Much less hyperemia, edema, dust-colored necrotic focus and soaps were noticed in pancreas in RES group than in SAP group. In RES group, hemorrhage, exudates and infiltration of inflammatory cells in pancreas and interstitial edema, destruction of alveolar wall in lung were significantly less than in SAP group. In the SAP group, the activation of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues was enhanced significantly at any measure point compared with control group (64.23±10.72% vs 2.56±0.65%, 55.86±11.34% vs 2.32±0.42%, 36.23±2.30% vs 2.40±0.36%,P<0.01), TNF-α, IL-8 were also increased and reached their peak at 6 h and then declined. The activation of NF-κB and the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in RES group were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P<0.01): activation (52.63±9.45% vs 64.23±10.72%, 40.52±8.40% vs 55.86±11.34%, 29.83±5.37% vs 36.23±2.30%), TNF-α (132.76±15.68 pg/mL vs 158.36±12.58 pg/mL, 220.32±23.57 pg/mL vs 247.67± 11.62 pg/mL, 175.68±18.43 pg/mL vs 197.35±12.57 pg/mL) and IL-8 (0.62±0.21 μg/L vs 0.83±0.10 μg/L, 1.10±0.124 μg/L vs1.32±0.18 μg/L, 0.98±0.16 μg/L vs 1.27±0.23μg/L). CONCLUSION: The activation of NF-KB is involved in the inflammatory response of rats with SAP. Resveratrol could effectively inhibit the expression of NF-κB activation, alleviate the severity of SAP through its anti-inflammatory effects and regulate the inflammatory mediators.

Regulating effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on bronchial asthma smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis as well as inflammatory factor expression through ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Objective: To study the influence of glycyrrhetinic acid(GA) on bronchial asthma(BA)smooth muscle proliferation and apoptosis as well as inflammatory factor expression and its molecular mechanism.Methods: Male SD guinea pigs were selected and made into asthma models, bronchial asthma smooth muscle cells were cultured and divided into BA group, GA group and GA + LM group that were treated with serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium, serumfree RPMI1640 culture medium containing 50 ng/mL glycyrrhetinic acid, serum-free RPMI1640 culture medium containing 50 ng/mL glycyrrhetinic acid and 100 ng/mL LM22B-10 respectively; normal guinea pigs were collected and bronchial smooth muscle cells were cultured as control group. The cell proliferation activity as well as the expression of proliferation and apoptosis genes, inflammatory factors and p-ERK1/2 was determined.Results: Proliferation activity value and m RNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6,YKL-40, protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of airway smooth muscle cell in BA group were significantly higher than those of control group while m RNA expression levels of Bax,caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly lower than that of control group(P < 0.05); proliferation activity value and m RNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40, protein expression of p-ERK1/2 of airway smooth muscle cell in GA group were significantly lower than those of BA group(P < 0.05) while the m RNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly higher than those of BA group(P < 0.05); proliferation activity value and m RNA expression of Bcl-2, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, YKL-40 of airway smooth muscle cell in GA + LM group were significantly higher than those of GA group(P < 0.05) while m RNA expression levels of Bax, caspase-9 as well as caspase-3 were significantly lower that of GA group(P < 0.05).Conclusion: GA can inhibit the proliferation of bronchial smooth muscle cells and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

Low-dose dopamine reduces inflammatory factors of acute pancreatitis in rats

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis, especially acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), is a serious disease with a high morbidity because of multiorgan dysfunction. Recent studies have indicated that during the pathogenesis of ANP, changes of the microcirculation play an important role in the worsening of the disease. This study based on a. model of acute pancreatitis in Wistar rats was to determine the effect of treatment with low-dose dopamine on acute pancreatitis by the dynamic measurement of serum levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-alpha. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups, and a model of ANP was set up by injecting sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Rats in the dopamine group (treatment group) were given dopamine by vein and those in the acute pancreatitis group (control group) were given normal saline. To assess the effect of low-dose doparnine (5 mu g . kg(-1) . min(-1)) on induced acute pancreatitis, the antibody sandwich ELISA method was used to measure the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha at different times before and after the induction of ANP. RESULTS: The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the treatment and control groups before and after ANP induction were significantly different. There was a markedly significant difference in the comparison of the two groups after ANP induction (P<0.01), but no significant difference in the comparison before the induction (P>0.05). Postoperative pancreatic histopathologic changes in the treatment group were more marked than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose dopamine is effective in treating ANP by alleviating inflammatory reactions. This effect may be related to the fact that low-dose doparnine not only can increase the blood flow of the pancreatic microcirculation but also reduce its permeability.

Effects of Buddlejae Flos Granules on Inflammatory Factors TGF-β1,NF-κB,IL-10 and IL-12 in Lacrimal Gland Cells of Castrated Male Rabbits

Objective To observe the effects of Buddlejae Flos (Mi Meng Hua,密蒙花) granules on the expression of TGF-β1, NF-κB, IL-10 and IL-12 in lacrimal gland cells in castrated male rabbits. Methods A total of 30 New Zealand male white rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group A: blank group;group B: model group;group C: Buddlejae Flos (Mi Meng Hua,密蒙花) granules group;group D: placebo group;group E: testosterone group. Except for the group A, all rabbits were treated with bilateral testicular and epididymis resection before intervention. Rabbits in group C were administered with Buddlejae Flos (Mi Meng Hua,密蒙花) granules (100 mg/kg), 3 times per day;Rabbits in group D were administered with normal saline, 3 times per day. Rabbits in group E were injected with testosterone propionate (0.5 mL/kg) in the thigh muscle, every 3 days. Schirmer I test (SIT) and break-up time (BUT) were measured on 1st day before modeling and 30th day after modeling. After 30 days of intervention, all rabbits were sacrificed. The removal lacrimal gland was stained in immunohistochemica staining. The expression of TGF-β1, NF-κB, IL-10 and IL-12 in lacrimal gland tissue of each group was detected, and the structure of lacrimal gland was observed. Results The results of SIT and BUT showed that there was significant difference between group B and D compared with group A (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between group C and E (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the comparison of inflammatory factors TGF-β1, NF-κB, IL-10 and IL-12 between group B and D (P > 0.05). There were significant differences between group B and D compared with other groups (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between group A, C and E (P > 0.05). Conclusions Buddlejae Flos (Mi Meng Hua,密蒙花) granules have an inhibitory effect on the expression of TGF-β1, NF-κB, IL-10 and IL-12 in castrated male rabbit lacrimal gland cells, and alleviate the inflammation of lacrimal gland tissue by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1, NF-κB, IL-10 and IL-12 in lacrimal gland tissue, so as to treat dry eye.

Shizhenqing granule stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduces serum pro-inflammatory factors in a rat model with chronic eczema

Objective:In this study,we examined the effects of Shizhenqing granule(SZQG)on hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis and serum inflammatory factors in a rat model of chronic eczema,in order to explore the mechanism of action of SZQG in treatment of this disease.Methods:Sixty SpragueeDawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups(with 10 rats per group):blank group;model group;positive control group(prednisone);and the low-,medium-,and high-dose SZQG groups.Except for the blank group,rats in all other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to induce chronic eczema.These rats were administered prednisone or SZQG for 7 consecutive days after successful establishment of the chronic eczema model,and samples were collected 12 h after the last administration.The degree of skin lesions and the changes in serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),cortisol(CORT),interleukin(IL)-4,interferon(IFN)-g,IL-25,and IL-31 among the groups were compared.Results:SZQG effectively increased the levels of CRH,ACTH,and CORT,which decreased in the serum of rats with chronic eczema,stimulated the function of the HPA axis,and promoted the expression of glucocorticoids.SZQG reduced the serum levels of inflammatory factors including IL-4,IL-25 and IL-31,which were overexpressed in rats with chronic eczema,and increased those of anti-inflammatory factor IFN-g,thereby alleviating the inflammatory symptoms and itching,and ameliorating the clinical symptoms of chronic eczema.Conclusion:SZQG effectively alleviates skin lesions in the chronic eczema rat model by stimulating the function of the HPA axis.

Effects of the Nocth signaling pathway on expression of inflammatory factors and transforming growth factors in diabetic foot ulcers

Objective:persistent hyperinflammation is an important reason for the development of diabetic foot ulcer.Notch signaling is an important signaling pathway involved in the inflammatory response and cell proliferation in diabetic foot ulcer rats.This paper aims to explore the effect of Notch signaling on inflammatory factors,chemokines and growth factors through the intervention of Notch signaling in diabetic foot ulcer rats.Methods:the experimental model was made by using high-fat feed combined with streptozotocin(STZ)to cause diabetes,and the experimental model of diabetic foot ulcer was established by constant temperature and constant pressure scald apparatus.The normal ulcer model was used as a control.The intervention controls of the experimental model included normal saline,western medicine growth factor,Notch agonist Jagged1,Notch signaling inhibitor ly-411575,and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine Zizhu ointment for 7 days.Serum il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation,and il-17 were detected by ELISA.Real-time PCR was used to detect the inflammatory factors,chemokines,and growth factors associated with Notch signaling in wound tissues:tnf-uum,il-1,il-6,il-17,interleukin-8,ip-10,McP-1,TGF-uum,TGF-livelihood.Results:serum levels of il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation and il-17 in diabetic foot ulcer rats were significantly higher than that in normal ulcer rats.The contents of il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation and il-17a in ly-411575 group and Zizhu ointment group were significantly reduced.Real-time PCR results of wound tissue showed that the levels of inflammatory cytokines il-1,il-6,TNF-radiation,il-17 and chemokines ip-10,il-8 and McP-1 in the wound tissue of diabetic foot ulcer rat model were significantly higher than that of normal ulcer model,and the levels of growth factor TGF-exposure were lower than that of normal ulcer model.LY-411575 significantly reduced il-1,il-6,TNF-maxima,il-17,and the chemokines ip-10,il-8,and McP-1 in diabetic foot ulcer rats,and reduced the expression of TGF-,TGF-earth.Jagged1 can increase the expression of TGF--,TGF---,suggesting that inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway can reduce the expression of the inflammatory factors il-1,il-6,TNF--,il-17a,il-8,and the growth factors TGF--,TGF---.Zizhu ointment can reduce the levels of il-1,il-6,TNF-benand,il-17,and the chemokines ip-10,il-8,and McP-1 on the wound surface of diabetic foot rats,and improve the expression of TGF-benand TGF-SUNS.Ly-411575 inhibited the expression of TGF-bento and TGF-promoting of Zizhu ointment.Conclusion:the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was higher and the expression of growth factors was lower in diabetic foot ulcer rats than in normal ulcer rats.Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors,chemokines and growth factors in experimental model rats,and Notch signaling pathway can promote inflammation and cell proliferation.Zizhu ointment can reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in diabetic foot ulcer rats,improve the expression of growth factors,and reduce wound inflammation,which may be related to the inhibition of Nocth signal expression.

Effect of Sacubitril-Valsartan Combined with Zhenyuan Capsule in the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Comorbid Anxiety and Depression and Its Effect on Inflammatory Factors

Objective: To investigate the effect of sacubitril-valsartan combined with Zhenyuan capsule in the treatment of chronic heart failure comorbid anxiety and depression and its effect on the level of inflammatory factors. Methods: A total of 106 patients with chronic heart failure comorbid anxiety and depression from February 2020 to March 2022 were continuously enrolled and divided into control group (36 cases), observation group A (36 cases) and observation group B (34 cases) according to treatment methods. All groups were given conventional treatment. On the basis of routine treatment, the control group, observation group A and observation group B were given valsartan, sacubitril-valsartan and sacubitril-valsartan plus Zhenyuan Capsules for the treatment of consecutive 8 weeks. The patients in the 3 groups were evaluated by the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy of heart failure was evaluated, and the detection of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), N terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP) was conducted. Results: The clinical efficacy rate and total effective rate of heart failure in observation group A and observation group B were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the observation group B was higher than the observation group A (P < 0.05);SAS and SDS scores in observation group A and observation group B were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05), and observation group B was lower than observation group A (P < 0.05);The LVEF in the three groups was all increased compared with those before treatment, and the levels of LVESD, LVEDD, NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP were all decreased compared with those before treatment;The changes of above indexes in observation group A and observation group B were more significant than those in control group (P < 0.05). Except for the LVEDD index, the observation group B had significant changes compared with the observation group A (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sacubitril valsartan can improve cardiac function, reduce inflammatory response, and improve anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure, and the treatment effect of combination with Zhenyuan Capsule is more significant.