Emodin attenuates inflammation and demyelination in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Emodin,a substance extracted from herbs such as rhubarb,has a protective effect on the central nervous system.However,the potential therapeutic effect of emodin in the context of multiple sclerosis remains unknown.In this study,a rat model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was established by immune induction to simulate multiple sclerosis,and the rats were intraperitoneally injected with emodin(20 mg/kg/d)from the day of immune induction until they were sacrificed.In this model,the nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome and the microglia exacerbated neuroinflammation,playing an important role in the development of multiple sclerosis.In addition,silent information regulator of transcription 1(SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha coactivator(PGC-1α)was found to inhibit activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome,and SIRT1 activation reduced disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.Furthermore,treatment with emodin decreased body weight loss and neurobehavioral deficits,alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination,reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines,inhibited microglial aggregation and activation,decreased the levels of NLRP3 signaling pathway molecules,and increased the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α.These findings suggest that emodin improves the symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,possibly through regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway and inhibiting microglial inflammation.These findings provide experimental evidence for treatment of multiple sclerosis with emodin,enlarging the scope of clinical application for emodin.

In vitro study of emodin-induced nephrotoxicity in human renal glomerular endothelial cells on a microfluidic chip

Emodin is an effective component of rhubarb with positive pharmacological effects on human health.However,it is also toxic to different cells or tissues to varying degrees.The effects of emodin on glomerular endothelial cells(GECs)remain to be tested,and the documented works were always performed in vitro and hardly reflect the real physiological situation.To study the effects of emodin on GECs in a biomimetic environment,we utilized a microfluidic chip to assess the physiological reaction of human renal glomerular endothelial cells to various concentrations of emodin in this work.The results showed that emodin caused cytotoxicity,impaired glomerular filtration barrier integrity to macromolecules,and increased barrier permeability in a dose-dependent manner.With the increase in emodin concentration,the concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-6,transforming growth factor-β1,and monocyte chemoattractant protein(MCP-1)increased while the production of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 first increased and then decreased with the increase in emodin concentration.Our findings shed new light on emodin-induced nephrotoxicity and provide insights for the application of microfluidic chip devices to reveal drug-cell interactions.

Emodin induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell LNCaP

Aim： To elucidate effects and mechanisms of emodin in prostate cancer cells. Methods： Viability of emodin-treated LNCaP cells and PC-3 cells was measured by MTT assay. Following emodin treatments, DNA fragmentation was assayed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Apoptosis rate and the expression of Fas and FasL were assayed by flow cytometric analysis. The mRNA expression levels of androgen receptor （AR）, prostate-specific antigen （PSA）, p53, p21, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, -8, -9 and Fas were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein expression levels of AR, p53 and p21 were detected by Western blot analysis. Results： In contrast to PC-3, emodin caused a marked increase in apoptosis and a decrease in cell proliferation in LNCaP cells. The expression of AR and PSA was decreased and the expression of p53 and p21 was increased as the emodin concentrations were increased. In the same time, emodin induced apoptosis of LNCaP cells through the upregulation of caspase-3 and -9, as well as the increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, it did not involve modulation of Fas or caspase-8 protein expression. Conclusion： In prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, emodin inhibites the proliferation by AR and p53-p21 pathways, and induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.

Effect of emodin and sandostatin on metabolism of eicosanoids in acute necrotizing pancreatitis

INTRODUCTIONIn order to study the therapeutic mechanisms ofemodin,an extract of Rhubarb （Rhizoma et RadixRhei,a traditional Chinese herbal medicine）,andsandostatin in the treatment of acute necrotizingpancreatitis （ANP）,we used the two drugs in ratmodels of the disease and observed the changes ofplasma thromboxane-2（TXB2）,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)and prostaglandinE2（PEG2）.

Emodin enhances alveolar epithelial barrier function in rats with experimental acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the effect of emodin on expression of claudin4, claudin5 and occludin, as well as the alveolar epithelial barrier in rats with pancreatitis induced by sodium taurocholate. METHODS: Experimental pancreatitis was induced by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct. Emodin was injected via the external jugular vein 3 h after induction of acute pancreatitis. Rats from sham operation group and acute pancreatitis group were injected with normal saline (an equivalent volume as emodin) at the same time point. Samples of lung and serum were obtained 6 h after drug administration. Pulmonary morphology was examined with HE staining. Pulmonary edema was estimated by measuring water content in lung tissue samples. Tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα) and interleukin6 (IL6) level were measured by enzymelinked immunospecific assay. Serum amylase and pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were detected by spectrophotometry. Alveolar epithelial barrier was assessed by pulmonary dye extravasation. Expression of claudin4, claudin5 and occludin in lung tissue samples was examined by immunohistology, quantitative realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively.RESULTS: Pancreatitis-associated lung injury was char-acterized by pulmonary edema, leukocyte infiltration, alveolar collapse, and elevated serum amylase level. The pulmonary damage, pulmonary pathological scores, serum amylase and MPO activity, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and wet/dry ratio were decreased in rats after treatment with emodin. Immunostaining of claudin-4, claudin-5 and occludin was detected in lung tissue samples from rats in sham operation group, which was distributed in alveolar epithelium, vascular endothelium, and bron-chial epithelium, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-4, claudin-5 and occludin in lung tissue samples were markedly decreased, the expression level of claudin-4, claudin-5 and occluding was increased, and the pulmonary dye extravasation was reduced in lung tissue samples from rats with acute pancreatitis after treatment with emodin.CONCLUSION: Emodin attenuates pulmonary edema and inflammation, enhances alveolar epithelial barrier function, and promotes expression of claudin-4, claudin-5 and occludin in lung tissue samples from rats with acute pancreatitis.

Inhibitory effect of emodin and Astragalus polysaccharide on the replication of HBV

AIM: To evaluate the anti-viral effect of emodin plus Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice.METHODS: Sixty HBV transgenic mice (HBV TGM) whose weight varied between 18 and 24 g were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 20 mice in each group. Group A was the normal control, where the mice were treated with physiological saline; group B was the positive control where the mice were treated with lamivudine solution (100 mL/kg per day). Group C was the experimental group where the mice were treated with physiological saline containing emodin and APS (57.59 mg/kg per day and 287.95 mg/kg per day, respectively). The mice were treated daily for 3 wk. After 1 wk recovery time, the mice were sacrifi ced and serum as well as liver tissues were collected for ELISA and histological examination.RESULTS: After 21 d treatment, HBV DNA levels in group B and group C significantly declined when compared with group A (P < 0.05). However, a signif icant increase in HBV DNA content was observed in group B, whereas this phenomenon was not observed in group C. A reduction in the contents of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg in the mice from group B and C was observed when compared with group A.CONCLUSION: Emodin and APS have a weak but persistent inhibitory effect on HBV replication in vivo, which may function as a supplementary modality in the treatment of hepatitis B infection.

Gene expression alteration during redox-dependent enhancement of arsenic cytotoxicity by emodin in HeLa cells

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) could enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to arsenic trioxide(As2O3)–induced apoptosis via generation of ROS, but the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, wecarried out cDNA microarray-based global transcription profiling of HeLa cells in response to As2O3/emodin cotreatment,comparing with As2O3–only treatment. The results showed that the expression of a number of genes was substantiallyaltered at two time points. These genes are involved in different aspects of cell function. In addition to redox regulationand apoptosis, ROS affect genes encoding proteins associated with cell signaling, organelle functions, cell cycle,cytoskeleton, etc. These data suggest that based on the cytotoxicity of As2O3, emodin mobilize every genomic resourcethrough which the As2O3–induced apoptosis is facilitated.

Emodin alleviates intestinal mucosal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis via the caspase-1 inhibition

BACKGROUND: Emodin, a traditional Chinese medicine, has a therapeutic effect on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), whereas the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Studies showed that the intestinal mucosa impairment, and subsequent release of endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 beta, which further leads to the dysfunction of multiple organs, is the potentially lethal mechanism of SAP. Caspase-1, an IL-1 beta converting enzyme, plays an important role in this cytokine cascade process. Investigation of the effect of emodin on regulating the caspase-1 expression and the release proinflammatory cytokines will help to reveal mechanism of emodin in treating SAP. METHODS: Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=20 each group): SAP, sham-operated (SO), emodin-treated (EM) and caspase-1 inhibitor-treated (ICE-I) groups. SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 3.5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Emodin and caspase-1 inhibitor were given 30 minutes before and 12 hours after SAP induction. Serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-18 and endotoxin, histopathological alteration of pancreas tissues, intestinal mucosa, and the intestinal caspase-1 mRNA and protein expressions were assessed 24 hours after SAP induction. RESULTS: Rats in the SAP group had higher serum levels of IL-1 beta and IL-18 (P<0.05), pancreatic and gut pathological scores (P<0.05), and caspase-1 mRNA and protein expressions (P<0.05) compared with the SO group. Compared with the SAP group, rats in the EM and ICE-I groups had lower IL-1 beta and IL-18 levels (P<0.05), lower pancreatic and gut pathological scores (P<0.05), and decreased expression of intestine caspase-1 mRNA (P<0.05). Ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy found that rats in the SAP group had vaguer epithelial junctions, more disappeared intercellular joints, and more damaged intracellular organelles compared with those in the SO group or the EM and ICE-I groups. CONCLUSIONS: Emodin alleviated pancreatic and intestinal mucosa injury in experimental SAP. Its mechanism may partly be mediated by the inhibition of caspase-1 and its downstream inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 beta and IL-18. Our animal data may be applicable in clinical practice.

Effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice and relevant mechanism

AIM: To investigate the effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice and to explore its relevant mechanisms.METHODS: The effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice was observed by charcoal powder propelling test of small intestine. The contents of motilin and somatostatin in small intestine of mice were determinated by radioimmunoassay. The electrical potential difference (PD) related to Na+ and glucose transport was measured across the wall of reverted intestinal sacs. Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa was measured by spectroscopic analysis.RESULTS: Different dosages of emodin can improve small intestinal peristalsis of mice. Emodin increased the content of motilin, while reduced the content of somatostatin in small intestine of mice significantly. Emodin 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/L decreased PD when there was glucose. However, emodin had little effect when glucose was free. The Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa of mice in emodin groups was inhibited obviously. CONCLUSION: Emodin can enhance the function of small intestinal peristalsis of mice by mechanisms of promoting secretion of motilin, lowering the content of somatostatin and inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa.

Effect of emodin on mobility signal transduction system of gallbladder smooth muscle in Guinea pig with cholelithiasis

Objective: To study the effect of emodin on protein and gene expressions of the massagers in mobility signal transduction system of cholecyst smooth muscle cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. Methods: The guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups, such as control group, gall-stone(GS) group, emodin group and ursodesoxycholic acid(UA) group. Cholesterol calculus models were induced in guinea pigs of GS, emodin and UA groups of induced models by lithogenic diet, while emodin or UA were given to the corresponding group for 7 weeks. The histomorphological and ultrastructure change of gallbladder were detected by microscope and electron microscope, the content of plasma cholecystokinin(CCK) and [Ca^(2+)]i were analyzed successively by radioimmunoassay and flow cytometry. The protein and mR NA of Gsα, Giα and Cap in cholecyst cells were determined by western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results: Emodin or UA can relieve pathogenic changes in epithelial cells and muscle cells in gallbladder of guinea pig with cholesterol calculus by microscope and transmission electron microscope. In the cholecyst cells of GS group, CCK levels in plasma and [Ca^(2+)]i decreased, the protein and m RNA of GS group were downregulated,the protein and m RNA of Gi and Cap were up-regulated. Emodin significantly decreased the formative rate of gallstone, improved the pathogenic change in epithelial cells and muscle cells, increased CCK levels in plasma and [Ca^(2+)]i in cholecyst cells, enhanced the protein and mR NA of Gs in cholecyst cells, reduced the protein and mR NA of Gi and Cap in cholecyst cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. Conclusion: The dysfunction of gallbladder contraction gives rise to the disorders of mobility signal transduction system in cholecyst smooth muscle cells, including low content of plasma CCK and [Ca^(2+)]i in cholecyst cells, abnormal protein and mRNA of Gs, Gi and Cap. Emodin can enhance the contractibility of gallbladder and alleviate cholestasis by regulating plasma CCK levels, [Ca2+]i in cholecyst cells and the protein and mR NA of Gs, Gi and Cap.

Emodin protects rat liver from CCl_4-induced fibrogenesis via inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation

AIM： To investigate the role of emodin in protecting the liver against fibrogenesis caused by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in rats and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS： Rat models of experimental hepatic fibrosis were established by injection with CCh; the treated rats received emodin via oral administration at a dosage of 20 mg/kg twice a week at the same time. Rats injected with olive oil served as a normal group. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） in serum and hepatic hydroxyproline content were assayed by biochemical analyses. The mRNA and protein relevant to hepatic stellate cell （HSC） activation in the liver were assessed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, immunohistochernistry, western blotting and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS： The degree of hepatic fibrosis increased markedly in the CCh group compared to the normal group （P 〈 0.01）, and decreased markedly in the emodin group compared to the CCI4 group according to METAVIR scale （P 〈 0.01） compared with those in the normal control group （51.02 ± 10.64 IU/L and 132.28 ± 18.14 IU/L）. The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in rats injected with CCh （289.25 ± 68.84 IU/L and 423.89 ± 35.67 IU/L, both P 〈 0.05）. The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly reduced by administration of emodin （176.34 ± 47.29 IU/L and 226.1 ± 44.52 IU/L, both P 〈 0.05）. Compared with the normal controls （54.53 ± 13.46 mg/g）, hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in rats injected with CCI4 （120.27 ± 28.47 mg/g, P 〈 0.05）. Hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced in the rats treated with emodin at 20 mg/kg （71.25 ± 17.02 mg/g, P 〈 0.05）. Emodin significantly protected the liver from injury by reducing serum AST and ALT activities and reducing hepatic hydroxyproline content. The mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, Smad4 and α-SMA in liver tissues were significantly down-regulated in SD rats that received emodin treatment. Furthermore, significant down-regulation of serum TGF-β1 protein levels and protein expression of Smad4 and α-SMA in liver tissues was also observed in the rats. Emodin inhibited HSC activation by reducing the abundance of TGF-β1 and Smad4. CONCLUSION： Emodin protects the rat liver from CCI4-induced fibrogenesis by inhibiting HSC activation. Emodin might be a therapeutic antifibrotic agent for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Effect of emodin on pancreatic fi brosis in rats

AIM： To establish the rats model of chronic fibrosing pancreatitis and to prove the anti-fibrotic effect of emodin in chronic pancreatitis with fibrosis. METHODS： Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups, 10 rats in each group. Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid （TNBS） was infused into the pancreatic duct to induce chronic pancreatitis in rats （except for normal group）. Emodin-treated rats were fed with different doses of emodin （20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight） for 28 d, while normal group and control group received 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Serum levels of hyaluronic acid （HA） and laminin （LN） were determined by radioimmunoassay. Histopathological alterations were studied by optical microscopy. Expression of collagen was also examined while transforming growth factor- beta-1 （TGF-131） was localized by immunochemistry. RESULTS： In emodin-treated rats, the serum levels of HA and LN were decreased significantly （HA, 62.2 ± 19.3 μg/L vs 112.7 ± 26.5μg/L, P 〈 0.05; LN 44.3 ± 10.4 μg/L vs 86.2 ± 16.5 μg/L, P 〈 0.05）; the degree of fibrosis was ameliorated observably; the expression of collagen in pancreatic tissue was reduced especially in high-dose emodin-treated group （36% ± 5% vs 42% ± 6%, P 〈 0.05）; with the increased doses of emodin, the expression of TGF-β1 was declined, compared with those in control group. CONCLUSION： Emodin has an anti-fibrotic effect on pancreatic fibrosis in rats. Because of its anti-fibrotic effect, it could be a potential herb for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Emodin prevents hypoxic-ischemic neuronal injury Involvement of the activin A pathway

Emodin, an extract of dried rhizomes and the root of the Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, can protect neurons from hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. This study aimed to verify the underlying mechanism After PC12 cells had differentiated into neuron-like cells under the induction of mouse nerve growth factor, cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and treated with emodin. Results shewed that the viability of neuron-like cells cultured under an ischemia-hypoxia environment decreased, while the expression of activin A and caspase-3 in cells increased. Emodin raised the survival rate of oxygen-glucose deprived neuron-like cells~ increased activin A expression, and decreased caspase-3 expression. Experimental findings indicate that emodin can inhibit neuronal apoptosis and alleviate the injury of nerve cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation through the activin A pathway.

Effects of emodin on treating murine nonalcoholic fatty liver induced by high caloric laboratory chaw

AIM: To investigate the effects of emodin on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats induced by high caloric laboratory chaw. METHODS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver model was successfully established by feeding with high caloric laboratory chaw for 12 wk. Then the model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely model control group, emodin group and dietary treatment group. The rats in emodin group were given emodin at dose of 40 mg/(kg·d) while animals in other groups were given distilled water of the same volume. The rats in model control group were fed with high caloric laboratory chaw while animals in other groups were fed with normal diet. Four weeks later, liver index (liver/body weight ratio), serum activities of liver-associated enzymes, blood lipid, fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), hepatic triglyceride content and histology features of all groups were assayed. The expression of hepatic peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) gamma was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The body weight, liver index, serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood lipid, hepatic triglyceride content of model control group were significantly elevated, with moderate to severe hepatocyte steatosis. The expression of hepatic PPAR gamma mRNA was obviously reduced in model control group. Compared with model control group, the body weight, liver index, serum activities of ALT, blood lipids and hepatic triglyceride of emodin group significantly decreased and hepatic histology display was also greatly improved. Meanwhile, the expression of hepatic PPAR gamma mRNA was elevated. However, high serum activities of ALT and hyperlipidemia were persisted in dietary treatment group although liver index was decreased and liver histology was somewhat improved. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that emodin might be effective in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats. Its therapeutic mechanism could be associated with increasing the expression of hepatic PPAR gamma mRNA.

Antiviral Effect of Emodin from Rheum palmatum against Coxsakievirus B_5 and Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vitro

Summary： Viral infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly people and young children throughout the world. The most common pathogens include coxsackie virus （CV） and respira- tory syncytial virus （RSV）. However, no antiviral agents with low toxicity and drug resistance are cur- rently available in clinic therapy. The present study aimed to examine the antiviral activities of emodin （an ingredient of Rheum palmatum） against CVB5 and RSV infections, in an attempt to discover new antiviral agents for virus infection. The monomer emodin was extracted and isolated from Rheum pal- matum. The antiviral activities of emodin on HEp-2 cells were evaluated, including virus replication in- hibition, virucidal and anti-absorption effects, by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tet- razolium bromide （MTT） assay and plaque reduction assay （PRA）. The kinetics of virus inhibition by emodin in a period of 14 h was further determined by plaque assay and quantitative real time PCR （qPCR）. Cytokine （IFN-γ, TNF-α） mRNA expressions after emodin treatment （7.5, 15, 30 μmol/L） were also assessed by qPCR post-infection. The results showed that emodin had potent inhibitory activities against CVB5 and RSV, with the 50% effective concentration （EC50） ranging from 13.06 to 14.27 μmol/L and selectivity index （SI） being 5.38-6.41 μmol/L. However, emodin couldn＇t directly inacti- vate the viruses or block their absorption to cells. It acted as a biological synthesis inhibitor against CVB4 and RSV in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, especially during the first 0-4 h post-infection. Moreover, emodin could decrease the mRNA expression of IFN-α but enhance TNF-γ expression significantly compared to the viral controls in vitro. Our results provide a molecular basis for development of emodin as a novel and safe antiviral agent for human enterovirus and respiratory virus infection in the clinical therapy.

Emodin and baicalein inhibit sodium taurocholate-induced vacuole formation in pancreatic acinar cells

AIM To investigate the effects of combined use of emodin and baicalein(CEB) at the cellular and organism levelsin severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) and explore the underlying mechanism.METHODS SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct in 48 male SD rats. Pancreatic histopathology score, serum amylase activity, and levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha(TNf-α), interleukin 6(IL-6), and IL-10 were determined to assess the effects of CEB at 12 h after the surgery. The rat pancreatic acinar cells were isolated from healthy male SD rats using collagenase. The cell viability, cell ultrastructure, intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, and inositol(1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor(IP3 R) expression were investigated to assess the mechanism of CEB.RESULTS Pancreatic histopathology score(2.07 ± 1.20 vs 6.84 ± 1.13, P < 0.05) and serum amylase activity(2866.2 ± 617.7 vs 5241.3 ± 1410.0, P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in the CEB(three doses) treatment group compared with the SAP group(2.07 ± 1.20 vs 6.84 ± 1.13, P < 0.05). CEB dose-dependently reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6(466.82 ± 48.55 vs 603.50 ± 75.53, P < 0.05) and TNF-α(108.04 ± 16.10 vs 215.56 ± 74.67, P < 0.05) and increased the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10(200.96 ± 50.76 vs 54.18 ± 6.07, P < 0.05) compared with those in the SAP group. CEB increased cell viability, inhibited cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, and significantly ameliorated intracellular vacuoles and IP3 m RNA expression compared with those in the SAP group(P < 0.05). There was a trend towards decreased IP3 R protein in the CEB treatment group; however, it did not reach statistical significance(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION These results at the cellular and organism levels reflect a preliminary mechanism of CEB in SAP and indicate that CEB is a suitable approach for SAP treatment.

Effects of emodin and baicalein on rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of emodin in combination with baicalein on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats and to explore the mechanism of SAP. METHODS: A total of 112 SAP rats induced by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliarypancreatic duct, randomly assigned to a untreated group and three treated groups emodin group, combined emodin and baicalein group, and sandostatin group. Meanwhile, another 28 other rats were selected as sham operation (SO) group. There were 28 rats in each group, 8 rats were in 3 and 6 h groups respectively, and 12 rats in 12 h group. At each time-points, survival rates, ascites volumes, pathological lesion scores of pancreas tissues, serum amylase, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6 levels were determined as the indexes of therapeutic effects. RESULTS: The survival rate at 12 h was significantly higher in three treated groups than in untreated group. The ascites volume at 12 h was remarkably less in combined and sandostatin groups than in emodin group, but there was no difference between combined group and sandostatin group (P＞0.05). Serum amylase levels at all time-points were significantly lower in three treated groups than in untreated group. However, they had no difference among treated groups (P＞0.05). Serum TNF-α were lower in three treated groups than in untreated group at all time points. Among the three treated groups, at 6 h, the TNF-α levels of combination and sandostatin groups were lower than those of emodin group. These was no difference between combined and sandostantin. Serum IL-6 concentration at 3 h were lower in combined and sandostatin groups than in untreated group, but at 6 and 12 h they were lower in all treated groups than in untreated group and the combined and sandostatin groups and in emodin group, no difference was found between combined and sandostatin groups at all time-points (P＞0.05). The pathological scores of pancreas at all time points were significantly lower in three treated groups than in the untreated group, and at 6, 12 h, the scores of combined and sandostatin groups were lower than in emodin group. There was no difference between combined and sandostatin groups (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of emodin with baicalein has significant therapeutic effects on SAP rats.

Effects of emodin and double blood supplies on liver regeneration of reduced size graft liver in rat model

AIM: To study the influences of emodin and reconstruction of double blood supplies on liver regeneration of reduced size graft liver in rat model.METHODS: A total of 45 SD-SD rat reduced size liver transplantation models were randomly divided into three groups (A-C). The conventional reduced size liver transplantation was performed on rats in group A, while the hepatic artery blood supply was restored in groups B and C. The emodin (1.5 mg/kg/d) was given by intraperitoneal route in group C only. The recipients were killed on the seventh day after the operation. The proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), TBil and ALT of serum were detected, and the pathological changes of liver cell were observed. RESULTS: The numbers of the rats that survived in A, B, and C group on the seventh day after operation were 14, 13, 13, respectively. The levels of TBil (31.5±5.2 μmol/L,23.2±3.1 μmol/L vs38.6±6.8 μmol/L), and ALT (5 351±1 050 nKat, 1300±900 nKat vs5779±1202 nKat) in serum in groups B and C were lower than those in group A(P＜0.05), while the expression of PCNA in groups B or C was higher than that in group A (22.0±3.5%, 28.2±4.2%vs18.6±3.2%, P＜0.05). The deeper staining nuclei, double nuclei, multi-nuclei and much glycogen were observed in liver cells of groups B and C, especially in group C, while fewer were found in liver cells of group A. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of arterial blood supply is very important for rat liver regeneration after reduced size liver transplantation. Emodin has the effect of promoting liver regeneration and improving liver function in rats after reduced size transplantation. The possible mechanism is improving proliferation of liver cell and protecting liver cells from injury.

Emodin regulating excision repair cross-complementation group 1 through fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 signaling

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the reversal effect of emodin on platinum resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: After the addition of 10 μmol/L emodin to HepG2/oxaliplatin (OXA) cells, the inhibition rate (IR), 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) and reversal index (IC 50 in experimental group/IC 50 in control group) were calculated. For HepG2, HepG2/OXA, HepG2/OXA/T, each cell line was divided into a control group, OXA group, OXA + fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) group and OXA + emodin group, and the final concentrations of FGF7, emodin and OXA in each group were 5 ng/mL, 10 μg/mL and 10 μmol/L, respectively. Single-cell gel electrophoresis was conducted to detect DNA damage, and the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and excision repair cross-complementing gene 1 (ERCC1) protein expression levels in each group were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the IC50 of 120.78 μmol/L in HepG2/OXA cells, the IC 50 decreased to 39.65 μmol/L after treatment with 10 μmol/L emodin; thus, the reversal index was 3.05. Compared with the control group, the tail length and Olive tail length in the OXA group, OXA + FGF7 group and OXA + emodin group were significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The tail length and Olive tail length were lower in the OXA + FGF7 group than in the OXA group, and this difference was also statistically significant. Compared with the OXA + FGF7 group, the tail extent, the Olive tail moment and the percentage of tail DNA were significantly increased in the OXA + emodin group, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). In comparison with its parental cell line HepG2, the HepG2/OXA cells demonstrated significantly increased FGFR2, p-ERK1/2 and ERCC1 expression levels, whereas the expression of all three molecules was significantly inhibited in HepG2/ OXA/T cells, in which FGFR2 was silenced by FGFR2 shRNA. In the examined HepG2 cells, the FGFR2, p-ERK1/2 and ERCC1 expression levels demonstrated increasing trends in the OXA group and OXA + FGF7 group. Compared with the OXA group and OXA + FGF7 group, the FGFR2, p-ERK1/2, and ERCC1 expression levels were significantly lower in the OXA + emodin group, and these differences were statistically significant. In the HepG2/OXA/T cell line that was transfected with FGFR2 shRNA, the FGFR2, p-ERK1/2 and ERCC1 expression levels were significantly inhibited, but there were no significant differences in these expression levels among the OXA, OXA + FGF7 and OXA + emodin groups. CONCLUSION: Emodin markedly reversed OXA resistance by enhancing OXA DNA damage in HepG2/OXA cells, and the molecular mechanism was related to the inhibitory effect on ERCC1 expression being mediated by the FGFR2/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Solubility of Emodin in Alcohols

Emodin is a kind of anthraquiones with pharmaceutical activities.The solubilities of emodin in ethanol,1-octanol,and ethanol+1-octanol at different temperatures were measured using an analytical method.The solubility of emodin in these solvents increased with an increase in temperature.With the temperature deviating from room temperature,the dependence of the solubility of emodin on temperature became a lot more remarkable.The solubility of emodin in ethanol was more sensitive to temperature than that in 1-octanol.The solubility data of emodin in the same species of solvent at different temperatures was correlated with an empirical equation.The calculated results agreed with the experimental data well.