[Objectives]Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)rat model was established by feeding high-fat and high-sugar fodder to rats,and the protective effect of Dicliptera chinensis polysaccharide(DCP)on NAFLD rats was st...[Objectives]Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)rat model was established by feeding high-fat and high-sugar fodder to rats,and the protective effect of Dicliptera chinensis polysaccharide(DCP)on NAFLD rats was studied to explore its potential mechanism.[Methods]45 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group,model control group and DCP treatment groups(100 and 300 mg/kg).The rats in the normal control group were fed with ordinary fodder,and the rats in other groups were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 14 weeks to establish NAFLD model.From the 9^(th)week,the rats in the DCP treatment groups were given different doses of DCP by intragastric administration(5 mL/kg)for 6 weeks.After the last intragastric administration,the rats fasted for 16 h,and the serum and liver of rats were collected for detection.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was conducted to observe the histopathological changes of rat liver,and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical method.Interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and micrornA-141(micro RNA-141)were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The expression of SIRT1 and adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)in rat liver was detected by western blot.[Results]Compared with the model control group,the inflammatory damage and steatodegeneration of rats in the DCP groups were relieved to varying degrees,and the number of lipid vacuoles significantly reduced.The ALT,AST,TC,TG and LDL-C content in the serum and MDA content in the liver tissue decreased to varying degrees,while the HDL-C,SOD and GSH-Px content increased.The expression of SIRT1 and AMPK increased,while the expression of miR-141,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1βdeclined,and the DCP 300 mg/kg treatment group had better improvement effect.[Conclusions]DCP had a certain protective effect on NAFLD rats,which may be related to the regulation of miR-141/AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.展开更多
Puerarin suppresses autophagy to alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and accumulating evidence indicates that the AMPKm TOR signaling pathway regulates the activation of the autophagy pathway through the c...Puerarin suppresses autophagy to alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and accumulating evidence indicates that the AMPKm TOR signaling pathway regulates the activation of the autophagy pathway through the coordinated phosphorylation of ULK1. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of puerarin and its role in modulating autophagy via the AMPK-m TOR-ULK1 signaling pathway in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with puerarin, 50 or 100 mg/kg, daily for 7 days. Then, 30 minutes after the final administration, rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 90 minutes. Then, after 24 hours of reperfusion, the Longa score and infarct volume were evaluated in each group. Autophagosome formation was observed by transmission electron microscopy. LC3, Beclin-1 p62, AMPK, m TOR and ULK1 protein expression levels were examined by immunofluorescence and western blot assay. Puerarin substantially reduced the Longa score and infarct volume, and it lessened autophagosome formation in the hippocampal CA1 area following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with puerarin（50 or 100 mg/kg） reduced Beclin-1 expression and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, as well as p-AMPK and p S317-ULK1 levels. In comparison, it increased p62 expression. Furthermore, puerarin at 100 mg/kg dramatically increased the levels of p-m TOR and p S757-ULK1 in the hippocampus on the ischemic side. Our findings suggest that puerarin alleviates autophagy by activating the APMK-m TOR-ULK1 signaling pathway. Thus, puerarin might have therapeutic potential for treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
Objective:To investigate how Yiqi Yangyin and Huatan Quyu granule (YYHO) improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance in a type 2 diabetic rat model and to discover whether the molecular mechanism is related to the pro...Objective:To investigate how Yiqi Yangyin and Huatan Quyu granule (YYHO) improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance in a type 2 diabetic rat model and to discover whether the molecular mechanism is related to the promotion of the AMPK/SIRT/PGC-1α signalling pathway.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the normal group,the model group,the YYHQ granule group,and the pioglitazone group.The type 2 diabetic rat model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 5 weeks along with a single intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ).After modelling successfully,the appropriate drug was intragastrically administered to diabetic rats for 2 weeks,once per day.The YYHQ granule group was given a dose of 4.8 g/kg body weight per day,the pioglitazone group was given a dose of 1.35 mg/kg body weight per day.The doses for both groups were equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose based on a previous study.Other groups were gavaged with the same amount of saline water.Body weight,food intake,water intake,urine volume and grip strength were recorded weekly.The fasting blood glucose(FBG) was determined weekly using blood glucose test strips.The related glucose and lipid metabolism indexes,e.g.,fasting insulin (Fins),glycated haemoglobin (GHb),HOMA-IR,ISI,triglycerides (TG),total cholesterol (TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and free fatty acid (FFA),were determined using biochemical method.The mRNA expression levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α),carnitine palmitoyl transterase-1 (CPT-1),Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1),and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).The protein expression levels of creatine kinase (CK),Ca2+ ATPase,α-Actin,AMPK,PGC-1α and CPT-1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA).Results:Body weight decreased significantly (P <.01),food intake,water intake and urine volume increased significantly (P <.01),and grip strength decreased significantly (P <.01) in the model group compared with the normal group.The levels of FBG,Fins,GHb and HOMA-IR increased significantly (P <.01),and the ISI decreased significantly (P <.01) in the model group.The levels of TG,TC,LDL-C and FFA increased significantly (P <.05 or P <.01),and the level of HDL-C decreased significantly (P <.05) in the model group.These changes were reversed after treatment with YYHQ granule or pioglitazone.Compared with the model group,the YYHQ granule and pioglitazone groups significantly improve body weight,water intake and urine volume (P <.05 or P <.01),however,both treatments had no significant effect on food intake (P >.05).The levels of FBG,Fins,GHb,HOMA-IR and ISI were improved significantly (P <.01) and the levels of TG,TC and LDL-C were improved significantly (P <.05 or P <.01),however,both treatments had no significant effect on the levels of HDL-C and FFA (P >.05).Further results indicated that YYHQ granule significantly decreased the mRNA expression of AMPK,PGC-1α,CPT-1,SIRT1 and SIRT3 in skeletal muscle (P <.01) and the pioglitazone group showed similar effects;moreover,the protein expression levels of CK,Ca2+ATPase,α-Actin,AMPK,PGC-1α and CPT-1 in skeletal muscle significantly decreased (P <.01),however,pioglitazone had no significant effect on CK and α-Actin (P >.05).Conclusion:The possible molecular mechanism of YYHQ granule improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance in a type 2 diabetic rat model may be related to the stimulation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle via the AMPK/SIRT/PGC-1α signalling pathway.展开更多
BACKGROUND Fanlian Huazhuo Formula(FLHZF)has the functions of invigorating spleen and resolving phlegm,clearing heat and purging turbidity.It has been identified to have therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus...BACKGROUND Fanlian Huazhuo Formula(FLHZF)has the functions of invigorating spleen and resolving phlegm,clearing heat and purging turbidity.It has been identified to have therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)in clinical application.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is frequently diagnosed in patients with T2DM.However,the therapeutic potential of FLHZF on NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms need further investigation.AIM To elucidate the effects of FLHZF on NAFLD and explore the underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.METHODS HepG2 cells were treated with free fatty acid for 24 hours to induce lipid accumulation cell model.Subsequently,experiments were conducted with the different concentrations of freeze-dried powder of FLHZF for 24 hours.C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8-week to establish a mouse model of NAFLD,and then treated with the different concentrations of FLHZF for 10 weeks.RESULTS FLHZF had therapeutic potential against lipid accumulation and abnormal changes in biochemical indicators in vivo and in vitro.Further experiments verified that FLHZF alleviated abnormal lipid metabolism might by reducing oxidative stress,regulating the AMPKα/SREBP-1C signaling pathway,activating autophagy,and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.CONCLUSION FLHZF alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism in NAFLD models by regulating reactive oxygen species,autophagy,apoptosis,and lipid synthesis signaling pathways,indicating its potential for clinical application in NAFLD.展开更多
Throughout the globe,diabetes mellitus（DM） is increasing in incidence with limited therapies presently available to prevent or resolve the significant complications of this disorder.DM impacts multiple organs and af...Throughout the globe,diabetes mellitus（DM） is increasing in incidence with limited therapies presently available to prevent or resolve the significant complications of this disorder.DM impacts multiple organs and affects all components of the central and peripheral nervous systems that can range from dementia to diabetic neuropathy.The mechanistic target of rapamycin（m TOR） is a promising agent for the development of novel regenerative strategies for the treatment of DM.m TOR and its related signaling pathways impact multiple metabolic parameters that include cellular metabolic homeostasis,insulin resistance,insulin secretion,stem cell proliferation and differentiation,pancreatic β-cell function,and programmed cell death with apoptosis and autophagy.m TOR is central element for the protein complexes m TOR Complex 1（m TORC1） and m TOR Complex 2（m TORC2） and is a critical component for a number of signaling pathways that involve phosphoinositide 3-kinase（PI 3-K）,protein kinase B（Akt）,AMP activated protein kinase（AMPK）,silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1（Saccharomyces cerevisiae）（SIRT1）,Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1（WISP1）,and growth factors.As a result,m TOR represents an exciting target to offer new clinical avenues for the treatment of DM and the complications of this disease.Future studies directed to elucidate the delicate balance m TOR holds over cellular metabolism and the impact of its broad signaling pathways should foster the translation of these targets into effective clinical regimens for DM.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effect of acupotomy intervention on autophagy of chondrocytes in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to determine the possible mechanisms of acupotomy to alleviate cartilage degeneration...Objective:To explore the effect of acupotomy intervention on autophagy of chondrocytes in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to determine the possible mechanisms of acupotomy to alleviate cartilage degeneration.Methods:The modified Videman method was used to construct a KOA rabbit model.After modeling,40 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups by a random number table:control;KOA(model);KOA+acupotomy(acupotomy),and KOA+sham acupotomy(sham),10 in each group.After a 3-week treatment course,the knee joint activity was determined by the modified Lequesne MG index.Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to examine the morphological changes of chondrocytes.Autophagy of chondrocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy.The surface morphology of cartilage tissue was observed by scanning electron microscope.The mRNA and protein levels of AMP kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/Unc-51(AMPK/mTOR/ULK1)signal pathway key proteins,autophagy-related factor Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3(LC3)in rabbit knee cartilage were assessed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot,respectively.Results:The modified Lequesne MG score of acupotomy group was significantly lower than that of model group(P<0.05).Pathological results showed that chondrocyte autophagy decreased and cartilage surface was rough in the model group,which recovered after acupotomy treatment.The mRNA expressions of AMPK,ULK1,Beclin-1 and the protein levels of p-AMPK,p-ULK1,Beclin-1,and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰwere decreased in the model group,while the mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were increased(P<0.01).However,acupotomy treatment reversed these abnormal changes(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupotomy could effectively up-regulate the expressions of AMPK,ULK1 and Beclin1,reduce the expression of mTOR,promote autophagy,and alleviate joint degeneration.Acupotomy is a promising complementary and alternative therapy for KOA.展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81960779,82160811)Project for Degree and Graduate Education Reform in Guangxi(JGY2022215)。
文摘[Objectives]Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)rat model was established by feeding high-fat and high-sugar fodder to rats,and the protective effect of Dicliptera chinensis polysaccharide(DCP)on NAFLD rats was studied to explore its potential mechanism.[Methods]45 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group,model control group and DCP treatment groups(100 and 300 mg/kg).The rats in the normal control group were fed with ordinary fodder,and the rats in other groups were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 14 weeks to establish NAFLD model.From the 9^(th)week,the rats in the DCP treatment groups were given different doses of DCP by intragastric administration(5 mL/kg)for 6 weeks.After the last intragastric administration,the rats fasted for 16 h,and the serum and liver of rats were collected for detection.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was conducted to observe the histopathological changes of rat liver,and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical method.Interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and micrornA-141(micro RNA-141)were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The expression of SIRT1 and adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)in rat liver was detected by western blot.[Results]Compared with the model control group,the inflammatory damage and steatodegeneration of rats in the DCP groups were relieved to varying degrees,and the number of lipid vacuoles significantly reduced.The ALT,AST,TC,TG and LDL-C content in the serum and MDA content in the liver tissue decreased to varying degrees,while the HDL-C,SOD and GSH-Px content increased.The expression of SIRT1 and AMPK increased,while the expression of miR-141,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1βdeclined,and the DCP 300 mg/kg treatment group had better improvement effect.[Conclusions]DCP had a certain protective effect on NAFLD rats,which may be related to the regulation of miR-141/AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81202625the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Translational Medicine,China Three Gorges University,China,No.2016xnxg101
文摘Puerarin suppresses autophagy to alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and accumulating evidence indicates that the AMPKm TOR signaling pathway regulates the activation of the autophagy pathway through the coordinated phosphorylation of ULK1. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of puerarin and its role in modulating autophagy via the AMPK-m TOR-ULK1 signaling pathway in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with puerarin, 50 or 100 mg/kg, daily for 7 days. Then, 30 minutes after the final administration, rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 90 minutes. Then, after 24 hours of reperfusion, the Longa score and infarct volume were evaluated in each group. Autophagosome formation was observed by transmission electron microscopy. LC3, Beclin-1 p62, AMPK, m TOR and ULK1 protein expression levels were examined by immunofluorescence and western blot assay. Puerarin substantially reduced the Longa score and infarct volume, and it lessened autophagosome formation in the hippocampal CA1 area following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with puerarin（50 or 100 mg/kg） reduced Beclin-1 expression and the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, as well as p-AMPK and p S317-ULK1 levels. In comparison, it increased p62 expression. Furthermore, puerarin at 100 mg/kg dramatically increased the levels of p-m TOR and p S757-ULK1 in the hippocampus on the ischemic side. Our findings suggest that puerarin alleviates autophagy by activating the APMK-m TOR-ULK1 signaling pathway. Thus, puerarin might have therapeutic potential for treating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
基金This research was supported and funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81373541).
文摘Objective:To investigate how Yiqi Yangyin and Huatan Quyu granule (YYHO) improves skeletal muscle insulin resistance in a type 2 diabetic rat model and to discover whether the molecular mechanism is related to the promotion of the AMPK/SIRT/PGC-1α signalling pathway.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the normal group,the model group,the YYHQ granule group,and the pioglitazone group.The type 2 diabetic rat model was established by feeding a high-fat diet for 5 weeks along with a single intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ).After modelling successfully,the appropriate drug was intragastrically administered to diabetic rats for 2 weeks,once per day.The YYHQ granule group was given a dose of 4.8 g/kg body weight per day,the pioglitazone group was given a dose of 1.35 mg/kg body weight per day.The doses for both groups were equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose based on a previous study.Other groups were gavaged with the same amount of saline water.Body weight,food intake,water intake,urine volume and grip strength were recorded weekly.The fasting blood glucose(FBG) was determined weekly using blood glucose test strips.The related glucose and lipid metabolism indexes,e.g.,fasting insulin (Fins),glycated haemoglobin (GHb),HOMA-IR,ISI,triglycerides (TG),total cholesterol (TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and free fatty acid (FFA),were determined using biochemical method.The mRNA expression levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α),carnitine palmitoyl transterase-1 (CPT-1),Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1),and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).The protein expression levels of creatine kinase (CK),Ca2+ ATPase,α-Actin,AMPK,PGC-1α and CPT-1 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA).Results:Body weight decreased significantly (P <.01),food intake,water intake and urine volume increased significantly (P <.01),and grip strength decreased significantly (P <.01) in the model group compared with the normal group.The levels of FBG,Fins,GHb and HOMA-IR increased significantly (P <.01),and the ISI decreased significantly (P <.01) in the model group.The levels of TG,TC,LDL-C and FFA increased significantly (P <.05 or P <.01),and the level of HDL-C decreased significantly (P <.05) in the model group.These changes were reversed after treatment with YYHQ granule or pioglitazone.Compared with the model group,the YYHQ granule and pioglitazone groups significantly improve body weight,water intake and urine volume (P <.05 or P <.01),however,both treatments had no significant effect on food intake (P >.05).The levels of FBG,Fins,GHb,HOMA-IR and ISI were improved significantly (P <.01) and the levels of TG,TC and LDL-C were improved significantly (P <.05 or P <.01),however,both treatments had no significant effect on the levels of HDL-C and FFA (P >.05).Further results indicated that YYHQ granule significantly decreased the mRNA expression of AMPK,PGC-1α,CPT-1,SIRT1 and SIRT3 in skeletal muscle (P <.01) and the pioglitazone group showed similar effects;moreover,the protein expression levels of CK,Ca2+ATPase,α-Actin,AMPK,PGC-1α and CPT-1 in skeletal muscle significantly decreased (P <.01),however,pioglitazone had no significant effect on CK and α-Actin (P >.05).Conclusion:The possible molecular mechanism of YYHQ granule improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance in a type 2 diabetic rat model may be related to the stimulation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle via the AMPK/SIRT/PGC-1α signalling pathway.
基金Supported by Basic and Applied Basic Research Found of Guangdong Province,No.2022A1515011307。
文摘BACKGROUND Fanlian Huazhuo Formula(FLHZF)has the functions of invigorating spleen and resolving phlegm,clearing heat and purging turbidity.It has been identified to have therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)in clinical application.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is frequently diagnosed in patients with T2DM.However,the therapeutic potential of FLHZF on NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms need further investigation.AIM To elucidate the effects of FLHZF on NAFLD and explore the underlying hepatoprotective mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.METHODS HepG2 cells were treated with free fatty acid for 24 hours to induce lipid accumulation cell model.Subsequently,experiments were conducted with the different concentrations of freeze-dried powder of FLHZF for 24 hours.C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8-week to establish a mouse model of NAFLD,and then treated with the different concentrations of FLHZF for 10 weeks.RESULTS FLHZF had therapeutic potential against lipid accumulation and abnormal changes in biochemical indicators in vivo and in vitro.Further experiments verified that FLHZF alleviated abnormal lipid metabolism might by reducing oxidative stress,regulating the AMPKα/SREBP-1C signaling pathway,activating autophagy,and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.CONCLUSION FLHZF alleviates abnormal lipid metabolism in NAFLD models by regulating reactive oxygen species,autophagy,apoptosis,and lipid synthesis signaling pathways,indicating its potential for clinical application in NAFLD.
基金supported by American Diabetes Association,American Heart Association,NIH NIEHS,NIH NIA,NIH NINDS,and NIH ARRA
文摘Throughout the globe,diabetes mellitus（DM） is increasing in incidence with limited therapies presently available to prevent or resolve the significant complications of this disorder.DM impacts multiple organs and affects all components of the central and peripheral nervous systems that can range from dementia to diabetic neuropathy.The mechanistic target of rapamycin（m TOR） is a promising agent for the development of novel regenerative strategies for the treatment of DM.m TOR and its related signaling pathways impact multiple metabolic parameters that include cellular metabolic homeostasis,insulin resistance,insulin secretion,stem cell proliferation and differentiation,pancreatic β-cell function,and programmed cell death with apoptosis and autophagy.m TOR is central element for the protein complexes m TOR Complex 1（m TORC1） and m TOR Complex 2（m TORC2） and is a critical component for a number of signaling pathways that involve phosphoinositide 3-kinase（PI 3-K）,protein kinase B（Akt）,AMP activated protein kinase（AMPK）,silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1（Saccharomyces cerevisiae）（SIRT1）,Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1（WISP1）,and growth factors.As a result,m TOR represents an exciting target to offer new clinical avenues for the treatment of DM and the complications of this disease.Future studies directed to elucidate the delicate balance m TOR holds over cellular metabolism and the impact of its broad signaling pathways should foster the translation of these targets into effective clinical regimens for DM.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81774436)the Science and Technology Innovation Fund Project of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2021ZC02)the“14th Five-Year Plan”Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Advantage Characteristic Specialty Project[No.(2021]71)]。
文摘Objective:To explore the effect of acupotomy intervention on autophagy of chondrocytes in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to determine the possible mechanisms of acupotomy to alleviate cartilage degeneration.Methods:The modified Videman method was used to construct a KOA rabbit model.After modeling,40 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups by a random number table:control;KOA(model);KOA+acupotomy(acupotomy),and KOA+sham acupotomy(sham),10 in each group.After a 3-week treatment course,the knee joint activity was determined by the modified Lequesne MG index.Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to examine the morphological changes of chondrocytes.Autophagy of chondrocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy.The surface morphology of cartilage tissue was observed by scanning electron microscope.The mRNA and protein levels of AMP kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/Unc-51(AMPK/mTOR/ULK1)signal pathway key proteins,autophagy-related factor Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3(LC3)in rabbit knee cartilage were assessed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot,respectively.Results:The modified Lequesne MG score of acupotomy group was significantly lower than that of model group(P<0.05).Pathological results showed that chondrocyte autophagy decreased and cartilage surface was rough in the model group,which recovered after acupotomy treatment.The mRNA expressions of AMPK,ULK1,Beclin-1 and the protein levels of p-AMPK,p-ULK1,Beclin-1,and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰwere decreased in the model group,while the mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were increased(P<0.01).However,acupotomy treatment reversed these abnormal changes(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupotomy could effectively up-regulate the expressions of AMPK,ULK1 and Beclin1,reduce the expression of mTOR,promote autophagy,and alleviate joint degeneration.Acupotomy is a promising complementary and alternative therapy for KOA.
