Anti-tumor Effect and Mechanism of Pratia Extract on H22 Tumor-bearing Mice

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of pratia extract on H22 tumor-bearing mice and the effects on immune organs.[Methods]With the application of H22 liver tumor-bearing mice as an animal model,the animals were divided into such three Pratia extract groups as the high,medium and low dose groups(400,200 and 100 mg/kg)and cyclophosphamide CTX group(20 mg/kg).15 d after the administration,the animals were killed by cervical dislocation,and the tumors,thymuses and spleens were taken and weighed,followed by the calculation of the tumor inhibitory rate and the thymus and spleen index,and the serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-2(IL-2)levels were determined by ELISA assay.[Results]The inhibitory rates were 54.1,32.6 and 8.2%,respectively,and there were significant differences from the model group(P<0.05);and the spleen index of the tumor-bearing mice was reduced,while the thymus index was improved.The serological results showed that the drug-administrated groups significantly improved the IL-2 levels in the tumor-bearing mice,but had no effects on TNF-α.[Conclusions]Pratia extract has an antitumor effect on H22 tumor-bearing mice,and show certain dose-effect relationship,and its mechanism may be related to enhancing the immune function in tumor-bearing mice by regulating IL-2.

Effects of Moxa-Cone Moxibustion at Guanyuan on Erythrocytic Immunity and Its Regulative Function in Tumor-Bearing Mice

In the sarcoma S180 ascitic mice, the effects of moxa-cone moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) on erythrocytic immunity and its regulative function were investigated. The results indicated that moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) could significantly increase the decreased erythrocytic C3b receptor rosette forming rate (RBC-C3bRR), lower the raised erythrocytic immunocomplex rosette forming rate (RBC-ICR, P<0.05 or P<0.01), increase the decreased activity of erythrocytic immuno-accelerative factor, and reduce the increased activity of erythrocytic immunosuppressive factor (P<0.05) in the tumor-bearing mice. This suggests that moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) can strengthen erythrocytic immunity and promote its regulative function.

Detraining after tumor-bearing accelerates tumor growth while continuous training decreases tumor growth in mice

Objective:Previous studies have shown that exercise suppresses tumor growth.However,the effects of exercise with different intensities and exercise detraining after tumor-bearing on tumor progression remain unclear.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of continuous and disrupted free and exhausted swimming training after tumor-bearing on tumor progression in melanoma B16-F10-bearing C57BL/6 mice.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were subjected to free or exhausted swimming exercise training for 4 weeks prior to the injection of melanoma B16-F10 cells.Subsequently,the B16-F10-bearing mice were maintained with training consisting of free or exhausted swimming or without exercise for 2 weeks during the tumor challenge.Results:The tumor weight was increased by 42%and 109%in mice with 4-week exhausted swimming prior to B16-F10 tumor cells inoculation followed by 2-week training cessation compared with the tumor-bearing control(P<.05)and continuous training groups(P<.01).Tumor weights in groups with exercise detraining after tumor cell inoculation tended to be increased,while the proliferation of splenic T lymphocytes tended to be decreased compared with the group that maintained exercise intensity.After 6-weeks continuous free or exhausted swimming training,the tumor weight of mice was decreased and the proliferation of splenic T lymphocytes was increased compared with the tumor-bearing control group.The frequency of natural killer cells in tumors was increased in all exercise training groups of mice.Conclusions:These results suggest that maintaining exercise intensity after tumor-bearing slows tumor growth in mice,possibly because of the enhanced proliferative activity of splenic lymphocytes rather than natural killer cell infiltration.However,detraining after tumor-bearing might accelerate tumor progression because of the reduced proliferation of splenic T lymphocytes.

Potential therapeutic role of spermine via Rac1 in osteoporosis:Insights from zebrafish and mice

Osteoporosis(OP)is a prevalent metabolic bone disease.While drug therapy is essential to prevent bone loss in osteoporotic patients,current treatments are limited by side effects and high costs,necessitating the development of more effective and safer targeted therapies.Utilizing a zebrafish(Danio rerio)larval model of osteoporosis,we explored the influence of the metabolite spermine on bone homeostasis.Results showed that spermine exhibited dual activity in osteoporotic zebrafish larvae by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption.Spermine not only demonstrated excellent biosafety but also mitigated prednisolone-induced embryonic neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.Notably,spermine showcased protective attributes in the nervous systems of both zebrafish embryos and larvae.At the molecular level,Rac1 was identified as playing a pivotal role in mediating the antiosteoporotic effects of spermine,with P53 potentially acting downstream of Rac1.These findings were confirmed using mouse(Mus musculus)models,in which spermine not only ameliorated osteoporosis but also promoted bone formation and mineralization under healthy conditions,suggesting strong potential as a bonestrengthening agent.This study underscores the beneficial role of spermine in osteoporotic bone homeostasis and skeletal system development,highlighting pivotal molecular mediators.Given their efficacy and safety,human endogenous metabolites like spermine are promising candidates for new anti-osteoporotic drug development and daily bone-fortifying agents.

Progress,implications,and challenges in using humanized immune system mice in CAR-T therapy-Application evaluation and improvement

In recent years,humanized immune system(HIS)mice have been gradually used as models for preclinical research in pharmacotherapies and cell therapies with major breakthroughs in tumor and other fields,better mimicking the human immune system and the tumor immune microenvironment,compared to traditional immunodeficient mice.To better promote the application of HIS mice in preclinical research,we se-lectively summarize the current prevalent and breakthrough research and evaluation of chimeric antigen receptor(CAR)-T cells in various antiviral and antitumor treat-ments.By exploring its application in preclinical research,we find that it can better reflect the actual clinical patient condition,with the advantages of providing high-efficiency detection indicators,even for progressive research and development.We believe that it has better clinical patient simulation and promotion for the updated design of CAR-T cell therapy than directly transplanted immunodeficient mice.The characteristics of the main models are proposed to improve the use defects of the existing models by reducing the limitation of antihost reaction,combining multiple models,and unifying sources and organoid substitution.Strategy study of relapse and toxicity after CAR-T treatment also provides more possibilities for application and development.

Insights into sensitizing and eliciting capacity of gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products of shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins in BALB/c mice

Shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins have been shown an allergenic potential;however,little information is available on the sensitizing and eliciting capacity of shrimp protein digestion products.In this study,a BALB/c mice model was used to explore the allergenicity of shrimp protein sample(SPS)and their gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products(GDS/GIDS).As compared with the SPS groups,the GDS/GIDS groups caused lower specific immunoglobulins(Ig E/Ig G1)levels(P<0.05),but higher than the control groups,indicating that the digestion products sensitized the mice.Meanwhile,spleen index,mouse mast cell protease-1(m MCP-1)concentration and proportion of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in the GDS/GIDS groups(P<0.05);simultaneously,allergic symptoms,vascular permeability and histopathological changes of tissues were alleviated.Nevertheless,the allergenicity of digestion products cannot be eliminated and still cause systemic allergic reactions in mice.The study showed that the digestion products of shrimp still had high sensitizing and eliciting capacity.

Prevelance of Bovine Cysticercosis in Egypt and the Cysticidal Effect of Two Extracts Obtained from Balanites aegyptiaca and Moringa oleifera on Mice Model Affected with T. saginata Cysticerci

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in both cattle and buffloas, in Egypt and to assess the cysticidal efficacy of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (B. aegyptiaca) and Moringa oleifera seeds (M. oleifera) extracts in experimentally infected mice. The study detected the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) to monitor the immune and inflammatory responses of experimentally infected mice. Through meat inspection, a total number of 2125 male bovine, 2 to 5 years old, (1125 cattle and 1000 buffloes) were examined under the authority of Albsatine and Alwaraq official abattoirs in Cairo Governorate, Egypt covering the period extended from March 2022 to April 2023. The overall prevalence of the disease among bovine was 7.8% (6.31% of cattle and 9.5% of buffloes). Besides, B. aegyptiaca and M. oleifera extracts showed cysticidal activity in experimentally infected mice. A decrease in the numbers of cysticerci was found in all treated mice groups, and up to 88% reduction was achieved in the B. aegyptiaca-treated group;higher than that was recorded in both M. oleifera (72.23%) and albendazole-treated ones (80.56%). Postmortem findings proved that M. oleifera and B. aegyptiaca reduced cysticerci numbers comparable to a commercial anthelmintic. The study showed a significant decrease (P 0.001) in TNF-α levels after treatment with Balanites and Moringa extracts, compared with the untreated control and the albendazole-treated groups.

Effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth on immune response and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice

With the rise of probiotics fermentation in food industry,fermented foods have attracted worldwide attention.In this study,protective effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth(REFB)on immune function and gut health in Cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated.Results showed that REFB could improve the immune organ index,and promote the proliferation and differentiation of splenic T lymphocytes.In addition,it attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and improved intestinal cellular immunity.REFB administration also up-regulated the expression of IL-4,INF-γ,TNF-α,T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in small intestine.Furthermore,administration of REFB modulated gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genus,such as Bacteroides.It also increased the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids.These indicate that REFB has the potential to improve immunity,alleviate intestinal injury and regulate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.

Impacts of angiotensin II on retinal artery changes in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

AIM:To investigate the impacts of angiotensin II(Ang II)on retinal artery changes in apolipoprotein E deficient(apoE^(-/-))mice.METHODS:ApoE^(-/-)male mice were infused by minipumps with Ang II at 1000 ng/kg·min(Ang II group)or saline(control group)for 28d.They were underwent ophthalmic fundus examination on day 0,14,and 28 of infusion.Histopathologic examination,ribonucleic acid(RNA)sequencing and local Ang II measurement of retinas were conducted.RESULTS:Ophthalmic fundus examination showed Ang II infusion promoted the formation of retinal arterial aneurysm-like lesions on day 28.Optical coherence tomography revealed the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer(GCIPL)thickness in the control group was significantly thinner than that in Ang II group(P<0.001).Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated diffused swelling of GCIPL layer and its disordered structure in Ang II group.Transmission electron microscopy showed Ang II infusion caused aggravation of atherosclerotic lesions,including increased swelling,roughness,disorganization of the retinal vasculature,and vacuoles formation.RNA-sequencing and gene ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that the structure and function of cellular membrane might be disturbed and visual function might be compromised by Ang II.The local level of Ang II was higher in Ang II infusion group but did not show significant differences compared to the control group(P=0.086).CONCLUSION:Ang II infusion promotes the formation of retinal arterial aneurysm-like lesions in apoE^(-/-)mice,causing aggravation of atherosclerotic lesions,more severe disorganization of the retinal vasculature and disturbance of the cellular membrane.

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis(AS),a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels,is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflam-mation-related diseases.Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.AIM To modify DPSCs with HGF(DPSC-HGF)and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE-/-)mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs(DPSC-Null)through tail vein at weeks 4,7,and 11,respectively,and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology,flow cytometry,lipid and glucose measurements,real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment.An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells(HAOECs),and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null(DPSC-Null-CM)or DPSC-HGF-CM,and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and western blot.Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.RESULTS DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors,and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta,and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects.DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels.The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes,neutrophils,and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen.DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-αstimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/-mice on a HFD,and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

AAV mediated carboxyl terminus of Hsp70 interacting protein overexpression mitigates the cognitive and pathological phenotypes of APP/PS1 mice

The E3 ubiquitin ligase,carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70(Hsp70)interacting protein(CHIP),also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system.In this study,we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of overexpressed CHIP on Alzheimer’s disease.We used an adeno-associated virus vector that can cross the blood-brain barrier to mediate CHIP overexpression in APP/PS1 mouse brain.CHIP overexpression significantly ameliorated the performance of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze and nest building tests,reduced amyloid-βplaques,and decreased the expression of both amyloid-βand phosphorylated tau.CHIP also alleviated the concentration of microglia and astrocytes around plaques.In APP/PS1 mice of a younger age,CHIP overexpression promoted an increase in ADAM10 expression and inhibitedβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,insulin degrading enzyme,and neprilysin expression.Levels of HSP70 and HSP40,which have functional relevance to CHIP,were also increased.Single nuclei transcriptome sequencing in the hippocampus of CHIP overexpressed mice showed that the lysosomal pathway and oligodendrocyte-related biological processes were up-regulated,which may also reflect a potential mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of CHIP.Our research shows that CHIP effectively reduces the behavior and pathological manifestations of APP/PS1 mice.Indeed,overexpression of CHIP could be a beneficial approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Identifying genetic susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus infection using collaborative cross mice and RNA-Seq approach

Background:Aspergillus fumigatus(Af)is one of the most ubiquitous fungi and its infection potency is suggested to be strongly controlled by the host genetic back-ground.The aim of this study was to search for candidate genes associated with host susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus(Af)using an RNAseq approach in CC lines and hepatic gene expression.Methods:We studied 31 male mice from 25 CC lines at 8 weeks old;the mice were infected with Af.Liver tissues were extracted from these mice 5 days post-infection,and next-generation RNA-sequencing(RNAseq)was performed.The GENE-E analysis platform was used to generate a clustered heat map matrix.Results:Significant variation in body weight changes between CC lines was ob-served.Hepatic gene expression revealed 12 top prioritized candidate genes differ-entially expressed in resistant versus susceptible mice based on body weight changes.Interestingly,three candidate genes are located within genomic intervals of the previ-ously mapped quantitative trait loci(QTL),including Gm16270 and Stox1 on chromo-some 10 and Gm11033 on chromosome 8.Conclusions:Our findings emphasize the CC mouse model's power in fine mapping the genetic components underlying susceptibility towards Af.As a next step,eQTL analysis will be performed for our RNA-Seq data.Suggested candidate genes from our study will be further assessed with a human cohort with aspergillosis.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology,cognition,and behavior in APP/PS1 mice

In patients with Alzheimer’s disease,gamma-glutamyl transferase 5(GGT5)expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.However,the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear.This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease,as well as the underlying mechanism.We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease(Aβ_(1-42)-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells),as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model.Additionally,injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits.Interestingly,increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-βin the brains of APP/PS1 mice.This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression ofβ-site APP cleaving enzyme 1,which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B.Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

突破与变革——突破瓶颈,MICE行业发展迎来新机变

2024年,随着全球经济的发展与技术的创新,产业迎来新一轮变革。新业态的不断涌现,也促使MICE行业步入新发展格局,并进一步加剧全球会议市场的竞争。这其中,作为会议领域重要组成部分的MICE行业,已处于新的“风口浪尖”。不论是会议企业、策划公司,还是技术企业与目的地服务商都在为争夺新的市场机会不断改善服务模式。虽然传统意义上的服务方式与运营理念依然具有一定市场,但影响力正不断减弱。

MICE的新眼界 在充满挑战的时代提升活动的生产价值

伴随全球出入境政策的进一步放开,MICE领域迎来巨大生机。作为会议业的重要组成,MICE领域从这两年发展形势看,呈现出勃勃生机。医疗、教育、旅游等行业已成为MICE领域重要市场,并持续带动MICE领域的市场模式向更专业化、精细化、高效化、系统化、智能化、数字化方向发展,以实现高质量,高价值、高净值的产品能够为市场客户带来新体验。

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves liver fibrosis in mice by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is the common pathological process associated with the occurrence and development of various chronic liver diseases.At present,there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment methods in clinical practice.Hepatic stellate cell(HSC)plays a key role in liver fibrogenesis.In recent years,the study of liver fibrosis targeting HSC autophagy has become a hot spot in this research field.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a key negative regulator of reninangiotensin system,and its specific molecular mechanism on autophagy and liver fibrosis needs to be further explored.AIM To investigate the effect of ACE2 on hepatic fibrosis in mice by regulating HSC autophagy through the Adenosine monophosphate activates protein kinases(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.METHODS Overexpression of ACE2 in a mouse liver fibrosis model was induced by injection of liver-specific recombinant adeno-associated virus ACE2 vector(rAAV2/8-ACE2).The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by histopathological staining and the biomarkers in mouse serum were measured by Luminex multifactor analysis.The number of apoptotic HSCs was assessed by terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)and immunofluorescence staining.Transmission electron microscopy was used to identify the changes in the number of HSC autophagosomes.The effect of ACE2 overexpression on Wu Y et al.ACE2 improves liver fibrosis through autophagy WJG https://www.wjgnet.com 4976 September 7,2023 Volume 29 Issue 33 autophagy-related proteins was evaluated by multicolor immunofluorescence staining.The expression of autophagy-related indicators and AMPK pathway-related proteins was measured by western blotting.RESULTS A mouse model of liver fibrosis was successfully established after 8 wk of intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).rAAV2/8-ACE2 administration reduced collagen deposition and alleviated the degree of liver fibrosis in mice.The serum levels of platelet-derived growth factor,angiopoietin-2,vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II were decreased,while the levels of interleukin(IL)-10 and angiotensin-(1-7)were increased in the rAAV2/8-ACE2 group.In addition,the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin,fibronectin,and CD31 was down-regulated in the rAAV2/8-ACE2 group.TUNEL and immunofluorescence staining showed that rAAV2/8-ACE2 injection increased HSC apoptosis.Moreover,rAAV2/8-ACE2 injection notably decreased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of autophagy-related proteins(LC3I,LC3II,Beclin-1),and affected the expression of AMPK pathway-related proteins(AMPK,p-AMPK,p-mTOR).CONCLUSION ACE2 overexpression can inhibit HSC activation and promote cell apoptosis by regulating HSC autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway,thereby alleviating liver fibrosis and hepatic sinusoidal remodeling.

Effects of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine on a diabetic mice model

AIM:To investigate the role of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA)on a diabetic mice model(DM)and the potential mechanism.METHODS:Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal control group(NC group)and an DM group.DM were induced by multiple low-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ)60 mg/kgd for 5 consecutive days.DM mice were randomly subdivided into untreated group(DM group),3-MA(10 mg/kgd by gavage)treated group(DM+3-MA group)and chloroquine(CQ;50 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection)treated group(DM+CQ group).The fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels were recorded every week.At the end of experiment,retinal samples were collected.The expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3,cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1(PARP1)and Bax,anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,fibrosisassociated proteins Fibronectin and type 1 collagenα1 chain(COL1A1),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1βand tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,as well as autophagy related proteins LC3,Beclin-1 and P62 were determined by Western blotting.The oxidative stress indicators 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8-OHdG)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected by commercial kits.RESULTS:Both 3-MA and CQ had shor t-term hypoglycemic effect on FBG and reduced the expression of VEGF and inflammatory factors IL-1βand TNF-αin DM mice.3-MA also significantly alleviated oxidative stress indicators 8-OHdG and MDA,decreased the expression of fibrosisrelated proteins Fibronectin and COL1A1,pro-apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3,cleaved PARP1,as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.CQ had no significant impact on the oxidative stress indicators,fibrosis,and apoptosis related proteins.The results of Western blotting for autophagy related proteins showed that the ratio of LC3 II/LC3 I and the expression of Beclin-1 in the retina of DM mice were decreased by 3-MA treatment,and the expression of P62 was further increased by CQ treatment.CONCLUSION:3-MA has anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic effects on the retina of DM mice,and can attenuate retinal oxidative stress,VEGF expression and the production of inflammatory factors in the retina of DM mice.The underlying mechanism of the above effects of 3-MA may be related to its inhibition of early autophagy and hypoglycemic effect.

Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway

Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury.However,its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear.Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process,we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells,thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury.In this study,we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method.We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord.Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation in vitro.Furthermore,intraperitoneal injection of metformin in an in vivo model promoted endothelial cell proliferation and increased the density of new blood vessels in the spinal cord,thereby improving neurological function.The role of metformin was reversed by compound C,an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor,both in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway likely regulates metformin-mediated angiogenesis after spinal cord injury.These findings suggest that metformin promotes vascular regeneration in the injured spinal cord by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway,thereby improving the neurological function of aged mice after spinal cord injury.

Icariin ameliorates memory deficits through regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters in 3×Tg-AD mice

Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of icariin in an APP/PS1/Tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.We performed behavioral tests,pathological examination,and western blot assay,and found that memory deficits of the model mice were obviously improved,neuronal and synaptic damage in the cerebral cortex was substantially mitigated,and amyloid-βaccumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation were considerably reduced after 5 months of intragastric administration of icariin at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight per day.Furthermore,deficits of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and their phosphorylation levels were significantly reversed,including the insulin receptor,insulin receptor substrate 1,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,protein kinase B,and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and the levels of glucose transporter 1 and 3 were markedly increased.These findings suggest that icariin can improve learning and memory impairments in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters,which lays the foundation for potential clinical application of icariin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti-inflammatory effects of amarogentin on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like mice and in HaCat cells

Background:Amarogentin(AMA)is a secoiridoid glycoside extracted from Swertia and Gentiana roots and exhibits many biological effects such as antioxidative,antiinflammatory,and antitumor activities.Atopic dermatitis(AD)is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by disorders in the regulation of multiple inflammatory cytokines.No effective cure has been found for AD now.Methods:We constructed the HaCat and splenocyte model and tested the inhibitory effect of AMA on IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 secretions using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The AD mouse model was constructed and treated with AMA,the severity of skin lesions was observed,epidermal tissue was collected,and epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration were observed using hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining,respectively.The expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 7(KLK7)and filaggrin(FLG)was detected using immunostaining and Western blot analysis.The mRNA expression of KLK7 and FLG was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Blood immunoglobulin E(IgE)secretion was detected.Results:AMA inhibited IL-6 secreted by tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-induced HaCaT cells and reduced IL-4 and IL-13 secreted by phytohemagglutinin(PHA)-induced primary cells in the mice spleen.It was found that the treatment of AMA with 2,4-din itrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mice could promote the recovery of dermatitis,reduce the score of dermatitis severity and the scratching frequency,treat the skin lesions,reduce the epidermal thickness,decrease the infiltration of mast cells,reduce the IgE level in serum,decrease the expression levels of AD-related cytokines,increase protein and mRNA expression of FLG,and reduce the protein and mRNA expression of KLK7 in the skin tissues of AD-like mice.Conclusion:In conclusion,AMA inhibits inflammatory response at the cellular level,and AMA reduces the validation response of specific dermatitis mice,relieves pruritus,and repairs the damaged skin barrier.