OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Buyi Pishen acupuncture (acupuncture for invigorating spleen and kidney) on inflammatory factor and synovial cartilage matrix in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A total of 60 clean male Wistar rats were randomized into a normal group, a model group, a tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablet (TWP) group and an acupuncture group, 15 rats in each group. Rats in the model group, the TWP group and the acupuncture group received intradermal injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) at right hind foot pad to induce the AA model. TWP suspension of 8 mg/kg was given by gavage in the TWP group. Acupuncture was applied at "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Pishu" (BL 20) and right "Housanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) in the acupuncture group, 15 min a time, once a day. The intervention was given 15 days in both TWP group and acupuncture group. The foot-pad swelling degree before modeling, before and after intervention and the arthritis index (AI) score before and after intervention were calculated; the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA method; the ultrastructure and histomorphological changes of synovium issue were observed by transmission electron microscope and HE staining; the positive expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-9 in synovium issue was detected by immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: Before intervention, foot-pad swelling degree of the model group, the TWP group and the acupuncture group was increased compared with the normal group (P<0.01). After intervention, foot-pad swelling degree and AI score were increased compared with the normal group (P<0.01), foot-pad swelling degree and AI scores in the TWP group and the acupuncture group were lower than the model group (P<0.05), and those in the acupuncture group were decreased compared with the TWP group (P<0.05). The model group exhibited unclear nuclear membrane of synovial cells, chromatin pyknosis, massive inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperplasia in synovial tissue; the TWP group and the acupuncture group exhibited clear and smooth nuclear membrane of synovial cells, inapparent chromatin pyknosis, less inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperplasia in synovial tissue, the acupuncture group exhibited less matrix destruction as well. Compared with the normal group, serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α and positive expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in synovium issue were increased (P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α and positive expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in synovium issue were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P<0.05) in the TWP group and the acupuncture group; compared with the TWP group, serum level of TNF-α and positive expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in synovium issue were decreased (P<0.05), while serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION Buyi Pishen acupuncture can effectively improve the injury of articular cartilage in AA rats, its mechanism maybe related to reducing the inflammatory reaction in synovium and inhibiting the degradation of articular cartilage matrix.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental/therapy* ; Cartilage, Articular ; Chromatin ; Hyperplasia ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-4 ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-fibrosis mechanism of radix astragali through the observation on regulating cytokine secretion by astragalosides and astragalus polysaccharides in hepatic stellate cell line LX-2.

METHODSAstragalus polysaccharides and astragalosides at concentration of 25 microg/ml and 300 microg/ml were added to LX-2 cell culture.After 24 h culture total RNA contents were extracted and TGF-beta1, HGF, MP2 and MMP9 mRNA were measured by real time fluorescence quantification PCR technique. The cell growth curves were detected by Real Time Cell Electronics Sensing.

RESULTS300 microg/ml of astragalus polysaccharides suppressed LX-2 cell proliferation (P<0.05, in 94.7 h), while astragalosides induced an significant cell proliferation (P<0.05) both at lower and higher concentration. 25 microg/ml astragalus polysaccharides and astragalosides induced TGF-beta1 expression. For other cytokines, astragalus polysaccharides induced a 104.9 fold higher expression of MMP2, while astragalosides induced a 550.65 fold higher expression of IL-10. Astragalus polysaccharides at 300 microg/ml concentration exhibited an inhibition effect on TGF-beta1, HGF, MMP9 and IL-10 mRNA expression, while up-regulated MMP2 mRNA expression. Astragalosides at 300 mug/ml concentration inhibited TGF-beta1 mRNA expression, while up-regulated MMP2, MMP9 and IL-10 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONThe anti-fibrosis function of astragalus polysaccharides might be associated with up-regulation of MMP2 expression, while that of astragalosides with up-regulation of MMP2, MMP9 and IL-10 expression.

Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Cell Line ; Cytokines ; secretion ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Saponins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Triterpenes ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Up-Regulation ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo assess the association between 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in exonic regions of matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) gene and instability of carotid plaques in a Han Chinese population.

METHODSFive hundred and eighty-five patients were divided into carotid vulnerable plaque group (n=206) and stable plaque group (n=379) based on results of carotid B-mode ultrasonography. The SNPs were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction using an ABI 7300 TaqMan platform.

RESULTSThe distribution of rs17435959 between the two groups was significantly different at both genotypic (GC+CC vs. GG, P=0.006, OR=2.012) and allelic levels (C vs. G, P=0.001,OR=2.160). Above differences have remained significant with binary logistic regression analysis (P=0.007, OR=2.022; P=0.002, OR=2.104). The minor allele frequency of rs17293607 was 0.56%.

CONCLUSIONAbove findings suggested that rs17435959 of the MMP-10 gene is associated with carotid vulnerable plaque in ethnic Chinese Hans. The C allele may be a susceptible predictor for carotid vulnerable plaque.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 10 ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; enzymology ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Adipose tissue-derived stem cell (ASCs) are an attractive source of stem cells with therapeutic applicability in various fields for regenerating damaged tissues because of their stemness characteristics. However, little has reported on evaluating adverse responses caused by human ASC therapy. Therefore, in the present study, a clinical assessment after human ASC transplantation into dogs was undertaken. A total of 12 healthy male dogs were selected and divided into four groups: saline infusion, saline bolus, ASC infusion, and ASC bolus groups. Physical assessment and blood analysis were performed following ASC transplantation, and the concentrations of angiogenic factors, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There were no adverse vital sign responses among the dogs. Blood analyses revealed no remarkable complete blood count or serum chemistry results. ELISA results for angiogenic and anti-inflammatory factors including matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly higher in the two ASCs groups than in the controls. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that transplantation of human ASCs produced no adverse effects and could be used safely in dogs. In addition, human ASCs could be involved in modulating secretions of angiogenic factors including MMP9, VEGF, bFGF, and HGF and anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; Animals ; Blood Cell Count ; Chemistry ; Cytokines ; Dogs ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells ; Transplantation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vital Signs

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of prophylactic administration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in relieving inflammation in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

METHODSFemale Wistar rats (6 to 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into normal control group, solvent control group, and prophylactic ATRA treatment (0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg) groups. All the rats except for those in normal control group were subjected to subcutaneous injection of type II collagen and incomplete Freund adjuvant in the tails to induce CIA, followed by injection on the following day with saline, corn oil or different doses of ATRA 3 times a week. The arthritis index (AI) scores, histological scores, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-10, and expressions of proteases related with cartilage damage were evaluated.

RESULTSOn the 15th day after the primary immunization, the AI scores increased significantly in all but the normal control groups; the scores increased progressively in all the 3 ATRA groups but remained lower than that in the solvent control group, which was stable over time. The rats in the 3 ATRA groups showed obvious pathologies in the knee and ankle joints, but the semi-quantitative scores of pathology damage showed no significance among them. Compared with those in solvent control group, the serum IL-17A and TNF-α levels decreased, serum IL-10 level increased, and the expressions of ADAMT-4 and MMP-3 proteins decreased significantly in the knees in the 3 ATRA groups.

CONCLUSIONATRA can reduce the production of TNF-α and IL-17A and increase the production of IL-10 to alleviate the inflammation in rats with CIA. ATRA may delay the progression of RA by correcting the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg.

ADAMTS4 Protein ; metabolism ; Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Collagen Type II ; Female ; Freund's Adjuvant ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-17 ; blood ; Lipids ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; immunology ; Th17 Cells ; immunology ; Tretinoin ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

BACKGROUND: Acne inversa is a chronic, suppurative relapsing inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the axillae, perineum and inframammary regions. Evidence suggests that the innate immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of acne inversa. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the innate immune system in acne inversa. METHODS: Skin biopsies were obtained from inflammatory skin lesions (n=17) and from non-lesional skin (intraindividual control, n=17) of patients with acne inversa. Additional skin lesions were taken from patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (interindividual control, n=5). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs), including human beta-defensin (hBD)-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3, LL-37 (cathelicidin) and Ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7). mRNA levels were also determined for inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10. RESULTS: The mRNA levels of hBD-2, LL-37, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and MMP1 were significantly higher in acne inversa lesions compared to non-lesional skin (p<0.05). A significant positive correlation expression was observed between hBD-2 mRNA expression and LL-37 (rho=0.53, p=0.03), and between hBD-2 and RNAse 7 (rho=0.68, p=0.006). When compared to the chronic venous leg ulcer lesions, acne inversa lesions showed a significantly higher expression of RNase 7 mRNA, while IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha and MMP1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the chronic venous leg ulcer lesions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The AMP, cytokine milieu and tissue proteases in acne inversa lesions differ significantly from non-lesional skin and chronic venous leg ulcers. The positively correlating up-regulation of AMPs in acne inversa indicates an important role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Acne Vulgaris ; Axilla ; Biopsy ; Cytokines ; Hidradenitis Suppurativa ; Humans ; Immune System ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukins ; Leg Ulcer ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; Peptide Hydrolases ; Peptides ; Perineum ; Proteins ; Ribonucleases ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Up-Regulation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: HepG2 cells and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were divided into 3 groups after transfection pSUPER-HDAC7 retroviral interference plasmid: a pSUPER(HDAC7RNAi+) group, a pSUPER(HDAC7RNAi-) group, and a pSUPER group as the control group. The expression of HDAC7, p21, cyclin E, matrix metalloproteinases 10 (MMP10), and hypoxiainducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) were detected by Western blot. The expression of HDAC7 in cell lines was determined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry, the nude mice modle, and vascular endothelial cells 2-dimensional tubulogenesis in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Compared with the control group and the pSUPER(HDAC7RNAi-) group, the expression of HDAC7 was downregulated, the rate of cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in the pSUPER(HDAC7RNAi+) group increased more significantly; the expression of p21 and HIF-1alpha was increased significantly, while the expression of cyclin E and MMP10 in the pSUPER(HDAC7RNAi+) group was downregulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The expression of HDAC7 protein plays an important role in the apoptosis and vascular tubulogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by the upregulation of p21 and HIF-1alpha and the downregulation of cyclin E and MMP10.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclin E ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Histone Deacetylases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 10 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; genetics ; RNA Interference ; Transfection