1.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.
2.Strategizing data compliance in intelligent healthcare: A four-step solution.
Xuejiao SONG ; Xiao LIU ; Xuelai YANG ; Chaozeng SI ; Xianbo ZUO ; Jingjing HE ; Yong CUI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1254-1256
3.Advances in gene and cellular therapeutic approaches for Huntington's disease.
Xuejiao PIAO ; Dan LI ; Hui LIU ; Qing GUO ; Yang YU
Protein & Cell 2025;16(5):307-337
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by the abnormal expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the Huntingtin gene (HTT) located on chromosome 4. It is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner and is characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. To date, there are no curative treatments for HD have been developed; current therapeutic approaches focus on symptom relief and comprehensive care through coordinated pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods to manage the diverse phenotypes of the disease. International clinical guidelines for the treatment of HD are continually being revised in an effort to enhance care within a multidisciplinary framework. Additionally, innovative gene and cell therapy strategies are being actively researched and developed to address the complexities of the disorder and improve treatment outcomes. This review endeavours to elucidate the current and emerging gene and cell therapy strategies for HD, offering a detailed insight into the complexities of the disorder and looking forward to future treatment paradigms. Considering the complexity of the underlying mechanisms driving HD, a synergistic treatment strategy that integrates various factors-such as distinct cell types, epigenetic patterns, genetic components, and methods to improve the cerebral microenvironment-may significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes. In the future, we eagerly anticipate ongoing innovations in interdisciplinary research that will bring profound advancements and refinements in the treatment of HD.
Huntington Disease/pathology*
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Humans
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Genetic Therapy/methods*
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Animals
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Huntingtin Protein/genetics*
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Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods*
4.Effect and Mechanism of Menispermi Rhizoma Total Alkaloids on Antiviral Infection
Xuejiao WANG ; Qiqi LI ; Yanli YU ; Xia LIU ; Min LI ; Zhe LIU ; Xin JIA ; Yao WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):37-44
ObjectiveTo investigate the antiviral effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids and its relationship with the type Ⅰ interferon (IFN-Ⅰ) signaling pathway. MethodThe effects of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids on the intracellular replication of influenza A virus (H1N1), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and cerebral myocarditis virus (EMCV) were detected by fluorescent inverted microscope, flow cytometry, Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot. A mouse model infected with H1N1 was constructed, and the mice were divided into a control group, H1N1 model group, Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids groups (10, 20, 30 mg·kg-1), and oseltamivir group (40 mg·kg-1), so as to study the effects on the weight and survival rate of infected mice. Real-time PCR was used to detect the activation effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids on the IFN-Ⅰ pathway in cells, and the relationship between the antiviral effect of Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids in IFNAR1 knockout A549 cells (IFNAR1-/--A549) and IFN-Ⅰ pathway was detected. ResultCompared with the control group, the virus proliferated significantly in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids could significantly inhibit the replication of H1N1, VSV, and EMCV in vitro (P<0.01), inhibit the weight loss of the mice infected with the H1N1 in vivo, and improve the survival rate of mice (P<0.05). In addition, Menispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids activated the IFN-I pathway and relied on this pathway to exert the function of antiviral infection. ConclusionMenispermi Rhizoma total alkaloids exert antiviral effects in vivo and in vitro by activating the IFN-Ⅰ pathway.
5.Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors of 310 Patients with Antituberculosis Drug-induced Liver Injury
Xuejiao WU ; Jiangli PENG ; Hao FAN ; Lu WANG ; Jie CHEN ; Hui LIU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(3):157-165
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of 310 patients with anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury(ATB-DILI),to explore prognostic influencing factors,and to provide reference for its prevention and treatment.Methods Primary tuberculosis patients hospitalized in the Department of Tuberculosis of the Third People's Hospital of Kunming from November 2020 to November 2022 who met the diagnosis of ATB-DILI were enrolled.Statistics by gender,age,history,type of tuberculosis,co-morbidities,frequency of anti-tuberculosis regimens leading to liver injury,use of hepatoprotective drugs,and management and regression were performed to analyze the clinical characteristics of the patients and the factors influencing their prognosis.Results 310 patients were included,male,148(47.74%)and female,162(52.26%).The mean age was 44.33±17.47 years.Thirty-four patients had a history of allergy.The combination of isoniazid,rifampicin,pyrazinamide,and ethambutol(244 patients,78.71%)was the anti-tuberculosis regimen that resulted in the highest number of cases of hepatic injury.The median time between initiation of the tuberculosis regimen and the development of hepatic injury in patients with ATB-DILI was 30 d,and the mean duration of hospitalization was 16.39±7.01 d.The most used hepatoprotective drug was reduced glutathione(154 patients,49.68%),and most patients used a combination of 2 hepatoprotective drugs(128 patients,41.29%).Liver injury improved in 257 cases(82.90%)and failed in 53 cases(17.10%).The differences in alcohol consumption,severity,clinical staging,TT,ALP,TBIL,DBIL,IBIL,and GGT were statistically significant compared to those who did not recover(P<0.05),and severity and high ALP were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.Conclusions Patients should be carefully asked if they have a history of basic liver disease and alcoholism before using anti-tuberculosis drugs.In the course of anti-tuberculosis treatment,the combined use of anti-tuberculosis drugs is more serious than the use of single drugs to cause liver damage.Drugs that may cause liver damage should be used with caution and improved anti-tuberculosis programs should be explored.At the same time,liver function should be monitored regularly during anti-tuberculosis treatment,especially 30 days after medication,in order to reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.
6.Lipopolysaccharide regulates neutrophil inflammation through activating the LRG1/ROCK1 signaling
Qiao FENG ; Xin HAN ; Bohui YUAN ; Xuejiao ZHANG ; Hui HUA ; Wanpeng CHENG ; Suping QIN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xiaomei LIU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(4):597-602
Objective To investigate the role of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)in regulating the inflammatory response of neutrophil through the leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1(LRG1)/Rho-associated protein kinase(ROCK1)signaling.Methods HL-60 cells were treated with 1 μmol/L all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)and 12.5 μL/mL dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)for 72 h and 96 h,and the morphological changes were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining.The expression of CD11b was detected by flow cytometry.LPS induced the activation of dHL-60 and human peripheral blood neutrophils.The transcription and secretion levels of LRG1,ROCK1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by qPCR and ELISA,respectively.The expression levels of LRG1 and ROCK1 after the activation of dHL-60 were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,dHL-60 was treated with the recombinant protein LRG1 and ROCK1 inhibitor Y-27632;the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines were detected by qPCR.Results Neutrophils were activated by LPS.The expression levels of LRG1 and ROCK1 were significantly increased,and the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased.The recombinant protein LRG1 activated dHL-60 in vitro,and the transcription levels of ROCK1 and inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased.Using the ROCK1 inhibitor Y-27632,the production levels of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced.Conclusion LPS can regulate the production levels of neutrophil inflammatory cytokines through activating the LRG1/ROCK1 signaling,thus exacerbating the inflammatory response.
7.Effects of MTHFR gene polymorphism on the adverse reactions in osteosarcoma patients after the first high-dose methotrexate treatment
Yanan CHU ; Jieyu ZHANG ; Liying FENG ; Yanjie ZHANG ; Xuejiao LIU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(1):80-83
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of 5,10-methylenetetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism on the adverse reactions in patients with osteosarcoma after the first high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) treatment. METHODS A prospective study was conducted to include 53 patients with osteosarcoma treated with HD-MTX at the first admission in General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command. The dose of MTX was evaluated according to the polymorphism of rs1801133 in the METHFR gene and demographic factors, then whole pharmaceutical monitoring was conducted. The data on liver toxicity, renal toxicity, hematological toxicity, and gastrointestinal reaction were collected after the first chemotherapy cycle. Single factor analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between MTX dose, 24 h blood drug concentration, and rs1801133 locus genotype with four adverse reactions. RESULTS The MTX dosage in patients with CC wild type was significantly higher than that in TT mutant type (7.97 g/m2 vs. 6.98 g/m2, P=0.030), but this difference did not affect the 0 h and 24 h blood drug concentrations of MTX. The above four adverse reactions were not related to the dose of MTX. The results of binary Logistic regression analysis showed that carrying one T allele increased the risk of developing hematological toxicity by 4.13 times(95% confidence interval:1.35-12.62,P=0.013). When 24 h plasma concentration threshold of MTX was set to 2.65 µmol/L, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting liver function damage were 53.33% and 86.96%, respectively; when the threshold was set to 7.28 μmol/L, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting renal damage were 100% and 81.63%. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphism of the rs1801133 in the MTHFR gene is associated with hematological toxicity of MTX. Patients who take HD-MTX for the first time and carry the T allele have a high risk of hematological toxicity. The 24 h plasma concentration of MTX is related to liver toxicity and renal toxicity. In addition, monitoring the 24 h blood drug concentration can predict liver and renal toxicity, and take early intervention.
8.Inhibitory Effect of Sesquiterpenoid M36 from Myrrha on Growth of Human Hepatoma Cells
Dongxiao LIU ; Yaxin LIU ; Huiming HUANG ; Lishan OUYANG ; Chaochao WANG ; Jinxin XIE ; Longyan WANG ; Xuejiao WEI ; Peng TAN ; Pengfei TU ; Jun LI ; Zhongdong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):80-87
ObjectiveThe antitumor activity of sesquiterpenoid M36 isolated from Myrrha against human hepatoma HepG2 cells was investigated in this study. MethodHepG2 cells were treated with M36 at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 μmol·L-1). Firstly, the effects of M36 on the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), colony formation assay, and EdU proliferation assay. Hoechst staining, flow cytometry analysis, and Western blot were used to explore the effect of M36 on the apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Acridine orange staining and western blotting were used to examine the effect of M36 on autophagy in HepG2 cells. Finally, Western blot was used to detect protein expression of cancer-related signaling pathways. ResultCompared with the blank group, M36 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells (P<0.01), and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of M36 for 48 h was 5.03 μmol·L-1, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. M36 was also able to induce apoptosis and autophagy in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. After treatment with 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 hours, the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells was (42.03±9.65)% (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, HepG2 cells treated with 4 and 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 h had a significant increase in cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (cleaved-PARP) protein levels (P<0.01). Acridine orange staining showed that autophagy was significantly activated in HepG2 cells treated with 4 and 8 μmol·L-1 M36 for 48 h compared with the blank group (P<0.01), which was further verified by the up-regulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ (LC3 Ⅱ). Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and its downstream nuclear transcription factors c-Jun and p-c-Jun protein were significantly increased in M36 group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionThe sesquiterpenoid M36 isolated from Myrrha inhibits the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells and promotes apoptosis and autophagy, which may be related to the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway.
9.Construction, reliability and validity of a scale for self-management of patients with dry eye
Xuejiao LIU ; Shuxian LIU ; Haiying LI ; Lijuan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Mengnan ZHAO ; Zhangfang MA ; Wanxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(33):2603-2611
Objective:To construct and test the reliability and validity of an assessment scale for self-management of patients with dry eye, so as to help patients establish dry eye related health behaviors.Methods:Based on the knowledge attitude and practice theory, the initial scale was constructed on the basis of literature review and qualitative interview, and revised through Delphi expert consultation and expert argumentation. After the preliminary investigation, 211 dry eye patients treated in the dry eye nursing outpatient department of Beijing Tongren Hospital from August 2023 to January 2024 were selected by convenience sampling method for questionnaire investigation to test the reliability and validity of the scale.Results:Among 211 dry eye patients, there were 58 males and 153 females, aged (39.31 ± 12.81) years old. The scale of self-management of patients with dry eye included 27 items in 3 dimensions: knowledge, attitude and behavior. The authority coefficient of the two rounds of expert consultation was 0.86, and the Kendall coordination index increased from 0.175 to 0.223 (both P < 0.01). The cumulative variance contribution rates of the three dimensions were 41.843%, 54.219% and 44.273%, respectively. The Cronbach α coefficient of the scale was 0.787, and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.641. Conclusions:The scale of self-management of patients with dry eye has good reliability and validity and can be used in the assessment of dry eye patients to provide a reference basis for targeted guidance and intervention.
10.Inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on rotavirus replication in vivo and in vitro and its effect on expression of immune factors
Xiaofeng LI ; Meihui CHENG ; Yang LIU ; Changcheng LIU ; Xuejiao JIA ; Mengqi LIU ; Wei ZHAO
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(6):1597-1605
Objectives:To discuss the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on the replication of rotavirus(RV)strain SA11 in vivo and in vitro,and to clarify its effect on the expression of related immune factors.Methods:For in vitro experiments,Lactobacillus reuteri was cultured and identified,and the standard curve and growth curve were plotted to screen the optimal time and concentration for Lactobacillus reuteri cultivation.The cells were infected with Lactobacillus reuteri at the concentrations of 5×108,10×108,50×108,100×108,200×108,and 500×108 CFU·mL-1,and the surival rates of Caco-2 cells were detected by trypan blue staining method.Various concentrations of Lactobacillus reuteri were co-incubated with RV in vitro and applied to the Caco-2 cells.The cells were divided into negative control group(NC group),positive control group(PC group),and 107,108,109,and 1010 CFU·mL-1 Lactobacillus reuteri groups.Immunofluorescence focus method was used to detect the viral titers in the Caco-2 cells after treated with Lactobacillus reuteri and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the copy numbers of RV VP6 gene in the Caco-2 cells after treated with various concentrations of Lactobacillus reuteri.In in vivo experiments,25 litters of SPF suckling mice were divided into control group,RV group(infected with SA11 strain),Ab-NC group(treated with antibiotic to deplete gut microbiota),Ab-RV group(depleting gut microbiota and then infected with SA11 strain),and Ab-Lac-RV group(depleting gut microbiota,treated with Lactobacillus reuteri,and then infected with SA11 strain).The fecal samples were collected on days 2,4,6,8,and 10 gavage,colon tissue sample were collected on day 4 of and RT-qPCR method was used to detect the copy numbers of RV VP6 gene in feces and the mRNA expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-8,IL-10,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in colon tissue of the suckling mice in vartious groups.Results:The Lactobacillus reuteri grew well,with round,smooth,and milky white convex colonies and neat edges.After Gram staining,the bacteria appeared purple,irregular,and square-shaped rods.16SrDNA sequencing showed 99%sequence homology,indicating successful activation of Lactobacillus reuteri.The number of live Lactobacillus reuteri was linearly related to the absorbance(A)value,and the standard curve for regression analysis was Y=0.437 5X+0.000 6,R2=0.999 4.During the 0-2 h cultivation period,the bacteria were at the logarithmic growth phase with slow growth;from 2-14 h,the bacteria grew rapidly and stabilized at 14-16 h,reaching the growth rate peak at 16 h,after which they entered the decline phase.Infection with Lactobacillus reuteri at concentrations of 5×108,10×108,50×108,100×108,and 200×108 CFU·mL-1 resulted in the survival rates of Caco-2 cells were all>90%,so these concentrations were selected for the further experiments.Compared with PC group,the copy numbers of RV VP6 gene in the Caco-2 cells in 5×108,10×108,50×108,100×108,and 200×108 CFU·mL-1 Lactobacillus reuteri groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with PC group,the viral titers in the Caco-2 cells in 107,108,109,and 1010 CFU·mL-1 Lactobacillus reuteri groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with control group,the numbers of gut microbiota colonies in Ab-NC,Ab-RV,and Ab-Lac-RV groups were significantly decreased,indicating successful depletion of gut microbiota in the suckling mice.On days 2 and 4 after gavage,the RV VP6 gene copy number in the feces in Ab-RV group was significantly lower than that in RV group(P<0.05).On days 4,6,8,and 10 after gavage,the RV VP6 gene copy number in the feces in Ab-Lac-RV group was significantly lower than that in Ab-RV group(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the expression levels of IL-1β,IL-10,IFN-γ,and TNF-α mRNA in colon tissue in Ab-RV and Ab-Lac-RV groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while the expression level of IL-8 mRNA was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression level of IL-10 mRNA in colon tissue in Ab-LAC-RV group was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion:Lactobacillus reuteri may inhibit the RV replication by upregulating the expressions of IL-1β,IL-10,IFN-γ,and TNF-α mRNA and downregulating the expression of IL-8 mRNA.

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