Bile of animal(mainly chicken, pig, snake, cow, and bear) has long been used as medicine. As the major active components of bile, bile acids mainly include cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid. They interact with intestinal microorganisms in enterohepatic circulation, thereby playing an important part in nutrient absorption and allocation, metabolism regulation, and dynamic balance. Bile acids have pharmacological effects such as protecting liver, kidney, heart, brain, and nerves, promoting bile secretion, dissolving gallstones, anti-cancer, relieving cough and dyspnea, dispelling phlegm, treating eye diseases, and regulating intestinal function and blood glucose, which are widely used in clinical practice. This study summarized and analyzed the research on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of bile acids from medicinal animals, in a bid to provide scientific basis and reference for the further development and utilization of bile acids.
Animals ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Cattle ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid ; Cholic Acids ; Deoxycholic Acid ; Female ; Swine ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of taurolithocholic acid (tLCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) on the expression of aorexigenic neuropeptide in mouse hypothalamus GT1-7 cells. METHODS: Mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells were treated with culture medium containing 10% FBS (control group, =3) or with 10 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L, 1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L tLCA (tLCA group, =3) or CDCA (CDCA group, =3) for 12, 24 or 48 h. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the expression levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in the cells, and the production levels of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) were assessed using an ELISA kit. Signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation (p-STAT3), threonine kinase phosphorylation (p-AKT), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), G protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (TGR5) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Western blotting results showed that mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells expressed two bile acid receptors, TGR5 and FXR, whose expressions were regulated by bile acids. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of POMC mRNA was significantly increased in the cells after treatment with 10 μmol/L tLCA or CDCA for 24 h. POMC-derived anorexigenic peptide α-MSH increased significantly in GT1-7 cells after treatment with 10 μmol/L tLCA or CDCA for 24 h. Treatment of the cells with tLCA or CDCA significantly increased the expressions of intracellular signaling proteins including p-STAT3, p-AKT and SOCS3. CONCLUSIONS Mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells express bile acid receptors TGR5 and FXR. Bile acids tLCA or CDCA can promote the expression of POMC mRNA and increase the production of the anorexigenic peptide α-MSH. The intracellular signaling proteins p-AKT, p-STAT3 and SOCS3 are likely involved in bile acid-induced anorexigenic peptide production.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Hypothalamus ; cytology ; Mice ; Neuropeptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pro-Opiomelanocortin ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; metabolism ; Taurolithocholic Acid ; pharmacology ; alpha-MSH ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of taurolithocholic acid (tLCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) on the expression of aorexigenic neuropeptide in mouse hypothalamus GT1-7 cells. METHODS: Mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells were treated with culture medium containing 10% FBS (control group, =3) or with 10 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L, 1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L tLCA (tLCA group, =3) or CDCA (CDCA group, =3) for 12, 24 or 48 h. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the expression levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in the cells, and the production levels of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) were assessed using an ELISA kit. Signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation (p-STAT3), threonine kinase phosphorylation (p-AKT), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), G protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (TGR5) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Western blotting results showed that mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells expressed two bile acid receptors, TGR5 and FXR, whose expressions were regulated by bile acids. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of POMC mRNA was significantly increased in the cells after treatment with 10 μmol/L tLCA or CDCA for 24 h. POMC-derived anorexigenic peptide α-MSH increased significantly in GT1-7 cells after treatment with 10 μmol/L tLCA or CDCA for 24 h. Treatment of the cells with tLCA or CDCA significantly increased the expressions of intracellular signaling proteins including p-STAT3, p-AKT and SOCS3. CONCLUSIONS Mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells express bile acid receptors TGR5 and FXR. Bile acids tLCA or CDCA can promote the expression of POMC mRNA and increase the production of the anorexigenic peptide α-MSH. The intracellular signaling proteins p-AKT, p-STAT3 and SOCS3 are likely involved in bile acid-induced anorexigenic peptide production.
Animals ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid ; Hypothalamus ; Mice ; Neuropeptides ; Phosphorylation ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Signal Transduction ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein

Taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) is one of the main effective components of bile acid, playing critical roles in apoptosis and immune responses through the TGR5 receptor. In this study, we reveal the interaction between TCDCA and TGR5 receptor in TGR5-knockdown H1299 cells and the regulation of inflammation via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element binding (CREB) signal pathway in NR8383 macrophages. In TGR5-knockdown H1299 cells, TCDCA significantly activated cAMP level via TGR5 receptor, indicating TCDCA can bind to TGR5; in NR8383 macrophages TCDCA increased cAMP content compared to treatment with the adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibitor SQ22536. Moreover, activated cAMP can significantly enhance gene expression and protein levels of its downstream proteins PKA and CREB compared with groups of inhibitors. Additionally, TCDCA decreased tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 through nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity. PKA and CREB are primary regulators of anti-inflammatory and immune response. Our results thus demonstrate TCDCA plays an essential anti-inflammatory role via the signaling pathway of cAMP-PKA-CREB induced by TGR5 receptor.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Cyclic AMP/metabolism* ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism* ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Macrophages ; Rats ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress on Nrf2 signaling pathway in the kidneys of rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into twelve groups of six animals each. Some groups were pre-administered with bacitracin or tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), and all of them were treated with 5-20 μmol/kg cadmium (Cd) for 48 h. The oxidative stress levels were analyzed using kits. The mRNA and protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors and Nrf2 signaling pathway-related factors were determined using RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS: Cd exposure resulted in oxidative stress in the kidneys of rats and upregulated the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related factors and Nrf2 signaling pathway-related factors, especially at doses of 10 and 20 μmol/kg Cd, and the expression changes were particularly obvious. Moreover, after pretreatment with bacitracin, Cd upregulated the expression of ERS-related factors to a certain extent and, at higher doses, increased the mRNA expression of Nrf2. After pretreatment with TUDCA, Cd reduced the level of ERS to a certain extent; however, at these doses, there were no significant changes in the expression of Nrf2. CONCLUSION Cadmium can result in ERS and oxidative stress in the kidneys of rats, activate Nrf2, and upregulate the transcriptional expression of phase II detoxification enzymes under these experimental conditions. ERS has a positive regulation effect on Nrf2 signaling pathway but has little effect on the negative regulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway in cadmium toxicity.
Animals ; Cadmium ; toxicity ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; drug effects ; Environmental Pollutants ; toxicity ; Female ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid ; pharmacology

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be 25-30% of the population, and is the most common cause of elevated liver enzymes in Korea. NAFLD is a "hot potato" for pharmaceutical companies. Many clinical trials are underway to develop a first-in-class drug to treat NAFLD. However, there are several challenging issues regarding the diagnosis of NAFLD. Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of NAFLD and steatohepatitis. Ideally, globally recognized standards for histological diagnosis and methods to optimize observer agreement on biopsy interpretation should be developed. Liver biopsy is the best method rather than a perfect one. Recently, multi-parametric magnetic resonance imagery can estimate the amount of intrahepatic fat successfully and is widely used in clinical trials. But no diagnostic method can discriminate between steatohepatitis and simple steatosis. The other unresolved issue in regard to NAFLD is the absence of satisfactory treatment options. Vitamin E and obeticholic acid have shown protective effects in randomized controlled trials, but this drug has not been approved for use in Korea. This study will provide a description of diagnostic methods and treatments that are currently recommended for NAFLD.
Biomarkers/analysis ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Fatty Liver/diagnosis ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Liver/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/*diagnosis/drug therapy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography ; Vitamin E/therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo analyze epidemiological characteristics of norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney from January 2012 to June 2014 in sentinel hospitals of Guangdong province, as well as the outbreaks caused by norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney.

METHODSDuring January 2012 to June 2014, a total of 10 750 fecal samples were obtained from 22 hospitals of surveillance sites in Guangdong province. Those samples were sent to the local municipal CDCs for extracting and detecting norovirus nucleic acid. Then, all the positive samples were delivered to Guangdong provincial CDC that used Random Number Method to draw 855 positive samples for norovirus genotyping, and 690 samples were successfully sequenced. Chi-square tests were used to compare norovirus infection status of diarrhea cases in different age groups as well as during different periods. Epidemiological data of 13 outbreaks which were caused by norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney from January 2012 to June 2014 were collected from the Public Health Emergency Management Information System of Guangdong Province, and the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTSThe norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney was first detected in August 2012 and the detection rate was 13/15 in November 2012. During November 2012 to January 2013 (period T1), the norovirus positive rate of each month was 23.8% (100/421), 15.9% (61/383) and 19.2% (95/495), respectively. During November 2013 to January 2014 (period T2), the norovirus positive rate of each month was 17.0% (90/529), 8.7% (37/426) and 11.2% (46/409), respectively which were significantly lower than that of period T1 (χ² alue was 6.65, 9.93 and 10.74. P value was 0.010, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). In period T1, the norovirus positive rate of people ages 15 and older was 26.3% (143/543) and the rate of people under 15 was 14.9% (113/756) (χ² = 2.90, P < 0.001). In period T2, the norovirus positive rate of people ages 15 and older was 10.1% (52/516) and the rate of people under 15 (14.3% (121/848)) (χ²= 5.09, P = 0.024). The foodborne transmission was the infection source for ten of thirteen outbreaks.

CONCLUSIONThe norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney was first detected in August 2012. The epidemic began to occur in the community since November 2012, and the strength of the epidemic declined 1 year later. The foodborne transmission was the main infection sources for the outbreaks caused by norovirus variant of GII.4 Sydney.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; Child ; China ; Diarrhea ; Disease Outbreaks ; Epidemics ; Foodborne Diseases ; Genotype ; Humans ; Norovirus ; Sentinel Surveillance

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cholecystectomy is necessary for the treatment of symptomatic or complicated gallbladder (GB) stones, but oral litholysis with bile acids is an attractive alternative therapeutic option for asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium trihydrate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) on gallstone dissolution and to investigate improvements in gallstone-related symptoms. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, phase 4 clinical study to determine the efficacy of orally administered magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA was performed from January 2011 to June 2013. The inclusion criteria were GB stone diameter < or =15 mm, GB ejection fraction > or =50%, radiolucency on plain X-ray, and asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients. The patients were prescribed one capsule of magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA at breakfast and two capsules at bedtime for 6 months. The dissolution rate, response rate, and change in symptom score were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 237 subjects were enrolled, and 195 subjects completed the treatment. The dissolution rate was 45.1% and the response rate was 47.2% (92/195) after 6 months of administration of magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA. Only the stone diameter was significantly associated with the response rate. Both the symptom score and the number of patients with symptoms significantly decreased regardless of stone dissolution. Adverse events necessitating discontinuation of the drug, surgery, or endoscopic management occurred in 2.5% (6/237) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium trihydrate of UDCA and CDCA is a well-tolerated bile acid that showed similar efficacy for gallstone dissolution and improvement of gallstone-related symptoms as that shown in previous studies.
Adult ; Aged ; Antacids/*administration & dosage ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid/*administration & dosage ; Cholagogues and Choleretics/*administration & dosage ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Drug Combinations ; Female ; Gallstones/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Magnesium Hydroxide/*administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Solubility/drug effects ; Ursodeoxycholic Acid/*administration & dosage

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in suppressing apoptosis in pulmonary tissues of intermittent hypoxia (IH) mice model.
 METHODS: A total of 32 C57 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a TUDCA group, an IH group and an IH+TUDCA group (8 mice per group). The mice were put in specially designed chambers and exposed to IH treatment for 4 weeks. In the chambers, oxygen levels repeatedly decreased from 21% to 10% and recovered from 10% to 21%, lasting for 8 hours in every day. After 4 weeks of IH exposure, the expression levels of caspase-12 and cleaved caspase-3 in pulmonary tissues were detected by Western blot. Meanwhile, the expression levels of glucose regulated protein-78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) were quantified by Western blot, immunochemistry and real-time PCR.
 RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression levels of caspase-12, cleaved caspase-3, GRP78 and CHOP were increased in the IH group (all P<0.01). TUDCA treatment could reduce these proteins expression (all P<0.05).
 CONCLUSION Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis can be activated in pulmonary tissues after chronic IH exposure, and TUDCA can reduce the cellular apoptosis via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 12 ; metabolism ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress ; drug effects ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Lung ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid ; pharmacology ; Transcription Factor CHOP ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo discriminate and determine of the artificial bear bile of the compound bile capsule.

METHODTaking the pharmacopoeia as reference, the artificial bear bile was discriminated and determined by HPLC.

RESULTThe compound bile capsule and the control sample had chromatographic peak at the same time from HPLC. The content of the artificial bear bile was above 10 mg per tablets.

CONCLUSIONThe artificial bear bile of compound bile capsules can be discriminated effectively and determined accurately by HPLC method.

Animals ; Bile ; chemistry ; Capsules ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Discriminant Analysis ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid ; analysis ; Ursidae