OBJECTIVE To investigate the renal protective effect and mechanism of Shenbining granule on IgA nephropathy （IgAN） rats by regulating the CXC chemokine motif ligand 12 （CXCL12）/CXC chemokine receptor 4 （CXCR4）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway. METHODS A total of 60 rats were randomly assigned into blank group （n＝12） and modeling group （n＝48）. IgAN model of modeling group was induced by using bovine serum albumin， carbon tetrachloride and lipopolysaccharide， followed by model validation. Ultimately， a total of 55 rats （9 in the blank group， 46 in the modeling group） were included in the subsequent study. The rats in the modeling group were randomly divided into model group （n＝10）， prednisone acetate group [positive control group， 6.25 mg/（kg·d）， n＝12]， Shenbining granule low- and high-dose groups [4.17， 8.33 g/（kg·d）， n＝12]. They were given relevant medicine/distilled water intragastrically， once a day， for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication， biochemical indicators in the urine and serum of rats were measured， and pathological morphological changes in the renal tissues of rats were observed. IgA deposition in the renal tissues， as well as the mRNA expression levels of CXCL12， CXCR4 and STAT3， and the protein expression levels of CXCL12， CXCR4， STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3） were detected. Additionally， the level of interleukin-6 （IL-6） in the renal tissue was measured. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the low-dose and high-dose Shenbining granule groups showed significantly decreased urinary red blood cell count， 24 h total urinary protein， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine， and alanine amino-transferase， along with increased Alb levels （P＜0.05）. Pathological damage in the renal tissues was alleviated， with reduced IgA deposition in the mesangial region （P＜0.05）； protein and mRNA expressions of CXCL12， CXCR4 and STAT3， as well as phosphorylation level of STAT3 protein and the IL-6 level， were significantly decreased in renal tissue （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Shenbining granule may exert its renal protective effects in IgAN rats by inhibiting the activation of the CXCL12/ CXCR4/STAT3 signaling pathway， downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-6， alleviating renal inflammation， and thereby improving renal pathological damage.

BACKGROUND:Overactive osteoclasts disrupt bone homeostasis and play a bad role in the pathological mechanisms of related skeletal diseases,such as osteoporosis,fragility fractures,and osteoarthritis.Studies have confirmed that ellagic acid and ellagtannin have the potential to inhibit osteoclast differentiation.As their natural metabolites,urolithin A has antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,anti-proliferative and anti-cancer effects,but its effect on osteoclast differentiation and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of urolithin A on osteoclast differentiation induced by receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand and its mechanism. METHODS:Mouse mononuclear macrophage leukemia cells(RAW264.7)that grew stably were cultured in vitro.Toxicity of urolithin A(0,0.1,0.5,1.5,2.5 μmol/L)to RAW264.7 cells were detected by cytotoxic MTS assay to screen out the safe concentration.Different concentrations of urolithin A were used again to intervene with receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced differentiation of RAW264.7 cells in vitro.Then,tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin ring and nucleus staining were performed to observe its effect on the formation and function of osteoclasts.Finally,the expressions of urolithin A on upstream and downstream genes and proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway were observed by western blot and RT-qPCR assays. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Urolithin A inhibited osteoclast differentiation and F-actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner and 2.5 μmol/L had the strongest inhibitory effect.Urolithin A inhibited the mRNA expression of Nfatc1,Ctsk,Mmp9 and Atp6v0d2 and the protein synthesis of Nfatc1 and Ctsk,related to osteoclast formation and bone resorption.Urolithin A inhibited the activity of osteoclasts by downregulating the phosphorylation of p38 protein to inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.