Insects represent emerging sources of bioactive peptides and functional materials.Mantidis Oötheca(Sang-Piao-Xiao in Chinese,SPX)serves as an insect-derived medicine for treating kidney disease.This study demonst...Insects represent emerging sources of bioactive peptides and functional materials.Mantidis Oötheca(Sang-Piao-Xiao in Chinese,SPX)serves as an insect-derived medicine for treating kidney disease.This study demonstrated that supernatant(SPX)improved kidney function in adriamycin(ADR)-induced nephropathy mice model.Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SPX inhibited complement activation by targeting the MASP1-C3/C3a receptor(C3aR)pathway.Peptidomic analysis identified 304 peptides from SPX,with 49 peptides selected for evaluation using prediction tools and molecular docking with complement core protein C3.Three peptides(PMGFPFDR,FNDPK,AAQFFNR)exhibiting docking scores below-8.0 were synthesized to verify complement inhibition and anti-fibrotic activities.The synthetic peptide AAQFFNR demonstrated complement inhibitory activity,with an inhibitory complement hemolytic 50%(ICH_(50))value of 24.54μmol·L^(-1),and exhibited superior protective effects in ADR-induced HK-2 cells.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)assay revealed direct interaction between AAQFFNR and complement C3 with K_(d)value of 16.8μmol·L^(-1).The reno-protective effect of AAQFFNR was subsequently verified in ADR-induced mice.This research provides initial evidence that complement C3-inhibiting peptides from insects demonstrate potential in preventing nephropathy through in silico and in vivo validation approaches.展开更多
Objective:Myeloma bone disease(MBD)is the most common complication of multiple myeloma(MM).Our previous study showed that the serum levels of C3/C4 in MM patients were significantly positively correlated with the seve...Objective:Myeloma bone disease(MBD)is the most common complication of multiple myeloma(MM).Our previous study showed that the serum levels of C3/C4 in MM patients were significantly positively correlated with the severity of bone disease.However,the mechanism of C3 a/C4 a in osteoclasts MM patients remains unclear.Methods:The formation and function of osteoclasts were analyzed after adding C3 a/C4 a in vitro.RNA-seq analysis was used to screen the potential pathways affecting osteoclasts,and the results were verified by Western blot,q RT-PCR,and pathway inhibitors.Results:The osteoclast area per view induced by 1μg/m L(mean±SD:50.828±12.984%)and 10μg/m L(53.663±12.685%)of C3 a was significantly increased compared to the control group(0μg/m L)(34.635±8.916%)(P<0.001 and P<0.001,respectively).The relative m RNA expressions of genes,OSCAR/TRAP/RANKL/cathepsin K,induced by 1μg/m L(median:5.041,3.726,1.638,and 4.752,respectively)and 10μg/m L(median:5.140,3.702,2.250,and 5.172,respectively)of C3 a was significantly increased compared to the control group(median:3.137,2.004,0.573,and 2.257,respectively)(1μg/m L P=0.001,P=0.003,P<0.001,and P=0.008,respectively;10μg/m L:P<0.001,P=0.019,P<0.001,and P=0.002,respectively).The absorption areas of the osteoclast resorption pits per view induced by 1μg/m L(mean±SD:51.464±11.983%)and 10μg/m L(50.219±12.067%)of C3 a was also significantly increased(33.845±8.331%)(P<0.001 and P<0.001,respectively)compared to the control.There was no difference between the C4 a and control groups.RNA-seq analysis showed that C3 a promoted the proliferation of osteoclasts using the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3 K)signaling pathway.The relative expressions of PIK3 CA/phosphoinositide dependent kinase-1(PDK1)/serum and glucocorticoid inducible protein kinases(SGK3)genes and PI3 K/PDK1/p-SGK3 protein in the C3 a group were significantly higher than in the control group.The activation role of C3 a in osteoclasts of MM patients was reduced by the SGK inhibitor(EMD638683).Conclusions:C3 a activated osteoclasts by regulating the PI3 K/PDK1/SGK3 pathways in MM patients,which was reduced using a SGK inhibitor.Overall,our results identified potential therapeutic targets and strategies for MBD patients。展开更多
Epilepsy is a brain condition characterized by the recurrence of unprovoked seizures.Recent studies have shown that complement component 3(C3)aggravate the neuronal injury in epilepsy.And our previous studies revealed...Epilepsy is a brain condition characterized by the recurrence of unprovoked seizures.Recent studies have shown that complement component 3(C3)aggravate the neuronal injury in epilepsy.And our previous studies revealed that TRPV1(transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1)is involved in epilepsy.Whether complement C3 regulation of neuronal injury is related to the activation of TRPV1 during epilepsy is not fully understood.We found that in a mouse model of status epilepticus(SE),complement C3 derived from astrocytes was increased and aggravated neuronal injury,and that TRPV 1-knockout rescued neurons from the injury induced by complement C3.Circular RNAs are abundant in the brain,and the reduction of circRad52 caused by complement C3 promoted the expression of TRPV 1 and exacerbated neuronal injury.Mechanistically,disorders of neuron-glia interaction mediated by the C3-TRPV1 signaling pathway may be important for the induction of neuronal injury.This study provides support for the hypothesis that the C3-TRFV1 pathway is involved in the prevention and treatment of neuronal injury and cognitive disorders.展开更多
Activation of spinal cord neural stem cells(NSCs)and subsequent neurogenesis holds a promising alternative for spinal cord injury(SCI)repair.Our previous study demonstrated that complement C3a,derived from reactive as...Activation of spinal cord neural stem cells(NSCs)and subsequent neurogenesis holds a promising alternative for spinal cord injury(SCI)repair.Our previous study demonstrated that complement C3a,derived from reactive astrocytes,inhibits NSC proliferation by suppressing protein aggregate clearance through the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1(UCHL1)-proteasome system post-SCI.However,the potential molecular mechanism by which C3a modulates NSC activation via this pathway remains unclear.Here,we revealed that C3a/C3a receptor(C3aR)signaling activated NF-κB p65,which in turn inhibited Nrf2 activity and UCHL1 expression,resulting in diminished proteasome activity and the accumulation of protein aggregates,and ultimately impaired NSC activation.Both knockdown of NF-κB p65 and Nrf2 upregulation restored UCHL1 expression and proteasome activity in vitro,promoting NSC activation by enhancing protein aggregate clearance.Mechanistically,we found that NF-κB p65 regulated Nrf2 activity through a dual mechanism:(1)promoting Keap1-dependent ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of Nrf2;(2)inhibiting protein kinase C-mediated Nrf2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.Using the dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)analysis,we further identified UCHL1 as a direct transcriptional target of Nrf2.Importantly,in vivo experiments using SCI mice confirmed that either C3aR blockade,NF-κB p65 knockdown,or Nrf2 overexpression could rescue SCI-induced UCHL1 downregulation.Together,this study uncovers the C3a-NF-κB p65-Nrf2-UCHL1-proteasome axis as a critical regulator of NSC activation after SCI.This may provide novel molecular targets and intervention strategies for SCI repair.展开更多
Objective Xuebijing Injection(XBJI)is mainly used for treating sepsis in China,and even COVID-19 recently.This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism(s)and identify the potential“common culprit(s)”for XBJI-c...Objective Xuebijing Injection(XBJI)is mainly used for treating sepsis in China,and even COVID-19 recently.This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism(s)and identify the potential“common culprit(s)”for XBJI-caused immediate hypersensitivity reaction(IHR)which is the main type of its adverse reactions.Methods Antiserum against XBJI was prepared by intraperitoneal immunization in combination with aluminum adjuvant for five weeks.Antagonistic experiments were performed by using several antagonists against different mediators in Evans Blue leakage model.Propranolol-pretreated mice were used to determine the capacity of XBJI to trigger systemic IHR.Serum total IgE(tIgE)and mouse mast cell protease 1(MCPT-1)levels,complement activation,and the levels of supernatant inflammatory mediators were determined by ELISAs.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages were used for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of XBJI,while human mast cells(LAD2)were used for assessing the effect of XBJI on mast cell degranulation.Results Continuous treatment(i.p.)with XBJI along with aluminum adjuvant did not elevate the levels of serum tIgE and MCPT-1.In vitro,XBJI could not directly cause the degranulation of LAD2 cells.It induced a robust Evans Blue leakage after the first injection in mouse paw.Mechanism study demonstrated that antagonists for histamine H1/H2 receptors and complement C3a receptor counteracted XBJI-induced IHR.XBJI also directly activated complement C3 in human serum.Through screening five herbs of XBJI and the constituents,only safflower yellow(SY)in Carthami Flos was able to induce IHR.The discolored-XBJI not only did not induce IHR locally and systemically,but also could suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages.Conclusion XBJI failed to induce immune IHR,but potently triggered non-immune IHR through direct activating complement C3 to provoke histamine release.SY in Carthami Flos was the underlying“common culprit”responsible for XBJI-caused IHR.The anti-inflammatory action of XBJI can be retained after decolorization.Our study provides a scientific basis for not only preventing and treating XBJI-caused IHR clinically,but also improving its production process.展开更多
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 ...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展开更多
BACKGROUND： Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expressi...BACKGROUND： Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expression of nuclear factor-kappa B （ kB）, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in rats following focal cerebral ischemia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2004 to June 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 150 adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 280-320g, were selected. Naoxintong powder （mainly comprising szechwan lovage rhizome, milkvetch root, danshen root, and radix angelicae sinensis） was obtained from Buchang Pharmacy Co., Ltd. in Xianyang City of Shanxi Province of China, lot number 040608. METHODS： The rats were randomly assigned into sham operation, saline, high-dose Naoxintong, moderate-dose Naoxintong, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, with 30 rats in each group. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established using the suture method, with the exception of the sham operation group. Rats in the high-dose, moderate-dose and low-dose Naoxintong groups received 4, 2, and 1 g/kg Naoxintong respectively, by gavage. Rats in the saline group were treated with 1 mL saline by gavage All rats were administered by gavage at 5 and 23 hours following surgery, and subsequently, once per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days following model establishment, brain water content was measured. Histopathological changes in brain tissues were detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- α, and complement 3 was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： A total of 150 rats were included in the final analysis with no loss. Brain water content was significantly increased in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups at 24 hours, which reached a peak at 48 hours. At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days, brain water content was greater in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared with the sham operation group （P 〈 0.05）. At 24 and 48 hours, brain water content was reduced in the high-dose and moderate-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the saline and low-dose Naoxintong groups （P 〈 0.05）. In the saline, as well as high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, neuronal edema was observed at 6 hours surrounding the ischemic sites. Inflammatory cells appeared at 24 hours, reached a peak at 48 hours, and gradually diminished. A small amount of glial cell proliferation and neuronal degeneration were observed in the hippocampus at 72 hours following infarction. Microglial proliferation and aggregation were detected at 7 days after infarction. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 was significantly less in the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the sham operation group （P 〈 0.05）. Expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory cytokines was lower in rat brain tissues of the high-dose Naoxintong group, compared to the low-dose Naoxintong group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： High-dose Naoxintong and moderate-dose Naoxintong significantly alleviated rat brain edema and decreased expression of nuclear factor-kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in brain tissues. The protective effect of high-dose Naoxintong was most significant.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82104353)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation funded project(No.2022M711680).
文摘Insects represent emerging sources of bioactive peptides and functional materials.Mantidis Oötheca(Sang-Piao-Xiao in Chinese,SPX)serves as an insect-derived medicine for treating kidney disease.This study demonstrated that supernatant(SPX)improved kidney function in adriamycin(ADR)-induced nephropathy mice model.Transcriptomic analysis revealed that SPX inhibited complement activation by targeting the MASP1-C3/C3a receptor(C3aR)pathway.Peptidomic analysis identified 304 peptides from SPX,with 49 peptides selected for evaluation using prediction tools and molecular docking with complement core protein C3.Three peptides(PMGFPFDR,FNDPK,AAQFFNR)exhibiting docking scores below-8.0 were synthesized to verify complement inhibition and anti-fibrotic activities.The synthetic peptide AAQFFNR demonstrated complement inhibitory activity,with an inhibitory complement hemolytic 50%(ICH_(50))value of 24.54μmol·L^(-1),and exhibited superior protective effects in ADR-induced HK-2 cells.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR)assay revealed direct interaction between AAQFFNR and complement C3 with K_(d)value of 16.8μmol·L^(-1).The reno-protective effect of AAQFFNR was subsequently verified in ADR-induced mice.This research provides initial evidence that complement C3-inhibiting peptides from insects demonstrate potential in preventing nephropathy through in silico and in vivo validation approaches.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.81770110,81900131,and 82000219)the Anticancer Major Special Project of Tianjin(Grant No.12ZCDZSY18000)+4 种基金the Tianjin Municipal Natural Science Foundation(Grant Nos.18JCYBJC27200 and 18JCQNJC80400)the Tianjin Education Commission Research Project(Grant Nos.2018KJ043 and 2018KJ045)the Tianjin Health and Family Planning Commission(Grant No.15KG150)the Youth Incubation Fund of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital(Grant No.ZYYFY2019020)the Tianjin Science and Technology Planning Project(Grant No.20YFZCSY00060)。
文摘Objective:Myeloma bone disease(MBD)is the most common complication of multiple myeloma(MM).Our previous study showed that the serum levels of C3/C4 in MM patients were significantly positively correlated with the severity of bone disease.However,the mechanism of C3 a/C4 a in osteoclasts MM patients remains unclear.Methods:The formation and function of osteoclasts were analyzed after adding C3 a/C4 a in vitro.RNA-seq analysis was used to screen the potential pathways affecting osteoclasts,and the results were verified by Western blot,q RT-PCR,and pathway inhibitors.Results:The osteoclast area per view induced by 1μg/m L(mean±SD:50.828±12.984%)and 10μg/m L(53.663±12.685%)of C3 a was significantly increased compared to the control group(0μg/m L)(34.635±8.916%)(P<0.001 and P<0.001,respectively).The relative m RNA expressions of genes,OSCAR/TRAP/RANKL/cathepsin K,induced by 1μg/m L(median:5.041,3.726,1.638,and 4.752,respectively)and 10μg/m L(median:5.140,3.702,2.250,and 5.172,respectively)of C3 a was significantly increased compared to the control group(median:3.137,2.004,0.573,and 2.257,respectively)(1μg/m L P=0.001,P=0.003,P<0.001,and P=0.008,respectively;10μg/m L:P<0.001,P=0.019,P<0.001,and P=0.002,respectively).The absorption areas of the osteoclast resorption pits per view induced by 1μg/m L(mean±SD:51.464±11.983%)and 10μg/m L(50.219±12.067%)of C3 a was also significantly increased(33.845±8.331%)(P<0.001 and P<0.001,respectively)compared to the control.There was no difference between the C4 a and control groups.RNA-seq analysis showed that C3 a promoted the proliferation of osteoclasts using the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3 K)signaling pathway.The relative expressions of PIK3 CA/phosphoinositide dependent kinase-1(PDK1)/serum and glucocorticoid inducible protein kinases(SGK3)genes and PI3 K/PDK1/p-SGK3 protein in the C3 a group were significantly higher than in the control group.The activation role of C3 a in osteoclasts of MM patients was reduced by the SGK inhibitor(EMD638683).Conclusions:C3 a activated osteoclasts by regulating the PI3 K/PDK1/SGK3 pathways in MM patients,which was reduced using a SGK inhibitor.Overall,our results identified potential therapeutic targets and strategies for MBD patients。
基金by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81571481 and 82060588)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province,China(2017CFA017)+1 种基金the Wuhan Science and Technology Project(2019020701011444)the Medical Science Advancement Program of Wuhan University(TFJC2018001 and TFLC2018001).
文摘Epilepsy is a brain condition characterized by the recurrence of unprovoked seizures.Recent studies have shown that complement component 3(C3)aggravate the neuronal injury in epilepsy.And our previous studies revealed that TRPV1(transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1)is involved in epilepsy.Whether complement C3 regulation of neuronal injury is related to the activation of TRPV1 during epilepsy is not fully understood.We found that in a mouse model of status epilepticus(SE),complement C3 derived from astrocytes was increased and aggravated neuronal injury,and that TRPV 1-knockout rescued neurons from the injury induced by complement C3.Circular RNAs are abundant in the brain,and the reduction of circRad52 caused by complement C3 promoted the expression of TRPV 1 and exacerbated neuronal injury.Mechanistically,disorders of neuron-glia interaction mediated by the C3-TRPV1 signaling pathway may be important for the induction of neuronal injury.This study provides support for the hypothesis that the C3-TRFV1 pathway is involved in the prevention and treatment of neuronal injury and cognitive disorders.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82071362 and 82270669)Key Project of the Regional Joint Fund of Guangdong Province(2023B1515120077)+3 种基金Basic Research Program of Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission(JCYJ20210324123001003 and JCYJ20220530144801003)Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Bone Tissue Repair and Translational Research(ZDSYS20230626091402006)the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students,Sun Yat-sen University(20242150)the Leading Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team Program of Zhejiang Province,China(2023R01005).
文摘Activation of spinal cord neural stem cells(NSCs)and subsequent neurogenesis holds a promising alternative for spinal cord injury(SCI)repair.Our previous study demonstrated that complement C3a,derived from reactive astrocytes,inhibits NSC proliferation by suppressing protein aggregate clearance through the deubiquitinating enzyme ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1(UCHL1)-proteasome system post-SCI.However,the potential molecular mechanism by which C3a modulates NSC activation via this pathway remains unclear.Here,we revealed that C3a/C3a receptor(C3aR)signaling activated NF-κB p65,which in turn inhibited Nrf2 activity and UCHL1 expression,resulting in diminished proteasome activity and the accumulation of protein aggregates,and ultimately impaired NSC activation.Both knockdown of NF-κB p65 and Nrf2 upregulation restored UCHL1 expression and proteasome activity in vitro,promoting NSC activation by enhancing protein aggregate clearance.Mechanistically,we found that NF-κB p65 regulated Nrf2 activity through a dual mechanism:(1)promoting Keap1-dependent ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of Nrf2;(2)inhibiting protein kinase C-mediated Nrf2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.Using the dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)analysis,we further identified UCHL1 as a direct transcriptional target of Nrf2.Importantly,in vivo experiments using SCI mice confirmed that either C3aR blockade,NF-κB p65 knockdown,or Nrf2 overexpression could rescue SCI-induced UCHL1 downregulation.Together,this study uncovers the C3a-NF-κB p65-Nrf2-UCHL1-proteasome axis as a critical regulator of NSC activation after SCI.This may provide novel molecular targets and intervention strategies for SCI repair.
基金supported by CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)(No.2021-I2M-1-028 and No.2021-I2M-1-031)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82074091)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.M21014).
文摘Objective Xuebijing Injection(XBJI)is mainly used for treating sepsis in China,and even COVID-19 recently.This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism(s)and identify the potential“common culprit(s)”for XBJI-caused immediate hypersensitivity reaction(IHR)which is the main type of its adverse reactions.Methods Antiserum against XBJI was prepared by intraperitoneal immunization in combination with aluminum adjuvant for five weeks.Antagonistic experiments were performed by using several antagonists against different mediators in Evans Blue leakage model.Propranolol-pretreated mice were used to determine the capacity of XBJI to trigger systemic IHR.Serum total IgE(tIgE)and mouse mast cell protease 1(MCPT-1)levels,complement activation,and the levels of supernatant inflammatory mediators were determined by ELISAs.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages were used for evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of XBJI,while human mast cells(LAD2)were used for assessing the effect of XBJI on mast cell degranulation.Results Continuous treatment(i.p.)with XBJI along with aluminum adjuvant did not elevate the levels of serum tIgE and MCPT-1.In vitro,XBJI could not directly cause the degranulation of LAD2 cells.It induced a robust Evans Blue leakage after the first injection in mouse paw.Mechanism study demonstrated that antagonists for histamine H1/H2 receptors and complement C3a receptor counteracted XBJI-induced IHR.XBJI also directly activated complement C3 in human serum.Through screening five herbs of XBJI and the constituents,only safflower yellow(SY)in Carthami Flos was able to induce IHR.The discolored-XBJI not only did not induce IHR locally and systemically,but also could suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators in LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages.Conclusion XBJI failed to induce immune IHR,but potently triggered non-immune IHR through direct activating complement C3 to provoke histamine release.SY in Carthami Flos was the underlying“common culprit”responsible for XBJI-caused IHR.The anti-inflammatory action of XBJI can be retained after decolorization.Our study provides a scientific basis for not only preventing and treating XBJI-caused IHR clinically,but also improving its production process.
文摘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
基金Supported by: the Scientific Technology Research and Development Plan of Hebei Province, No. 06276103Dthe Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, No. C2006000915
文摘BACKGROUND： Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expression of nuclear factor-kappa B （ kB）, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in rats following focal cerebral ischemia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The randomized experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2004 to June 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 150 adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 280-320g, were selected. Naoxintong powder （mainly comprising szechwan lovage rhizome, milkvetch root, danshen root, and radix angelicae sinensis） was obtained from Buchang Pharmacy Co., Ltd. in Xianyang City of Shanxi Province of China, lot number 040608. METHODS： The rats were randomly assigned into sham operation, saline, high-dose Naoxintong, moderate-dose Naoxintong, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, with 30 rats in each group. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established using the suture method, with the exception of the sham operation group. Rats in the high-dose, moderate-dose and low-dose Naoxintong groups received 4, 2, and 1 g/kg Naoxintong respectively, by gavage. Rats in the saline group were treated with 1 mL saline by gavage All rats were administered by gavage at 5 and 23 hours following surgery, and subsequently, once per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days following model establishment, brain water content was measured. Histopathological changes in brain tissues were detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- α, and complement 3 was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： A total of 150 rats were included in the final analysis with no loss. Brain water content was significantly increased in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups at 24 hours, which reached a peak at 48 hours. At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days, brain water content was greater in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared with the sham operation group （P 〈 0.05）. At 24 and 48 hours, brain water content was reduced in the high-dose and moderate-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the saline and low-dose Naoxintong groups （P 〈 0.05）. In the saline, as well as high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, neuronal edema was observed at 6 hours surrounding the ischemic sites. Inflammatory cells appeared at 24 hours, reached a peak at 48 hours, and gradually diminished. A small amount of glial cell proliferation and neuronal degeneration were observed in the hippocampus at 72 hours following infarction. Microglial proliferation and aggregation were detected at 7 days after infarction. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 was significantly less in the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the sham operation group （P 〈 0.05）. Expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory cytokines was lower in rat brain tissues of the high-dose Naoxintong group, compared to the low-dose Naoxintong group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： High-dose Naoxintong and moderate-dose Naoxintong significantly alleviated rat brain edema and decreased expression of nuclear factor-kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in brain tissues. The protective effect of high-dose Naoxintong was most significant.
