Abstract To observe the effect of quercetin (Que) on renal autophagy level and renal interstitial fibrosis in the mice with diabetes mellitus (DM),and to discuss the possible mechanism. The wild-type C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups,including normal control (Normal) group, DM group and Que group (n = 9 in every groups). The diabetic mouse model was established by injection of streptozotocin. After 8 weeks of successful replication of the diabetic model,Que was given to the mice in Que group by continuous gavage for 12 weeks,and then the mice in each group were sacrificed to detect the relevant biochemical parameters. The pathological changes of the kidney tissues were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. The levels of the proteins related to autophagy,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and fibrosis were determined by Western blot. The mRNA expression of collagen type IV (Col IV),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and E-cadherin were detected by real-time PCR. Compared with Normal group, fasting blood glucose (FBG), kidney index (KI),serum creatinine, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate and 24-hour urine total protein were remarkably increased in DM group (P < 0. 001). The results of HE and Masson staining indicated that renal tissue presented fibrosis in DM group. The protein levels of E-cadherin,beclin-1,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II)/LC 3I ratio were reduced in DM group,while the levels of α-SMA,Col IV and Snail1 were increased (P < 0.001). After intervention with Que for 12 weeks,all the relevant biochemical parameters and KI were reduced (P < 0.001) except FBG (P > 0. 05), and renal fibrosis lesions were obviously alleviated. Compared with DM group,the protein levels of E-cadherin,beclin-1 and LC3-II were increased in Res group,but the protein expression levels of α-SMA,Col IV,Snail1 were reduced(P < 0. 001). Compared with DM group, the mRNA level of E-cadherin was increased in Que group, but the mRNA levels of Col IV and α-SMA were reduced (P < 0.001). Quercetin significantly inhibits EMT and reduces renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic mice,and its mechanism may be related to the promotion of renal autophagy.

Abstract To discuss protective effect of Tripterygium Glycoside (TG) on renal injury in diabetic rats and preliminary exploration of its mechanism. The rats were divided into Normal, Model, Low, Middle and High groups. Measuring FBG, TG, TC, HDL-C, BUN and Scr concentration by ELISA assay; using coomassie brilliant blue method to measure 24 h Urine protein. Measuring Kidney index; using HE staining to observation renal histomorphological changes; The ultrastructural changes of renal tissue were observed by transmission electron microscope; TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of rat renal cells; using WB assay to evaluate PTEN, PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 expression. Compared with Normal group, FBG, TG and TC concentrations significantly increased and HDL-C concentration significantly decreased (P < 0.001); BUN, Scr and 24 h Urine protein significantly up-regulated (P < 0.001); Kidney weight and KI significantly down-regulated; Kidney injury score and apoptosis cell number significantly increased (P < 0.001) with PTEN, Bcl-2 protein downregulation and PI3K, Akt, Bax and caspase-3 protein expression significantly up-regulation in Model group (P < 0.001). With TG supplement, the kidney injury significantly improved. TG improved diabetic induced kidney injury via PI3K/Akt pathway in vivo.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of root tuber of Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) ohwi (rPC) which has been used to treat bacterial infection in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods: With the mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) pneumonia, the phenotype of rPC treated mice, including body weight, mortality, lung slices and bacterial burden were evaluated. Furthermore, inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were determined by ELISA and the distribution of T cells in lung was assessed by immunofluorescence assay. Results: rPC treatment could dose-dependently reduce weight loss and mortality in S. aureus-infected mice. Upon 10 mg/ml rPC treatment, S. aureus-infected mice showed about 8 grams increase in body weight (P<0.001) and 50% enhancement in mortality. The integrity of lung tissue and bacterial burden were also improved by rPC treatment. Moreover, rPC was found to modulate the immune response in infection. Conclusion: rPC has therapeutic potential for S. aureus infections and pneumonia with immunomodulatory functions.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the specific molecular mechanisms and effects of curcumin derivative J147 on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: We constructed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DPN rat models to detected mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) in vivo using Von Frey filaments. In vitro, we measured cell viability and apoptosis, adenosine 5‘-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) expression using MTT, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and western blot. Then, TRPA1 expression level and calcium reaction level were assessed in agonist AICAR treated RSC96cells. Results: The results showed that J147reduced MWT in vivo, increased the mRNA and protein level of AMPK, reduced TRPA1 expression and calcium reaction level in AITCR treated RSC96 cells, and had no obvious effect on cell viability and apoptosis. Besides, AMPK negative regulated TRPA1 expression in RSC96 cells. Conclusions: J147 could ameliorate DPN via negative regulation AMPK on TRPA1 in vivo and in vitro. A curcumin derivative J147might be a new therapeutic potential for the treatment of DPN.