Emodin Group Research Articles

Therapeutic effects of emodin on acute cholestatic hepatitis and mechanism thereof: experiment with rats

To investigate the therapeutic effects of emodin on acute cholestatic hepatitis and mechanism thereof. 96 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups to be treated with emodin, ursodeoxycholic acid, dexamethasone, or normal saline respectively for 4 days. On the 5th day gastric perfusion of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) was performed to establish models of cholestatic hepatitis. 4 - 6 hours after the establishment of model the above mentioned agents were given continuously. 24, 48, and 72 hours after the model establishment blood samples were collected from abdominal aorta to examine the total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), and total bile acid (TBA). Specimen of liver was collected to undergo pathological examination. PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein 2(MIP-2), and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Twenty-four rats treated with NS only were used as controls. The pathological changes of behaviors and liver of the emodin and ursodeoxycholic acid groups were all remarkably milder than those of other model groups. The levels of TB [(32.8 +/- 3.7) micromol/L, (61.0 +/- 16.4) micromol/L, (10.8 +/- 4.5) micromol/L], DB[ (26.03 +/- 3.10) micromol/L, (49.40 +/- 18.16) micromol/L, (8.04 +/- 3.03) micromol/L], and ALT [(314 +/- 50) U/L, (664 +/- 97) U/L, (200 +/- 60) U/L], at the time points 24, 48, and 72 hours, the 48 and 72 hours AST levels, the 48 hours ALP level, the 72 hours GGT level, and the 48 and 72 hours TBA levels of the emodin group were all significantly lower than those of the model group (all P < 0.05). The 24 and 48 hours TB levels, 24 hours DB and ALT, and 24, 72 hours TBA levels of the emodin group were all significantly lower than those of the ursodeoxycholic acid group (all P < 0.05). The 24, 48 hours TB and TBA levels, and the ALT, AST and GGT levels at all time points of the emodin group were all significantly lower than those of the dexamethasone group (all P < 0.05). The CINC-1 and MIP-2 mRNA expression levels and ICAM-1 protein expression levels at all time points of the emodin group were all significantly lower than those of the model group (all P < 0.05). Decreasing the levels of TB, DB and ALT in particular, emodin has a protective effect on cholestatic hepatitis. Its effects are quicker than ursodeoxycholic acid, and it has better effects on ALT, AST GGT, and TBA than dexamethasone. These effects may be due to inhibition of the activation of CINC-1, MIP-2, and ICAM-1.

Interventional effects of emodin on transforming growth factor-beta1/integrin-linked kinase signal way in interleukin-1β-induced transdifferen-tiation of rat tubular epithelial-myofibroblasts

To study the effects of transforming growth factor-beta1/integrin-linked kinase (TGF-beta1/ILK) signal way in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced rat tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation (TEMT), and to investigate whether emodin inhibits IL-1beta-induced TEMT through the TGF-beta1/ILK signal way-dependent mechanism. Normal rat kidney epithelial cell line (NRK52E) was used in this study. NRK52E cells were divided into blank control group, emodin control group, IL-1beta-induced group, emodin-inhibited group, SB431542 (TGF-beta 1 type I receptor blocker)-inhibited group, emodin plus SB431542-inhibited group, emodin-pretreated group and emodin-reversed group. After 48-hour culture, morphological changes of the NRK52E cells were observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope. The expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and E-cadherin were detected by two-color immunohistochemical staining, while the expressions of TGF-beta1 and ILK were detected by one-color immunohistochemical staining. We also performed the imaging analysis to quantitatively analyze the result of the immunohistochemical staining. The secretion of fibronectin (FN) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with the blank control group, IL-1beta might induce TEMT, which was showed in increasing expression of alpha-SMA, increasing secreting of FN and decreasing expression of E-cadherin, and at the same time the expressions of TGF-beta1 and ILK were enhanced (P<0.05). Emodin might inhibit all of those changes induced by IL-1beta (P<0.05). When TGF-beta1 signal way was intercepted, IL-1beta induced-TEMT was suppressed and the expression of ILK was decreased, however, there was no significant difference in expression of TGF-beta1 between the SB431542 group and the IL-1beta-induced group. Compared with emodin-inhibited group, emodin-pretreatment could not prevent IL-1beta induced-TEMT in a certain extent, but emodin could not revert IL-1beta-induced TEMT. Spearman correlation analysis showed that TGF-beta1 expression had positive correlation with expressions of alpha-SMA, FN, ILK and negative correlation with E-cadherin expression, and the expression of ILK was positively correlated with the expressions of alpha-SMA and FN and negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression. IL-1beta induces TEMT partly depending on TGF-beta1/ILK signal way, partly via which emodin inhibits the TEMT induced by IL-1beta.

Emodin protects rat liver from CCl4-induced fibrogenesis via inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation

To investigate the role of emodin in protecting the liver against fibrogenesis caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in rats and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. Rat models of experimental hepatic fibrosis were established by injection with CCl(4); the treated rats received emodin via oral administration at a dosage of 20 mg/kg twice a week at the same time. Rats injected with olive oil served as a normal group. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and hepatic hydroxyproline content were assayed by biochemical analyses. The mRNA and protein relevant to hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in the liver were assessed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of hepatic fibrosis increased markedly in the CCl(4) group compared to the normal group (P < 0.01), and decreased markedly in the emodin group compared to the CCl(4) group according to METAVIR scale (P < 0.01) compared with those in the normal control group (51.02 +/- 10.64 IU/L and 132.28 +/- 18.14 IU/L). The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in rats injected with CCl(4) (289.25 +/- 68.84 IU/L and 423.89 +/- 35.67 IU/L, both P < 0.05). The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly reduced by administration of emodin (176.34 +/- 47.29 IU/L and 226.1 +/- 44.52 IU/L, both P < 0.05). Compared with the normal controls (54.53 +/- 13.46 mg/g), hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in rats injected with CCl(4) (120.27 +/- 28.47 mg/g, P < 0.05). Hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced in the rats treated with emodin at 20 mg/kg (71.25 +/- 17.02 mg/g, P < 0.05). Emodin significantly protected the liver from injury by reducing serum AST and ALT activities and reducing hepatic hydroxyproline content. The mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), Smad4 and alpha-SMA in liver tissues were significantly down-regulated in SD rats that received emodin treatment. Furthermore, significant down-regulation of serum TGF-beta1 protein levels and protein expression of Smad4 and alpha-SMA in liver tissues was also observed in the rats. Emodin inhibited HSC activation by reducing the abundance of TGF-beta1 and Smad4. Emodin protects the rat liver from CCl(4)-induced fibrogenesis by inhibiting HSC activation. Emodin might be a therapeutic antifibrotic agent for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Exploration of Emodin to treat alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced cholestatic hepatitis via anti-inflammatory pathway

Emodin, 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone, is an anthraquinone derivative from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill that has been used to treat many diseases in digestive system for thousands of years. This study is to disclose the mechanism of Emodin to treat cholestatic hepatitis via anti-inflammatory pathway. Rats were divided into Emodin, ursodeoxycholic acid, Dexamethasone, model and blank control groups with treatment of respective agent after administration of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h time points after administration, liver function, pathological changes of hepatic tissue, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, nuclear factor (NF)-κB and early growth response (Egr)-1, nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected. As a result, compared to the controls, Emodin had a notable effect on rat's living condition, pathological manifestation of hepatic tissue, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ( P < 0.05), but had little effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and total bile acid. With Emodin intervention, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MPO, MDA, CINC-1, MIP-2, ICAM-1 and translocation of NF-κB were remarkably decreased, and levels of NO and iNOS were markedly increased ( P < 0.05). Emodin had no effect on Egr-1. In conclusion, Emodin has a protective effect on hepatocytes and a restoring activity on cholestatic hepatitis by anti-inflammation. The effects are mainly due to antagonizing pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, inhibiting oxidative damage, improving hepatic microcirculation, reducing impairment signals, and controlling neutrophil infiltration.

Inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 MAPK involved in the protection of nephropathy by emodin in diabetic rats

To explore the protection of emodin on renal dysfunction in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with nephropathy and the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signal transduction pathway in this protection. 30 male Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and emodin group. The rats in the model group and emodin group were administered with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. 40 mg/kg/day of emodin were orally given to the rats in emodin group. The rats in other groups were only given solvent. Biochemical index were analysed by oxidase and oxidase dynamical enzyme method. Glomerular area and volume were determined quantitatively by using Image Analysis System. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the total p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and fibronectin. The average kidney weight/body weight, glomerular area, glomerular volume and all biochemical indexes significantly increased in model group as compared to the control group ( P < 0.05), while the average body weight decreased. The expressions of phosphorylaed p38 MAPK, phosphorylated CREB and fibronectin increased by 1.98-fold, 1.94-fold and 1.96-fold respectively in model group compared with those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Emodin markedly decreased the average kidney weight/body weight, glomerular area, glomerular volume and all biochemical indexes ( P < 0.05), having a weak action on the level of blood glucose. The expressions of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, phosphorylated CREB and fibronectin also significantly downregulated in emodin group compared with those in model group ( P < 0.05). Emodin was efficient to ameliorate renal dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy rats probably by its inhibition of the activation of p38 MAPK pathway and downregulation of the expression of fibronectin.

Emodin inhibits dietary induced atherosclerosis by antioxidation and regulation of the sphingomyelin pathway in rabbits

Five-month old male New Zealand white rabbits, weighing (2.0±0.2) kg, were purchased from Medical Experimental Animal Centre of Sun Yat-Sen University in China. Animal welfare assurance: 2001A033. Rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8: control, atherosclerosis, emodin and fenofibrate. The control rabbits were fed on a regular diet, while all other rabbits were fed on diet including 1% cholesterol and 5% fat for 10 weeks. Each rabbit was fed 135 g to150 g food per day and had free access to water. During the last 4 weeks of diet, the rabbits in emodin and fenofibrate groups were given emodin (10 mg/kg, Guangzhou Chinese Medicine Company) or fenofibrate (25 mg/kg) orally, each of which was dissolved in 2 ml normal saline. The rabbits in control and atherosclerotic model groups were given 2 ml normal saline at the same time.

Potential role of Chinese medicinal herbs in the prevention of coronary artery restenosis

Potential role of Chinese medicinal herbs in the prevention of coronary artery restenosis

Effects of emodin and baicalein on rats with severe acute pancreatitis

To investigate the therapeutic effects of emodin in combination with baicalein on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats and to explore the mechanism of SAP. A total of 112 SAP rats induced by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct, randomly assigned to a untreated group and three treated groups emodin group, combined emodin and baicalein group, and sandostatin group. Meanwhile, another 28 other rats were selected as sham operation (SO) group. There were 28 rats in each group, 8 rats were in 3 and 6 h groups respectively, and 12 rats in 12 h group. At each time-points, survival rates, ascites volumes, pathological lesion scores of pancreas tissues, serum amylase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6 levels were determined as the indexes of therapeutic effects. The survival rate at 12 h was significantly higher in three treated groups than in untreated group. The ascites volume at 12 h was remarkably less in combined and sandostatin groups than in emodin group, but there was no difference between combined group and sandostatin group (P>0.05). Serum amylase levels at all time-points were significantly lower in three treated groups than in untreated group. However, they had no difference among treated groups (P>0.05). Serum TNF-alpha were lower in three treated groups than in untreated group at all time points. Among the three treated groups, at 6 h, the TNF-alpha levels of combination and sandostatin groups were lower than those of emodin group. These was no difference between combined and sandostantin. Serum IL-6 concentration at 3 h were lower in combined and sandostatin groups than in untreated group, but at 6 and 12 h they were lower in all treated groups than in untreated group and the combined and sandostatin groups and in emodin group, no difference was found between combined and sandostatin groups at all time-points (P>0.05). The pathological scores of pancreas at all time points were significantly lower in three treated groups than in the untreated group, and at 6, 12 h, the scores of combined and sandostatin groups were lower than in emodin group. There was no difference between combined and sandostatin groups (P>0.05). Combination of emodin with baicalein has significant therapeutic effects on SAP rats.

Effects of emodin on treating murine nonalcoholic fatty liver induced by high caloric laboratory chaw

To investigate the effects of emodin on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats induced by high caloric laboratory chaw. Non-alcoholic fatty liver model was successfully established by feeding with high caloric laboratory chaw for 12 wk. Then the model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely model control group, emodin group and dietary treatment group. The rats in emodin group were given emodin at dose of 40 mg/(kg x d) while animals in other groups were given distilled water of the same volume. The rats in model control group were fed with high caloric laboratory chaw while animals in other groups were fed with normal diet. Four weeks later, liver index (liver/body weight ratio), serum activities of liver-associated enzymes, blood lipid, fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, HOMA insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), hepatic triglyceride content and histology features of all groups were assayed. The expression of hepatic peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) gamma was determined by RT-PCR. The body weight, liver index, serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood lipid, hepatic triglyceride content of model control group were significantly elevated, with moderate to severe hepatocyte steatosis. The expression of hepatic PPAR gamma mRNA was obviously reduced in model control group. Compared with model control group, the body weight, liver index, serum activities of ALT, blood lipids and hepatic triglyceride of emodin group significantly decreased and hepatic histology display was also greatly improved. Meanwhile, the expression of hepatic PPAR gamma mRNA was elevated. However, high serum activities of ALT and hyperlipidemia were persisted in dietary treatment group although liver index was decreased and liver histology was somewhat improved. It is suggested that emodin might be effective in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats. Its therapeutic mechanism could be associated with increasing the expression of hepatic PPAR gamma mRNA.

Effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice and relevant mechanism

To investigate the effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice and to explore its relevant mechanisms. The effect of emodin on small intestinal peristalsis of mice was observed by charcoal powder propelling test of small intestine. The contents of motilin and somatostatin in small intestine of mice were determined by radioimmunoassay. The electrical potential difference (PD) related to Na+ and glucose transport was measured across the wall of reverted intestinal sacs. Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa was measured by spectroscopic analysis. Different dosages of emodin can improve small intestinal peristalsis of mice. Emodin increased the content of motilin, while reduced the content of somatostatin in small intestine of mice significantly. Emodin 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 g/L decreased PD when there was glucose. However, emodin had little effect when glucose was free. The Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa of mice in emodin groups was inhibited obviously. Emodin can enhance the function of small intestinal peristalsis of mice by mechanisms of promoting secretion of motilin, lowering the content of somatostatin and inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase activity of small intestinal mucosa.