Publications by authors named "Dian-Jun Sui"

We have previously reported that flavonoid extract from propolis (FP) can improve cardiac function in rats following myocardial infarction (MI). However, the mechanisms responsible for the cardioprotective effects of FP have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we explored whether FP can reduce inflammatory cytokines and attenuate sympathetic nerve system activity and antiendoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and whether the cardioprotective effects are related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-) activation.

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Angiotensin (Ang) II contributes to the formation and development of myocardial fibrosis. Ghrelin, a gut peptide, has demonstrated beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we explored the effect and related mechanism of Ghrelin on myocardial fibrosis in Ang II-infused rats.

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The flavonoid extract from propolis (FP) has been shown to protect against heart injury induced by isoproterenol. However, the effect of FP on cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) as well as the underlying mechanisms is not known. In the present study, we used biochemical and histological approaches to examine the effects of FP on MI-induced cardiac fibrosis and the related mechanisms in a rat MI model and in angiotensin II- (Ang II-) treated rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).

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Propolis, a traditional medicine, has been widely used for a thousand years as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drug. The flavonoid fraction is the main active component of propolis, which possesses a wide range of biological activities, including activities related to heart disease. However, the role of the flavonoids extraction from propolis (FP) in heart disease remains unknown.

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Objective: To study hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of the total flavonoids of Propolis (TFP) in the STZ diabetic rats.

Methods: The model of type 2 diabetic rats was induced by high-fat diet feeding for 4 weeks combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Then the rats without above-mentioned treatment were selected as the normal control group,the diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups by blood glucose, the model control group, high doses (240 mg/kg), medium doses (120 mg/kg) and low doses (60 mg/kg) TFP groups.

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