Anemoside B4 attenuates abdominal aortic aneurysm by limiting smooth muscle cell transdifferentiation and its mediated inflammation.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by local abnormal dilation of the aorta accompanied by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction and chronic inflammation. VSMC dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential causes of AAA formation. Previous studies from us and others have shown that Anemoside B4 (AB4), a saponin from , has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and regulatory effects on VSMC dedifferentiation.

Differential regulation of autophagy on urine-concentrating capability through modulating the renal AQP2 expression and renin-angiotensin system in mice.

Autophagy, a cellular process of "self-eating," plays an essential role in renal pathophysiology. However, the effect of autophagy on urine-concentrating ability in physiological conditions is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the relevance and mechanisms of autophagy for maintaining urine-concentrating capability during antidiuresis.

Efficiency of -Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Drug Pairs in the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis Based on the Response Surface Method.

The pairing of and Fructus Ligustri lucidi is taken from Shi Jinmo Medicine. The idea behind this pairing was inspired by the similarity in pharmacological effects of the two herbal drugs, both of which are known to be effective in the treatment and protection against liver fibrosis. To quantitatively study the extent of the interaction between these drugs and the effect of pairing on the treatment of liver fibrosis, an animal model of liver fibrosis mice was established by intraperitoneal injection of low-dose carbon tetrachloride.