BACKGROUND Excessive endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress in intestinal epithelial cells can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier,activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/nuclear f...BACKGROUND Excessive endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress in intestinal epithelial cells can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier,activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway,and exacerbate the inflammatory response,thus participating in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC).Mesalazine is a commonly used drug in the clinical treatment of UC.However,further studies are needed to determine whether mesalazine regulates the ER stress of intestinal epithelial cells,downregulates the STAT3/NF-κB pathway to play a role in the treatment of UC.AIM To study the therapeutic effects of mesalazine on spontaneous colitis in interleukin-10(IL-10)-/-mice.METHODS The 24-week-old IL-10-/-mice with spontaneous colitis were divided into the model group and the 5-amino salicylic acid group.Littermates of wild-type mice of the same age group served as the control.There were eight mice in each group,four males and four females.The severity of symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/-mice was assessed using disease activity index scores.On day 15,the mice were sacrificed.The colon length was measured,and the histopathological changes and ultrastructure of colonic epithelial cells were detected.The protein expressions of STAT3,p-STAT3,NF-κB,IκB,p-IκB,and glucoseregulated protein 78 were identified using Western blotting.The STAT3 and NF-κB mRNA expressions were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.The glucose-regulated protein 78 and C/EBP homologous protein expressions in colon sections were detected using immunofluorescence.RESULTS Mesalazine reduced the symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10 knockout mice and the histopathological damage of colonic tissues,and alleviated the ER stress in epithelial cells of colitis mice.Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the STAT3/NF-κB pathway in the colon tissue of model mice was activated,suggesting that this pathway was involved in the pathogenesis of UC and might become a potential therapeutic target.Mesalazine could down-regulate the protein expressions of p-STAT3,NF-κB and p-IκB,and down-regulate the mRNA expression of STAT3 and NF-κB.CONCLUSION Mesalazine may play a protective role in UC by reducing ER stress by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.展开更多
Progranulin is closely related to neuronal survival in a neuroinflammatory mouse model and attenuates inflammatory reactions. Atsttrin is an engineered protein composed of three progranulin fragments and has been show...Progranulin is closely related to neuronal survival in a neuroinflammatory mouse model and attenuates inflammatory reactions. Atsttrin is an engineered protein composed of three progranulin fragments and has been shown to have an effect similar to that of progranulin. Atsttrin has anti-inflammatory actions in multiple arthritis mouse models, and it protects against further arthritis development. However, whether Atsttrin has a role in neuroinflammation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we produced a neuroinflammatory mouse model by intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide(10 μg/μL). Atsttrin(2.5 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection every 3 days over a period of 7 days before intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide(10 μg/μL). In addition, astrocyte cultures were treated with 0, 100 or 300 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide, with 200 ng/mL Atsttrin simultaneously. Immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators and to assess activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Progranulin expression in the brain of wild-type mice and in astrocyte cultures was increased after lipopolysaccharide administration. The protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased in the brain of progranulin knockout mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. Atsttrin treatment reduced the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in the protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the brain of progranulin knockout mice. Atsttrin also reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase 3 mRNA in lipopolysaccharide-treated astrocytes in vitro, and decreased the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β in the supernatant. Furthermore, Atsttrin significantly reduced the levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor α in the brain of lipopolysaccharide-treated progranulin knockout mice and astrocytes, and it decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B2 in astrocytes. Collectively, our findings show that the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Atsttrin involves inhibiton of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and they suggest that Atsttrin may have clinical potential in neuroinflammatory therapy.展开更多
Acacetin(5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), a potential neuroprotective agent, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory reactions. However, whether acacetin has an effect on inflammator...Acacetin(5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), a potential neuroprotective agent, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory reactions. However, whether acacetin has an effect on inflammatory corpuscle 3(NLRP3) after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been fully determined. This study used an improved suture method to establish a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model in C57BL/6 mice. After ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour, reperfusion with intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg of acacetin(acacetin group) or an equal volume of saline(0.1 mL/10 g, middle cerebral artery occlusion group) was used to investigate the effect of acacetin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Infarct volume and neurological function scores were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and the Zea-Longa scoring method. Compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, neurological function scores and cerebral infarction volumes were significantly reduced in the acacetin group. To understand the effect of acacetin on microglia-mediated inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunohistochemistry for the microglia marker calcium adapter protein ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba1) was examined in the hippocampus of ischemic brain tissue. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 expression in ischemic brain tissue of mice was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Iba1, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Western blot assay results showed that expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B, NLRP3, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Our findings indicate that acacetin has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammation and the NLRP3 signaling pathway.展开更多
AIM To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction(TPSJ) on the epithelial barriers in vitro. METHODS Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with or without ...AIM To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction(TPSJ) on the epithelial barriers in vitro. METHODS Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with or without TPSJ in the presence or absence of TNF-α, and paracellular permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER) were measured to evaluate the epithelial barrier function. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were respecti-vely used to evaluate the distribution and expression of the tight junction proteins claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin in Caco-2 cells. western blotting was also used to evaluate the cellular expression of myosin light chain(MLC), phosphorylated MLC(pM LC), MLC kinase(MLCK), and nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65. RESULTS TPSJ promoted the proliferation of Caco-2 cells and inhibited TNF-α-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines. Furthermore, TPSJ significantly ameliorated both the reduction of TEER and the increased paracellular permeability observed in tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-damaged Caco-2 monolayers. Furthermore, TPSJ remarkably attenuated TNF-α-induced morphological changes, downregulated the expression of claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin, and markedly suppressed TNF-α-mediated upregulation of p-MLC and MLCK expression. Finally, TPSJ inhibited the activation and expression of NF-κB p65. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that TPSJ alleviates the TNF-α-induced impairment of the intestinal epithelial cell barrier function by suppressing NF-κB p65-mediated phosphorylation of MLCK and MLC.展开更多
The Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway participates in many inflammation-linked diseases. However, the inflammatory response mediated by the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage has not b...The Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway participates in many inflammation-linked diseases. However, the inflammatory response mediated by the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been thoroughly investigated. Consequently, in this study, we examined the potential role of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury in rat models of subarachnoid hemorrhage.Simultaneously, possible neuroprotective mechanisms were also investigated. Experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage rat models were induced by injecting autologous blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. Experiment 1 was designed to examine expression of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage. In total, 42 adult rats were divided into sham(injection of equivalent volume of saline), 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 72-hour, and 1-week subarachnoid hemorrhage groups. Experiment 2 was designed to examine neuroprotective mechanisms of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage. Rats were treated with recombinant human Wnt1(rhwnt1), small interfering Wnt1(siwnt1) RNA, and monoclonal antibody of Frizzled1(anti-Frizzled1) at 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Expression levels of Wnt1, Frizzled1, β-catenin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CD36, and active nuclear factor-κB were examined by western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining. Microglia type conversion and inflammatory cytokine levels in brain tissue were examined by immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results show that compared with the sham group, expression levels of Wnt1, Frizzled1, and β-catenin were low and reduced to a minimum at 48 hours, gradually returning to baseline at 1 week after subarachnoid hemorrhage. rhwnt1 treatment markedly increased Wnt1 expression and alleviated subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury(within 72 hours), including cortical cell apoptosis, brain edema, and neurobehavioral deficits, accompanied by increasing protein levels of β-catenin, CD36, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and decreasing protein levels of nuclear factor-κB. Of note, rhwnt1 promoted M2-type microglia conversion and inhibited release of inflammatory cytokines(interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α). In contrast, siwnt1 RNA and anti-Frizzled1 treatment both resulted in an opposite effect. In conclusion, the Wnt/Frizzled1 signaling pathway may participate in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury via inhibiting the inflammatory response, including regulating microglia type conversion and decreasing inflammatory cytokine release. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Anhui Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China(approval No. LLSC-20180202) in May 2017.展开更多
背景:基于核转录因子κB通路探究神经炎症的靶向治疗越来越值得探究,中药靶点多、范围广、机制丰富及不良反应少等优点在治疗各类疾病时都具有十分巨大的潜力。目的:基于核转录因子κB信号通路,对近年研究中出现的山奈酚、红花黄、汉黄...背景:基于核转录因子κB通路探究神经炎症的靶向治疗越来越值得探究,中药靶点多、范围广、机制丰富及不良反应少等优点在治疗各类疾病时都具有十分巨大的潜力。目的:基于核转录因子κB信号通路,对近年研究中出现的山奈酚、红花黄、汉黄芩苷及雷公藤甲素等中药单体治疗脊髓损伤后神经炎症的研究进展进行系统的阐述与归纳。方法:以“脊髓损伤,炎症,抗炎,中药单体,单体化合物,NF-κB信号通路,黄酮,糖苷,酚类,酯类,生物碱”为检索词在中国知网数据库中进行检索;以“Spinal cord injury,inflammation,anti-inflammatory,traditional Chinese medicine monomer,monomeric compound,NF-κB signaling pathway,flavonoids,glycosides,phenols,esters,alkaloids”为检索词在PubMed数据库中进行检索,最终共纳入67篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:①核转录因子κB信号通路在神经系统中的作用复杂多样,能够调控中性粒细胞、小胶质细胞、星形胶质细胞和巨噬细胞等,介导损伤后炎症的发生与发展;②中药单体如汉黄芩苷对核转录因子κB抑制蛋白的降解、红花黄素对核转录因子κB信号通路磷酸化过程的抑制、山奈酚对核转录因子κB信号通路p65核易位的抑制等作用可以降低炎症反应对机体造成的影响,从而促进神经功能恢复;③核转录因子κB信号通路在损伤早期能够促进炎症反应和免疫细胞迁移活化,在损伤中后期能够促进损伤部位的修复和纤维化的发生等,适当的激活核转录因子κB信号通路具有促进炎症因子的释放、提高细胞的抗氧化能力及促进免疫细胞的活化等能力,但过度激活的核转录因子κB信号通路则容易导致慢性炎症的发生和持续、细胞凋亡受到抑制等;④未来的研究可以进一步探索如何准确调控核转录因子κB信号通路的活化水平、如何实现对神经系统炎症和损伤的精准干预展开,也可围绕中药单体的制备及中药单体对信号通路的作用机制展开,以期为神经系统疾病的康复和功能恢复提供更有效的治疗策略。展开更多
AIM:To construct the CABYR RNAi plasmid and study its relation with the nuclear factor(NF)-κB signal transduction pathway.METHODS:Human CABYR mRNA sequence was obtained from GenBank.The structure of cDNA sequence for...AIM:To construct the CABYR RNAi plasmid and study its relation with the nuclear factor(NF)-κB signal transduction pathway.METHODS:Human CABYR mRNA sequence was obtained from GenBank.The structure of cDNA sequence for the short hairpin RNA was BbsⅠ+sense+loop+ antisense+transcription terminator+KpnⅠ+Bam HⅠ.A CABYR silencing plasmid was constructed and transfected into the human embryo cell line 293T.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze CABYR and NF-κB gene expression.RESULTS:The CABYR and NF-κB expressions were detected in 293T cells.The oligonucleotide(5'-GCT-CAGATGTTAGGTAAAG-3')efficiently silenced the expression of CABYR.The expression of NF-κB was not significantly affected by silencing CABYR(P=0.743).CONCLUSION:CABYR can be found in the human embryo cell line 293T.Cabyrmid 2 can efficiently silence its target,CABYR,indicating that CABYR is not related with the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.展开更多
Objective: Inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with each other. Glycine is present in various traditional Chinese medicines and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of glycine on myo...Objective: Inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with each other. Glycine is present in various traditional Chinese medicines and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of glycine on myocardial fibrosis(MF) in rats with myocardial infarction(MI) have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of glycine therapy on MF and comprehend its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Left anterior descending artery ligation-induced MI in Sprague Dawley rats was leveraged to assess the therapeutic effects of Glycine. Rats received either normal saline or glycine(0.5 mg/g bodyweight) for 7 days. Results: Glycine upregulated cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening to improve cardiac function, as evaluated by echocardiography. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that glycine could decrease inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviate collagen deposition. Western blotting revealed that nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling was also downregulated by glycine treatment. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) was decreased significantly in the glycine-treated group compared to the model group. Thus, glycine plays a protective role against myocardial ischemia and subsequent MF. Conclusion: The protective effects of glycine were achieved partly through STAT3/NF-κB/TGF-β signaling pathway.展开更多
The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becomi...The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.展开更多
Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats....Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.展开更多
Objective: To illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on knee osteoarthritis(OA). Methods: Twenty-seven six-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were allocated i...Objective: To illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on knee osteoarthritis(OA). Methods: Twenty-seven six-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were allocated into three groups in accordance with a random number table: normal group(no surgery-induced OA;without treatment), model group(surgery-induced OA;without treatment) and EA group [surgery-induced OA;received treatment with EA at acupoints Dubi(ST 35) and Neixiyan(EX-LE 5), 30 min twice a day]. After eight consecutive weeks of treatment, the histopathological alterations in cartilage were observed using optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, cartilage degeneration was evaluated by modified Mankin’s score principles, the synovial fluid concentration of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, IκB kinase-β(IKK-β), nuclear factor of α light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor α(IκB-α) and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) p65 were quantified by Western blot analysis. Results: EA treatment significantly improved cartilage structure arrangement and reduced cellular degeneration. The IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MMP-3 of synovial fluid in the EA-treated group were significantly decreased compared with the model group(all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, IKK-β and NF-κB p65 protein expressions in cartilage of EA-treated group were significantly decreased(all P<0.01), whereas IκB-α expression was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). Conclusion: EA treatment may delay cartilage degeneration by down-regulating inflammatory factors through NF-κB signaling pathway, which may, in part, explain its clinical efficacy in the treatment of knee OA.展开更多
Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a res...Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a result of tumor recurrence.We have reviewed the key signalling pathways associated with oesophageal adenocarcinomas and discussed the recent trials of novel agents that attempt to target these pathways.There are many trials underway with the aim of improving survival in oesophageal cancer.Currently,phase 2 and 3 trials are focused on MAP kinase inhibition,either through inhibition of growth factor receptors or signal transducer proteins.In order to avoid tumor resistance,it appears to be clear that targeted therapy will be needed to combat the multiple signalling pathways that are in operation in oesophageal adenocarcinomas.This may be achievable in the future with the advent of gene signatures and a combinatorial approach.展开更多
AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS...AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12 h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7 c mimcs(miR-let7 cM), miR-let7 c mimcs negative control(miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7 c inhibitor(miR-let7 cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2(P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7 c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT(P<0.05). However, miR-let7 c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miR-let7 c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.展开更多
This study investigated the influence of silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/toll-like receptor(TLR)-4 signaling pathway in vitro.Four plasmids(pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2,3,4) containing different shRNA se...This study investigated the influence of silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/toll-like receptor(TLR)-4 signaling pathway in vitro.Four plasmids(pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2,3,4) containing different shRNA sequences were designed and synthesized.The proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after transfected with these plasmids was measured by MTT assay.Inflammatory cellular models were established by LPS stimulation.Levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and TGF-β1 in the supernatants,mRNA expressions of TRAF6,IL-6 and COX-2,protein expression of TRAF6 and translocation of NF-κB were assayed by ELISA,real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting,respectively.The results showed that the TRAF6 gene knockdown by RNAi hardly inhibited the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells within 72 h.The mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6 was lower in the TRAF6-shRNA1,2 groups than in the TRAF6-shRNA3,4 groups.Therefore,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 were selected for the subsequent experiments.Our results still showed that pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could significantly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and COX-2,and inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation.Moreover,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could suppress the release of TGF-β1 at the protein level.It was concluded that the recombinant plasmid pTRAF6-shRNA can,to some extent,inhibit inflammatory response stimulated by LPS at the initial phase.TRAF6 may become the potential therapeutic target of many inflammation-related diseases.展开更多
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by patches on the skin.It is caused by malfunction of immune cells and keratinocytes with inflammation as one of its key features.Apigenin(API)is a natural flavonoid ...Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by patches on the skin.It is caused by malfunction of immune cells and keratinocytes with inflammation as one of its key features.Apigenin(API)is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.Therefore,we speculated that API can ameliorate psoriasis,and determined its effect on the development of psoriasis by using imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model.Our results showed that API attenuated IMQ-induced phenotypic changes,such as erythema,scaling and epidermal thickening,and improved splenic hyperplasia.Abnormal differentiation of immune cells was restored in API-treated mice.Mechanistically,we revealed that API is a key regulator of signal transducer activator of transcription 3(STAT3).API regulated immune responses by reducing interleukin-23(IL-23)/STAT3/IL-17A axis.Moreover,it suppressed IMQ-caused cell hyperproliferation by inactivating STAT3 through regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway.Furthermore,API reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines through inactivation of NF-κB.Taken together,our study demonstrates that API can ameliorate psoriasis and may be considered as a strategy for psoriasis treatment.展开更多
We previously demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan(HACC)promoted the production of nitric oxide(NO)and proinflammatory cytokines by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAP...We previously demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan(HACC)promoted the production of nitric oxide(NO)and proinflammatory cytokines by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)and Janus kinase(JAK)/STAT pathways in RAW 264.7 cells,indicating good immunomodulatory activity of HACC.In this study,to further investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms of HACC,we determined the roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt,activating protein(AP-1)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)in HACC-induced activation of RAW 264.7 cells by the western blotting.The results suggest that HACC promoted the phosphorylation of p85 and Akt.Furthermore,c-Jun and p65 were also increased after the treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with HACC,indicating the translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 from cytoplasm to nucleus.In addition,as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis shows,the cell morphology changed after HACC treatment.These findings indicate that HACC activated MAPK,JAK/STAT,and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways dependent on AP-1 and NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells,ultimately leading to the increase of NO and cytokines.展开更多
Objective:To investigate whether Buthus martensii karsch(Scorpiones),Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L.Koch(Scolopendra)and Gekko gecko Linnaeus(Gekko)could ameliorate the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and inhibit l...Objective:To investigate whether Buthus martensii karsch(Scorpiones),Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L.Koch(Scolopendra)and Gekko gecko Linnaeus(Gekko)could ameliorate the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and inhibit lung cancer growth and metastasis by regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α)signaling pathway.Methods:Male C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with luciferase labeled LL/2-luc-M38 cell suspension to develop lung cancer models,with rapamycin and cyclophosphamide as positive controls.Carboxy methyl cellulose solutions of Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko were administered intragastrically as 0.33,0.33,and 0.83 g/kg,respectively once daily for 21 days.Fluorescent expression were detected every 7 days after inoculation,and tumor growth curves were plotted.Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine CD31 and HIF-1αexpressions in tumor tissue and microvessel density(MVD)was analyzed.Western blot was performed to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway-related proteins.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect serum basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in mice.Results:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko prolonged the survival time and inhibited lung cancer metastasis and expression of HIF-1α(all P<0.01).Moreover,Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6 kinase(p70S6K)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In addition,they also decreased the expression of CD31,MVD,bFGF,TGF-β1 and VEGF compared with the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko all showed beneficial effects on lung cancer by ameliorating the hypoxic tumor microenvironment via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of allicin on the formation of kidney stones in rats by regulating the expression of osteopontin(OPN)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 50 healthy ad...Objective:To investigate the effect of allicin on the formation of kidney stones in rats by regulating the expression of osteopontin(OPN)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 50 healthy adult male SD rats with SPF grade were selected and divided into five groups by random number and computer random combination,with 10 rats in each group.Except the blank group,the other four groups were given 2 m L/d mixed solution of 1%ethylene glycol+2%ammonium chloride to construct the nephrolith model.During the modeling process,the blank group and the model group were given normal saline by gavage.The positive group was given 600 mg/(kg·d)of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate granules by gavage,the low-dose group was given 7.5 mg/(kg·d)of allicin by gavage,and the high-dose group was given 15 mg/(kg·d)of allicin by gavage.After administration,renal function,urine related indicators,calcium oxalate crystallization score,OPN protein expression and NF-κB signaling pathwayrelated protein expression were observed and compared among the five groups of rats.Results:There were significant differences in kidney index,urea nitrogen(BUN)and blood creatinine(Cr)levels among the five groups(P<0.05).There were no differences in kidney index,BUN and Cr levels between the high-dose group and the positive group(P>0.05),and were all lower than those in the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the levels of oxalic acid(OA),calcium(Ca),magnesium(Mg),and phosphorus(P)in the urine of five groups of rats(P<0.05).The high-dose group showed no difference in the levels of OA,Ca,Mg,and P compared to the positive control group(P>0.05),and all were lower than the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the scores of calcium oxalate crystallization and the expression of OPN protein in the five groups(P<0.05).There was no difference in the scores of calcium oxalate crystallization between the high-dose group and the positive group(P>0.05).The expression of OPN protein was higher than that in the positive group(P<0.05),and both were lower than that in the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the expression levels of NF-κB inhibitory protein-α(IκB-α)and NF-κB in five groups(P<0.05),and the expression levels of IκB-αand NF-κB in the high-dose group were lower than those in the model group,positive control group,and low-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Allicin may inhibit the formation of kidney stones in rats by down-regulating the expression levels of OPN and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins,and a high dose of allicin can obtain a similar effect of kidney stones inhibition as that of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate granules.展开更多
The molecular mechanisms for NF-κB signaling transduction and transcription have been the most attractive subjects for both basic research and pharmaceutical industries due to its important roles in both physiologica...The molecular mechanisms for NF-κB signaling transduction and transcription have been the most attractive subjects for both basic research and pharmaceutical industries due to its important roles in both physiological and pathogenesis,particularly the close association of dysregulated NF-κB with tumorgenesis and inflammation.Several novel intracellular molecular events that regulate NF-κB activity have been described recently,including the discovery of an alternative signaling pathway that appears inducing a specific subset genes involved in adoptive immune response.Multi-level and multi-dimensional regulation of NF-κB activity by phosphorylation and acetylation modifications have unveiled and became the hottest targets for potentially tissue specific molecular interventions.Another emerging mechanism for NF-κB-responsive gene's regulation where NF-κB participates the transcriptional regulation independent of its cognate regulatory binding site within the target gene's promoter but facilitating the transaction activity of other involved transcription factors, that implicated an novel transcriptional activities for NF-κB.Thus,the current review will focus on these recent progresses that have been made on NF-κB signaling transduction and transcription.Cellular & Molecular Immunology.2004;1(6):425-435.展开更多
基金Supported by Xi’an Science and Technology Plan Project,No.23YXYJ0162Shaanxi Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Research and Innovation Talent Plan Project,No.TZKN-CXRC-16+2 种基金Project of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.SZYKJCYC-2025-JC-010Shaanxi Province Key Research and Development Plan Project-Social Development Field,No.S2025-YF-YBSF-0391the Science and Technology Innovation Cultivation Program of Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Medicine,No.YD202220。
文摘BACKGROUND Excessive endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress in intestinal epithelial cells can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier,activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway,and exacerbate the inflammatory response,thus participating in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC).Mesalazine is a commonly used drug in the clinical treatment of UC.However,further studies are needed to determine whether mesalazine regulates the ER stress of intestinal epithelial cells,downregulates the STAT3/NF-κB pathway to play a role in the treatment of UC.AIM To study the therapeutic effects of mesalazine on spontaneous colitis in interleukin-10(IL-10)-/-mice.METHODS The 24-week-old IL-10-/-mice with spontaneous colitis were divided into the model group and the 5-amino salicylic acid group.Littermates of wild-type mice of the same age group served as the control.There were eight mice in each group,four males and four females.The severity of symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/-mice was assessed using disease activity index scores.On day 15,the mice were sacrificed.The colon length was measured,and the histopathological changes and ultrastructure of colonic epithelial cells were detected.The protein expressions of STAT3,p-STAT3,NF-κB,IκB,p-IκB,and glucoseregulated protein 78 were identified using Western blotting.The STAT3 and NF-κB mRNA expressions were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.The glucose-regulated protein 78 and C/EBP homologous protein expressions in colon sections were detected using immunofluorescence.RESULTS Mesalazine reduced the symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10 knockout mice and the histopathological damage of colonic tissues,and alleviated the ER stress in epithelial cells of colitis mice.Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the STAT3/NF-κB pathway in the colon tissue of model mice was activated,suggesting that this pathway was involved in the pathogenesis of UC and might become a potential therapeutic target.Mesalazine could down-regulate the protein expressions of p-STAT3,NF-κB and p-IκB,and down-regulate the mRNA expression of STAT3 and NF-κB.CONCLUSION Mesalazine may play a protective role in UC by reducing ER stress by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81572191(to LC)and 81601067(to HZ)
文摘Progranulin is closely related to neuronal survival in a neuroinflammatory mouse model and attenuates inflammatory reactions. Atsttrin is an engineered protein composed of three progranulin fragments and has been shown to have an effect similar to that of progranulin. Atsttrin has anti-inflammatory actions in multiple arthritis mouse models, and it protects against further arthritis development. However, whether Atsttrin has a role in neuroinflammation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we produced a neuroinflammatory mouse model by intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide(10 μg/μL). Atsttrin(2.5 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection every 3 days over a period of 7 days before intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide(10 μg/μL). In addition, astrocyte cultures were treated with 0, 100 or 300 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide, with 200 ng/mL Atsttrin simultaneously. Immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators and to assess activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Progranulin expression in the brain of wild-type mice and in astrocyte cultures was increased after lipopolysaccharide administration. The protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased in the brain of progranulin knockout mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. Atsttrin treatment reduced the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in the protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the brain of progranulin knockout mice. Atsttrin also reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase 3 mRNA in lipopolysaccharide-treated astrocytes in vitro, and decreased the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β in the supernatant. Furthermore, Atsttrin significantly reduced the levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor α in the brain of lipopolysaccharide-treated progranulin knockout mice and astrocytes, and it decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B2 in astrocytes. Collectively, our findings show that the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Atsttrin involves inhibiton of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and they suggest that Atsttrin may have clinical potential in neuroinflammatory therapy.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China,No.2016D01C120(to JB)
文摘Acacetin(5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), a potential neuroprotective agent, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory reactions. However, whether acacetin has an effect on inflammatory corpuscle 3(NLRP3) after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been fully determined. This study used an improved suture method to establish a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model in C57BL/6 mice. After ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour, reperfusion with intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg of acacetin(acacetin group) or an equal volume of saline(0.1 mL/10 g, middle cerebral artery occlusion group) was used to investigate the effect of acacetin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Infarct volume and neurological function scores were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and the Zea-Longa scoring method. Compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, neurological function scores and cerebral infarction volumes were significantly reduced in the acacetin group. To understand the effect of acacetin on microglia-mediated inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunohistochemistry for the microglia marker calcium adapter protein ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba1) was examined in the hippocampus of ischemic brain tissue. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 expression in ischemic brain tissue of mice was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Iba1, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Western blot assay results showed that expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B, NLRP3, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Our findings indicate that acacetin has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammation and the NLRP3 signaling pathway.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81202635the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Chinese Medicine,No.20151244
文摘AIM To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction(TPSJ) on the epithelial barriers in vitro. METHODS Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with or without TPSJ in the presence or absence of TNF-α, and paracellular permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER) were measured to evaluate the epithelial barrier function. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were respecti-vely used to evaluate the distribution and expression of the tight junction proteins claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin in Caco-2 cells. western blotting was also used to evaluate the cellular expression of myosin light chain(MLC), phosphorylated MLC(pM LC), MLC kinase(MLCK), and nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65. RESULTS TPSJ promoted the proliferation of Caco-2 cells and inhibited TNF-α-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines. Furthermore, TPSJ significantly ameliorated both the reduction of TEER and the increased paracellular permeability observed in tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-damaged Caco-2 monolayers. Furthermore, TPSJ remarkably attenuated TNF-α-induced morphological changes, downregulated the expression of claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin, and markedly suppressed TNF-α-mediated upregulation of p-MLC and MLCK expression. Finally, TPSJ inhibited the activation and expression of NF-κB p65. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that TPSJ alleviates the TNF-α-induced impairment of the intestinal epithelial cell barrier function by suppressing NF-κB p65-mediated phosphorylation of MLCK and MLC.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province of China,No.1508085QH184(to YW)
文摘The Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway participates in many inflammation-linked diseases. However, the inflammatory response mediated by the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been thoroughly investigated. Consequently, in this study, we examined the potential role of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury in rat models of subarachnoid hemorrhage.Simultaneously, possible neuroprotective mechanisms were also investigated. Experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage rat models were induced by injecting autologous blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. Experiment 1 was designed to examine expression of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage. In total, 42 adult rats were divided into sham(injection of equivalent volume of saline), 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 72-hour, and 1-week subarachnoid hemorrhage groups. Experiment 2 was designed to examine neuroprotective mechanisms of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage. Rats were treated with recombinant human Wnt1(rhwnt1), small interfering Wnt1(siwnt1) RNA, and monoclonal antibody of Frizzled1(anti-Frizzled1) at 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Expression levels of Wnt1, Frizzled1, β-catenin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CD36, and active nuclear factor-κB were examined by western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining. Microglia type conversion and inflammatory cytokine levels in brain tissue were examined by immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results show that compared with the sham group, expression levels of Wnt1, Frizzled1, and β-catenin were low and reduced to a minimum at 48 hours, gradually returning to baseline at 1 week after subarachnoid hemorrhage. rhwnt1 treatment markedly increased Wnt1 expression and alleviated subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury(within 72 hours), including cortical cell apoptosis, brain edema, and neurobehavioral deficits, accompanied by increasing protein levels of β-catenin, CD36, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and decreasing protein levels of nuclear factor-κB. Of note, rhwnt1 promoted M2-type microglia conversion and inhibited release of inflammatory cytokines(interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α). In contrast, siwnt1 RNA and anti-Frizzled1 treatment both resulted in an opposite effect. In conclusion, the Wnt/Frizzled1 signaling pathway may participate in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury via inhibiting the inflammatory response, including regulating microglia type conversion and decreasing inflammatory cytokine release. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Anhui Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China(approval No. LLSC-20180202) in May 2017.
文摘背景:基于核转录因子κB通路探究神经炎症的靶向治疗越来越值得探究,中药靶点多、范围广、机制丰富及不良反应少等优点在治疗各类疾病时都具有十分巨大的潜力。目的:基于核转录因子κB信号通路,对近年研究中出现的山奈酚、红花黄、汉黄芩苷及雷公藤甲素等中药单体治疗脊髓损伤后神经炎症的研究进展进行系统的阐述与归纳。方法:以“脊髓损伤,炎症,抗炎,中药单体,单体化合物,NF-κB信号通路,黄酮,糖苷,酚类,酯类,生物碱”为检索词在中国知网数据库中进行检索;以“Spinal cord injury,inflammation,anti-inflammatory,traditional Chinese medicine monomer,monomeric compound,NF-κB signaling pathway,flavonoids,glycosides,phenols,esters,alkaloids”为检索词在PubMed数据库中进行检索,最终共纳入67篇文献进行综述分析。结果与结论:①核转录因子κB信号通路在神经系统中的作用复杂多样,能够调控中性粒细胞、小胶质细胞、星形胶质细胞和巨噬细胞等,介导损伤后炎症的发生与发展;②中药单体如汉黄芩苷对核转录因子κB抑制蛋白的降解、红花黄素对核转录因子κB信号通路磷酸化过程的抑制、山奈酚对核转录因子κB信号通路p65核易位的抑制等作用可以降低炎症反应对机体造成的影响,从而促进神经功能恢复;③核转录因子κB信号通路在损伤早期能够促进炎症反应和免疫细胞迁移活化,在损伤中后期能够促进损伤部位的修复和纤维化的发生等,适当的激活核转录因子κB信号通路具有促进炎症因子的释放、提高细胞的抗氧化能力及促进免疫细胞的活化等能力,但过度激活的核转录因子κB信号通路则容易导致慢性炎症的发生和持续、细胞凋亡受到抑制等;④未来的研究可以进一步探索如何准确调控核转录因子κB信号通路的活化水平、如何实现对神经系统炎症和损伤的精准干预展开,也可围绕中药单体的制备及中药单体对信号通路的作用机制展开,以期为神经系统疾病的康复和功能恢复提供更有效的治疗策略。
基金Supported by Grants from Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30940034
文摘AIM:To construct the CABYR RNAi plasmid and study its relation with the nuclear factor(NF)-κB signal transduction pathway.METHODS:Human CABYR mRNA sequence was obtained from GenBank.The structure of cDNA sequence for the short hairpin RNA was BbsⅠ+sense+loop+ antisense+transcription terminator+KpnⅠ+Bam HⅠ.A CABYR silencing plasmid was constructed and transfected into the human embryo cell line 293T.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze CABYR and NF-κB gene expression.RESULTS:The CABYR and NF-κB expressions were detected in 293T cells.The oligonucleotide(5'-GCT-CAGATGTTAGGTAAAG-3')efficiently silenced the expression of CABYR.The expression of NF-κB was not significantly affected by silencing CABYR(P=0.743).CONCLUSION:CABYR can be found in the human embryo cell line 293T.Cabyrmid 2 can efficiently silence its target,CABYR,indicating that CABYR is not related with the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.
基金supported by grants from Excellent Youth Foundation of BUCM (No. BUCM-2019-JCRC005)Beijing Excellent Talent Support Project (No. 2017000020124G294)。
文摘Objective: Inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with each other. Glycine is present in various traditional Chinese medicines and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of glycine on myocardial fibrosis(MF) in rats with myocardial infarction(MI) have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of glycine therapy on MF and comprehend its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Left anterior descending artery ligation-induced MI in Sprague Dawley rats was leveraged to assess the therapeutic effects of Glycine. Rats received either normal saline or glycine(0.5 mg/g bodyweight) for 7 days. Results: Glycine upregulated cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening to improve cardiac function, as evaluated by echocardiography. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that glycine could decrease inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviate collagen deposition. Western blotting revealed that nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling was also downregulated by glycine treatment. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) was decreased significantly in the glycine-treated group compared to the model group. Thus, glycine plays a protective role against myocardial ischemia and subsequent MF. Conclusion: The protective effects of glycine were achieved partly through STAT3/NF-κB/TGF-β signaling pathway.
文摘The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.
基金supported by the Young Scientists Foundation of Hubei Provincial Health Department,No.QJX2012-16
文摘Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81373719)Project of Fujian Provincial Development and Reform Commission(No.2014-514)Major Project of Fujian Provincial Department of Science and Technology Agency(No.2013Y4003)
文摘Objective: To illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on knee osteoarthritis(OA). Methods: Twenty-seven six-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were allocated into three groups in accordance with a random number table: normal group(no surgery-induced OA;without treatment), model group(surgery-induced OA;without treatment) and EA group [surgery-induced OA;received treatment with EA at acupoints Dubi(ST 35) and Neixiyan(EX-LE 5), 30 min twice a day]. After eight consecutive weeks of treatment, the histopathological alterations in cartilage were observed using optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, cartilage degeneration was evaluated by modified Mankin’s score principles, the synovial fluid concentration of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, IκB kinase-β(IKK-β), nuclear factor of α light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor α(IκB-α) and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) p65 were quantified by Western blot analysis. Results: EA treatment significantly improved cartilage structure arrangement and reduced cellular degeneration. The IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MMP-3 of synovial fluid in the EA-treated group were significantly decreased compared with the model group(all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-3, IKK-β and NF-κB p65 protein expressions in cartilage of EA-treated group were significantly decreased(all P<0.01), whereas IκB-α expression was significantly up-regulated(P<0.01). Conclusion: EA treatment may delay cartilage degeneration by down-regulating inflammatory factors through NF-κB signaling pathway, which may, in part, explain its clinical efficacy in the treatment of knee OA.
基金Supported by UK National Institute of Health Research/Cancer Research Network (UK NIHR/UKCRN) and Research and Development Department of Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (to Ang YS)R Keld WrightingtonWigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Cancer Therapy Fund(to Keld RR,in part)
文摘Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a result of tumor recurrence.We have reviewed the key signalling pathways associated with oesophageal adenocarcinomas and discussed the recent trials of novel agents that attempt to target these pathways.There are many trials underway with the aim of improving survival in oesophageal cancer.Currently,phase 2 and 3 trials are focused on MAP kinase inhibition,either through inhibition of growth factor receptors or signal transducer proteins.In order to avoid tumor resistance,it appears to be clear that targeted therapy will be needed to combat the multiple signalling pathways that are in operation in oesophageal adenocarcinomas.This may be achievable in the future with the advent of gene signatures and a combinatorial approach.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81600754)。
文摘AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12 h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7 c mimcs(miR-let7 cM), miR-let7 c mimcs negative control(miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7 c inhibitor(miR-let7 cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2(P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7 c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT(P<0.05). However, miR-let7 c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miR-let7 c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.
文摘This study investigated the influence of silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/toll-like receptor(TLR)-4 signaling pathway in vitro.Four plasmids(pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2,3,4) containing different shRNA sequences were designed and synthesized.The proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after transfected with these plasmids was measured by MTT assay.Inflammatory cellular models were established by LPS stimulation.Levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and TGF-β1 in the supernatants,mRNA expressions of TRAF6,IL-6 and COX-2,protein expression of TRAF6 and translocation of NF-κB were assayed by ELISA,real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting,respectively.The results showed that the TRAF6 gene knockdown by RNAi hardly inhibited the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells within 72 h.The mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6 was lower in the TRAF6-shRNA1,2 groups than in the TRAF6-shRNA3,4 groups.Therefore,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 were selected for the subsequent experiments.Our results still showed that pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could significantly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and COX-2,and inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation.Moreover,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could suppress the release of TGF-β1 at the protein level.It was concluded that the recombinant plasmid pTRAF6-shRNA can,to some extent,inhibit inflammatory response stimulated by LPS at the initial phase.TRAF6 may become the potential therapeutic target of many inflammation-related diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(81973316,82173807)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2020M681914)+1 种基金the Fund from Tianjin Municipal Health Commission(ZC200093)the Open Fund of Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Tianjin Key Laboratory of human development and reproductive regulation(2021XHY01)。
文摘Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by patches on the skin.It is caused by malfunction of immune cells and keratinocytes with inflammation as one of its key features.Apigenin(API)is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.Therefore,we speculated that API can ameliorate psoriasis,and determined its effect on the development of psoriasis by using imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model.Our results showed that API attenuated IMQ-induced phenotypic changes,such as erythema,scaling and epidermal thickening,and improved splenic hyperplasia.Abnormal differentiation of immune cells was restored in API-treated mice.Mechanistically,we revealed that API is a key regulator of signal transducer activator of transcription 3(STAT3).API regulated immune responses by reducing interleukin-23(IL-23)/STAT3/IL-17A axis.Moreover,it suppressed IMQ-caused cell hyperproliferation by inactivating STAT3 through regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway.Furthermore,API reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines through inactivation of NF-κB.Taken together,our study demonstrates that API can ameliorate psoriasis and may be considered as a strategy for psoriasis treatment.
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFC0311305)the Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province(Nos.2019GHY112015,2019YYSP028)。
文摘We previously demonstrated that 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan(HACC)promoted the production of nitric oxide(NO)and proinflammatory cytokines by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)and Janus kinase(JAK)/STAT pathways in RAW 264.7 cells,indicating good immunomodulatory activity of HACC.In this study,to further investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms of HACC,we determined the roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt,activating protein(AP-1)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)in HACC-induced activation of RAW 264.7 cells by the western blotting.The results suggest that HACC promoted the phosphorylation of p85 and Akt.Furthermore,c-Jun and p65 were also increased after the treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with HACC,indicating the translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 from cytoplasm to nucleus.In addition,as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis shows,the cell morphology changed after HACC treatment.These findings indicate that HACC activated MAPK,JAK/STAT,and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways dependent on AP-1 and NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells,ultimately leading to the increase of NO and cytokines.
基金Supported by the Special Scientific Research Project of the Chinese Medicine Industry of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China(No.201307006)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82104656,82004179,82074405)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(No.ZZ14-YQ-013,ZZ15-YQ-024)。
文摘Objective:To investigate whether Buthus martensii karsch(Scorpiones),Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L.Koch(Scolopendra)and Gekko gecko Linnaeus(Gekko)could ameliorate the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and inhibit lung cancer growth and metastasis by regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α)signaling pathway.Methods:Male C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with luciferase labeled LL/2-luc-M38 cell suspension to develop lung cancer models,with rapamycin and cyclophosphamide as positive controls.Carboxy methyl cellulose solutions of Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko were administered intragastrically as 0.33,0.33,and 0.83 g/kg,respectively once daily for 21 days.Fluorescent expression were detected every 7 days after inoculation,and tumor growth curves were plotted.Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine CD31 and HIF-1αexpressions in tumor tissue and microvessel density(MVD)was analyzed.Western blot was performed to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway-related proteins.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect serum basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in mice.Results:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko prolonged the survival time and inhibited lung cancer metastasis and expression of HIF-1α(all P<0.01).Moreover,Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6 kinase(p70S6K)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In addition,they also decreased the expression of CD31,MVD,bFGF,TGF-β1 and VEGF compared with the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko all showed beneficial effects on lung cancer by ameliorating the hypoxic tumor microenvironment via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of allicin on the formation of kidney stones in rats by regulating the expression of osteopontin(OPN)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 50 healthy adult male SD rats with SPF grade were selected and divided into five groups by random number and computer random combination,with 10 rats in each group.Except the blank group,the other four groups were given 2 m L/d mixed solution of 1%ethylene glycol+2%ammonium chloride to construct the nephrolith model.During the modeling process,the blank group and the model group were given normal saline by gavage.The positive group was given 600 mg/(kg·d)of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate granules by gavage,the low-dose group was given 7.5 mg/(kg·d)of allicin by gavage,and the high-dose group was given 15 mg/(kg·d)of allicin by gavage.After administration,renal function,urine related indicators,calcium oxalate crystallization score,OPN protein expression and NF-κB signaling pathwayrelated protein expression were observed and compared among the five groups of rats.Results:There were significant differences in kidney index,urea nitrogen(BUN)and blood creatinine(Cr)levels among the five groups(P<0.05).There were no differences in kidney index,BUN and Cr levels between the high-dose group and the positive group(P>0.05),and were all lower than those in the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the levels of oxalic acid(OA),calcium(Ca),magnesium(Mg),and phosphorus(P)in the urine of five groups of rats(P<0.05).The high-dose group showed no difference in the levels of OA,Ca,Mg,and P compared to the positive control group(P>0.05),and all were lower than the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the scores of calcium oxalate crystallization and the expression of OPN protein in the five groups(P<0.05).There was no difference in the scores of calcium oxalate crystallization between the high-dose group and the positive group(P>0.05).The expression of OPN protein was higher than that in the positive group(P<0.05),and both were lower than that in the model group and low-dose group(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the expression levels of NF-κB inhibitory protein-α(IκB-α)and NF-κB in five groups(P<0.05),and the expression levels of IκB-αand NF-κB in the high-dose group were lower than those in the model group,positive control group,and low-dose group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Allicin may inhibit the formation of kidney stones in rats by down-regulating the expression levels of OPN and NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins,and a high dose of allicin can obtain a similar effect of kidney stones inhibition as that of potassium sodium hydrogen citrate granules.
文摘The molecular mechanisms for NF-κB signaling transduction and transcription have been the most attractive subjects for both basic research and pharmaceutical industries due to its important roles in both physiological and pathogenesis,particularly the close association of dysregulated NF-κB with tumorgenesis and inflammation.Several novel intracellular molecular events that regulate NF-κB activity have been described recently,including the discovery of an alternative signaling pathway that appears inducing a specific subset genes involved in adoptive immune response.Multi-level and multi-dimensional regulation of NF-κB activity by phosphorylation and acetylation modifications have unveiled and became the hottest targets for potentially tissue specific molecular interventions.Another emerging mechanism for NF-κB-responsive gene's regulation where NF-κB participates the transcriptional regulation independent of its cognate regulatory binding site within the target gene's promoter but facilitating the transaction activity of other involved transcription factors, that implicated an novel transcriptional activities for NF-κB.Thus,the current review will focus on these recent progresses that have been made on NF-κB signaling transduction and transcription.Cellular & Molecular Immunology.2004;1(6):425-435.
