Pharmacological targeting cGAS/STING/NF-κB axis by tryptanthrin induces microglia polarization toward M2 phenotype and promotes functional recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord injury

The M1/M2 phenotypic shift of microglia after spinal cord injury plays an important role in the regulation of neuroinflammation during the secondary injury phase of spinal cord injury.Regulation of shifting microglia polarization from M1(neurotoxic and proinflammatory type)to M2(neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory type)after spinal cord injury appears to be crucial.Tryptanthrin possesses an anti-inflammatory biological function.However,its roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms in spinal cord injury remain unknown.In this study,we found that tryptanthrin inhibited microglia-derived inflammation by promoting polarization to the M2 phenotype in vitro.Tryptanthrin promoted M2 polarization through inactivating the cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway.Additionally,we found that targeting the cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway with tryptanthrin shifted microglia from the M1 to M2 phenotype after spinal cord injury,inhibited neuronal loss,and promoted tissue repair and functional recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord injury.Finally,using a conditional co-culture system,we found that microglia treated with tryptanthrin suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuronal apoptosis.Taken together,these results suggest that by targeting the cGAS/STING/NF-κB axis,tryptanthrin attenuates microglia-derived neuroinflammation and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury through shifting microglia polarization to the M2 phenotype.

核因子NF-κ_B与肝纤维化的关系研究现状

核转录因子-kB与肝纤维化的关系日益受到人们的关注。NF-kB能通过调控炎症因子和抗炎因子表达增加或减少来影响肝脏炎症反应的损伤修复,从而影响肝纤维化的发展,NF-kB还明显影响肝细胞和肝星状细胞的凋亡。目前已有多种NF-kB抑制剂用于治疗肝纤维化的研究。此文对NF-kB在肝纤维化时的作用以及抑制其活性的药物作一综述。

Silencing of Jumonji domain-containing 1C inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via nuclear factor-κB signaling

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder induced by an imbalance between osteoclastic activity and osteogenic activity.During osteoporosis,bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)exhibit an increased ability to differentiate into adipocytes and a decreased ability to differentiate into osteoblasts,resulting in bone loss.Jumonji domain-containing 1C(JMJD1C)has been demonstrated to suppress osteoclastogenesis.AIM To examine the effect of JMJD1C on the osteogenesis of BMSCs and the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS BMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow tissues.Oil Red O staining,Alizarin red staining,alkaline phosphatase staining and the expression of adipo-genic and osteogenic-associated genes were assessed to determine the differen-tiation of BMSCs.Bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs)were incubated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaΒligand to induce osteoclast differentiation,and osteoclast differen-tiation was confirmed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.Other related genes were measured via reverse transcription coupled to the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta.RESULTS The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs isolated from mouse bone marrow samples was evaluated.JMJD1C mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in BMSCs after osteoblast induction,while p-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory cytokines were not significantly altered.Knockdown of JMJD1C repressed osteogenic differentiation and enhanced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release in BMSCs.Moreover,JMJD1C expression decreased during BMM osteoclast differentiation.CONCLUSION The JMJD1C/NF-κB signaling pathway is potentially involved in BMSC osteogenic differentiation and may play vital roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

三黄益肾胶囊调控NF-κB信号通路减轻糖尿病肾病大鼠炎症反应的机制研究

目的:旨在探究三黄益肾胶囊治疗糖尿病肾病(DN)可能的炎症反应机制。方法:按照随机数字表法将60只大鼠分为正常组、模型组、厄贝沙坦组及三黄益肾低、中、高剂量组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余各组大鼠用高糖高脂饲料联合链脲佐菌素(STZ)注射建立DN模型。正常组和模型组给予生理盐水2 mL灌胃;厄贝沙坦组给予厄贝沙坦11.51 mg/kg灌胃;三黄益肾低、中、高剂量组分别给予三黄益肾胶囊0.41、0.81、1.62 g/kg灌胃。各组大鼠均1次/d,连续给药4周。比较各组大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)、体质量、24 h尿白蛋白、肾功能指标、肾组织病理学变化、肾组织抗氧化相关指标(SOD、GSH-Px活性及MDA水平)、肾组织炎症介质[白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)]、肾组织诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、肾组织CD68、CC趋化因子受体2(CCR2)表达、肾组织CC趋化因子配体2(CCL2)、NF-κB P65、p-NF-κB P65、IκB、p-IκB表达。结果:与模型组比较,各三黄益肾胶囊组大鼠体质量高,FBG、血清肌酐(Cr)、尿素氮(BUN)及24 h尿蛋白水平低,肾脏组织病理变化减轻,三肾组织中SOD、GSH-Px活性高,MDA水平低,IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α水平低,肾组织中iNOS水平低,肾组织CCR2与CD68共定位水平低,CCL2、p-NF-κB P65、p-IκB蛋白表达低。结论:三黄益肾胶囊治疗DN的机制可能与抑制肾组织中NF-κB信号通路激活,减轻肾脏氧化应激及炎症反应有关。

NF-κB在脂多糖诱导小鼠脓毒症急性肺损伤中对ANXA2表达的影响

目的观察脂多糖(LPS)诱导脓毒症急性肺损伤(ALI)小鼠肺组织中膜联蛋白A2(ANXA2)的表达水平,探讨ANXA2的表达与核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路的关系。方法健康雄性C57BL/6小鼠18只,随机分为空白对照组、脂多糖组(LPS组)及LPS+NF-κB抑制剂组(以下为抑制剂组),每组6只。抑制剂组腹腔注射NF-κB信号通路抑制剂吡咯烷二硫代甲酸铵(PDTC)50 mg/kg,1 h后LPS组及抑制剂组腹腔注射LPS 7.5 mg/kg,观察12 h,全身麻醉后采血并处死小鼠。HE染色观察肺组织病理学特征,测右肺中叶湿干重、计算湿/干重比值,ELISA法检测血清ANXA2及左肺肺泡灌洗液中ANXA2、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平,免疫组化法检测肺组织ANXA2、NF-κBp65、p-NF-κBp65蛋白平均光密度(MOD)值,RT-qPCR检测肺组织中NF-κBp65、TNF-α及IL-6 mRNA相对表达量,WB检测肺组织ANXA2、NF-κBp65、p-NF-κBp65、Claudin1蛋白表达量。结果与空白对照组比较,LPS组肺组织病理损伤严重,可见细支气管上皮细胞坏死脱落、肺泡间隔增厚、肺泡腔内巨噬细胞和淋巴细胞渗出、少许出血。与空白对照组比较,LPS组右肺中叶湿/干重比值,血清ANXA2及肺泡灌洗液ANXA2、TNF-α水平,肺组织NF-κBp65、TNF-α及IL-6 mRNA相对表达量,肺组织ANXA2、NF-κBp65、p-NF-κBp65蛋白MOD值以及蛋白表达均显著升高(P<0.05),而Claudin1蛋白表达显著下降(P<0.05);与LPS组比较,抑制剂组以上各项观察指标均明显改善(P<0.05)。结论NF-κB信号通路在LPS诱导小鼠脓毒症相关ALI肺组织中可调控ANXA2的表达。

慢性间断缺氧通过上调大鼠海马HMGB1和NF-κB损伤学习记忆

目的:探索慢性间断缺氧(CIH)导致大鼠学习记忆功能障碍,以及对海马区高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1)和核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)表达的影响。方法:制作CIH大鼠模型,40只SD大鼠分为常氧组(normoxia)、缺氧4周组(CIH4组)、缺氧8周组(CIH8组)和缺氧12周组(CIH12组)。采用Morris水迷宫评估大鼠学习记忆能力,免疫组织化学染色和ELISA法检测大鼠海马区HMGB1和NF-κB的表达。结果:与常氧组相比,CIH12和CIH8组的逃避潜伏期延长,穿越平台次数和平台所在象限停留时间显著缩短,CIH4组的无显著差异。另外,常氧组海马区HMGB1和NF-κB的表达未见明显表达,CIH4组可见少许表达,CIH8组和CIH12组可见明显表达,同时CIH12组的表达显著高于CIH8组。结论:CIH可导致大鼠的学习记忆功能下降,且间断缺氧时间越长对其学习记忆功能的影响越显著。此外,CIH还导致海马区HMGB1和NF-κB的表达水平升高,并且缺氧12周比8周增加更为明显。

Apigenin ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in C57BL/6J mice by inactivating STAT3 and NF-κB

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.

白藜芦醇调节HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对急性脑梗死大鼠神经元损伤的影响

目的探讨白藜芦醇调节高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)/Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路对急性脑梗死(ACI)大鼠神经元损伤的影响。方法大鼠随机分为空白组、梗死组、白藜芦醇组、HMGB1激活剂(重组大鼠HMGB1蛋白,rRHMGB1)组、白藜芦醇+rRHMGB1组,每组18只。除空白组外,其它组大鼠均采用大脑中动脉闭塞法构建急性脑梗死模型,建模成功后1 h开始给药处理,每日给药1次,持续7 d。检测神经功能损伤评分、脑梗死体积比率变化;ELISA法检测梗死区脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-1β和IL-6水平;尼氏染色检测梗死区脑组织存活的神经元数量;TUNEL染色检测梗死区脑组织的神经元凋亡;Western Blot法检测脑组织中Bcl2相关X蛋白(Bax)、TLR4、裂解的天冬氨酸特异性半胱氨酸蛋白酶3(Cleaved Caspase-3)、HMGB1、p-NF-κB p65蛋白。结果与空白组比较,梗死组神经功能损伤评分、脑梗死体积比率,梗死区脑组织中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平,神经元凋亡率及Bax、TLR4、Cleaved Caspase-3、HMGB1、p-NF-κB p65蛋白均升高(P<0.05);梗死区脑组织中存活的神经元数量降低(P<0.05)。与梗死组比较,白藜芦醇组及白藜芦醇+rRHMGB1组神经功能损伤评分,脑梗死体积比率,梗死区脑组织中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平,神经元凋亡率及Bax、TLR4、Cleaved Caspase-3、HMGB1、p-NF-κB p65蛋白均降低(P<0.05);梗死区脑组织中存活的神经元数量升高(P<0.05)。rRHMGB1组上述对应指标变化趋势均比梗死组升高(P<0.05)。与白藜芦醇组比较,白藜芦醇+rRHMGB1组神经功能损伤评分,脑梗死体积比率,梗死区脑组织中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平,神经元凋亡率及Bax、TLR4、Cleaved Caspase-3、HMGB1、p-NF-κB p65蛋白均升高(P<0.05);梗死区脑组织中存活的神经元数量降低(P<0.05)。结论白藜芦醇改善急性脑梗死大鼠神经元损伤的机制可能与抑制HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路有关。

拉考沙胺联合奥卡西平治疗局灶性癫痫的疗效及对脑电图频段功率、血清TLR-4、NF-κB水平影响

目的探讨拉考沙胺联合奥卡西平治疗局灶性癫痫的疗效及对患者脑电图频段功率、血清Toll样受体-4(TLR-4)、核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)水平影响。方法选取2022年1月至2023年2月本院收治的局灶性癫痫患者102例,根据随机数字表法分为基线组和试验组,每组51例。基线组采用奥卡西平治疗,试验组采用拉考沙胺联合奥卡西平治疗。两组均治疗6个月后评估疗效。比较两组患者治疗前、治疗6个月癫痫发作频率、脑电图频段功率,检测血清TLR-4、NF-κB水平。分析两组患者治疗6个月TLR-4、NF-κB水平与疗效的关系。统计两组患者治疗期间不良反应发生率。结果试验组治疗总有效率高于基线组(P<0.05)。治疗6个月,两组患者癫痫发作频率降低,且试验组低于基线组(P<0.05);两组α、β频段功率升高,δ、θ频段功率降低,且试验组变化幅度大于基线组(P<0.05)。治疗6个月,试验组、基线组TLR-4(r=-0.820、-0.666,P均<0.001)、NF-κB(r=-0.744、-0.643,P均<0.001)水平与疗效均呈负相关。治疗期间试验组不良反应发生率与基线组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论拉考沙胺联合奥卡西平治疗局灶性癫痫疗效显著,可有效改善患者脑电图频段功率,减少发作频率,且安全性有保障。

茯苓酸调节PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路对大鼠幽门螺旋杆菌相关性胃炎的治疗作用

目的 探讨茯苓酸(PA)对大鼠幽门螺旋杆菌(Hp)相关性胃炎的治疗效果及作用机制。方法 建立Hp相关性胃炎大鼠模型;所有大鼠分为对照组(CT组)、模型组(M组)、PA低剂量组(PA L组)和PA高剂量组(PA H组)、PA H+磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)激活剂(740 Y-P)组;评估各组大鼠胃黏膜损伤指数(UI),透射电子显微镜观察胃黏膜细胞形态学,HE染色评价胃黏膜病理学特征,ELISA检测胃组织白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、IL-10、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的水平,Western blot法检测PI3K、磷酸化-PI3K(p-PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、p-AKT、核因子(NF)-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达。结果 与CT组比较,M组大鼠胃黏膜糜烂,上皮水肿、充血、溃疡严重,上皮细胞固缩,炎性细胞浸润,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平升高,IL-10和SOD水平降低(P<0.05);与M组比较,PA L组、PA H组大鼠胃黏膜损伤改善,炎性细胞浸润减少,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平降低,IL-10和SOD水平升高(P<0.05);与PA H组比较,PA H+740 Y-P组大鼠胃黏膜病理损伤加重,上皮细胞固缩,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平升高,IL-10和SOD水平降低(P<0.05)。结论 PA可能通过抑制PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路发挥对大鼠Hp相关性胃炎的治疗作用。

N-acetylserotonin alleviates retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury via HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway in rats

AIM:To observe the effects of N-acetylserotonin(NAS)administration on retinal ischemia-reperfusion(RIR)injury in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms involving the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/receptor for advanced glycation end-products(RAGE)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.METHODS:A rat model of RIR was developed by increasing the pressure of the anterior chamber of the eye.Eighty male Sprague Dawley were randomly divided into five groups:sham group(n=8),RIR group(n=28),RIR+NAS group(n=28),RIR+FPS-ZM1 group(n=8)and RIR+NAS+FPS-ZM1 group(n=8).The therapeutic effects of NAS were examined by hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining,and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)counting.The expression of interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),HMGB1,RAGE,and nod-like receptor 3(NLRP3)proteins and the phosphorylation of nuclear factorkappa B(p-NF-κB)were analyzed by immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis.The expression of HMGB1 protein was also detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:H&E staining results showed that NAS significantly reduced retinal edema and increased the number of RGCs in RIR rats.With NAS therapy,the HMGB1 and RAGE expression decreased significantly,and the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was antagonized along with the inhibition of p-NF-κB and NLRP3 protein expression.Additionally,NAS exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1βexpression.The inhibitory of RAGE binding to HMGB1 by RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 led to a significant decrease of p-NF-κB and NLRP3 expression,so as to the IL-1βexpression and retinal edema,accompanied by an increase of RGCs in RIR rats.CONCLUSION:NAS may exhibit a neuroprotective effect against RIR via the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway,which may be a useful therapeutic target for retinal disease.

针灸调控NF-κB信号通路治疗类风湿关节炎的研究进展

类风湿关节炎是一种以侵蚀性关节炎为主要表现的全身性自身免疫病,具有不死癌症之称。文章回顾了近10年针灸调控NF-κB信号通路治疗类风湿关节炎的相关文献,简述了NF-κB信号转导通路在类风湿关节炎炎症、增生和骨侵蚀病理过程中的调节作用。针灸作为中医药传统疗法治疗类风湿关节炎效果确切,具有镇痛、抗炎、调节免疫等作用。指出未来应对疾病病因做更深入的研究,并建立统一的针灸治疗标准,优化治疗方案。

达原饮对Hp感染模型大鼠胃组织和口周皮肤TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3通路的影响

目的:观察达原饮对幽门螺杆菌(Hp)感染模型大鼠胃组织和口周皮肤Toll样受体4/核因子-κB/NOD样受体蛋白3(TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3)信号通路,以及肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)与白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)等炎症因子的影响,探讨达原饮治疗Hp感染的机制。方法:选取44只雄性SD大鼠,随机分为空白组8只及造模组36只,造模组予以Hp菌液灌胃造模,造模成功后,将造模组随机分为模型组、达原饮高剂量组、达原饮低剂量组、西药组,每组各8只,分别予以相应药物灌胃,空白组、模型组予以等量生理盐水灌胃,灌胃2周。观察大鼠造模前后一般情况改变,苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察口周皮肤和胃组织病理学变化,酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测大鼠口周皮肤和胃组织TLR4、NF-κB、NLRP3表达以及血清中TNF-α、IL-1β表达水平。结果:给药干预后,与模型组相比,西药组、达原饮高剂量组、达原饮低剂量组大鼠皮毛柔顺光泽,饮食水量增加,大便逐渐成型,胃黏膜上皮细胞层次基本分明,排列较整齐,炎症细胞浸润减少,口周皮肤角化过度、棘层增厚、毛囊周围轻度炎症细胞浸润等情况均有不同程度改善。与模型组相比,西药组、达原饮高剂量组、达原饮低剂量组大鼠胃组织和口周皮肤TLR4、NF-κB、NLRP3蛋白表达水平均有不同程度的下调(P<0.05或P<0.01),血清炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β表达明显下降(P<0.01)。结论:达原饮可能通过干预TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路,抑制TLR4、NF-κB、NLRP3及下游炎症因子的表达,减轻Hp感染模型大鼠胃组织和口周皮肤炎症损伤。

Hepatitis B virus X protein up-regulates tumor necrosis factor-α expression in cultured mesangial cells via ERKs and NF-κB pathways

Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.

Jianpi Qingchang decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB activation

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction (JPQCD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.METHODSC57BL/c mice were injected intragastrically with 5% DSS instead of drinking water for 7 d, and their body weight, diarrhea severity and fecal bleeding were monitored, while the mice in the control group were treated with standard drinking water, without DSS. After 7 d, the DSS drinking water was changed to normal water and the DSS group continued with DSS water. The control and DSS groups were given normal saline by intragastric injection. The 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group was treated orally with 5-ASA at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily. The JPQCD group was treated orally with JPQCD at a dose of 17.1 g/kg daily. On day 14, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathological damage score was assessed, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in colon supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κB and inhibitor of kappa B.RESULTSAcute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS, including the symptoms of losing body weight, loose feces/watery diarrhea and presence of fecal blood; all these symptoms worsened at 7 d. The colons of mice treated with DSS were assessed by histological examination, and the results confirmed that acute inflammation had occurred, as evidenced by loss of colonic mucosa and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, and these features extended into the deeper layer of the colon walls. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the DSS group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the JPQCD and 5-ASA groups were lower than those in the DSS group after treating with JPQCD and 5-ASA. Comparing with the DSS group, the mRNA level of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB was significantly reduced by 5-ASA and JPQCD. The difference between JPQCD and 5-ASA groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparing with the DSS group, due to using JPQCD and 5-ASA, significant suppression of activation in DSS-induced NF-κB and increased phosphorylation of IκB in mice with experimental colitis occurred (P < 0.05). The difference between the JPQCD group and the 5-ASA group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONActivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is inhibited by JPQCD, which shows the potential mechanism by which JPQCD treats UC.

Blocking NF-kB nuclear translocation leads to p53-related autophagy activation and cell apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the anti-tumor effects of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor SN50 and related mechanisms of SGC7901 human gastric carcinoma cells. METHODS: MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxic effects of SN50 in gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to detect apoptosis morphological changes after SN50 treatment. Activation of autophagy was monitored with monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining after SN50 treatment.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of light chain 3 (LC3). Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using the fluorescent probe JC-1. Western blotting analysis were used to determine the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis and autophagy including p53, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), damage-regulated autophagy modulator (DRAM), LC3 and Beclin 1. We detected the effects of p53-mediated autophagy activation on the apoptosis of SGC7901 cells with the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α. RESULTS: The viability of SGC7901 cells was inhibited after SN50 treatment. Inductions in the expression of apoptotic protein p53 and PUMA as well as autophagic protein DRAM, LC3 and Beclin 1 were detected with Western blotting analysis. SN50-treated cells exhibited punctuate microtubule-associated protein 1 LC3 in immunoreactivity and MDC-labeled vesicles increased after treatment of SN50 by MDC staining. Collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential Δψ were detected for 6 to 24 h after SN50 treatment. SN50-induced increases in PUMA, DRAM, LC3 and Beclin 1 and cell death were blocked by the p53 specific inhibitor pifithrin-α. CONCLUSION: The anti-tumor activity of NF-κB inhibitors is associated with p53-mediated activation of autophagy.

Propofol induces apoptosis and increases gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro by inhibition of nuclear factor-κ B activity

AIM:To investigate the effect of propofol on human pancreatic cells and the molecular mechanism of propofol action.METHODS:We used the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2 for in vitro studies measuring growth inhibition and degree of apoptotic cell death induced by propofol alone,gemcitabine alone,or propofol followed by gemcitabine.All experiments were conducted in triplicate and carried out on three or more separate occasions.Data were means of the three or more independent experiments±SE.Statistically significant differences were determined by two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test and defined as P<0.05.RESULTS:Pretreatment of cells with propofol for 24 h followed by gemcitabine resulted in 24%-75% growth inhibition compared with 6%-18%when gemcitabine was used alone.Overall growth inhibition was directly correlated with apoptotic cell death.We also showed that propofol potentiated gemcitabine-induced killing by downregulation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).In contrast,NF-κB was upregulated when pancreatic cancer cells were exposed to gemcitabine alone,suggesting a potential mechanism of acquired chemoresistance.CONCLUSION:Inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by propofol might abrogate gemcitabineinduced activation of NF-κB,resulting in chemosensitization of pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine.

Total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction attenuate tumor necrosis factor-α-induced damage to the barrier function of a Caco-2 cell monolayer via the nuclear factor-κB-myosin light chain kinase-myosin light chain pathway

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.

Helicobacter pylori tumor necrosis factor-α inducing protein promotes cytokine expression via nuclear factor-κB

AIM:To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF)inducing protein (Tip-α)on cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS:We cloned Tip-αfrom the H.pylori strain 26695,transformed Escherichia coli with an expression plasmid,and then confirmed the expression product by Western blotting.Using different concentrations of Tip-αthat affected SGC7901 and GES-1 cells at different times,we assessed cytokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We blocked SGC7901 cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC),a specific inhibitor of nuclear factorκB(NF-κB).We then detected interleukin(IL)-1βand TNF-αlevels in SGC7901 cells. RESULTS:Western blot analysis using an anti-Tip-α antibody revealed a 23-kDa protein,which indicated that recombinant Tip-αprotein was recombined successfully.The levels of IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-αwere sig-nificantly higher following Tip-αinterference,whether GES-1 cells or SGC-7901 cells were used(P<0.05).However,the levels of cytokines(including IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α)secreted by SGC-7901 cells were greater than those secreted by GES-1 cells following treatment with Tip-αat the same concentration and for the same duration(P<0.05).After blocking NF-κB with PDTC, the cells(GES-1 cells and SGC-7901 cells)underwent interference with Tip-α.We found that IL-1βand TNF-αlevels were significantly decreased compared to cells that only underwent Tip-αinterference(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Tip-αplays an important role in cyto-kine expression through NF-κB.

Clinicopathologic significance of expression of nuclear factor-kB RelA and its target gene products in gastric cancer patients

AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.