Semaphorin 7A impairs barrier function in cultured human corneal epithelial cells in a manner dependent on nuclear factor-kappa B

●AIM:To evaluate the role of semaphorin 7A(Sema7A)and its associated regulatory mechanisms in modulating the barrier function of cultured human corneal epithelial cells(HCEs).●METHODS:Barrier models of HCEs were treated with recombinant human Sema7A at concentrations of 0,125,250,or 500 ng/mL for 24,48,or 72h in vitro.Transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER)as well as Dextran-fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)permeability assays were conducted to assess barrier function.To quantify tight junctions(TJs)such as occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)at the mRNA level,reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)analysis was performed.Immunoblotting was used to examine the activity of the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and the production of TJs proteins.Immunofluorescence analyses were employed to localize the TJs.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and RT-PCR were utilized to observe changes in interleukin(IL)-1βlevels.To investigate the role of NF-κB signaling activation and IL^(-1)βin Sema7A’s anti-barrier mechanism,we employed 0.1μmol/L IκB kinase 2(IKK2)inhibitor IV or 500 ng/mL IL^(-1)receptor(IL-1R)antagonist.●RESULTS:Treatment with Sema7A resulted in decreased TEER and increased permeability of Dextran-FITC in HCEs through down-regulating mRNA and protein levels of TJs in a time-and dose-dependent manner,as well as altering the localization of TJs.Furthermore,Sema7A stimulated the activation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha(IκBα)and expression of IL-1β.The anti-barrier function of Sema7A was significantly suppressed by treatment with IKK2 inhibitor IV or IL-1R antagonists.●CONCLUSION:Sema7A disrupts barrier function through its influence on NF-κB-mediated expression of TJ proteins,as well as the expression of IL-1β.These findings suggest that Sema7A could be a potential therapeutic target for the diseases in corneal epithelium.

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.

黄芪阳和汤调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路促进糖尿病足溃疡大鼠创面愈合

目的基于磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路探究黄芪阳和汤对糖尿病足溃疡(DFU)大鼠创面愈合的影响。方法构建DFU大鼠模型,将建模成功的48只大鼠随机分为模型组,黄芪阳和汤低(8.5 g/kg)、高(17 g/kg)剂量组,黄芪阳和汤高剂量(17 g/kg)+LY294002(PI3K/AKT通路抑制剂,0.3 mg/kg)组;每组12只;另取12只大鼠为对照组。各组大鼠给予对应药物干预,连续4周。第14、28天给药后,观察大鼠一般状态及创面变化,计算创面愈合率,检测大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)水平和大鼠创面周围组织经皮氧分压(TcpO2);酶联免疫吸附试验检测大鼠血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素(IL)-6水平;苏木素-伊红染色观察大鼠创面组织病理学变化;免疫组织化学染色测定大鼠创面组织微血管密度;蛋白免疫印迹法检测大鼠创面组织中PI3K、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、AKT、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)、NF-κB p65、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)、NF-κB抑制蛋白α(IκB-α)蛋白表达。结果对照组大鼠毛色光滑,饮食、饮水、排泄均正常,较活跃,创面愈合快,创面组织炎症反应较轻,新生血管较多,肉芽组织中成纤维细胞及胶原基质丰富;模型组大鼠毛色暗淡无光泽,活动减少,且出现多饮、多食、多尿症状,创面颜色较深,且周围组织出现水肿、溃疡,创面组织可见大量炎性细胞浸润,伴组织坏死、渗出,新生血管及成纤维细胞较少,创面愈合率、创面周围组织TcpO2、血清VEGF、HIF-1α、创面组织微血管密度、p-PI3K、p-AKT、IκB-α蛋白表达水平降低,FBG、血清CRP、IL-6、创面组织p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,黄芪阳和汤低、高剂量组大鼠状态逐渐改善,创面组织病变程度依次减轻,创面愈合率、创面周围组织TcpO2、血清VEGF、HIF-1α、创面组织微血管密度、p-PI3K、p-AKT、IκB-α蛋白表达水平依次升高,FBG、血清CRP、IL-6、创面组织p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达依次降低(P<0.05);LY294002能部分逆转高剂量黄芪阳和汤对DFU大鼠的治疗作用(P<0.05)。结论黄芪阳和汤能调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路,抑制DFU大鼠炎症反应,促进血管新生,从而促进创面愈合。

PCNA、Bcl-2及EGFR在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系

目的探讨增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)及表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系。方法选取2017年3月—2020年1月在苏州大学附属第一医院因喉癌行手术治疗的92例患者的喉癌组织及对应癌旁组织标本。检测癌组织与癌旁组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量,多元线性回归分析其癌组织表达与临床病理特征的关系。随访3年,采用Kaplain-Maier曲线分析不同PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平患者生存情况差异。结果癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量高于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。不同年龄、肿瘤部位患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);低分化,临床分期Ⅲ、Ⅳ期及淋巴结转移患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量分别高于中、高分化,临床分期Ⅰ、Ⅱ期,无淋巴结转移患者(P<0.05)。多元线性回归分析结果显示,肿瘤分化程度、临床分期、淋巴结转移是喉癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA表达的影响因素。Kaplain-Maier曲线分析结果显示,PCNA mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.57%和70.21%,低于低表达患者的80.00%和88.89%(P<0.05);Bcl-2 mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为60.78%和70.59%,低于低表达患者的80.49%和90.24%(P<0.05);EGFR mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.09%和70.45%,低于低表达患者的79.17%、87.50%(P<0.05)。结论喉癌组织PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR呈高表达,且其高表达状态与肿瘤分期高、分化程度低、淋巴结转移有关,PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平可在一定程度上反映患者预后。

五味子乙素通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对急性胰腺炎大鼠肺部损伤的影响

目的:探讨五味子乙素通过Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠肺部损伤的影响。方法:取SD大鼠,通过胆胰管内逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠方法诱导建立AP肺损伤模型,经随机数表法分为模型组、五味子乙素组、TLR4过表达载体组、TLR4空载组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组,每组12只大鼠,再取12只SD大鼠仅翻动肠管不注射5%牛磺胆酸钠,作为假手术组。以药物分别干预大鼠后,检测各组大鼠肺功能及各组大鼠腹水量与肺组织湿重/干重(W/D);HE染色检测各组大鼠肺组织病理形态并评分;检测各组大鼠动脉血气;全自动生化分析仪检测大鼠血清淀粉酶,ELISA检测炎症细胞因子IL-6、IL-18水平;蛋白免疫印迹法检测肺组织TLR4/NF-κB通路蛋白表达;免疫组织化学染色检测肺组织TLR4蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠肺组织出现病理损伤改变,模型组大鼠MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI显著降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与模型组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组分别相比,五味子乙素组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均减轻,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均升高(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均降低(P<0.05);TLR4过表达载体组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均加重,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均升高(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,TLR4空载组大鼠各指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:五味子乙素可通过下调TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,抑制炎症,减轻AP大鼠肺部损伤,修复肺功能。

丹酚酸B对2型糖尿病小鼠心肌病氧化应激的作用及机制

目的探讨丹酚酸B(Sal B)对2型糖尿病小鼠心肌病(DCM)氧化应激的作用及潜在机制。方法60只C57BL/6J小鼠分为空白组(n=12,Control组,正常饲料,灌胃生理盐水)和高脂高糖(HG)组[n=48,HFG组,链脲佐菌素(STZ)联合HFG饲料构建DCM模型],造模成功的HFG组小鼠分为DCM组(灌胃生理盐水)、Sal B低剂量[1.50 mg/(kg·d)]组(Sal B.L组)、Sal B高剂量[3.00 mg/(kg·d)]组(Sal B.H组)及200 mg/(kg·d)二甲双胍治疗组(Metformin组),灌胃连续8周;麻醉各组小鼠,采用小动物超声仪检测仰卧位时各组小鼠心脏的左室射血分数(LVEF)、缩短分数(FS)、左室收缩末期容积(LVESV)及左室收缩期末期内径(LVIDs);处死各组小鼠,取心脏制作切片、苏木素-伊红(HE)和Masson染色观察心肌组织形态学特征;采用试剂盒检测各组小鼠心肌组织中细胞丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽(GSH)的水平,采用Western blot分析氧化应激蛋白Kelch样ECH关联蛋白1(Keap1)、核因子-E2相关因子2(Nrf2)、磷酸化Nrf2(pNrf2)、过氧化物酶1(PRDX1)、血红素加氧酶1(HO-1)及凋亡相关蛋白活化的半胱氨酸蛋白(Cleaved-caspase3)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2蛋白(Bcl2)、Bcl2关联X(bax)蛋白的表达;SD乳鼠心脏提取分离培养原代新生大鼠心肌细胞(PNRCMs)构建DCM体外模型,将PNRCMs分为40 mmol/L甘露醇(Mannitol)组、空白(Control)组、40 mmol/L HG(HG)组、40 mmol/L HG+25μmol/L Sal B(Sal B低剂量,Sal B.L)组、40 mmol/L HG+50μmol/L Sal B(Sal B高剂量,Sal B.H)组、40 mmol/L HG+0.25 mmol/L二甲双胍(Metformin)组,检测各组细胞的活性氧(ROS)、MDA、SOD及GSH水平,采用Western blot检测氧化应激蛋白Keap1、Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1、HO-1及凋亡相关蛋白Cleaved-caspase3、bax、Bcl2蛋白的表达;采用实时定量反转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-qPCR)法检测氧化应激相关基因Keap1、Nrf2、PRDX1及HO-1信使RNA(mRNA)的表达;采用Nrf2抑制剂(ML385)和激动剂(甲基巴多索隆)进一步分析氧化应激蛋白Keap1、Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1及HO-1的表达。结果与Control组比较,DCM组小鼠的LVEF、FS降低(P<0.01),LVESV、LVIDs升高(P<0.01),心肌组织排列紊乱、间质细胞增多并伴有炎性细胞浸润及胶原沉积,心肌组织中MDA含量增加、SOD和GSH减少(P<0.01),心肌组织中Keap1、Cleaved-caspase3及bax蛋白表达上调,Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1、HO-1及Bcl2蛋白表达下调(P<0.01);与Control组比较,HG组心肌细胞中ROS表达增加,SOD表达下降(P<0.05),MDA含量增加、GSH表达下降(P<0.01),心肌细胞中的Keap1、Cleaved-caspase3及bax蛋白表达增加(P<0.01),Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1、HO-1及Bcl2蛋白表达下降(P<0.01),心肌细胞中的Keap1 mRNA表达升高(P<0.05),Nrf2、PRDX1及HO-1 mRNA表达降低(P<0.05);与DCM组比,Sal B.L和Sal B.H组小鼠的LVEF、FS增加(P<0.01)、LVESV、LVIDs降低(P<0.01),心肌组织排列整齐、炎性细胞浸润减少、心肌胶原沉积减少,心肌组织中MDA含量减少、SOD和GSH含量增加(P<0.01),心肌组织中Keap1、Cleaved-caspase3及bax表达下调,Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1、HO-1及Bcl2蛋白表达上调(P<0.05);与HG组相比,Sal B.L和Sal B.H量组心肌细胞中ROS表达、MDA含量减少,SOD和GSH含量增加(P<0.05),心肌细胞中的Keap1、Cleaved-caspase3及bax蛋白表达减少(P<0.05),Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1、HO-1及Bcl2表达增加(P<0.05);心肌细胞中的Keap1 mRNA表达降低(P<0.05),Nrf2、PRDX1和HO-1 mRNA表达升高(P<0.05);进一步采用Nrf2抑制剂ML385和激动剂甲基巴多索隆干预,与HG组相比,Sal B.H组心肌细胞中的Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1及HO-1表达增加(P<0.05);与Sal B.H组相比,ML385和Sal B联用组心肌细胞中的Nrf2、pNrf2、PRDX1及HO-1的表达减少(P<0.05)。结论Sal B可降低2型糖尿病小鼠DCM的氧化应激作用,其机制与Keap1/Nrf2信号通路蛋白的表达有关。

创伤性脑损伤患者血清AQP4和NF-κB p65表达与神经功能缺损程度及预后的关系

目的探讨创伤性脑损伤(TBI)患者血清水通道蛋白4(AQP4)和核因子κB(NF-κB p65)表达与神经功能缺损程度及预后的关系。方法选取2021年3月至2023年3月于河南科技大学第一附属医院开元急诊科收治的128例TBI患者作为研究对象(观察组),根据美国国立卫生院神经缺损评估量表(NIHSS)将患者分为重度组31例、中度组45例和轻度组52例;根据格拉斯哥预后量表(GOS)评分将患者分为预后不良组37例和预后良好组91例。另选取同期于本院体检的128例健康志愿者作为对照组。比较各组受检者的一般资料及血清AQP4和NF-κB p65水平,采用Spearman法分析血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平与NIHSS评分的相关性,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清AQP4、NF-κB p65对TBI患者预后不良的预测价值。结果观察组患者的血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平分别为(27.37±6.34)μg/L、(2.27±0.24)ng/mL,明显高于对照组的(12.65±3.21)μg/L、(0.36±0.11)ng/mL,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示,TBI患者血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平与NIHSS评分均呈正相关(r=0.605、0.612,P<0.05)。入院24 h血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平比较,重度组>中度组>轻度组,48 h、72 h有同样的趋势,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。预后不良组患者的血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平分别为(34.65±7.51)μg/L、(2.71±0.40)ng/mL,明显高于预后良好组的(24.41±6.48)μg/L、(2.09±0.22)ng/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清AQP4、NF-κB p65两者联合预测TBI患者预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.938,高于各单一指标的0.873、0.830,联合预测的敏感度为91.89%,特异度为85.71%,两者联合优于血清AQP4、NF-κB p65各自单独预测(Z两者联合-AQP4=2.564、Z两者联合-NF-κB p65=2.555,P=0.010、0.011)。结论TBI患者血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平上升与神经功能缺损程度和不良预后有关,可作为预测预后的潜在标志物。

β-紫罗兰酮通过NF-κB途径抑制乳腺癌细胞增殖

目的探讨β-紫罗兰酮(β-Ionone,BI)通过调节核因子-κB(Nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)对乳腺癌细胞增殖过程的抑制作用及其可能的机制。方法采用亚甲基蓝(Methylene blue,MB)法和MTT法测定人乳腺癌BT549细胞和MCF-7细胞活性,孔雀石绿磷酸盐法检测蛋白磷酸酶2A(Protein phosphatase 2A,PP2A)活性、免疫印迹法检测磷酸化P65(p-P65)(s536和s311)、PP2A(A、B和C)和磷酸化共济失调毛细血管扩张突变基因(Phosphorylation-ataxia telangiectasia-mutated gene,p-ATM)(s1981)蛋白水平。结果BI可明显抑制人乳腺癌BT549细胞和MCF-7细胞的增殖,且呈时间和剂量依赖性,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。MCF-7细胞经BI处理后,NF-κB活性被显著抑制,表现为磷酸化P65(s536和s311)的蛋白水平显著降低,PP2A的蛋白水平升高,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。此外,BI还显著地降低PP2A抑制剂冈田酸(Okadaic acid,OA)对MCF-7细胞中P65蛋白和ATM蛋白的磷酸化作用。结论该研究表明BI通过抑制NF-κB活性来抑制乳腺癌细胞的增殖,其机制可能是BI通过增加PP2A活性调节NF-κB通路。

基于BDNF通路探讨化痰通络汤治疗卒中后认知功能障碍的研究

目的 观察化痰通络汤治疗卒中后认知功能障碍(PSCI)痰瘀阻络证的临床疗效及其对患者血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)通路相关因子的影响。方法 收集符合纳入标准的患者60例,随机分为对照组和治疗组各30例。对照组予基础治疗和尼莫地平治疗,治疗组在对照组治疗基础上加服化痰通络汤,2组疗程均为4周。治疗前后比较2组简易精神状态评价量表(MMSE)、中医证候积分及血清BDNF、核转录因子κB(NF-κB)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)水平变化,治疗后评估2组患者中医临床疗效,治疗期间观察2组患者不良反应发生情况。结果 治疗后,2组患者MMSE评分显著增加,中医证候积分总积分明显降低(P<0.01),治疗组优于对照组(P<0.01);2组患者血清BDNF、NF-κB、Bcl-2水平明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01),Bax水平明显下降(P<0.01),治疗组优于对照组(P<0.01)。结论 化痰通络汤能够改善痰瘀阻络型PSCI患者临床症状,安全有效,其疗效机制可能与调控BDNF通路,抑制神经细胞凋亡有关。

Delayed hepatocarcinogenesis through antiangiogenic intervention in the nuclear factor-kappa B activation pathway in rats

BACKGROUND: The active form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is involved in the initiation, generation, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is up-regulated in inflammation-associated malignancies. We investigated the dynamic expression of NF-kappa B and its influences on the occurrence of HCC through antiangiogenic (thalidomide) intervention in NF-kappa B activation. METHODS : Hepatoma models were induced with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA, 0.05%) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and thalidomide (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered intragastrically to intervene in NF-kappa B activation. The pathological changes in the liver of sacrificed rats were assessed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. NF-kappa B mRNA was amplified by RT-nested PCR. The alterations of NF-kappa B and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Rat hepatocytes showed denatured, precancerous, and cancerous stages in hepatocarcinogenesis, with an increasing tendency of hepatic NF-kappa B, NF-kappa B mRNA, and VEGF expression, and their values in the HCC group were higher than those in controls (P<0.001). In the thalidomide-treated group, the morphologic changes generated only punctiform denaturation and necrosis at the early or middle stages, and nodular hyperplasia or a little atypical hyperplasia at the final stages, with the expression of NF-kappa B (chi(2)=9.93, P<0.001) and VEGF (chi(2)=8.024, P<0.001) lower than that in the 2-FAA group. CONCLUSION: NF-kappa B is overexpressed in hepatocarcinogenesis and antiangiogenic treatment down-regulates the expression of NF-kappa B and VEGF, and delays the occurrence of HCC. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 169-174)

Urinary trypsin inhibitor attenuates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing nuclear factor-kappa B activation

BACKGROUND: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) inhibits the inflammatory response and protects against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The inflammatory response is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and its related target genes and products such as vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule and CXC chemokines. We aimed to assess the roles of those mediators in a UTI-treated mouse model of hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Treatment group 1 (UTI given 5 minutes prior to liver ischemia), treatment group 2 (UTI given 5 minutes after the anhepatic phase) and a control group were investigated. Blood and liver samples were obtained and compared at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours after reperfusion. RESULTS: Attenuation of pathological hepatocellular damage was greater in the treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the UTI treatment groups showed significantly lower serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, decreased myeloperoxidase activity, and reduced NF-kappa B activation. Also downregulated was the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 at the mRNA level. P-selectin protein and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein expression were also downregulated. In addition, the treatment group I showed a better protective effect against I/R injury than the treatment group 2. CONCLUSIONS: UTI reduces NF-kappa B activation and downregulates the expression of its related mediators, followed by the inhibition of neutrophil aggregation and infiltration in hepatic I/R injury. The protective role of UTI is more effective in prevention than in treatment.

Characteristics of hepatic nuclear-transcription factor-kappa B expression and quantitative analysis in rat hepatocarcinogenesis

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. We analyzed the expression of miclear-transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) during hepatocarcinogenesis in order to evaluate its dynamic expression and its clinical value in the development and diagnosis of HCC. METHODS: Hepatoma models were induced by oral administration of 2-acetamidoflurene (2-FAA) to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes were observed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The cellular distribution of NF-kappa B expression during different stages of cancer development was investigated by immunohistochemistry, and the level of NF-kappa B expression in liver tissues was quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. The gene fragments of hepatic NF-kappa B were amplified by nested-polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: Hepatocytes showed vacuole-like degeneration during the early stages, then had a hyperplastic nodal appearance during the middle stages, and finally progressed to tubercles of cancerous nests with high differentiation. The NF-kappa B-positive material was buff-colored, fine particles localized in the nucleus, and the incidence of NF-kappa B-positive cells was 81.8% in degeneration, 83.3% in precancerous lesions, and 100% in cancerous tissues. All of these values were higher than those in controls (P<0.01). Hepatic NF-kappa B expression and hepatic NF-kappa B-mRNA were also higher during the course of HCC development (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The NF-kappa B signal transduction pathway is activated during the early stages of HCC development, and its abnormal expression may be associated with the occurrence of HCC.

BRD4/NF-κB信号通路介导的铁死亡参与三阴性乳腺癌化疗耐药的机制

目的:探讨溴域蛋白亚家族4(bromodomain protein subfamily 4,BRD4)/核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)信号通路介导的铁死亡参与乳腺癌恶性生物学行为的机制。方法:多柔比星(Doxorubicin,DOX)抗性MDA-MB-231细胞(MDAMB-231/DOX)分为对照(Con)组、DOX组和si-BRD4+DOX组。si-BRD4+DOX组在用si-BRD4转染MDA-MB-231/DOX细胞48 h后,用1μmol/L DOX处理细胞24 h。通过集落形成试验和5-乙炔基-2′-脱氧尿苷(5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine,EdU)分析评估细胞增殖能力。通过FerroOrange、liperfloo检测细胞亚铁离子浓度和脂质过氧化水平。将15只雌性BALB/c-nu小鼠随机分为3组:对照组、DOX组、DOX+si-BRD4组,每组5只,用于建立MDA-MB-231/DOX细胞皮下接种模型。通过qRT-PCR、蛋白质印迹、免疫组化分析BRD4/NF-κB信号通路表达。结果:与si-NC组相比,si-BRD4#1和si-BRD4#2组MDA-MB-231、BT549细胞的细胞克隆数、EDU阳性染色、谷胱甘肽(glutathione,GSH)水平均降低(P<0.001),和MDA-MB-231、BT549细胞亚铁离子水平、活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)水平、氧化型谷胱甘肽(Oxidized glutathione,GSSG)/GSH比值升高(P<0.01)。与亲代细胞(MDA-MB-231)相比,在MDA-MB-231/DOX中BRD4的mRNA和蛋白质表达水平升高。与Con组相比,DOX组细胞中IKβ-α、NF-κB、BRD4表达和ROS水平增加(P<0.05),和细胞克隆数和EDU阳性染色均降低(P<0.05);与DOX组相比,si-BRD4+DOX组细胞中核因子κB抑制蛋白α(Anti-IKB alpha,IKβ-α)、NF-κB表达、细胞克隆数、EDU阳性染色降低(P<0.05),ROS水平升高(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,DOX组肿瘤重量和体积均减少(P<0.05),并且肿瘤组织中TUNEL染色细胞增加(P<0.05)。此外,BRD4+DOX组肿瘤重量和体积较DOX组进一步降低(P<0.001),TUNEL染色细胞进一步增加(P<0.001)。BRD4+DOX组肿瘤组织中Ki-67、BRD4、NF-κB较DOX组下调(P<0.01),4-羟基壬烯醛(4-Hydroxynonenal,4-HNE)上调(P<0.01)。结论:BRD4是一个重要的耐药因子,它可以通过促进NF-κB信号通路的激活来抑制乳腺癌化疗诱导的铁死亡。

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.

Dietary saturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid oppositely affect hepatic NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome through regulating nuclear factor-kappa B activation

AIM: To investigate the effect of different dietary fatty acids on hepatic inflammasome activation.METHODS: Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed either a high-fat diet or polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched diet. Primary hepatocytes were treated with either saturated fatty acids (SFAs) or PUFAs as well as combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-&#x003b3; and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-&#x003ba;B) was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The activity of Caspase-1 and interleukine-1&#x003b2; production were measured.RESULTS: High-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis was sufficient to induce and activate hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome. SFA palmitic acid (PA) directly activated NLRP3 inflammasome and increased sensitization to LPS-induced inflammasome activation in hepatocytes. In contrast, PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had the potential to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome expression in hepatocytes and partly abolished LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, a high-fat diet increased but PUFA-enriched diet decreased sensitization to LPS-induced hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vivo. Moreover, PA increased but DHA decreased phosphorylated NF-&#x003ba;B p65 protein expression in hepatocytes.CONCLUSION: Hepatic NLRP3 inflammasome activation played an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dietary SFAs and PUFAs oppositely regulated the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome through direct activation or inhibition of NF-&#x003ba;B.

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.

Inhibitory effects of Shuanghuanglian injection on nuclear factor-kappa B expression in mice with viral encephalitis in a time-and dose-dependent manner

Previous studies have confirmed that the anti-virus effects of Shuanghuanglian injection may be associated with nuclear factor-kappa B activity. This study observed nuclear factor-kappa B expression in mice with viral encephalitis, and showed significant decreases in nuclear factor-kappa B protein and mRNA levels following Shuanghuanglian injection. The inhibitory effect was more significant with prolonged intervention duration and increased treatment dose. These findings verify that Shuanghuanglian injection plays a therapeutic role in viral encephalitis by reducing expression of nuclear factor-kappa B in a time- and dose-dependent manner.

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, and neuronal apoptosis in the epileptic rat brain

BACKGROUND：It has been reported that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, a very well known Chinese traditional medicine, can affect immunoregulation, free radical scavenging, and anti-hypoxia responses. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and neuronal apoptosis in rats with pentylenetetrazol （PTZ）-induced epilepsy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cellular and molecular biology experiment with randomized controlled study design was performed at the Central Laboratory of Basic Medical College of Jiamusi University from June to August 2005. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy, adult, male, Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups （10 rats per group）： control, epilepsy model, and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. A sub-eclampsia PTZ dose （35 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected to induce epilepsy in the latter two groups. Wild Ganoderma lucidum spore powder （30 g/L） was provided by the wild Ganoderma lucidum plant nursery at Jiamusi, China. Immunohistochemical detection and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediate dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） kits were purchased from Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10.0 mL/kg, once a day for 28 days. In the epilepsy and control groups, an equivalent volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunoreactivity for IGF-1 and NF-κB/P65 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL methods. RESULTS： The hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy exhibited a higher number of apoptotic cells at high magnification （×400）, compared with the control group. Expression of IGF-1 and NF-κB were higher in the epilepsy group, compared with the control group （P 〈 0.01）. In Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated rats, fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, expression of NF-κB/P65 was lower, and immunoreactivity to IGF-1 increased more distinctly, compared with the epilepsy group. In addition, seizure latency was longer on 17, 21, and 25 days post-PTZ treatment in the Ganoderma lucidum spore powder group, compared with the epilepsy group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder down-regulated expression of NF-κB in brain tissues of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy, increased immunoreactivity to IGF-1, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. These results indicated that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder has a neuroprotective effect.

颗粒蛋白前体对脓毒症急性肺损伤小鼠肺组织核转录因子-κB的表达的影响

目的:探讨颗粒蛋白前体(progranulin,PGRN)对脓毒症急性肺损伤(acute lung injury,ALI)的影响及可能机制。方法:将C57BL/6小鼠随机分为对照组(Control组)、急性肺损伤组(CLP组)、颗粒蛋白前体治疗组(CLP+PGRN组)。采用盲肠结扎穿刺术(cecal ligation and puncture,CLP)构建小鼠脓毒症ALI模型,CLP+PGRN组在CLP处理半小时后使用PGRN腹腔注射。24 h后麻醉并处死小鼠,取小鼠肺HE染色观察肺组织病理损伤;TUNEL法检测肺部细胞凋亡情况;免疫荧光染色检测肺组织中核转录因子-κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)水平;Western blot法检测NF-κB、总p65和磷酸化p65表达水平;RT-qPCR检测NF-κB和炎症细胞因子水平。结果:和Control组相比,CLP组和CLP+PGRN组肺损伤加重,促炎细胞因子升高,肺组织中细胞凋亡增加,NF-κB、p65和p-p65的表达水平明显增加;与CLP组相比,CLP+PGRN组肺组织损伤和凋亡减轻,促炎细胞因子降低,抑炎细胞因子升高,NF-κB、p65和p-p65的表达明显减少。结论:PGRN可以减轻脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤,其机制可能与抑制NF-κB、p65表达和p65磷酸化有关。

Testosterone alleviates tumor necrosis factor-alpha-mediated tissue factor pathway inhibitor downregulation via suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B in endothelial cells

We have observed earlier that testosterone at physiological concentrations can stimulate tissue factor pathway inhibitor(TFPI)gene expression through the androgen receptor in endothelial cells.This study further investigated the impact of testosterone on TFPI levels in response to inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α).Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated in the presence or absence of testosterone or TNF-α.TFPI protein and mRNA levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.To study the cellular mechanism of testosterone’s action,nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)translocation was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays.We found that after NF-κB was activated by TNF-α,TFPI protein levels declined significantly by 37.3%compared with controls(P<0.001),and the mRNA levels of TFPI also decreased greatly(P<0.001).A concentration of 30 nmol L-1 testosterone increased the secretion of TFPI compared with the TNF-α-treated group.NF-κB DNA-binding activity was significantly suppressed by testosterone(P<0.05).This suggests that physiological testosterone concentrations may exert their antithrombotic effects on TFPI expression during inflammation by downregulating NF-κB activity.