Concomitantly with the increase in the prevalences of overweight/obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has worldwide become the main cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children. Patients with...Concomitantly with the increase in the prevalences of overweight/obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has worldwide become the main cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children. Patients with fatty liver display features of metabolic syndrome(Met S), like insulin resistance(IR), glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Recently, epidemiological studies have linked obesity, Met S, and NAFLD to decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, highlighting an intricate interplay among bone, adipose tissue, and liver. Osteoprotegerin(OPG), an important symbol of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B/OPG system activation, typically considered for its role in bone metabolism, may also play critical roles in the initiation and perpetuation of obesityrelated comorbidities. Clinical data have indicated that OPG concentrations are associated with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification, endothelial dysfunction, and severity of liver damage in chronic hepatitis C. Nonetheless, the relationship between circulating OPG and IR as a key feature of Met S as well as between OPG and NAFLD remains uncertain. Thus, the aims of the present review are to provide the existent knowledge on these associations and to discuss briefly the underlying mechanisms linking OPG and NAFLD.展开更多
Vascular calcifications are commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contri-bute to the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates observed in these patients populations. Altho...Vascular calcifications are commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contri-bute to the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates observed in these patients populations. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests a link between bone metabolism and the development and progression of vascular calcifications. Moreover, accumulating data indicate that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis which plays essential roles in the regulation of bone metabolism is also involved in extra-osseous bone formation. Further studies are required to establish the prognostic significance of the above biomarkers as predictors of the presence and severity of vascular calcifications in CKD patients and of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify whether inhibition of osteoclast activity will protect from vascular calcifcations.展开更多
The effect of triptolide (TP) on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was explored in rat adjuvant induced arthritis (AA). AA was induced in Wista...The effect of triptolide (TP) on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was explored in rat adjuvant induced arthritis (AA). AA was induced in Wistar rats. Arthritis rats were treated with TP and methotrexate (MTX) at the onset (day 9) of arthritis. On the peak of arthritis (day 24), the expression of RANKL and OPG protein in the joints and RANKL mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood were determined. Bone erosion scores were also evaluated. The results showed that bone erosion scores in TP and MTX groups were lower than in AA group (.P〈0.01) ; The expression levels of RANKL in the synovium (P〈0.01) and bone (P〈0.05), and OPG level in synovium (P〈0.05) were lower in TP group than in AA group (P〈0.05). In TP group, the expression levels of RANKL mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β in PBMC were lower than in AA group (all P〈0.01). It was concluded that TP could inhibit rat adjuvant arthritis bone erosion by suppressing the expression of RANKL.展开更多
Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cultured human periodontal ligament(HPDL)cells.Methods Small interfering ...Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cultured human periodontal ligament(HPDL)cells.Methods Small interfering RNA(siRNA)eukaryotic expression vector targeted transforming growth factor βⅡ receptor(TGF-β RⅡ)was constructed and transfected into T cells.HPDL cells with T cells transfected with siRNA or not were placed in the culture medium that had been added with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and baicalin.The obtained solution was divided into six groups according to the components(group Ⅰ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1+baicalin;group Ⅱ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1;group Ⅲ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells+baicalin;group Ⅳ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells;group Ⅴ:HPDL cells+baicalin;group Ⅵ:HPDL cells)and was cultured for 48 hours.RT-PCR was used to observe the effect of baicalin on the expression of OPG-RANKL in HPDL cells.Results The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅰ was lower than that in group Ⅱ(P<0.01)and higher than that in group Ⅲ(P<0.01);The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅲ was lower than that in group Ⅳ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅴ was lower than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.05).Conclusion ① Baicalin could decrease the ratio of RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells.② The TGF-β signaling transduction plays an important role in the effect of baicalin on the RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDL cells.③ Baicalin acts not only through TGF-β to regulate RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells,but also through other pathways.展开更多
AIM: To detect the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) condition in human stage IV gastric carcinoma patients and to explore the correlation between NF-κB activation and survival of these patients after chemotherapy. ...AIM: To detect the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) condition in human stage IV gastric carcinoma patients and to explore the correlation between NF-κB activation and survival of these patients after chemotherapy. METHODS: Expression of NF-κB-p65 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Activity of NF-κB DNA-binding in carcinoma tissue was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to show the relation between NF-κB and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) of the patients. RESULTS: The positive expression rate of NF-κB-p65 in 60 gastric cancer tissue samples was 76.7% (46160). The expression of NF-κB-p65 was reduced in adjacent carcinoma and normal tissue samples. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis showed a strong activation of NF-κB in cancer tissue samples. A survival difference was found in NF-κB-p65 positive and negative patients. NF-κB-p65 expression was negative in cancer tissue samples (n = 14). PFS was 191.40 ± 59.88 d and 152.93 ±16.99 d, respectively, in patients with positive NF-κB-p65 expression (n = 46) (P = 0.4028). The survival time of patients with negative and positive NF-κB-p65 expression was 425.16 ±61.61 d and 418.85 ±42.98 d, respectively (P = 0.7303). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in PFS or OS. The 46 patient tissue which positive NF-κB-p65 expression was found in the tissue samples from the 46 patients whose PFS and OS were 564.89 ± 75.94 d and s 352.37 ±41.32 d, respectively (P = 0.0165). CONCLUSION: NF-κB is activated in gastric carcinoma tissue, which is related to the OS after chemotherapy.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To explore whether moxibustion exerts therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by regulating the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3(TIM-3) and subsequently modulating ...OBJECTIVE: To explore whether moxibustion exerts therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by regulating the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3(TIM-3) and subsequently modulating the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS: We utilized moxibustion treatment in RA rat models using the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the synovial tissue under a section light microscope, and pathological scoring was performed according to the grading standard of the degree of synovial tissue disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to verify the efficacy of moxibustion in reducing inflammation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RTPCR) was used to detect the expression of the TIM-3/TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules, and Western blot was used to detect the contents of synovial NF-κB. RESULTS: We established the Freund's complete adjuvant(FCA)-induced RA model in rats. The expression level of M1 polarization signaling pathway TLR4-My D88-NF-κB and the inflammatory factors interleukin-12(IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), and tumor necrosis factor beta(TNF-β) were significantly increased in the RA model. After moxibustion treatment, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB was significantly decreased, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were decreased, but the expression level was significantly increased in the RA model. When TIM-3 expression was inhibited, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were not suppressed, even after moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion regulates the key target TIM-3 by acting on the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) points, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages;that is, it inhibits the TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway, and finally achieves alleviation of pathological changes and anti-inflammatory effects.展开更多
Background The cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) is important for bone remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effects of CB2 selective antagonist (AM630) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)...Background The cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) is important for bone remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effects of CB2 selective antagonist (AM630) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) ligand (RANKL)induced osteoclast differentiation and the underlying signaling pathway using a monocyte-macrophage cell line-RAW264.7.Methods RAW264.7 was cultured with RANKL for 6 days and then treated with AM630 for 24 hours. Mature osteoclasts were measured by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining using a commercial kit. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA)was isolated and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done to examine the expression of RANK, cathepsin K (CPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK),phosphorylation of ERK (P-ERK) and NF-κB production were tested by Western blotting. The effect of AM630 on RAW264.7 viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay.Results AM630 did not affect the viability of RAW264.7. However, this CB2 selective antagonist markedly inhibited osteoclast formation and the inhibition rate was dose-dependent. The dose of 〉100 nmol/L could reduce TRAP positive cells to the levels that were significantly lower than the control. AM630 suppressed the expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation and activation, such as RANK and CPK. An analysis of a signaling pathway showed that AM630 inhibited the RANKL-induced activation of ERK, but not NF-κB.Conclusion AM630 could inhibit the osteoclastogenesis from RAW264.7 induced with RANKL.展开更多
Background Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) have been recently shown to play important roles in bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investi...Background Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) have been recently shown to play important roles in bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the expression of bone resorption regulators (RANKL and OPG) and inflammatory cell infiltration in chronic apical periodontitis.Methods The samples of chronic periapical lesions (n=40) and healthy periapical tissues (n=10) were examined for immunohistochemical analysis of RANKL and OPG. Lesion samples were further analyzed for the inflammatory infiltration condition. The inflammatory cell infiltration was scored in relation to immunohistochemical reactivity for CD3, CD20 and CD68.Results The number of RANKL-positive cells and the ratio of RANKL/OPG in chronic apical periodontitis were significantly higher than those in healthy periapical tissues (P<0.001). The number of RANKL-positive cells was higher in lesions with severe inflammatory infiltration than in those with light inflammatory infiltration (P<0.05). Significantly increased RANKL expression was found with T lymphocytes (CD3+), macrophages (CD68+) and B lymphocytes (CD20+)infiltration (P<0.05). No association was found between the ratio of RANKL/OPG and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusions RANKL expression was increased with T, B lymphocytes and macrophages infiltration, respectively in chronic periapical lesions. RANKL appears to be closely related to periapical inflammatory infiltrates. The relative ratio of RANKL/OPG may be a key determinant of RANKL-mediated bone resorption.展开更多
Objective: To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方, WJR) on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and tumor necrosis factor receptor supe...Objective: To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方, WJR) on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14(TNFRSF14, also known as LIGHT) in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods: CIA rats were generated by subcutaneous injection of bovine collagen type-Ⅱ at the tail base. Sixty CIA rats were randomly assigned(10 animals/group) to: model, methotrexate(MTX)-treated(0.78 mg/kg body weight), and WJR-treated(22.9 g/kg) groups. Healthy normal rats(n=10) were used as the normal control. Treatments or saline were administered once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed at day 28 post-treatment and knee synovium and peripheral blood serum were collected. Toe swelling degree and expression of RANKL, OPG, and LIGHT were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the normal group, toe swelling degree was significantly increased in the model group(P〈0.01). After treatment, toe swelling degree decreased significantly in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P〈0.01). Compared with the normal group, expression of RANKL and LIGHT were significantly increased and OPG significantly decreased in peripheral blood and synovium of the model group(P〈0.01). Conversely, RANKL and LIGHT expression were significantly reduced and OPG increased in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P〈0.01). No statistically significant difference existed between WJR and MTX groups. Conclusion: WJR likely acts by reducing RANKL expression and increasing OPG expression, thus inhibiting RANKL/RANK interaction and reducing LIGHT expression, thereby inhibiting osteoclast formation/activation to block bone erosion.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor associated kinase-2 (IRAK-2) in IL1 and TNF-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B ) activation. Metbods: The 293 cell was trans fectedwith an...Objective: To investigate the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor associated kinase-2 (IRAK-2) in IL1 and TNF-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B ) activation. Metbods: The 293 cell was trans fectedwith antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotide (IRAK-2 ODN) followed by stimulating the cell with IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and then the levels of NF-kappa B activation was analyzed by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA ). Result: Pre-transfecting with antisense IRAK-2 ODN could remarkably decreasethe levels of NF-kappa B activation stimulated by IL-1 in time- and concentration-dependent manner, it can not attenuate the one stimulated by TNF. Conclusion: The responses of IL-1 and TNF-stimulated NF-kappa B activation to antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotids were different. IRAK-2 plays a key role in the IL-1 signaling events leading to NF kappa B activation.展开更多
Background: Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent clinical and biological researches have increasingly delineated the biomolecular pathways of bone metabolism...Background: Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent clinical and biological researches have increasingly delineated the biomolecular pathways of bone metabolism regulation in COPD. We extended this work by examining the specific association and potential contribution of the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-riB ligand (RANKL) axis to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in advanced COPD. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of serum OPG, RANKL, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) with bone turnover in men with very severe COPD. Methods: Pulmonary function, T-score at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), serum OPG, RANKL, soluble receptor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-1 and 11 (sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II), osteocalcin (OC), and β-CrossLaps (βCL) levels were measured in 45 men with very severe stage COPD and 36 male non-COPD volunteers. COPD patients and healthy controls were compared using all independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess the relationships between variables. Results: OPG and OC were lower in male COPD patients than in control subjects whereas RANKL, serum ~CL, TN F-o~, and its receptors were higher. OPG directly correlated with forced expiratory volume in I s (FEVI) % predicted (r = 0.46, P 〈 0.005), OC (r= 0.34, P 〈 0.05), LS (I.= 0.56, P 〈 0.001 ), and FN T-score (r= 0.47, P 〈 0.01 ). In contrast, serum RANKL inversely associated with LS and FN T-score (r = -0.62, P 〈 0.001 and r = -0.48, P 〈 0.001 ) but directly correlated with [3CL (r = 0.48, P 〈 0.001 ). In addition, OPG was inversely correlated with RANKL (r = -0.39, P 〈 0.01 ), TNF-a (r = -0.56, P 〈 0.001 ), and sTNFR-I (r = -0.40, P 〈 0.01 ). Conelusion: Our results suggest that serum OPG and RANKL levels are inversely associated with bone loss in men with advanced stage COPD.展开更多
Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Anluohuaxianwan(ALHXW)on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(PPARγ)and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signali...Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Anluohuaxianwan(ALHXW)on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(PPARγ)and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathways using a rat model of carbon model groups were gavaged with saline for 6 weeks.Liver function was measured,and liver fibrosis and necroinflammation were assessed.Protein and messenger RNA expression levels of PPARγ,NF-κB,and Inhibitorαof NF-κB(IκBα)were analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:ALHXW markedly alleviated liver injury compared with the model group,as indicated by the improvements in disease status,the morphology of liver and spleen,the liver and spleen indexes,and liver function.The extent of liver fibrosis was improved,hepatic stellate cell activation was inhibited,the expression of PPARγand IκBαwas significantly higher,and the expression of NF-κB was significantly lower in the treatment group as compared with the model group.Conclusions:ALHXW treatment can alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and the potential antifibrogenic mechanisms may occur through the upregulation of PPARγ expression and downregulation of NF-κB/IκBα signaling pathway.展开更多
Background Pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis induced by lipotoxicity, to a large extent, contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes. To investigate the mechanism of free fatty acid induced apoptosis, we aimed to s...Background Pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis induced by lipotoxicity, to a large extent, contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes. To investigate the mechanism of free fatty acid induced apoptosis, we aimed to study the effects of palmitic acid (PA) on the apoptosis and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression in βTC3 cells as well as the possible role of nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB) in this process. Methods Hoechst 33258 was used to detect βTC3 cell apoptosis, which was induced by PA stimulation for 12 hours. PGC-1α expression was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, IκB kinase β (IKKβ), IκBα NF-KB-inducing kinase (NIK) and ReI-B expressions were analyzed by Western blotting. MGβ2 was employed to block the endogenous IκBαdegradation before PA administration, and then its effect on PA-inducing cell apoptosis and PGC-1α mRNA expression was analyzed. Results Significant increased cell apoptosis was found at the concentration of 0.5 mmol/L and 1.0 mmol/L PA administration. PA (0.5 mmol/L) could extensively reduced the expression of PGC-1α mRNA. After exposing βTC3 cells to 0.5 mmol/L PA for different time periods (0, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours), IKKβ protein expression increased while IκBα NIK and ReI-B protein expression declined in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with MGβ2 to inhibit the degradation of IκBα partially prevented the down-regulation of PGC-1α mRNA expression after 12-hour PA treatment in accordance with the decrease of PA induced apoptosis. Conclusions NF-KB canonical pathway was activated in PA-mediated βTC3 cell apoptosis, whereas non-canonical pathway was inhibited. Reduced PGC-1α expression by PA in βTC3 cells could involve the activation of canonical NF-KB pathway, so as to deteriorate the PA induced apoptosis.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
Background Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic liver lobes may paradoxically exacerbate tissue injury, which is called hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), expressed on sev...Background Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic liver lobes may paradoxically exacerbate tissue injury, which is called hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), expressed on several liver cell types, and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-KB) signaling pathway are crucial to mediating hepatic inflammatory response. Because IRI is essentially a kind of profound acute inflammatory reaction evoked by many kinds of danger signals, we investigated TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway activation in a murine model of partial hepatic IRI. Methods Wild-type mice (WT, C3H/HeN) or TLR4 mutant mice (C3H/HeJ) were subjected to 45 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 1 hour, 3 hours of reperfusion. Sham group accepted the same procedure without the obstruction of blood supply. At the end of reperfusion, the compromise of liver function and the histological change of liver sections were measured as the severity of liver injury. The level of endotoxin in the portal vein was measured by limulus assay. NF-KB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and intedeukin-1β (IL-1β) in systemic blood after hepatic IRI were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The compromise of liver function and the morphological injuries in mutant mice were relieved more markedly than those in WT mice after partial hepatic IRI. NF-KB activation in WT mice was stronger than that in TLR4 mutant mice, and both were stronger than those in the sham operated mice (P〈0.01). Endotoxin in each group was undetectable. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in systemic blood were elevated in both strains, but lower in the sham operated group. These mediators were significantly decreased in TLR4 mutant mice compared with those in WT mice (P〈0.01). Conclusions The TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway may mediate hepatic IRI triggered by endogenous danger signals. Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-KB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for attenuating ischemia/reperfusion-induced tissue damage in some clinical settings.展开更多
文摘Concomitantly with the increase in the prevalences of overweight/obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has worldwide become the main cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children. Patients with fatty liver display features of metabolic syndrome(Met S), like insulin resistance(IR), glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Recently, epidemiological studies have linked obesity, Met S, and NAFLD to decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, highlighting an intricate interplay among bone, adipose tissue, and liver. Osteoprotegerin(OPG), an important symbol of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B/OPG system activation, typically considered for its role in bone metabolism, may also play critical roles in the initiation and perpetuation of obesityrelated comorbidities. Clinical data have indicated that OPG concentrations are associated with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification, endothelial dysfunction, and severity of liver damage in chronic hepatitis C. Nonetheless, the relationship between circulating OPG and IR as a key feature of Met S as well as between OPG and NAFLD remains uncertain. Thus, the aims of the present review are to provide the existent knowledge on these associations and to discuss briefly the underlying mechanisms linking OPG and NAFLD.
文摘Vascular calcifications are commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contri-bute to the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates observed in these patients populations. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests a link between bone metabolism and the development and progression of vascular calcifications. Moreover, accumulating data indicate that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis which plays essential roles in the regulation of bone metabolism is also involved in extra-osseous bone formation. Further studies are required to establish the prognostic significance of the above biomarkers as predictors of the presence and severity of vascular calcifications in CKD patients and of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify whether inhibition of osteoclast activity will protect from vascular calcifcations.
文摘The effect of triptolide (TP) on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was explored in rat adjuvant induced arthritis (AA). AA was induced in Wistar rats. Arthritis rats were treated with TP and methotrexate (MTX) at the onset (day 9) of arthritis. On the peak of arthritis (day 24), the expression of RANKL and OPG protein in the joints and RANKL mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood were determined. Bone erosion scores were also evaluated. The results showed that bone erosion scores in TP and MTX groups were lower than in AA group (.P〈0.01) ; The expression levels of RANKL in the synovium (P〈0.01) and bone (P〈0.05), and OPG level in synovium (P〈0.05) were lower in TP group than in AA group (P〈0.05). In TP group, the expression levels of RANKL mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β in PBMC were lower than in AA group (all P〈0.01). It was concluded that TP could inhibit rat adjuvant arthritis bone erosion by suppressing the expression of RANKL.
基金supported by the Foundation of Stomatology Hospital,Xi'an Jiaotong University
文摘Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cultured human periodontal ligament(HPDL)cells.Methods Small interfering RNA(siRNA)eukaryotic expression vector targeted transforming growth factor βⅡ receptor(TGF-β RⅡ)was constructed and transfected into T cells.HPDL cells with T cells transfected with siRNA or not were placed in the culture medium that had been added with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and baicalin.The obtained solution was divided into six groups according to the components(group Ⅰ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1+baicalin;group Ⅱ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1;group Ⅲ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells+baicalin;group Ⅳ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells;group Ⅴ:HPDL cells+baicalin;group Ⅵ:HPDL cells)and was cultured for 48 hours.RT-PCR was used to observe the effect of baicalin on the expression of OPG-RANKL in HPDL cells.Results The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅰ was lower than that in group Ⅱ(P<0.01)and higher than that in group Ⅲ(P<0.01);The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅲ was lower than that in group Ⅳ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅴ was lower than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.05).Conclusion ① Baicalin could decrease the ratio of RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells.② The TGF-β signaling transduction plays an important role in the effect of baicalin on the RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDL cells.③ Baicalin acts not only through TGF-β to regulate RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells,but also through other pathways.
文摘AIM: To detect the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) condition in human stage IV gastric carcinoma patients and to explore the correlation between NF-κB activation and survival of these patients after chemotherapy. METHODS: Expression of NF-κB-p65 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Activity of NF-κB DNA-binding in carcinoma tissue was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to show the relation between NF-κB and progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) of the patients. RESULTS: The positive expression rate of NF-κB-p65 in 60 gastric cancer tissue samples was 76.7% (46160). The expression of NF-κB-p65 was reduced in adjacent carcinoma and normal tissue samples. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis showed a strong activation of NF-κB in cancer tissue samples. A survival difference was found in NF-κB-p65 positive and negative patients. NF-κB-p65 expression was negative in cancer tissue samples (n = 14). PFS was 191.40 ± 59.88 d and 152.93 ±16.99 d, respectively, in patients with positive NF-κB-p65 expression (n = 46) (P = 0.4028). The survival time of patients with negative and positive NF-κB-p65 expression was 425.16 ±61.61 d and 418.85 ±42.98 d, respectively (P = 0.7303). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in PFS or OS. The 46 patient tissue which positive NF-κB-p65 expression was found in the tissue samples from the 46 patients whose PFS and OS were 564.89 ± 75.94 d and s 352.37 ±41.32 d, respectively (P = 0.0165). CONCLUSION: NF-κB is activated in gastric carcinoma tissue, which is related to the OS after chemotherapy.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China:Study on Immunoregulatory Mechanism of Moxibustion"Regulating Weiqi"to Regulate the Intrasynovial Environment Steady State in Rheumatoid Arthritis Model Rats based on the Skin-resident Memory T cells-Growth Arrest-specific 6/Mer Tyrosine Kinase (No. 82374587)the National Natural Science Foundation of China:Study on the Immune Mechanisms of Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Moxibustion"Strengthening Body Resistance and Eliminating Evil"(No. 81973959)+1 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China:Research on the Functional Characteristics of"Special Effects"and"Common Effects"of Acupoints (No. 2019YFC1709001)Science and Technology Innovation Seedling Project of Sichuan Province:based on Macrophage M1 Polarization Signaling Pathway Toll-like receptor 4/Myeloid differentiation factor 88/Nuclear factor kappa B and its Regulatory Molecule T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin-containing Protein-3 Exploring the Effect Mechanism of Moxibustion on Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis Model (No. 2022037)。
文摘OBJECTIVE: To explore whether moxibustion exerts therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by regulating the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3(TIM-3) and subsequently modulating the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS: We utilized moxibustion treatment in RA rat models using the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the synovial tissue under a section light microscope, and pathological scoring was performed according to the grading standard of the degree of synovial tissue disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to verify the efficacy of moxibustion in reducing inflammation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RTPCR) was used to detect the expression of the TIM-3/TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules, and Western blot was used to detect the contents of synovial NF-κB. RESULTS: We established the Freund's complete adjuvant(FCA)-induced RA model in rats. The expression level of M1 polarization signaling pathway TLR4-My D88-NF-κB and the inflammatory factors interleukin-12(IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), and tumor necrosis factor beta(TNF-β) were significantly increased in the RA model. After moxibustion treatment, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB was significantly decreased, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were decreased, but the expression level was significantly increased in the RA model. When TIM-3 expression was inhibited, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were not suppressed, even after moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion regulates the key target TIM-3 by acting on the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) points, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages;that is, it inhibits the TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway, and finally achieves alleviation of pathological changes and anti-inflammatory effects.
基金This work was supported by the grants from Jiangsu Province Key Medical Center (No. ZX200608), the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No. 30672140, No. 81071451), the Colleges and Universities Natural Science Foundation in Jiangsu Province (No. 10KJB320019), the Key Project Surpported by the Medical Science and Technology Department Foundation, Jiangsu Province, Department of Health (No. H201012) and the Social Development Projects in Suzhou (No. SS08020).
文摘Background The cannabinoid receptor-2 (CB2) is important for bone remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effects of CB2 selective antagonist (AM630) on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) ligand (RANKL)induced osteoclast differentiation and the underlying signaling pathway using a monocyte-macrophage cell line-RAW264.7.Methods RAW264.7 was cultured with RANKL for 6 days and then treated with AM630 for 24 hours. Mature osteoclasts were measured by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining using a commercial kit. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA)was isolated and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done to examine the expression of RANK, cathepsin K (CPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK),phosphorylation of ERK (P-ERK) and NF-κB production were tested by Western blotting. The effect of AM630 on RAW264.7 viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay.Results AM630 did not affect the viability of RAW264.7. However, this CB2 selective antagonist markedly inhibited osteoclast formation and the inhibition rate was dose-dependent. The dose of 〉100 nmol/L could reduce TRAP positive cells to the levels that were significantly lower than the control. AM630 suppressed the expression of genes associated with osteoclast differentiation and activation, such as RANK and CPK. An analysis of a signaling pathway showed that AM630 inhibited the RANKL-induced activation of ERK, but not NF-κB.Conclusion AM630 could inhibit the osteoclastogenesis from RAW264.7 induced with RANKL.
文摘Background Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) have been recently shown to play important roles in bone resorption. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between the expression of bone resorption regulators (RANKL and OPG) and inflammatory cell infiltration in chronic apical periodontitis.Methods The samples of chronic periapical lesions (n=40) and healthy periapical tissues (n=10) were examined for immunohistochemical analysis of RANKL and OPG. Lesion samples were further analyzed for the inflammatory infiltration condition. The inflammatory cell infiltration was scored in relation to immunohistochemical reactivity for CD3, CD20 and CD68.Results The number of RANKL-positive cells and the ratio of RANKL/OPG in chronic apical periodontitis were significantly higher than those in healthy periapical tissues (P<0.001). The number of RANKL-positive cells was higher in lesions with severe inflammatory infiltration than in those with light inflammatory infiltration (P<0.05). Significantly increased RANKL expression was found with T lymphocytes (CD3+), macrophages (CD68+) and B lymphocytes (CD20+)infiltration (P<0.05). No association was found between the ratio of RANKL/OPG and inflammatory cell infiltration.Conclusions RANKL expression was increased with T, B lymphocytes and macrophages infiltration, respectively in chronic periapical lesions. RANKL appears to be closely related to periapical inflammatory infiltrates. The relative ratio of RANKL/OPG may be a key determinant of RANKL-mediated bone resorption.
基金Supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.LY12H29008)the Zhejiang Provincial Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Plan(No.2008CA086,2009CB195,2012ZB121,2015ZA143)+1 种基金the Hangzhou Health Science and Technology Plan(No.2010B027,No.2014A37)the Hangzhou Social Development Plan(No.20120633B12,No.20160533B45)
文摘Objective: To study the effect of Wenhua Juanbi Recipe(温化蠲痹方, WJR) on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL), osteoprotegerin(OPG), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14(TNFRSF14, also known as LIGHT) in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods: CIA rats were generated by subcutaneous injection of bovine collagen type-Ⅱ at the tail base. Sixty CIA rats were randomly assigned(10 animals/group) to: model, methotrexate(MTX)-treated(0.78 mg/kg body weight), and WJR-treated(22.9 g/kg) groups. Healthy normal rats(n=10) were used as the normal control. Treatments or saline were administered once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed at day 28 post-treatment and knee synovium and peripheral blood serum were collected. Toe swelling degree and expression of RANKL, OPG, and LIGHT were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the normal group, toe swelling degree was significantly increased in the model group(P〈0.01). After treatment, toe swelling degree decreased significantly in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P〈0.01). Compared with the normal group, expression of RANKL and LIGHT were significantly increased and OPG significantly decreased in peripheral blood and synovium of the model group(P〈0.01). Conversely, RANKL and LIGHT expression were significantly reduced and OPG increased in the WJR and MTX groups compared with the model group(P〈0.01). No statistically significant difference existed between WJR and MTX groups. Conclusion: WJR likely acts by reducing RANKL expression and increasing OPG expression, thus inhibiting RANKL/RANK interaction and reducing LIGHT expression, thereby inhibiting osteoclast formation/activation to block bone erosion.
文摘Objective: To investigate the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor associated kinase-2 (IRAK-2) in IL1 and TNF-stimulated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B ) activation. Metbods: The 293 cell was trans fectedwith antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotide (IRAK-2 ODN) followed by stimulating the cell with IL-1 or tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and then the levels of NF-kappa B activation was analyzed by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA ). Result: Pre-transfecting with antisense IRAK-2 ODN could remarkably decreasethe levels of NF-kappa B activation stimulated by IL-1 in time- and concentration-dependent manner, it can not attenuate the one stimulated by TNF. Conclusion: The responses of IL-1 and TNF-stimulated NF-kappa B activation to antisense IRAK-2 oligonucleotids were different. IRAK-2 plays a key role in the IL-1 signaling events leading to NF kappa B activation.
文摘Background: Osteoporosis is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent clinical and biological researches have increasingly delineated the biomolecular pathways of bone metabolism regulation in COPD. We extended this work by examining the specific association and potential contribution of the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-riB ligand (RANKL) axis to the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in advanced COPD. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships of serum OPG, RANKL, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) with bone turnover in men with very severe COPD. Methods: Pulmonary function, T-score at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), serum OPG, RANKL, soluble receptor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-1 and 11 (sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II), osteocalcin (OC), and β-CrossLaps (βCL) levels were measured in 45 men with very severe stage COPD and 36 male non-COPD volunteers. COPD patients and healthy controls were compared using all independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess the relationships between variables. Results: OPG and OC were lower in male COPD patients than in control subjects whereas RANKL, serum ~CL, TN F-o~, and its receptors were higher. OPG directly correlated with forced expiratory volume in I s (FEVI) % predicted (r = 0.46, P 〈 0.005), OC (r= 0.34, P 〈 0.05), LS (I.= 0.56, P 〈 0.001 ), and FN T-score (r= 0.47, P 〈 0.01 ). In contrast, serum RANKL inversely associated with LS and FN T-score (r = -0.62, P 〈 0.001 and r = -0.48, P 〈 0.001 ) but directly correlated with [3CL (r = 0.48, P 〈 0.001 ). In addition, OPG was inversely correlated with RANKL (r = -0.39, P 〈 0.01 ), TNF-a (r = -0.56, P 〈 0.001 ), and sTNFR-I (r = -0.40, P 〈 0.01 ). Conelusion: Our results suggest that serum OPG and RANKL levels are inversely associated with bone loss in men with advanced stage COPD.
基金supported by a Cooperation Project between Peking University Health Science Center and Sunlon Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd
文摘Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine Anluohuaxianwan(ALHXW)on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma(PPARγ)and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathways using a rat model of carbon model groups were gavaged with saline for 6 weeks.Liver function was measured,and liver fibrosis and necroinflammation were assessed.Protein and messenger RNA expression levels of PPARγ,NF-κB,and Inhibitorαof NF-κB(IκBα)were analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results:ALHXW markedly alleviated liver injury compared with the model group,as indicated by the improvements in disease status,the morphology of liver and spleen,the liver and spleen indexes,and liver function.The extent of liver fibrosis was improved,hepatic stellate cell activation was inhibited,the expression of PPARγand IκBαwas significantly higher,and the expression of NF-κB was significantly lower in the treatment group as compared with the model group.Conclusions:ALHXW treatment can alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and the potential antifibrogenic mechanisms may occur through the upregulation of PPARγ expression and downregulation of NF-κB/IκBα signaling pathway.
文摘Background Pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis induced by lipotoxicity, to a large extent, contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes. To investigate the mechanism of free fatty acid induced apoptosis, we aimed to study the effects of palmitic acid (PA) on the apoptosis and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression in βTC3 cells as well as the possible role of nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB) in this process. Methods Hoechst 33258 was used to detect βTC3 cell apoptosis, which was induced by PA stimulation for 12 hours. PGC-1α expression was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, IκB kinase β (IKKβ), IκBα NF-KB-inducing kinase (NIK) and ReI-B expressions were analyzed by Western blotting. MGβ2 was employed to block the endogenous IκBαdegradation before PA administration, and then its effect on PA-inducing cell apoptosis and PGC-1α mRNA expression was analyzed. Results Significant increased cell apoptosis was found at the concentration of 0.5 mmol/L and 1.0 mmol/L PA administration. PA (0.5 mmol/L) could extensively reduced the expression of PGC-1α mRNA. After exposing βTC3 cells to 0.5 mmol/L PA for different time periods (0, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours), IKKβ protein expression increased while IκBα NIK and ReI-B protein expression declined in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with MGβ2 to inhibit the degradation of IκBα partially prevented the down-regulation of PGC-1α mRNA expression after 12-hour PA treatment in accordance with the decrease of PA induced apoptosis. Conclusions NF-KB canonical pathway was activated in PA-mediated βTC3 cell apoptosis, whereas non-canonical pathway was inhibited. Reduced PGC-1α expression by PA in βTC3 cells could involve the activation of canonical NF-KB pathway, so as to deteriorate the PA induced apoptosis.
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This research was supported by grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.30200272 and No.30500487)
文摘Background Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic liver lobes may paradoxically exacerbate tissue injury, which is called hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), expressed on several liver cell types, and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-KB) signaling pathway are crucial to mediating hepatic inflammatory response. Because IRI is essentially a kind of profound acute inflammatory reaction evoked by many kinds of danger signals, we investigated TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway activation in a murine model of partial hepatic IRI. Methods Wild-type mice (WT, C3H/HeN) or TLR4 mutant mice (C3H/HeJ) were subjected to 45 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 1 hour, 3 hours of reperfusion. Sham group accepted the same procedure without the obstruction of blood supply. At the end of reperfusion, the compromise of liver function and the histological change of liver sections were measured as the severity of liver injury. The level of endotoxin in the portal vein was measured by limulus assay. NF-KB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and intedeukin-1β (IL-1β) in systemic blood after hepatic IRI were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The compromise of liver function and the morphological injuries in mutant mice were relieved more markedly than those in WT mice after partial hepatic IRI. NF-KB activation in WT mice was stronger than that in TLR4 mutant mice, and both were stronger than those in the sham operated mice (P〈0.01). Endotoxin in each group was undetectable. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in systemic blood were elevated in both strains, but lower in the sham operated group. These mediators were significantly decreased in TLR4 mutant mice compared with those in WT mice (P〈0.01). Conclusions The TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway may mediate hepatic IRI triggered by endogenous danger signals. Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-KB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for attenuating ischemia/reperfusion-induced tissue damage in some clinical settings.