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.

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。

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.

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.

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。

苍附导痰汤对肥胖型PCOS-IR模型大鼠卵巢TLR4/NF-κB p65信号通路的影响

目的 探讨苍附导痰汤对肥胖型PCOS-IR (polycystic ovarian syndrome-insulin resistance, PCOS-IR)模型大鼠卵巢Toll受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子κB p65(NF-κB p65)信号通路的调控作用。方法 48只♀大鼠随机分为正常组8只和模型组40只。来曲唑(1 mg·kg^(-1))联合高脂饮食建立肥胖型PCOS-IR大鼠模型,快速革兰染色法观察动情周期,挑选24只模型大鼠随机分为:模型组、阳性药(二甲双胍135 mg·kg^(-1))组、苍附导痰汤高、低剂量(57.96、14.49 g·kg^(-1))组,每组各6只,药物干预21 d。观察动情周期、卵巢和子宫指数变化;血液生化仪测定空腹血糖(FBG)和血脂(甘油三酯TG和总胆固醇TC)变化;酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法测定空腹胰岛素(FINS)水平;免疫组化法和荧光定量PCR法检测卵巢中TLR4和NF-κB p65蛋白及基因的表达。结果 与正常组比较,模型组大鼠动情周期紊乱,卵巢多囊性改变明显,FBG、TG、TC含量和FINS、HOMA-IR水平上调,卵巢中TLR4和NF-κB p65蛋白及mRNA表达均增加(P<0.05);与模型组比较,苍附导痰汤高剂量组大鼠排卵周期得到改善,卵巢多囊性改变减轻,上述指标出现明显逆转(P<0.05)。结论 苍附导痰汤能有效改善肥胖型PCOS-IR大鼠卵巢排卵和糖脂代谢功能,作用机制可能与调控卵巢TLR4/NF-κB p65信号通路有关。

姜黄素通过调节HMGB1/NF-κB通路对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用研究

目的:探讨姜黄素对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤(MI/RI)的保护作用及可能机制。方法:100只健康8周龄Sprague-Dawley大鼠采用随机数字表法分为假手术组、模型组、地尔硫䓬组、姜黄素组,每组25只。H9c2细胞分为对照组、缺氧/复氧组、姜黄素组。采用冠状动脉结扎法构建大鼠MI/RI模型,H9c2心肌细胞缺氧/复氧体外模拟MI/RI。采用BL-420S生物功能实验系统采集心电图(ECG)测量值;四唑盐(MTT)法测定H9c2细胞活性;酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测定血清和细胞上清液中的炎性细胞因子水平;苏木精-伊红(HE)染色及2,3,5-三苯基氯化四唑(TTC)观察损伤的心肌组织情况。蛋白质免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)通路相关蛋白水平。结果:TTC染色结果显示,姜黄素组心肌灰色改变较模型组少,地尔硫䓬组与姜黄素组心肌组织病理学无明显差异;苏木精-伊红(HE)染色结果显示,姜黄素组心肌组织纤维排列尚规则,无明显出血、水肿等改变,炎性细胞数量较少,地尔硫䓬组与姜黄素组心肌组织病理学则无明显差异。与假手术组比较,模型组ST段明显抬高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,姜黄素组ST段明显降低(P<0.05)。地尔硫䓬组与姜黄素组ST段比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与对照组比较,缺氧/复氧组、姜黄素组H9c2细胞活力降低(P<0.05);与缺氧/复氧组比较,姜黄素组H9c2细胞活力明显升高(P<0.05)。与假手术组比较,模型组、地尔硫䓬组、姜黄素组大鼠血清白细胞介素(IL-)6、IL-1β、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、肌酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平,HMGB1、p-IκBα、p-NF-κB p65蛋白水平明显升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,地尔硫䓬组、姜黄素组大鼠血清IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α、CK、LDH水平,HMGB1、p-IκBα、p-NF-κB p65蛋白水平明显降低(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,缺氧/复氧组、姜黄素组H9c2细胞上清液中IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α、CK、LDH水平,HMGB1、p-IκBα、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.05);与缺氧/复氧组比较,姜黄素组H9c2细胞上清液中IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α、CK、LDH水平,HMGB1、p-IκBα、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:姜黄素对大鼠心肌MI/RI损伤有保护作用,其机制可能与其参与HMGB1/NF-κB通路的调控有关。

番茄红素通过SIRT1/NF-κB轴抑制肾癌786-O细胞增殖且促进其凋亡

目的:探讨番茄红素通过沉默信息调节因子1(SIRT1)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)轴对肾癌786-O细胞增殖、凋亡的影响。方法:常规培养人正常肾细胞HK-2和人肾癌细胞786-O,实验分为对照组(0.1%DMSO)、顺铂组(40μg/mL)、番茄红素低质量浓度(2.5μg/mL)组、番茄红素高质量浓度(5μg/mL)组、番茄红素(5μg/mL)+EX527(SIRT1抑制剂)(3μmol/L)组。CCK-8法、克隆形成实验检测各组HK-2、786-O细胞的增殖能力,流式细胞术检测各组786-O细胞的凋亡,RH123、DCFH-DA染色分别检测各组786-O细胞的线粒体膜电位(MMP)、活性氧(ROS)水平,WB法检测各组786-O细胞中凋亡相关蛋白BAX、Bcl-2、C-casp3和SIRT1/NF-κB轴相关蛋白SIRT1、p-NF-κB蛋白的表达。786-O细胞移植瘤实验检测番茄红素低(5 mg/kg)、高质量浓度(20 mg/Kg)、顺铂(2 mg/kg)、番茄红素(20 mg/kg)+EX527(10 mg/kg)对移植瘤生长的影响,TUNEL法检测各组移植瘤组织中的细胞凋亡。结果:番茄红素呈剂量依赖性地抑制786-O细胞的增殖活性,番茄红素、顺铂均明显抑制786-O细胞的克隆形成能力且促进其凋亡,细胞中MMP损伤率升高而ROS水平降低,凋亡相关蛋白BAX、C-casp3表达均显著升高(均P<0.05)而Bcl-2表达下调(P<0.05),SIRT1表达显著升高(P<0.05)而p-NF-κB的表达显著降低(P<0.05),上述作用均可被EX527逆转;番茄红素、顺铂抑制786-O细胞移植瘤的生长且促进其细胞凋亡,其作用也能被EX527逆转。结论:番茄红素通过上调SIRT1、抑制NF-κB通路的激活进而抑制786-O细胞增殖且诱导其凋亡。

萜类中药单体调控核转录因子κB信号通路防治骨质疏松症的机制

背景:核转录因子κB信号通路在骨质疏松症的发病中扮演着重要的角色。近年来,大量的研究表明萜类中药单体化合物可以通过调控核转录因子κB信号通路,抑制骨吸收细胞的活性,促进骨形成细胞的分化,从而降低骨吸收并增加骨形成,对骨质疏松症具有一定的预防和治疗作用。目的:通过对国内外文献的分析和总结,深入研究核转录因子κB信号通路与骨质疏松症的关系,并对萜类中药单体化合物调控核转录因子κB信号通路防治骨质疏松症的作用机制进行阐明,同时对靶向调控核转录因子κB信号通路防治骨质疏松的萜类中药单体化合物进行系统性归纳。方法:由2名研究员根据拟定的纳入及排除标准以“NF-κB,骨质疏松症,成骨细胞,破骨细胞,血管生成,中药,萜类化合物”等为检索词检索中国知网数据库,以“NF-κB,osteoporosis,Osteoblasts,Osteoclasts,Angiogenesis,traditional Chinese medicine,terpenoid”等为检索词检索PubMed数据库相关文献,检索时间为建库至2022年12月,再通过第3名研究员对文献进行汇总和整理,最终纳入75篇文献进行系统性综述。结果与结论:①核转录因子κB信号通路能通过调控成骨细胞、破骨细胞的分化和增殖,以及血管生成,介导骨质疏松症的发病与进展。②核转录因子κB信号通路对成骨细胞的增殖和分化具有负调控的作用,激活核转录因子κB信号通路能增强破骨细胞的活性,抑制成骨细胞的生长,进而抑制代偿骨的生成保持骨稳态,但是过度激活核转录因子κB信号通路则会导致骨质疏松症。③核转录因子κB信号通路通过上调血管生成素1、血小板源性生长因子BB及血管内皮生长因子等细胞因子的表达水平,促进骨内血管生长,参与“血管生成-成骨”偶联。④萜类中药单体化合物在组织工程领域中具有促进骨细胞的增殖和分化,进而促进骨组织生长和修复的作用。⑤萜类中药单体化合物可以通过抑制核转录因子κB抑制蛋白降解,阻断核转录因子κB/P65蛋白磷酸化及核转位等过程,进而减弱核转录因子κB信号通路的传导,促进成骨细胞分化,抑制破骨细胞形成,起到防治骨质疏松的作用。⑥目前,萜类中药单体化合物调控核转录因子κB信号通路防治骨质疏松症的研究主要是基于体外细胞实验和动物模型,对于人体内复杂的生理和病理过程尚缺乏相关研究,未来需要开展更多的临床研究,进一步明确核转录因子κB信号通路参与干预骨质疏松症的作用机制和疗效。

梓醇对T2DM大鼠大血管病变的保护作用及与oxLDL/LDL和NF-κB信号通路的关系

目的探讨梓醇对2型糖尿病(T2DM)大鼠大血管病变的保护作用与氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)/低密度脂蛋白(LDL)和核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路的关系。方法用高糖高脂饲料喂养和腹腔注射STZ复合因素对大鼠进行T2DM造模,将大鼠分为模型组、二甲双胍组(134 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1))、梓醇组(10 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),另设对照组,每组10只,模型组和对照组给予相同体积的0.9%氯化钠溶液,干预4周。结束后,自动生化分析仪检测大鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、空腹血糖(FBG)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)和高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平;酶联免疫吸附法测定人巨噬细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、oxLDL含量;RT-PCR法检测主动脉壁LOX-1、NF-κB p65、MCP-1 mRNA表达;Western blot检测主动脉壁LOX-1、NF-κB p65、MCP-1蛋白表达;透射电镜观察大鼠主动脉内皮细胞结构。结果对照组大鼠主动脉内皮细胞形态正常,模型组细胞显著肿胀,连续性中断、见空泡,部分内皮细胞有显著脱落,细胞核褶皱变形,线粒体、内质网中度肿胀,嵴肿胀紊乱或溶解,见脂滴、糖原颗粒;二甲双胍组和梓醇组内皮细胞形态结构轻微肿胀,线粒体、内质网结构正常,细胞核轻微变形,部分内皮细胞有轻微脱落,损伤程度显著轻于模型组。与对照组比较,模型组血清FBG、TC、TG、LDL水平,MCP-1和oxLDL水平,主动脉壁LOX-1、NF-κB p65、MCP-1 mRNA及蛋白表达量显著性升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,二甲双胍组和梓醇组血清FBG、TC、TG、LDL水平,MCP-1和oxLDL水平,主动脉壁LOX-1、NF-κB p65、MCP-1 mRNA及蛋白表达量显著性降低(P<0.05)。结论梓醇可能通过oxLDL/LDL和NF-κB信号通路减轻T2DM大鼠大血管病变。

柯萨奇病毒B组5型非结构蛋白抑制NF-κB信号通路的作用机制研究

目的 柯萨奇病毒B组5型(CVB5)是手足口病的重要病原体之一,可导致发热、皮疹或疱疹等临床症状,重症者出现神经系统疾病,甚至死亡。天然免疫应答是机体抗病毒入侵的第一道防线,其中核因子κB (NF-κB)是宿主天然免疫反应中的重要蛋白质,然而关于CVB5感染后调控NF-κB介导信号通路的研究尚鲜有报道。方法 本研究通过检测启动子活性、促炎因子水平以及通路中关键蛋白表达等,阐明CVB5对NF-κB信号通路的调控作用机制。结果 CVB5感染可抑制促炎因子表达和p65的磷酸化。CVB5非结构蛋白(NSP)可抑制促炎因子表达以及重要蛋白p65和IκBα的磷酸化。经STRING11.1数据库预测表明,CVB5 3CD蛋白与宿主多聚胞嘧啶结合蛋白1 (PCBP1)具有相互作用,且PCBP1可促进IκBα和p65的磷酸化,抑制病毒复制。结论 CVB5 NSP可负调控NF-κB信号通路,且与3CD相互作用的PCBP1蛋白可通过调控NF-κB通路抑制CVB5复制。本研究探索病毒与宿主天然免疫应答的调控作用,从而为研制抗CVB5感染的药物提供作用靶点。

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.

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.

Integrin-linked kinase overexpression promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via nuclear factor-κB signaling in colorectal cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of integrin-linked kinase(ILK) on proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of the colorectal cancer cell line SW480. METHODS: In this study, the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was stably transfected with ILK plasmids, and small interfering RNA(si RNA) was used to knockdown expression of nuclear factor(NF)-κB/p65. Methylthiazole tetrazolium(MTT) assay was performed to measure proliferation, and the wound healing migration assay and matrigel invasion assay were used to test the metastasis and invasion ability of SW480 cells. To explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) process, embryonic development, and the invasion and metastasis of tumors, the protein level of E-cadherin, vimentin, snail, and slug was detected by western blot. Immunofluorescence was also used to detect E-cadherin expression. Western blot was used to determine the level of phosphorylated-inhibitor of kappa B(IκB)a, inhibitor of gamma B(IγB)a, and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) expressions and toexplore the ILK signaling pathway. RESULTS: Western blot results revealed that ILK expression significantly increased when ILK was overexpressed in SW480 cells(P < 0.05). Proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability were improved in the vector-ILK group compared to the vector group(P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results revealed that E-cadherin fluorescence intensity decreased after ILK was overexpressed(P < 0.05). Western blot results revealed that the protein expression of E-cadherin was reduced, while vimentin, snail, and slug were upregulated when ILK was overexpressed in SW480 cells(P < 0.05). In order to determine the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ILK overexpression promoted EMT occurrence, we overexpressed ILK in SW480 cells and found that levels of NF-κB/p65 and cytoplasmic phosphorylated-IκBa were increased and that cytoplasmic IкBa levels were decreased compared to the control group(P < 0.05). Furthermore, NF-κB/p65 knockout revealed that E-cadherin was increased in the overexpressed ILK group. CONCLUSION: ILK overexpression improved the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability of SW480 cells, and this effect may be mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p56 in lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group(P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.

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.

CYLD deletion triggers nuclear factor-κB-signaling and increases cell death resistance in murine hepatocytes

AIM:To analyze the role of CYLD for receptor-mediated cell death of murine hepatocytes in acute liver injury models.METHODS:Hepatocyte cell death in CYLD knockout mice(CYLD-/-)was analyzed by application of liver injury models for CD95-(Jo2)and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-[D-Gal N/lipopolysaccharide(LPS)]induced apoptosis.Liver injury was assessed by measurement of serum transaminases and histological analysis.Apoptosis induction was quantified by cleaved PARP staining and Western blotting of activated caspases.Nuclear factor(NF)-κB,ERK,Akt and jun amino-terminal kinases signaling were assessed.Primary Hepatocytes were isolated by two step-collagenase perfusion and treated with recombinant TNF-αand with the CD95-ligand Jo2.Cell viability was analyzed by MTT-assay.RESULTS:Livers of CYLD-/-mice showed increased anti-apoptotic NF-κB signaling.In both applied liver injury models CYLD-/-mice showed a significantly reduced apoptosis sensitivity.After D-Gal N/LPS treatment CYLD-/-mice exhibited significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(295 U/L vs 859 U/L,P<0.05)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(560 U/L vs 1025 U/L,P<0.01).After Jo injection CYLD-/-mice showed 2-fold lower ALT(50 U/L vs 110 U/L,P<0.01)and lower AST(250 U/L vs 435 U/L,P<0.01)serumlevels compared to WT mice.In addition,isolated CYLD-/-primary murine hepatocytes(PMH)were less sensitive towards death receptor-mediated apoptosis and showed increased levels of Bcl-2,XIAP,c IAP1/2,survivin and c-FLIP expression upon TNF-and CD95-receptor triggering,respectively.Inhibition of NF-κB activation by the inhibitor of NF-κB phosphorylation inhibitor BAY 11-7085 inhibited the expression of antiapoptotic proteins and re-sensitized CYLD-/-PMH towards TNF-and CD95-receptor mediated cell death.CONCLUSION:CYLD is a central regulator of apoptotic cell death in murine hepatocytes by controlling NF-κB dependent anti-apoptotic signaling.

Antidepressants can treat inflammatory bowel disease through regulation of the nuclear factor-κB/nitric oxide pathway and inhibition of cytokine production:A hypothesis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory disorders mainly affecting the colon and small intestine. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is restricted to the large intestine whereas CD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Treating this disorder depends on the form and level of severity. Common treatment involves an anti-inflammatory drug, such as mesalazine, and an immunosuppressant, such as prednisone. Several signaling pathways, including nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nitric oxide (NO), and genetic and environmental factors are believed to play an important role in IBD. Amitriptyline is a commonly used antidepressant with known anti-inflammatory activities. Amitriptyline also acts on the NF-κB/NO pathway or cytokine production. Therefore, we hypothesize that antidepressants like amitriptyline can be pioneered and considered effective as an innovative and effective therapeutic in the treatment and attenuation of development of IBD in adjusted doses.