Effects of nuclear factor-kappaB on rat hepatocyte regeneration and apoptosis after 70% portal branch ligation

AIM： To detect the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB （NF-KB） in rat hepatocyte and to investigate the effects of NF-KB on rat hepatocyte regeneration and apoptosis after 70% portal branch Iigation. METHODS： Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and portal branch ligation group. The animals were killed 12 h, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 d after surgery to determine the contents of plasma ALT. Hepatocytes were isolated and nuclear protein was extracted. DNA binding activity of NF-KB was measured by ENSA. Hepatocyte regeneration and apoptosis were observed under microscope by TUNEL staining. The ultrastructural changes of liver were observed under electron microscope. RESULTS： Seventy percent portal branch ligation produced atrophy of the ligated lobes and the perfused lobes underwent compensatory regeneration, the total liver weight and plasma ALT levels were maintained at the level of sham-operated animals throughout the experiment. After 2 d of portal branch ligation, DNA binding activity of NF-KB in hepatocyte increased and reached its peak, the number of apoptotic hepatocyte in the ligated lobes and the number of mitotic hepatocyte in the perfused lobes also reached their peak. Typical apoptotic changes and evident fibrotic changes in the ligated lobes were observed under electron microscope. CONCLUSION： After 70% portal branch ligation, DNA binding activity of NF-KB in hepatocyte is significantly increased and NF-KB plays an important role in hepatocyte regeneration and apoptosis.

Influence of edaravone on Notch1 and nuclear factor-kappaB in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND： It has been demonstrated that edaravone has a a neuroprotective role, inhibits free radical increase, and reduces celt apoptosis. The Notch pathway is a key factor in neurogenesis and cellular apoptosis The proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB （NF-κB） plays an important role in inflammation and oxidation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of edaravone on Notchl and NF-κB mRNA and protein expression in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized controlled neural and molecular biology experiment was performed at the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, and the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology between July 2007 and May 2008. MATERIALS： Thirty female Wistar rats were used. Edaravone was purchased from Jiangsu Xiansheng Pharmaceutical Limited Company, China. METHODS： Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups （n = 6）. Thread was inserted into the internal carotid artery of the sham operation group but the middle cerebral artery was not ligated. A focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was established by inserting thread into the right middle cerebral artery. The model rats in the edaravone groups were given tail vein injections of edaravone at 3 mg/kg body weight after ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 12 or 24 hours. Ischemia/reperfusion groups （model group） received intravenous infusion of normal saline at the same volume as the edaravone groups after ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 12 or 24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The volume of the ischemic region was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Notchl and NF-κB protein and mRNA expression were measured by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Protein expression was represented by the absorbance value. RESULTS： Edaravone greatly reduced the focal infarct volume. Notchl and NF-κB protein and mRNA expression were rapidly upregulated following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in model and edaravone groups compared with the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01 ）. In addition, edaravone treatment significantly upregulated Notchl expression but down-regulated NF-κB expression compared with model groups （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Edaravone possibly protects brain tissue from ischemia/reperfusion injury by upregulating Notchl expression and regulating NF-κB expression.

Bcl-2和NF-kB在大鼠酒精性肝病中的表达及相关性

目的观察大鼠酒精性肝病组织病理形态学改变,探讨细胞凋亡与Bcl-2、NF-kB的表达及意义。方法采用灌胃法制备大鼠酒精性肝病(ALD)模型,模型组用40%酒精8g/(kg.d)分二次灌胃共12周,对照组灌等量的生理盐水,实验第8、12周末分批处死动物。用HE染色及天狼星红染色观察肝脏病理学改变,用TUNEL法检测肝细胞的凋亡,用免疫组化法检测Bcl-2、NF-kB的表达。结果①模型组与对照组比较,肝细胞明显肿胀,可见大小不等的脂肪空泡,部分处可见点状、灶壮坏死,肝组织内胶原纤维轻度增生,随造模时间延长模型组病变加重。②凋亡的肝细胞主要位于肝组织中点状、灶状和碎屑样坏死区及其周围,模型组肝细胞凋亡指数明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。③Bcl-2和NF-kB阳性细胞主要分布在中央静脉及肝细胞坏死灶周围,模型组Bcl-2、NF-kB表达强度明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。④Bcl-2和NF-kB表达间存在相关性,且两者之间存在正相关关系(r=0.576,P<0.01)。结论大鼠酒精性肝病发生与肝细胞凋亡密切相关。大鼠酒精性肝病的发生、发展过程中Bcl-2和NF-kB参与肝细胞凋亡。NF-kB基因活化后,上调Bcl-2基因的表达。

Secoemestrin C Ameliorates Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation in Mice by Suppressing the TNF-α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Objective Secoemestrin C(SC),an epitetrathiodioxopiperazine isolated from Aspergillus nidulans,has been previously reported to have immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects against acute autoimmune hepatitis.However,the effect of SC on regulating the inflammation and its underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remain unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SC on inflammatory dermatosis both in vitro and in vivo.Methods In vitro,HaCaT cells were induced with tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α,10 ng/mL)to establish an inflammatory injury model,and the expression of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway components was measured using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.An in vivo mouse model of imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation was used to evaluate the effectiveness of SC in alleviating psoriasis.Results SC significantly blocked the activation of NF-κB signaling in TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells.In addition,systemic and local administration of SC improved psoriatic dermatitis in the IMQ-induced mouse model.SC reduced skin scale and significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in skin lesions.Conclusion The protective effect of SC against psoriatic-associated inflammation reveals its potential therapeutic value for treating psoriasis.

Fruits extracts of Hovenia dulcis Thunb.suppresses lipopolysaccharide—stimulated inflammatory responses through nuclear factor—kappaB pathway in Raw 264.7 cells

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and the action mechanism of the fruits of Horenia dulcis(H.dulcis) in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced mouse macrophage Raw 264.7cells.Methods:The extract of H.dulcis fruits(EHDF) were extracted with 70%ethanol.Mouse macrophages were treated with different concentrations of EHDF in the presence and absence of LPS(1 μg/mL).To demonstrate the inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide,inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 expression levels were analyzed by usingin vitro assay systems.COX-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 β.tumor necrosis factor- α and prostaglandin F_2 were determined using ELISA kits.Cell viability,heme oxygenase-1 expression,nuclear factor-kappaB and nuclear factor F.2-related factors 2 translocation were also investigated.Results:EHDF potently inhibited the LPS-stimulated nitric oxide,inducible nitric oxide synthase.COX-2,interleukin-1 β and tumor necrosis factor- α expression in a dose-dependent manner.EHDF suppressed the phosphorylation of inhibited kappaB-alpha and p65 nuclear translocation.Treatment of macrophage cells with EHDF alone induced the heme oxygenase-1 and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-reIated factor 2.Conclusions:These results suggest that the ethanol extract of H.dulcis fruit exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting inhibited kappaBalpha phorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB.

The clinical significance of CD97, NF-kB and COX-2 ingastric MALT lymphomas

Background and Objectives: Increased expression of the CD97, nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been found to play an important role in development of many cancers, including gastric neoplasm. However, the expression and biological behavior of CD97, NF-kB and COX-2 in gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma has not been well investigated. Methods: The expressions of CD97, COX-2 and NF-kB in 47 cases of gastric MALT lymphoma were detected immunohistochemically, and the relevance between their expressions and the biological behavior was analyzed retrospectively. Results: 1) The expressions of CD97, NF-kB and COX-2 were 87.2%, 36.2% and 48.9%, respectively;2) The difference of CD97 expression between depth of invasion limited in mucosa and submucosa and beyond muscularis propria was significant (100.0% vs. 71.4%, P < 0.01). Moreover, the expression of nuclear CD97 between stage IIE, III, IV and stage I patients showed significant difference (96.4% vs. 73.7%, P < 0.05);3) The expression of NF-kB was significantly correlated with tumor size, depth of invasion and stage;4) The expression of COX-2 was significantly correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection, clinical stage, depth of invasion and tumor size (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Expressions of CD97, NF-κB and COX-2 were correlated with tumor invasion and metastasis in gastric MALT lymphoma.

Inhibitory Activity of Nuclear Factor-κB Potentiates Cisplatin-induced Apoptosis in A549 Cells

Whether inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor （NF）-κB potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cell line A549 cells was investigated. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα expressing IκBα was constructed. The in vitro cultured A549 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1 （＋）/IκBα alone, or pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα combined with cisplatin. The mitochondrial membrane potential （△ψm） was determined by rhodamine 123, the activity of caspase-3 was tested by colorimetric assay, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry with the annexin V/propidium iodide assay. The results showed that the activity of NF-κB in A549 cells was inhibited by transfecting pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα. Transfection of pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα alone did not promote apoptosis. Treatment of cisplatin alone had a little effect on cell apoptosis. Transfection of pcDNA3.1（＋）/IκBα combined with cisplatin treatment significantly induced apoptosis of A549 ceils. It was concluded that inhibiting the activity of NF-κB potentiated cisplatin-induced apoptosis of A549 cells.

Spliceosomal GTPase Eftud2 regulates microglial activation and polarization

Elongation factor Tu GTP binding domain protein 2(Eftud2)is a spliceosomal GTPase that serves as an innate immune modulator restricting virus infection.Microglia are the resident innate immune cells and the key players of immune response in the central nervous system.However,the role of Eftud2 in microglia has not been reported.In this study,we performed immunofluorescent staining and western blot assay and found that Eftud2 was upregulated in microglia of a 5xFAD transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.Next,we generated an inducible microglia-specific Eftud2 conditional knockout mouse line(CX3CR1-CreER;Eftud2^(f/f) cKO)via Cre/loxP recombination and found that Eftud2 deficiency resulted in abnormal proliferation and promoted anti-inflammatory phenotype activation of microglia.Furthermore,we knocked down Eftud2 in BV2 microglia with siRNA specifically targeting Eftud2 and found that Eftud2-mediated regulation of microglial proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory phenotype activation in response to inflammation might be dependent on the NF-κB signaling pathway.Our findings suggest that Eftud2 plays a key role in regulating microglial polarization and homeostasis possibly through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

LITAF Promotes Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation by Stimulating the NF-κB Inflammatory Pathway

Objective Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-αfactor(LITAF)protein is a newly discovered inflammatory protein.This study aims to study the role of LITAF in the formation of atherosclerosis.Methods A total of 10 C57BL/6J mice and 10 C57BL/6J mice with knockout of LITAF gene(C57BL/6J–LITAF–)were divided into two groups:the control group and the LITAF^(−/−)group.The animals were accommodated for 16 weeks and then euthanized with their hearts and aortas isolated thereafter.Next,the roots of the mouse aorta were cryosectioned and stained with Oil Red O staining and immunohistochemical staining(CD68,α-SMA,and Masson),respectively.The area of Oil Red O staining and the proportion of positive expression after immunohistochemical staining were then compared between the control and LITAF^(−/−)groups.At the same time,the blood of mice was collected for the extraction of proteins and RNA.The proteins and RNA were used to detect the expression of major molecules of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway in mice in the control group and the LITAF^(−/−)group by Western blotting and RT-PCR.Results Oil Red O staining of the aortic root sections of the mice in each group revealed that the area of atherosclerotic plaques in the LITAF^(−/−)group was substantially lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,immunohistochemical staining determined that the expression level ofα-SMA and CD68 in the LITAF^(−/−)group was significantly lower than that in the control group,whereas the results were reversed following Masson staining(P<0.05).The expression levels of P65 and caspase 3 were significantly lower in the LITAF^(−/−)group than in the control group(P<0.05),whereas the expression level of IκB was higher in the LITAF^(−/−)group.Conclusion LITAF might participate in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque through the NF-κB pathway and play a promoting role in the formation of atherosclerosis.

NF-кB在肿瘤中的研究进展

核因子kappaB(NF-кB)因其在人体免疫,炎症,肿瘤的发生,发展,侵袭,转移等方面的重要作用而成为近来国际研究的热点。本文就其结构、功能、作用机制、与肿瘤的关系和未来研究方向等做一介绍。

抑制核因子-kB对糖尿病大鼠肾组织MT3-MMP mRNA表达的影响

【目的】研究抑制NF鄄资B活性对糖尿病大鼠肾组织膜3型基质金属蛋白酶(MT3鄄MMP)mRNA表达的影响。【方法】纯种雄性Wistar大鼠分为3组:A组为正常对照组(11只),B组为糖尿病大鼠未干预组(11只),C组为吡咯烷二硫基甲酸酯(PDTC,NF鄄资B活性抑制剂)干预组(9只)。以链脲佐菌素制备糖尿病模型。大鼠饲养18周后取出肾脏,以电泳迁移率变动分析技术检测NF鄄资B活性,RT鄄PCR检测MT3鄄MMPmRNA表达,以透射电镜检测肾小球基底膜厚度及系膜基质密度,并收集24h尿检测尿白蛋白排泄(UAE)。【结果】NF鄄资B活性在B组大鼠肾组织(1.85±0.54)×106明显高于A组(0.07±0.11)×106,P<0.01,C组(0.25±0.25)×106明显低于B组,P<0.01。肾组织MT3鄄MMPmRNA表达B组大鼠(1.37±0.96)明显高于A组(0.75±0.34),P<0.01,C组(0.75±0.36)明显低于B组(P<0.01)。与A组大鼠比较,肾小球基底膜厚度(531.6±107.6)nmvs(312.4±25.4)nm,P<0.01)及系膜基质密度(56.41±6.78)vs(33.95±5.22),P<0.01,均显著增高,C组肾小球基底膜厚度(315.8±21.4)nm及系膜基质密度(37.97±7.37)均显著低于B组,均P<0.01。UAE在B组大鼠(2.18±1.98)显著高于A组(0.41±0.47),P<0.05,以及C组(0.56±0.72),P<0.05。【结论】糖尿病大鼠肾组织NF鄄资B活性及MT3鄄MMPmRNA表达增加,抑制NF鄄资B活性可使肾组织MT3鄄MMPmRNA表达降低。

β-谷甾醇对脂多糖诱导的小鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用研究

为了探究β-谷甾醇对LPS诱导的急性肺损伤小鼠的保护作用及其可能的机制,利用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定β-谷甾醇对RAW 264.7细胞产生肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的影响。给BALB/c小鼠鼻腔滴注LPS(0.5mg/kg)构建小鼠急性肺损伤模型,滴鼻24 h后检测各指标。ELISA检测小鼠肺泡灌洗液中(BALF)的炎性细胞因子含量;称重法检测肺组织湿/干重比和肺含水量;HE染色法观察肺组织病理形态学变化;应用蛋白印迹法(western blot)检测小鼠肺脏中核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号转导通路中相关蛋白的含量变化。结果表明,β-谷甾醇能剂量依赖性降低RAW 264.7细胞上清及ALI小鼠BALF中TNF-α和IL-6的表达水平。肺脏称重结果和病理形态学结果显示β-谷甾醇可明显减轻LPS诱导的肺水肿和炎症反应。另外,western blot结果表明β-谷甾醇不仅能够下调NF-κB p65的活化,还抑制了NF-κB阻断剂IκBα的磷酸化。β-谷甾醇对LPS所致的小鼠急性肺损伤有较好的保护作用,其保护机制可能与阻止炎症因子(TNF-α、IL-6)的释放和下调NF-κB信号转导通路的活化有关。

葱属类植物中有机硫化物的抗氧化性研究进展

葱属类植物因含有高含量的有机硫化物而具有高抗氧化性,有机硫化物因硫氢键的断裂,或与不同的环状结构、烯丙基等基团结合,形成种类丰富的活性物质,发挥特有的生理功能。本文主要探讨葱属类植物中有机硫化物的组成、活性,以及有机硫化物对以核因子E2相关因子2(Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2,Nrf2)、核转录因子(Nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)这两个核因子为主的信号通路的影响,为进一步增进对葱属类食物的了解和有机硫化物的抗氧化机制提供一定的理论依据。

Influences of IL-6R Antibody on PMMA Bone Cement-mediated Expression of OPG and RANKL in Synovial Fibroblasts

Effect of interleukin-6 receptor （IL-6R） antibody on polymethyl methacrylate （PMMA） bone cement-mediated expression of osteoprotegerin （OPG） and ：receptor activator of nuclear fac- tor-kappaB ligand （RANKL） in synovial fibroblasts was investigated. Synovial tissue obtained from to- tal knee arthroplasty was digested and cultured. Inverted microscope was employed to observe the synovial cells and immunocytochemistry （SABC method） staining was used to identify synovial fibro- blasts. This experiment was divided into three groups according to different culture media： PMMA group （75μg/mL PMMA bone cement particles）, IL-6R antibody group （10 ng/mL IL-6R antibody＋75 μg/mL PMMA bone cement particles）, and control group （no IL-6R antibody or PMMA bone cement particles）. Influence of IL-6R antibody and PMMA on proliferation of synovial fibroblasts was meas- ured by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. ELISA method was used to measure OPG and RANKL levels in culture solution. Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR （FQ-PCR） was used to detect the expression of OPG and RANKL mRNA. After three consecutive passages, more than 95% of the primary synovial cells became long spindle fibroblast-like cells. SABC staining results showed that the fibroblast-like cells were negative for anti-CD68 antibody and positive for anti-vimentin antibody, with brown madder stained. CCK-8 test demonstrated that the absorbance （A） value at 450 nm was significantly lower in IL-6R antibody group than in PMMA group and control group （P〈0.01）, but there was no statistically significant difference in A value at 450 nm between the control group and PMMA group （P〉0.05）. Re- suits of ELISA indicated that the expression of OPG was significantly higher in IL-6R antibody group than in PMMA group and control group （P〈0.01）. The expression of RANKL was inhibited （P〈0.05）, and the ratio of OPG/RANKL was significantly increased in IL-6R antibody group as compared with PMMA group and control group. There was no significant difference in the expression of OPG between control group and PMMA group （P〉0.05）, but the expression of RANKL was higher in PMMA group than in control group （P〈0.05）, and there was a significant difference in the ratio of OPG/RANKL be- tween them （P〈0.05）. Results of FQ-PCR revealed the expression of RANKL mRNA was significantly inhibited （P〈0.01） and the expression of OPG mRNA was significantly increased （P〈0.01） in IL-6R an- tibody group as compared with PMMA group and control group. The expression of RANKL mRNA was higher in PMMA group than in control group （P〈0.05）, but the expression of OPG mRNA had no sig- nificant difference between them （P〉0.05）. IL-6R antibody could significantly increase the expression of OPC~ but inhibit the expression of RANKL, which might provide a theoretical basis of molecular bi- ology for the prevention and treatment of aseptic loosening of prosthesis.

Effect of Aβ protein on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM： To identify the effect and regulatory mechanism of amyloid β （Aβ） protein on retinal pigment epithelial （RPE） cells in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and clarify Aβ role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration （AMD）. METHODS： The model of Aβ25-35 protein cytotoxicity in RPE cell was successfully established to investigate the effect of Aβ protein on RPE cells in vitro. Based on Aβ protein, the specific inhibitors （HY-50682 or BAY11-7082） or activating agent （lipopolysaccharide） was used to analyze the regulatory mechanism of Aβ protein to RPE cells on cell proliferation and apoptosis by flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS： The number of RPE cells, treated with Aβ25-35 from 0.3 to 60 μmol/L, significantly reduce （P〈0.01）, and had the dose-dependent effect. Aβ protein 60 μmol/L inhibits the G1/S phase transition （P〈0.01） and down-regulated cyclin E mRNA level （P〈0.01）. Similarly, Aβ25-35 induced a significant increase of cell apoptosis, accompanied by the significantly higher level of activated caspase 3 protein. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappaB （NF-κB） activity and hosphorylated Iκ-Ba level would significantly lower in treated RPE cells. Using specific inhibitors or activating agent based on the Aβ, the cell numbers, NF-κB activity, phosphorylated Iκ-Ba level, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts （RAGE） gene expression levels, cyclin E mRNA level and activated caspase 3 level had accordingly changed by different methods, confirming that RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Aβ protein on RPE cell apoptosis and proliferation. CONCLUSION： Aβ protein inhibits cell proliferation and activates apoptosis via inactivation of the RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway in RPE cell.

Losartan reduced connexin43 expression in left ventricular myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective:To assess the effect of angiotensin II type 1(AT1)receptor antagonist losartan on myocardium con- nexin43(Cx43)gap junction(GJ)expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs)and investigate possible mechanisms. Methods:Sixteen 9-week-old male SHRs and 8 age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats were included in this study.SHRs were randomly divided into two groups to receive losartan at 30 mg/(kg·d)by oral gavage once daily for 8 weeks(SHR-L)or vehicle(0.9%saline)to act as controls(SHR-V);WKY rats receiving vehicle for 8 weeks served as normotensive controls.At the end of the experiment,rats were sacrificed and the hearts were removed.Expressions of Cx43 and nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-κB p65)proteins in all three groups were observed and further investigations on the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan(30 mg/(kg·d),8 weeks)on Cx43 expression were conducted with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. NF-κB p65 protein in nuclear extracts was determined by Western blot.Results:Left ventricular(LV)hypertrophy was prominent in SHRs,Cx43 and NF-κB p65 protein expressions were obviously upregulated and Cx43 distribution was dispersed over the cell surface.Treatment with losarton reduced the over-expressions of Cx43 and NF-κB p65 in LV myocardium.The distribution of Cx43 gap junction also became much regular and confined to intercalated disk after losartan treatment.Conclu- sion:Cx43 level was upregulated in LV myocardium of SHR during early stage of hypertrophy.Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan prevented Cx43 gap junction remodeling in hypertrophied left ventricles,possibly through the NF-κB pathway.

Zinc-deficient diet aggravates ventilation-induced lung injury in rats

We investigated the effects of zinc deficiency on acute lung injury （ALI） induced by mechanical ventilation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a zinc-deficient or zinc-proficient diet for 4 weeks, and then received mechanical ventilation at normal frequency and pressure for 30 min. Total protein, cell count, the number of poly- morphonuclear neutrophil （PMN） in the bronchoalveolar lavage （BAL）, and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） expression in the lung were determined. Activation of nuclear factor-t^B （NF-~cB） was detected by exam- ining the phosphorylation of NF-kB （pNF-kB p65） and the expression of inhibitor of NF-kB （pI-kBa）. Compared to the controls, total cell count and the number of PMNs were significantly increased to 160% and 140%, respec- tively, in zinc-deficient rats treated with ventilation. Activation of NF-kB was significantly increased and VEGF was also increased to three-folds. Zinc deficiency aggravated the inflammatory response in rats and was associated with the overexpression of VEGF in response to mechanical ventilation. Zinc supplementation may be beneficial to zinc-deficient patients during mechanical ventilation.

Effect of remifentanil on toll-like receptor 4, NF-κB and IL-6 in rabbit myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model

Objective： To investigate whether remifentanil induced cardioprotecting effect is associated with expression of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）, nuclear factor rB （NF-r.B） and serum interleukin -6 （IL-6）. Methods： Fifty rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups （n=10） according to the treatment： sham operation group （group A）, ischemla-reperfusion group （group B）, low-dose remifentanil group （group C）, mediate-dose remifentanil group （group D）, and high-dose remlfentanil group （group E） Myocardial TLR4 mRNA levels, NF-r.B protein expression and serum levels of IL-6 were observed in 120 min after reperfusion. Results： The myocardial expressions of TLR4 mRNA, NF-rd3 protein and IL-6 level in sera of groups B, C, D and E were elevated compared with group A. However, remifentanil significantly reduced the levels of TLR4 mRNA, NF- r.B protein expression and serum IL-6 in groups C, D and E compared with group B. There were remarkable differences between the groups （P〈O.O1）. Conclusion： Intravenous remifentanil has protective effect against rabbit myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. This effect may be associated with TLR4, NF-r.B expressions on myocytes and serum level of IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner

Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsule on Bone Metabolism and Serum TLR4NF-kB in Rats with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective:To elucidate the effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsule(HQC)on bone metabolism and serum TLR4 and NF-kB in rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA),and to provide experimental bases for the treatment of RA with HQC.Methods:A total of 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,western medicine treatment group,and HQC group,with 10 rats in each group,and the RA model was induced by complete adjuvant in all groups except the normal group.After successful modeling,they were treated for 4 weeks to compare the degree of joint swelling;meanwhile,micro-CT was used to evaluate bone microstructural parameters,and changes in serum TLR4 and NF-kB expression levels were detected by ELISA.Results:There was no statistical significance in comparing the degree of joint swelling among the model group,western medicine treatment group and HQC group(P>0.05);Micro-CT results showed that bone microstructural parameters deteriorated in the osteoporosis model group compared with the normal group.Both western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine HQC could improve the bone microjunction of RA rats,and the HQC group was better than the western medicine treatment in improving the number of bone trabeculae(2.58±0.19)·mm^(-1);the serum results showed that RA was accompanied by the up-regulation of the expression of TLR4 and NF-kB.Both western drugs and HQC down-regulated the high expression of serum TLR4 and NF-kB in osteoporotic rats,and the down-regulation of serum TLR4(9.90±0.55)ng·ml^(-1)and NF-kB(350.29±3.14)ng·L^(-1)by HQC was more obvious.Conclusion:Chinese herbal medicine HQC can significantly improve the bone microstructure of RA rats,and its effect is better than that of western medicine in some aspects.The mechanism of action of HQC is related to the inhibition of the activation of the TLR4/NF-kB pathway,and this study provides an experimental basis for the further development and utilization of HQC.