High mobility group box 1 in the central nervous system:regeneration hidden beneath inflammation

High-mobility group box 1 was first discovered in the calf thymus as a DNA-binding nuclear protein and has been widely studied in diverse fields,including neurology and neuroscience.High-mobility group box 1 in the extracellular space functions as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern,which has been proven to play an important role in a wide variety of central nervous system disorders such as ischemic stroke,Alzheimer’s disease,frontotemporal dementia,Parkinson’s disease,multiple sclerosis,epilepsy,and traumatic brain injury.Several drugs that inhibit high-mobility group box 1 as a damage-associated molecular pattern,such as glycyrrhizin,ethyl pyruvate,and neutralizing anti-high-mobility group box 1 antibodies,are commonly used to target high-mobility group box 1 activity in central nervous system disorders.Although it is commonly known for its detrimental inflammatory effect,high-mobility group box 1 has also been shown to have beneficial pro-regenerative roles in central nervous system disorders.In this narrative review,we provide a brief summary of the history of high-mobility group box 1 research and its characterization as a damage-associated molecular pattern,its downstream receptors,and intracellular signaling pathways,how high-mobility group box 1 exerts the repair-favoring roles in general and in the central nervous system,and clues on how to differentiate the pro-regenerative from the pro-inflammatory role.Research targeting high-mobility group box 1 in the central nervous system may benefit from differentiating between the two functions rather than overall suppression of high-mobility group box 1.

Delayed ethyl pyruvate therapy attenuates experimental severe acute pancreatitis via reduced serum high mobility group box 1 levels in rats

AIM： To investigate the effect of delayed ethyl pyruvate （EP） delivery on distant organ injury, survival time and serum high mobility group box 1 （HMGB1） levels in rats with experimental severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. METHODS： A SAP model was induced by retrograde injection of artificial bile into the pancreatic ducts of rats. Animals were divided randomly into three groups （n = 32 in each group）： sham group, SAP group and delayed EP treatment group. The rats in the delayed EP treatment group received EP （30 mg/kg） at 12 h, 18 h and 30 h after induction of SAP. Animals were sacrificed, and samples were obtained at 24 h and 48 h after induction of SAP. Serum HMGB1, aspartate arninotransferase （AST）, alanine arninotransferase （ALT）, blood urea nitrogen （BUN）, and creatinine （Cr） levels were measured. Lung wet-to-dry-weight （W/D） ratios and histological scores were calculated to evaluate lung injury. Additional experiments were performed between SAP and delayed EP treatment groups to study the influence of EP on survival times of SAP rats. RESULTS： Delayed EP treatment significantly reduced serum HMGB1 levels, and protected against liver, renal and lung injury with reduced lung W/D ratios （8.22 ±0.42 vs 9.76 ± 0.45, P 〈 0.01）, pulmonary histological scores （7.1 ± 0.7 vs 8.4 ± 1.1, P 〈 0.01）, serum AST （667 ± 103 vs 1 368 ± 271, P 〈 0.01）, ALT （446 ± 91 vs 653 ± 98, P 〈 0.01） and Cr （1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.8 ± 0.3, P 〈 0.01） levels. SAP rats had a median survival time of 44 h. Delayed EP treatment significantly prolonged median survival time to 72 h （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Delayed EP therapy protects against distant organ injury and prolongs survival time via reduced serum HMGBllevels in rats with experimental SAP. EP may potentially serve as an effective new therapeutic option against the inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） in SAP patients.

Novel insights for high mobility group box 1 proteinmediated cellular immune response in sepsis:A systemic review

High mobility group box 1 protein （HMGB1） is a highly conserved, ubiquitous protein in the nuclei and cytoplasm of nearly all cell types. HMGB1 is secreted into the extracellular milieu and acts as a proinflammatory cytokine. In this article we reviewed briefly the cellular immune response mediated by HMGB1 in inflammation and sepsis. This systemic review is mainly based on our own work and other related reports HMGB1 can actively affect the immune functions of many types of cells including T lymphocytes, regulatory T cells （Tregs）, dendritic cells （DCs）, macrophages, and natural killer cells （NK cells）. Various cellular responses can be mediated by HMGB1 which binds to cell-surface receptors [e.g., the receptor for advanced glycation end products （RAGE）, Toll-like receptor （TLR）2, and TLR4]. Anti-HMGB1 treatment, such as anti-HMGB1 polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, inhibitors （e.g., ethyl pyruvate） and antagonists （e.g., A box）, can protect against sepsis lethality and give a wider window for the treatment opportunity. HMGB1 is an attractive target for the development of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of patients with septic complications.

Changes of High Mobility Group box 1 in Serum of Pig Acute Hepatic Failure Model and Significance

The role of the high mobility group box 1 （HMGB-1） in acute hepatic failure and the effect of artificial liver support system treatment on HMGB-1 level were investigated. Pig models of acute hepatic failure were induced by D-galactosamine and randomly divided into two groups with or without artificial liver support system treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） levels were detected by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）, the expression of HMGB-1 by Western blot, and serum levels of HMGB-1, liver function and hepatic pathology were observed after artificial liver support system treatment. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased and reached the peak at 24th h in the acute hepatic failure group, then quickly decreased. The serum level of HMGB-1 was increased at 24th h in the acute hepatic failure group and reached the peak at 48th h, then kept a stable high level. Significant liver injury appeared at 24th h and was continuously getting worse in the pig models of acute hepatic failure. In contrast, the liver injury was significantly alleviated and serum level of HMGB-1 was significantly decreased in the group treated with artificial liver support system （P〈0.05）. It was suggested that HMGB-1 may participate in the inflammatory response and liver injury in the late stage of the acute liver failure. Artificial liver support system treatment can reduce serum HMGB-1 level and relieve liver pathological damage.

Association between thrombomodulin and high mobility group box 1 in sepsis patients

BACKGROUND High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)has been studied as a molecule associated with severe outcomes in sepsis and thrombomodulin(TM)seems to decrease HMGB1 activity.AIM To investigate the role of the thrombomodulin/high mobility group box 1(T/H)ratio in patients with sepsis and their association with their clinic,testing the hypothesis that higher ratios are associated with better outcomes.METHODS Twenty patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock,according to the 2016 criteria sepsis and septic shock(Sepsis-3),were studied.Patients were followed until they left the intensive care unit or until they achieved 28 d of hospitalization(D28).The following clinical outcomes were observed:Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score;Need for mechanical pulmonary ventilation;Presence of septic shock;Occurrence of sepsis-induced coagulopathy;Need for renal replacement therapy(RRT);and Death.RESULTS The results showed that patients with SOFA scores greater than or equal to 12 points had higher serum levels of TM:76.41±29.21 pg/mL vs 37.41±22.55 pg/mL among those whose SOFA scores were less than 12 points,P=0.003.The T/H ratio was also higher in patients whose SOFA scores were greater than or equal to 12 points,P=0.001.The T/H ratio was,on average,three times higher in patients in need of RRT(0.38±0.14 vs 0.11±0.09),P<0.001.CONCLUSION Higher serum levels of TM and,therefore,higher T/H ratio in the first 24 h after the diagnosis of sepsis were associated with more severe disease and the need for renal replacement therapy,while those with better clinical outcomes and those who were discharged before D28 showed a tendency for lower T/H ratio values.

Relationship of plasma homocysteine, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, high mobility group box 1 protein with carotid intima-media thickness in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective:To explore the relationship of plasma homocysteine(Hcy),soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1)and high mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1)with carotid intima-media thickness(c-IMT)in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A total of 100 elderly patients who were diagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus in Baogang Hospital of Inner Mongolia from June 2017 to May 2020 were chosen as research objects.According to c-IMT,they were divided into the normal group(n=35),the mild to moderate group(n=41)and the severe group(n=24).The expression levels of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1 and HMGB1 were compared between groups respectively.Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1,HMGB1 with c-IMT.Results:The comparison in plasma Hcy,sICAM-1,HMGB1 and c-IMT among the three groups of patients was of statistical significance(p<.05).The results of correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1 and HMGB1 were positively correlated with c-IMT in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(r=.627,.598,.614;p<.05).Conclusions:The expression levels of plasma Hcy,sICAM-1 and HMGB1 are abnormally increased in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and related to c-IMT,which can provide a strong evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment by detecting their levels in clinical practice.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomeloaded miR-129-5p targets high-mobility group box 1 attenuates neurological-impairment after diabetic cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Diabetic intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH)is a serious complication of diabetes.The role and mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)-derived exosomes(BMSC-exo)in neuroinflammation post-ICH in patients with diabetes are unknown.In this study,we investigated the regulation of BMSC-exo on hyperglycemia-induced neuroinflammation.AIM To study the mechanism of BMSC-exo on nerve function damage after diabetes complicated with cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS BMSC-exo were isolated from mouse BMSC media.This was followed by transfection with microRNA-129-5p(miR-129-5p).BMSC-exo or miR-129-5poverexpressing BMSC-exo were intravitreally injected into a diabetes mouse model with ICH for in vivo analyses and were cocultured with high glucoseaffected BV2 cells for in vitro analyses.The dual luciferase test and RNA immunoprecipitation test verified the targeted binding relationship between miR-129-5p and high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1).Quantitative polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to assess the levels of some inflammation factors,such as HMGB1,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β,toll-like receptor 4,and tumor necrosis factorα.Brain water content,neural function deficit score,and Evans blue were used to measure the neural function of mice.RESULTS Our findings indicated that BMSC-exo can promote neuroinflammation and functional recovery.MicroRNA chip analysis of BMSC-exo identified miR-129-5p as the specific microRNA with a protective role in neuroinflammation.Overexpression of miR-129-5p in BMSC-exo reduced the inflammatory response and neurological impairment in comorbid diabetes and ICH cases.Furthermore,we found that miR-129-5p had a targeted binding relationship with HMGB1 mRNA.CONCLUSION We demonstrated that BMSC-exo can reduce the inflammatory response after ICH with diabetes,thereby improving the neurological function of the brain.

Effects of electroacupuncture at lower he-sea points on interleukin-1β and high mobility group box 1 in model rats with ulcerative colitis

Objective To comparatively observe the effect of electroacupuncture at digestive system-related lower he-sea points on the expressions of serum interleukin-1β（IL-1 β）, tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） of colon tissues and high mobility group box 1 protein（HMGB 1） of ulcerative colitis（UC） model rats, and to explore whether there is relative specificity of electroacupuncture at Shàngjùxū（上巨虚 ST 37）, one of lower he-sea points of large intestine, in treatment of bowel diseases. Method A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, ST 37 group, Zúsānl？（足三里 ST 36） group, Xiàjùxū（下巨虚 ST 39） group and Yánglíngquán（阳陵泉 GB 34） group. There were ten rats in each group; five were males, and five were females. UC models were established by clysis with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid/alcohol solution. After modeling, treatment was conducted for ten days, specimens were collected, colonic ulcers and inflammation were inspected visually and scored. The content of serum IL-1β and the expressions of TNF-α and HMGB 1 in colon were detected through ELISA. Results 1 Compared with control group, the scores of colonic ulcers and inflammation, the content of serum IL-1β and the expressions of TNF-α（except ST 37 group） and HMGB 1 were all higher（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）; 2 compared with model group, the scores of colonic ulcers in ST 36 group and ST 37 group were lower obviously（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）; the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB 1 in the four treatment groups were lower obviously（P〈0.01）; 3 compared with ST 37 group, the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB 1 in other three treatment groups were higher obviously（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）; and the scores of colonic ulcers in ST 39 group and GB 34 group were higher obviously（P〈0.05）. Conclusion 1 The score of colonic ulcers can be reduced through electroacupuncture at ST 37, ST 36, ST 39 and GB 34, which can also reduce the content of serum IL-1β and the expressions of TNF-α and HMGB 1, and effectively inhibit inflammatory response of colon caused by UC; 2 the effect trend of the four acupoints in treatment of UC is： ST 37ST 36ST 39GB 34, and electroacupuncture at ST 37 has the best effect with relative specificity.

The role of high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that can bind to DNA and act as a co-factor for gene transcription. When released into extracellular fluid, it plays a proinflammatory role by acting as a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) (also known as an alarmin) to initiate innate immune responses by activating multiple cell surface receptors such as the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR2, TLR4 or TLR9. This proinflammatory role is now considered to be important in the pathogenesis of a wide range of kidney diseases whether they result from hemodynamic changes, renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis, kidney tissue fibrosis or inflammation. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of HMGB1 in kidney diseases and how the HMGB1-mediated signaling pathway may constitute a new strategy for the treatment of kidney diseases. (C) 2016 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

The Effect of a Novel Cytokine,High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein,on the Development of Traumatic Sepsis

Sepsis and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS) are frequent complications after severe traumata or burns involving a large area,and these remain as the two most common causes of morbidity and mortality in critical illnesses.Despite the recent rapid advances in intensive

Inflammatory response and immune regulation of high mobility group box-1 protein in treatment of sepsis

Sepsis is an infection induced systemic inflammatory response syndrome and is a major cause of morbidity as well as mortality in intensive care units. A growing body of evidence suggests that the activation of a proinflammatory cascade is responsible for the development of immune dysfunction, susceptibility to severe sepsis and septic shock. The present theories of sepsis as a dysregulated inflammatory response and immune function, as manifested by excessive release of inflammatory mediators such as high mobility group box 1 protein （HMGB1）, are supported by increasing studies employing animal models and clinical observations of sepsis. HMGB1, originally described as a DNA-binding protein and released passively by necrotic cells and actively by macrophages/monocytes, has been discovered to be one of essential cytokines that mediates the response to infection, injury and inflammation. A growing number of studies still focus on the inflammation-regulatory function and its contribution to infectious and inflammatory disorders, recent data suggest that HMGB1 formation can also markedly influence the host cell-mediated immunity, including T lymphocytes and macrophages. Here we review emerging evidence that support extracellular HMGB1 as a late mediator of septic complications, and discuss the therapeutic potential of several HMGBl-targeting agents in experimental sepsis. In addition, with the development of traditional Chinese medicine in recent years, it has been proven that traditional Chinese herbal materials and their extracts have remarkable effective in treating severe sepsis. In this review, we therefore provide some new concepts of HMGBl-targeted Chinese herbal therapies in sepsis.

Role of high mobility group box protein 1 in depression:A mechanistic and therapeutic perspective

As a common and serious psychiatric disorder,depression significantly affects psychosocial functioning and quality of life.However,the mechanism of depression is still enigmatic and perplexing,which limits its precise and effective therapeutic methods.Recent studies demonstrated that neuroinflammation activation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of depression.In this respect,high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)may be a possible signaling inducer of neuroinflammation and can be a potential mechanistic and therapeutic target for depression.Herein,we review recent studies on the mechanistic and therapeutic targets of HMGB1 in depression and propose potential perspectives on this topic.

MiR-142-3p Regulates ILC1s by Targeting HMGB1 via the NF-κB Pathway in a Mouse Model of Early Pregnancy Loss

Objective Innate lymphoid cells(ILCs)are a class of newly discovered immunocytes.Group 1 ILCs(ILC1s)are identified in the decidua of humans and mice.High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)is predicted to be one of the target genes of miR-142-3p,which is closely related to pregnancy-related diseases.Furthermore,miR-142-3p and HMGB1 are involved in regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.This study aimed to examine the regulatory effect of miR-142-3p on ILC1s and the underlying mechanism involving HMGB1 and the NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods Mouse models of normal pregnancy and abortion were constructed,and the alterations of ILC1s,miR-142-3p,ILC1 transcription factor(T-bet),and pro-inflammatory cytokines of ILC1s(TNF-α,IFN-γand IL-2)were detected in mice from different groups.The targeting regulation of HMGB1 by miR-142-3p in ILC1s,and the expression of HMGB1 in normal pregnant mice and abortive mice were investigated.In addition,the regulatory effects of miR-142-3p and HMGB1 on ILC1s were detected in vitro by CCK-8,Annexin-V/PI,ELISA,and RT-PCR,respectively.Furthermore,changes of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ILC1s were examined in the different groups.For the in vivo studies,miR-142-3p-Agomir was injected in the uterus of abortive mice to evaluate the abortion rate and alterations of ILC1s at the maternal-fetal interface,and further detect the expression of HMGB1,pro-inflammatory cytokines,and the NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The number of ILC1s was significantly increased,the level of HMGB1 was significantly upregulated,and that of miR-142-3p was considerably downregulated in the abortive mice as compared with the normal pregnant mice(all P<0.05).In addition,miR-142-3p was found to drastically inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).The number of ILC1s and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited in the miR-142-3p Agomir group(all P<0.05).Conclusion miR-142-3p can regulate ILC1s by targeting HMGB1 via the NF-κB signaling pathway,and attenuate the inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface in abortive mice.

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.

Glycyrrhizic acid alleviates lung injury in sepsis through SIRT1/HMGB1 pathway

Objectives:This study explores the protective effects of glycyrrhizic acid(GA)on sepsis-induced cellular damage and inflammation in acute lung injury(ALI),specifically through the modulation of the sirtuin 1(SIRT1)and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)pathway.Methods:The study employed two experimental models:lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BEAS-2B human lung epithelial cells and cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)rats,to simulate sepsis conditions.The cell model involved treatments with LPS,GA,control siRNA(si-NC),and SIRT1-specific siRNA(si-SIRT1).Evaluations included cell viability,apoptosis,and cytokine production.In the rat model,treatments included GA and the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527,with assessments on lung tissue damage,inflammation,and protein expression using Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)analysis.Results:LPS exposure significantly reduced SIRT1 mRNA levels and cell viability in BEAS-2B cells,which effects were reversed by cotreatment with GA and si-NC but negated by si-SIRT1.LPS also induced apoptosis and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and HMGB1 expression,which were mitigated by GA and si-NC and exacerbated by si-SIRT1.In CLP rats,GA treatment decreased lung tissue damage,inflammatory cytokines,and HMGB1 expression,and enhanced SIRT1 levels.However,these protective effects were reversed when GA was combined with EX527.Conclusion:GA demonstrates significant protective effects against LPS-induced damage and inflammation in lung cells and tissue by modulating the SIRT1-HMGB1 pathway.This suggests that GA could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating sepsis and related inflammatory conditions.

Prognostic significance of combining high mobility group Box-1 and OV-6 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

The inflammatory environment and existence of cancer stem cells are critical for progression and intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） after curative resections. Here, we investigated the prognostic significance of combining high mobility group box 1 （HMGB1） expression and hepatic progenitor marker OV6 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression of HMGB 1 and OV6 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry profiling in tissue microarrays containing samples from 208 HCC patients. Invasive clinical or pathological factors were found in patients with high expression of HMGB 1 or OV6. Higher HMGB1 was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, and independently related to elevated 5-year recurrence incidence （85.5% vs. 62.4%, P〈0.001）. We also found that more OV6 positive staining was correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients （P〈0.001）. Notably, expression of HMGB 1 was positively correlated with OV6 in density （R2=0.032, P〈0.001） and reversely related to HCC outcomes. Abnormal expression of HMGBI in combination with positive staining of OV6 displayed poorer prognostic performance than single biomarker alone （area under curve （AUC） survival=0.696）. Therefore, HMGB 1 and OV6 positive staining are promising prognostic parameters for HCC, and we propose that HMGB1 and OV6 may cooperate with each other and predict poor prognosis of HCC.

Expression of HMGB1 Protein in Human Cervical Squamous Epithelium Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of the high mobility group boxl（HMGB1） in human cervical squamous epithelial carcinoma （CSEC） and to explore the relationship of HMGB1 expression to the differentiation degree, size, invasion and metastasis of CSEC. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays and Western blot analysis were conducted to detect the expression of HMGB1 in the following tissue samples： 30 carcinoma in situ, 90 invasive CSEC without metastasis, 30 invasive CSEC with metastasis, 30 cases of normal cervical squamous epithelia. RESULTS The positive-expression rate of HMGB1 was 58.7% （88/150） in CSEC, showing a significant difference compared to normal cervical squamous epithelia. The expression of HMGB1 was correlated with tumor size, invasion and metastasis of CSEC （respectively, P〈0.01）, but had no relationship with the degree of differentiation （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION The over-expression of HMGB1 in CSEC might be a useful parameter as an indication of tumor invasion, metastasis, prognosis and overall biological behavior of human CSEC, as well as a noval target site for gene therapy.

Abdominal paracentesis drainage attenuates intestinal inflammation in rats with severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting the HMGB1-mediated TLR4 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Our previous studies confirmed that abdominal paracentesis drainage(APD)attenuates intestinal mucosal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP),and improves administration of enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of APD remain poorly understood.AIM To evaluate the effect of APD on intestinal inflammation and accompanying apoptosis induced by SAP in rats,and its potential mechanisms.METHODS SAP was induced in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats by 5%sodium taurocholate.Mild AP was induced by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein(20μg/kg body weight,six consecutive injections).Following SAP induction,a drainage tube connected to a vacuum ball was placed into the lower right abdomen of the rats to build APD.Morphological changes,serum inflammatory mediators,serum and ascites high mobility group box protein 1(HMGB1),intestinal barrier function indices,apoptosis and associated proteins,and toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling molecules in intestinal tissue were assessed.RESULTS APD significantly alleviated intestinal mucosal injury induced by SAP,as demonstrated by decreased pathological scores,serum levels of D-lactate,diamine oxidase and endotoxin.APD reduced intestinal inflammation and accompanying apoptosis of mucosal cells,and normalized the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins in intestinal tissues.APD significantly suppressed activation of the intestinal TLR4 signaling pathway mediated by HMGB1,thus exerting protective effects against SAP-associated intestinal injury.CONCLUSION APD improved intestinal barrier function,intestinal inflammatory response and accompanying mucosal cell apoptosis in SAP rats.The beneficial effects are potentially due to inhibition of HMGB1-mediated TLR4 signaling.

microRNA-218 suppresses the proliferation, invasion and promotes apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by targeting HMGB1

Objective： To detect the expression profiles of micro RNA-218（mi R-218） in human pancreatic cancer tissue（PCT） and cells and their effects on the biological features of human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1 and observe the effect of mi R-218 on the expression of the target gene high mobility group box 1（HMGB1）, with an attempt to provide new treatment methods and strategies for pancreatic cancer.Methods： The expressions of mi R-218 in PCT and normal pancreas tissue as well as in various pancreatic cancer cell lines including As PC-1, Bx PC-3, and PANC-1 were determined with quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（q RT-PCR）. The change of mi R-218 expression in PANC-1 cells was detected using qR T-PCT after the transfection of miR-218 mimic for 48 h. Cell Counting Kit-8（CCK-8） was applied for detecting the effect of mi R-218 on the activity of PANC-1 cells. The effects of mi R-218 on the proliferation and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells were analyzed using the flow cytometry. The effect of mi R-218 on the migration of PANC-1 cells was detected using the Trans-well migration assay. The HMGB1 was found to be a target gene of mi R-218 by luciferase reporter assay, and the effect of mi R-218 on the expression of HMGB1 protein in cells were determined using Western blotting.Results： As shown by q RT-PCR, the expressions of mi R-218 in PCT and in pancreatic cancer cell line significantly decreased when compared with the normal pancreatic tissue（NPT）（P〈0.01）. Compared with the control group, the miR-218 expression significantly increased in the PANC-1 group after the transfection of mi R-218 mimic for 48 h（P〈0.01）. Growth curve showed that the cell viability significantly dropped after the overexpression of mi R-218 in the PANC-1 cells for two days（P〈0.05）. Flow cytometry showed that the S-phase fraction significantly dropped after the overexpression of mi R-218（P〈0.01） and the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly increased（P〈0.01）. As shown by the Trans-well migration assay, the enhanced mi R-218 expression was associated with a significantly lower number of cells that passed through a Transwell chamber（P〈0.01）. Luciferase reporter assay showed that, compared with the control group, the relative luciferase activity significantly decreased in the mi R-218 mimic group（P〈0.01）. As shown by the Western blotting, compared with the control group, the HMGB1 protein expression significantly decreased in the PANC-1 group after the transfection of mi R-218 mimic for 48 h（P〈0.01）.Conclusions： The mi R-218 expression decreases in human PCT and cell lines. mi R-218 can negatively regulate the HMGB1 protein expression and inhibit the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. A treatment strategy by enhancing the mi R-218 expression may benefit the patients with pancreatic cancer.

Relevance of proteolysis and proteasome activation in fatty liver graft preservation: An Institut Georges Lopez-1 vs University of Wisconsin appraisal

To compare liver proteolysis and proteasome activation in steatotic liver grafts conserved in University of Wisconsin (UW) and Institut Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) solutions.METHODSFatty liver grafts from male obese Zücker rats were conserved in UW and IGL-1 solutions for 24 h at 4 °Cand subjected to “ex vivo” normo-thermic perfusion (2 h; 37 °C). Liver proteolysis in tissue specimens and perfusate was measured by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Total free amino acid release was correlated with the activation of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS: measured as chymotryptic-like activity and 20S and 19S proteasome), the prevention of liver injury (transaminases), mitochondrial injury (confocal microscopy) and inflammation markers (TNF 1 alpha, high mobility group box-1 (HGMB-1) and PPAR gamma), and liver apoptosis (TUNEL assay, cytochrome c and caspase 3).RESULTSProfiles of free AA (alanine, proline, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine, ornithine, and threonine, among others) were similar for tissue and reperfusion effluent. In all cases, the IGL-1 solution showed a significantly higher prevention of proteolysis than UW (P < 0.05) after cold ischemia reperfusion. Livers conserved in IGL-1 presented more effective prevention of ATP-breakdown and more inhibition of UPS activity (measured as chymotryptic-like activity). In addition, the prevention of liver proteolysis and UPS activation correlated with the prevention of liver injury (AST/ALT) and mitochondrial damage (revealed by confocal microscopy findings) as well as with the prevention of inflammatory markers (TNF1alpha and HMGB) after reperfusion. In addition, the liver grafts preserved in IGL-1 showed a significant decrease in liver apoptosis, as shown by TUNEL assay and the reduction of cytochrome c, caspase 3 and P62 levels.CONCLUSIONOur comparison of these two preservation solutions suggests that IGL-1 helps to prevent ATP breakdown more effectively than UW and subsequently achieves a higher UPS inhibition and reduced liver proteolysis.