The Role of Toll-Like Receptors and Nuclear Factor κB p65 Protein in the Pathogenesis of Otitis Media

The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.

Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase attenuates experimental autoimmune hepatitis: Involvement of nuclear factor kappa B

To investigate the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38MAPK） in murine experimental autoimmune hepatitis （EAH）.METHODS： To induce EAH, the syngeneic S-100 antigen emulsified in complete Freud＇s adjuvant was injected intraperitoneally into adult male C57BI/6 mice. Liver injury was assessed by serum ALT and liver histology. The expression and activity of p38 MAPK were measured by Western blot and kinase activity assays. In addition, DNA binding activities of nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The effects of SB203580, a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor, on liver injuries and expression of proinflammatory cytokines （interferon-y, IL-12, IL-1β and TNF-α） were observed.RESULTS： The activity of p38 MAPK and NF-~：B was increased and reached its peak 14 or 21 d after the first syngeneic S-100 administration. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation by SB203580 decreased the activation of NF-~：B and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, hepatic injuries were improved significantly after SB203580 administration.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Targeting GPR65 alleviates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis by suppressing the JNK and NF-κB pathways

Background:G-protein coupled receptors(GPCRs)are recognized as attractive targets for drug therapy.However,it remains poorly understood how GPCRs,except for a few chemokine receptors,regulate the progression of liver fibrosis.Here,we aimed to reveal the role of GPR65,a proton-sensing receptor,in liver fibrosis and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Methods:The expression level of GPR65 was evaluated in both human and mouse fibrotic livers.Furthermore,Gpr65-deficient mice were treated with either bile duct ligation(BDL)for 21 d or carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)for 8 weeks to investigate the role of GPR65 in liver fibrosis.A combination of experimental approaches,including Western blotting,quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),confocal microscopy and rescue studies,were used to explore the underlying mechanisms of GPR65’s action in liver fibrosis.Additionally,the therapeutic potential of GPR65 inhibitor in the development of liver fibrosis was investigated.Results:We found that hepatic macrophage(HM)-enriched GPR65 was upregulated in both human and mouse fibrotic livers.Moreover,knockout of Gpr65 significantly alleviated BDL-and CCl4-induced liver inflammation,injury and fibrosis in vivo,and mouse bone marrow transplantation(BMT)experiments further demonstrated that the protective effect of Gpr65knockout is primarily mediated by bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs).Additionally,in vitro data demonstrated that Gpr65 silencing and GPR65 antagonist inhibited,while GPR65 overexpression and application of GPR65 endogenous and exogenous agonists enhanced the expression and release of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β),all of which subsequently promoted the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and the damage of hepatocytes(HCs).Mechanistically,GPR65 overexpression,the acidic pH and GPR65 exogenous agonist induced up-regulation of TNF-αand IL-6 via the Gαq-Ca^(2+)-JNK/NF-κB pathways,while promoted the expression of TGF-βthrough the Gαq-Ca^(2+)-MLK3-MKK7-JNK pathway.Notably,pharmacological GPR65 inhibition retarded the development of inflammation,HCs injury and fibrosis invivo.Conclusions:GPR65 is a major regulator that modulates the progression of liver fibrosis.Thus,targeting GPR65 could be an effective therapeutic strategy for the prevention of liver fibrosis.

IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2在结直肠癌中的表达及临床意义

目的探讨核因子κb激酶亚基ε的抑制剂(IKBKE)、Yes相关蛋白1(YAP1)和转录增强结构域转录因子2(TEAD2)在结直肠癌(CRC)组织中的表达及其临床意义。方法收集2016年1月至2017年12月在蚌埠医科大学第一附属医院手术切除的142例CRC组织及对应癌旁组织,采用免疫组化法检测标本中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2的表达情况。分析3种蛋白在CRC组织中表达的相关性,分析蛋白阳性率与患者临床病理参数及预后的关系;绘制Kaplan-Meier生存曲线,比较这些蛋白不同表达情况患者的生存差异。采用Cox回归分析影响患者预后的危险因素。结果CRC组织中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2的阳性率均显著高于癌旁组织(65.5%比9.9%,73.9%比14.1%,66.9%比8.5%,均P<0.05)。IKBKE的表达与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移、肿瘤-淋巴结-远处转移(TNM)分期有关,YAP1和TEAD2的表达均与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移、远处转移及TNM分期有关。Spearman秩相关分析显示CRC组织中IKBKE与YAP1、TEAD2表达均呈正相关(均P<0.01)。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性表达组的总生存率降低。Cox回归分析显示IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性、肿瘤分化程度高、TNM分期高是CRC患者预后的独立危险因素。结论CRC中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性表达与肿瘤的分化程度、TNM分期、转移等因素有关,可能成为CRC治疗的潜在靶点;检测这3个蛋白的表达有助于评估预后。

Atsttrin reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway

Progranulin is closely related to neuronal survival in a neuroinflammatory mouse model and attenuates inflammatory reactions. Atsttrin is an engineered protein composed of three progranulin fragments and has been shown to have an effect similar to that of progranulin. Atsttrin has anti-inflammatory actions in multiple arthritis mouse models, and it protects against further arthritis development. However, whether Atsttrin has a role in neuroinflammation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we produced a neuroinflammatory mouse model by intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide(10 μg/μL). Atsttrin(2.5 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection every 3 days over a period of 7 days before intracerebroventricular injection of 1 μL lipopolysaccharide(10 μg/μL). In addition, astrocyte cultures were treated with 0, 100 or 300 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide, with 200 ng/mL Atsttrin simultaneously. Immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to examine the protein and mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators and to assess activation of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway. Progranulin expression in the brain of wild-type mice and in astrocyte cultures was increased after lipopolysaccharide administration. The protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased in the brain of progranulin knockout mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. Atsttrin treatment reduced the lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in the protein and mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the brain of progranulin knockout mice. Atsttrin also reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and matrix metalloproteinase 3 mRNA in lipopolysaccharide-treated astrocytes in vitro, and decreased the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β in the supernatant. Furthermore, Atsttrin significantly reduced the levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor α in the brain of lipopolysaccharide-treated progranulin knockout mice and astrocytes, and it decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B2 in astrocytes. Collectively, our findings show that the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of Atsttrin involves inhibiton of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway, and they suggest that Atsttrin may have clinical potential in neuroinflammatory therapy.

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

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

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

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

Ketogenic diet alleviates cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice via the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by cognitive decline and chronic inflammation within the brain.The ketogenic diet,a widely recognized therapeutic intervention for refractory epilepsy,has recently been proposed as a potential treatment for a variety of neurological diseases,including Alzheimer's disease.However,the efficacy of ketogenic diet in treating Alzheimer's disease and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.The current investigation aimed to explore the effect of ketogenic diet on cognitive function and the underlying biological mechanisms in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.Male amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1(APP/PS1)mice were randomly assigned to either a ketogenic diet or control diet group,and received their respective diets for a duration of 3 months.The findings show that ketogenic diet administration enhanced cognitive function,attenuated amyloid plaque formation and proinflammatory cytokine levels in APP/PS1 mice,and augmented the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-p45 derived factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway while suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway.Collectively,these data suggest that ketogenic diet may have a therapeutic potential in treating Alzheimer's disease by ameliorating the neurotoxicity associated with Aβ-induced inflammation.This study highlights the urgent need for further research into the use of ketogenic diet as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

High levels of homocysteine downregulate apolipoprotein E expression via nuclear factor kappa B

AIM: To investigate the effect of high homocysteine(Hcy) levels on apolipoprotein E(apoE) expression and the signaling pathways involved in this gene regulation.METHODS: Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to assess apo E expression in cells treated with various concentrations(50-500 μmol/L) of Hcy. Calcium phosphatetransient transfections were performed in HEK-293 and RAW 264.7 cells to evaluate the effect of Hcy on apoE regulatory elements [promoter and distal multienhancer 2(ME2)]. To this aim, plasmids containing the proximal apoE promoter [(-500/+73)apoE construct] alone or in the presence of ME2 [ME2/(-500/+73)apoE construct] to drive the expression of the reporter luciferase gene were used. Co-transfection experiments were carried out to investigate the downstream effectors of Hcymediated regulation of apoE promoter by using specific inhibitors or a dominant negative form of IKβ. In other co-transfections, the luciferase reporter was under the control of synthetic promoters containing multiple specific binding sites for nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB), activator protein-1(AP-1) or nuclear factor of activated T cells(NFAT). Chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChI P)assay was accomplished to detect the binding of NF-κB p65 subunit to the apoE promoter in HEK-293 treated with 500 μmol/L Hcy. As control, cells were incubated with similar concentration of cysteine. NF-κB p65 proteins bound to DNA were immunoprecipitated with anti-p65 antibodies and DNA was identified by PCR using primers amplifying the region-100/+4 of the apoE gene. RESULTS: RT-PCR revealed that high levels of Hcy(250-750 μmol/L) induced a 2-3 fold decrease in apoE m RNA levels in HEK-293 cells, while apo E gene expression was not significantly affected by treatment with lower concentrations of Hcy(100 μmol/L). Immunoblotting data provided additional evidence for the negative role of Hcy in apoE expression. Hcy decreased apoE promoter activity, in the presence or absence of ME2, in a dose dependent manner, in both RAW 264.7 and HEK-293 cells, as revealed by transient transfection experiments. The downstream effectors of the signaling pathways of Hcy were also investigated. The inhibitory effect of Hcy on the apo E promoter activity was counteracted by MAPK/ERK kinase 1/2(MEK1/2) inhibitor U0126, suggesting that MEK1/2 is involved in the downregulation of apoE promoter activity by Hcy. Our data demonstrated that Hcy-induced inhibition of apoE took place through activation of NF-κB. Moreover, we demonstrated that Hcy activated a synthetic promoter containing three NF-κB binding sites, but did not affect promoters containing AP-1 or NFAT binding sites. ChI P experiments revealed that NF-κB p65 subunit is recruited to the apoE promoter following Hcy treatment of cells.CONCLUSION: Hcy-induced stress negatively modulates apoE expression via MEK1/2 and NF-κB activation. The decreased apo E expression in peripheral tissues may aggravate atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases and renal dysfunctions.

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.

肠病药方调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路改善溃疡性结肠炎的研究

目的探讨肠病药方调控磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/核因子kappa B(NF-κB)信号通路对抗溃疡性结肠炎(UC)的作用机制。方法42只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常对照组(n=6,Control组,自由饮去离子水)、模型组(n=12,DSS组)、美沙拉嗪组(n=12,MES组)及肠病药方组(n=12,CBD组),后3组小鼠自由饮用3%葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)溶液7 d诱导UC模型,后两组同期灌胃美沙拉嗪或肠病药方,前两组灌胃等体积去离子水;观察实验期间小鼠体质量改变,评测小鼠疾病活动指数(DAI);造模结束后麻醉处死小鼠,测量结肠长度、观察结肠内容物及黏膜,采用苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察各组小鼠结肠病理组织学变化,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组小鼠结肠组织匀浆白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平,蛋白免疫印迹法(WB)检测各组小鼠结肠组织中磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)-p85、磷酸化AKT1(p-AKT1)、磷酸化NF-κB(p-NF-κB)-p65蛋白表达,实时荧光定量PCR技术(qRT-PCT)检测各组小鼠结肠组织PI3K、AKT、NF-κB信使RNA(mRNA)表达水平。结果与DSS组比较,CBD组治疗后,有效缓解UC小鼠症状,粪便性状及便血情况改善,结肠黏膜炎症浸润减少,体质量下降有所缓解,DAI评分降低及结肠长度接近正常,结肠组织匀浆中IL-6、TNF-α表达降低(P<0.05),p-PI3K-p85、p-AKT1、p-NF-κB-p65蛋白及mRNA表达明显减少(P<0.05)。结论肠病药方可缓解UC小鼠的症状、减轻结肠黏膜损伤,其机制可能与调解结肠组织中PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路中相关蛋白质及mRNA表达、降低结肠组织炎症因子表达有关。

黄芩素调节PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路及对细菌性脑膜炎大鼠血脑屏障的影响

目的:探讨黄芩素调控磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路对细菌性脑膜炎(BM)大鼠血脑屏障的影响。方法:制备大鼠BM模型,将大鼠分为对照组、模型组、黄芩素组(腹腔注射30 mg/kg黄芩素)、黄芩素+抑制剂组(腹腔注射30 mg/kg黄芩素+7.5 mg/kg LY294002),对大鼠进行Loeffler神经行为评分,H-E染色观察大鼠脑组织病理学变化,伊文思蓝染色检测血脑屏障通透性,分别检测脑脊液IL-1β、IL-6水平及白细胞计数(WBC)、脑组织含水量,水通道蛋白4(AQP4)、闭锁蛋白-5(claudin-5)、PI3K/Akt/NF-κB通路相关蛋白表达。结果:对照组大鼠脑组织结构正常,细胞排列整齐,模型组大鼠脑组织细胞排列紊乱,大量炎症细胞浸润。与对照组比较,模型组Loeffler评分及脑组织AQP4、claudin-5、p-PI3K、p-Akt表达水平显著降低,脑脊液IL-1β、IL-6水平及WBC、脑组织EB含量及含水量、p-NF-κB p65表达水平显著升高;黄芩素组较模型组病理损伤减轻,炎症细胞减少。与模型组比较,黄芩素组Loeffler评分及脑组织AQP4、claudin-5、p-PI3K、p-Akt表达水平显著升高,脑脊液IL-1β、IL-6水平及WBC、脑组织EB含量及含水量、p-NF-κB p65表达水平显著降低;LY294002可部分逆转黄芩素对BM大鼠血脑屏障通透性的改善作用。结论:黄芩素可改善BM大鼠脑水肿及血脑屏障通透性,可能与调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路有关。

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。

山姜素调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路对冠心病大鼠心肌损伤的影响

目的:探讨山姜素调控磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对冠心病(CHD)大鼠心肌损伤的影响。方法:选取健康成年SPF级SD雄性大鼠60只,随机分为空白组、模型组、山姜素小剂量组、山姜素中剂量组、山姜素高剂量组各12只,采用Western blot法检测大鼠PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路蛋白表达,采用ELISA法检测大鼠炎症因子指标[肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)、白介素-18(IL-18)]和氧化应激指标[活性氧(ROS)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、丙二醛(MDA)],观察并记录大鼠心肌损伤情况。结果:与空白组比较,模型组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积更大(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积均缩小(P<0.05),且高剂量组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积小于山姜素中、小剂量组,中剂量组心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积小于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB均升高(P<0.05),且高剂量组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB高于山姜素中、小剂量组,中剂量组PI3K、Akt、NF-κB高于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18均降低(P<0.05),且山姜素高剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18低于中、小剂量组,山姜素中剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18低于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA均降低(P<0.05),且山姜素高剂量组ROS、GSH-Px、MDA低于山姜素中、小剂量组,山姜素中剂量组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA低于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。结论:山姜素可通过调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路改善CHD大鼠心肌炎症和氧化应激状况,进而发挥心肌保护作用。

白藜芦醇通过抑制MAPKs/NF⁃κB信号通路治疗小鼠种植体周围炎

目的研究白藜芦醇(resveratrol,RSV)对丝线结扎诱导的实验性小鼠种植体周围炎(peri-implantitis,PI)的保护作用及其作用机制。方法本研究已通过单位伦理委员会审查批准。拔除40只C57BL/6小鼠右侧上颌磨牙待自然愈合8周后在第一磨牙位点植入种植体;随机将小鼠分为对照组、小鼠种植体周围炎模型组、20 mg/kg白藜芦醇低剂量组(RSV-L)和40 mg/kg白藜芦醇高剂量组(RSV-H),植入种植体4周后,除对照组外其它小鼠建立丝线结扎诱导的种植体周围炎模型,其中模型组予以生理盐水灌胃干预,药物组用白藜芦醇灌胃干预,连续6周。观察种植体周围牙龈的水肿情况,显微CT测量小鼠种植体周围骨吸收情况;酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测龈沟液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factorα,TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)的含量;HE染色观察小鼠种植体周围组织炎性细胞浸润情况;蛋白印迹法(West-ern blot,WB)检测牙龈组织中细胞外调节蛋白激酶(extracellular regulated protein kinases,ERK)、p-ERK、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(c-Jun N-terminal kinase,JNK)、p-JNK、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen activated protein kinase,p38 MAPK)、p-p38MAPK、核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)、p-NF-κB、核因子-κB抑制蛋白(nuclear factor-κB inhibitory protein,IκΒα)、p-IκBα等蛋白表达水平及蛋白磷酸化情况。结果对照组、白藜芦醇低剂量组和高剂量组治疗效果与模型组相比,组织水肿减轻,牙槽骨吸收减少,其中白藜芦醇高剂量组与低剂量组相比,组织水肿更轻,骨吸收更少;显微CT结果显示,模型组小鼠在近中、远中、颊侧和腭侧向4个位点均可观察到种植体周围骨水平发生显著的改变,高剂量白藜芦醇干预后可以减少牙槽骨的吸收(P<0.05);与低剂量相比,高剂量组骨吸收在腭侧吸收减少(P<0.05),在近中、远中和颊侧吸收差异不显著(P>0.05);ELISA结果显示,与模型组比较,白藜芦醇低剂量组、白藜芦醇高剂量组小鼠龈沟液中TNF-α、IL-6的水平较低(P<0.05),白藜芦醇高剂量组小鼠龈沟液中IL-6低于低剂量组(P<0.05),但TNF-α含量两组差异不显著;HE染色显示白藜芦醇治疗后小鼠炎性细胞浸润减少;WB结果显示,与对照组比较,模型组小鼠牙龈组织的p-Erk、p-JNK、p-p38MAPK、p-IκΒα和p-NF-κB磷酸化蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.01),白藜芦醇处理组显著抑制p-Erk、p-JNK、p-p38MAPK、p-IκΒα和p-NF-κB等蛋白的磷酸化,高剂量组与低剂量组相比,抑制MAPKs/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白的磷酸化更显著(P<0.05)。结论白藜芦醇可缓解丝线结扎诱导的实验性小鼠种植体周围炎,其机制可能是通过抑制MAPKs/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白磷酸化。

汉黄芩素调节磷脂酰肌醇3激酶/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶/核因子κB信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠辅助性T细胞17/调节性T细胞平衡的影响

目的探讨汉黄芩素(Wog)调节磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)平衡的影响。方法2022年8-12月,大鼠采用随机数字表法分为Model组、低剂量Wog组(Wog-L组,50 mg/kg)、高剂量Wog组(Wog-H组,100 mg/kg)、阳性药物氨茶碱组(Ami组,2.3 mg/kg)、IGF-1(PI3K激活剂)组(1.33 mg/kg)、Wog-H+IGF-1组(100 mg/kg+1.33 mg/kg)、对照组(CK组),每组12只。除CK组外,其他组大鼠均需利用烟熏法联合气管滴注脂多糖(LPS)的方法构建COPD模型,建模成功24 h后,进行给药处理,每天1次给药,持续4周。检测呼气峰流量(PEF)、每分钟通气量(MV)、吸气峰流量(PIF);流式细胞术检测外周血中Th17/Treg;HE染色检测肺组织病理;酶联免疫吸附法检测大鼠肺组织中白细胞介素(IL)-17、IL-10水平;蛋白质印迹法检测肺组织中维甲酸相关孤核受体γt(RORγt)、叉头框蛋白P3(Foxp3)、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)蛋白。结果与CK组比较,Model组大鼠PEF(12.56±0.47比8.72±0.39)、PIF(9.35±0.32比7.24±0.17)、MV(132.26±5.78比96.63±3.28)、Treg(31.18±2.62比15.52±1.01)比例、IL-10(23.35±1.16比8.85±0.27)明显降低(均P<0.05);Th17(3.14±0.13比18.86±1.67)比例、Th17/Treg(0.10±0.01比1.22±0.11)、肺泡间隔(33.36±1.48比49.78±1.73)、气道炎症评分(0比4.56±0.23)及IL-17(75.83±3.60比185.56±8.62)水平明显升高(均P<0.05)。与Model组比较,Wog-L组、Wog-H组PEF(9.66±0.40,11.49±0.51)、PIF(8.28±0.19,9.03±0.22)、MV(105.54±4.11,126.67±5.72)、Treg(19.93±1.18,27.73±2.05)比例、IL-10(11.56±0.33,20.72±0.59)水平明显升高(均P<0.05);Th17(3.14±0.13比18.86±1.67)比例、Th17/Treg(0.10±0.01比1.22±0.11)、肺泡间隔(43.45±1.26,35.78±1.12)、气道炎症评分(3.75±0.17,0.86±0.07)、IL-17(162.27±7.14,103.35±4.33)水平明显降低(均P<0.05)。与CK组比较,Model组大鼠RORγt(0.15±0.01比1.34±0.11)、p-PI3K(0.22±0.01比0.86±0.07)、p-Akt(0.18±0.01比0.75±0.06)、p-NF-κB p65(0.11±0.01比0.69±0.06)蛋白表达升高,Foxp3(1.45±0.27比0.35±0.02)蛋白表达降低(均P<0.05)。与Model组相比,Wog-L组、Wog-H组RORγt(1.08±0.10,0.36±0.02)、p-PI3K(0.71±0.06,0.35±0.03)、p-Akt(0.62±0.06,0.28±0.02)、p-NF-κB p65(0.52±0.05,0.26±0.02)蛋白表达明显降低,Foxp3(0.57±0.04,1.13±0.09)蛋白表达明显升高(均P<0.05)。Wog-H组与Ami组大鼠上述各指标水平近似,均差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。IGF-1逆转了高剂量Wog对COPD大鼠Th17/Treg的影响。结论Wog促进COPD大鼠Th17/Treg平衡的机制可能与下调PI3K/Akt/NF-κB通路有关。

IKBKE在烟气凝集物诱导人支气管上皮细胞恶性转化过程中的作用

目的探讨核因子κB抑制蛋白E抗体(inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon,IKBKE)在卷烟烟气凝集物(cigarette smoke condensate,CSC)诱导永生化人支气管上皮细胞BEP2D恶性转化中的作用及其分子机制。方法 CSC慢性染毒BEP2D细胞至P70代(0.001支烟/m L),裸鼠皮下成瘤实验观察染毒细胞是否发生恶性转化;采用Western blot检测各代细胞以及CSC急性染毒BEP2D细胞(0.006支烟/mL)4、8、12、24 h和48 h后IKEBE的表达;免疫组化检测烟熏1、3、9个月A/J小鼠外周小气道和瘤体组织IKBKE的表达;慢病毒IKBKE-siRNA感染P70细胞,观察其对细胞增殖、细胞克隆形成和凋亡的影响;观察敲减IKBKE对STAT3信号通路分子表达的影响及STAT3信号通路激活剂IL-6对细胞恶性转化的影响。结果与P0、P50细胞相比,P70细胞具有恶性转化表型;IKBKE显著高表达于P70细胞(P<0.05),亦是CSC诱导的早期分子事件;在烟气暴露A/J小鼠肺肿瘤组织中IKBKE表达显著增高(P<0.01);siRNA沉默IKBKE可显著抑制细胞增殖和细胞克隆形成,诱导细胞凋亡;该作用与抑制STAT3磷酸化有关。结论 IKBKE可能通过调控STAT3通路抑制细胞凋亡,促进其增殖,参与吸烟诱导肺癌发生。

一例色素失禁症女婴IKBKG/NEMO基因的突变分析

色素失禁症(IP)是一种罕见的X-连锁显性遗传性皮肤病。其致病基因主要为B细胞编码κ轻链多肽抑制基因(IKBKG),NF-κB关键调节因子(NEMO)基因。该文综合分析1例IP患儿的临床资料,并提取患儿及其父母的外周血DNA,先用多重聚合酶链反应(PCR)扩增方法检测频发突变共有序列NEMOΔ4-10缺失,再用跨越断裂点PCR方法扩增NEMO或ΔNEMO基因特异性缺失,并对PCR产物进行序列分析验证。患儿存在NEMO基因外显子4-10的缺失;该突变遗传自其表型正常的母亲。NEMO基因外显子4-10的缺失是该患儿的致病性突变。该研究进一步证实了NEMOΔ4-10缺失这种基因组重排是IP患者最常见的突变类型。

龙眼蛋白对C57BL/6小鼠及RAW264.7巨噬细胞的炎症因子的影响研究

目的探讨龙眼蛋白对C57BL/6小鼠及RAW264.7巨噬细胞的炎症因子影响及作用机制。方法采用反向色谱-质谱法(reverse-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,RPLC-MS)鉴定龙眼蛋白的组成。采用100 mg/(kg·d)和200 mg/(kg·d)龙眼蛋白腹腔注射C57BL/6小鼠,酶联免疫吸附法(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)测定小鼠血液炎症因子的表达,苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色法染色分析肺部炎症病理反应;用0.2、0.4、0.6 mg/mL龙眼蛋白处理小鼠RAW264.7巨噬细胞,噻唑蓝[3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide,MTT]法测定细胞活力,实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应法(real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,Q-PCR)和ELISA检测炎症因子表达,蛋白质免疫印迹法(western blot,WB)分析腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(AMP-activatedprotein kinase,AMPK)/核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)信号通路相关蛋白表达情况。结果通过RPLC-MS结合数据库检索,共鉴定到肽段覆盖率在30%以上的蛋白质25种。腹腔注射100 mg/(kg·d)龙眼蛋白使小鼠肺部产生炎症病理反应,小鼠血清中的炎症因子[血清淀粉样蛋白A(serum amyloid A,SSA)、超敏C反应蛋白(hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)、降钙素原(procalcitonin,PCT)、白细胞介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)]均显著升高。0.2 mg/mL龙眼蛋白处理使RAW264.7细胞IL-6、白细胞介素-8(interleukin-8,IL-8)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factorα,TNF-α)的m RNA和蛋白表达均呈剂量依赖式上升,AMPK磷酸化水平表达下调,p65磷酸化水平表达上调。结论龙眼蛋白能够促进小鼠和RAW264.7巨噬细胞的炎症反应,其作用机制可能是龙眼蛋白促进了AMPK/NF-κB信号通路相关炎症因子的表达。