To investigate the effect of Shenqi Tiaoshen Formula on CSE induced inflammatory response of MH-S cells based on TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway

Objective:To study the effects of Shenqi Tiaoshen Formula(SQTS)on the inflammatory response of MH-S cells induced by cigarette smoking extract(CSE)and its mechanism based on TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.Methods:MH-S cells were used as subjects to evaluate cell viability by CCK-8 method.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.ROS were detected by DCFH-DA fluorescence probe.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein,and TAK-242,a TLR4 inhibitor,was used to verify the role of SQTS in the TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.Results:Compared with blank group,the cell survival rate of CSE group was decreased,and the contents of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 were increased(P<0.05),ROS fluorescence expression level was significantly increased(P<0.01),TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein expression was significantly increased(P<0.05);Compared with CSE group,the survival rate of cells in SQTS groups was increased,and the expression levels of the above indexes were decreased(P<0.05),and TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein decreased in TAK-242 groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:SQTS can reduce the inflammatory response of MH-S cells induced by CSE by inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.

Neuroprotective effects of prostaglandin A1 and its effect on IKK／IkB／NF-kB／c-myc signaling pathway in rat models of permanent focal cerebral ischemia

AIM Prostaglandin A1(PGA1) is a cyclopentenone prostaglandin. Recently, we reported that PGA1 can inhibit excitotoxin-induced apoptosis of striatal neurons in vivo and rotenone-induced apoptosis ofcultured SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting that PGA1 may have neuroprotective efficacy, possibly mediated by inhibition of NF-kB activation. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of PGA1 and its effect on IKK/I( B/NF-kB/c-myc signaling pathway in rat models of permanent focal cerebral ischemia. METHODS Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model was constructed by intraluminal suture cannulation through the internal carotid artery in Wistar rats.

Non-SMC condensin Ⅰ complex subunit D2 and non-SMC condensin Ⅱ complex subunit D3 induces inflammation via the IKK/NF-κB pathway in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic,nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease with undefined pathogenesis.Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit D2(NCAPD2)and non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3(NCAPD3)play pivotal roles in chromosome assembly and segregation during both mitosis and meiosis.To date,there has been no relevant report about the functional role of NCAPD2 and NCAPD3 in UC.AIM To determine the level of NCAPD2/3 in intestinal mucosa and explore the mechanisms of NCAPD2/3 in UC.METHODS Levels of NCAPD2/3 in intestinal tissue were detected in 30 UC patients and 30 healthy individuals with in situ hybridization(ISH).In vitro,NCM60 cells were divided into the NC group,model group,si-NCAPD2 group,si-NCAPD3 group and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 group.Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA,IKK and NF-κB were evaluated by western blot,and IKK nucleation and NF-κB volume were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS Compared with expression in healthy individuals,NCAPD2 and NCAPD3 expression in intestinal tissue was significantly upregulated(P<0.001)in UC patients.Compared with levels in the model group,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin the si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 groups were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).IKK and NF-κB protein expression in the si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Moreover,IKK nucleation and NF-κB volume were suppressed upon si-NCAPD2,si-NCAPD3 and si-NCAPD2+si-NCAPD3 transfection.CONCLUSION NCAPD2/3 is highly expressed in the intestinal mucosa of patients with active UC.Overexpression of NCAPD2/3 promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by modulating the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Magnesium lithospermate B inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial activation through NF-KB pathway

Aim Magnesium lithospermate B （MLB） is the most abundant hydrophilic active component of Salvia rniltiorrhiza Radix, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine mainly used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that endothelial activation contributes to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclero- sis, diabetic vasculopathy, heart failure and hypertension. In the present study, the effects of MLB on endothelial activation were investigated. Lipopolysaccharide （LPS） 1 mg L^-1 was employed to induce endothelial activation, which was determined by relative gene expression and endothelial adhesion assay. Results showed that pretreatment with MLB attenuated LPS-induced ICAM1, VCAM1 and TNF-α upregulation in human dermal microvascular endo- thelial cells （HMEC-1） in dose-dependent manner, which contributed to the reduction of THP-1 adhesion to HMEC-1. Furthermore, it was revealed that 100 μmol · L^-1 MLB significantly decreased the nuclear translocation of NF-KB p65, a critical transcription factor in LPS-indueed inflammatory response, through the inhibition of IKBμ degradation. Besides, the transcriptional activity of NF-KB p65 was also inhibited by the pretreatment of MLB. Mo- reover, MLB pretreatment considerably inhibited LPS-induced p38 phosphorylation, which at least partly contribu- ted to the reduction of ICAM1 expression. In conclusion, these findings suggest that MLB inhibits LPS-induced nu- clear translocation and transcripitional activity of NF-KB, thus attenuates the increased expression of adhesion mole- cules and inflammatory factors, protects endothelial cells from LPS-induced activation.

Neuroprotective effect of Angiopep-2 peptide modified scutellarin-loaded PEGylated PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles on ischemic stroke by modulating the Toll-like receptors-dependent MyD88/IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE The greatest challenge in chemotherapy of ischemic stroke is the construction a suitable delivery system to overcome the poor physicochemical properties of drug and its low permeability across the blood brain barrier(BBB).METHODS In the present study,dendrimer,polyamidoamine(PAMAM),was synthesized as the nano-drug carriers.Angiopep-2,which has been proved excellent ability to cross the BBB,was exploited as the targeting ligand to conjugate PAMAM via bifunctional polyethylene glycol(PEG).Then scutellarin(STA)was encapsulated into the functionalized nanoparticles(NPs)to formulate Angiopep-2 modified STA-loaded PEG-PAMAM NPs.Ischemic stroke model was established to evaluate the treatment efficacy and protective mechanism of Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs.RESULTS The pharmacokinetics and biodistribu-tion demonstrated that Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs exhibited significantly higher plasma concentration from 1 h to 10 h after intravenous administration and improve accumulation in brain(4.7-fold)compared with STA solution.Moreover,prolonged elimination half-life(4.8-fold)and lower clearance(3.4-fold)were observed.The brain uptake study of 6-coumarin confirmed that Angiopep-2-PEG-PAMAM NPs possessed better brain targeting efficacy(3.2-fold)than PEG-PAMAM NPs.Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs obviously ameliorated infarct volume,neurological deficit,histopathological severity and neuronal apoptosis.In addition,Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs markedly inhibited the calcium content and the levels of IL-12p40,IL-13,IL-17 and IL-23.Furthermore,Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs significantly decreased the m RNA and protein expressions of HMGB1,TLR2,TLR4,TLR5,My D88,TRIF,TRAM,IRAK-4,TRAF6,IкBα,IKKβand NF-кBp65.CONCLUSION The results suggested that Angiopep-2modified scutellarin-loaded PEG-PAMAM nanocarriers possessed remarkable neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke through modulation of inflammatory cascades and HMGB1/TLRs/MyD 88-induced NF-κB activation pathways.

Cytokines-activated nuclear IKKα-FAT10 pathway induces breast cancer tamoxifen-resistance

Endocrine therapy that blocks estrogen signaling is the most effective treatment for patients with estrogen receptor positive(ER+)breast cancer.However,the efficacy of agents such as tamoxifen(Tam)is often compromised by the development of resistance.Here we report that cytokines-activated nuclear IKKαconfers Tam resistance to ER+breast cancer by inducing the expression of FAT10,and that the expression of FAT10 and nuclear IKKαin primary ER+human breast cancer was correlated with lymphotoxinβ(LTB)expression and significantly associated with relapse and metastasis in patients treated with adjuvant mono-Tam.IKKαactivation or enforced FAT10 expression promotes Tam-resistance while loss of IKKαor FAT10 augments Tam sensitivity.The induction of FAT10 by IKKαis mediated by the transcription factor Pax5,and coordinated via an IKKα-p53-miR-23a circuit in which activation of IKKαattenuates p53-directed repression of FAT10.Thus,our findings establish IKKα-to-FAT10 pathway as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of Tam-resistant ER+breast cancer.

TRIM22 Inhibits the TRAF6-stimulated NF-κB Pathway by Targeting TAB2 for Degradation

Tripartite motif containing 22 （TRIM22）, a member of the TRIM/RBCC family, has been reported to activate the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-kB） pathway in unstimulated macrophage cell lines, but the detailed mechanisms governing this activation remains unclear. We investigated this mechanism in HEK293T cells. We found that overexpression of TRIM22 could activate the NF-kB pathway and conversely, could inhibit the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 （TRAF6）-stimulated NF-kB pathway in HEK293T cells. Further experiments showed that TRIM22 could decrease the self-ubiquitination of TRAF6, and interact with and degrade transforming growth factor-13 activated kinase 1 binding protein 2 （TAB2）, and that these effects could be partially rescued by a TRIM22 RING domain deletion mutant. Collectively, our data indicate that overexpression of TRIM22 may negatively regulate the TRAF6-stimulated NF-rd3 pathway by interacting with and degrading TAB2.

Anti-inflammatory function of ginsenoside Rgl on alcoholic hepatitis through glucocorticoid receptor related nuclear factor-kappa B pathway

Aim Ginseng is the dried root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer. Since ancient times, ginseng has been used as one kind of treatment drug or tonic in China and even other eastern countries like Korea and Japan. Phar- macological active chemical ingredients and its extract of ginseng are a mixture of triterpenoid saponins, collectively called ginsenosides. Among them, ginsenoside Rgl is the most pharmacological active one. Based on prior experi- mental results and the understanding of alcoholic hepatitis, the major aim of this study is to investigate whether Rgl is beneficial in a rodent model mimic alcoholic hepatic injury associated with binge drinking and explore the under- lying possible mechanisms. Methods C57BL/6 mice were given oral consumption of 6 g · kg^-1 alcohol 1 h after treated with Rgl （ 10, 20 and 40 mg · kg^-1） or dexamethasone （ 1 mg · kg^-1） for 9 consecutive days. Biochemi- cal analyses were performed and liver fragments were processed for microscopy, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results According to our data, Rgl treatment significantly reversed the high mortality rate induced by alcohol consumption and also alleviated liver impairment as evidenced by the decrease of serum parameters. Meanwhile, histological and ultrastructural analysis of alcoholic groups showed hepatocellular impairment but re- stored in Rgl-treated groups. Overproductive inflammatory cytokines were also suppressed by Rgl in alcohol-intoxi- cated mouse livers. In addition, changes of GR related NF-KB pathway, including phospho-IKB-ot, were also mod- ulated to normal levels. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Rgl might promote GR mediating the repression of NF-KB and inhibit the inflammatory reactions in alcoholic hepatitis.

4＇, 6-Dihydroxy-4-methoxyisoaurone inhibits TNF-α-induced NF-KB activation and expressions of NF-KB-regulated target gene products

The nuclear factor-KB （NF-KB） transcription factors control many physiological processes including in- flammation, immunity, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. In our search for NF-KB inhibitors from natural resources, we identified 4＇,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyisoaurone （ISOA） as an inhibitor of NF-KB activation from the seeds of Tricho- santhes kirilowii. However, the mechanism by which ISOA inhibits NF-KB activation is not fully understood. In the present study, we demonstrated the effect of ISOA on NF-KB activation in TNF-α-stimulated HeLa cells. This com- pound suppressed NF-KB activation through the inhibition of IKB kinase （IKK） activation. ISOA also has an influ- ence on upstream signaling of IKK through the inhibition of expression of adaptor proteins, TNF receptor-associated factor 2 （TRAF2） and receptor interacting protein 1 （RIP1）. Consequently, ISOA blocked the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-KB alpha （IKBα） , and subsequent phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65. The suppression of NF-KB activation by ISOA led to the down-regulation of target genes involved in inflam- mation, proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion, as well as potentiation of TNF-α-induced apoptosis at least in part through activation of caspase-8. Taken together, this study extends our understanding on the mechanisms underly- ing the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of ISOA. Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms and a potential application of ISOA for inflammatory diseases as well as certain cancers associated with abnormal NF-KB activation.

Transcriptomic analysis identifies the neuropeptide cortistatin (CORT) as an inhibitor of temozolomide (TMZ) resistance by suppressing the NF-kB-MGMT signaling axis in human glioma

Glioma is a common tumor originating in the brain that has a high mortality rate.Temozolomide(TMZ)is the first-line treatment for high-grade gliomas.However,a large pro-portion of gliomas are resistant to TMZ,posing a great challenge to their treatment.In the study,the specific functions and mechanism(s)by which cortistatin(CORT)regulates TMZ resis-tance and glioma progression were evaluated.The decreased expression of CoRT was detected in glioma tissues,and highly expressed CORT was associated with a better survival rate in pa-tients with glioma.CORT overexpression notably decreased the capacity of glioma cells to pro-liferate and migrate in vitro and to form tumors in vivo.CORT overexpression also markedly suppressed the viability and enhanced the apoptosis of TMZ-resistant U251 cells by regulating MGMT,p21,and Puma expression.Importantly,CORT overexpression reduced the resistance of gliomas to TMZ in vivo.CORT expression Was negatively correlated with MGMT expression in both glioma tissues and cells,and it was found that CORT inhibited NF-kB pathway activation in glioma cells,thereby inhibiting MGMT expression.In conclusion,CORT regulates glioma cell growth,migration,apoptosis,and TMZ resistance by weakening the activity of NF-kB/p65 and thereby regulating MGMT expression.The CORT/NF-kB/MGMT axis might be regarded as a molecular mechanism contributing to the resistance of glioma to TMZ.Our data also suggest that CORT regulates the viability and metastatic potential of glioma cells,independent of its effects on TMZ resistance,providing evidence of novel therapeutic targets for glioma that should be evaluated infurther studies.

NF-κB及其相关分子研究进展

NF κB是细胞内一种重要的核转录因子 ,它参与炎症反应、免疫反应、细胞凋亡及肿瘤发生等多种生物进程。NF κB的活化是涉及多种信号转导分子的复杂过程 ,它们包括κB抑制蛋白、IκB激酶及其上游信号分子等。本文就NF

Novel compound FLZ alleviates rotenoneinduced PD mouse model by suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB pathway through microbiotaegutebrain axis

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is the second most common neurodegenerative disease,but none of the current treatments for PD can halt the progress of the disease due to the limited understanding of the pathogenesis.In PD development,the communication between the brain and the gastrointestinal system influenced by gut microbiota is known as microbiota-gut-brain axis.However,the explicit mechanisms of microbiota dysbiosis in PD development have not been well elucidated yet.FLZ,a novel squamosamide derivative,has been proved to be effective in many PD models and is undergoing the phase I clinical trial to treat PD in China.Moreover,our previous pharmacokinetic study revealed that gut microbiota could regulate the absorption of FLZ in vivo.The aims of our study were to assess the protective effects of FLZ treatment on PD and to further explore the underlying microbiota-related mechanisms of PD by using FLZ as a tool.In the current study,chronic oral administration of rotenone was utilized to induce a mouse model to mimic the pathological process of PD.Here we revealed that FLZ treatment alleviated gastrointestinal dysfunctions,motor symptoms,and dopaminergic neuron death in rotenone-challenged mice.16 S rRNA sequencing found that PD-related microbiota alterations induced by rotenone were reversed by FLZ treatment.Remarkably,FLZ administration attenuated intestinal inflammation and gut barrier destruction,which subsequently inhibited systemic inflammation.Eventually,FLZ treatment restored blood-brain barrier structure and suppressed neuroinflammation by inhibiting the activation of astrocytes and microglia in the substantia nigra(SN).Further mechanistic research demonstrated that FLZ treatment suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway both in the SN and colon.Collectively,FLZ treatment ameliorates microbiota dysbiosis to protect the PD model via inhibiting TLR4 pathway,which contributes to one of the underlying mechanisms beneath its neuroprotective effects.Our research also supports the importance of microbiota-gut-brain axis in PD pathogenesis,suggesting its potential role as a novel therapeutic target for PD treatment.

枸杞多糖对四氯化碳致急性肝损伤小鼠的保护作用

目的探讨枸杞多糖(lycium barbarum polysaccharides,LBP)对四氯化碳(CCl4)致急性肝损伤小鼠的保护作用。方法40只ICR小鼠适应性饲养一周后随机分为正常对照组,模型组,LBP低剂量组(100 mg·kg^(-1))、中剂量组(200 mg·kg^(-1))和高剂量组(400 mg·kg^(-1)),每组8只。LBP低、中、高剂量组每天灌胃0.5 mL各对应浓度LBP溶液,正常对照组和模型组给予与各给药组等剂量的生理盐水,每天1次,持续7 d。在末次给药后1 h,除正常对照组外,其余各组小鼠一次性腹腔注射CCl_(4)花生油溶液(浓度为0.1%,10 mg·kg^(-1))诱导小鼠急性肝损伤。(1)造模后24 h眼球取血,取血前称取小鼠体质量及取血后称取肝脏重量计算肝指数变化情况;(2)HE染色观察各组小鼠肝脏的病理学改变;(3)ELISA检测血清中肝功能指标谷丙转氨酶(ALT),谷草转氨酶(AST)及炎性指标肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)和白细胞介素6(IL-6)水平;(4)qRT-PCR检测Keich样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白(Keich-like ECH-associated protein 1,Keap1)、核因子-kβ抑制蛋白激酶(inhibitor of nuclear fac-tors-kB kinase,IKKβ)、核因子-kB(nuclear factor-kB,NF-kB)mRNA表达水平;(5)Western blot检测Keap1、IKKβ、NF-kB蛋白表达水平。结果(1)与正常对照组相比,模型组肝指数升高(P<0.01);与模型组相比,高剂量组肝指数降低(P<0.01);(2)正常对照组肝细胞形态结构正常,肝细胞索边界清楚,肝细胞以中央静脉为中心呈放射状排列;模型组有不同程度的细胞水肿;各LBP组病理学形态均有不同程度改善;(3)与正常对照组相比,模型组AST、ALT、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平均升高(P均<0.01);与模型组相比,低剂量组IL-1β降低(P<0.01),中剂量组AST、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6均降低(P均<0.01),高剂量组AST、ALT、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6均降低(P均<0.01);(4)与正常对照组相比,模型组Keap1 mRNA表达降低(P<0.01),IKKβ、NF-kB mRNA表达均升高(P均<0.01);与模型组相比,中剂量和高剂量组Keap1 mRNA表达均升高(P均<0.01),IKKβ和NF-kB mRNA表达均降低(P均<0.01);(5)与正常对照组相比,模型组Keap1蛋白表达降低(P<0.01),IKKβ、NF-kB蛋白表达升高(P<0.01或<0.05),与模型组相比,高剂量组Keap1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),中剂量和高剂量组IKKβ、NF-kB蛋白表达均降低(P均<0.01)。结论LBP对CCl4致急性肝损伤小鼠具有保护作用,其机制可能与增强Keap1、抑制IKKβ/NF-kB抗炎信号通路有关。

Role of Interleukin 17A in Aortic Valve Inflammation in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Summary:Interleukin 17A(IL 17A)is reported to be involved in many inflammatory processes,but its role in aortic valve diseases remains unknown.We examined the role of IL17A based on an ApoE^-/-mouse model with strategies as fed with high-fat diet or treated with ILI7A monoclonal antibody(mAb).12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding can elevate cytokines secretion,inflammatory cells infiltration and myofibroblastic transition of valvular interstitial cells(VICs)in aortic valve.Moreover,diet-induction accelerated interleukin 17 receptor A(IL17RA)activation in VICs.In an IL17A inhibition model,the treatment group was intra-peritoneally injected with anti-IL17A mAb while controls received irrelevant antibody.Functional blockade of IL17A markedly reduced cellular infiltration and transition in aortic valve.To investigate potential mechanisms,NF-kB was co-stained in IL17RA^+VICs and IL17RA macrophages,and further confirmed by Western blotting in VICs.High-fat diet could activate NF-kB nuclear translocation in IL17RA^+VICs and IL17RA^+macrophages and this process was depressed after IL17A mAb-treatment.In conclusion,high-fat diet can lead to IL17A upregulation,VICs myofibroblastic transition and inflammatory cells infiltration in the aortic value of ApoE^-/-mice.Blocking IL17A with IL17A mAb can alleviate aortic valve inflammatory states.

Study on the multi-targets mechanism of YiQiFuMai powder injection on cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases based on network pharmacology

Aim YiQiFuMai Powder Injection is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been used extensively in clinical treatment of cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases in China. However, the mechanisms under-lying its clinical efficacy remain unknown. In this study, a network pharmacology approach was employed to identify the YiQiFuMai Powder Injection＇s potential pathways and targets against cardio-cerebral ischemia. The target-path- way interaction network clustered the signaling pathways based on high degree nodes of the drug-target network. The potential protein targets presented in the highly scored clustered pathways were the key network hubs and concentrated on one or limited functional signaling pathways amenable to experimental verification. Twelve main functional annota- tion clusters and main signaling pathways for YiQiFuMai Powder Injection were established by Biocarta analysis, in- eluding the NF-KB signaling pathway, the MAPKinase signaling pathway and the mTOR-signaling pathway and so on. YiQiFuMai Powder Injection is hypothesized to target multiple proteins with a high degree and betweenness of net- work. In addition, the most related pathways were also confirmed in tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-oL） induced human vascular endothelial cell line EA. hy926 by Western blot. This study elucidates the systematic network and pathway analysis of multi-targets in YiQiFuMai Powder Injection. The results provide the possible mechanisms for its mode of action against cardio-cerebral ischemic diseases and may also reveal new clues for its potential application in the inflammatory diseases or tumors.

Efficacy of herb-partitioned moxibustion at Qihai(CV 6) and bilateral Tianshu(ST 25) on colonic damage and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with Crohn＇s disease

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of stimulating Qihai(CV 6) and bilateral Tianshu(ST 25) with herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM) in rats with Crohn's disease(CD), and to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of HPM.METHODS: Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups(n = 10 rats per group): normal control(NC), model control(MC), mesalamine(MES), and HPM. The CD rat model was established in the MC,MES, and HPM groups by administering a mixture of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and alcohol via enema. The HPM group received HPM on Qihai(CV 6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST 25), while the MES group received intragastric mesalamine. Colonic histomorphological scores, and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and interleukin 1β(IL-1β) were assessed to evaluate the effects of HPM on colonic reparation and anti-inflammation.The expressions of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR-4), nuclear factor κB inhibitor α(IκB-α), IκB kinase α/β(IKKα/β), and NF-κB p65 were further analyzed to investigate the regulatory effects of the interventions on the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.RESULTS: CD rats showed inflammatory colonic damage and increased serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β. The expressions of TLR4, IKKα/β,and NF-κB p65 in the colons of CD rats were significantly increased compared with the NC group,while the expression of IκBα(a key negative regulator of NF-κB p65) was decreased. HPM significantly mitigated colonic damage and reduced the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β. HPM downregulated the expressions of TLR4, IKKα/β, and NF-κB p65 in the colon, and upregulated the expression of IκBα. The effects of HPM in CD rats were similar to those of mesalamine.CONCLUSION: HPM alleviates colonic inflammation in CD rats. This may be achieved through regulation of TLR4, which induces NF-κB signal transduction.

A SARS-CoV-2-specific CAR-T-cell model identifies felodipine,fasudil,imatinib,and caspofungin as potential treatments for lethal COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-induced cytokine storm is closely associated with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)severity and lethality.However,drugs that are effective against inflammation to treat lethal COVID-19 are still urgently needed.Here,we constructed a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific CAR,and human T cells infected with this CAR(SARS-CoV-2-S CAR-T)and stimulated with spike protein mimicked the T-cell responses seen in COVID-19 patients,causing cytokine storm and displaying a distinct memory,exhausted,and regulatory T-cell phenotype.THP1 remarkably augmented cytokine release in SARS-CoV-2-S CAR-T cells when they were in coculture.Based on this"two-cell"(CAR-T and THP1 cells)model,we screened an FDA-approved drug library and found that felodipine,fasudil,imatinib,and caspofungin were effective in suppressing the release of cytokines,which was likely due to their ability to suppress the NF-kB pathway in vitro.Felodipine,fasudi,imatinib,and caspofungin were further demonstrated,although to different extents,to attenuate lethal inflammation,ameliorate severe pneumonia,and prevent mortality in a SARS-CoV-2-infected Syrian hamster model,which were also linked to their suppressive role in inflammation.In summary,we established a SARS-CoV-2-specific CAR-T-cell model that can be utilized as a tool for anti-inflammatory drug screening in a fast and high-throughput manner.The drugs identified herein have great potential for early treatment to prevent COVID-19 patients from cytokine storm-induced lethality in the clinic because they are safe,inexpensive,and easily accessible for immediateuseinmostcountries.

山莨菪碱对多器官功能障碍综合征保护机制的实验研究

目的 探讨山莨菪碱 ( 65 4-2 )对多器官功能障碍综合征 (MODS)可能的治疗机制。方法 采用失血性休克合并内毒素刺激诱发MODS家兔模型 ,2 4只大耳白兔随机分为正常对照组 (C组 )、模型组 (M组 )、65 4-2治疗组 (T组 )。用原位杂交 (ISN)技术、凝胶电泳迁移率改变 (EMSA)及酶联免疫吸附试验 (ELISA)法分别检测肺泡巨噬细胞 (PAM )及肝枯否细胞 (KC)中I -кB激酶(IKK -β)mRNA表达、NF -кB的活性和细胞培养上清液中TNF -α的含量。并进行动脉血气、生化和内脏组织病理学光镜检查。 结果 M组和C组比较PAM和KC中IKK -βmRNA表达 [( 0 15± 0 0 3 ) ;( 0 17± 0 0 4) ] ,NF -кB活性 [( 1 49± 0 3 0 ) ;( 1 72± 0 3 6) ]和上清液TNF -α的含量 [( 2 79 74± 2 5 91) ;( 3 0 0 0 5± 3 0 86)ng/L]明显增高 ( P 均 <0 0 1)。肝肺肾小肠等脏器功能发生不同程度损害 ;65 4-2治疗组能显著抑制M组PAM和KC中IKK -βmRNA表达 [( 0 10± 0 0 2 ) ;( 0 11± 0 0 2 ) ]、NF -кB活性 [( 0 65±0 10 ) ;( 0 88± 0 2 0 ) ]和TNF -α[( 180 61± 13 0 1) ;( 2 10 2 8± 18 0 1)ng/L]的分泌 (P <0 0 1或P <0 0 5 )。明显缓解MODS动物内脏组织的功能损害。结论 65 4-2通过抑制IKK -β/NF

Loss of IKB kinase βpromotes myofibroblast transformation and senescence through activation of the ROS-TGFβ autocrine loop

Using forward and reverse genetics and global gene expression analyses, we explored the crosstalk between the IKB kinase β （IKKβ） and the transforming growth factor β （TGFβ） signaling pathways. We show that in vitro ablation of Ikkβ in fibroblasts led to progressive ROS accumulation and TGFβ activation, and ultimately accelerated cell migration, fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation and senescence. Mechanistically, the basal IKKβ activity was required for anti-oxidant gene expression and redox homeostasis. Lacking this activity, IKKβ-null cells showed ROS accumulation and activation of stress-sensitive transcription factor AP-1/c- Jun. AP-1/c-Jun activation led to up-regulation of the Tgfβ2 promoter, which in turn further potentiated intracellular ROS through the induction of NADPH oxidase （NOX）. These data suggest that by blocking the autocrine amplification of a ROS-TGFβ loop IKKβ plays a crucial role in the prevention of fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation and senescence.

Andrographolide and Its Derivative Potassium Dehydrographolide Succinate Suppress PRRSV Replication in Primary and Established Cells via Differential Mechanisms of Action

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV) continues to cause significant economic loss worldwide and remains a serious threat to the pork industry. Currently, vaccination strategies provide limited protection against PRRSV infection, and consequently, new antiviral strategies are urgently required. Andrographolide(Andro) and its derivative potassium dehydrographolide succinate(PDS) have been used clinically in China and other Asian countries as therapies for inflammation-related diseases, including bacterial and viral infections, for decades. Here, we demonstrate that Andro and PDS exhibit robust activity against PRRSV replication in Marc-145 cells and primary porcine alveolar macrophages(PAMs). The two compounds exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activities in vitro against clinically circulating type 2 PRRSV GD-HD, XH-GD, and NADC30-like HNhx strains in China. The EC_(50)values of Andro against three tested PRRSV strain infections in Marc-145 cells ranged from 11.7 to 15.3 lmol/L, with selectivity indexes ranging from 8.3 to10.8, while the EC_(50)values of PDS ranged from 57.1 to 85.4 lmol/L, with selectivity indexes ranging from 344 to 515.Mechanistically, the anti-PRRSV activity of the two compounds is closely associated with their potent suppression on NFj B activation and enhanced oxidative stress induced by PRRSV infection. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that PDS, but not Andro, is able to directly interact with PRRSV particles. Taken together, our findings suggest that Andro and PDS are promising PRRSV inhibitors in vitro and deserves further in vivo studies in swine.