IL-10 and TNF-α promoter haplotypes are associated with childhood Crohn’s disease location

AIM： To determine the distribution and frequencies of the genotypes and haplotypes of the genes encoding for the glucocorticoid receptor （GR）, the tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α and the interleukin （IL）-10 in childhood Crohn＇s disease （CD） and to assess the impact of the corresponding DNA variants on clinical and disease phenotypes.METHODS： Ten variants in GR, TNF-a and IL-10 were genotyped in 113 childhood CD cases and 95 healthy subjects, both of French-Canadian origin.RESULTS： For the GR polymorphisms （R23K and N363S） and IL-10 variants in the 5＇flanking region （-1082 G 〉 A, -819 T 〉 C and -592 A 〉 C）, no difference was observed in allele and genotype frequencies between CD patients and controls. At the haplotype level, we found three IL-10 haplotypes previously described in Caucasians （GCC, ACC and ATA） and three novel haplotypes only present in IBD patients. When we analyzed the haplotype distribution with the anatomical location of the disease, the GCC haplotype was associated with the colonic and the ACC haplotype with the terminal ileum location, respectively. The genotyping of five polymorphisms in the promoter region of the TNF-α gene （-1031 T 〉 C, -863 A 〉 C, -857 T 〉 C, -308 A 〉 G and -238 A 〉 G） revealed a significant overrepresentation of homozygous -1031 CC among CD patients （OR = 9.9） and an association with the colonic location. For TNF-α, eleven haplotypes were inferred, including two frequent ones, TCCGG and CACGG, which were significantly observed more frequently in controls and cases, respectively.CONCLUSION： This is one of the first studies investigating the association between haplotype structure and disease location in a CD pediatric cohort. Our results will help to increase our understanding of the genetic determinants of childhood CD.

中西医结合治疗脓毒症的临床疗效观察

目的：探讨益气活血解毒中药汤剂治疗脓毒症的临床疗效。方法将62例脓毒症患者采用信封随机法分为对照组（31例）、治疗组（31例）。对照组给予脓毒症西医常规治疗，治疗组在脓毒症西医常规治疗基础上加用益气活血解毒法中药汤剂中西医结合治疗。分析比较两组炎性因子、病情危重程度评分、住ICU时间及28 d病死率。结果治疗组治疗后IL-6、TNF -α水平较对照组明显下降（P＜0．05），住ICU时间较对照组明显缩短（P＜0．05），APACHEⅡ评分明显低于对照组（P＜0．05），28 d病死率低于对照组（26．7％vs 37．9％，P＝0．048）。结论益气活血解毒法可明显降低炎性因子IL-6及TNF-α水平，缩短住ICU时间，提高28 d生存率。

复方柴芩退热颗粒对发热大鼠模型退热作用的研究

目的:研究复方柴芩退热颗粒对2,4二硝基苯酚及细菌内毒素所致大鼠发热模型的退热作用,进一步明确该颗粒的退热效果,初步探讨其退热机制。方法:将SPF级SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组、酚麻美敏片组[给药剂量0.148 g/(kg·d)]、小柴胡冲剂组[给药剂量2.160 g/(kg·d)]、复方柴芩退热颗粒高、中、低剂量组[给药剂量分别为6.480、3.240、1.620 g/(kg·d)]。各给药组按相应剂量灌胃给药,正常对照组、模型组同法给予等体积的蒸馏水,每天1次,连续给药5天,第4天各组动物均开始禁食不禁水24 h,末次给药前开始造模。造模实验一:除正常对照组外,余各组大鼠均皮下注射2,4-二硝基苯酚17 mg/kg,正常对照组皮下注射同体积生理盐水;造模实验二:除正常对照组外,余各组大鼠均腹腔注射细菌内毒素80μg/kg。测大鼠各时间点的体温和血清中白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、前列腺素E2(PGE2)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的含量。结果:实验一:与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠造模后1 h、2 h、3 h体温上升值均显著升高,大鼠血清IL-1β、PGE2含量均显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,酚麻美敏片组、小柴胡冲剂组、复方柴芩退热颗粒高、中、低剂量组大鼠血清IL-1β、PGE2含量均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);酚麻美敏片组大鼠在造模后1 h、2 h、3 h体温上升值均显著降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);小柴胡冲剂组大鼠在造模后2 h、3 h体温上升值均显著降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);复方柴芩退热颗粒高、低剂量组在造模后1 h、2 h、3 h体温上升值均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);复方柴芩退热颗粒中剂量组在造模后2 h、3 h体温上升值均明显降低(P<0.05)。实验二:与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠造模后2 h、4 h、6 h、8 h体温上升值均显著升高,大鼠血清PGE2、TNF-α含量均显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,酚麻美敏片组、小柴胡冲剂组、复方柴芩退热颗粒高、中、低剂量组大鼠血清PGE2、TNF-α含量均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);酚麻美敏片组大鼠在造模后2 h、4 h、6 h体温上升值均显著降低(P<0.05,P<0.01);小柴胡冲剂组、复方柴芩退热颗粒高、中、低剂量组在造模后2 h、4 h体温上升值均明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论:复方柴芩退热颗粒对2,4二硝基苯酚及细菌内毒素所致大鼠发热均有降温作用,能有效降低大鼠血清PGE2、IL-1β和血清TNF-α含量,对大鼠实验性高热模型有较好的解热作用。

Changes in peripheral blood inflammatory factors(TNF-α and IL-6) and intestinal flora in AIDS and HIV-positive individuals

Objective:In this study,we investigated the changes in peripheral blood inflammatory factors and intestinal flora in acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive individuals(AIDS/HIV patients),and explored the relationships among intestinal flora,peripheral blood inflammatory factors,and CD4^+T lymphocytes.Methods:Thirty blood and stool samples from an AIDS group and a control group were collected.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the number of CD4^+T lymphocytes by a FACSCount automated instrument.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to determine the messenger RNA(mRNA)levels of Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,Escherichia coli,Enterococcus faecalis,and Enterococcus faecium.Correlations among intestinal flora,inflammatory factor levels,and CD4^+T lymphocyte values were evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient.Results:The levels of TNF-αand IL-6 in the AIDS group were higher than those in the control group,while the number of CD4^+T lymphocytes was lower.The amounts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the AIDS group were significantly lower than those in control group,while the amounts of E.coli,E.faecalis,and E.faecium were much higher.The amounts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were negatively correlated with the content of TNF-αand IL-6 and the CD4^+T lymphocyte count,while those correlations were reversed for E.coli,E.faecalis,and E.faecium.Conclusions:The intestinal microbiota of AIDS/HIV patients were disordered,and there was a correlation between the amount of intestinal flora and the number of CD4^+T lymphocytes and the levels of TNF-αand IL-6.

Cinnamon extract suppresses experimental colitis through modulation of antigen-presenting cells

AIM:To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract and elucidate its mechanisms for targeting the function of antigen presenting cells.METHODS:Cinnamon extract was used to treat murine macrophage cell line(Raw 264.7),mouse primary antigen-presenting cells(APCs,MHCII+) and CD11c+dendritic cells to analyze the effects of cinnamon extract on APC function.The mechanisms of action of cinnamon extract on APCs were investigated by analyzing cytokine production,and expression of MHC antigens and co-stimulatory molecules by quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry.In addition,the effect of cinnamon extract on antigen presentation capacity and APC-dependent T-cell differentiation were analyzed by [H3]-thymidine incorporation and cytokine analysis,respectively.To confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon extract in vivo,cinnamon or PBS was orally administered to mice for 20 d followed by induction of experimental colitis with 2,4,6 trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid.The protective effects of cinnamon extract against experimental colitis were measured by checking clinical symptoms,histological analysis and cytokine expression prof iles in inflamed tissue.RESULTS:Treatment with cinnamon extract inhibited maturation of MHCII+ APCs or CD11c+ dendritic cells(DCs) by suppressing expression of co-stimulatory molecules(B7.1,B7.2,ICOS-L),MHCII and cyclooxygenase(COX)-2.Cinnamon extract induced regulatory DCs(rDCs) that produce low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-12,interferon(IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α] while expressing high levels of immunoregulatory cytokines(IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β).In addition,rDCs generated by cinnamon extract inhibited APC-dependent T-cell proliferation,and converted CD4+ T cells into IL-10high CD4+ T cells.Furthermore,oral administration of cinnamon extract inhibited development and progression of intestinal colitis by inhibiting expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β,IFN-γ and TNF-α),while enhancing IL-10 levels.CONCLUSION:Our study suggests the potential of cinnamon extract as an anti-inflammatory agent by targeting the generation of regulatory APCs and IL-10+ regulatory T cells.

Lipopolysaccharide “Two-hit” Induced Refractory Hypoxemia Acute Respiratory Distress Model in Rats

To establish a stable and reliable model of refractory hypoxemia acute respiratory distress syndrome （ARDS） and examine its pathological mechanisms, a total of 144 healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups： group Ⅰ （saline control group）, group Ⅱ （LPS intravenous ＂single-hit＂ group）, group Ⅲ （LPS intratracheal ＂single-hit＂ group） and Group IV （LPS ＂two-hit＂ group）. Rats were intravenously injected or intratracheally instilled with a large dose of LPS （10 mg/kg in 0.5 mL） to simulate a single attack of ARDS, or intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of LPS （1 mg/kg） followed by tracheal instillation with median dose of LPS （5 mg/kg） to establish a ＂two-hit＂ model. Rats in each group were monitored by arterial blood gas analysis and visual inspection for three consecutive days. Arterial blood gas values, lung wet/dry weight ratio and pathological pulmonary changes were analyzed to determine the effects of each ALI/ARDS model. Concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and blood plasma were meastired by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays （ELISA）. Our resulsts showed that single LPS-stimulation, whether through intravenous injection or tracheal instillation, could only induce ALl and temporary hypoxemia in rats. A two-hit LPS stimulation induces prolonged hypoxemia and specific pulmonary injury in rats, and is therefore a more ideal approximation of ARDS in the animal model. The pathogenesis of LPS two-hit-induced ARDS is associated with an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response and inflammatory injury. It is concluded that the rat ARDS model produced by our LPS two-hit method is more stable and reliable than previous models, and closer to the diagnostic criteria of ARDS, and better mimics the pathological process of ARDS.

Impacts of Mild Hypothermia on LPS-Mediated TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Microglia

Background: Existing studies have found that some inflammatory factors cause brain cell damage through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and that mild hypothermia has a protective effect on nerve cells. It is not clear whether the mild hypothermic brain protection is achieved through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in microglia. Objective: To investigate the impacts of mild hypothermia on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in microglia. Method: The cultured microglia cells in vitro were divided into the NS group and the LPS group at 33?C and 37?C, respectively;quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA in the microglia, Western blot was used to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the microglia, and ELISA was performed to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the culture medium. Results: Under the LPS stimulation, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB at different time points had significant changes between the normothermia group and the mild hypothermia group, in which the expressions in the former group were firstly increased and then decreased, while those in the latter showed a continuous increasing trend (P < 0.01);and the expressions of TNF-α in all the groups presented the trend of first-increasing then-decreasing, while IL-10 exhibited one slow linear increasing trend (P Conclusions: Mild hypothermia could inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of LPS-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the microglia, and inhibit the production and release of downstream inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10).

Differential gene expression of chemokines in KRAS and BRAF mutated colorectal cell lines:Role of cytokines

AIM: To study KRAS/BRAF mutations in colorectal-cancer (CRC) that influences the efficacy of treatment. To develop strategies for overcoming combination of treatment.

Inflammatory Mechanism of Total Flavonoids of Chrysanthemum and Medicated Serum on Castrated Dry Eye Animal and Cell Models

Objective To observe the effects of total flavonoids of chrysanthemum and medicated serum on the expression of related proteins in the lacrimal tissue and dry-eye cell models of male rabbits with dry eye caused by castration.Methods(1)150 male Japanese rabbits were randomly divided into five groups,with 30 rabbits in each group:normal control group(group A),sham group(group B),model group(group C),androgen control group(group D)and total flavonoids of chrysanthemum treatment group(group E).The androgen deficiency dry-eye model was established by bilateral castration in groups C,D and E.Normal saline was administered to groups A,B and C by gavage;androgen(testosterone propionate)was injected into muscle in group D;and group E was given total flavonoids of chrysanthemum by gavage.All white rabbits were tested the Schirmer I test(SIT)and tear break-up time(BUT).After euthanasia,tear gland tissue was harvested so that we could observe pathological changes in the expression of related inflammatory factors in the lacrimal gland tissue.The expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)was detected in the lacrimal gland tissue by immunohistochemistry.Reverse transcription PCR was used to quantitatively detect expression of TGF-β1 mRNA.(2)Male Wistar rat lacrimal epithelial cells were used to establish a model of eye stem cell apoptosis caused by androgen levels.The blank control group was set up without androgen culture,the control group with androgen culture,and the total flavonoids of chrysanthemum group without androgen.The MTT method was used to determine the optimal intervention dosage of drug-containing plasma.Western blot and QPCR were used to detect the expression of AR mRNA,NF-κB phosphorylated protein and TGF-β1 in lacrimal epithelial cells,and the androgen-like effect of total flavonoids of chrysanthemum was observed.Results(1)Immunohistochemistry showed that groups A,B,D and E had significantly lower expression of IL-1βand TNF-αthan group C(P<0.05);among these,group E had slightly higher expression than group D(P>0.05).RT-PCR results showed that the relative expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in groups A,B,D and E was significantly higher than in group C(P<0.05),and the relative expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in groups D and E was higher than that in groups A and B(P<0.05).(2)Using the MTT method,the final concentration of interfering cells was calculated to be 13.2%.The expression of AR protein,NF-κB and TGF-β1 in the chrysanthemum flavonoid plasma intervention and testosterone propionate intervention groups was enhanced,and there were significant differences relative to the blank group(P<0.01).The expression level of NF-κB in the total flavonoid containing plasma intervention group was lower than that in the testosterone propionate intervention group(P<0.01).Conclusions The total flavonoids of chrysanthemum can inhibit IL-1βand TNF-αexpression in the lacrimal gland tissue of castrated male rabbits with dry eye to increase synthesis of TGF-β1 mRNA and TGF-β1,thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response.The medicated plasma with total flavonoids of chrysanthemum promotes expression of AR mRNA,upregulating expression of NF-κB,further promoting upregulation of TGF-β1 protein expression in lacrimal epithelial cells,inhibiting inflammation by regulating related proteins,and ultimately alleviating the symptoms of dry eye.

CRP, but not TNF-α or IL-6, decreases after weight loss in patients with morbid obesity exposed to intensive weight reduction and balneological treatment

Objective：The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of C-reactive protein （CRP）, tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, and the degree of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） in patients with morbid obesity exposed to a three-week low-calorie diet and balneotherapy. Methods：The study included 33 patients （25 females and 8 males; mean age 46 years） with body mass index （BMI） values of〉40 kg/m2. Evaluations of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, lipid profile, HOMA-IR, and fasting glucose were carried out before （baseline data） and three weeks after the treatment. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers （15 females and 5 males） with a mean age of 39 years and BMI values of≤24.9 kg/m2. Results：In the blood of patients with morbid obesity we found significantly elevated levels of CRP, TNF-α, triglycerides, HOMA-IR and fasting glucose, but a de-creased level of high density lipoprotein （HDL）-cholesterol, compared with the healthy individuals. The treatment resulted in about a 9.4%reduction in body weight from 122.5 to 111.0 kg and a significant decrease in the concen-tration of CRP, but no change in TNF-αor IL-6. HOMA-IR was significantly reduced. Conclusions：The decrease in CRP level without changes in TNF-α or IL-6 concentrations after the low-calorie diet and balneological treatment, suggests that an essential amount of adipose tissue must be removed before proper adipocyte function is restored. The decrease in HOMA-IR indicates an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial in obese patients.

Effects of External Use of Pereskia aculeate Miller on Foot Swelling of Adjuvant Arthritis in Rats

[Objectives] To study the anti-inflammatory effects and its possible action mechanism of Pereskia aculeate Miller on rats with adjuvant arthritis( AJ). [Methods] Fifty SD rats( half male and half female) were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank group,model group,positive control group( Glucosidorum Tripterygll Totorum( GTT),12 mg/kg),and P. aculeate high and low dose group( 0. 86 and0. 43 g/m L). Except the blank group,other groups were induced with complete Freund's adjuvant( CFA) to establish the AA rat model. On the 17 th day of modeling,the drug was externally applied for soaking,and the diameter of foot hole and foot joint before and after administration was measured to observe the degree of swelling. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA) was adopted to determine the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β( IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α). [Results] Compared with the model group,the degree of swelling of the foot sole and foot joints was reduced in the P. aculeate high dose group and the positive control group( P < 0. 05). According to ELISA test,compared with the model control group,the serum levels of IL-1β( P < 0. 05) and TNF-α( P < 0. 05) were significantly reduced in the P. aculeate high dose group and the positive control group. Compared with the positive control group,there was no significant difference( P > 0. 05). [Conclusions] P. aculeate has significant inhibitory effects on foot swelling of adjuvant arthritis in rats,and the action mechanism is possibly related to the decrease of IL-1β and TNF-α.

Immunopathogenesis of reactive arthritis:Role of the cytokines

Reactive arthritis （ReA）, also known as sterile postin-fectious arthritis, belongs to the group of related ar-thropathies known as spondyloarthritis （SpA）. ReA can arise 1-4 wk after a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection, but once arthritis develops, the microorgan-ism is not found in the joint. The classical microbes as-sociated with ReA development include Gram-negative aerobic or microaerophilic bacteria containing LPS in their outer membrane. The immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in ReA development are still unknown. A hypothesis suggested that the bacteria probably persist outside the joint, at sites such as gut mucosa or lymph nodes, and bacterial antigens might then be transported to the joints. On the other hand, an altered immune response and the unbalanced production of cy-tokines have been reported in subjects with ReA. Currently, there is increased evidence to suggest that both mechanisms would operate in the immunopathogenesis of ReA. In this review we highlight recent advances on the role of cytokines in the ReA. Particularly, we discuss the roles of some pro- and anti-infammatory cytokines involved in the immunopathogenesis of ReA.

Relationship between Growth Hormone and Cytokines in Short Children Undergoing Growth Hormone Stimulation Testing

Background: The relationship between growth hormone (GH) and cytokines remains unclear. Several studies have suggested that GH increases tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in both children and adults. However, a number of studies have demonstrated a negative correlation between GH and TNF α. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between endogenous GH secretion and certain pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in short children undergoing GH stimulation testing for evaluation for GH deficiency. Methods: Plasma growth hormone, TNF α, CRP, IL-6, IL1-β, IL-4 and IL-10 levels are obtained at baseline and every 30 minutes for 150 minutes following two provocative agents (clonidine, and either arginine or glucagon). Results: Among the 23 children, 7 are found to be GH deficient. No significant differences in baseline TNF α levels are found between GH deficient and GH sufficient children. No correlation is identified between TNF α levels and GH levels during stimulation testing. Furthermore, no relationship is found between GH and pro-inflammatory cytokines or GH and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Our results do not demonstrate an acute relationship between endogenous GH secretion and the cytokines examined.

Inhibitory effect of Jeju endemic seaweeds on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7

Seaweed has been used in traditional cosmetics and as a herbal medicine in treatments for cough,boils,goiters,stomach ailments,and urinary diseases,and for reducing the incidence of tumors,ulcers,and headaches.Despite the fact that seaweeds are frequently used in the practice of human health,little is known about the role of seaweed in the context of inflammation.This study aimed to investigate the influence of Jeju endemic seaweed on a mouse macrophage cell line(RAW 264.7) under the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Ethyl acetate extracts obtained from 14 different kinds of Jeju seaweeds were screened for inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory mediators.Our results revealed that extracts from five seaweeds,Laurencia okamurae,Grateloupia elliptica,Sargassum thun-bergii,Gloiopeltis furcata,and Hizikia fusiformis,were potent inhibitors of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide(NO),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Based on these results,the anti-inflammatory effects and low cell toxicity of these seaweed extracts suggest potential thera-peutic applications in the regulation of the inflammatory response.