Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enema attenuates inflammatory response ulcerative colitis through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Ulcer colitis(UC)is a chronic,nonspecific,and noninfectious inflammatory bowel disease.Recently,Toll-like receptors(TLRs)have been found to be closely associated with clinical inflammatory diseases.Achieving complete remission in patients with intermittent periods of activity followed by dormancy is challenging.Moreover,no study has explored the mechanism by which Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enemas to attenuate the inflammatory response in UC.AIM To explore the mechanism by which Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enemas to attenuate the inflammatory response in UC.METHODS This prospective clinical study included patients who met the exclusion criteria in 2020 and 2021.The patients with UC were divided into two groups(control and experimental).The peripheral blood of the experimental and control groups were collected under aseptic conditions.The expression of TLR4 protein,NF-κB,IL-6,and IL-17 was detected in the peripheral blood of patients in the experimental group and control group before and 1 month after taking the drug.Linear co rrelation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the expression level of TLR4 protein and the expression levels of downstream signal NF-κB and inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-17,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS There were no significant differences in the patient characteristics between the control and experimental groups.The results showed that the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The TLR4 protein expression in the experimental group was positively correlated with the expression level of downstream signal NF-κB and was positively correlated with the levels of downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-17(r=0.823,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Kuicolong-yu enema decoction retains traditional Chinese medicine enema attenuates the inflammatory response of UC through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Pachymic acid exerts antitumor activities by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B

Objective:To determine the inhibitory effects of pachymic acid on lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.Methods:CCK-8,wound healing,Transwell,Western blot,tube formation,and immunofluorescence assays were carried out to measure the effects of various concentrations of pachymic acid on LUAD cell proliferation,metastasis,angiogenesis as well as autophagy.Subsequently,molecular docking technology was used to detect the potential targeted binding association between pachymic acid and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B).Moreover,PTP1B was overexpressed in A549 cells to detect the specific mechanisms of pachymic acid.Results:Pachymic acid suppressed LUAD cell viability,metastasis as well as angiogenesis while inducing cell autophagy.It also targeted PTP1B and lowered PTP1B expression.However,PTP1B overexpression reversed the effects of pachymic acid on metastasis,angiogenesis,and autophagy as well as the expression of Wnt3a andβ-catenin in LUAD cells.Conclusions:Pachymic acid inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis,and promotes autophagy in LUAD cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B.

Quercetin regulates depression-like behavior in CUMS rat models via TLR4/NF-κB signaling

Background:Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent around the world,imposing a substantial burden on individuals,families,as well as society.Quercetin is known to be highly effective in treating depression.However,additional research is needed to dissect the mechanisms of its anti-depressive effects.Methods:For this study,Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomized into the control,model,quercetin,or fluoxetine group.The latter three groups were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)for 42 d.The first two groups received saline solution daily via oral gavage.Meanwhile,the quercetin group was orally administered a quercetin suspension(52.08 mg/kg)every day,while the fluoxetine group was orally administered a fluoxetine solution(2.08 mg/kg).Here,fluoxetine served as the positive control drug to compare the therapeutic effects of quercetin.The experimental period was 6 weeks.Depressive behaviors in rats were assessed through various physiological and behavioral measures.Additionally,pathological changes in hippocampal tissues were examined using Nissl staining.Serum cytokines were detected using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and immunohistochemistry was employed to quantify the levels and integral optical density(IOD)values of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1(Iba-1)expression in the brain.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was utilized to evaluate the mRNA levels of inflammatory indicators as well as toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and nuclear factor-κappa B P65(NF-κB P65)in hippocampus.Western blot(WB)technique was employed to observe the protein levels of TLR4,NF-κB P65,and phospho-NF-κB P65(p-NF-κB P65).Results:After 42 d of exposure to CUMS,rats exhibited a slow increase in body weight,a reduction in food intake,an abnormal preference for sugar water,and aberrant open-field behaviors.Pathological analysis revealed the disintegration,rupture,interruption,and disorganization of hippocampal neuronal cells after CUMS exposure,along with a decrease in Nissl bodies in the CA1 region.This was accompanied by the elevated expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in the serum and the upregulation of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αmRNA expression in the hippocampus.Increases in Iba-1-positive cells and the IOD values of Iba-1 were detected in hippocampal microglia.Furthermore,TLR4 and NF-κB P65 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in hippocampal tissues.Quercetin,an antidepressant,could alleviate depression-like symptoms in rats and downregulate inflammatory factors associated with the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in hippocampal microglia,and its therapeutic effect was comparable to fluoxetine.Conclusion:In rat models of CUMS,quercetin may act as an antidepressant by inhibiting inflammation in hippocampal microglia via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These results offer experimental and theoretical support for applying quercetin in the clinical management of depression.

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF β1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition,and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications.However,the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear,and effective therapy options are still lacking.Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1(NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis,but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined.Therefore,additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment.AIM To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1.METHODS Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups,comprising the normal,fibrosis,and calcitriol treatment groups,and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group,serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted.TGF-β1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells.NS3TP1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,and collagen Ⅲ in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected.The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student’s t test.RESULTS NS3TP1 promoted the activation,proliferation,and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA,collagen I,collagen Ⅲ,p-smad3,and p-p65 in LX-2 cells,which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference.The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression,as shown by the luciferase assay.NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs.Moreover,both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1,and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1,while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFβ1 receptor I,as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results.Both in vivo and in vitro,treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1.Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation,proliferation,and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.Furthermore,calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique,prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

Acupuncture at Back-Shu point improves insomnia by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Insomnia is a disease where individuals cannot maintain a steady and stable sleep state or fail to fall asleep.Western medicine mainly uses sedatives and hypnotic drugs to treat insomnia,and long-term use is prone to drug resistance and other adverse reactions.Acupuncture has a good curative effect and unique advantages in the treatment of insomnia.AIM To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at Back-Shu point for the treatment of insomnia.METHODS We first prepared a rat model of insomnia,and then carried out acupuncture for 7 consecutive days.After treatment,the sleep time and general behavior of the rats were determined.The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning ability and spatial memory ability of the rats.The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and the hippocampus were detected by ELISA.qRTPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes in the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate the protein expression levels of RAF-1,MEK-2,ERK1/2 and NF-κB.RESULTS Acupuncture can prolong sleep duration,and improve mental state,activity,diet volume,learning ability and spatial memory.In addition,acupuncture increased the release of 1L-1β,1L-6 and TNF-αin serum and the hippocampus and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that acupuncture at Back-Shu point can inhibit the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and treat insomnia by increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus.

IKIP downregulates THBS1/FAK signaling to suppress migration and invasion by glioblastoma cells

Background:Inhibitor of NF-κB kinase-interacting protein(IKIP)is known to promote proliferation of glioblastoma(GBM)cells,but how it affects migration and invasion by those cells is unclear.Methods:We compared levels of IKIP between glioma tissues and normal brain tissue in clinical samples and public databases.We examined the effects of IKIP overexpression and knockdown on the migration and invasion of GBM using transwell and wound healing assays,and we compared the transcriptomes under these different conditions to identify the molecular mechanisms involved.Results:Based on data from our clinical samples and from public databases,IKIP was overexpressed in GBM tumors,and its expression level correlated inversely with survival.IKIP overexpression in GBM cells inhibited migration and invasion in transwell and wound healing assays,whereas IKIP knockdown exerted the opposite effects.IKIP overexpression in GBM cells that were injected into mouse brain promoted tumor growth but inhibited tumor invasion of surrounding tissue.The effects of IKIP were associated with downregulation of THBS1 mRNA and concomitant inhibition of THBS1/FAK signaling.Conclusions:IKIP inhibits THBS1/FAK signaling to suppress migration and invasion of GBM cells.

Osteopontin promotes gastric cancer progression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignant tumors.Osteopontin(OPN)is thought to be closely related to the occurrence,metastasis and prognosis of many types of tumors.AIM To investigate the effects of OPN on the proliferation,invasion and migration of GC cells and its possible mechanism.METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the GC cells were analyzed by realtime quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting,and observe the effect of varying degree expression OPN on the proliferation and other behaviors of GC.Next,the effects of OPN knockdown on GC cells migration and invasion were examined.The short hairpin RNA(shRNA)and negative control shRNA targeting OPN-shRNA were transfected into the cells according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Non transfected cells were classified as control in the identical transfecting process.24 h after RNA transfection cell proliferation activity was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide assay,and cell invasiveness and migration were detected by Trans well assay.Meanwhile,the expression of protein kinase B(AKT),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the human GC cell lines was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.RESULTS The results of this study revealed that OPN mRNA and protein expression levels were highly expressed in SGC-7901 cells.OPN knockdown by specific shRNA noticeably reduced the capabilities of proliferation,invasion and migration of SGC-7901 cells.Moreover,in the experiments of investigating the underlying mechanism,results showed that OPN knockdown could down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF,it also decreased the phosphorylation of AKT.Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of MMP-2,VEGF and phosphorylated AKT was noticeable lower than that in control group in the GC cells after they were added to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor(LY294002).CONCLUSION These results suggested that OPN though PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathway to upregulate MMP-2 and VEGF expression,which contribute SGC-7901 cells to proliferation,invasion and migration.Thus,our results demonstrate that OPN may serve as a novel prognostic biomarkers as well as a potential therapeutic targets for GC.

Involvement of ayu NOD2 in NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways: Insights into functional conservation of NOD2 in antibacterial innate immunity

Nucleotide oligomerization domain 2(NOD2) is a major cytoplasmic sensor for pathogens and is critical for the clearance of cytosolic bacteria in mammals.However, studies regarding NOD2, especially the initiated signaling pathways, are scarce in teleost species. In this study, we identified a NOD2 molecule(PaNOD2) from ayu(Plecoglossus altivelis).Bioinformatics analysis showed the structure of NOD2 to be highly conserved during vertebrate evolution. Dual-luciferase reporter assays examined the activation of NF-κB signaling and Western blotting analysis detected the phosphorylation of three MAP kinases(p-38, Erk1/2, and JNK1/2).Functional study revealed that, like its mammalian counterparts, PaNOD2 was the receptor of the bacterial cell wall component muramyl dipeptide(MDP), and the leucine-rich repeat motif was responsible for the recognition and binding of Pa NOD2 with the ligand. Overexpression of PaNOD2 activated the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β in HEK293 T cells and ayu head kidney-derived monocytes/macrophages(MO/MΦ).Particularly, we found that PaNOD2 activated the MAPK signaling pathways, as indicated by the increased phosphorylation of p-38, Erk1/2, and JNK1/2, which have not been characterized in any teleost species previously. Our findings proved that the NOD2 molecule and initiated pathways are conserved between mammals and ayu. Therefore, ayu could be used as an animal model to investigate NOD2-based diseases and therapeutic applications.

β-arrestin 2 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury via inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathwaymediated inflammation in mice

AIM To study the role and the possible mechanism of β-arrestin 2 in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro.METHODS Male β-arrestin 2^(+/+) and β-arrestin 2^(-/-)C57 BL/6 J mice were used for in vivo experiments, and the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was used for in vitro experiments. The animal model was established via intraperitoneal injection of LPS or physiological sodium chloride solution. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected to analyze liver injury and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cultured cell extracts were collected to analyze the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of key molecules involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.RESULTS Compared with wild-type mice, the β-arrestin 2 knockout mice displayed more severe LPS-induced liver injury and significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-10. Compared with the control group, pro-inflammatory cytokines(including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10) produced by RAW264.7 cells in the β-arrestin 2 si RNA group were significantly increased at 6 h after treatment with LPS. Further, key molecules involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, including phosphoIκBα and phosho-p65, were upregulated.CONCLUSION β-arrestin 2 can protect liver tissue from LPS-induced injury via inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathwaymediated inflammation.

Anti-inflammation Effects of Sinomenine on Macrophages through Suppressing Activated TLR4/NF-kB Signaling Pathway

Sinomenine(SN)has been used in the clinical treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis for many years.Studies showed that SN held protective effects such as anti-inflammation,scavenging free radicals and suppressing immune response in many autoimmune diseases.The purpose of the present study is to explore the mechanism of anti-inflammation of SN on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced macrophages activation and investigate whether the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway participated in.Macrophages isolated from mouse peritoneal cavity were stimulated by 1 pg/mL LPS for 24 h.And then the cells were treated with various concentrations of SN,TLR4 inhibitor respectively for additional 48 h.Drug toxicity was detected by MTT assay and Transwell experiment was used to assess chemotaxis.Furthermore,TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR.Western blotting was used to examine TLR4,MyD88 and phosphorylated IκB protein expression in macrophages.Immunofluorescence assay was applied to observe p65 NF-κB protein expression in macrophage nucleus.We extracted macrophages with high purity and activity from the abdominal cavity of mice.SN remarkably inhibited the chemotaxis and secretion function of LPS-stimulated macrophages.It also down-regulated both the protein levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-β and IL-6)and the RNA and protein levels of the key factors(TLR4,MyD88,p-IkB)in TLR4 pathway.The expression of p65 NF-κB protein in nuclei was down-regulated,which was correlated with a similar decrease in p-IκB protein level.In conclusion,SN can inhibit the LPS induced immune responses in macrophages by blocking the activated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These results may provide a therapeutic approach to regulate inflammatory responses.

Low-temperature Plasma Promotes Fibroblast Proliferation in Wound Healing by ROS-activated NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Low-temperature plasma（LTP） has shown great promise in wound healing,although the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.In the present study,an argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet was employed to treat L929 murine fibroblasts cultured in vitro and skin wounds in BALB/c mice.The in vitro analysis revealed that treatment of fibroblasts with LTP for 15 s resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation,secretion of epidermal growth factor（EGF） and transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1）,production of intracellular reactive oxygen species（ROS）,and the percentage of cells in S phase,protein expression of phosphorylated p65（P-p65） and cyclin D1,but a noted decrease in the protein expression of inhibitor kappa B（IκB）.The in vivo experiments demonstrated that 30-s LTP treatment enhanced the number of fibroblasts and the ability of collagen synthesis,while 50-s treatment led to the opposite outcomes.These results suggested that LTP treatment promotes the fibroblast proliferation in wound healing by inducing the generation of ROS,upregulating the expression of P-p65,downregulating the expression of IκB,and activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and consequently altering cell cycle progression（increased DNA synthesis in S phage）.

Phycocyanin attenuates X-ray-induced pulmonary inflammation via the TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway

Phycocyanin (PC), a natural algal protein, is reported for having anti-oxidant and antiinfl ammatory properties. We investigated its ability to attenuate lung infl ammation in mice subjected to X-ray radiation. Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to the control, total body irradiation, PC pretreatment, and PC treatment groups. Mice in the PC pretreatment group were gavaged with 200 mg/kg PC for 7 consecutive days before irradiation, and those in the PC treatment group were gavaged with 200 mg/kg PC for 7 consecutive days after irradiation. Lungs were collected on Day 7 after irradiation exposure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of mouse lung sections showed considerable infl ammation damage 7 days after irradiation compared with the control lung but a reduction in pathological injury in the PC treatment group. Pretreatment or treatment with PC signifi cantly decreased levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the lung, and also increased the relative mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione. In vivo, PC signifi cantly reduced the expression of Toll-like receptor TLR2, myeloid diff erentiation primary response Myd88, and nuclear factor NF-κB, at both the transcriptional and translation level. Taken together, these data indicated that PC attenuated lung infl ammatory damage induced by radiation by blocking the TLR2- MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, PC could be a protective agent against radiation-induced infl ammatory damage in normal tissues.

Immunoregulatory polysaccharides from Apocynum venetum L.flowers stimulate phagocytosis and cytokine expression via activating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Two immunomodulatory polysaccharides(Vp2a-Ⅱ and Vp3) were isolated and identified from Apocynum venetum L. flowers, and their innate immune-stimulating functions and working mechanisms were evaluated in RAW264.7 cells. Both the level of released nitric oxide(NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) m RNA were significantly enhanced in the RAW264.7 macrophages cells treated by Vp2a-Ⅱ and Vp3. Vp2a-Ⅱ(100–800 μg/m L) and Vp3(400 μg/mL) could significantly increase the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells and the secretion and m RNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in a concentrationdependent manner through affecting mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) activity and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) nuclear translocation. Vp2a-Ⅱ might activate the MAPK signaling pathways and induce the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, whilst Vp3 likely activated the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways without influencing the p38 MAPK route.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on the prevention of PSH in patients with severe craniocerebral injury by regulating TLR4/My D88/NF-kappa B signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of dexmedetomidine in the regulation of TLR4/My D88/NF-κB in the prevention of paroxysmal sympathetic over-excitation (PSH) in patients with severe head injury. Methods:One hundred patients with severe head injury who were admitted to our hospital from September 2016 to May 2019 were enrolled. The randomized digital table method was divided into 50 cases in the study group and the control group. Patients in the study group were given dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1.0 μg/kg before anesthesia induction, followed by infusion at 0.4 μg / (kg·h), and the control group was injected with the same amount of normal saline. The incidence of PSH, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, mechanical ventilation time, tracheal intubation/incision duration, ICU hospitalization time, total length of hospital stay, and GCS scores three months after discharge were compared between the two groups. At the same time, the fluorescence intensity, TLR4, NF-κB expression level and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels in peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes of the two groups were detected. Results:The incidence of PSH was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group at 7 and 3 months (P<0.05). The total length of hospital stay, duration of ICU hospitalization, intraoperative tracheotomy, and mechanical ventilation time were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. And the GCS score was higher than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, the imaging results showed that there were some differences in the location of imaging lesions between the two groups. The proportion of lesions in the ventricular system and surrounding areas was higher in the control group than in the study group (P<0.05). And the T14-T3 CD14+ PBMC MyD88 fluorescence intensity, TLR4 and NK-κB positive expression rate were significantly higher than those of T0 (P<0.05), but the MyD88 fluorescence intensity, TLR4 and NK-κB positive expression rate in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group at T1~T3 (P<0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α in T1~T3 groups were significantly higher than those in T0 (P<0.05), but the levels of serum TNF-α in T1~T3 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P< 0.05). Conclusions:Dexmedetomidine can reduce the oxidative stress response in patients with severe head injury by inhibiting TLR4/My D88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus effectively reducing the risk of PSH and improving the prognosis of patients.

Study on the Hepatoprotective Effect of Oxalis coriniculata L. and Related Mechanism by Regulating Oxidative Stress and TLR-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Oxalis coriniculata L.on rats with acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)and related mechanism by regulating oxidative stress and the TLR-2 TLR-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.[Methods]A total of 48 female rats were randomly and evenly divided into normal group,model group,silymarin group(0.12 g/kg),and high(16 g/kg),middle(8 g/kg)and low-dose(4 g/kg)O.coriniculata L.groups.The rats in the groups were intragastrically administered with 5 mL/kg of corresponding drugs(equal-volume distilled water for normal group and control group),respectively.The administration was conducted twice a day,for 10 consecutive days.After 2 h of the last administration,the rats in all the groups except the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with 12%carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)olive oil solution(5 mL/kg),respectively to establish liver injury rat models.After 16 h,the eyeball blood of the rats was collected,and their liver tissues were collected for preparation of HE sections.The biochemical indicators detected included aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content in the serum.The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in the serum were detected by ELISA.The expression of Toll-like receptor-2(TLR-2)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)in liver tissue was detected using Western blotting.The pathological changes of liver were observed under light microscope.[Results]Compared with the normal group,the ALT,AST activity and MDA,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αlevels in rat serum significantly increased(P<0.01),the GSH-Px,T-SOD activity in rat serum significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of TLR-2 and NF-κB in liver tissue was up-regulated(P<0.01)in the model group.Compared with the model group,the ALT,AST activity and MDA,IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αlevels in rat serum reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),the GSH-Px and T-SOD activity in rat serum increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of TLR-2 and NF-κB in liver tissue was down-regulated(P<0.05,P<0.01)in the O.coriniculata L.administration groups.Pathological sections show that O.coriniculata L.had an improving effect on rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl4.[Conclusions]O.coriniculata L.has a good protective effect on rats with acute liver injury induced by CCl4.Its mechanism may be related to inhibition of oxidative stress,inhibition of inflammatory response and regulation of the TLR-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mechanism and effect of curcumin on apoptosis of EAE mice by regulating TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate theanti apoptosis effect of curcumin(cur)in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)mice by regulating TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway and its mechanism.Methods:45 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,EAE group,curcumin group,15 mice in each group.Blank groups are not processed.The EAE model was established by classical modeling method in the EAE group and the curcumin group.From the day of modeling,the blank group and the EAE group were intraperitoneally injected with 1ml/kg/d of normal saline,Curcumin group was given 100 mg/kg/d continuous intraperitoneal injection of curcumin extract.With Benson EAE group and Curcumin group mice were killed at the peak of the disease.The blank group and the rest of the mice were killed after 4 weeks of feeding,and the spinal cord tissue was taken out to separate the lumbar enlargement segment.The effects of curcumin on the pathological changes of spinal cord tissue in EAE mice were observed by HE staining and TUNEL staining,and the expression of apoptosis positive cells was calculated.The distribution and co aggregation of apoptosis related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax with spinal cord tissue were observed by double immunofluorescence staining The protein levels of TLR4,NF-κBp65 and MyD88 were detected by Western blot.Results:compared with the blank group,TUNEL staining increased the number of apoptotic cells and the apoptotic rate in EAE group(P<0.05);the expression of apoptosis related protein Bcl-2 decreased and the expression of Bax increased in EAE group(P<0.05),The protein of TLR4,NF-κBp65 and MyD88 in spinal cord tissue of mice were increased by blot detection(P<0.05);compared with EAE group,the number of apoptotic cells in spinal cord tissue of curcumin group was decreased by TUNEL staining,and the apoptosis rate was decreased(P<0.05);the expression of apoptosis related protein Bcl-2 was increased,the expression of Bax protein was decreased,and Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis related protein The protein of TLR4,NF-κBp65 and MyD88 in spinal cord tissue of mice were decreased by blot(P<0.05).Conclusion:Curcumin has anti apoptotic effect on EAE mice,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduction of apoptotic protein production.

miR-146a-5p affects inflammation response of trophoblast by inhibiting TRAF6/NF-кB signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the association of Micro-rna(miR)-146a-5p expression with preeclampsia,and further explore the potential mechanism involved.Methods:Compared with the blank control group,the expressions of miR-146a-5p and TRAF6 were detected in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced JEG-3 cells.Chorionic carcinoma cell JEG-3 in vitro culture are divided into control,miR-146a-5p mimic+lipopolysaccharide(lps),miR-146a-5p mimic and miR-146a-5p inhibitor groups.qRT-PCR analysis were used to detect the mRNA of miR-146a-5p,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α.Western blot assays were carried out to determine the protein expression of TRAF6/NF-кB pathway related proteins.Results:1.miR-146a expression in miR-146a mimic group were significantly higher than the other three groups(P<0.05).2.Compared with the control group,the expression level of miR-146a-5p in JEG-3 cells induced by LPS was significantly increased,and the expression level of TRAF6 was significantly reduced(P<0.05).3.Compared with the control group,the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-αdecreased significantly after using miR-146a mimic(P<0.05).After adding miR-146a inhibitor,the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-αwere significantly increased(P<0.05).However,compared with the mimic+LPS group,the difference was not statistically significant(all P>0.05).The results of Western Blot showed that the expression of TRAF6 and NF-κB protein in JEG-3 cells decreased significantly after adding miR-146a mimic and increased after adding miR-146a inhibitor.Conclusion:MiR-146-5p can affect the inflammation response of Maternal-fetal interface by inhibiting TRAF6/NF-кB signaling pathway in preeclampsia.

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.

α1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells regulates retinopathy in diabetic rats via p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect ofα1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on retinopathy in diabetic rats and its mechanism.Methods:A model of diabetic retinopathy was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.The 30 Wistar rats successfully modeled were randomly divided into a model group,a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group and a combined group(α1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow Mesenchymal stem cells),the blood glucose and serum insulin levels of diabetic rats were measured 4 weeks after treatment.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)for measuring serum inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in rats.Observing the pathological morphology of rat retina under hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE).TUNEL staining to observe the apoptosis of rat retinal nerve cells.Immunohistochemical method to detect the expression level of CD45 in retinal tissue.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of retinal vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),hypoxiainducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),and angiotensinⅡ(ANGⅡ)mRNA.Western blot was used to detect the expression of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in the retinal tissue of each group of rats.Results:Compared with the control group,the rats in the model group had increased blood glucose,decreased insulin levels,increased serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels,and had obvious lesions in the retina.CD45 showed high expression in retinal tissue,VEGF,HIF-1α,ANGⅡ mRNA expression increased,p-p38,p-p65,p-IκBα protein expression increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group and the combined group have decreased blood glucose,increased insulin levels,and decreased serum IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α levels.Retinopathy is improved,apoptosis of retinal nerve cells is reduced,CD45 expression in retinal tissue is reduced,VEGF,HIF-1α,ANGⅡ mRNA expression is decreased,and p-p38,p-p65,p-IκBα protein expression is decreased.Compared with the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell group,the effect of the combined group was more obvious(P<0.05).Conclusion:α1-antitrypsin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can improve the degree of retinopathy in diabetic rats.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of Polysaccharides from Dicliptera chinensis(L.)Nees.on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Cell Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver

[Objectives]To observe the effects of polysaccharides from Dicliptera chinensis(L.)Nees.on the expression of TLR/NF-κB pathway related proteins in HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid,and to explore the possible mechanism of polysaccharides from D.chinensis(L.)Nees.in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).[Methods]HepG2 cells were induced with oleic acid to establish a non-alcoholic fatty liver cell model.After intervention with 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL of D.chinensis(L.)Nees.polysaccharides,the ALT and AST activity and TG and TC contents were detected with kits,and the changes in the expression of CDK5,TLR4,p-NF-κB and NF-κB were analyzed using Western-blotting.[Results]In the HepG2 cells induced with oleic acid,the ALT and AST activity increased significantly,the TG and TC contents increased significantly,and the expression levels of CDK5,TLR4 and p-NF-κB proteins up-regulated significantly.In the HepG2 cells intervened with D.chinensis(L.)Nees.polysaccharides,the activity of ALT and AST,the contents of TG and TC,and the expression levels of CDK5,TLR4 and p-NF-κB proteins all reduced significantly.[Conclusions]Polysaccharides from D.chinensis(L.)Nees.may interfere with NAFLD by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.