Isoflavone Attenuates the Nuclear Transcription Factor Kappa B (NF-<i>κ</i>B) Activation on MPP⁺-Induced Apoptosis of PC12 Cells

Objective: To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of cellular response to the challenge by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells, an in vitro cell model for Parkinson’s disease, and the effect of NF-κB activation on the protection of Parkinson’s disease by Isoflavone (I). Methods: PC12 cells were used to establish the cell model of Parkinson’s disease, and are divided into five groups: control group;MPP+ group;I (Isoflavone) + MPP+ group;I group;SN-50 + MPP+ group. The content of NF-κB in PC12 cells was determined by immunocytochemistry;The viability of PC12 cells after treated with cell-permeable NF-κB inhibitor SN-50 and cell viability were measured by MTT assay;the expression levels of NF-κB p65 in cytoplasm and nuclear fractions were evaluated by western blot analysis;the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 was analyzed by in situ hybridization (ISH). Results: Compared with the control group, the protein of NF-κB p65 both in cytoplasm and in nuclei was significantly higher than in I + MPP+ and MPP+ groups;similarly, the mRNA expression level of NF-κB p65 gene was also significantly higher;moreover, the protein expression of NF-κB p65 was much lower in I group (P + group, the protein of NF-κB p65 was significantly lower in I + MPP+ group, the mRNA expression level of NF-κB p65 gene was also significantly lower, and the protein expression level of NF-κB p65 was much lower in I + MPP+ group (P + group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: NF-κB activation is essential to MPP+-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells;but Isoflavone can inhibit the cell damage to some extent to execute its protective function, which may be involved in nigral neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Inhibitory Actions of Tetrandrine on Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Induced NF-κB Activation in Neovascularization of Cultured Choroidal Explants

Tetrandrine (1 μM), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Stephania tetrandra S Moore, signifi-cantly decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα;10 ng/ml)-induced increase in the number of micro vessels that budded from cultured rat choroidal explants. Tetrandrine also decreased the TNFα-induced in-crease in the number of cells composing the microvessels. Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC;0.1-0.3 μM), an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), decreased the TNFα-induced increase in the number of microvessels in a concentration-dependent manner. TNFα increased the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), as well as increasing the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB in choroidal explants. TNF? induced an increase of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A mRNA, but not VEGF-C mRNA or VEGF-D mRNA. TNFα-induced angiogenic action was inhibited by treatment of VEGF-A antibody in cultured choroidal capillaries. Tetrandrine inhibited the TNFα-induced increases of phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and reduced the TNFα-induced increase of DNA-binding activity of NF-κB in chor-oidal explants. In conclusion, tetrandrine inhibits TNFα-induced activation of NF-κB in the choroidal capil-laries via inhibition of TNFα-induced phosphorylation of IκBα.

NF-κB与幽门螺杆菌相关性胃炎和消化性溃疡

细胞核因子-κB(nuclearfactorkappaB,NF-κB)是一重要的多功能核转录因子,激活后参与许多基因的转录调控,在机体的炎症、免疫反应,氧化应激,细胞凋亡等过程中发挥作用.近年研究发现幽门螺杆菌(Hpylori)感染后NF-κB呈激活状态,NF-κB的激活导致其炎症相关因子如白介素-8(interleukin-8,IL-8)、白介素-1(interleukin-1,IL-1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumornecrosisfactor-α,TNF-α)等的过度表达,TNF-α和IL-1β又能激活NF-κB,导致持续放大的炎症反应而与Hpylori相关性胃炎和消化性溃疡密切相关.此外,NF-κB还可通过调控应激、凋亡等相关靶基因转录参与消化性溃疡发生.抑制NF-κB的活性可能为这些疾病的治疗开辟新的途径.

转录因子NF-κB在内毒素休克中的作用

目的探讨内毒素休克大鼠组织炎性介质的表达特征及其和核转录因子NFκB(nuclearfactorkappaB)的关系。方法应用免疫组织化学技术检测脂多糖(lippolysaccharice,LPS)内毒素休克大鼠肝肾组织转录因子NFκB、炎性介质ICAM1、VCAM1、iNOS的表达。结果LPS内毒素休克大鼠肝肾组织转录因子NFκBp65,炎性介质ICAM1、VCAM1、iNOS阳性细胞率高于正常对照组;炎性介质ICAM-1、VCAM-1、iNOS阳性细胞率与NF-κBp65阳性细胞率成正相关。用吡咯烷二硫氨基甲酸(pyrrolidinedithiocarbmate,PDTC)抑制转录因子NFκB的内毒素休克大鼠炎性介质ICAM1、VCAM1、iNOS阳性细胞率低于LPS组。结论核转录因子NFκB在LPS引起的大鼠内毒素休克炎性介质的表达中起调节作用。

Effect of resveratrol on activation of nuclear factor kappa-B and inflammatory factors in rat model of acute pancreatitis

AIM: To observe the effect of resveratrol on nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) activation and the inflammatory response in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (control), severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group, and severe acute pancreatitis group treated with resveratrol (RES). A SAP model was established by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate 1 mL/kg through puncturing the pancreatic duct. In Res group, Res was given at 30 mg/kg b.m. intraperitoneally after the SAP model was successfully established. Eight animals from each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 h after modeling. The expression of NF-κB activation of pancreas was detected by irnmunohistochemical staining, whereas the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in pancreatic tissues were estimated by radioimrnunoassay. The pathological changes of pancreas and lungs were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Much less hyperemia, edema, dust-colored necrotic focus and soaps were noticed in pancreas in RES group than in SAP group. In RES group, hemorrhage, exudates and infiltration of inflammatory cells in pancreas and interstitial edema, destruction of alveolar wall in lung were significantly less than in SAP group. In the SAP group, the activation of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues was enhanced significantly at any measure point compared with control group (64.23±10.72% vs 2.56±0.65%, 55.86±11.34% vs 2.32±0.42%, 36.23±2.30% vs 2.40±0.36%,P<0.01), TNF-α, IL-8 were also increased and reached their peak at 6 h and then declined. The activation of NF-κB and the levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in RES group were significantly lower than those in SAP group (P<0.01): activation (52.63±9.45% vs 64.23±10.72%, 40.52±8.40% vs 55.86±11.34%, 29.83±5.37% vs 36.23±2.30%), TNF-α (132.76±15.68 pg/mL vs 158.36±12.58 pg/mL, 220.32±23.57 pg/mL vs 247.67± 11.62 pg/mL, 175.68±18.43 pg/mL vs 197.35±12.57 pg/mL) and IL-8 (0.62±0.21 μg/L vs 0.83±0.10 μg/L, 1.10±0.124 μg/L vs1.32±0.18 μg/L, 0.98±0.16 μg/L vs 1.27±0.23μg/L). CONCLUSION: The activation of NF-KB is involved in the inflammatory response of rats with SAP. Resveratrol could effectively inhibit the expression of NF-κB activation, alleviate the severity of SAP through its anti-inflammatory effects and regulate the inflammatory mediators.

NF-κB上调VEGF表达影响胃癌预后

目的:探讨胃癌内核转录因子κB(nuclearfactor-κB,NF-κB)活化对血管内皮生长因子(vascularendothelialRrowthfactor,VEGF)表达的影响及对预后的影响.方法:选择胃癌根治术切除标本41例,应用免疫组织化学方法测定NK-κB,VEGF及CD34的表达,检测结果与胃癌临床病理学多参数进行经统计分析.结果:NF-κB呈活化型型表达者占受检病例的68.3%,VEGF呈强阳性表达者占受检病例的70.73%.NF-κB活化型表达组与VEGF高表达组有较高一致性(κ=0.393,P=0.012).NF-κB与VEGF同时表达组微血管密度明显较NF-κB与VEGF同时阴性组高(P=0.000),NF-κB与VEGF同时表达组生存期明显短于NF-κB与VEGF同时阴性组(P=0.035).结论:胃癌细胞通过活化NF-κB信号通道促进VEGF高表达,从而影响肿瘤内微血管密度及预后.

A Nonradioactive Method for Detecting DNA-binding Activity of Nuclear Transcription Factors

To determine the feasibility of a nonradioactive electrophoresis mobility shift assay for detecting nuclear transcription factor, double-stranded oligonucleotides encoding the consensus target sequence of NF-κB were labled with DIG by terminal transferase After nuclear protein stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or PMA and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) electrophoresed on 8 % nondenaturing poliacrylamide gel together with oligeonucleotide probe, they were electro-blotted nylon membrane positively charged Anti-DIG-AP antibody catalyzed chemiluminescent substrate CSPD to image on X-film The results showed that nuclear proteins binded specifically to the NF-κB consensus sequence in the EMSA by chemiluminescent technique method and the activity of NF-κB in PMA group was more than that in PMA+PDTC group It is suggested that detection of NF-κB by EMSA with chemiluminescent technique is feasible and simple, which can be performed in ordinary laboratories

Nuclear Factor kappa B p65 Expression in Mouse Cochlea

Nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) is one of the best-characterized transcription factors playing important roles in many cellular responses to a large variety of stimuli,including inflammatory cytokines, phorbol esters, growth factors, and bacterial and viral products. The aim of this study is to demonstrate NF-κB expression in the mouse cochlea and its enhancement in response to lipopolysaccharides(LPS) and kanamycin(KA) treatment. Methods KA treatment consisted of subcutaneous KA injections at 700 mg/kg twice a day with an eight-hour interval between the two injections for 3 or 7 days. For animals in the LPS treatment group, a single dose of 0.3 mg LPS dissolved in 0.2 ml sterile saline were injected into both bullae through the tympanic membrane and kept there for 3 hours. Animals in the control group received subcutaneous saline injection for 7 days. Following immmunohistochemichal processing with rabbit polyclonal anti-NF-κB p65 antibodies, cryosections of the cochlea were examined for expression of NF-κB p65 in various structures in the cochlea. Results NF-κB p65 expression, identified by presence of brown reaction products characteristic of DAB immunohistochemistry, was visible in the spiral ligament, spiral prominence, tectorial membrane(TM), spiral ganglion and nerve fibers. Relatively weak NF-κB p65 expression was also visualized in the organ of Corti. Within the organ of Corti, the inner hair cells(IHC), outer hair cells(OHC), inner pillar cells(IP), outer pillar cells (OP), Deiter’s cells(DC), and Boettcher’s cells exhibited stronger staining than the inner sulcus cells, Hensen’s cells(HC) and Claudius’cells. No NF-κB p65 expression was seen in the nucleus of the IHC and OHC. NF-κB p65 expression was increased in animals exposed to LPS or KA, demonstrating significant differences in the staining between control animals and LPS/KA-treated animals. NF-κB p65 expression was not significantly different between LPS treated and KA treated animals or between 3 and 7 days in KA-treated animals. Conclusion LPS and KA exposure increases expression of NF-κB p65 in the mouse cochlea.

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.

Lipopolysaccharide enhances the inhibition of NF-κB expression in NNK-mediated peritoneal macrophages

Objective： The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide （LPS） on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） in 4-（methylitrosamino）-1-（3-pyridyl）-1-butanone （NNK）-mediated primary mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Methods： The activity of peritoneal rnacrophages treated with different concentrations of LPS was detected by MTT assay in rider to find the optimal concentration. Peritoneal macrophages were also treated with NNK （100-500 μM）, with or without LPS for 9 h. The expression of NF-κB was demonstrated via immunocytochemistry （ICC） and Western- blot, respectively. Results： The concentration of LPS at 25 μg/mL was found to be the optimal concentration to improve the activity of peritoneal macrophages （P 〈 0.01）. Simultaneously, LPS （25 μg/mL） increased the expression of NF-κB in both the nucleus and cytoplasm and facilitated transfer of NF-κB to the nucleus. NNK treatment significantly inhibited the expression of NF-κB in a concentration-dependent manner, among the LPS-stimulated or unstimulated peritoneal macrophages, especially when cotreated with LPS （25 μg/mL, P 〈 0.01 ）. Furthermore, NNK treatment （500 μM） with LPS yielded a significant decrease in NF-κB translocation to nucleus and inhibited the expression of NF-κB （P 〈 0.005）. Conclusion： LPS enhances the suppression of NF-κB expression in NNK-mediated mouse peritoneal macrophages, which may provide a theoretical basis for the inhibition of cancer.

Study on improving hematopoietic function of rats with blood deficiency syndrome by Shengxuebao mixture

Background:Shengxuebao mixture(SXBM)is a novel herbal drug approved by China State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Leukopenia and iron deficiency anemia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods:To explore the mechanism of SXBM in treating blood deficiency syndrome(BDS).Firstly,network pharmacology and in vivo experiments were used to screen candidate targets and important signaling pathways of SXBM,GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed.Secondly,a BDS rat model was established to verify the results of the analysis of network pharmacological enrichment.Histopathology and routine peripheral blood examination were observed.The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-6,HIF-1αand NF-κB were detected by Western blot,and the expressions of IL-6,IL-1βwere detected by ELISA.Results:62 bioactive components,66 potential targets and 131 signaling pathways of BDS were successfully identified by network pharmacology.Molecular docking simulation techniques showed that key targets tumor necrosis factor-α,IL-6,IL-1βcan dock well with crucial components,and the BDS-related signaling pathways HIF-1 and JAK-STAT play a vital role.The combined model experiment of acetylphenylhydrazine and cyclophosphamide showed that the model group had obvious blood deficiency,and the histopathology and blood routine were effectively restored after administration.Our findings indicate that SXBM’s therapeutic effect on BDS primarily involves the mediation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and the regulation of hematopoietic factor expression.Conclusion:This study not only affirmed the protective properties of SXBM against BDS but also provided insights into a potential mechanism for blood replenishment in the treatment of BDS using SXBM.

Harnessing traditional herbal medicine:molecular insights into diabetic wound healing for modern therapeutics

This study aims to explore the molecular aspects of the wound-healing potential of medicinal plants through preclinical and clinical research.This review focuses on the theoretical sup-port and therapeutic effects of traditional herbal plants,herbal formulations,and active com-pounds in herbal medicine.It provides new insights into the management of diabetic wound healing with herbal medicine.A comprehensive literature review was conducted using key-words such as“herbal remedies”“diabetics”“wounds”“bioactive”“medicinal plant”and“growth factor”across several literature databases,namely,Wiley Online Library,Elsevier,Springer,PubMed,and Google Scholar.The available literature provides a basis for tradition-al remedies found to be effective in healing wounds by targeting key molecules involved in wound pathology,including collagen I&III,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),tu-mor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),transforming growth fac-tor(TGF)-β1,hydroxyproline(collagen component),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and Cata-lase(CAT).Numerous studies have investigated the presence of bioactive compounds in many plants for their wound-healing effects.The results underscore the potential of various plants in wound healing,highlighting the need for further pharmacological research before clinical application.These findings support the conventional use of herbal remedies and pro-vide the basis for future research into the development of new therapeutic alternatives for wound healing.

Albumin resuscitation protects against traumatic/hemorrhagic shock-induced lung apoptosis in rats

Objective: To determine the effects of albumin administration on lung injury and apoptosis in traumatic/hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) rats. Methods: Studies were performed on an in vivo model of spontaneously breathing rats with induced T/HS; the rats were subjected to femur fracture, ischemia for 30 min, and reperfusion for 20 min with Ringer's lactate solution (RS) or 5% (w/v) albumin (ALB), and the left lower lobes of the lungs were resected. Results: Albumin administered during reperfusion markedly attenuated injury of the lung and decreased the concentration of lactic acid and the number of in situ TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Moreover, immunohistochemistry performed 24 h after reperfusion revealed increases in the level of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the albumin-untreated group was down-regulated by albumin treatment when compared with the sham rats. Conclusion: Resuscitation with albumin attenuates tissue injury and inhibits T/HS-induced apoptosis in the lung via the p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway that functions to stimulate the activation of NF-κB.

ZIF-90-loaded DNAzyme-responsive PROTAC for the self-powered degradation of NF-κB

Transcription factors(TFs)play vital roles in regulating gene expressions.Dysregulated or mutated TFs are implicated in a wide array of diseases,highlighting their potential as drug targets.However,TFs are considered undruggable by conventional inhibitor-based modalities.The recently emerged proteolysis targeting chimeras(PROTACs)have exhibited great potential in tackling TFs.In particular,DNA-ligand chimeras that arm E3 ligase-recruiting ligands to TF-binding double-strand DNA represent a promising strategy for the targeted proteolysis of TFs.Here,we report a DNAzyme-inducible PROTAC(DzTAC)that selectively degrades NF-κB in a zinc ion-dependent manner.We further applied zinc-imidazolate metal–organic framework90(ZIF-90)to encapsulate DzTAC(ZIF-90@DzTAC),facilitating its delivery into cancer cells while self-supplying Zn2+via adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-triggered ZIF-90 dissociation.Moreover,ZIF-90@DzTAC can enhance the treatment efficacy of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in tumor-bearing mice.The developed DzTAC provides specific modulation over TF activity and opens an avenue for more functional nucleic acid-based control over targeted protein degradation.

The Effect of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae Extract on the p38MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Insomniac Rats

Objective The objective of the study was to explore whether Suanzaoren(Semen Ziziphi Spinosae,SZS)extract could improve insomnia by inhibiting the p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase(p38MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Forty SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were included in the study,with 10 randomly selected rats serving as the control group.The remaining rats were injected intraperitoneally with p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)for 6 days to establish an insomnia model.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the model group,SZS extract group(3.0 g/kg),and zopiclone group(1.25 g/kg).The rats in the SZS extract and zopiclone groups were administered with the corresponding drugs via gavage for 7 days,while the rats in the control and model groups received distilled water.Sleep latency and sleep duration were recorded,and behavioral changes were observed through elevated plusmaze and open field tests.The levels of oxidative stress markers and serum inflammatory factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression levels of p38 MAPK,p-p38MAPK,p-NF-κBp65,and NF-κBp65 protein in the cerebral cortex were detected by Western blot.Neuronal structures in the cerebral cortex were observed under a transmission electron microscope.Results Compared with the control group,the model group exhibited abnormal appearances,significant body mass loss(p<0.001),prolonged sleep latency and shortened sleep duration(p<0.001).The SZS extract and zopiclone groups showed significant improvements in these parameters compared with the model group.Compared with the control group,the model group showed significant reduction in total movement distance(p<0.001),fewer entries into the central zone(p<0.01),and significant decrease in rearing frequency(p<0.001);the levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and catalase(CAT)in the hippocampus were significantly reduced(p<0.001);the serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and the expression levels of p-p38MAPK and p-NF-κBp65 in the cerebral cortex were significantly increased(p<0.05).Compared with the model group,the SZS extract group showed significant increase in movement distance(p<0.01)and rearing frequency(p<0.001),significantly increased the GSH-Px and CAT levels(p<0.001),and decreased the IL-1βand TNF-αlevels(p<0.01);furthermore,the SZS extract group showed a significantly reduced p-p38MAPK and p-NF-κBp65 levels(p<0.05).The SZS extract group showed significant improvement in the neuronal structure compared with the model group.Conclusion SZS extract can inhibit the p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to improve insomnia.

Influence of catgut implantation at acupoints on splenic lymphocyte nuclear factor (NF-κB p65) and correlated signaling molecules (β2AR) in rats with experimental colitis

Objective To investigate the mechanisms of catgut implantation at acupoints on ulcerative colitis. Methods Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group （NC）, a model group （MO） and a catgut implantation group （CI） with 6 rats in each group. Animals in group MO and group CI were treated by trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid （TNBS） to establish model with colitis. No other treatment was given to the rats in group MO, but catgut was implanted at ＂Shàngjùxū＂ （上 巨虚 ST 37）, ＂Tiānshū＂ （天枢 ST 25） and ＂Dàchángshū＂ （大肠俞 BL 25） in the rats in group CI. The symptoms of diarrhea and bloody stool, and changes in histopathology were detected 15 days after the treatment. Expressions of splenic lymphocyte nuclear factor κB p65（NF-κB p65）and correlated signaling molecules（β2AR）were detected by the western blot method. Results Diarrhea and mucus bloody purulent stool were soon controlled, and mucous injures were obviously improved in group CI. The NF-κB p65 value of splenic lymphocytes was signifi cantly increased （P0.01） and expression of β2AR remarkably reduced in group MO （P0.01）, compared with group NC. But, the NF-κB p65 value was significantly decreased （P0.01） and expression of β2AR remarkably increased in group CI （P 0.01） , compared with group MO. Conclusion Catgut implantation at acupoints is obviously effective in treating experimental colitis. Modulation of NF-κB p65 and the correlated signaling molecules β2AR may be involved in the mechanisms.

Scutellarein Ameliorated Chondrocyte Inflammation and Osteoarthritis in Rats

Objective:Osteoarthritis(OA)is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by the gradual degradation of joint cartilage and local inflammation.This study aimed to investigate the anti-OA effect of scutellarein(SCU),a single-unit flavonoid compound obtained from Scutellaria barbata D.Don,in rats.Methods:The extracted rat chondrocytes were treated with SCU and IL-1β.The chondrocytes were divided into control group,IL-1βgroup,IL-1β+SCU 50µmol/L group,and IL-1β+SCU 100µmol/L group.Morphology of rat chondrocytes was observed by toluidine blue and safranin O staining.CCK-8 method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of SCU.ELISA,qRT-PCR,Western blotting,immunofluorescence,SAβ-gal staining,flow cytometry,and bioinformatics analysis were applied to evaluate the effect of SCU on rat chondrocytes under IL-1βintervention.Additionally,anterior cruciate ligament transection(ACL-T)was used to establish a rat OA model.Histological changes were detected by safranin O/fast green,hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and immunohistochemistry.Results:SCU protected cartilage and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via multiple mechanisms.Specifically,it could enhance the synthesis of extracellular matrix in cartilage cells and inhibit its degradation.In addition,SCU partially inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B/mitogen-activated protein kinase(NF-κB/MAPK)pathway,thereby reducing inflammatory cytokine production in the joint cartilage.Furthermore,SCU significantly reduced IL-1β-induced apoptosis and senescence in rat chondrocytes,further highlighting its potential role in OA treatment.In vivo experiments revealed that SCU(at a dose of 50 mg/kg)administered for 2 months could significantly delay the progression of cartilage damage,which was reflected in a lower Osteoarthritis Research Society International(OARSI)score,and reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13)in cartilage.Conclusion:SCU is effective in the therapeutic management of OA and could serve as a potential candidate for future clinical drug therapy for OA.

The potential mechanism of Isodon suzhouensis against COVID-19 via EGFR/TLR4 pathways

Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)has brought the new challenges to scientific research.Isodon suzhouensis has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects,which is considered as a potential treatment for COVID-19.The possibility for the treatment of COVID-19 with I.suzhouensis and its potential mechanism of action were explored by employing molecular docking and network pharmacology.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to screen drug targets,and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced RAW264.7 and NR8383 cells inflammation model was used for experimental verification.Collectively a total of 209 possible linkages against 18 chemical components from I.suzhouensis and 1194 COVID-19 related targets were selected.Among these,164 common targets were obtained from the intersection of I.suzhouensis and COVID-19.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enriched 582 function targets and 87 target proteins pathways,respectively.The results from molecular docking studies revealed that rutin,vitexin,isoquercitrin and quercetin had significant binding ability with 3 chymotrypsin like protease(3CLpro)and angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2).In vitro studies showed that I.suzhouensis extract(ISE)may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the expression level of downstream proinflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS.In addition,ISE was able to inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in NR8383 cells exposed to LPS.Overall,the network pharmacology and in vitro studies conclude that active components from I.suzhouensis have strong therapeutic potential against COVID-19 through multi-target,multi-pathway dimensions and can be a promising candidate against COVID-19.

COX-2和NF-κB在幽门螺杆菌感染及其相关疾病中表达及意义

幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacterpylori,Hp)是引起慢性胃炎、消化性溃疡和胃黏膜相关淋巴组织(MALT)淋巴瘤的主要病因,且与胃癌的发生密切相关.但迄今为止其确切的致病和致癌机制尚不清楚.Hp感染诱发胃黏膜的炎症反应是其引起一切病变的基础.环氧化酶-2(cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2)与核转录因子κB(nucleartranscriptionfactor KappaB,NF-κB)在胃黏膜炎症、损伤和肿瘤的发生发展中起重要作用,是胃黏膜内炎症和免疫反应的重要调节因子,并且与Hp感染有关[1-3].我们研究了Hp相关性疾病中COX-2和NF-κB的变化及其相互关系,以探讨Hp的致病机制.