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

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

电针膝三针对膝骨关节炎大鼠TLR4及NF-κBp65磷酸化水平变化的影响

目的:探讨电针膝三针对膝骨关节炎大鼠Toll样受体4(TLR4)及核因子κBp65(NF-κBp65)磷酸化水平变化的影响。方法:选取40只8月龄大鼠,10只为对照组,其余30只采用后肢跟腱切除法造模。造模后平均分为模型组、电针组和塞来昔布组,8周后取材。肉眼和光镜下观察各组大鼠膝软骨组织形态学变化,分别通过Moran评分、Mankin评分判定软骨病变程度;用Western blot法分别检测各组大鼠软骨TLR4、NF-κBp65磷酸化蛋白(p-NF-κBp65)以及白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量变化。结果:模型组Moran评分低于对照组,Mankin评分高于对照组;而电针组和塞来昔布组Moran评分高于模型组,Mankin评分低于模型组。模型组大鼠TLR4、p-NF-κBp65、IL-6、TNF-α表达水平高于对照组,而电针组和塞来昔布组TLR4、p-NF-κBp65、IL-6、TNF-α表达水平低于模型组。结论:电针膝三针可减少膝关节炎大鼠软骨破坏,延缓软骨退变,其作用机制可能是通过下调TLR4/NF-κBp65通路关键调节因子TLR4、p-NF-κBp65的表达,减少炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α的释放,从而延缓膝骨关节炎的发展进程。

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.

人脑胶质瘤与人脑转移瘤中NF-κBP65的表达及意义

目的研究人脑胶质瘤(HBG)与人脑转移瘤(HBMC)中核转录因子κBP65(NF-κBP65)的表达及其在肿瘤生物学行为中的作用。方法应用SABC方法进行免疫组织化学染色,观察6例正常人脑组织、18例HBG组织与12例HBMC组织中NF-κBP65的表达及与肿瘤生物学行为之间的关系。结果正常脑细胞中NF-κBP65仅微量表达,在HBG细胞与HBMC细胞中呈不同程度的表达;在高级别HBG、HBMC和复发型HBG中,表达水平较低级别HBG细胞的高(P<0.01)。结论NF-κBP65表达的增强与HBG和HBMC恶性程度的增高、肿瘤浸润关系密切,并在HBG的复发中起重要作用。

Role of nuclear factor kappa B in central nervous system regeneration

Activation of nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） is a hallmark of various central nervous system （CNS） pathologies. Neuron-specific inhibition of its transcriptional activator subunit RelA, also referred to as p65, promotes neuronal survival under a range of conditions, i.e., for ischemic or excitotoxic insults. In macro- and microglial cells, post-lesional activation of NF-κB triggers a growth-permissive program which contributes to neural tissue inflammation, scar formation, and the expression of axonal growth inhibitors. Intriguingly, inhibition of such inducible NF-~B in the neuro-glial compartment, i.e., by genetic ablation of RelA or overexpression of a trans- dominant negative mutant of its upstream regulator IκBa, significantly enhances functional recovery and promotes axonal regeneration in the mature CNS. By contrast, depletion of the NF-κB subunit p50, which lacks transcriptional activator function and acts as a transcriptional repressor on its own, causes precocious neuronal loss and exacerbates axonal degeneration in the lesioned brain. Collectively, the data imply that NF-κB orchestrates a multicellular pro- gram in which κB-dependent gene expression establishes a growth-repulsive terrain within the post-lesioned brain that limits structural regeneration of neuronal circuits. Considering these subunit-specific functions, interference with the NF-κB pathway might hold clinical potentials to improve functional restoration following traumatic CNS injury.

敛疮生肌灌肠疗法对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠IL-6、IL-10、NF-κBp65、ICAM-1表达的影响

目的 观察敛疮生肌灌肠疗法对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠黏膜修复及结肠组织中白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、核转录因子κBp65(NF-κBp65)、细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)表达的影响。方法 选取10只SD大鼠作为正常组,另取20只SD大鼠建立溃疡性结肠炎模型。将造模成功大鼠随机分为模型组和敛疮生肌组,每组10只。敛疮生肌组给予0.45 g/mL的敛疮生肌方浓缩水煎液2 mL灌肠,模型组、正常组给予等量生理盐水灌肠,均1次/d,连续灌肠7 d。根据大鼠体重、大便性状、便血情况计算DAI评分;HE染色观察结肠组织病理形态,计算结肠组织病理评分;ELISA法检测结肠组织中IL-6、IL-10含量,免疫组化法检测NF-κBp65蛋白表达情况,RT-PCR法检测ICAM-1 mRNA表达情况。结果 模型组DAI评分、结肠组织病理学评分及结肠组织中IL-6含量、NF-κBp65蛋白表达光密度值、ICAM-1mRNA表达量均明显高于正常组(P均<0.05),结肠组织中IL-10含量明显低于正常组(P<0.05);敛疮生肌组DAI评分、结肠组织病理学评分及结肠组织中IL-6含量、NF-κBp65蛋白表达光密度值、ICAM-1 mRNA表达量均明显低于模型组(P均<0.05),结肠组织中IL-10含量明显高于模型组(P<0.05)。结论 敛疮生肌灌肠疗法可以有效减轻溃疡性结肠炎大鼠肠道免疫炎症反应,促进肠黏膜修复,其机制可能与上调IL-10表达和下调IL-6、NF-κBp65、ICAM-1的表达有关。

Effect of NF-κB p65 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2

AIM：To study the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B p65（NF-κB p65）antisense oligodeoxynucleotide（ASODN）on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2（TGF-β2）.·M ETHODS：NF-κBp65ASODNand NF-κBp65missense oligodeoxynucleotide（MSODN）were designed and synthesized.Human lens epithelial cell line（HLE B-3）cells were prepared for study and divided into 7 groups.Control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured in dulbecco’s modified eagle medium（DMEM）.T1,T2,and T3 group were HLE B-3 cells cultured in DMEM with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 6h,12h,24h respectively.A＋T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 ASODN for 24h.M＋T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 MSODN for 24h.The negative control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after cultured with transfer agent（Hi Per Fect）for 24h.Cell morphology was observed at different time points using an inverted microscope.The expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）,and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）protein was assayed with ELISA.·RESULTS：With the TGF-β2 stimulation prolongation,the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA and a-SMA protein increased in T1,T2,T3 groups compared with the control group,and the difference was statistically significant（〈0.05）.NF-κB p65 ASODN lowered the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.NF-κB p65 MSODN and Hi Per Fect did not lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.The difference between control group and A＋T group was not statistically significant（〉0.05）,but the difference among A＋T group and other groups was statistically significant（〈0.05）.·CONCLUSION：NF-κB p65 ASODN could lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2,and antagonized TGF-β2-induced transdifferentiation of HLE B-3.NF-κB p65ASODN could be used as a new biological therapeutic target of posterior capsular opacification.

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.

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

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

金刚丸对绝经后骨质疏松模型大鼠NF-κB p65表达及IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α的影响

目的观察金刚丸对去势骨质疏松大鼠核因子-κB(nuclear factor kappa-B,NF-κB)亚基(p65)蛋白表达及血清中白介素-1(Interleukin-1,IL-1)、白介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)含量的影响。方法选择了56只SD大鼠作为本次实验研究的对象,将其划分为空白组(NtC n=8)、假手术组(SHAM n=8)、去势大鼠组(OVX n=40)。对去势大鼠组使用摘除雌性大鼠两侧卵巢法建造绝经后骨质疏松大鼠模型,通过随机数字表法将该组45只大鼠分为模型组、戊酸雌二醇组、金刚丸低剂量组、金刚丸中剂量组、金刚丸高剂量组,其中每组大鼠数量为8只。连续针对金刚丸高中低剂量组及戊酸雌二醇组给予12周药物治疗,每日给药1次,针对假手术组、空白组、模型组则给予相同体积的蒸馏水。12周给药后分别采用HE染色法观察骨组织形态,ELISA法检测血清IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α含量,Western Blot法针对大鼠股骨NF-κB p65表达结果进行对比分析并得到实验结论。结果HE染色结果显示:模型组骨小梁形态模糊、广泛断裂,骨髓腔增宽,骨细胞排列紊乱,戊酸雌二醇组及金刚丸高中低剂量组骨组织形态明显改善,骨小梁结构紧密,骨外膜排列齐整。相较于空白组和假手术组,模型组血清中IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α含量明显升高(P<0.05),股骨中NF-κB p65水平明显升高(P<0.05)。相较于模型组,金刚丸高中低剂量组血清中IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α含量有较显著减低(P<0.05),股骨中NF-κB p65水平有较显著减低(P<0.05)。结论金刚丸能够有效改善骨组织形态,抑制IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α的产生,从而影响NF-κB信号通路,制约NF-κB p65表达活性,起到抑制破骨细胞活化、防治绝经后骨质疏松症的作用。

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.

人直肠腺癌癌细胞核转录因子κB的表达

目的 探讨癌细胞侵润转移机理。方法 取 8例人直肠腺癌的癌周组织和转移淋巴结以及 5例正常人的直肠组织和淋巴结 ,采用免疫组织化学方法检测其细胞核转录因子 κB(nuclear factorκB,NFκB)的表达。结果 癌周直肠组织中的癌细胞以及转移淋巴结的癌细胞中均有 NFκBp6 5的表达。结论 癌细胞的侵润转移的生物学性质与

青藤碱对缺血再灌注大鼠脑保护的作用机制

目的探讨青藤碱(Sin)对缺血再灌注(IR)大鼠脑保护的作用机制。方法80只Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组、IR组、Sin高剂量(60mg/kg)组和Sin低剂量(30mg/kg)组;Sin高剂量组和Sin低剂量组分别腹腔注射相应剂量Sin;30min后线栓法制备局灶性IR模型;IR后24h,应用2,3,5-三苯基氯化四氮唑(TTC)和HE染色观察脑梗死体积及脑组织病理学变化;干湿重法检测脑含水量;免疫组化法检测各组大鼠额顶部皮质核转录因子(NF)-κBp65、细胞间黏附分子(ICAM)-1表达及髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性。结果与IR组比较,Sin预处理后脑组织病理学改变明显减轻,Sin高剂量组缺血性改变更轻;Sin高、低剂量组脑梗死体积明显缩小,脑含水量明显降低,且Sin高剂量组更明显(均P<0.05)。假手术组皮质可见少量NF-κBp65表达于胞质,IR组、Sin高、低剂量组NF-κBp65表达增加(均P<0.05),且表达于胞核;与IR组比较,Sin高、低剂量组NF-κBp65核表达明显减少,Sin高剂量组减少更显著(均P<0.05)。IR组及Sin高、低剂量组MPO活性较假手术组明显增加(均P<0.05);与IR组比较,Sin高、低剂量组ICAM-1表达和MPO活性明显降低,Sin高剂量组降低更显著(均P<0.05)。结论Sin通过抑制脑组织NF-κBp65及ICAM-1表达和MPO活性,减轻IR后脑组织的炎症反应和脑水肿;其脑保护作用呈剂量依赖性。

梓醇对脑缺血急性期及亚急性期的神经保护作用及作用机制

目的：探讨梓醇对永久性脑缺血模型急性期脑组织梗死体积、含水量及亚急性期炎性反应的影响。方法：采用化学刺激法建立局灶性脑缺血（MCAT）模型，检测急性期（24 h）神经行为学症状、脑梗死面积和脑含水量；线栓法制作永久性大鼠脑缺血（pMCAO）模型，酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）测定缺血侧脑组织白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、白细胞介素-10（IL-10）和核转录因子Bp65（NF-κBp65）的含量。结果：大鼠MCAT后24 h，梓醇15-60 mg＆#183;kg-1剂量组可以显著改善模型动物神经症状损伤（P〈0.01或P〈0.001），梓醇15 mg＆#183;kg-1组可显著降低模型动物梗塞区面积（P〈0.05），30 mg＆#183;kg-1组和60 mg＆#183;kg-1组可显著降低脑水肿（P〈0.05）；大鼠pMCAO术后7天开始，梓醇30 mg＆#183;kg-1组或60 mg＆#183;kg-1组开始改善模型动物神经症状损伤；术后14天，与假手术组比较，缺血侧脑组织IL-10和核转录因子NF-κBp65的含量变化与模型组已经不明显，IL-6水平显著降低（P〈0.05），梓醇15 mg＆#183;kg-1灌胃14天可以降低模型动物缺血侧脑组织NF-κBp65含量（P〈0.05）。结论：梓醇能改善局灶性脑缺血模型动物急性期及亚急性期神经症状损伤，缩小梗死灶，减轻脑部水肿，其作用可能与抑制脑缺血引起的炎症损伤无关。

探讨白介素18结合蛋白对球囊损伤后内膜增殖的影响及其机制

目的:观察白介素18结合蛋白(Interleukin 18 binding protein,IL-18BP)对高脂饮食兔髂总动脉球囊损伤后动脉内膜增殖的影响,并探讨可能的机制。方法:将48只雄性新西兰大白兔随机分为4组:对照组、模型组、低剂量治疗组和高剂量治疗组,高脂饮食3周后行球囊损伤术。术时低剂量及高剂量组在夹闭近端髂总动脉之前分别给予5、10μg IL-18BP快速耳缘静脉注射,对照组与模型组给予等体积的生理盐水静脉注射。术后继续高脂饮食,分别在球囊损伤后2周和4周将兔处死,最终共有43只雄性新西兰大白兔纳入实验。取髂总动脉,行HE染色,观察髂总动脉病理变化及内膜增殖情况,免疫组织化学染色检测核因子κB(Nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)在血管内膜中的表达,Western blot检测NF-κB蛋白的半定量表达。结果:模型组动脉血管内膜明显增生,内膜下和中膜可见大量泡沫细胞堆积,有明显的粥样硬化斑块形成;与模型组相比,治疗组均有内膜增厚明显减轻,内膜下有少量泡沫细胞形成(P<0.05);免疫组化和Western blot结果显示治疗组NF-κB阳性表达率均明显低于模型组(P<0.01)。结论:IL-18BP可明显抑制血管内膜过度增生,其机制可能与其抑制血管内膜NF-κB表达,从而减轻炎症反应有关。

Curcumin suppresses gastric NF-κB activation and macromolecular leakage in Helicobacter pylori-infected rats

AIM:To investigate whether curcumin could attenuate nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65 expression and macromolecular leakage in the gastric mucosa of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-infected rats.METHODS:Twenty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into five groups:control rats(Control),control rats supplemented with 600 mg/kg curcumin,H.pylori-infected rats(Hp),H.pylori-infected rats supplemented with 200 mg/kg curcumin(Hp + curIn H.pylori-infected groups,rats were inoculated with H.pylori suspension twice a day at an interval of 4 h for 3 d.Two weeks later,200 or 600 mg/kg curcumin was given once daily to curcuminsupplemented groups for 7 d.On the day of the experiment,macromolecular leakage in gastric mucosa was examined by intravital fluorescence microscopy.The stomach tissue was removed to examine NF-κB p65 expression in gastric epithelial cells by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:The expression of NF-κB p65 in gastric epithelial cells and the macromolecular leakage from gastric mucosal microcirculation significantly increased in the Hp group compared with the Control group.The percentages of NF-κB p65 immunoreactive cells in Control and Hp groups were 10.72% ± 2.10% vs 16.02% ± 2.98%,P = 0.004,respectively.The percentages of macromolecular leakage in Control and Hp groups were 10.69% ± 1.43% vs 15.41% ± 2.83%,P = 0.001,respectively.Curcumin supplementation in Hp + cur-CONCLUSION:H.pylori-induced gastric inflammation in rats is associated with increased NF-κB activation and macromolecular leakage which can be reduced by curcumin supplementation.

Expression and signifi cance of TLR4 and HIF-1α in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

AIM:To investigate the expression of toll-like receptor(TLR) 4,nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) p65 and hypoxiainducible transcription factor 1α(HIF-1α) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and their clinical significance.METHODS:The mRNA of TLR4 and HIF-1α were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 30 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its adjacent tissues,and expression of TLR4,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α protein were detected by immunohistochemistry in 65 cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues and 38 cases of corresponding adjacent tissues.The relationship between TLR4 or HIF-1α and pathologic features,as well as the association between TLR4 and HIF-1α,were also analyzed.Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the impact of expression of TLR4 and HIF-1α on survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.RESULTS:The relative quantif ication of TLR4 and HIF-1α mRNA in tumor tissues was 0.81±0.10 and 0.87±0.11,respectively,signif icantly higher than that in adjacent tissues(0.81±0.10 vs 0.70±0.16,P=0.002;0.87±0.11 vs 0.68±0.13,P=0.000).The protein expression of TLR4,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α in tumor tissues was 69.20%,66.15% and 70.80%,respectively,being signif icantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues(69.20% vs 39.50%,P=0.003;66.15% vs 31.58%,P=0.001;70.80% vs 36.80%,P=0.001).There was no signif icant correlation between TLR4 or HIF-1α expression and the age,gender,tumor location,the degree of tumor differentiation in the patients(P>0.05).However,there was signif icant correlation between the expression of TLR4 or HIF-1α and tumor size,lymph node metastasis,venous invasion and clinical staging(P<0.05).The expression of TLR4 and HIF-1α had a signif icant impact on survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION:TLR4,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α are overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma,TLR4 may be partly involved in up-regulating HIF-1α,and both synergestically promote development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Cardioprotective effect of erythropoietin on sepsisinduced myocardial injury in rats

BACKGROUND:Sepsis-induced myocardial injury is one of the major predictors of morbidity and mortality of sepsis.The cytoprotective function of erythropoietin(EPO) has been discovered and extensively studied.However,the cardioprotective effects of EPO on sepsis-induced myocardial injury in the rat sepsis model has not been reported.METHODS:The rat models of sepsis were produced by cecal ligation and perforation(CLP)surgery.Rats were randomly(random number) assigned to one of three groups(n=8 for each group):sham group,CLP group and EPO group(1000 lU/kg erythropoietin).Arterial blood was withdrawn at3,6,12,and 24 hours after CLP.cTnl,BNP,CK-MB,LDH,AST,TNF-a,IL-6,IL-10,and CRP were tested by the ELISA assay.Changes of hemodynamic parameters were recorded at 3,6,12,24 hours after the surgery.Histological diagnosis was made by hematoxylin and eosin.Flow cytometry was performed to examine cell apoptosis,myocardium mitochondrial inner membrane potential,and NF-κB(p65).Survival rate at 7 days after CLP was recorded.RESULTS:In the CLP group,myocardial enzyme index and inflammatory index increased at3,6,12 and 24 hours after CLP compared with the sham group,and EPO significantly blocked the increase.Compared with the CLP group,EPO significantly improved LVSP,LV +dpldt_(max) LV-dp/dt_(min),and decreased LVEDP at different time.EPO blocked the reduction of mitochondrial transmembrane potential,suppressed the cardiomyocyte apoptosis,inhibited the activation of NF-κB,and reduced the production of proinflmmatory cytokines.No difference in the survival rate at 7 days was observed between the CLP group and the EPO group.CONCLUSION:Exogenous EPO has cardioprotective effects on sepsis-induced myocardial injury.

An enriched environment reduces hippocampal inflammatory response and improves cognitive function in a mouse model of stroke

An enriched environment is used as a behavio ral intervention therapy that applies sensory,motor,and social stimulation,and has been used in basic and clinical research of va rious neurological diseases.In this study,we established mouse models of photothrombotic stroke and,24 hours later,raised them in a standard,enriched,or isolated environment for 4 weeks.Compared with the mice raised in a standard environment,the cognitive function of mice raised in an enriched environment was better and the pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 region was remarkably alleviated.Furthermore,protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,nuclear factorκB p65,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factorα,and the mRNA expression level of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 were greatly lower,while the expression level of miR-146a-5p was higher.Compared with the mice raised in a standard environment,changes in these indices in mice raised in an isolated environment were opposite to mice raised in an enriched environment.These findings suggest that different living environments affect the hippocampal inflammatory response and cognitive function in a mouse model of stro ke.An enriched environment can improve cognitive function following stroke through up-regulation of miR-146a-5p expression and a reduction in the inflammatory response.

Protective effect of Jiaweibugan decoction against diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Oxygen free radical damage is regarded as a direct or indirect common pathway associated with diabetic neuropathy and is the main cause of complications in peripheral neuropathies. We speculate that Jiaweibugan decoction has a significant effect in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy through an anti-oxidative stress pathway. In this study, a diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Rats were treated with Jiaweibugan decoction via intragastric administration. The levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione, which are indirect indexes of oxidative stress, in serum were determined using a colorimetric method. The expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B p65 mRNA and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, which are oxidative stress associated factors, in the dorsal root ganglion of spinal $4-6 segments were evaluated by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that, Jiaweibugan decoction significantly ameliorated motor nerve conduction velocity in diabetic rats, effectively decreased malondialdehyde levels in serum and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B p65 mRNA and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase mRNA in the dorsa root ganglion, and increased glutathione levels in serum. Therefore, our experimental findings indicate that Jiaweibugan decoction plays an anti-oxidative stress role in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy process, which has a protective effect on peripheral nerve injury.