Clinicopathologic significance of expression of nuclear factor-kB RelA and its target gene products in gastric cancer patients

AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.

Role of Nuclear Transcription Factor-кB in Endotoxin induced Shock in Rats

Summary: To investigate the role of NF-κB in endotoxic shock in rats, the model of endotoxin-shock rats was induced by intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after LPS injection, the activation of NF-κB in blood mononuclear cells and the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma was detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay (ELISA). The level of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the histopathological changes of lung and liver were also observed. The activation of NF-κB in mononuclear cells increased 1 h after LPS injection and reached its peak 2 h after the injection, and its level was higher than that of normal group. The level of TNF-α was increased 1 h after the infusion and peaked 2 h after the injection, and its level was higher than that of normal group after LPS infusion. The content of IL-6 increased gradually with time, the IL-6 level was higher than that of normal group after LPS injection. MAP was decreased gradually with time and its level was lower than that of normal group after LPS injection. Pathological examination showed that endotoxic shock could cause pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage, edema and infiltration of inflammatory cell in lung tissue and congestion, edema, capillary dilation and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue. It is concluded that NF-κB can up-regulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma and play an important role in endotoxin-induced shock in rats.

Constitutive renal Rel/nuclear factor-κB expression in Lewis polycystic kidney disease rats

AIM： To determine the temporal expression and pattern of Rel/nuclear factor （NF）-κB proteins in renal tissue in polycystic kidney disease （PKD）. METHODS： The renal expression of Rel/NF-κB proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofuorescence and immunoblot analysis in Lewis polycystic kidney rats （LPK, a genetic ortholog of human nephronopthsis-9） from postnatal weeks 3 to 20. At each timepoint, renal disease progression and the mRNA expression of NF-κB-dependent genes （TNFa and CCL2） were determined. NF-κB was also histologically assessed in human PKD tissue.RESULTS： Progressive kidney enlargement in LPK rats was accompanied by increased renal cell proliferation and interstitial monocyte accumulation （peaking at weeks 3 and 10 respectively）, and progressive interstitial fibrosis （with a smooth muscle actin and Sirius Red deposition significantly increased compared to Lewis kidneys from weeks 3 to 6 onwards）. Rel/NF-κB proteins （phosphorylated-p105, p65, p50, c-Rel and RelB） were expressed in cystic epithelial cells （CECs） of LPK kidneys as early as postnatal week 3 and sustained until late-stage disease at week 20. From weeks 10 to 20, nuclear p65, p50, RelB and cytoplasmic IκBa protein levels, and TNFa and CCL2 expression, were upregulated in LPK compared to Lewis kidneys. NF-κB proteins were consistently expressed in CECs of human PKD. The DNA damage marker γ-H2AX was also identifed in the CECs of LPK and human polycystic kidneys. CONCLUSION： Several NF-κB proteins are consistently expressed in CECs in human and experimental PKD. These data suggest that the upregulation of both the canonical and non-canonical pathways of NF-κB signaling may be a constitutive and early pathological feature of cystic renal diseases.

Influence of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in human periodontal ligament cells

Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cultured human periodontal ligament(HPDL)cells.Methods Small interfering RNA(siRNA)eukaryotic expression vector targeted transforming growth factor βⅡ receptor(TGF-β RⅡ)was constructed and transfected into T cells.HPDL cells with T cells transfected with siRNA or not were placed in the culture medium that had been added with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and baicalin.The obtained solution was divided into six groups according to the components(group Ⅰ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1+baicalin;group Ⅱ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1;group Ⅲ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells+baicalin;group Ⅳ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells;group Ⅴ:HPDL cells+baicalin;group Ⅵ:HPDL cells)and was cultured for 48 hours.RT-PCR was used to observe the effect of baicalin on the expression of OPG-RANKL in HPDL cells.Results The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅰ was lower than that in group Ⅱ(P<0.01)and higher than that in group Ⅲ(P<0.01);The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅲ was lower than that in group Ⅳ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅴ was lower than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.05).Conclusion ① Baicalin could decrease the ratio of RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells.② The TGF-β signaling transduction plays an important role in the effect of baicalin on the RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDL cells.③ Baicalin acts not only through TGF-β to regulate RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells,but also through other pathways.

Acacetin protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the NLRP3 signaling pathway

Acacetin(5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), a potential neuroprotective agent, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory reactions. However, whether acacetin has an effect on inflammatory corpuscle 3(NLRP3) after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been fully determined. This study used an improved suture method to establish a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model in C57BL/6 mice. After ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour, reperfusion with intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg of acacetin(acacetin group) or an equal volume of saline(0.1 mL/10 g, middle cerebral artery occlusion group) was used to investigate the effect of acacetin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Infarct volume and neurological function scores were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and the Zea-Longa scoring method. Compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, neurological function scores and cerebral infarction volumes were significantly reduced in the acacetin group. To understand the effect of acacetin on microglia-mediated inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunohistochemistry for the microglia marker calcium adapter protein ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba1) was examined in the hippocampus of ischemic brain tissue. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 expression in ischemic brain tissue of mice was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Iba1, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Western blot assay results showed that expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B, NLRP3, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Our findings indicate that acacetin has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammation and the NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Puerarin protects brain tissue against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting the inflammatory response

Puerarin, a traditional Chinese medicine, exerts a powerful neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, but its mechanism is unknown. Here, we established rat models of middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion injury using the suture method. Puerarin （100 mg/kg） was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before middle cerebral artery occlusion and 8 hours after reperfusion. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, we found that puerarin significantly improved neurological deficit, reduced infarct size and brain water content, and notably diminished the expression of Toll-like receptor-4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-α in the ischemic region. These data indicate that puerarin exerts an anti-inflammatory protective effect on brain tissue with ischemia/reperfusion damage by downregulating the expression of multiple inflammatory factors.

Microglial cathepsin B as a key driver of inflammatory brain diseases and brain aging

Interleukin-1βis a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the brain aging and diverse range of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,stroke and persistent pain.Activated microglia are the main cellular source of interleukin-1βin the brain.Cathepsin B is associated with the production and secretion of interleukin-1βthrough pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome-independent processing of procaspase-3 in the phagolysosomes.The leakage of cathepsin B from the endosomal-lysosomal system during aging is associated with the proteolytic degradation of mitochondrial transcription factor A,which can stabilize mitochondrial DNA.Therefore,microglial cathepsin B could function as a major driver for inflammatory brain diseases and brain aging.Orally active and blood-brain barrier-permeable specific inhibitors for cathepsin B can be potentially effective new pharmaceutical interventions against inflammatory brain diseases and brain aging.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate on Microcirculatory Disturbance of Small Intestine in Rats with Sepsis

To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate（STS） on microcirculatory disturbance of small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the possible mechanism,a rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture（CLP）.Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups：sham operated group（S）,sepsis group（CLP） and STS treatment group（STS）.STS（1 mg/kg） was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP.The histopathologic changes in the intestinal tissue and changes of mesenteric microcirculation were observed.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） in the intestinal tissue were determined by using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay（ELISA）.The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1（ICAM-1） in the intestinal tissue was detected by using immunohistochemisty and Western blot,that of nuclear factor κB（NF-κB） and tissue factor（TF） by using Western blot,and the levels of NF-κB mRNA expression by using RT-PCR respectively.The microcirculatory disturbance of the intestine was aggravated after CLP.The injury of the intestinal tissues was obviously aggravated in CLP group as compared with S group.The expression levels of NF-κB p65,ICAM-1,TF and TNF-α were upregulaed after CLP（P0.01）.STS post-treatment could ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance,attenuate the injury of the intestinal tissues induced by CLP,and decrease the levels of NF-κB,ICAM-1,TF and TNF-α（P0.01）.It is suggested that STS can ameliorate the microcirculatory disturbance of the small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of inflammatory responses and amelioration of coagulation abnormality.

Inhibitory Effects of Parthenolide on the Activity of NF-κB in Multiple Myeloma via Targeting TRAF6

This study examined the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of parthenolide（PTL） on the activity of NF-κB in multiple myeloma（MM）. Human multiple myeloma cell line RPMI 8226 cells were treated with or without different concentrations of PTL for various time periods, and then MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Cell cycle and apoptosis were flow cytometrically detected. The level of protein ubiquitination was determined by using immunoprecipitation. Western blotting was employed to measure the level of total protein ubiquitination, the expression of IκB-α in cell plasma and the content of p65 in nucleus. The content of p65 in nucleus before and after PTL treatment was also examined with immunofluorescence. Exposure of RPMI 8226 cells to PTL attenuated the level of ubiquitinated Nemo, increased the expression of IκB-α and reduced the level of p65 in nucleus, finally leading to the decrease of the activity of NF-κB. PTL inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and blocked cell cycle. Furthermore, the levels of ubiquitinated tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6（TRAF6） and total proteins were decreased after PTL treatment. By using Autodock software package, we predicted that PTL could bind to TRAF6 directly and tightly. Taken together, our findings suggest that PTL inhibits the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway via directly binding with TRAF6, thereby suppressing MM cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.

Ganglion cells apoptosis in diabetic rats as early prediction of glaucoma:a study of Brn3b gene expression and association with change of quantity of NO, caspase-3, NF-κB, and TNF-α

AIM:To find a new concept to show whether or not apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)canbe determined in the histology of acute hyperglycemia in the role of expressed Brn3b gene related to nitric oxide(NO),caspase-3,nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)as an early predictor of primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)eyes and their associations.METHODS:Experimental in vivo study was carried out using adult male,white Sprague-Dawley rats aged≥2 mo,weighing 150-200 g.The animals were divided into two groups,one group receiving intraperitoneal injection of streptozotociz 50 mg/kg in 0.01 mol/L citricbuffer and p H 4.5 and a comparison made with the control group.Retinal tissue was divided into two parts(both experimental and control groups respectively):a)right retina for immunohistochemistry(IHC;caspase-3 and TNF-α);b)left retina was divided into two parts for the purpose of real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)test(RNA extraction for Brn3b gene expression analysis)and ELISA test(NO and NF-κB).RESULTS:The experimental group showed a decrease in Brn3b gene expression compared to the control group(1.3-fold lower in 2nd month;1.1-fold lower in 4th month and 2.5-fold lower in 6th month).However,there was a decrease of NO,caspase-3,and an increase of NF-κB and TNF-αquantity.CONCLUSION:The expression of m RNA Brn3b gene is inversely proportional to apoptosis in RGCs.The quantity of NO,caspase-3,NF-κB and TNF-αis influential in expression of Brn3b in RGCs caused by hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.

The Role of IκBα in TNF-α-induced Apoptosis in Hepatic Stellate Cell Line HSC-T6

To investigate the role of NF-κB in TNF-α induced apoptosis in HSC-T6, a mutant IκBα was transfected into HSC-T6 cells by lipofectin transfection technique and its transient effect was examined 48 h after the transfection. The activation of NF-κB was detected by immune fluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting with anti-p65 antibody. The apoptosis and the rate of inhibition by TNF-α in both transfected and untransfected HSC-T6 cells were measured respectively by FAC-Scan side scatter analysis and MTF methods. Our results showed that TNF-α could activate NF-κB in untransfected cells but not in transfected HSC-T6 cells. The percentage of apoptosis in transfected cells were significantly higher than that in the untransfected ones （P〈0.01） and it was also true of the inhibition rate （P〈0.01）. It is concluded that the resistance of HSC-T6 towards apoptosis induced by TNF-α can be mediated by NF-κB activation. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by mutant IκBα can attenuate the resistance of HSC-T6 cells and increase its sensitivity to TNF-α.

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.

Molecular mechanisms of triggering,amplifying and targeting RANK signaling in osteoclasts

Osteoclast differentiation depends on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(RANK) signaling,which can be divided into triggering,amplifying and targeting phases based on how active the master regulator nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1) is. The triggering phase is characterized by immediateearly RANK signaling induced by RANK ligand(RANKL) stimulation mediated by three adaptor proteins,tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,Grb-2-associated binder-2 and phospholipase C(PLC)γ2,leading to activation of IκB kinase,mitogen-activated protein kinases and the transcription factors nuclear factor(NF)-κB and activator protein-1(AP-1). Mice lacking NF-κB p50/p52 or the AP-1 subunit c-Fos(encoded by Fos) exhibit severe osteopetrosis due to a differentiation block in the osteoclast lineage. The amplification phase occurs about 24 h later in a RANKLinduced osteoclastogenic culture when Ca2+ oscillation starts and the transcription factor NFATc1 is abundantly produced. In addition to Ca2+ oscillation-dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional auto-induction of NFATc1,a Ca2+ oscillation-independent,osteoblastdependent mechanism stabilizes NFATc1 protein in dif-ferentiating osteoclasts. Osteoclast precursors lacking PLCγ2,inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors,regulator of G-protein signaling 10,or NFATc1 show an impaired transition from the triggering to amplifying phases. The final targeting phase is mediated by activation of numerous NFATc1 target genes responsible for cell-cell fusion and regulation of bone-resorptive function. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms for each of the three phases of RANK signaling during osteoclast differentiation.

Influence of Silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on LPS/TLR4 Signaling in vitro

This study investigated the influence of silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/toll-like receptor(TLR)-4 signaling pathway in vitro.Four plasmids(pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2,3,4) containing different shRNA sequences were designed and synthesized.The proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after transfected with these plasmids was measured by MTT assay.Inflammatory cellular models were established by LPS stimulation.Levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and TGF-β1 in the supernatants,mRNA expressions of TRAF6,IL-6 and COX-2,protein expression of TRAF6 and translocation of NF-κB were assayed by ELISA,real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting,respectively.The results showed that the TRAF6 gene knockdown by RNAi hardly inhibited the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells within 72 h.The mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6 was lower in the TRAF6-shRNA1,2 groups than in the TRAF6-shRNA3,4 groups.Therefore,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 were selected for the subsequent experiments.Our results still showed that pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could significantly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and COX-2,and inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation.Moreover,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could suppress the release of TGF-β1 at the protein level.It was concluded that the recombinant plasmid pTRAF6-shRNA can,to some extent,inhibit inflammatory response stimulated by LPS at the initial phase.TRAF6 may become the potential therapeutic target of many inflammation-related diseases.

Protective Effect of Diallyl Trisulfide on Liver in Rats with Sepsis and the Mechanism

The protective effects of diallyl trisulfide on liver were examined in rats with sepsis. Sepsis was reproduced in rats by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (group S, n=8), sepsis model group (group C, n=24), diallyl trisulfide (DATS)-treated group (group D, n=24). Animals in groups C and D were further divided into three subgroups according to different observation time points, with 8 rats in each sub-group.Rats in group D and C were intravenously injected with normal saline or DATS respectively at a dose of 20 mg/kg after the establishment of sepsis model. Eight rats in groups C and D were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 24 h post-CLP and their livers were harvested for detection of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor associated kinase-4 (IRAK-4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), c-fos, c-jun, malondialdehydethhe (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and for pathological examination. The results showed that the levels of serum IRAK-4, NF-κB and TNF-α in hepatic tissues were higher in group C than group S (control group) (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the levels of IRAK-4 and NF-κB in the hepatic tissues and serum TNF-α in group D were lower than those in group C (P<0.05). The levels of c-fos and c-jun and MDA in the hepatic tissues were higher in group C than in group S (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the levels of c-fos and c-jun and MDA in the hepatic tissues were significantly lower in group D than in group C (P<0.05). When compared with group S group, concentration of SOD in the hepatic tissues in group C was significantly lower (P<0.05). After DATS treatment, the concentration of SOD in the hepatic tissues was higher in group D than in group C (P<0.05). These findings suggested that treatment with DATS could ameliorate sepsis-induced liver injury in rats. The protective effect might be related to its ability to inhibit the signal pathway of IRAK-4 and NF-κB, thereby decreasing the production of oxygen free radicals and down-regulating the expression of c-fos and c-jun.

Ds-echinoside A,a new triterpene glycoside derived from sea cucumber,exhibits antimetastatic activity via the inhibition of NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 and VEGF expressions

Ds-echinoside A (DSEA),a non-sulfated triterpene glycoside,was isolated from the sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei.In vitro and in vivo investigations were conducted on the effects of DSEA on tumor cell adhesion,migration,invasion,and angiogenesis.In this study,we found that DSEA inhibited the proliferation of human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells Hep G2,with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.65 μmol/L,and suppressed Hep G2 cell adhesion,migration,and invasion in a dose-dependent manner.DSEA also reduced tube formation of human endothelial cells ECV-304 on matrigel in vitro and attenuated neovascularization in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay in vivo.Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that DSEA significantly decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9),which plays an important role in the degradation of basement membrane in tumor metastasis and angiogenesis.DSEA also increased the protein expression level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1),an important regulator of MMP-9 activation.From the results of Western blotting,the expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were found to be remarkably reduced by DSEA.These findings suggest that DSEA exhibits a significant antimetastatic activity through the specific inhibition of NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 and VEGF expressions.

Bile reflux and bile acids in the progression of gastric intestinal metaplasia

Gastric intestinal metaplasia(GIM)is a precancerous lesion of gastric cancer(GC)and is considered an irreversible point of progression for GC.Helicobacter pylori infection can cause GIM,but its eradication still does not reverse the process.Bile reflux is also a pathogenic factor in GIM and can continuously irritate the gastric mucosa,and bile acids in refluxed fluid have been widely reported to be associated with GIM.This paper reviews in detail the relationship between bile reflux and GIM and the mechanisms by which bile acids induce GIM.

Therapeutic Effect of Crocin on Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats Based on TLR4/My D88/NF-κB Pathway

Objective:To study the therapeutic effect of crocin on diabetic retinopathy(DR)in rats based on toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway.Methods:Thirty SPF SD rats were used in the experiment,which were randomly divided into DR group,control group and crocin group,with 10 rats in each group.The DR rat model was established by feeding the rats in both the DR group and crocin group with a high glucose and high fat diet,along with intraperitoneal injection(IP)of streptozotocin.Crocin IP was administered to the rats in the crocin group,whereas the rats in the DR group and control group received an equivalent dosage of saline IP for 12 weeks.A comparison was made among the three groups regarding retinal thickness,vascular permeability,expression of TLR4/My D88/NF-κB pathway protein,levels of inflammatory factors,and levels of Bcl-2,Bax,and Bcl-2/Bax.Results:The DR group and crocins group exhibited a lower retinal thickness compared to the control group,while the crocins group displayed a higher thickness than the DR group.The DR group and crocins group had higher retinal vascular permeability than the control group,and the crocins group had lower retinal vascular permeability than the DR group(P<0.05).TLR4,My D88,and P-NF-κB relative expressions were higher in the DR and crocin groups than in the control group,whereas TLR4,My D88,and P-NF-κB relative expressions were lower in the crocin group than in the DR group(P<0.05).The DR group and crocin group exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines compared to the control group,while the crocin group displayed decreased levels in comparison to the DR group(P<0.05).The DR group and crocin group exhibited lower levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax compared to the control group,whereas the control group displayed higher levels of Bax.The crocin group exhibited elevated levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax compared to the DR group,whereas the DR group displayed diminished levels of Bax(P<0.05).Conclusion:Crocin has the potential to enhance the retinal thickness and vascular permeability of DR rats,and the inhibition of the TLR4/My D88/NF-κB pathway by crocin could play a crucial role in impeding the advancement of DR.