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.

Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p56 in lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group(P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.

Effect of Triptolide on Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand in Rat Adjuvant Induced Arthritis

The effect of triptolide （TP） on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （RANKL） and osteoprotegerin （OPG） was explored in rat adjuvant induced arthritis （AA）. AA was induced in Wistar rats. Arthritis rats were treated with TP and methotrexate （MTX） at the onset （day 9） of arthritis. On the peak of arthritis （day 24）, the expression of RANKL and OPG protein in the joints and RANKL mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMC） was detected. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood were determined. Bone erosion scores were also evaluated. The results showed that bone erosion scores in TP and MTX groups were lower than in AA group （.P〈0.01） ; The expression levels of RANKL in the synovium （P〈0.01） and bone （P〈0.05）, and OPG level in synovium （P〈0.05） were lower in TP group than in AA group （P〈0.05）. In TP group, the expression levels of RANKL mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β in PBMC were lower than in AA group （all P〈0.01）. It was concluded that TP could inhibit rat adjuvant arthritis bone erosion by suppressing the expression of RANKL.

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.

Role of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand axis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Concomitantly with the increase in the prevalences of overweight/obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has worldwide become the main cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children. Patients with fatty liver display features of metabolic syndrome(Met S), like insulin resistance(IR), glucose intolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Recently, epidemiological studies have linked obesity, Met S, and NAFLD to decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis, highlighting an intricate interplay among bone, adipose tissue, and liver. Osteoprotegerin(OPG), an important symbol of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B/OPG system activation, typically considered for its role in bone metabolism, may also play critical roles in the initiation and perpetuation of obesityrelated comorbidities. Clinical data have indicated that OPG concentrations are associated with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification, endothelial dysfunction, and severity of liver damage in chronic hepatitis C. Nonetheless, the relationship between circulating OPG and IR as a key feature of Met S as well as between OPG and NAFLD remains uncertain. Thus, the aims of the present review are to provide the existent knowledge on these associations and to discuss briefly the underlying mechanisms linking OPG and NAFLD.

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.

Receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis and vascular calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease

Vascular calcifications are commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease （CKD） and contri-bute to the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates observed in these patients populations. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests a link between bone metabolism and the development and progression of vascular calcifications. Moreover, accumulating data indicate that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis which plays essential roles in the regulation of bone metabolism is also involved in extra-osseous bone formation. Further studies are required to establish the prognostic significance of the above biomarkers as predictors of the presence and severity of vascular calcifications in CKD patients and of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify whether inhibition of osteoclast activity will protect from vascular calcifcations.

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.

PCNA、Bcl-2及EGFR在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系

目的探讨增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)及表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系。方法选取2017年3月—2020年1月在苏州大学附属第一医院因喉癌行手术治疗的92例患者的喉癌组织及对应癌旁组织标本。检测癌组织与癌旁组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量,多元线性回归分析其癌组织表达与临床病理特征的关系。随访3年,采用Kaplain-Maier曲线分析不同PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平患者生存情况差异。结果癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量高于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。不同年龄、肿瘤部位患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);低分化,临床分期Ⅲ、Ⅳ期及淋巴结转移患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量分别高于中、高分化,临床分期Ⅰ、Ⅱ期,无淋巴结转移患者(P<0.05)。多元线性回归分析结果显示,肿瘤分化程度、临床分期、淋巴结转移是喉癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA表达的影响因素。Kaplain-Maier曲线分析结果显示,PCNA mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.57%和70.21%,低于低表达患者的80.00%和88.89%(P<0.05);Bcl-2 mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为60.78%和70.59%,低于低表达患者的80.49%和90.24%(P<0.05);EGFR mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.09%和70.45%,低于低表达患者的79.17%、87.50%(P<0.05)。结论喉癌组织PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR呈高表达,且其高表达状态与肿瘤分期高、分化程度低、淋巴结转移有关,PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平可在一定程度上反映患者预后。

五味子乙素通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对急性胰腺炎大鼠肺部损伤的影响

目的:探讨五味子乙素通过Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠肺部损伤的影响。方法:取SD大鼠,通过胆胰管内逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠方法诱导建立AP肺损伤模型,经随机数表法分为模型组、五味子乙素组、TLR4过表达载体组、TLR4空载组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组,每组12只大鼠,再取12只SD大鼠仅翻动肠管不注射5%牛磺胆酸钠,作为假手术组。以药物分别干预大鼠后,检测各组大鼠肺功能及各组大鼠腹水量与肺组织湿重/干重(W/D);HE染色检测各组大鼠肺组织病理形态并评分;检测各组大鼠动脉血气;全自动生化分析仪检测大鼠血清淀粉酶,ELISA检测炎症细胞因子IL-6、IL-18水平;蛋白免疫印迹法检测肺组织TLR4/NF-κB通路蛋白表达;免疫组织化学染色检测肺组织TLR4蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠肺组织出现病理损伤改变,模型组大鼠MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI显著降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与模型组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组分别相比,五味子乙素组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均减轻,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均升高(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均降低(P<0.05);TLR4过表达载体组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均加重,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均升高(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,TLR4空载组大鼠各指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:五味子乙素可通过下调TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,抑制炎症,减轻AP大鼠肺部损伤,修复肺功能。

Blockage of PPARδ increases the expression of inflammatory factors in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα

Objective： To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors δ （PPARδ） in inflammatory reaction and its possible mechanism in adipocyte. Methods：Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference （RNAi） was used to block the expression of PPARδ in 3T3-L1 cells. In order to induce inflammation in 3T3-L1, cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α（TNFα, 20 ng/ml） for 4 h. The expression of PPARδ, nuclear factor κB （NFκB） and C reactive protein （CRP） were determined by Western blot analysis. Results：The expression of PPARδ was reduced by 80% after RNAi. Blockage of PPARδ promoted the expression of CRP and NFκB in cells stimulated with TNFα but had no effect on normal cells. Conclusion： PPARδ is involved in inflammatory reaction in adipocyte. Blockage of PPARδ can promote the inflammation mediated by inflammatory factors and increase the expression of NFκB and CRP in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα.

基于核因子κB受体活化因子配体信号通路激活破骨细胞治疗骨结核的研究进展

骨结核是一种严重危害人体健康的骨科感染性疾病,其病灶组织破坏的最大特点是骨质的吸收及破坏,其中破骨细胞是骨吸收的主要细胞。破骨细胞是由造血干细胞分化而来的多核细胞,通常是由核因子κB受体活化因子配体(receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand,RANKL)与核因子κB受体活化因子(receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB,RANK)调控产生。结核分枝杆菌可以通过RANKL信号通路激活破骨细胞生成转录因子,以增强破骨细胞对骨质的吸收。笔者通过综述RANKL信号通路的结构及破骨细胞的研究进展,以及它们在骨结核临床治疗中可能发挥的潜在作用,为该领域的研究提供新的思路。

脂氧素A4抑制TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB通路减缓脓毒症性急性肾损伤

目的探讨脂氧素A4(LXA4)通过抑制TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB通路减缓脓毒症性急性肾损伤(SAKI)。方法将40只无特定病原体级雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为SAKI组、SAKI+LXA4组、假手术组、假手术+LXA4组,每组10只。采用盲肠结扎穿孔术进行SAKI造模,SAKI+LXA4组、假手术+LXA4组在术后30 min腹腔注射LXA4(40 ng/kg)。各组小鼠在造模术后24 h收集血清、尿液、肾组织。酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)测定各组小鼠血肌酐(Scr)、血尿素氮(Bun)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α),尿液中性粒细胞明胶酶相关性脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)及肾损伤分子1(KIM-1);HE及PAS染色观察小鼠肾脏损伤情况;实时荧光定量PCR检测各组小鼠肾脏Toll样受体4(TLR4)、髓样分化因子88(MyD88)、核因子-κB p65(NF-κB p65)mRNA水平;免疫组化法、蛋白免疫印迹实验检测各组小鼠TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)的表达。结果ELISA实验提示SAKI组Scr、Bun、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、NGAL、KIM-1水平均高于SAKI+LXA4组(P<0.05),假手术组及假手术+LXA4组Scr、Bun、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、NGAL、KIM-1无明显上升;HE及PAS染色提示SAKI组肾损伤程度明显高于SAKI+LXA4组(P<0.05),假手术组及假手术+LXA4组无明显肾损伤;实时荧光定量PCR提示SAKI组较SAKI+LXA4组TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65 mRNA升高(P<0.05),假手术组与假手术+LXA4组TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65 mRNA均低于SAKI组及SAKI+LXA4组(P<0.05);免疫组化法、蛋白免疫印迹实验结果提示SAKI组较SAKI+LXA4组TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65表达升高(P<0.05),假手术组与假手术+LXA4组TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65表达均低于SAKI组及SAKI+LXA4组(P<0.05)。结论TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB通路在SAKI发生发展中起重要作用,LXA4可能通过抑制TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路减缓SAKI。

吴茱萸碱调节HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对百草枯中毒大鼠肝损伤的影响

目的:探讨吴茱萸碱(EVO)对百草枯(PQ)中毒大鼠肝损伤及高迁移率族蛋白1/Toll样受体4/核因子-κB(HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB)信号通路的影响。方法:将大鼠分为对照组(Control组)、百草枯染毒组(PQ组)、吴茱萸碱低、高剂量处理组(EVO-L、EVO-H组)、吴茱萸碱高剂量处理+HMGB1重组蛋白组(EVO-H+r-HMGB1组);ELISA检测血清中肝功能指标谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBil)水平和炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-a(TNF-a)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)及氧化应激指标超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及丙二醛(MDA)水平;HE染色观察各组大鼠肝组织病理变化并进行肝组织学评分;Western blot检测HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达。结果:PQ组较Control组肝小叶中央静脉淤血增多,肝细胞水肿坏死及肝细胞浆空泡化明显,核固缩且伴有明显的炎症浸润,病理学评分、ALT、AST、TBil、TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA水平及HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达升高,SOD水平降低(P<0.05);EVO-L、EVO-H组较PQ组肝小叶中央静脉淤血减少,肝细胞浆空泡化减轻,水肿减轻,炎症浸润减少,病理学评分、ALT、AST、TBil、TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA水平及HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达降低,SOD水平升高(P<0.05);EVO-H+r-HMGB1组较EVO-H组肝组织病理损伤加重,病理学评分、ALT、AST、TBil、TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA水平及HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达升高,SOD水平降低(P<0.05)。结论:吴茱萸碱可改善百草枯中毒大鼠肝损伤,其作用机制与抑制HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB通路有关。

通肠清胰汤调控TLR4/NF-κB通路减轻重症急性胰腺炎大鼠肺肠损伤的实验研究

目的探讨通肠清胰汤对重症急性胰腺炎(severe acute pancreatitis,SAP)大鼠肺、肠损伤的保护作用及其可能作用机制。方法将24只SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、通肠清胰汤组、乌司他丁组,每组6只。假手术组麻醉暴露腹腔后,仅轻轻翻动十二指肠和胰腺数次后缝合腹部,其余组均经胆胰管穿刺逆行注射牛磺胆酸钠制备SAP大鼠模型,大鼠造模成功后4 h开始给药。通肠清胰汤组予通肠清胰汤煎剂灌胃,模型组和假手术组大鼠予等体积生理盐水灌胃,乌司他丁组予乌司他丁注射液尾静脉注射,均每隔8 h给药1次,共给药3次。造模后24 h将大鼠麻醉、取材,生化法检测血清淀粉酶(amylase,AMS)、脂肪酶(lipase,LPS)含量;酶联免疫吸附分析(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测血清C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor alpha,TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(interleukin 6,IL-6)、白细胞介素10(interleukin 10,IL-10)水平;苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色法观察大鼠胰腺组织、结肠组织、肺组织病理变化;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot,WB)检测大鼠结肠组织咬合蛋白(Occludin)、闭合蛋白(Claudin)、闭锁小带蛋白1(zonula occludens 1,ZO-1)含量,大鼠结肠组织和肺组织Toll样受体4(Toll-like receptor 4,TLR4)、核转录因子κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)p65蛋白表达量。结果HE染色显示假手术组胰腺、结肠、肺组织无明显病理损伤变化,模型组胰腺腺泡间隙明显扩张、间质水肿、小叶间隙扩大、大量炎性细胞浸润、组织片状坏死,模型组结肠细胞肿胀、炎性细胞浸润、黏膜腺体减少、肠绒毛剥脱,模型组肺组织细胞水肿明显、炎性细胞浸润、间质出血,与模型组比较,通肠清胰汤组和乌司他丁组胰腺腺泡结构破坏、间质水肿、出血坏死均减轻,结肠炎性细胞浸润减少,肺组织细胞水肿和炎性浸润亦减轻。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠血清AMS、LPS、CRP、TNF-α、IL-6含量均显著升高(P均<0.01),IL-10含量显著降低(P<0.01),结肠组织Occludin、Claudin、ZO-1蛋白表达量显著降低(P均<0.01),结肠组织和肺组织TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白表达量显著升高(P均<0.01),与模型组比较,通肠清胰汤组、乌司他丁组大鼠血清AMS、LPS、CRP、TNF-α、IL-6含量显著降低(P均<0.01)、IL-10含量显著升高(P<0.01),结肠组织Occludin、Claudin、ZO-1蛋白表达量显著升高(P均<0.01),结肠组织和肺组织TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白表达量显著降低(P均<0.01)。与乌司他丁组比较,通肠清胰汤组大鼠血清AMS、LPS、CRP含量显著升高(P均<0.05)、IL-10含量显著降低(P<0.01),结肠组织Occludin、ZO-1蛋白表达量显著降低(P均<0.05),结肠组织和肺组织TLR4蛋白表达量显著升高(P均<0.05),而血清TNF-α及IL-6含量、结肠组织Claudin及NF-κB p65表达量、肺组织NF-κB p65表达量差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论通肠清胰汤可减轻SAP大鼠的肺肠损伤,可减轻炎性因子释放、保护肠黏膜屏障,其机制可能与调控TLR4/NF-κB通路相关。

优化溃结方对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠结肠Toll样受体/髓样分化因子88/核转录因子κB信号通路的影响

目的观察优化溃结方对溃疡性结肠炎(UC)大鼠结肠Toll样受体/髓样分化因子88/核转录因子κB(TLR/MyD88/NF-κB)信号通路的影响。方法将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、优化溃结方组、柳氮磺吡啶组,每组10只。除空白组外,其余3组均参考三硝基苯磺酸(TNBS)/乙醇二次致炎法结合束缚法建立UC气滞血瘀型大鼠模型。造模成功后优化溃结方组大鼠予优化溃结方药液1.674 g/(kg·d)灌胃,柳氮磺吡啶组大鼠予柳氮磺吡啶药液0.54 g/(kg·d)灌胃,空白组、模型组不予任何治疗。14天后检测各组大鼠血清白细胞介素17A(IL-17A)、IL-10、IL-22水平,结肠组织MyD88、TLR2、TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白和mRNA表达水平。结果与空白组相比,模型组血清IL-17A、IL-22水平显著升高(P<0.05),IL-10水平显著下降(P<0.05);与模型组相比,优化溃结方组、柳氮磺吡啶组IL-17A、IL-22水平显著降低(P<0.05),IL-10水平显著升高(P<0.05);优化溃结方组IL-17A、IL-22、IL-10水平与柳氮磺吡啶组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与空白组相比,模型组结肠组织MyD88、TLR2、TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白和mRNA表达均显著增加(P<0.05);与模型组相比,柳氮磺吡啶组、优化溃结方组MyD88、TLR2、TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白和mRNA表达均显著下降(P<0.05);优化溃结方组MyD88、TLR2、TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白和mRNA表达与柳氮磺吡啶组比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论优化溃结方可能通过调节TLR/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路,降低炎症因子水平,减轻炎症反应,修复结肠组织的超微结构,从而修复UC大鼠结肠黏膜屏障功能。

止咳平喘方对支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症及TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB通路的影响

目的探讨止咳平喘方减轻支气管哮喘(BA)小鼠气道炎症的作用及机制。方法84只BALB/c小鼠随机分为对照组、BA组、止咳平喘方低剂量组、止咳平喘方高剂量组、地塞米松组、脂多糖(LPS)组、止咳平喘方高剂量+LPS组,每组12只。除对照组外,其他组小鼠均构建BA模型,建模成功后进行给药处理,每日1次,持续3周。酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清中免疫球蛋白E(IgE)浓度和肺泡灌洗液中白细胞介素-17(IL-17)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平;HE染色检测肺组织病理变化;PAS染色测定支气管上皮杯状细胞增生以及黏液分泌;流式细胞术检测小鼠脾脏组织中辅助性T细胞17(Th17)和调节性T(Treg)细胞水平;Western blot检测肺组织Toll样受体4(TLR4)/肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(TRAF6)/核因子κB(NF-κB)通路相关蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,BA组肺组织病理损伤严重,支气管上皮杯状细胞增生及黏液分泌增多,IgE含量、TNF-α水平、IL-17水平、Th17细胞比例、Th17/Treg比值及TLR4、TRAF6、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达升高,Treg细胞比例降低(P<0.05)。与BA组比较,止咳平喘方低剂量组、止咳平喘方高剂量组、地塞米松组支气管上皮杯状细胞增生和黏液分泌减少,肺组织损伤改善,IgE含量、TNF-α水平、IL-17水平、Th17细胞比例、Th17/Treg比值及TLR4、TRAF6、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达降低,Treg细胞比例升高(P<0.05);LPS组对应指标变化趋势与上述相反(P<0.05)。与止咳平喘方高剂量组比较,止咳平喘方高剂量+LPS组肺组织病理损伤加剧,支气管上皮杯状细胞增生及黏液分泌增多,IgE含量、TNF-α水平、IL-17水平、Th17细胞比例、Th17/Treg比值及TLR4、TRAF6、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达升高,Treg细胞比例降低(P<0.05)。结论止咳平喘方可能通过抑制TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB通路减轻BA小鼠气道炎症反应。

苓桂术甘汤调控miR-140-5p/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠肠黏膜屏障及免疫平衡的影响

目的:探讨苓桂术甘汤调控miR-140-5p/Toll样受体4(toll like receptor 4,TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(nuclear factor-kappa B,NF-κB)信号通路对溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)大鼠肠黏膜屏障及免疫平衡的影响。方法:取SD大鼠用2,4,6-三硝基苯磺酸(2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution,TNBS)诱导建立UC模型,随机分为5组:模型组、苓桂术甘汤低剂量组、苓桂术甘汤高剂量组、NC-miR-140-5p(miR-140-5p阴性对照)组、苓桂术甘汤高剂量组+miR-140-5p antagomir(miR-140-5p抑制剂)组,每组10只,另取10只大鼠作对照组,分组干预后检测大鼠结肠黏膜损伤指数(colonic mucosal injury index,CMDI)评分与结肠长度;透射电镜观察各组大鼠结肠黏膜屏障超微结构;流式细胞实验检测各组大鼠外周血Treg、Th17细胞比例及Treg/Th17比值;ELISA检测大鼠血清免疫炎症相关因子白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-6、IL-17、IL-10、转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)水平;采用实时荧光PCR及免疫印迹法检测大鼠结肠黏膜组织miR-140-5p/TLR4/NF-κB信号相关因子表达。结果:与对照组比较,模型组大鼠结肠黏膜屏障超微结构损伤严重,CMDI、Th17细胞比例、血清IL-6与IL-17水平、结肠黏膜组织TLR4 mRNA、蛋白表达与p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65显著升高(P<0.05),结肠长度、Treg细胞比例、Treg/Th17比值、血清IL-10与TGF-β1水平、结肠黏膜组织claudin-1、claudin-4蛋白表达与miR-140-5p表达显著降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,苓桂术甘汤低剂量组、苓桂术甘汤高剂量组大鼠结肠黏膜屏障超微结构损伤均减轻,CMDI、Th17细胞比例、血清IL-6与IL-17水平、结肠黏膜组织TLR4 mRNA、蛋白表达与p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65均降低(P<0.05),结肠长度、Treg细胞比例、Treg/Th17比值、血清IL-10与TGF-β1水平、结肠黏膜组织claudin-1、claudin-4蛋白表达与miR-140-5p表达均升高(P<0.05);NC-miR-140-5p组大鼠各指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);高剂量苓桂术甘汤作用更强。下调miR-140-5p可减弱高剂量苓桂术甘汤对UC模型大鼠各指标的作用。结论:苓桂术甘汤可通过上调miR-140-5p而抑制TLR4/NF-κB信号激活,进而促使Treg/Th17免疫平衡向Treg偏移,抑制免疫炎症,减轻UC大鼠肠黏膜屏障损伤。

Moxibustion inhibits the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway by regulating T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3 in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether moxibustion exerts therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by regulating the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3(TIM-3) and subsequently modulating the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS: We utilized moxibustion treatment in RA rat models using the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the synovial tissue under a section light microscope, and pathological scoring was performed according to the grading standard of the degree of synovial tissue disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to verify the efficacy of moxibustion in reducing inflammation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RTPCR) was used to detect the expression of the TIM-3/TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules, and Western blot was used to detect the contents of synovial NF-κB. RESULTS: We established the Freund's complete adjuvant(FCA)-induced RA model in rats. The expression level of M1 polarization signaling pathway TLR4-My D88-NF-κB and the inflammatory factors interleukin-12(IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), and tumor necrosis factor beta(TNF-β) were significantly increased in the RA model. After moxibustion treatment, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB was significantly decreased, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were decreased, but the expression level was significantly increased in the RA model. When TIM-3 expression was inhibited, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were not suppressed, even after moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion regulates the key target TIM-3 by acting on the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) points, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages;that is, it inhibits the TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway, and finally achieves alleviation of pathological changes and anti-inflammatory effects.