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

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

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

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

Ramulus Cinnamomi extract attenuates neuroinflammatory responses via downregulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in BV2 cells

Ramulus Cinnamomi （RC）, a traditional Chinese herb, has been used to attenuate inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RC extract on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglial cells and the underlying mechanisms involved. BV2 cells were incubated with normal medium （control group）, LPS, LPS plus 30 pg/mL RC extract, or LPS plus 100 pg/mL RC extract. The BV2 cell morphology was observed under an optical microscope and cell viability was detected by MTT assay. Nitric oxide level in BV2 cells was detected using Griess regents, and the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1 β, and tumor necrosis factor u in BV2 cells were determined by ELISA. The expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, Toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 proteins were detected by western blot assay. Compared with the LPS group, both 30 and 100 μg/mL RC extract had no significant effect on the viability of BV2 cells. The levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor ct in BV2 cells were all significantly increased after LPS induction, and the levels were significantly reversed after treatment with 30 and 100 μg/mL RC extract. Furthermore, RC extract significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, Toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Our findings suggest that RC extract alleviates neuroinflammation by downregulating the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway.

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

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

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

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

黄芩苷通过抑制TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路减轻带状疱疹后遗神经痛大鼠神经炎症

目的探讨黄芩苷通过抑制Toll样受体(TLR)2/髓样分化因子(MyD88)/核转录因子(NF)-κB信号通路减轻带状疱疹后遗神经痛(PHN)大鼠神经炎症的机制。方法SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、黄芩苷低剂量(30 mg/kg)组、黄芩苷高剂量(60 mg/kg)组、黄芩苷高剂量+空载质粒组、黄芩苷高剂量+TLR2过表达组,每组10只,模型组和给药组通过腹腔注射树脂毒素(RTX)诱导建立PHN模型,对照组腹腔注射等剂量含10%Tween 80及10%乙醇的生理盐水,采用黄芩苷和质粒分组处理大鼠后,检测大鼠疼痛症状,比较自发缩足反射次数、缩爪阈值、热敏潜伏期;采用TUNEL法检测脊髓神经细胞凋亡率;采用免疫组织化学染色检测各组脊髓组织炎性细胞浸润,比较脊髓组织淋巴细胞功能相关抗原(LFA)-1阳性细胞比例;采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测脊髓组织及血清炎症因子前列腺素(PGE)2、白细胞介素(IL)-18、环氧化酶(COX)-2水平;采用免疫印迹法检测各组脊髓组织TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB通路相关蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组缩爪阈值显著降低,热敏潜伏期、自发缩足反射次数、脊髓神经细胞凋亡率、LFA-1阳性细胞比例、脊髓组织及血清PGE2、IL-18、COX-2水平、脊髓组织TLR2、MyD88蛋白表达及p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65显著升高(均P<0.05)。与模型组比较,黄芩苷低剂量组、黄芩苷高剂量组、黄芩苷高剂量+空载质粒组缩爪阈值均显著升高,热敏潜伏期、自发缩足反射次数、脊髓神经细胞凋亡率、LFA-1阳性细胞比例、脊髓组织及血清PGE2、IL-18、COX-2水平、脊髓组织TLR2、MyD88蛋白表达及p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65均显著降低(均P<0.05);黄芩苷高剂量组缩爪阈值相比黄芩苷低剂量组显著升高,热敏潜伏期、自发缩足反射次数、脊髓神经细胞凋亡率、LFA-1阳性细胞比例、脊髓组织及血清PGE2、IL-18、COX-2水平、脊髓组织TLR2、MyD88蛋白表达及p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65显著降低(均P<0.05)。与黄芩苷高剂量组比较,黄芩苷高剂量+空载质粒组各指标无明显变化(P>0.05);黄芩苷高剂量+TLR2过表达组缩爪阈值显著降低,热敏潜伏期、自发缩足反射次数、脊髓神经细胞凋亡率、LFA-1阳性细胞比例、脊髓组织及血清PGE2、IL-18、COX-2水平、脊髓组织TLR2、MyD88蛋白表达及p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65显著升高(均P<0.05)。结论黄芩苷可通过抑制TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路从而降低炎症因子产生释放,进而阻止PHN大鼠神经炎症,抑制脊髓神经细胞凋亡及炎性细胞浸润,最终改善大鼠长时程自发痛、机械性痛觉超敏反应与热痛觉减退症状。

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

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

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

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

Neuroprotective effect of Angiopep-2 peptide modified scutellarin-loaded PEGylated PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles on ischemic stroke by modulating the Toll-like receptors-dependent MyD88/IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE The greatest challenge in chemotherapy of ischemic stroke is the construction a suitable delivery system to overcome the poor physicochemical properties of drug and its low permeability across the blood brain barrier(BBB).METHODS In the present study,dendrimer,polyamidoamine(PAMAM),was synthesized as the nano-drug carriers.Angiopep-2,which has been proved excellent ability to cross the BBB,was exploited as the targeting ligand to conjugate PAMAM via bifunctional polyethylene glycol(PEG).Then scutellarin(STA)was encapsulated into the functionalized nanoparticles(NPs)to formulate Angiopep-2 modified STA-loaded PEG-PAMAM NPs.Ischemic stroke model was established to evaluate the treatment efficacy and protective mechanism of Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs.RESULTS The pharmacokinetics and biodistribu-tion demonstrated that Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs exhibited significantly higher plasma concentration from 1 h to 10 h after intravenous administration and improve accumulation in brain(4.7-fold)compared with STA solution.Moreover,prolonged elimination half-life(4.8-fold)and lower clearance(3.4-fold)were observed.The brain uptake study of 6-coumarin confirmed that Angiopep-2-PEG-PAMAM NPs possessed better brain targeting efficacy(3.2-fold)than PEG-PAMAM NPs.Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs obviously ameliorated infarct volume,neurological deficit,histopathological severity and neuronal apoptosis.In addition,Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs markedly inhibited the calcium content and the levels of IL-12p40,IL-13,IL-17 and IL-23.Furthermore,Angiopep-2-STA-PEG-PAMAM NPs significantly decreased the m RNA and protein expressions of HMGB1,TLR2,TLR4,TLR5,My D88,TRIF,TRAM,IRAK-4,TRAF6,IкBα,IKKβand NF-кBp65.CONCLUSION The results suggested that Angiopep-2modified scutellarin-loaded PEG-PAMAM nanocarriers possessed remarkable neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke through modulation of inflammatory cascades and HMGB1/TLRs/MyD 88-induced NF-κB activation pathways.

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

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

Fucoxanthin suppresses OxLDL-induced inflammation via activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling

Objective:To explore the impact of fucoxanthin on oxidized low-density lipoprotein(OxLDL)-induced stress and inflammation in human endothelial cells and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:HUVECs were treated with OxLDL and/or fucoxanthin for a range of time points and concentrations.We evaluated the effects of fucoxanthin on OxLDL-induced HUVECs using the MTT assay,reactive oxygen species accumulation assay,ELISA,RT-PCR,immunofluorescence,and Western blotting.Results:Fucoxanthin enhanced the cell viability in a dose dependent manner after OxLDL exposure.Furthermore,fucoxanthin pretreatment significantly decreased OxLDL-induced reactive oxygen species production and prevented the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway,which led to substantial suppression of pro-inflammatory gene expressions.OxLDL-induced upregulation of interleukin-6,intercellular adhesion molecule-1,vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,interleukin-1β,monocyte chemotactic protein-1,cyclooxygenase-1,and tumor necrosis factor-αwas significantly reduced by fucoxanthin.Conclusions:Fucoxanthin can inhibit OxLDL-induced vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in HUVECs by targeting Nrf2 signaling pathways.

Eukaryotic elongation factor-1α 2 knockdown inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis by suppressing PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling

AIM: To assess the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2(e EF1A2) on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODS: e EF1A2 levels were detected in 62 HCC tissue samples and paired pericarcinomatous specimens, and the human HCC cell lines SK-HEP-1, Hep G2 and BEF-7402, by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Experimental groups included e EF1A2 silencing in BEL-7402 cells with lentivirus e EF1A2-sh RNA(KD group) and e EF1A2 overexpression in SK-HEP-1 cells with e EF1A2 plasmid(OE group). Non-transfected cells(control group) and lentivirusbased empty vector transfected cells(NC group) were considered control groups. Cell proliferation(MTT and colony formation assays), apoptosis(Annexin V-APC assay), cell cycle(DNA ploidy assay), and migration and invasion(Transwell assays) were assessed. Protein levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling effectors were evaluated by Western blot.RESULTS: e EF1A2 m RNA and protein levels were significantly higher in HCC cancer tissue samples than in paired pericarcinomatous and normal specimens. SK-HEP-1 cells showed lower e EF1A2 m RNA levels; Hep G2 and BEL-7402 cells showed higher e EF1A2 m RNA levels, with BEL-7402 cells displaying the highest amount. Efficient e EF1A2 silencing resulted in reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, increased apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest. The PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was notably inhibited. Inversely, e EF1A2 overexpression resulted in promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion.CONCLUSION: e EF1A2, highly expressed in HCC, is a potential oncogene. Its silencing significantly decreases HCC tumorigenesis, likely by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling.

2型糖尿病肾病患者血清NF-κB炎症信号通路与肾功能指标的相关性

【目的】探讨2型糖尿病肾病(T2DN)患者血清核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)炎症信号通路与肾功能指标[血尿素氮(BUN)、血肌酐(Scr)、尿白蛋白排泄率(UAER)、β2-微球蛋白(β2-MG)、肾小球滤过率(eGFR)]的相关性。【方法】初诊的T2DN患者87例为A组,同期收治的单纯原发性2型糖尿病患者80例为B组,体检健康的志愿者70例为C组。比较三组临床资料,肾功能指标及血清NF-κB、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平。采用Pearson相关法分析T2DN患者血清NF-κB、TNF-α、IL-1β、hs-CRP、IL-6水平与肾功能指标的相关性。【结果】A组和B组空腹血糖、餐后2 h血糖高于C组(P<0.05);三组其他临床资料比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。A组BUN、Scr、UAER、β2-MG高于B组和C组(P<0.05),eGFR低于B组和C组(P<0.05);B组与C组上述指标比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。A组血清NF-κB、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、hs-CRP水平高于B组和C组(P<0.05);B组上述指标均高于C组(P<0.05)。Pearson相关分析显示,T2DN患者血清NF-κB、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、hs-CRP水平与BUN、Scr、UAER、β2-MG均呈正相关(P<0.05),与eGFR均呈负相关(P<0.05)。【结论】NF-κB炎症信号通路的激活介导了T2DN的发生、发展,且NF-κB、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、hs-CRP均与肾功能指标存在明显相关性。

清燥救肺汤及其分解剂对肺炎支原体感染小鼠TLR-2/NF-κB信号通路的影响

目的观察清燥救肺汤及其分解剂对肺炎支原体(MP)感染小鼠Toll样受体2(TLR-2)、髓样分化因子88(MyD88)、核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路的影响,探讨其抗MP的作用机制。方法选择SPF级BALB/c小鼠144只,随机分成正常组、模型组、全方组、分解剂Ⅰ组、分解剂Ⅱ组及阿奇霉素组,每组24只。除正常组其他各组制备MP感染模型,造模成功后予药物灌胃治疗,并于感染后第3、7、10、14天进行取材。采用苏木精-伊红染色观察肺脏病理组织学改变、qPCR方法检测肺组织中TLR-2 mRNA变化、ELISA法检测血清中MyD88、TNF-α的含量及Western blot法检测肺组织NF-κB的表达。结果 MP感染后小鼠肺组织出现间质性炎症改变,7d时炎症最明显,14d时炎症逐渐减轻;治疗后各组肺部炎症均有改善,尤以第10、14天全方组、阿奇霉素组明显。MP感染后小鼠肺组织中TLR-2、NF-κB表达水平升高,血清中MyD88、TNF-α含量亦升高(P<0.05),各项指标出现峰值的时间不一致,其中NF-κB出现最早(第3天),TLR-2、TNF-α于第7天达峰值,而MyD88则相对较晚,于第10天达峰值。第7天,全方组即起效(P<0.05),肺组织中TLR-2、NF-κB表达水平下降,血清中MyD88、TNF-α含量亦降低;分解剂Ⅰ组在第10、14天亦能发挥类似全方组的作用,但较全方组偏弱(P>0.05);分解剂Ⅱ组在第14天TLR-2mRNA表达略升高。结论清燥救肺汤抗MP感染的机制与减少促炎因子的释放,调控TLR-2/NF-κB信号通路传导有关,其中分解剂Ⅰ起主要作用。

Neuroprotection mediated by the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage

The Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway participates in many inflammation-linked diseases. However, the inflammatory response mediated by the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been thoroughly investigated. Consequently, in this study, we examined the potential role of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury in rat models of subarachnoid hemorrhage.Simultaneously, possible neuroprotective mechanisms were also investigated. Experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage rat models were induced by injecting autologous blood into the prechiasmatic cistern. Experiment 1 was designed to examine expression of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage. In total, 42 adult rats were divided into sham(injection of equivalent volume of saline), 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 72-hour, and 1-week subarachnoid hemorrhage groups. Experiment 2 was designed to examine neuroprotective mechanisms of the Wnt/Frizzled signaling pathway in early brain injury induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage. Rats were treated with recombinant human Wnt1(rhwnt1), small interfering Wnt1(siwnt1) RNA, and monoclonal antibody of Frizzled1(anti-Frizzled1) at 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Expression levels of Wnt1, Frizzled1, β-catenin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CD36, and active nuclear factor-κB were examined by western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining. Microglia type conversion and inflammatory cytokine levels in brain tissue were examined by immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results show that compared with the sham group, expression levels of Wnt1, Frizzled1, and β-catenin were low and reduced to a minimum at 48 hours, gradually returning to baseline at 1 week after subarachnoid hemorrhage. rhwnt1 treatment markedly increased Wnt1 expression and alleviated subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury(within 72 hours), including cortical cell apoptosis, brain edema, and neurobehavioral deficits, accompanied by increasing protein levels of β-catenin, CD36, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and decreasing protein levels of nuclear factor-κB. Of note, rhwnt1 promoted M2-type microglia conversion and inhibited release of inflammatory cytokines(interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α). In contrast, siwnt1 RNA and anti-Frizzled1 treatment both resulted in an opposite effect. In conclusion, the Wnt/Frizzled1 signaling pathway may participate in subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced early brain injury via inhibiting the inflammatory response, including regulating microglia type conversion and decreasing inflammatory cytokine release. The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Anhui Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China(approval No. LLSC-20180202) in May 2017.

TLR4/MD2/NF-κB信号通路与疾病的研究进展

TLR4/MD2/NF-κB是细胞内一条重要的信号通路,该通路主要参与脂多糖和软脂酸等刺激信号的识别及转导,既往认为该通路主要与感染性炎症有关;近年研究表明,它与肿瘤、自身免疫性疾病、代谢性疾病等密切相关,靶向TLR4/MD2成为治疗这些疾病的新策略。本文就TLR4/MD2/NF-κB信号通路转导及相关疾病研究进展进行阐述。

LTBP2通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路抑制糖尿病大鼠海马神经元凋亡

目的探讨沉默潜在转化生长因子β结合蛋白2(LTBP2)基因对糖尿病大鼠学习记忆功能的影响及机制。方法雄性SD大鼠45只一次性腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)55 mg/kg,72 h后采尾静脉血测血糖,将血糖>16.7 mmol/L的大鼠定为糖尿病模型;模型诱导成功后将大鼠随机分成3组:糖尿病(DM)组、si-LTBP2组(大鼠海马给予腺病毒包装的针对LTBP2的siRNA 10μL)、sc-LTBP2组(大鼠海马给予LTBP2对照序列10μL),每组15只。另取15只正常大鼠作为对照(CON)组。12周后,水迷宫检测大鼠学习记忆能力;免疫组织化学染色和实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qPCR)检测海马LTBP2表达;Western blot检测海马LTBP2、Toll样受体4(TLR4)、核因子(NF)-κB蛋白相对表达量;TUNEL染色检测海马神经元凋亡。结果与CON组相比,DM组、si-LTBP2组和sc-LTBP2组LTBP2、TLR4、NF-κB表达明显增加,海马神经元凋亡明显增多,大鼠学习记忆能力明显下降(均P<0.05)。与DM组相比,si-LTBP2组LTBP2、TLR4、NF-κB表达明显降低,海马神经元凋亡明显减少,大鼠学习记忆能力明显提升(均P<0.05)。结论沉默海马LTBP2的表达可明显改善糖尿病大鼠学习记忆能力,其机制可能与抑制TLR4/NF-κB信号通路有关。

Regulatory Effects of Zuogui Pill on Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γRays Based on PI3K/Akt/m TOR Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]To explore the protective effects of Zuogui Pill on ^(60)Co-γ-ray-induced premature aging of rats based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway.[Methods]Sixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with ^(60)Co-γ-ray(6.0 Gy,LD 40)for 24 h at one time.These rats were randomly divided into model group,Progynova group[0.18(g·kg)/d],Progynova[0.09(g·kg)/d]+Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill medium dose[9.45(g·kg)/d)]group and Zuogui Pill low dose[4.725(g·kg)/d]group.The administration(once a day)lasted 21 d.The rat serum[follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and estradiol(E_(2))]were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The morphological changes of ovary were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL).The protein expression of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with the normal group,the model group showed significant increase in the serum FSH(P<0.01),significant decrease in serum E_(2)(P<0.05),and decrease in the number of early follicles and luteum in the ovary(P<0.01).Besides,the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue decreased significantly,while the expression of Bax increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number of early follicles in the ovary increased and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells decreased after intervention in each administration group.In addition,the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 increased,while the expression of Bax decreased,especially in Progynova+Zuogui Pill high dose group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]Zuogui Pill may protect the radiation-injured ovary through activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue,increasing the amount of Bcl-2 protein and inhibiting the expression of Bax protein.

Huoxin Pill Reduces Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats via TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Objective:To explore the protective effect of Huoxin Pill(HXP)on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(MIRI)injury in rats.Methods:Seventy-five adult SD rats were divided into the sham-operated group,model group,positive drug group(diltiazem hydrochloride,DH),high dose group(24 mg/kg,HXP-H)and low dose group(12 mg/kg,HXP-L)of Huoxin Pill(n=15 for every group)according to the complete randomization method.After 1 week of intragastric administration,the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat's heart was ligated for 45 min and reperfused for 3 h.Serum was separated and the levels of creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA),hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were measured.Myocardial ischemia rate,myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate were determined by staining with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC).Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN)databases were used to screen for possible active compounds of HXP and their potential therapeutic targets;the results of anti-inflammatory genes associated with MIRI were obtained from GeneC ards,Drugbank,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),and Therapeutic Target Datebase(TTD)databases was performed;Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment were used to analyze the intersected targets;molecular docking was performed using AutoD ock Tools.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B(NFκB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3).Results:Compared with the model group,all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB(P<0.05,P<0.01);HXP significantly increased serum activity of SOD(P<0.05,P<0.01);all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01)and the myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate(P<0.01).GO enrichment analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression,extracellular space and identical protein binding,KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involved PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis.Molecular docking results showed that kaempferol and luteolin had a better affinity with TLR4,NFκB and NLRP3 molecules.The protein expressions of TLR4,NFκB and NLRP3 were reduced in the HXP group(P<0.01).Conclusions:HXP has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats,and its effect may be related to the inhibition of redox response and reduction of the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Puerarin partly counteracts the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.