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.

隐丹参酮通过TLR4/NF-κB/JNK信号通路减轻脂多糖对肺泡上皮细胞炎性损伤的作用研究

目的 本研究旨在探讨隐丹参酮(CTS)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的肺泡上皮细胞(MLE-12)的影响。方法 通过CCK-8法检测细胞活力,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)和实时荧光定量PCR(q-PCR)检测IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α含量及基因表达水平,筛选出具有最佳造模效果的LPS浓度;之后通过CCK-8考察CTS对细胞的非毒性剂量范围;将试验分为对照组、LPS组和CTS+LPS组3个组,ELISA检测细胞上清中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量,qPCR检测细胞内IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、Bax和Bcl-2基因表达水平,Western Blot检测Bax、Bcl-2、TLR4、p-p65和p-JNK蛋白水平。结果 与对照组相比,LPS浓度≥1.0μg/mL时细胞活力显著下降(P<0.01);2.0和5.0μg/mL LPS组IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α含量及基因表达水平显著上升(P<0.05);CTS浓度为0~5.0μM时,细胞活力无显著变化(P>0.05),即药物的无毒范围。与LPS组相比,CTS+LPS组IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α含量及基因表达水平显著下降(P<0.05);CTS+LPS组Bax蛋白及基因表达水平显著下降(P<0.01)、Bcl-2蛋白及基因表达水平显著上升(P<0.05)。另外,与对照组相比,LPS组TLR4、p-p65、p-JNK蛋白水平显著上升(P<0.01);与LPS组相比,CTS+LPS组TLR4、p-p65、p-JNK蛋白水平显著下降(P<0.01)。结论 CTS可能通过抑制TLR4/NF-κB/JNK信号通路减轻LPS诱导的MLE-12细胞炎性损伤作用。

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.

Anti-inflammation Effects of Sinomenine on Macrophages through Suppressing Activated TLR4/NF-kB Signaling Pathway

Sinomenine(SN)has been used in the clinical treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis for many years.Studies showed that SN held protective effects such as anti-inflammation,scavenging free radicals and suppressing immune response in many autoimmune diseases.The purpose of the present study is to explore the mechanism of anti-inflammation of SN on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced macrophages activation and investigate whether the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway participated in.Macrophages isolated from mouse peritoneal cavity were stimulated by 1 pg/mL LPS for 24 h.And then the cells were treated with various concentrations of SN,TLR4 inhibitor respectively for additional 48 h.Drug toxicity was detected by MTT assay and Transwell experiment was used to assess chemotaxis.Furthermore,TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR.Western blotting was used to examine TLR4,MyD88 and phosphorylated IκB protein expression in macrophages.Immunofluorescence assay was applied to observe p65 NF-κB protein expression in macrophage nucleus.We extracted macrophages with high purity and activity from the abdominal cavity of mice.SN remarkably inhibited the chemotaxis and secretion function of LPS-stimulated macrophages.It also down-regulated both the protein levels of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-β and IL-6)and the RNA and protein levels of the key factors(TLR4,MyD88,p-IkB)in TLR4 pathway.The expression of p65 NF-κB protein in nuclei was down-regulated,which was correlated with a similar decrease in p-IκB protein level.In conclusion,SN can inhibit the LPS induced immune responses in macrophages by blocking the activated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These results may provide a therapeutic approach to regulate inflammatory responses.

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.

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.

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.

Inhibitory Effect of Bergenin on TLR-4/NF-κB Signal Pathway in Reducing Allergic Rhinitis in Mice

[Objectives]To explore the effect and possible mechanism of bergenin in relieving allergic rhinitis(AR)in mice.[Methods]50 C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank group(n=10),model group(n=10)and high(100 mg/kg),medium(50 mg/kg)and low(25 mg/kg)dose bergenin groups with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group,the other mice were sensitized by basic ways combined with attack to replicate the AR model.From the 15th d of modeling(from the second d after the end of the basic modeling),the drug group was given bergenin orally for 15 d,and the blank group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline once a day.24 h after the last establishment of the model,the content of interleukin 4(IL-4),IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1βin nasal lavage fluid and serum of mice in each group was detected by ELISA.The expression of TLR-4,NF-κB and p-NF-κB in nasal mucosa of mice was detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with the blank group,the content of inflammatory factors IL-4,IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1βin nasal lavage fluid and serum of model group was significantly increased,and the protein expression of TLR-4 and p-NF-κB was significantly increased.After the intervention of bergenin,the content of IL-4,IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1βin nasal lavage fluid and serum and TLR-4 and p-NF-κB protein in tissue was significantly inhibited in bergenin group.[Conclusions]Bergenin can effectively reduce allergic inflammation in AR model mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of inflammation and down-regulation of TLR-4/NF-κB signal pathway.

Milled flaxseed-added diets ameliorated hepatic inflammation by reducing gene expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and altered gut microbiota in STZ-induced type 1 diabetic mice

Flaxseed has displayed the potential beneficial as functional foods.However,most studies focused on effects of flaxseed extracts or ingredients in flaxseed.Besides,few studies showed that flaxseed extracts contributed to anti-type 1 diabetes(T1D),yet the underlying mechanism is still unknown.In the present study,16.7% of milled flaxseed(MF)-added diet was given to diabetic mice induced by streptozocin for 6 weeks.The results showed that MF feeding 1)slightly decreased blood glucose levels and improved the ability of glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test,2)decreased liver tumor necrosis factor-αlevels and increased liver glycogen levels with significance via down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathways,3)and significantly altered some beneficial bacteria in gut microbiota.In conclusion,the present study showed that milled flaxseed showed the potential on anti-T1D through anti-inflammation via TLR4/NF-κB and altering the gut microbiota in STZ-induced diabetic mice.

Bioinformatic Analysis and Experimental Verification of QJHGD on Caerulein-induced Inflammatory Response in SAP Model Rats Based on TLR4/NF-κB/My D88 Pathway

[Objectives]To conduct bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification of Qingjie Huagong Decoction(QJHGD)on caerulein-induced inflammatory response in severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)model rats based on TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway.[Methods]The effective component groups and potential targets of QJHGD were collected by the network pharmacology method.A drug-component-target network was constructed.The GO and KEGG of targets were enriched and analyzed with the aid of Metascape database,and the target pathway related to SAP inflammation was screened.The SAP rat model was established by caerulein combined with lipopolysaccharide,and QJHGD was intragastrically administered.Pancreatic tissue was observed by HE staining.In addition,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were used to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of QJHGD on SAP rats and its regulatory effect on TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 target pathway.[Results]A total of 105 active components of QJHGD and 148 key targets of SAP were predicted and screened;KEGG was enriched in 320 different pathways including toll-like receptor and NF-κB classical pathways.Animal experiment verified that QJHGD reduced serum amylase,serum lipase activity,IL-6,TNF-αlevels in SAP rats;HE staining showed the effect of QJHGD on the pathological changes of pancreas,and QJHGD inhibited the positive expression of key proteins of TLR4,NF-κB and MyD88 in the inflammatory transduction pathway.[Conclusions]The mechanism of QJHGD improving pancreatic injury in SAP rats may be related to down-regulating the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway.

Quercetin regulates depression-like behavior in CUMS rat models via TLR4/NF-κB signaling

Background:Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent around the world,imposing a substantial burden on individuals,families,as well as society.Quercetin is known to be highly effective in treating depression.However,additional research is needed to dissect the mechanisms of its anti-depressive effects.Methods:For this study,Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomized into the control,model,quercetin,or fluoxetine group.The latter three groups were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)for 42 d.The first two groups received saline solution daily via oral gavage.Meanwhile,the quercetin group was orally administered a quercetin suspension(52.08 mg/kg)every day,while the fluoxetine group was orally administered a fluoxetine solution(2.08 mg/kg).Here,fluoxetine served as the positive control drug to compare the therapeutic effects of quercetin.The experimental period was 6 weeks.Depressive behaviors in rats were assessed through various physiological and behavioral measures.Additionally,pathological changes in hippocampal tissues were examined using Nissl staining.Serum cytokines were detected using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and immunohistochemistry was employed to quantify the levels and integral optical density(IOD)values of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1(Iba-1)expression in the brain.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was utilized to evaluate the mRNA levels of inflammatory indicators as well as toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and nuclear factor-κappa B P65(NF-κB P65)in hippocampus.Western blot(WB)technique was employed to observe the protein levels of TLR4,NF-κB P65,and phospho-NF-κB P65(p-NF-κB P65).Results:After 42 d of exposure to CUMS,rats exhibited a slow increase in body weight,a reduction in food intake,an abnormal preference for sugar water,and aberrant open-field behaviors.Pathological analysis revealed the disintegration,rupture,interruption,and disorganization of hippocampal neuronal cells after CUMS exposure,along with a decrease in Nissl bodies in the CA1 region.This was accompanied by the elevated expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in the serum and the upregulation of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αmRNA expression in the hippocampus.Increases in Iba-1-positive cells and the IOD values of Iba-1 were detected in hippocampal microglia.Furthermore,TLR4 and NF-κB P65 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in hippocampal tissues.Quercetin,an antidepressant,could alleviate depression-like symptoms in rats and downregulate inflammatory factors associated with the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in hippocampal microglia,and its therapeutic effect was comparable to fluoxetine.Conclusion:In rat models of CUMS,quercetin may act as an antidepressant by inhibiting inflammation in hippocampal microglia via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.These results offer experimental and theoretical support for applying quercetin in the clinical management of depression.

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.

Blautia producta displays potential probiotic properties against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

Blautia has attracted attention because of its potential efficacy in ameliorating host energy metabolism and inflammation.This study aims to investigate the influences of Blautia producta D4 on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)and to reveal the underlying mechanisms.Results showed that B.producta D4 intervention significantly relieved body weight loss,and suppressed the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines(including interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β))and excessive oxidative stress(myeloperoxidease(MPO)activity,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity,glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)level)in colitis mice.Moreover,the concentrations of tight junction proteins(occludin,claudin-1,and ZO-1)related to the intestinal barrier were obviously elevated,and colitis-related TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation was remarkably inhibited after B.producta D4 intervention.The intestinal microbial disorder was evidently ameliorated by increasing the relative abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1,Bifidobacterium,GCA-900066225,Enterorhabdus,and reducing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group.In conclusion,oral administration of B.producta D4 could ameliorate DSS-induced colitis by suppressing inflammatory responses,maintaining the intestinal barrier,inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway,and regulating intestinal microbiota balance.These results are conducive to accelerate the development of B.producta D4 as a functional probiotic for colitis.

Modulating effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune disorders via gut microbiota and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in rats with syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency

The syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency(DSSD)is relatively common globally.Although the pathogenesis of DSSD remains unclear,evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota might play a significant role.Radix Astragali,used as both medicine and food,exerts the effects of tonifying spleen and qi.Astragalus polysaccharide(APS)comprises a macromolecule substance extracted from the dried root of Radix Astragali,which has many pharmacological functions.However,whether APS mitigates the immune disorders underlying the DSSD syndrome via regulating gut microbiota and the relevant mechanism remains unknown.Here,we used DSSD rats induced by high-fat and low-protein(HFLP)diet plus exhaustive swimming,and found that APS of moderate molecular weight increased the body weight gain and immune organ indexes,decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and endotoxin,and suppressed the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB(TLR4/NF-κB)pathway.Moreover,a total of 27 critical genera were significantly enriched according to the linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe).APS increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and changed its composition,such as reducing the relative abundance of Pseudoflavonifractor and Paraprevotella,and increasing that of Parasutterella,Parabacteroides,Clostridium XIVb,Oscillibacter,Butyricicoccus,and Dorea.APS also elevated the contents of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs).Furthermore,the correlation analysis indicated that 12 critical bacteria were related to the body weight gain and immune organ indexes.In general,our study demonstrated that APS ameliorated the immune disorders in DSSD rats via modulating their gut microbiota,especially for some bacteria involving immune and inflammatory response and SCFA production,as well as the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.This study provides an insight into the function of APS as a unique potential prebiotic through exerting systemic activities in treating DSSD.

MANF brakes TLR4 signaling by competitively binding S100A8 with S100A9 to regulate macrophage phenotypes in hepatic fibrosis

The mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor(MANF)has been recently identified as a neurotrophic factor,but its role in hepatic fibrosis is unknown.Here,we found that MANF was upregulated in the fibrotic liver tissues of the patients with chronic liver diseases and of mice treated with CCl4.MANF deficiency in either hepatocytes or hepatic mono-macrophages,particularly in hepatic mono-macrophages,clearly exacerbated hepatic fibrosis.Myeloid-specific MANF knockout increased the population of hepatic Ly6C^(high)macrophages and promoted HSCs activation.Furthermore,MANF-sufficient macrophages(from WT mice)transfusion ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in myeloid cells-specific MANF knockout(MKO)mice.Mechanistically,MANF interacted with S100A8 to competitively block S100A8/A9 heterodimer formation and inhibited S100A8/A9-mediated TLR4-NF-κB signal activation.Pharmacologically,systemic administration of recombinant human MANF significantly alleviated CCl_(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in both WT and hepatocytes-specific MANF knockout(HKO)mice.This study reveals a mechanism by which MANF targets S100A8/A9-TLR4 as a“brake”on the upstream of NF-κB pathway,which exerts an impact on macrophage differentiation and shed light on hepatic fibrosis treatment.

A new lignan and active compounds inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway from Caulis Trachelospermi

A new dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan named matairesinol 4'-O-β-D-cellobioside(1),together with a known compound(7R,85)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol(2)was isolated from Caulis Trachelospermi.The extract of Caulis Trachelospermi,which was separated by 80% alcohol extraction and subsequent HP-20 macroporous resin column chromatography,and its main components trachelogenin(3),nortrachelogenin(4),matairesinol(5)showed moderate inhibiting activities on NF-κB signaling pathway induced by TNFα,with the IC_(50) values of 17.7μg/mL,17.9μM,49.4μM and 29.1μM,respectively.

Discovery of novel aporphine alkaloid derivative as potent TLR2 antagonist reversing macrophage polarization and neutrophil infiltration against acute inflammation

Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)mediated macrophages regulate the protective immune response to infectious microorganisms,but the aberrant activation of macrophages often leads to pathological inflammation,including tissue damage.In this study,we identified antagonists of TLR2 by screening2100 natural products and subsequently identified Taspine,an aporphine alkaloid,as an excellent candidate.Furthermore,analysis of the 10 steps chemical synthesis route and structural optimization yielded the Taspine derivative SMU-Y6,which has higher activity,better solubility,and improved drug-feasible property.Mechanistic studies and seq-RNA analysis revealed that SMU-Y6 inhibited TLR2 over other TLRs,hindered the formation of TLR2/MyD88 complex,and blocked the downstream NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway,thus suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines.SMU-Y6 could stabilize TLR2 and bind to TLR2 protein with a Kdof 0.18μmol/L.Additionally,SMU-Y6 could efficiently reverse the M1 phenotype macrophage polarization,reduce the production of cytokines as well as infiltration of neutrophiles and alleviate the local inflammation in mice with acute paw edema and colitis.Collectively,we reported the first aporphine alkaloid derivative that selectively inhibits TLR2 with high binding affinity and superior drug-feasible property,thus providing an urgently-needed molecular probe and potential drug candidate for inflammatory and autoimmune disease therapy.

短穗兔耳草中3个化合物对大鼠慢性酒精性肝损伤合并痛风性关节炎的作用及其机制研究

目的通过建立大鼠慢性酒精性肝损伤合并痛风性关节炎模型,研究槲皮素、松果菊苷和芹菜素对p38MAPK/JNK、TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB和NLRP3信号通路的影响,探讨短穗兔耳草中单体化合物抗慢性酒精性肝损伤合并痛风性关节炎的作用机制。方法将80只大鼠随机分为正常组,模型组,联苯双酯组(100 mg·kg^(-1)),秋水仙碱组(0.3 mg·kg^(-1))及槲皮素(50、25 mg·kg^(-1))、松果菊苷(50、25 mg·kg^(-1))、芹菜素(50、25 mg·kg^(-1))各剂量组。每日上午按10 mL·kg^(-1)给药,下午以4 mL·kg^(-1)开始梯度给56度红星二锅头,每周增加2 mL·kg^(-1),直至10 mL·kg^(-1)保持,连续灌胃8周。于灌胃第53天复制痛风性关节炎模型,检测各时间段足趾容积。第8周末次给药后取血,检测血清中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG);酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)检测大鼠血清中白细胞介素1β(IL-1β);蛋白免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测肝脏和滑膜中p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)、磷酸化p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p-p38MAPK)、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)和磷酸化c-Jun氨基末端激酶(p-JNK)、Toll样受体4(TLR4)、髓样分化因子88(MyD88)、核因子κB(NF-κB)、磷酸化核因子κB(p-NF-κB)、NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)蛋白的表达。结果与正常组比较,模型组各时间段大鼠足肿胀度均明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01);血清中ALT、AST、ALP、TC、TG、IL-1β水平均明显升高(P<0.01);肝组织和滑膜组织中p-p38MAPK、p-JNK、MyD88、p-NF-κB、TLR4、NLRP3蛋白表达水平均有不同程度升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,各给药组在24 h足肿胀度呈现明显下降趋势(P<0.01);各给药组ALT、TC水平有不同程度下降(P<0.05,P<0.01);除松果菊苷低剂量组外,各给药组AST、ALP水平有不同程度下降(P<0.01);除槲皮素高剂量组外,各给药组TG水平有不同程度下降(P<0.01);各组大鼠肝脏组织及滑膜组织中p-p38MAPK、p-JNK、MyD88、p-NF-κB、TLR4、NLRP3蛋白表达量均下调(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论短穗兔耳草中单体对慢性酒精性肝损伤合并痛风性关节炎大鼠模型表现出一定的异病同治的治疗效果,其可能是基于p38MAPK/JNK、TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB和NLRP3信号通路发挥治疗作用的。