The potential mechanism of Isodon suzhouensis against COVID-19 via EGFR/TLR4 pathways

Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)has brought the new challenges to scientific research.Isodon suzhouensis has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress effects,which is considered as a potential treatment for COVID-19.The possibility for the treatment of COVID-19 with I.suzhouensis and its potential mechanism of action were explored by employing molecular docking and network pharmacology.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to screen drug targets,and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced RAW264.7 and NR8383 cells inflammation model was used for experimental verification.Collectively a total of 209 possible linkages against 18 chemical components from I.suzhouensis and 1194 COVID-19 related targets were selected.Among these,164 common targets were obtained from the intersection of I.suzhouensis and COVID-19.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enriched 582 function targets and 87 target proteins pathways,respectively.The results from molecular docking studies revealed that rutin,vitexin,isoquercitrin and quercetin had significant binding ability with 3 chymotrypsin like protease(3CLpro)and angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2).In vitro studies showed that I.suzhouensis extract(ISE)may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and the expression level of downstream proinflammatory factors by inhibiting the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS.In addition,ISE was able to inhibit the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in NR8383 cells exposed to LPS.Overall,the network pharmacology and in vitro studies conclude that active components from I.suzhouensis have strong therapeutic potential against COVID-19 through multi-target,multi-pathway dimensions and can be a promising candidate against COVID-19.

Branched-chain fatty acids from goat milk alleviate ulcerative colitis via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

Branched-chain fatty acids(BCFAs)are new bioactive fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of BCFAs in alleviating ulcerative colitis has not been clarified.Herein,we evaluated the protective effect of BCFAs from goat milk in mice with colitis induced using dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)and explored the corresponding mechanism.These results show that BCFAs extracted from goat milk can significantly alleviate weight loss in mice,and reduce the disease activity index and the activity of myeloperoxidase while increasing the content of antioxidant enzymes in colon tissue and reducing the oxidation stress response.These data also show that BCFAs can down-regulate the gene and protein expression of the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factorκB p65(NF-κB p65)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway,and at the same time significantly reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β),and IL-18 in colon tissue,and significantly increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.In conclusion,these results demonstrated that BCFAs in goat milk exerted effects on colitis-related inflammatory cytokines and inhibited inflammation by inducing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway to alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis.This study provides evidence for the potential of BCFAs as bioactive fatty acids in food products and to ameliorate ulcerative colitis development in mice.

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.

To investigate the effect of Shenqi Tiaoshen Formula on CSE induced inflammatory response of MH-S cells based on TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway

Objective:To study the effects of Shenqi Tiaoshen Formula(SQTS)on the inflammatory response of MH-S cells induced by cigarette smoking extract(CSE)and its mechanism based on TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.Methods:MH-S cells were used as subjects to evaluate cell viability by CCK-8 method.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.ROS were detected by DCFH-DA fluorescence probe.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein,and TAK-242,a TLR4 inhibitor,was used to verify the role of SQTS in the TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.Results:Compared with blank group,the cell survival rate of CSE group was decreased,and the contents of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 were increased(P<0.05),ROS fluorescence expression level was significantly increased(P<0.01),TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein expression was significantly increased(P<0.05);Compared with CSE group,the survival rate of cells in SQTS groups was increased,and the expression levels of the above indexes were decreased(P<0.05),and TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein decreased in TAK-242 groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:SQTS can reduce the inflammatory response of MH-S cells induced by CSE by inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 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.

Morroniside ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory damage in iris pigment epithelial cells through inhibition of TLR4/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

AIM:To investigate the effect of morroniside(Mor)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-treated iris pigment epithelial cells(IPE).METHODS:IPE cells were induced by LPS and treated with Mor.Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit(CCK)-8,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)kits,and the protein expression of TLR4,JAK2,p-JAK2,STAT3,and p-STAT3 was analyzed by Western blotting.In addition,overexpression of TLR4 and Mor treatment of LPS-stimulated IPE cells were also tested for the above indices.RESULTS:Mor effectively promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of LPS-treated IPE cells.In addition,Mor significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-8 and significantly inhibited the expression of TLR4,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 in LPS-treated IPE cells.The effect of Mor on LPS-treated IPE cells was markedly attenuated after overexpression of TLR4.CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that Mor may ameliorate LPS-induced inflammatory damage and apoptosis in IPE through inhibition of TLR4/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

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.

基于“TLR4/NF-kB”信号通路研究“加味四妙丸”治疗急性痛风性关节炎大鼠的作用机制

[目的]观察"加味四妙丸"治疗急性痛风性关节炎(acute gouty arthritis,AGA)大鼠的疗效,并基于"TLR4/NF-kB"信号通路探讨"加味四妙丸"作用机制。[方法]108只SD雄性大鼠,随机分为正常组、模型组、秋水仙碱组、"加味四妙丸"低、中、高剂量组,每组18只。除正常组外,其余大鼠参照Coderre造模方法膝关节腔注射尿酸钠悬浊液制作AGA模型,治疗4d后,计算各时间点受试关节肿胀指数,光学显微镜观察受试关节滑膜组织病理学变化,采用ELISA法检测关节腔冲洗液IL-1β、TNF-α的含量,免疫组化法检测关节滑膜组织TLR4、NF-kB、p-NF-kB蛋白表达,RT-PCR法检测滑膜组织TLR4m RNA表达。[结果]与正常组比较,模型组大鼠膝关节肿胀指数显著升高(P<0.01),关节滑膜组织炎性改变明显,滑膜组织中TLR4、NF-kB、p-NF-kB蛋白表达量和TLR4m RNA表达量显著上调(P<0.01),关节腔冲洗液中IL-1β、TNF-α含量显著升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,"加味四妙丸"中、高剂量组大鼠治疗后关节肿胀指数显著下降(P<0.01),关节滑膜组织炎性改变明显减轻,滑膜组织中TLR4、NF-kB、p-NFkB蛋白表达量和TLR4m RNA表达量均显著下调(P<0.01),关节腔冲洗液中IL-1β、TNF-α含量显著下降(P<0.01)。[结论]"加味四妙丸"可能通过抑制"TLR4/NF-kB"信号通路,从而抑制IL-1β、TNF-α的产生,起到治疗AGA的作用,且其疗效与药物剂量有一定相关性。

蛛网膜下腔出血患者TLR4/NF-κB信号通路变化及意义

目的探究蛛网膜下腔出血患者Toll样受体4(Toll like receptor 4,TLR4)/核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)信号通路变化及意义。方法选取作者医院2018-05/2021-06月收治的60例蛛网膜下腔出血患者作为观察组,另选取同期体检健康者60例作为对照组。比较两组TLR4/NF-κB信号通路相关因子表达,分析蛛网膜下腔出血患者TLR4/NF-κB信号通路相关因子与神经功能损害美国国立卫生院卒中量表(national institutes of health stroke scale,NIHSS)评分的关系。比较不同预后患者发病第1、3、7、14天外周血TLR4/NF-κB信号通路相关因子,绘制受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic,ROC)曲线,评价TLR4/NF-κB信号通路相关因子对蛛网膜下腔出血患者预后的预测价值,分析TLR4/NF-κB信号通路相关因子与蛛网膜下腔出血患者预后不良风险的关系。结果观察组TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA表达均高于对照组,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。蛛网膜下腔出血患者入院当天NIHSS评分为(11.24±3.12)分,根据Pearson相关性模型分析可知,蛛网膜下腔出血患者TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA表达均与NIHSS评分呈正相关关系(P<0.05)。不同组别间患者TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA相对表达量差异有统计学意义(F组间=8.037、19.348,P均<0.001),不同时间点患者TLR4 mRNA相对表达量差异有统计学意义(F时间=5.128、16.207,P均<0.001),且时间与组间存在交互效应(F交互=6.497、18.032,P=0.015、<0.001)。预后不良组患者发病第1天TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA相对表达量较预后良好组患者差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。预后不良组患者发病第3天、7天、14天TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA相对表达量均高于预后良好组患者(P均<0.05)。预后不良组患者、预后良好组患者发病第3天TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA相对表达量升至最高(P均<0.05);发病第7天、14天TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA相对表达量均较发病第3天明显下降,且发病第14天降至最低(P均<0.05)。以预后不良作为阳性样本,预后良好作为阴性样本,绘制ROC曲线,结果显示,发病第3、7、14天TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA联合预测蛛网膜下腔出血患者预后的AUC分别为0.854、0.894、0.915,较各指标单独诊断价值明显提高。Logistic回归分析显示,TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA仍与蛛网膜下腔出血患者预后不良有关(P均<0.05)。结论蛛网膜下腔出血后TLR4/NF-κB信号通路被激活,TLR4 mRNA、NF-κB mRNA表达明显上调,且TLR4/NF-κB信号通路与蛛网膜下腔出血患者早期脑损伤有关,为临床治疗提供了新思路,有助于改善患者预后。

基于TLR4/MyD88/NF-KB通路探讨中医超声药透电疗改善脑缺血大鼠炎症反应的实验研究

目的探讨中医超声药透电疗仪对脑缺血大鼠炎症反应的影响。方法建立大脑中动脉闭塞(Middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型,将大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、中药片组、空白片+电疗组、中药片+电疗组、丁苯酞组,造模24 h后连续给予相应治疗1周。治疗后,评估大鼠的神经功能评分,TTC计算脑梗死体积百分比;ELISA法检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(Tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素—1β(Interleukin-1β,IL-1β)水平;免疫组化和Western blotting法检测大鼠梗死侧皮质TLR4、MyD88、NF-KBp65的表达。结果与模型组比较,中医超声药透电疗可改善MCAO大鼠神经功能缺损症状,减轻脑梗死体积百分比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),降低皮质区TLR4、MyD88、NF-KBp65的表达及血清炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β的释放,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论中医超声药透电疗能够改善脑缺血大鼠的炎症反应,其机制可能与TLR4/MyD88/NF-KB通路有关。

加味芪黄饮调节TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB通路保护DKD模型大鼠肾功能的研究

目的:1以动物实验研究加味芪黄饮对糖尿病肾病大鼠蛋白尿、肾脏损害的作用。2探讨并阐明加味芪黄饮对大鼠肾组织Toll样受体4/MYD88/NF-κB信号通路的影响作用。方法:将85只大鼠予普通饲料适应性喂养1周后,按随机数字表法分为6组:正常组、DKD模型对照组、中药高剂量组、中药中剂量组、中药低剂量组、西药治疗组、分别给每只大鼠造模,成功后第2天起开始药物干预,中药高中低剂量组分别给予不同剂量芪黄饮;西药治疗组:每日灌胃氯沙坦钾30mg/kg;正常组、DKD模型对照组,每日各予等量的生理盐水灌胃。实验结束后,切除右肾光镜下观察各组肾组织结构病理变化。结果:与模型组相比,各治疗组均降低DKD模型大鼠尿蛋白、BUN、Cr的水平,不同程度的改善DKD模型大鼠肾组织病理变化,显著降低TLR4、My D88、MCP-1 NF-k B的表达,其中以中药高剂量组最为明显。结论:加味芪黄饮对糖尿病肾病具有一定的治疗作用,其机制可能与抑制肾组织TLR4、My D88、MCP-1 NF-k B的表达有关。

白藜芦醇抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ/TLR4/NF-KB调控鼠血管平滑肌细胞炎症和氧化应激损伤作用

目的探讨白藜芦醇(RES)抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)/TLR4/NF-KB调控大鼠血管平滑肌细胞炎症和氧化应激损伤的作用。方法采用大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌A7r5细胞株为主要受试物,分为对照组、RES组(30μmol/L)、AngⅡ组(10^-4μmol/L)和实验组(30μmol/L RES预处理2 h+10-4μmol/L AngⅡ)。CCK-8法检测A7r5细胞的存活率;ELISA法检测细胞上清液中TNF-α和IL-6表达;采用试剂盒检测ROS和iNOS活性;Western blot法检测A7r5细胞AngⅡ、TLR4、P-P65,P-IKB蛋白表达水平。结果与对照组相比,AngⅡ组A7r5细胞株存活率显著升高,RES组和实验组A7r5细胞株存活率显著降低(P<0.05);AngⅡ组A7r5细胞株TNF-α和IL-6表达显著升高,ROS和iNOS活性显著升高,AngⅡ、TLR4、P-P65,P-IKB蛋白含量显著升高,RES组和实验组TNF-α和IL-6表达显著降低,ROS和iNOS活性显著降低,AngⅡ、TLR4、P-P65,P-IKB蛋白含量显著升高(P<0.05)。与AngⅡ组相比,RES组和实验组A7r5细胞株存活率显著降低,实验组A7r5细胞株存活率下降更为明显(P<0.05);AngⅡ组A7r5细胞株TNF-α和IL-6表达显著降低,ROS和iNOS活性显著降低,AngⅡ、TLR4、P-P65,P-IKB蛋白含量显著降低,RES组和实验组TNF-α和IL-6表达显著降低,ROS和iNOS活性显著降低,AngⅡ、TLR4、P-P65,P-IKB蛋白含量显著降低(P<0.05)。结论白藜芦醇可有效缓解大鼠血管平滑肌细胞的炎症和氧化应激损伤,主要通过抑制血管紧张素Ⅱ/TLR4/NF-KB信号通路。

白藜芦醇通过MyD88/TLR4/NF-kB信号通路诱导结肠癌细胞凋亡的机制

目的探讨白藜芦醇通过MyD88/TLR4/NF-kB信号通路影响结肠癌细胞凋亡的机制。方法选取不同剂量白藜芦醇处理24 h后的结肠癌细胞,TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡率的变化,利用RT-PCR和Western blot检测白藜芦醇处理后结肠癌细胞MyD88/TLR4/NF-kB信号通路中关键信号分子的表达变化。结果中高剂量白藜芦醇处理结肠癌细胞系HT-29、sw480和LoVo后,细胞凋亡率显著上升;Bcl-2蛋白和mRNA含量表达下降,Bax、cleaved-Caspase 3蛋白和mRNA含量表达显著升高;细胞上清中VEGF蛋白表达明显降低;细胞中MyD88、TLR4、NF-kB和mRNA含量均明显降低。结论白藜芦醇可能通过MyD88/TLR4/NF-kB信号通路促进结肠癌细胞凋亡从而抑制肿瘤发生发展。

TRDMT1 exhibited protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation in rats through TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK-TNF-αpathway

Background:Inflammation is a complex physiological and pathological process.Although many types of inflammation are well characterized,their physiological func-tions are largely unknown.tRNA aspartic acid methyltransferase 1(TRDMT1)has been implicated as a stress-related protein,but its intrinsic biological role is unclear.Methods:We constructed a Trdmt1 knockout rat and adopted the LPS-induced sepsis model.Survival curve,histopathological examination,expression of inflammatory fac-tors,and protein level of TLR4 pathway were analyzed.Results:Trdmt1 deletion had no obvious impact on development and growth.Trdmt1 de-letion slightly increased the mortality during aging.Our data showed that Trdmt1 strongly responded in LPS-treated rats,and Trdmt1 knockout rats were vulnerable to LPS treat-ment with declined survival rate.We also observed more aggravated tissue damage and more cumulative functional cell degeneration in LPS-treated knockout rats compared with control rats.Further studies showed upregulated TNF-αlevel in liver,spleen,lung,and serum tissues,which may be explained by enhanced p65 and p38 phosphorylation.Conclusions:Our data demonstrated that Trdmt1 plays a protective role in inflamma-tion by regulating the TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK-TNF-αpathway.This work provides useful information to understand the TRDMT1 function in inflammation.

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.

艾灸对佐剂性关节炎大鼠滑膜组织TLR4/NF-kB信号通路影响

目的探讨艾灸对佐剂性关节炎大鼠滑膜组织TLR4/NF-kB信号通路的影响。方法30只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组和艾灸组,每组10只。模型组和艾灸组大鼠于左后肢足趾皮下注射完全弗氏佐剂(CFA)制备佐剂性关节炎(AA)模型;造模成功后,艾灸组取左侧足三里施灸;正常组和模型组仅常规饲养,不做任何干预。3组均于15 d后用足趾容积测量仪测量大鼠左后肢足趾容积。用苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察左后肢足趾关节滑膜组织形态,用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定各组大鼠左后肢足趾关节滑膜组织白细胞介素(IL)-1b和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-a的浓度。用荧光定量PCR法(RT-q PCR)检测左后肢足趾关节滑膜组织Toll样受体(TLR)4/核因子(NF)-kB信号通路中髓样分化因子(Myd)88、TLR4、NF-kB p65、NF-kB抑制因子a(IkBa)、IkB激酶复合物b(IkKb)的m RNA表达量。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠足趾容积显著升高(P<0.01),滑膜细胞出现增生,组织中可见大量炎细胞浸润,滑膜表面细胞排列不整齐,滑膜组织IL-1b和TNF-a浓度升高(P<0.01),而且Myd88、TLR4、NF-kB p65、IkBa、IkKb的m RNA表达均明显升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,艾灸组大鼠足趾容积和滑膜组织上述各项指标水平均明显降低(P<0.01)。结论艾灸能够通过抑制TLR4/NF-kB信号通路降低AA模型大鼠滑膜炎症反应,缓解足趾肿胀。

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.

左乙拉西坦对小儿癫痫的疗效及TLR4/NF-kB IL-6 TNF-αhs-CRP水平的影响

目的研究小儿癫痫给予左乙拉西坦治疗的效果及对炎症因子血清白介素6(interleukin-6,IL-6)、血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、超敏C反应蛋白(hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)及Toll样受体4(TLR4)、核因子(NF-kB)水平的影响作用。方法以商丘市第三人民医院2015-04—2019-04收治的103例小儿癫痫为对象,按照随机数字表法分为2组,对照组51例接受卡马西平治疗,观察组52例患儿接受左乙拉西坦治疗,比较2组治疗总有效率、TLR4/NF-kB水平变化、炎症因子水平变化、认知功能。结果观察组治疗总有效率为94.23%高于对照组的78.43%(P<0.05);观察组治疗后TLR4、NF-kB水平均低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组治疗后炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α、hs-CRP水平均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论左乙拉西坦治疗小儿癫痫具有良好临床疗效,能够更明显控制TLR4/NF-kB水平,减轻炎症反应,具有良好应用价值。

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.