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.

miR-27a-3p介导TLR4/TRIF信号通路对脑出血大鼠神经的保护作用

目的分析miR-27a-3p介导Toll样受体(TLR)4/β干扰素TIR结构域衔接蛋白(TRIF)信号通路对脑出血大鼠神经的保护作用。方法选取80只SD级雄性大鼠,20只作为正常组,其余60只建立大鼠脑出血模型后随机分为模型组、上调组、下调组各20只,做miR-27a-3p转染,鉴定miR-27a-3p转染率、脑组织中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α和白细胞介素(IL)-1β含量、神经功能缺损情况、TLR4/TRIF信号通路蛋白表达情况。结果与模型组相比,上调组miR-27a-3p表达量升高,下调组miR-27a-3p表达量降低,具有统计学差异(P<0.05),证明miR-27a-3p转染成功。相比于正常组,模型组、上调组、下调组TNF-α、IL-1β含量、神经功能缺损评分、TLR4、TRIF、TRAM含量升高,具有统计学差异(P<0.05);相比于模型组,下调组TNF-α、IL-1β含量、神经功能缺损评分、TLR4、TRIF、TRAM含量升高,上调组TNF-α、IL-1β含量、神经功能缺损评分、TLR4、TRIF、TRAM含量降低,具有统计学差异(P<0.05);且下调组TNF-α、IL-1β含量、神经功能缺损评分、TLR4、TRIF、TRAM含量高于上调组,具有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论miR-27a-3p可介导TLR4/TRIF信号通路对脑出血大鼠神经起到保护作用。减少大鼠脑内炎症反应。

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.

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.

艾灸预处理天枢穴对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠结肠TLR4/TRIF信号通路调节作用的研究

目的观察艾灸预处理天枢穴对溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)大鼠结肠TLR4/TRIF信号通路的影响,探讨艾灸预处理防治UC的作用机制.方法将28只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、隔药灸预处理组和温和灸预处理组.采用4%葡聚糖硫酸钠水溶液连续饮用7 d制备UC模型.隔药灸预处理组、温和灸预处理组先干预7 d后,模型组、隔药灸预处理组、温和灸预处理组再制备UC模型.采用HE染色法,观察大鼠结肠组织病理学变化;应用免疫组化、免疫印记技术检测大鼠结肠TLR4、TRIF、TRAF6、IRF3、IKK的蛋白表达.结果模型组大鼠结肠黏膜结构损伤较正常组明显加重;隔药灸预处理组和温和灸预处理组,结肠黏膜结构损伤较模型组明显改善.与正常组比较,模型组结肠TLR4、TRIF、TRAF6、IRF3、IKK蛋白表达均显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,隔药灸预处理组、温和灸预处理组结肠TLR4、TRIF、TRAF6、IRF3蛋白表达均显著降低(P<0.05),隔药灸预处理组结肠IKK蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.05).结论艾灸预处理天枢穴能下调UC大鼠结肠TLR4、TRIF、TRAF6、IRF3蛋白表达;下调TLR4/TRIF信号通路相关分子的蛋白表达可能是艾灸预处理防治UC的作用机制之一.

TLR4对脑缺血再灌注小鼠海马TRIF表达的影响

目的探讨Toll样受体4(TLR4)对脑缺血再灌注小鼠海马TRIF表达的影响。方法采用TLR4抗体封闭阻断TLR4,Western blot和RT-PCR检测海马TLR4蛋白、IFN-β蛋白和TLR4 mRNA表达量,免疫组化方法检测TRIF表达变化。小鼠随机分为3组:假手术组(S组)、缺血再灌注组(I组)、TLR4阻断组(T组),各组又分1、2、3及4d4个时间点组。结果缺血再灌注组TLR4蛋白、TLR4 mRNA、IFN-β和TRIF表达水平明显高于假手术组表达水平(P<0.05),而TLR4阻断组TLR4蛋白、TLR4 mRNA、IFN-β和TRIF表达水平明显少于缺血再灌注组(P<0.05)。结论缺血再灌注可激活TLR4,并引起TRIF和IFN-β表达量增加,而采用TLR4抗体封闭阻断TLR4后,TRIF和IFN-β表达量减少。本研究提示,TLR4通过上调TRIF表达参与脑缺血再灌注的反应机制。

薯蓣皂苷元对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经运动功能及TLR4-MyD88/TRIF信号通路调节作用研究

目的:研究薯蓣皂苷元对缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经运动功能及TLR4-MyD88/TRIF信号通路的调节作用。方法:将大鼠随机分为假手术组、缺血性脑卒中模型组、薯蓣皂苷元低、中、高剂量组及阳性对照组,每组12只。采用四血管阻断法建立缺血性脑卒中大鼠模型,薯蓣皂苷元各剂量组分别灌胃给予12.5 mg/kg、25 mg/kg及50 mg/kg的薯蓣皂苷元,阳性对照组给予大鼠尼莫地平,1次/d,连续21 d。测定给药前后大鼠神经功能缺损评分,使用Morris水迷宫测定大鼠逃避潜伏期及90 s内穿过平台的次数;酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法测定脑组织Toll样受体(TLR)-2、白介素(IL)-1β、IL-6及肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α水平;苏木精—伊红(HE)染色法测定脑组织病理改变;实时定量聚合酶链式反应(RT-qPCR)及免疫印迹法(Western blotting)测定大鼠脑组织TLR4、MyD88、TRIF mRNA及蛋白水平。结果:与缺血性脑卒中模型组比较,薯蓣皂苷元各剂量组及阳性对照组大鼠神经功能缺损评分、逃避潜伏期、脑组织TLR-2、IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α水平,脑组织TLR4、MyD88及TRIF mRNA及蛋白水平均明显降低(均P<0.05),90 s内穿越平台次数显著增加(P<0.05),大鼠脑组织病理性变化明显恢复,且各项指标变化与薯蓣皂苷元的剂量表现出依赖性。结论:薯蓣皂苷元能够修复缺血性脑卒中大鼠神经运动功能及神经损伤,抑制脑组织炎症反应,其机制可能与调节TLR4-MyD88/TRIF信号通路有关。

温阳健脾祛痰颗粒含药血清对非酒精性脂肪性肝病细胞模型TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB通路的影响

目的研究温阳健脾祛痰颗粒(WYJPQT)含药血清对非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)细胞模型的影响,初步探讨其作用机制。方法 0.25 mM油酸诱导HepG2细胞24 h,油红O染色和三酰甘油检测确定NAFLD细胞模型成功建立,将NAFLD细胞模型分为WYJPQT高、中、低剂量组,阳性对照组及模型组,同时设置空白对照组。随后进行含药血清的制备,WYJPQT高、中、低剂量组分别给予10%WYJPQT高、中、低剂量组含药血清培养基孵育48 h,阳性对照组给予10%多烯磷脂酰胆碱含药血清培养基孵育48h,模型组和空白对照组给予10%大鼠血清培养基孵育48 h后,进行油红O染色,细胞内三酰甘油含量测定,并应用逆转录-实时荧光定量PCR法(RTqPCR)和蛋白印迹法(Western blot)分别检测Toll样受体4(TLR4)、髓样分化因子88(MYD88)、Toll样白介素-1受体结构域适配子诱导干扰素-b(TRIF)和核因子κB(NF-κB)mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果含药血清干预48h后,油红O染色提示WYJPQT高、中、低剂量组降低TG的作用细胞内脂滴颗粒较模型组减少,TG含量较模型组明显降低(P<0.05),低剂量组与阳性对照组相当(P>0.05);高、中剂量组TRIF蛋白相对表达量较模型组明显减少(P<0.01),高剂量组TRIF蛋白表达量与阳性对照组相当(P>0.05);WYJPQT各剂量组NF-κB m RNA和蛋白相对表达量均较模型组显著减少(P<0.01);WYJPQT高、中剂量组TLR4 m RNA相对表达量较模型组和阳性对照组明显降低(P<0.05)。结论 WYJPQT含药血清可调控TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB信号通路,降低NAFLD细胞模型中的脂滴颗粒数量,减少TG含量,达到对NAFLD细胞模型的治疗作用。

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.

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.

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.

人参果胶通过活化TLR4介导的MyD88依赖途径、抑制TRIF依赖途径诱导Th1活化

目的:探讨TLR4介导的MyD88依赖途径以及TRIF依赖途径在人参果胶诱导的Th1活化中的作用。方法:使用免疫磁珠阴性分选小鼠脾脏CD4^(+)T细胞,CD3抗体预活化,分别用人参果胶、LPS体外刺激。WST1检测细胞增殖;qRT-PCR、ELISA检测IFN-γ及IL-4表达;Western blot实验检测TLR4、MyD88、TRIF蛋白表达。使用TLR4抗体预处理CD4^(+)T细胞,WST1实验检测细胞增殖;ELISA检测IFN-γ及IL-4浓度。结果:人参果胶直接促进CD4^(+)T细胞增殖及IFN-γ表达,显著上调TLR4及MyD88表达,下调TRIF表达;TLR4抗体显著抑制人参果胶诱导的细胞增殖以及IFN-γ分泌。结论:人参果胶通过活化TLR4介导的MyD88依赖途径直接诱导Th1活化,TRIF依赖途径发挥相反作用。

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.

Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction relieving temporal lobe epilepsy in rats by inhibiting TLR4 signaling pathway through miR-146a-3p and miR-146a-5p

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction(柴胡龙骨牡蛎汤,CHLGMLD)in rats with temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE).Methods A total of 80 Sprague-Dawley(SD)male rats were randomized into control(CON),model(MOD),carbamazepine(CBZ,0.1 g/kg),CHLGMLD low dose(CHLGMLD-L,12.5 g/kg),and high dose(CHLGMLD-H,25 g/kg)groups,with 16 rats in each group.TLE rat models were established in the four groups with the use of lithium-pilocarpine except for the CON group.After the successful establishment of TLE models,all drugs were administered through gavage,and distilled water was given to rats in the CON and MOD groups for four weeks.The frequency and duration of seizures before and after treatment were recorded for the evaluation of the alleviation degree.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the expression levels of miR-146a-3p and miR-146a-5p.The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1(IRAK1),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6),TAK1-binding protein(TAB),nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB),and interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β)in hippocampus were tested by immunofluorescence assay.Correlation analysis between the above factors and expressions of miR-146a-3p and miR-146a-5p were performed separately.Results CHLGMLD decreased the frequency(P<0.05)and duration(P<0.01)of seizures in rats.CHLGMLD down-regulated the expression levels of miR-146a-5p and miR-146a-3p(P<0.05),and inhibited the expression levels of TLR4,IRAK1,TRAF6,TAB,NF-κB,and IL-1β(P<0.01).The correlation analysis revealed that the expression levels of TLR4,IRAK1,TRAF6,TAB,NF-κB,and IL-1β were positively correlated with the expression levels of miR-146a-3p and miR-146a-5p detected by qRT-PCR,respectively(P<0.01).Conclusion CHLGMLD can inhibite the TLR4 signaling pathway by lowering the expression levels of miR-146a-3p and miR-146a-5p to alleviate hippocampal dentate gyrus inflammation in TLE rats,thus relieving seizures.

Effects of Liancao-Xieli capsule on intestinal mucosal inflammatory factors and TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis

Objective:To observe the effect of Liancao-Xieli capsule on intestinal mucosal inflammatory factors and TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC);Methods:40 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,Liancao-Xieli group and mesalazine group,with 10 mice in each group.In addition to the control group,the remaining three groups of mice were induced by 3%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)to induce acute UC model.During the modeling period,mice in each group were given corresponding drugs and normal saline by gavage.At the end of the experiment,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colonic tissue in each group,and ELISA was used to detect the inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,IL-8,IL-17,and INF-γ)in serum and colonic tissue.The expression levels of TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway related proteins were also detected by Western blot;Results:Compared with the model group,Liancao-Xieli capsule could significantly increase the colon length and decrease the score of colon histopathology in UC mice(P<0.01).In addition,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL1β,IL-8,IL-17,and INF-γwere significantly reduced in serum and colon tissue,and the expressions of TLR4,PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were significantly down-regulated in LiancaoXieyi group when compared with the model group(P<0.01).While the expressions of Akt and mTOR were not significantly affected in Liancao-Xieyi group(P>0.05);Conclusion:LiancaoXieli capsule can reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors,improve the intestinal mucosal damage and inflammatory response in UC by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway。