Study on the antiulcer effects of Veronicastrum axillare on gastric ulcer in rats induced by ethanol based on tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and endothelin-1(ET-1)

Objective:To assess whether Veronicastrum axillare(V.axillare)can ameliorate ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats,reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines,suppress apoptosis and improve local microcirculation disturbances.Methods:Totally 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups,eight rats in each group.Rats in the normal group and the model group were administered with 0.9%normal saline respectively.Rats in the positive group and ranitidine group were administered with 0.18%ranitidine suspension by intragastric administration respectively.Those in the high dose V.axillare group,the medium dose V.axillare group and the low dose V.axillare group were administrated with V.axillare at the daily dose of 2.8 g/kg,1.4 g/kg and 0.7 g/kg by intragastric administration.Gastric mucosal lesions were produced by intragastric administration of absolute ethanol.Water extract of V.axillare was successively injected for 14 d and last day was injected 1 h before ethanol administration.Gastric mucosal ulcer index and ulcer inhibitory rate were counted by improved Guth methods.The tissue sections were made for pathological histology analysis.Also,we measured the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and endothelin-1(ET-1)in gastric mucosal,as an index of the pro-inflammatory cytokines,apoptosis and local microcirculation.Besides,the mRNA contents of TNF-αand ET-1 were measured to verify effects on gene expression by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.Results:Water extract of V.axillare significantly ameliorated the gastric mucosal lesions induced by ethanol administration(P【0.01).Pro-inflammatory cytokines,TNF-a and ET-1 were increased after ethanol administration and significantly reduced by water extract of V.axillare.The expressions of TNF-αand ET-1 mRNA were also be inhibited by water extract of V.axillare.Conclusion:Current evidences show water extract of V.axillare is effective for defending against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions,significantly inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the expressions of TNF-αand ET-1 mRNA,which may be useful for inhibiting apoptosis and improving local microcirculation.

Effect of HIV-1 Tat on Secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β by U87 Cells in AIDS Patients with or without AIDS Dementia Complex

Objective To explore the role of HIV-1 tat gene variations in AIDS dementia complex （ADC） pathogenesis. Methods HIV-1 tat genes derived from peripheral spleen and central basal ganglia of an AIDS patient with ADC and an AIDS patient without ADC were cloned for sequence analysis. HIV-1 tat gene sequence alignment was performed by using CLUSTAL W and the phylogentic analysis was conducted by using Neighbor-joining with MEGA4 software. All tat genes were used to construct recombinant retroviral expressing vector MSCV-IRES-GFP/tat. The MSCV-IRES-GFP/tat was cotransfected into 293T cells with pCMV-VSV-G and pUMVC vectors to assemble the recombinant retrovirus. After infection of gliomas U87 cells with equal amount of the recombinant retrovirus, TNF-α, and IL-1β concentrations in the supernatant of U87 cells were determined with ELISA. Results HIV-1 tat genes derived from peripheral spleen and central basal ganglia of the AIDS patient with ADC and the other one without ADC exhibited genetic variations. Tat variations and amino acid mutation sites existed mainly at Tat protein core functional area （38-47aa）. All Tat proteins could induce ug7 cells to produce TNF-α and IL-1β, but the level of IL-1β production was different among Tat proteins derived from the ADC patient＇s spleen, basal ganglia, and the non-ADC patient＇s spleen. The level of Tat proteins derived from the ADC patient＇s spleen, basal ganglia, and the non-ADC patient＇s spleen were obviously higher than that from the non-ADC patient＇s basal ganglia. Conclusion Tat protein core functional area （38-47aa） may serve as the key area of enhancing the secretion of IL-1β. This may be related with the neurotoxicity of HIV-1 Tat.

Suppressing progress of pancreatitis through selective inhibition of NF-κB activation by using NAC

Objective: To explore the characteristics of NF-闎 activation in the progress of pancreatitis, the relationship with expression of TNF- in the inflammatory reaction, and prevent the exacerbation of pancreatitis by using NAC. Method: Forty-eight rats were divided into three groups: therapy (group C), pancreatitis (group B) and control (group A). NAC served as the inhibitor of NF-闎 activation. In the time intervals of 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0 hour, NF-闎 activation was detected with flow cytometry (FCM) and the expression of TNF- mRNA and protein with in situ hybridization (ISH) and enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. Meanwhile, the level of lipase and amylase in the serum was assayed and the pathological change was evaluated. Result: NF-闎 activation in the pancreatitis group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), peaked at 3 hours, and was depressed by the inhibitor of NF-闎, NAC. The expression of TNF- as well as the level of lipase and amylase in the serum also rose synchronously with activation of NF-闎. In contrast to group A, it was significantly different (P<0.01) in group B. After using NAC in group C, all of these values were decreased and the in-flammatory reaction in the pancreas abated evidently. The pathology changes of the pancreas were shown to be alleviated in group C. Conclusion: First, NF-闎 activity is intensively initiated in the course of pancreatitis and shown to have closely relationship with the release of cytokines. Second, use of NAC markedly depressed NF-闎 activation. TNF- expression is down regulated by cytokines. It is suggested that NAC probably acts as a useful agent for treatment of pancreatitis by indirectly inhibiting activation of NF-闎.

The dual roles of cytokines in Alzheimer’s disease:update on interleukins, TNF-α,TGF-β and IFN-γ

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the elderly.Although the mechanisms underlying AD neurodegeneration are not fully understood,it is well recognized that inflammation plays a crucial role in the initiation and/or deterioration of AD neurodegeneration.Increasing evidence suggests that different cytokines,including interleukins,TNF-α,TGF-βand IFN-γ,are actively participated in AD pathogenesis and may serve as diagnostic or therapeutic targets for AD neurodegeneration.Here,we review the progress in understanding the important role that these cytokines or neuroinflammation has played in AD etiology and pathogenesis.

CD99and CD 106(VCAM-1)in human testis

Aim: The expression of the cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α and the adhesion proteins CD99 and CD106 was studied in the human testis at the protein level. Methods: The expression of the cytokines and the adhesion proteins was assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Results: None of the cytokines studied was present in the human testis, but CD99 and CD106 (VCAM-1) strongly were expressed in all the testes investigated. CD99 was present in the interstitial tissue of the human testis as well as in the Sertoli cells. The identity of the CD99+ interstitial cells is unclear. CD106 (VCAM-1) was present in Leydig cells as well as the basal parts of the Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. In immunoblotting, CD99 was demonstrated at molecular ratios of 46-57 (kD). This is a novel isoform of the molecule. Conclusion: The human testis produces both CD99 and CD106 and as CD106 mediates cell binding to lymphocytes, it is possible that the human Leydig cells adhere to lymphocytes like the rodent Leydig cells. (Asian J Androl 2002 Dec; 4: 243-248)

The Role of Immune System in Depression Disorder

In order to diagnose a major depressive disorder, patients must have at least 5 depres-sive symptoms out of 9 criteria, present for at least two weeks. Depressive symptoms include absence of concentration, fatigue and suicidal ideation. The intensity of de-pression symptoms affects the severity of depression and the degree of the impact on the quality of life. Major depressive disorders (MDD) are defined as a significant health problem, and are estimated to rise in prevalence in the future years. Immune cytokine, associated with major depression for instance, is the interleukin IL-6 and tu-mor necrosis factor (TNF-α) which is defined as pro-inflammatory cytokines, can ac-tivate an inflammatory response. The effects of other inflammatory cytokines on the central nervous system are of controversy. There is an increasing interest about the ef-fect of cytokines derived from innate immune system on the brain and behavior. Cytokines are defined as large sized proteins, mainly produced by immune cells. Two subtypes of cytokines exist: pro-inflammatory cytokines, facilitating inflammatory re-sponses and neural activities;and anti-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting inflammatory processes. Besides microglia and astrocytes, immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes also produce cytokines. At the times of immunological alterations, infections or inflammation, cytokines will be in an activated form. The main goal of the current review study is to investigate the role of the immune system in the depression disorder.

中药对溃疡性结肠炎相关炎性因子和信号通路的影响探析

溃疡性结肠炎是一种以溃疡为主要症状的慢性非特异性肠道疾病,属于中医“痢疾”“肠风”“便血”等范畴。西医治疗以氨基水杨酸、糖皮质激素等为主,存在疗效不理想、复发率较高、副作用较大的问题。近年来中药治疗溃疡性结肠炎取得了较好的临床效果,有副作用小、不良反应少、复发率低的优点,可以明显改善UC患者症状,提高其生活质量。中医中药对肠黏膜的免疫调控影响也获得了较多关注,中药对与UC相关信号传导通路的干预作用逐渐成为研究热点。本文将常见与UC相关的信号传导通路进行归纳,探究青黛、大黄、姜黄对其影响,为临床和实验研究提供思路。

Relationship between peritoneal macrophages and inflammatory reaction in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis

Objective To investigate the relationship between peritoneal macrophages(PMAs)and inflammatory reaction in a rat model of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group and SAP group.To induce SAP in rats,40 g/L sodium taurocholate(0.1 mL/100 g)was injected into the pancreatic duct through retrograde exposure of pancreatic bile duct in hepatic porta.One-third of rats were sacrificed at 3,6 or 12 h after modeling.PMAs were extracted,and incubated for 24 h in a humidified 5% carbon dioxide incubator.The expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)mRNA in PMAs were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in culture medium and serum were evaluated.The histological changes of pancreas were examined.Results The expressions of TNF-α mRNA and IL-1β mRNA in PMAs were significantly higher in SAP group than in control group at each time point(P<0.01).The concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in culture medium and serum were significantly elevated in SAP group compared with control group(P<0.01).The histological analysis of pancreas indicated that the damage was more severe in SAP group than in control group(P<0.01).Conclusion PMAs secrete cytokines into pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid,and this study demonstrates a correlation between SAP and the activation of PMAs.

Uncoupling tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-10 at tumor immune microenvironment of breast cancer through miR-17-5p/MALAT-1/H19 circuit

Triple Negative Breast Cancer(TNBC)immunotherapy has recently shown promising approach.However,some TNBC patients presented with resistance.One of the reasons was attributed to the excessive release of cytokines at the tumor microenvironment(TME)such as Tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and Interleukin-10(IL-10).Fine regulation of these cytokines’levels via non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs)might alleviate the immune quiescent nature of TME at TNBC tumors.However,the extrapolation of ncRNAs as therapeutic tools is highly challenging.Therefore,disentanglement the nature for the isolation of natural compounds that could modulate the ncRNAs and their respective targets is an applicable translational therapeutic approach.Hence,this study aimed to targeting the chief immune suppressive cytokines at the TME(TNF-αand IL-10)via ncRNAs and to examine the effects of Rosemary aerial parts extract on the expression levels of these ncRNAs in TNBC.Results revealed miR-17-5p as a dual regulator of TNF-αand IL-10.Moreover,an intricate interaction has been shown between miR-17-5p and the oncogenic lncRNAs:MALAT1 and H19.Knocking down of MALAT1 and/or H19 caused an induction in miR-17-5p and reduction in TNF-αand IL-10 expression levels.miR-17-5p was found to be down-regulated,while TNF-α,IL-10,MALAT1 and H19 were up-regulated in BC patients.Forced expression of miR-17-5p in MDA-MB-231 cells reduced TNF-α,IL-10,MALAT1 and H19 expression levels,as well as several BC hallmarks.In a translational approach,ursolic acid(UA)isolated from rosemary induced the expression of miR-17-5p,MALAT1 and decreased H19 expression levels.In conclusion,this study suggests miR-17-5p as a tumor suppressor and an immune-activator miRNA in BC through tuning up the immunological targets TNF-α,IL-10 at the TME and the oncological mediators MALAT1 and H19 lncRNAs.

Measuring Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin-1 Beta Levels in Mustard Gas Exposed Patients

Sulfur mustard (SM) is an alkalizing chemical which has been used mostly as a weapon all over the world. Sulfur mustard can cause damages to many organs, especially the skin, respiratory system and the eyes. Generally, many complications of mustard gas result from its alkalizing potency and reaction with cellular components like DNA, RNA, proteins and lipid membranes. The damages caused by SM will lead to many complications which persist during the lifespan of exposed subjects. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including especially TNF-α and IL-1β can cause systemic inflammatory reactions and vast changes like altered cell signaling, migration, cytokine production changes and fever. This study was designed to analyze cytokine levels in mustard-gas-exposed people’s serum in the war between Iraq and Iran, who had the chronic dry-eye symptoms compared to the normal group, 30 years after exposure. In this study, 25 veterans who were exposed to mustard gas were compared to 25 healthy people as control group. The veterans with concurrent involvement of eye, lung, and skin were selected. We used ELISA method to assess the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of people in both groups. All the results analyzed with T-test in SPSS 17 statistical software. The mean levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum of chemical exposed veterans were 52.3 ± 1.4 pg/ml and 3.43 ± 0.3 pg/ml while in the control group were 19.5±1.3 pg/ml and 2.25 ± 0.2 pg/ml, respectively. In the control group, the serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly lower than the exposed group (P < 0.05). This study showed that there is a meaningful difference between TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels in the SM exposed group compared to the control group. There are some differences between the present study and others. However, studies on local inflammatory changes in these patients are also limited and need more reviews.

Molecular basis of the anti-inflammatory potential of a diarylheptanoid in murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

Natural products play a significant role in human health in relation to the prevention and treatment of inflammatory disorders. In this study, we examined the molecular basis of the anti-inflammatory potential of a diarylheptonoid (DAH) isolated from Alpinia officinarum hexane extract (AOHE) with special emphasis on their ability to modulate the nuclear factor-κB (NF-кB) signaling involved in the inflammatory response. Measurement of Nitrite by Griess reaction which revealed the effect of DAH in RAW 264.7 macrophages showed an inhibition in the nitric oxide production through the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene level expression. NF-кB reporter gene assay suggests inhibition of NF-кB transcriptional activity, thus inhibiting LPS-induced phosphorylation and degradation of IкBα and a downregulation of NF-кB protein expression confirms the immunomodulatory effect of DAH. Furthermore, downregulation in the gene level expression of NF-кB signaling markers such as IL-1β, TNF-α and COX-2 suggests the anti-inflammatory potential of DAH via inhibition of NF-кB activation.

CRP, but not TNF-α or IL-6, decreases after weight loss in patients with morbid obesity exposed to intensive weight reduction and balneological treatment

Objective：The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of C-reactive protein （CRP）, tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, and the degree of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） in patients with morbid obesity exposed to a three-week low-calorie diet and balneotherapy. Methods：The study included 33 patients （25 females and 8 males; mean age 46 years） with body mass index （BMI） values of〉40 kg/m2. Evaluations of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, lipid profile, HOMA-IR, and fasting glucose were carried out before （baseline data） and three weeks after the treatment. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers （15 females and 5 males） with a mean age of 39 years and BMI values of≤24.9 kg/m2. Results：In the blood of patients with morbid obesity we found significantly elevated levels of CRP, TNF-α, triglycerides, HOMA-IR and fasting glucose, but a de-creased level of high density lipoprotein （HDL）-cholesterol, compared with the healthy individuals. The treatment resulted in about a 9.4%reduction in body weight from 122.5 to 111.0 kg and a significant decrease in the concen-tration of CRP, but no change in TNF-αor IL-6. HOMA-IR was significantly reduced. Conclusions：The decrease in CRP level without changes in TNF-α or IL-6 concentrations after the low-calorie diet and balneological treatment, suggests that an essential amount of adipose tissue must be removed before proper adipocyte function is restored. The decrease in HOMA-IR indicates an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial in obese patients.