Toll样受体9在系统性红斑狼疮患者高人乳头瘤病毒感染中的作用

目的初步探讨TLR9在SLE、HPV、SLE＋HPV感染患者宫颈上皮细胞中的表达及意义。方法行子宫颈液基细胞学检查（LCT）的患者20例,均分为如下四组：SLE组、SLE＆HPV组、HPV组、正常对照组四组：LCT其中一份用于LCT检查,剩余的标本用于高危型人乳头瘤病毒（HR-HPV）及低危型人类乳头瘤病毒（LRHPV）检测;另一份用于流式鉴定及胞内TLR9受体检测。结果合并HPV阳性的患者其SLEDAI疾病活动性评分6（4~7）显著高于HPV阴性组2（0~3）,且更容易合并器官损伤,其中SLE＆HPV组共5例（100%）合并器官损伤≥2,而SLE组仅2例（40%）：合并HPV感染的SLE患者其病情复发指数flare5例（100%）也明显高于HPV阴性患者1例（20%）;同样,SLE＆HPV组患者全部为Anti—dsDNA阳性（100%）,而SLE组仅1例（20%）阳性。流式cytokeratin＋CD45-设门鉴定的上皮细胞内TLR9表达的平均荧光强度,

Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis of Toll-like Receptor 1 cDNA in Japanese Flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

[Objective] The paper aimed to clone the full length gene of Toll-like recep- tors （TLRs） in Japanese flounder （Paralichthys olivaceus）, and analyze their structural features and expression regularity. [Method] The full length cDNA sequence of Toll like receptor 1（TLR1） gene was identified from Japanese flounder head kidney by ho- mologous cloning and rapid amplification cDNA ends （RACE）. The bioinformatics and expression model of this gene was analyzed. [Result] The TLR1 cDNA was 2 947 bp, a 2 418 bp open reading frame （ORF）, encoding 805 amino acid （aa） residues, including signal peptide, six leucine-rich repeat（LRR） motifs, two transmembrane zones and one TolI/IL 1 receptor （TIR） domain. The molecular weight of the deduced protein was 91.15 KDa, and the isoelectric point was 6.49. The amino acid sequence of Japanese flounder TLR1 possessed 69%-35% identity with the TLRls of other verte- brates, further analysis showed that the TIR domain of Japanese flounder TLR1 shared 84%-62% identities with TIR domains in other vertebrates. Japanese flounder TLR1 protein firstly clustered with TLRls in Epinephelus coioides in the phylogenetic analysis. The transcription of Japanese flounder TLR1 was examined by real-time quantitative PCR, and its mRNA was mainly detected in liver, heart and spleen. [Conclusion] The results lay a foundation for further studying the functions of TLR1 and developing immune potentiator in Japanese flounder.

The involvement of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha in Toll-like receptor 7/8-mediated inflammatory response

Toll-like receptors （TLRs） 7 and 8 are crucial in host defence against single-stranded RNA （ssRNA） viruses. Such viruses cause severe illnesses, which remain a serious medical burden in both industrialised and developing countries. TLR7/8 downstream signaling leads tO a dramatic cellular stress associated with energy consumption. However, the molecular mechanisms of cell survival and adaptation to TLR7/8-induced stress, which give the cells an opportunity to initiate proper inflammatory reactions, are not clear at all. Here we report for the first time that ligand-induced activation of TLR7/8 leads to the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha （HIF-1α） protein in THP-1 human myeloid macrophages via redoxand reactive nitrogen species-dependent mechanisms. MAP kinases and phosphoinositol-3K are not involved in TLR7/8-mediated HIF-1α accumulation. Experiments with HIF-1α knockdown THP- 1 cells have clearly demonstrated that HIF-1α is important for the protection of these cells against TLR7/8-induced depletion of ATP. Thus, HIF-1α might support both cell survival and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon TLR7/8 activation.

The roles of toll-like receptors in carcinogenesis and cancer immunotherapy

Toll-like receptors （TLRs） are probably the most important class of pattern-recognition receptors. Members of the TLR family play key roles in the both innate and adaptive immune responses. Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns （PAMPs） by TLRs, either alone or in heterodimedzation with other TLR or non-TLR receptors, induces the production of signals that are responsible for the activation of genes important for an effective host defense, especially those of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, TLRs are involved in the development of many pathological conditions including infectious diseases, tissue damage, and cancer especially. In this review, the contribution of TLRs to tumorgenesis is evaluated. We hope to provide new insight into the progression of cancer and more importantly into the potential for TLRs as targets of therapeutics.

Effect of remifentanil on toll-like receptor 4, NF-κB and IL-6 in rabbit myocardial ischemia/reperfusion model

Objective： To investigate whether remifentanil induced cardioprotecting effect is associated with expression of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）, nuclear factor rB （NF-r.B） and serum interleukin -6 （IL-6）. Methods： Fifty rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups （n=10） according to the treatment： sham operation group （group A）, ischemla-reperfusion group （group B）, low-dose remifentanil group （group C）, mediate-dose remifentanil group （group D）, and high-dose remlfentanil group （group E） Myocardial TLR4 mRNA levels, NF-r.B protein expression and serum levels of IL-6 were observed in 120 min after reperfusion. Results： The myocardial expressions of TLR4 mRNA, NF-rd3 protein and IL-6 level in sera of groups B, C, D and E were elevated compared with group A. However, remifentanil significantly reduced the levels of TLR4 mRNA, NF- r.B protein expression and serum IL-6 in groups C, D and E compared with group B. There were remarkable differences between the groups （P〈O.O1）. Conclusion： Intravenous remifentanil has protective effect against rabbit myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. This effect may be associated with TLR4, NF-r.B expressions on myocytes and serum level of IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner

Toll-like receptors,a double-edged sword in immunity to malaria

Toll-like receptors(TLRs) are a central component of innate immune system and play a major role as the initiator of the innate immune responses to defend against bacteria,viruses,parasite and other pathogens.During malaria infection,TLRs signaling pathways are initialed with the recognition of Plasmodium glycosylphosphatidylinositols(GPI) and hemozoin as pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs).And then,activation of TLRs signaling induces specific biological responses against malaria parasites invasion.However,TLRs are also involved in malaria pathogenesis and enhancement of immune tolerance and evasion for malaria infection.Moreover,malaria parasites regulate selectively TLRs expression on immune cells.Thus,these evidences indicated that TLRs have contrary roles on malaria infection.Understanding the complicated roles of TLRs on malaria infection will contribute us to design more effective anti-malaria drugs or vaccines.

益气活血复方对内皮细胞TLR4及其下游MyD88、TRAF-6、TRAM、TRIF mRNA表达的影响

目的研究益气活血复方对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)Toll样受体4(TLR4)及其下游信号转导通路元件髓样分化因子88(MyD88)、肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子-6(TRAF-6)、Toll样受体相关分子(TRAM)、Toll样受体相关的干扰素活化子(TRIF)表达的影响,探讨益气活血复方含药血清防治动脉粥样硬化(AS)的机制。方法选择新西兰大耳白兔20只,随机分为4组,即正常组、中药高浓度组、中药中浓度组、中药低浓度组,每组5只。以上各组白兔分别以生理盐水和高、中、低浓度益气活血复方连续灌胃7d。末次灌胃给药2h后,心脏采血,离心后分离血清。体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,用LPS刺激后,分别加入高、中、低浓度益气活血复方含药血清干预24h,收集细胞,用Real ti me PCR方法测定TLR4、MyD88、TRAF-6、TRAM及TRIF mRNA的表达。结果用LPS刺激人脐静脉内皮细胞后,引起TLR4、MyD88、TRAF-6、TRAM及TRIF mRNA的高表达(与空白对照组比较,P<0.01),用益气活血复方含药血清干预以后显著抑制TLR4、MyD88及TRAF-6 mRNA的高表达(与模型组比较P<0.05或P<0.01),对TRAM及TRIF作用不明显。结论益气活血复方可阻断TLR4高表达,同时阻断TLR4胞内信号转导的MyD88依赖性途径,而对MyD88非依赖性途径作用不明显,因此益气活血复方主要是通过阻断MyD88依赖性途径来发挥其抗动脉粥样硬化的作用。

TLR4和TNF-α在输卵管炎中的表达和意义

目的检测Toll样受-4(TLR4)与肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)在正常和炎症输卵管粘膜上皮细胞中的表达,探讨其与输卵管炎的关系。方法采用免疫组织化学染色结合病理图像半定量分析方法,检测18例正常输卵管标本(对照组),22例炎症输卵管标本(观察组)中TLR4与TNF-α蛋白的表达情况。结果 TLR4与TNF-α蛋白在观察组的表达强度明显高于对照组,具有统计学意义(t=13.110,P=0.001;t=4.921,P=0.000)。在输卵管炎中TLR4与TNF-α的表达强度呈正相关(r=0.754,P=0.013)。结论 TLR4和TNF-α可能在输卵管炎的发生机制中起着重要作用。

TLR4mRNA在大鼠肾移植急性排斥反应中的表达及意义

目的探讨大鼠肾移植术后急性排斥反应时TLR4 mRNA的表达及意义。方法建立大鼠肾移植模型,将大鼠分为健康对照组(6例),同基因移植组(30例),异基因移植组(C组,30例),采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)技术分别于术后1、2、3、5及7 d检测受体大鼠血液及移植肾TLR4 mRNA的表达,同时检测其外周血肌酐,并在光镜下观察肾脏组织病理变化。结果异基因移植组TLR4mRNA的表达和血肌酐明显高于健康对照组和同基因移植组,且TLR4 mRNA表达在造模后第1天即明显升高,组织病理学也观察到排斥现象。结论 TLR4mRNA有助于早期诊断肾移植急性排斥反应的发生,可能作为一种新的监测标志物。

Construction of an Expression Plasmid pEGFP-N1-boTLR2 for Full-length Bovine TLR2 and Its Expression in HEK293 Cells

[Objective] This study aimed to construct a full-length bovine TLR2 expression plasmid pEGFP-N1-boTLR2 and express it in HEK293 cells. [Method] A fulllength coding sequence of bovine TLR2 was cloned by RT-PCR, and ligated into the pMD18-T simple vector and then subcloned into the pEGFP-N1 vector. A recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid containing the full-length CDS region of bovine TLR2 was constructed and transiently transfected into HEK293 cells. The transfection efficiency and the location of recombinant protein were examined by FCM and confocal microscopy. Then the bovine TLR2 mRNA expression in HEK293/boTLR2 was detected by qRT-PCR. Finally, we analyzed the biological activity through the response that lipoteichoic acid stimulates HEK293/boTLR2 cells. [Result] The full-length TLR2 gene was successfully cloned and ligated into eukaryotic expression vector. The recombinant expression vector expressed bovine TLR2 in HEK293 cells. HEK293/boTLR2 cells produced higher levels of IL-8 secretion than nontransfected HEK293 cells when stimulated with LTA from Staphylococcus aureus. [Conclusion] The established cell model can provide a fast, flexible and convenient means for screening TLR agonists and antagonists, and may also be useful for investigating the interaction between TLR agonists and TLRs.

Polymorphisms of the TLR2 and TLR4 genes are associated with risk of gastric cancer in a Brazilian population

AIM： TO investigate toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2） -196 to -274 del, and TLR4 （＋896A/G rs4986790 and ＋1196C/ T rs4986791） polymorphisms at risk of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer in a Brazilian population and associ-ation of gastric lesions with risk factors such as smoking, alcohol intake and Helicobacter pylori infection.METHODS： In this casecontrol study, polymorphism at TLR2 -96 to -174 del was investigated by using the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） method, while the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was carried out to identify the TLR4 （rs4986790 and rs4986791） genotypes in 607 Brazilian individuals （208 with chronic gastritis-CG, 174 with gastric cancer-GC and 225 controls -C）.RESULTS： The single nucleotide polymorphisms TLR4＋1196ClT was not associated with risk of chronic gastritis or gastric cancer and the homozygous genotypes TLR4＋896GG and TLR4＋1196TF were absent in the studied population. However, the frequency of TLR2 -196 to -174 ins/del ＋ del/del and TLR4＋896AGgenotypes was significantly higher （P 〈 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively） in the cancer group （33.4% and 11.5%, respectively） than in the control group （16.9% and 4.5%, respectively）. It was also observed that the G-C haplotype of the TLR4＋896A/G＋1196C/T （P = 0.02） and the combination of variant alleles of the TLR21TLR4＋896G （P = 0.02） are associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer. In addition, the multiple logistic regression showed that male gender [odds ratio （OR） = 2.70; 95% CI： 1.66-4.41; P 〈 0.01], alcohol intake （OR = 2.93; 95% CI： 1.76-4.87, P 〈 0.01）, TLR2 -196 to -174 del （OR = 2.64; 95% CI： 1.56-4.44; P 〈 0.01） and TLR4＋896G （OR = 3.19; 95% CI： 1.34- 7.61; P 〈 0.01） polymorphisms were associated with a higher susceptibility to developing this neoplasm.CONCLUSION： Our data indicate that T/R2 -196 to -174 del and TLR4＋896G may increase the risk of gastric cancer in a Brazilian population.

Overexpression of TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 mRNA and protein in samples from 87 esophageal cancer patients consisting of both tumor and normal tissue. RESULTS: A significant increase in TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 mRNA levels was detected in ESCC samples. Tumors exhibited high TLR protein expression, (70.1%, 72.4%, 66.7% and 78.2% for TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9, respectively, P < 0.05). Nevertheless, a significant percentage of tumors also exhibited TLR4 expression in mononuclear inflammatory cells (48.3%) and TLR9 expression in fibroblast-like cells (60.9%). Tumors with high TLR3 expression in tumor cells or high TLR4 expression in mononuclear inflammatory cells were significantly associated with a higher probability of lymph node metastasis and increased depth of invasion. However, tumors with high TLR9 expression in fibroblast-like cells were associated with low probabilities of invasion and metastasis. There was no significant variation between the expression of TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 among different ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9 expression appears important to the biological pathogenesis of ESCC. TLRs may represent therapeutic targets for ESCC.

Systemic inflammatory response following acute myocardial infarction

Acute cardiomyocyte necrosis in the infarcted heart generates damage-associated molecular patterns, activating complement and toll-like receptor/interleukin-1 signaling, and triggering an intense inflammatory response. Iuflammasomes also recognize danger signals and mediate sterile inflammatory response following acute myocardial infarction （AMI）, Inflammatory response serves to repair the heart, but excessive inflammation leads to adverse left ventricular remodeling and heart failure. In addition to local inflammation, profound systemic inflammation response has been documented in patients with AMI, which includes elevation of circulating inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and cell adhesion molecules, and activation of peripheral leukocytes and platelets. The excessive inflammatory response could be caused by a deregulated immune system. AMI is also associated with bone marrow activation and spleen monocytopoiesis, which sustains a continuous supply of monocytes at the site of inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shown that systemic inflammation aggravates atherosclerosis and markers for systemic inflammation are predictors of adverse clinical outcomes （such as death, recurrent myocardial in- farction, and heart failure） in patients with AMI.

Effects of CPG ODN on biological behavior of PANC-1 and expression of TLR9 in pancreatic cancer

AIM:To determine the expression of toll-like receptor 9(TLR9) in pancreatic tumor and the effects of cytosine phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides 2216(CPG ODN2216) on biological behavior of pancreatic carcinoma cell line PANC-1 and explore their clinical significance.METHODS:The immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to determine the expression of TLR9 protein in pancreatic cancer tissues,and immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the TLR9 protein expression in pancreatic carcinoma cell line PANC-1.To assess the effects of CPG ODN2216 on the invasive property of Panc-1 cells,in vitro cell adhesion,wound-healing scrape,and invasion and cell colony formation were evaluated.RESULTS:TLR9 was highly expressed in pancreaticcancer tissues and PANC-1 cells.The percentage of positive cells expressing TLR9 protein in human pancreatic tissues,paracancerous tissues and normal tissues were 73.3%,33.3% and 20.0%,respectively,and the protein expression level of TLR9 was gradually descending(P < 0.05).In vitro tests in wound-healing scrape,cell adhesion,colony formation and matrigel invasion showed that the adhesion and motility of PANC-1 cells in CPG ODN 2216 treatment group were signif icantly lower than in the control group(P < 0.05).The cell growth assay showed that the proliferative ability of PANC-1 cells in treatment group was significantly decreased and CPG ODN2216 had an inhibitive effect in the growth of Panc-1 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The gene of TLR9 is correlated with the invasive and metastatic potential of human pancreatic carcinoma,and CPG ODN2216 induces the inhibition of migration and invasion of Panc-1 cells.

LBP and CD14 polymorphisms correlate with increased colorectal carcinoma risk in Han Chinese

AIM: To explore the associations of polymorphisms of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) with the colorectal carcinoma (CRC) risk in Han Chinese. METHODS: Polymorphisms of LBP (rs1739654, rs223 2596, rs2232618), CD14 (rs77083413, rs4914), TLR-4 (rs5030719), IL-6 (rs13306435) and TNF-α (rs35131721) were genotyped in 479 cases of sporadic colorectal carcinoma and 486 healthy controls of Han Chinese in a case-control study. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between cases and controls were analyzed by unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: GA and GG genotypes of LBP rs2232596 were associated with a significantly increased risk ofCRC [odds ratio (OR) = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.99, P = 0.003; OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.16-5.38, P = 0.016, respectively]. A similar association was also observed for the CG genotype of CD14 rs4914 (OR= 1.69, 95% CI 1.20-2.36, P = 0.002). In addition, a combination of polymorphisms in LBP rs2232596 and CD14 rs4914 led to a 3.4-fold increased risk of CRC (OR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.94-6.10, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the LBP rs2232596 and CD14 rs4914 polymorphisms as biomarkers for elevated CRC susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Edaravone inhibits apoptosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury in a porcine hepatectomy model

AIM： TO investigate the effect of E3-methyl-l-phe- nyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one （Edr） on hepatic ischemia-reper- fusion （I/R） injury and liver regeneration in a porcine hepatectomy model. METHODS： One hour ischemia was induced by occlud- ing the vessels and the bile duct of the right and median lobes. A 40% left hepatectomy was performed after re- perfusion. Six animals received Edr （3 mg/kg per hour） intravenously and six control animals received saline just before reperfusion. Remnant liver volume, hemody- namics, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine ami- notransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and lactic acid, were compared between the groups. The expression of transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β1） and toll-like receptor （TRL） mRNA in hepatic tissues was examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis was demonstrated by terminal deoxynucleo- tidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） stain- ing, respectively. RESULTS： Serum AS-I- （P = 0.029）, and toll like recep- tor 4 level （P = 0.043） were significantly lower after 3 hin animals receiving Edr. In addition, TUNEL staining in Edr-treated pigs showed significantly fewer hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis compared with control pigs. After 1 mo, all factors were non-significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION： Edr is considered to reduce hepatic injury in the early stage of I/R injury in a porcine model.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase in the colonic mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease

AIM： To investigate intestinal alkaline phosphatase （iAP） in the intestinal mucosa of children with inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. METHODS： Colonic biopsy samples were taken from 15 newly diagnosed IBD patients and from 10 healthy controls. In IBD patients, specimens were obtainedboth from inflamed and non-inflamed areas. The lAP mRNA and protein expression was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Tissue localiza- tion of lAP and Toll-like receptor （TLR） 4 was investi- gated by immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS： The lAP protein level in the inflamed muco- sa of children with Crohn＇s disease （CD） and ulcerative colitis （UC） was significantly decreased when compared with controls （both P 〈 0.05）. Similarly, we found a significantly decreased level of lAP protein in the in- flamed mucosa in CD compared with non-inflamed mucosa in CD （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, the iAP protein level in inflamed colonic mucosa in patients with UC was decreased compared with non-inflamed mucosa in patients with CD （P 〈 0.05）. lAP protein levels in the non-inflamed mucosa of patients with CD were similar to controls, lAP mRNA expression in inflamed colonic mucosa of children with CD and UC was not significant- ly different from that in non-inflamed colonic mucosa with CD. Expression of lAP mRNA in patients with non- inflamed mucosa and in controls were similar. Co-local- ization of lAP with TLR4 showed intense staining with a dotted-like pattern, lAP was present in the inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa of patients with CD, UC, and in control biopsy specimens, irrespective of whether it was present in the terminal ileum or in the colon. However, the fluorescent signal of TLR4 was more pro- nounced in the colon compared with the terminal ileum in all groups studied. CONCLUSION： Lower than normal lAP protein levels in inflamed mucosa of IBD patients may indicate a role for lAP in inflammatory lesions in IBD. Based on our results, administration of exogenous lAP enzyme to pa- tients with the active form of IBD may be a therapeutic option.

Chemical probing reveals insights into the signaling mechanism of inflammasome activation

Caspase-1-mediated IL-1β production is generally controlled by two pathways. Toll-like receptors （TLRs） recognize pathogen-derived products and induce NF-KB-dependent pro-IL-1β transcription; NOD-like receptors （NLRs） assemble caspase-l-activating inflammasome complexes that sense bacterial products/danger signals. Through a targeted chemical screen, we identify bromoxone, a marine natural product, as a specifc and potent inhibitor of the caspase-1 pathway. Bromoxone is effective over diverse inflammatory stimuli including TLR ligands plus ATP/nigeri- cin, cytosolic DNA, flagellin and Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin. Bromoxone also efficiently suppresses easpase-1 acti- vation triggered by several types of bacterial infection. Bromoxone acts upstream or at the level of the inflammasome in a transcription-independent manner. Bromoxone also inhibits pro-IL-1β expression by targeting components up- stream of IKK in the TLR-NF-kB pathway. The unique dual activities of bromoxone are shared by the known TAK1 inhibitor that specifically blocks Nalp3 inflammasome activation. Hinted from the mechanistic and pharmacological properties of bromoxone, we further discover that several known NF-KB inhibitors that act upstream of IKK, but not those targeting IKK or IKK downstream, are potent blockers of different NLRs-mediated caspase-1 activation. Our study uncovers a possible non-transcriptional molecular link between the NLR （Nalp3）-mediated inflammasome pathway and TLR-NF-kB signaling, and suggests a potential strategy to develop new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Analysis of TLR4 and TLR2 polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease in a Guangxi Zhuang population

AIM: To study the polymorphisms of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile and TLR2 gene Arg753Gln, Arg677Trp and susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Zhuang population from Guangxi, China. METHODS: A case-control study was performed from February 2007 to October 2011 which included 146 Zhuang patients with IBD in the experimental group and 164 healthy Zhuang subjects who acted as the control group. All patients and healthy subjects were from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Genomic DNA was extracted from intestinal tissue by the phenol chloroform method. TLR4 gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile and TLR2 gene Arg753Gln, Arg677Trp were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: The TLR4 gene Asp299Gly was digested using Nco Ⅰ restriction enzyme, and a single band of 249 bp was observed which showed that it was a wild type (AA). The TLR4 gene Thr399Ile was digested using Hinf Ⅰrestriction enzyme and only the wild type (CC) was detected. In addition, the TLR2 gene Arg-677Trp was digested using Aci Ⅰ restriction enzyme and only the wild type (CC) was detected. The TLR2 gene Arg753Gln was digested using Pst Ⅰ restriction enzyme. Only the wild type (GG) as a single band of 254 bp was observed during RFLP. Overall, no heterozygous or homozygous single nucleotide polymorphism mutations were found in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis both in the TLR4 gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile and the TLR2 gene Arg677Trp, Arg753Gln in the Zhuang population from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. CONCLUSION: The TLR4 gene Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile and TLR2 gene Arg753Gln, Arg677Trp polymorphisms may not be associated with IBD in the Zhuang population from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China.

CD74 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor as therapeutic targets in gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate the relationship and molecular features of CD74/macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) in gastric cancer.METHODS:CD74,MIF and TLR4 expression in the paraffin-embedded sections of gastric cancer from 120 patients were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Knock down of CD74 expression in gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 was performed by lentivirus transduction and detected by Western blotting.MKN-45 cell proliferation assay under the stimulants was measured by the cell counting kit 8(CCK8) assay and MIF concentration in the culture medium was detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Surface staining of CD74 in the MKN-45 cell line under the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was measured by flow cytometry.MIF,CD74 and TLR4 co-localization in the MKN-45 cell line was performed by the immunoprecipitation.RESULTS:CD74,MIF and TLR4 were found to be expressed in gastric cancer and increased significantly in the advanced stage,and were also associated with lymph node metastasis.Correlation analysis revealed that CD74 was positively correlated with MIF(r = 0.2367,P < 0.01) and both proteins were also associated with TLR4(r = 0.4414,r = 0.5001,respectively,P < 0.01).LPS can significantly promote MKN-45 cell proliferation(3.027 ± 0.388 vs 4.201 ± 0.092,P < 0.05),induce MIF production(54.333 ± 2.906 pg/mL vs 29.667 ± 3.180 pg/mL,P < 0.01) and cell surface expression of CD74(75.6% ± 4.046%vs 9.4% ± 0.964%,P < 0.01) at LPS concentration of 1 μg/mL compared to medium control.Knockdown of CD74 or using antiCD74 and MIF antagonist ISO-1 significantly reduced LPS-induced MKN-45 cell proliferation(4.201 ± 0.092 vs 3.337 ± 0.087,4.534 ± 0.222 vs 3.368 ± 0.290,4.058 ± 0.292vs 2.934 ± 0.197,respectively,P < 0.01).MIF,CD74 and TLR4 could co-localize in the MKN-45 cell line.CONCLUSION:Upregulation of MIF,CD74 and TLR4 are associated with increasing clinical stage and provide an opportunity as novel gastric cancer chemoprevention and/or treatment strategy.