The Role of Toll-Like Receptors and Nuclear Factor κB p65 Protein in the Pathogenesis of Otitis Media

The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.

Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani)ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via modulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein signaling pathway and intestinal flor

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Yemazhui(Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani,HEL)against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo.METHODS:The chemical constituents of HEL were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method.Then,HEL was found to suppress LPS-induced ALI in vivo.Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:control,LPS,Dexamethasone(Dex),HEL low dose 6 g/kg(HEL-L),HEL medium dose 18 g/kg(HEL-M)and HEL high dose 54 g/kg(HEL-H)groups.The model rats were intratracheally injected with 3 mg/kg LPS to establish an ALI model.Leukocyte counts,lung wet/dry weight ratio,as well as myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were determined followed by the detection with hematoxylin and eosin staining,enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and immunofluorescence.Besides,to explore the effect of HEL on ALI-mediated intestinal flora,we performed 16s rRNA sequencing analysis of intestinal contents.RESULTS:HEL attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in lung tissue and intestinal flora disturbance.Mechanism study indicated that HEL suppressed the lung coefficient and wet/dry weight ratio of LPS-induced ALI in rats,inhibited leukocytes exudation and MPO activity,and improved the pathological injury of lung tissue.In addition,HEL reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factoralpha,interleukin-1beta(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum,and inhibited nuclear displacement of nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κBp65).And 18 g/kg HEL also reduced the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88,NF-κBp65,phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B alpha(phospho-IκBα),nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3),IL-1β,and interleukin-18(IL-18)in lung tissue,and regulated intestinal flora disturbance.CONCLUSIONS:In summary,our findings revealed that HEL has a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and improving intestinal flora disturbance.

Moxibustion inhibits the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway by regulating T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3 in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether moxibustion exerts therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by regulating the expression of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing protein-3(TIM-3) and subsequently modulating the macrophage M1 polarization toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(My D88)-nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS: We utilized moxibustion treatment in RA rat models using the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) acupoints. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the synovial tissue under a section light microscope, and pathological scoring was performed according to the grading standard of the degree of synovial tissue disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to verify the efficacy of moxibustion in reducing inflammation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RTPCR) was used to detect the expression of the TIM-3/TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway-related molecules, and Western blot was used to detect the contents of synovial NF-κB. RESULTS: We established the Freund's complete adjuvant(FCA)-induced RA model in rats. The expression level of M1 polarization signaling pathway TLR4-My D88-NF-κB and the inflammatory factors interleukin-12(IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), and tumor necrosis factor beta(TNF-β) were significantly increased in the RA model. After moxibustion treatment, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB was significantly decreased, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were decreased, but the expression level was significantly increased in the RA model. When TIM-3 expression was inhibited, the expression level of TLR4-My D88-NF-κB, and the inflammatory factors IL-12, TNF-α, and TNF-β were not suppressed, even after moxibustion treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion regulates the key target TIM-3 by acting on the Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) points, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages;that is, it inhibits the TLR4-My D88-NF-κB signaling pathway, and finally achieves alleviation of pathological changes and anti-inflammatory effects.

Protective effect of modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction(加味黄芪赤风汤)on immunoglobulin A nephropathy through toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To examine the nephroprotective mechanism of modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction(加味黄芪赤风汤,MHCD)in immunoglobulin A nephropathy(IgAN)rats.METHODS:To establish the IgAN rat model,the bovine serum albumin,lipopolysaccharide,and carbon tetrachloride 4 method was employed.The rats were then randomly assigned to the control,model,telmisartan,and high-,medium-,and low-dose MHCD groups,and were administered the respective treatments via intragastric administration for 8 weeks.The levels of 24-h urinary protein,serum creatinine(CRE),and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured in each group.Pathological alterations were detected.IgA deposition was visualized through the use of immunofluorescence staining.The ultrastructure of the kidney was observed using a transmission electron microscope.The expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1),and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)were examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Levels of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)P65,were examined by immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:The 24-h urine protein level in each group increased significantly at week 6,and worsen from then on.But this process can be reversed by treatments of telmisartan,and high-,medium-,and low-dose of MHCD,and these treatments did not affect renal function.Telmisartan,and high-,and medium-dose of MHCD reduced IgA deposition.Renal histopathology demonstrated the protective effect of high-,medium-,and low-dose of MHCD against kidney injury.The expression levels of MCP-1,IL-6,and TGF-β1 in kidney tissues were downregulated by low,medium and high doses of MHCD treatment.Additionally,treatment of low,medium and high doses of MHCD decreased the protein and mRNA levels of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB.CONCLUSIONS:MHCD exerted nephroprotective effects on IgAN rats,and MHCD regulated the expressions of key targets in TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby alleviating renal inflammation by inhibiting MCP-1,IL-6 expressions,and ameliorating renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1 expression.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Oxymatrine reduces neuroinflammation in rat brain A signaling pathway

Cerebral neuroinflammation models were established by injecting 10μg lipopolysaccharide into the hippocampus of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 120, 90, or 60 mg/kg oxymatrine daily for three days prior to the lipopolysaccharide injection. Twenty-four hours after model induction, the hippocampus was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, and the cerebral cortex was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot assay. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the real-time quantitative PCR showed that the secretion and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-113 and tumor necrosis factor-a were significantly decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of model rats treated with oxymatrine. Western blot assay and real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that toll-like receptor 4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased in the groups receiving different doses of oxymatrine. Additionally, 120 and 90 mg/kg oxymatrine were shown to reduce protein levels of nuclear factor-KB p65 in the nucleus and of phosphorylated IKBa in the cytoplasm of brain cells, as detected by western blot assay. Experimental findings indicate that oxymatrine may inhibit neuroinflammation in rat brain via downregulating the expression of molecules in the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-KB signaling Dathwav.

通肠清胰汤调控TLR4/NF-κB通路减轻重症急性胰腺炎大鼠肺肠损伤的实验研究

目的探讨通肠清胰汤对重症急性胰腺炎(severe acute pancreatitis,SAP)大鼠肺、肠损伤的保护作用及其可能作用机制。方法将24只SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、通肠清胰汤组、乌司他丁组,每组6只。假手术组麻醉暴露腹腔后,仅轻轻翻动十二指肠和胰腺数次后缝合腹部,其余组均经胆胰管穿刺逆行注射牛磺胆酸钠制备SAP大鼠模型,大鼠造模成功后4 h开始给药。通肠清胰汤组予通肠清胰汤煎剂灌胃,模型组和假手术组大鼠予等体积生理盐水灌胃,乌司他丁组予乌司他丁注射液尾静脉注射,均每隔8 h给药1次,共给药3次。造模后24 h将大鼠麻醉、取材,生化法检测血清淀粉酶(amylase,AMS)、脂肪酶(lipase,LPS)含量;酶联免疫吸附分析(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测血清C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor alpha,TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(interleukin 6,IL-6)、白细胞介素10(interleukin 10,IL-10)水平;苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色法观察大鼠胰腺组织、结肠组织、肺组织病理变化;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot,WB)检测大鼠结肠组织咬合蛋白(Occludin)、闭合蛋白(Claudin)、闭锁小带蛋白1(zonula occludens 1,ZO-1)含量,大鼠结肠组织和肺组织Toll样受体4(Toll-like receptor 4,TLR4)、核转录因子κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)p65蛋白表达量。结果HE染色显示假手术组胰腺、结肠、肺组织无明显病理损伤变化,模型组胰腺腺泡间隙明显扩张、间质水肿、小叶间隙扩大、大量炎性细胞浸润、组织片状坏死,模型组结肠细胞肿胀、炎性细胞浸润、黏膜腺体减少、肠绒毛剥脱,模型组肺组织细胞水肿明显、炎性细胞浸润、间质出血,与模型组比较,通肠清胰汤组和乌司他丁组胰腺腺泡结构破坏、间质水肿、出血坏死均减轻,结肠炎性细胞浸润减少,肺组织细胞水肿和炎性浸润亦减轻。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠血清AMS、LPS、CRP、TNF-α、IL-6含量均显著升高(P均<0.01),IL-10含量显著降低(P<0.01),结肠组织Occludin、Claudin、ZO-1蛋白表达量显著降低(P均<0.01),结肠组织和肺组织TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白表达量显著升高(P均<0.01),与模型组比较,通肠清胰汤组、乌司他丁组大鼠血清AMS、LPS、CRP、TNF-α、IL-6含量显著降低(P均<0.01)、IL-10含量显著升高(P<0.01),结肠组织Occludin、Claudin、ZO-1蛋白表达量显著升高(P均<0.01),结肠组织和肺组织TLR4、NF-κB p65蛋白表达量显著降低(P均<0.01)。与乌司他丁组比较,通肠清胰汤组大鼠血清AMS、LPS、CRP含量显著升高(P均<0.05)、IL-10含量显著降低(P<0.01),结肠组织Occludin、ZO-1蛋白表达量显著降低(P均<0.05),结肠组织和肺组织TLR4蛋白表达量显著升高(P均<0.05),而血清TNF-α及IL-6含量、结肠组织Claudin及NF-κB p65表达量、肺组织NF-κB p65表达量差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论通肠清胰汤可减轻SAP大鼠的肺肠损伤,可减轻炎性因子释放、保护肠黏膜屏障,其机制可能与调控TLR4/NF-κB通路相关。

吴茱萸碱调节HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对百草枯中毒大鼠肝损伤的影响

目的:探讨吴茱萸碱(EVO)对百草枯(PQ)中毒大鼠肝损伤及高迁移率族蛋白1/Toll样受体4/核因子-κB(HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB)信号通路的影响。方法:将大鼠分为对照组(Control组)、百草枯染毒组(PQ组)、吴茱萸碱低、高剂量处理组(EVO-L、EVO-H组)、吴茱萸碱高剂量处理+HMGB1重组蛋白组(EVO-H+r-HMGB1组);ELISA检测血清中肝功能指标谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBil)水平和炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-a(TNF-a)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)及氧化应激指标超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及丙二醛(MDA)水平;HE染色观察各组大鼠肝组织病理变化并进行肝组织学评分;Western blot检测HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达。结果:PQ组较Control组肝小叶中央静脉淤血增多,肝细胞水肿坏死及肝细胞浆空泡化明显,核固缩且伴有明显的炎症浸润,病理学评分、ALT、AST、TBil、TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA水平及HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达升高,SOD水平降低(P<0.05);EVO-L、EVO-H组较PQ组肝小叶中央静脉淤血减少,肝细胞浆空泡化减轻,水肿减轻,炎症浸润减少,病理学评分、ALT、AST、TBil、TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA水平及HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达降低,SOD水平升高(P<0.05);EVO-H+r-HMGB1组较EVO-H组肝组织病理损伤加重,病理学评分、ALT、AST、TBil、TNF-α、IL-1β、MDA水平及HMGB1、TLR4、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65表达升高,SOD水平降低(P<0.05)。结论:吴茱萸碱可改善百草枯中毒大鼠肝损伤,其作用机制与抑制HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB通路有关。

Influence of Silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on LPS/TLR4 Signaling in vitro

This study investigated the influence of silencing TRAF6 with shRNA on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/toll-like receptor(TLR)-4 signaling pathway in vitro.Four plasmids(pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2,3,4) containing different shRNA sequences were designed and synthesized.The proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after transfected with these plasmids was measured by MTT assay.Inflammatory cellular models were established by LPS stimulation.Levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and TGF-β1 in the supernatants,mRNA expressions of TRAF6,IL-6 and COX-2,protein expression of TRAF6 and translocation of NF-κB were assayed by ELISA,real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting,respectively.The results showed that the TRAF6 gene knockdown by RNAi hardly inhibited the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells within 72 h.The mRNA and protein expression of TRAF6 was lower in the TRAF6-shRNA1,2 groups than in the TRAF6-shRNA3,4 groups.Therefore,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 were selected for the subsequent experiments.Our results still showed that pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could significantly reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and COX-2,and inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation.Moreover,pGCsi-TRAF6-shRNA1,2 could suppress the release of TGF-β1 at the protein level.It was concluded that the recombinant plasmid pTRAF6-shRNA can,to some extent,inhibit inflammatory response stimulated by LPS at the initial phase.TRAF6 may become the potential therapeutic target of many inflammation-related diseases.

Mechanism of Radix isatidis in influencing pulmonary inflammation in tuberculosis rats by TLR4-NF-κB pathway

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of the effects of Radix isatidis on lung inflammation in tuberculosis rats through TLR4-NF-κB pathway.Methods:Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=15 in each group):control group,model group,and isatis root polysaccharide group.Through the tail vein injection of H37RV Mycobacterium tuberculosis model,the rats in the isatis root polysaccharide group received the intervention of Radix isatidis polysaccharides on the second day of infection.The serum inflammatory factors and the expression levels of TLR4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factors in lung tissue of each group were detected and compared.Results:A large number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the lung tissue of the model group,and clustered outside the cell.In the isatis root polysaccharide group,the CFU level was significantly lower compared with the model group,and the number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was less than that of the model group(P<0.05),mainly distributed in tuberculous nodules and giant cells.The level of serum inflammatory factors in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and IFN-γin the serum of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those in the model group and significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The TLR4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factor mRNA levels in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of TLR4,NF-κB,IL-1β,IL-6 and IFN-γin the lung tissue of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those of the model group and significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The expression level of TLR4-NF-κB pathway was significantly up-regulated in the lung tissue of model rats(P<0.05).The levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the lung tissue of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those of the model group and significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Radix isatidis can alleviate lung inflammation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by regulating TLR4-NF-κB pathway.

Correlation of the changes of TLR4/NF-κB pathway function in intrauterine adhesion tissue with the characteristics of cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism

Objective:To study the correlation of the changes of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) / nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) pathway function in intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) tissue with the characteristics of cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism.Methods:The patients with IUAs who were treated in our hospital between February 2015 and March 2018 were selected as the IUAs group, and the patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility and were pathologically confirmed to have normal endometrium during the same period were selected as the control group. The expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB pathway molecules and collagen metabolism genes as well as the contents of cytokines and collagen metabolism markers in the adhesion tissues of IUAs group and the normal endometrial tissue of control group were measured.Results: TLR4, NF-κB, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15 (ADAM15), ADAM17, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad2/3, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), periostin/osteoblast-specific factor 2 (Postn), type I collagen (Col-I) and actin-α (α-SMA) contents in the adhesion tissues of IUAs group were significantly higher than those of control group while urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) mRNA expression was significantly lower than that of control group;TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression were positively correlated with TGF-β1, Smad2/3, IGF-1, IGF-1R, bFGF, Postn, Col-I,α-SMA, ADAM15, ADAM17, MMP9 and PAI-1, and negatively correlated with uPA.Conclusion:The excessive activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in IUAs is associated with the cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism abnormalities.

维生素D_(3)辅助糖皮质激素对小儿支气管哮喘TLR4/NF-κB信号通路相关因子水平的影响

目的研究维生素D_(3)辅助糖皮质激素对小儿支气管哮喘Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路相关因子水平的影响。方法选取2019年1月—2022年1月长江大学附属荆州医院收治的120例小儿支气管哮喘患儿作为研究对象,按照随机数表法将患儿分为A组、B组和C组,每组40例。所有患儿给予常规治疗,C组在常规治疗基础上给予安慰剂,B组在常规治疗基础上给予糖皮质激素,A组在B组基础上给予维生素D_(3)。观察各组患儿喘息、胸闷、气促及咳嗽症状持续时间,分析各组患儿治疗前后TLR4和NF-κB mRNA表达,并比较3组治疗前后气道炎症指标[嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、C反应蛋白(CRP)]水平,比较各组患儿治疗前后肺功能[第1秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比(FEV1%pred)、用力肺活量(FVC)、每秒呼气峰流速(PEF)及FEV1/FVC值]。结果A组喘息、胸闷、气促及咳嗽症状持续时间短于B组和C组(P<0.05),B组短于C组(P<0.05)。A组治疗前后TLR4和NF-κB mRNA相对表达量的差值高于B组和C组(P<0.05),B组高于C组(P<0.05)。A组治疗前后IL-4、EOS、TNF-α、CRP的差值高于B组和C组(P<0.05),B组高于C组(P<0.05)。A组治疗前后FEV1%pred、FVC、FEV1/FVC、PEF的差值高于B组和C组(P<0.05),B组高于C组(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,IL-4、EOS、TNF-α、CRP水平与TLR4 mRNA呈正相关(r=0.501、0.574、0.462和0.474,均P<0.05),与NF-κB mRNA呈正相关(r=0.496、0.522、0.485和0.492,均P<0.05)。FEV1%pred、FVC、FEV1/FVC、PEF水平与TLR4 mRNA呈负相关(r=-0.596、-0.542、-0.513和-0.505,均P<0.05),与NF-κB mRNA呈负相关(r=-0.561、-0.505、-0.526和-0.518,均P<0.05)。结论维生素D_(3)辅助糖皮质激素治疗小儿支气管哮喘可通过调控TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,减轻患儿气道炎症反应,并有效提升肺功能,具有良好的临床应用价值。

泼尼松联合阿奇霉素序贯疗法治疗儿童重症肺炎支原体肺炎的疗效及对血清TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白和下游炎性因子水平的影响

目的探讨泼尼松联合阿奇霉素序贯疗法治疗儿童重症肺炎支原体肺炎的疗效及对血清Toll样受体4(TLR4)/髓样分化因子88(MyD88)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路相关蛋白和下游炎性因子水平的影响。方法招募2019年1月至2022年6月唐山市妇幼保健院收治的儿童重症肺炎支原体肺炎患者120例,采用随机数字表法将其分为对照组(采用阿奇霉素治疗,60例)和观察组(采用泼尼松联合阿奇霉素治疗,60例)。治疗4周后,比较两组治疗效果、临床肺部感染量表(CIPS)评分、TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白以及下游炎性因子的水平。结果观察组患者的体温恢复时间、咳嗽缓解时间、咳痰缓解时间、喘息缓解时间、肺部啰音消失时间较对照组更快,住院时间更短,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组的体温、白细胞计数、气道分泌物、氧合情况、胸部X射线、痰培养等CIPS项目评分以及总分均较治疗前降低,且观察组评分较对照组更低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、降钙素原(PCT)水平均降低,且观察组水平较对照组更低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论泼尼松联合阿奇霉素序贯疗法对人体血清TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白及下游炎性因子水平有显著下调作用,可提高儿童重症肺炎支原体肺炎患者的临床疗效。

黄芩素通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对小鼠结肠炎的干预作用

目的:探讨黄芩素通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导的实验性结肠炎的干预作用。方法:将C57BL/6雄性小鼠随机分为5组,即对照组、结肠炎组、黄芩素低剂量(Ba-L)治疗组[10 mg/(kg·d)]、黄芩素高剂量(Ba-H)治疗组[25 mg/(kg·d)]和5-氨基水杨酸(5-ASA)治疗组,每组各12只。对照组小鼠饮用清水,其余各组小鼠均连续7 d饮用3.5%的DSS溶液构建实验性结肠炎模型。在DSS造模开始前7 d和造模开始后给予不同剂量黄芩素或5-ASA灌胃治疗,共14 d。比较各组小鼠之间的平均体质量、疾病活动指数(DAI)以及结肠组织学活动程度评分(HAI);采用实时荧光定量PCR法测定各组小鼠的结肠组织中IL-1β、TNF-α、IFN-γ、TLR4、NF-κB p65、MyD88的mRNA水平;采用免疫荧光技术测定肠上皮细胞中NF-κB p65的入核率。结果:结肠炎组小鼠与对照组小鼠相比,出现严重的结肠炎,表现为小鼠体质量降低、全结肠长度缩短、DAI和HAI大幅度升高(均P<0.01)。与结肠炎组小鼠相比,Ba-L治疗组、Ba-H治疗组和5-ASA治疗组小鼠的结肠炎有明显改善(均P<0.05)。结肠炎组小鼠的结肠组织中IFN-γ、TNF-α、IL-1β、My D88、NF-κB p65、TLR4的mRNA表达水平均明显高于对照组小鼠(均P<0.01);而Ba-L治疗组、Ba-H治疗组及5-ASA治疗组中上述mRNA表达水平则均明显低于结肠炎组小鼠(均P<0.05)。结肠炎组小鼠的肠上皮细胞中NF-κB p65的入核率明显高于对照组小鼠(P<0.001),但Ba-L治疗组、Ba-H治疗组以及5-ASA治疗组的肠上皮细胞中NF-κB p65的入核率则明显低于结肠炎组(均P<0.001)。结论:黄芩素可能通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路抑制DSS诱导的结肠炎症。

柚皮素对过敏性鼻炎模型大鼠鼻黏膜组织TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α信号通路的影响

目的探究柚皮素对过敏性鼻炎(AR)模型大鼠鼻黏膜组织Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子κB(NF-κB)/肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)信号通路的影响。方法建立AR大鼠模型,48只大鼠以随机数字表法平均分为4组:模型组、柚皮素低(100 mg/kg)剂量组、柚皮素高(200 mg/kg)剂量组、柚皮素高(200 mg/kg)剂量+脂多糖(LPS)(TLR4通路激活剂,0.4 mg/kg)组,另取12只SD大鼠设为对照组。以药物分组干预治疗后,观察大鼠鼻炎症状并进行评分;苏木精-伊红(HE)染色检测大鼠鼻黏膜组织病理形态改变;试剂盒测定大鼠血清IgE及炎性因子白细胞介素(IL)-17、IL-18水平;免疫组织化学染色检测大鼠鼻黏膜组织CD19、CD23表达;免疫印迹法检测大鼠鼻黏膜组织TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α通路蛋白表达。结果与对照组相比,模型组大鼠鼻黏膜组织发生严重病理损伤,鼻炎症状评分、血清IgE、IL-17及IL-18水平、鼻黏膜组织CD19、CD23阳性细胞比例、鼻黏膜组织TLR4、核内NF-κB p65、TNF-α蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,柚皮素干预组大鼠鼻黏膜组织病理损伤均减轻,鼻炎症状评分、血清IgE、IL-17及IL-18水平、鼻黏膜组织CD19、CD23阳性细胞比例、鼻黏膜组织TLR4、核内NF-κB p65、TNF-α蛋白表达水平均降低,且柚皮素高剂量组大鼠各指标改变程度更强;与柚皮素高剂量组相比,柚皮素高剂量+LPS组大鼠鼻黏膜组织病理损伤加重,鼻炎症状评分、血清IgE、IL-17及IL-18水平、鼻黏膜组织CD19、CD23阳性细胞比例、鼻黏膜组织TLR4、核内NF-κB p65、TNF-α蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05)。结论柚皮素可通过抑制TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α通路表达而减轻超敏反应及炎症,从而缓解鼻黏膜组织损伤,改善AR大鼠症状。

CD14-TLR4-NF-κB信号传导通路在脂多糖诱导ALI/ARDS中的作用及机制研究

目的探讨白细胞分化抗原14(CD14)-Toll样受体4(TLR4)-核因子激活的B细胞的κ-轻链增强(NF-κB)信号传导通路在脂多糖(LPS)诱导急性肺损伤/急性呼吸窘迫综合征(ALI/ARDS)中作用及机制。方法于2020年1—12月,选取购自北京宝元兴业科技有限公司的清洁级健康雄性SD大鼠90只,分为A、B、C三组,每组各30只,C组为正常大鼠模型组,B组为ALI/ARDS模型组大鼠,A组为ALI/ARDS+CD14、TLR4以及NF-κB模拟物模型组大鼠,比较三组大鼠相关指标的差异。结果造模12 h后,A、B、C三组大鼠的呼吸频率(RR)分别是(127.92±17.04)次/分、(87.51±8.42)次/分、(55.28±3.73)次/分,A组>B组>C组,动脉血氧分压(PaO2)分别是(7.63±1.16)mmHg、(10.58±1.65)mmHg、(13.46±2.05)mmHg,A组<B组<C组,均差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A、B、C三组大鼠的CD14蛋白表达水平分别是(0.94±0.23)、(0.69±0.18)、(0.48±0.13),TLR4蛋白表达水平分别是(0.97±0.26)、(0.65±0.13)、(0.43±0.11),NF-κB P65蛋白表达水平分别是(1.03±0.28)、(0.67±0.17)、(0.47±0.12),脂多糖蛋白表达水平分别是(0.98±0.27)、(0.66±0.16)、(0.45±0.12),均A组>B组>C组,均差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,A组大鼠的脂多糖蛋白分别与CD14蛋白、TLR4蛋白以及NF-κB P65蛋白均呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论CD14-TLR4-NF-κB信号传导通路能够增强脂多糖表达并促进机体炎性活动,参与ALI/ARDS的发生发展。

TSNⅡA对大鼠IRI肾脏TLR4/NF-κB信号通路的影响

目的探讨丹参酮ⅡA(TSNⅡA)对大鼠肾脏缺血再灌注损伤(IRI)肾脏Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路的影响及对炎症因子水平的下调作用,并分析其对肾脏IRI保护作用机制。方法选取雄性Wistar大鼠建立大鼠肾IRI模型,采用随机数字表表法随机分为五组,每组12只,其中A组大鼠为假手术组;B组为IRI模型组;C组为ST2825干预组,注射ST2825(100 mg/kg);D组为Bay-7082干预组,注射Bay-7082(50μg/kg);E组为TSNⅡA干预组:实验前3 d开始TSNⅡA干预组股静脉注射丹参酮ⅡA注射液(5 mg/kg),每天1次。18 h后,取大鼠下腔静脉血液2 ml,检测血清肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1(IL-1)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)浓度,并处死大鼠,应用免疫组化法检测肾脏TLR4和NF-κB阳性表达率。结果 B、C、D和E组TLR4和NF-κB阳性率均高于A组,C、D和E组TLR4和NF-κB阳性率均低于B组,E组TLR4和NF-κB阳性率分别为(38.27±2.87)%和(40.76±4.20)%,均高于C和D组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。B、C、D和E组血清TNF-α、IL-1和IL-6水平均高于A组,C、D和E组血清TNF-α、IL-1和IL-6水平均低于B组,E组血清TNF-α、IL-1和IL-6水平分别为(76.02±4.28)pg/L、(86.41±6.32)ng/L和(80.28±5.60)ng/L,均高于C和D组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论TSNⅡA能够下调大鼠肾脏TLR4和NF-κB水平,抑制TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,降低炎症因子水平,实现对肾脏IRI的改善与保护作用。

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。

乌司他丁抑制TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对心肺复苏大鼠心功能的改善作用

目的旨在探究乌司他丁对心肺复苏大鼠的影响。方法通过窒息构建心脏骤停大鼠模型,窒息9.5 min后,对大鼠静脉注射肾上腺素,并对大鼠胸部进行按压以实施心肺复苏。Kaplan-Meier存活曲线分析大鼠存活率,神经系统缺损评分(NDS)评估大鼠神经系统缺损,转棒疲劳实验评估大鼠运动协调及平衡能力。ELISA法检测血清炎性因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、IL-6水平,western blotting检测大脑皮层TLR4/NF-κB信号通路的表达。结果乌司他丁治疗提高大鼠存活率,改善心脏骤停后的心功能及大鼠神经认知功能、运动协调能力。乌司他丁降低心脏骤停/心肺复苏后促炎因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平,降低TLR4蛋白及p-p65/p65水平。结论乌司他丁抑制TLR4/NF-κB通路活性,对心肺复苏大鼠心功能及运动协调能力具有改善作用。

Puerarin partly counteracts the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.