Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 regulates hypoxia-induced apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent pathway mediated by cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅱ

Background:Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1(TRAP1)plays a protective effect in hypoxic cardiomyocytes,but the precise mechanisms are not well clarified.The study is aimed to identify the mechanism of TRAP1 on hypoxic damage in cardiomyocytes.Methods:In this study,the effects of TRAP1 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅱ(COXⅡ)on apoptosis in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes were explored using overexpression and knockdown methods separately.Results:Hypoxia induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis,and TRAP1 overexpression notably inhibited apoptosis induced by hypoxia.Conversely,TRAP1 silencing promoted apoptosis in hypoxic cardiomyocytes.Further investigation revealed that the proapoptotic effects caused by the silencing of TRAP1 were prevented by COXⅡ overexpression,whereas COXⅡ knockdown reduced the antiapoptotic function induced by TRAP1 overexpression.Additionally,changes in the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol and the caspase-3 activity in the cytoplasm,as well as reactive oxygen species production,were found to be correlated with the changes in apoptosis.Conclusions:The current study uncovered that TRAP1 regulates hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway mediated by COXⅡ,in which reactive oxygen species presents as an important component.

Xuebijing alters tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content in a rat model of cardiac arrest following cardiopulmonary resuscitation

We established a rat model of cardiac arrest by clamping the endotracheal tube of adult rats at expiration. Twenty-four hours after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nerve cell injury and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase content were increased. Rats injected with Xuebijing, a Chinese herb compound preparation, exhibited normal cellular structure and morphology, dense neuronal cytoplasm, and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression at 24 hours following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These data suggest that Xuebijing can attenuate neuronal injury induced by hypoxia and reperfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Interleukin-1β,Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Lipopolysaccharide Induce Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Calf Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Summary: To investigate whether interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induce expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1 ) mRNA and protein in calf aortic smooth muscle cells(SMCs), calf aortic SMCs were cultured by a substrate-attached explant method. The cultured SMCs were used between the third to the fifth passage. After the cells became confluent, the SMCs were exposed to 2 ng/ml IL-1β, 20ng/ml TNF-1α and 100 ng/ml LPS respectively, and the total RNA of SMCs which were incubated for 4 h at 37℃ were extracted from the cells by using guanidinium isothiocyanate method. The expres- ion of MCP-1 mRNA in SMCs was detected by using dot blotting analysis using a probe of γ-32 P- end-labelled 35-mer oligonucleotide. After a 24-h incubation, the media conditioned by the cul- tured SMCs were collected. The MCP-1 protein content in the conditioned media was determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results were as follows: Dot blotting analysis showed that the cul- tured SMCs could express MCP-1 mRNA. After a 4-h exposure to IL-1β, TNF-α and LPS, the MCP-1 mRNA expression in SMCs was increased (3.6-fold, 2. 3-fold and 1. 6-fold, respectively). ELISA showed that the levels of MCP-1 protein in the conditioned media were also increased (2.9- fold, 1.7-fold and 1.1-fold, respectively). The results suggest that calf aortic SMCs could ex- press MCP-1 mRNA and protein. IL-1β and TNF-α can induce strong expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein, and the former is more effective than the latter.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α in ulcerative colitis

AIM: To examine the expression of matrix metallo-proteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the colon mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the expression of MMP-1 and TNF-α at both mRNA and protein levels in the colon mucosa of patients with UC. Correlation between MMP-1 and TNF-α and their correlation with the severity of the disease were also analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The expression of MMP-1 and TNF-α in the ulcerated and inflamed colon mucosa of patients with UC was significantly higher than that in the non-inflamed mucosa of normal controls at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the expression of MMP-1 and TNF-α in the ulcerated area was significantly higher than that in the inflamed area of patients with UC (0.9797 ± 0.1433 vs 0.6746 ± 0.0373, 0.8669 ± 0.0746 vs 0.5227 ± 0.0435, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the non-inflamed area of normal controls. There was a significant correlation between MMP-1 and TNF-α expression (0.9797 ± 0.1433 vs 0.8669 ± 0.0746, P < 0.05), the correlating factor was 0.877. MMP-1 and TNF-α showed a significant correlation with the severity of the disease (0.0915 ± 0.0044 vs 0.0749 ± 0.0032 , 0.0932 ± 0.0019 vs 0.0724 ± 0.0043, P < 0.05), their correlating factors were 0.942 and 0.890, respectively. CONCLUSION: Excessively expressed MMP-1 directly damages the colon mucosa by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) in patients with UC. While damaging colon mucosa, excessively expressed TNF-α stimulates MMPs secreting cells to produce more MMP-1 and aggravates the mucosa damage. MMP-1 promotes secretion ofTNF-α in a positive feedback manner to cause further injury in the colon mucosa. MMP-1 and TNF-α correlate well with the severity of the disease, and therefore, can be used clinically as biological markers to judge the severity of UC.

Study of tumor necrosis factor receptor in the inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis(UC)and Crohn’s disease(CD)are part of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IBD)and have pathophysiological processes such as bowel necrosis and enteric neurons and enteric glial cells.In addition,the main inflammatory mediator is related to the tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α).TNF-αis a mediator of the intestinal inflammatory processes,thus being one of the main cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of IBD,however,its levels,when measured,are present in the serum of patients with IBD.In addition,TNF-αplays an important role in promoting inflammation,such as the production of interleukins(IL),for instance IL-1βand IL-6.There are two receptors for TNF as following:The tumor necrosis factor 1 receptor(TNFR1);and the tumor necrosis factor 2 receptor(TNFR2).They are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD and their receptors have been detected in IBD and their expression is correlated with disease activity.The soluble TNF form binds to the TNFR1 receptor with,and its activation results in a signaling cascade effects such as apoptosis,cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.In contrast,the transmembrane TNF form can bind both to TNFR1 and TNFR2.Recent studies have suggested that TNF-αis one of the main pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of IBD,since TNF levels are present in the serum of both patients with UC and CD.Intravenous and subcutaneous biologics targeting TNF-αhave revolutionized the treatment of IBD,thus becoming the best available agents to induce and maintain IBD remission.The application of antibodies aimed at neutralizing TNF-αin patients with IBD that induce a satisfactory clinical response in up to 60%of patients,and also induced long-term maintenance of disease remission in most patients.It has been suggested that anti-TNF-αagents inactivate the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-αby direct neutralization,i.e.,resulting in suppression of inflammation.However,anti-TNF-αantibodies perform more complex functions than a simple blockade.

Tumor necrosis family receptor superfamily member 9/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated f

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is an excellent immunological model for understanding the mechanisms developed by non-cytopathic viruses and tumors to evade the adaptative immune response.The antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell response is essential for keeping HCV under control,but during persistent infection,these cells become exhausted or even deleted.The exhaustion process is progressive and depends on the infection duration and level of antigenemia.During high antigenic load and long duration of infection,T cells become extremely exhausted and ultimately disappear due to apoptosis.The development of exhaustion involves the impairment of positive co-stimulation induced by regulatory cytokines,such as transforming growth factor beta 1.This cytokine downregulates tumor necrosis factor receptor(TNFR)-associated factor 1(TRAF1),the signal transducer of the T cell co-stimulatory molecule TNFR superfamily member 9(known as 4-1BB).This impairment correlates with the low reactivity of T cells and an exhaustion phenotype.Treatment with interleukin-7 in vitro restores TRAF1 expression and rescues T cell effector function.The process of TRAF1 loss and its in vitro recovery is hierarchical,and more affected by severe disease progression.In conclusion,TRAF1 dynamics on T cells define a new pathogenic model that describes some aspects of the natural history of HCV,and sheds light on novel immunotherapy strategies for chronic viral infections and cancer.

Correlation between serum C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 4 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and coronary heart disease

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum levels of C1q tumor necrosis factorrelated protein 4(CTRP4)and hypersensitive C reactive protein(hs-CRP)and coronary heart disease(CHD)and its clinical value.Methods:128 patients underwent coronary angiography in our hospital,63 males,65 women,Based on blood sugar levels and coronary angiography,Divided into pure coronary heart disease(CHD)group 62 cases,Coronary heart disease with diabetes(DM+CHD)group 66 cases,A total of 126 patients were selected as control group,65 men,61 women,CTRP4 and hs-CRP levels in serum,Using Pearson correlation analysis to assess the correlation between Gennisi score and CTRP4、hs-CRP,Analysis of three groups of biochemical indicators,CTRP4、hs-CRP level changes and clinical significance.Results:The CTRP4、hs-CRP level of DM+CHD group was significantly higher than that of control group and CHD group(P DM+CHD 0.05).The CTRP4、hs-CRP level of the three-vessel coronary artery lesion group in the experimental group was higher than that in the two-vessel lesion group(P﹤0.05),Double branch lesion group was higher than single branch lesion group(P﹤0.05);Correlation analysis shows,There was a significant positive correlation between the CTRP4、hs-CRP level of CHD group and DM+CHD group and the Gennisi score(P DM+CHD 0.05).ROC curves show,CTRP4 and hs-CRP levels had predictive value(CHD group,AUC=0.940,0.934,DM+CHD group,AUC=0.980,0.964),Two associations(CHD:AUC=0.961,P﹤0.001,DM+CHD group:AUCDM+CHD 0.982,P﹤0.001)the predictive value is high.Conclusion:Serum CTRP4 and hs-CRP are positively related to the severity of coronary heart disease,and the sensitivity and specificity of predicting coronary heart disease are high,which is helpful for the identification and early prevention of coronary heart disease,and has certain clinical reference value.

Effects of Irbesartan and Metformin on tumor necrosis factor receptor and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in patients with early diabetic nephropathy

Objective: To explore the effect of Irbesartan and Metformin on tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with early diabetic nephropathy. Methods: A total of 162 patients with early diabetic nephropathy who had been admitted to the Hospital between February 2017 and February 2018 were randomly assigned into a Metformin group, an Irbesartan group, and a combination therapy group. The Metformin group were treated with oral Metformin, those in the Irbesartan group were given oral Irbesartan for treatment, and the combination therapy group was treated with Metformin combined with Irbesartan. After 3 months of continuous treatment, the levels of sTNFR1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, glucose metabolism index, proteinuria, and serum creatinine levels in the two groups were compared. Results:After treatment, the levels of sTNFR1, sICAM-1, hs-CRP, and MCP-1 in the three groups decreased compared with those before treatment, and the levels in the combination therapy group were all shown to be lower than those of the Metformin group and the Irbesartan group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose in the three groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and those in the combination therapy group were lower than the Metformin group and Irbesartan group, where the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The 24-hour urinary protein quantification, urinary albumin excretion rate, and serum creatinine in the combination therapy group were lower than those in the Metformin group and in the Irbesartan group, where the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: The effects of metformin combined with irbesartan on early diabetic nephropathy patients were significant, which can effectively reduce the levels of serum sTNFR1 and MCP-1, relieve inflammation and improve glucose metabolism and proteinuria level.

Effect of Llinagliptin on tumor necrosis factor receptor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Objective:To explore the effect of Linagliptin on tumor necrosis factor receptor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with diabetic nephropathy.Methods: A total of 98 patients with diabetic nephropathy admitted to the Hospital from January 2017 to September 2018 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the random double-blind method, with 49 cases in each group. The control group was treated with Metformin, whereas the experimental group was treated with Linagliptin plus Metformin. After 3 months of continuous treatment, the renal function [urinary albumin excretion rate, 24 h urine protein quantitation and serum creatinine], glycolipids metabolic levels [glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides], monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor receptor, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:After 3 months of treatment, the levels of UAER, 24 h Upor and Scr in the experimental group were shown to be lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. After 3 months of treatment, the levels of HbA1c, FPG, TC and TG in the experimental group were shown to be lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. After 3 months of treatment, the levels of MCP-1, sTNFR1 and hs-CRP in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.Conclusion: For patients with diabetic nephropathy, Linagliptin is with higher safety, which can help improve their glycolipids metabolic levels and renal function, reduce the inflammatory response and the levels of MCP-1 and sTNFR1, and yet incur fewer adverse reactions.

Helicobacter pylori tumor necrosis factor-α inducing protein promotes cytokine expression via nuclear factor-κB

AIM:To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF)inducing protein (Tip-α)on cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS:We cloned Tip-αfrom the H.pylori strain 26695,transformed Escherichia coli with an expression plasmid,and then confirmed the expression product by Western blotting.Using different concentrations of Tip-αthat affected SGC7901 and GES-1 cells at different times,we assessed cytokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We blocked SGC7901 cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC),a specific inhibitor of nuclear factorκB(NF-κB).We then detected interleukin(IL)-1βand TNF-αlevels in SGC7901 cells. RESULTS:Western blot analysis using an anti-Tip-α antibody revealed a 23-kDa protein,which indicated that recombinant Tip-αprotein was recombined successfully.The levels of IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-αwere sig-nificantly higher following Tip-αinterference,whether GES-1 cells or SGC-7901 cells were used(P<0.05).However,the levels of cytokines(including IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α)secreted by SGC-7901 cells were greater than those secreted by GES-1 cells following treatment with Tip-αat the same concentration and for the same duration(P<0.05).After blocking NF-κB with PDTC, the cells(GES-1 cells and SGC-7901 cells)underwent interference with Tip-α.We found that IL-1βand TNF-αlevels were significantly decreased compared to cells that only underwent Tip-αinterference(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Tip-αplays an important role in cyto-kine expression through NF-κB.

Claudin 1 mediates tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced cell migration in human gastric cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the role of claudin 1 in the regulation of genes involved in cell migration and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)-induced gene expression in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells.METHODS:Knockdown experiments were conducted with claudin 1 small interfering RNA(si RNA),and theeffects on the cell cycle,apoptosis,migration and invasion were analyzed in human gastric adenocarcinoma MKN28 cells.The gene expression profiles of cells were analyzed by microarray and bioinformatics.RESULTS:The knockdown of claudin 1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation,migration and invasion,and increased apoptosis.Microarray analysis identified 245genes whose expression levels were altered by the knockdown of claudin 1.Pathway analysis showed that the top-ranked molecular and cellular function was the cellular movement related pathway,which involved MMP7,TNF-SF10,TGFBR1,and CCL2.Furthermore,TNFand nuclear frctor-κB were the top-ranked upstream regulators related to claudin 1.TNF-αtreatment increased claudin 1 expression and cell migration in MKN28 cells.Microarray analysis indicated that the depletion of claudin1 inhibited 80%of the TNF-α-induced m RNA expression changes.Further,TNF-αdid not enhance cell migration in the claudin 1 si RNA transfected cells.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that claudin 1 is an important messenger that regulates TNF-α-induced gene expression and migration in gastric cancer cells.A deeper understanding of these cellular processes may be helpful in establishing new therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.

Elevated levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with knee articular cartilage injury

BACKGROUND Inflammatory cytokines play a vital role in the occurrence of osteoarticular injury and inflammation. Whether inflammation-associated factors interleukin-1β(IL- 1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of keen articular cartilage injury remains poorly understood. AIM To measure the levels of inflammatory factors [IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF] in patients with knee articular cartilage injury. METHODS Fifty-five patients with knee articular cartilage injury were selected as patient groups, who were divided into three grades [mild (n = 20), moderate (n = 19) and severe (n = 16)] according to disease severity and X-ray examinations. Meanwhile, 30 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Compared with the control group, patient groups displayed significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF, and the extent of increase was directly proportional to the severity of injury (P < 0.05). In addition, the number of cells with positive staining of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF in the synovial membrane were significantly increased, along with increased disease severity (P < 0.05). After treatment, the scores of visual analogue scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster University of Orthopaedic Index in patient groups were 2.26 ± 1.13 and 15.56 ± 7.12 points, respectively, which were significantly lower than those before treatment (6.98 ± 1.32 and 49.48 ± 8.96). Correlation analysis suggested that IL-1β and TNF-α were positively correlated with VEGF. CONCLUSION IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and VEGF levels are increased in patients with knee articular cartilage injury, and are associated with the disease severity, indicating they might play an important role in the occurrence and development of knee articular cartilage injury. Furthermore, therapeutically targeting them might be a novel approach for the treatment of keen articular cartilage injury.

Hepatitis B virus X protein up-regulates tumor necrosis factor-α expression in cultured mesangial cells via ERKs and NF-κB pathways

Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.

Evaluation of leptin,interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha in serum of malaria patients as prognostic markers of treatment outcome

Objective:To analyze scrum leptin levels in patients with malaria falciparum and compare them with healthy controls and correlate with development and outcome of malaria infection.Methods:Sixty cases of malaria falciparum were included in this study as patients.Thirty healthy individuals of comparable age,racial and body mass index were taken as controls.All patients were diagnosed by clinical picture and the presence of malaria parasites in blood film.Estimation of liver function test,kidney function test,complete blood count,fasting blood sugar,fasting serum insulin,pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFα)and interleukin 1(IL1),estimation of morning serum leptin and calculation of body mass index(kg/m^2)were done in both groups on the day of admission,on discharge and 7 d after discharge.Results:At admission,leptin levels were significantly higher in patients group than in control while lasting serum insulin levels were not significantly different between the two groups.There were significant increases as regard to TNFαand IL1 in malaria patients.Significant differences were observed between the control and the patient group for leptin,TNFαand IL1 at the time of admission and discharge.After discharge for 7 d.a significant decline in scrum leptin levels,TNFαand IL1 in the patients group was observed as compared with time of admission and time of discharge,a positive correlation between serum leptin levels and TNFαand IL1.Conclusions:Leptin hormone level might play an important role in development and outcome of malaria infection.

Increased tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression in human colorectal adenomas

AIM: To determine the expression statuses of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, its receptors (TNF-R) and downstream effector molecules in human colorectal adenomas. METHODS: We measured the serum concentrations of TNF-α and its receptors in 62 colorectal adenoma patients and 34 healthy controls. The protein expression of TNF-α, TNF-R1, TNF-R2 and downstream signals of the TNF receptors, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor-κ B and caspase-3, were also investigated in human colorectal adenomas and in normal colorectal mucosal tissues by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy was used to investigate the consistency of expression of TNF-R1 and phospho-JNK (p-JNK). RESULTS: The serum levels of soluble TNF-R1 (sTNF-R1) in adenoma patients were significantly higher than in the control group (3.67 ± 0.86 ng/mL vs 1.57 ± 0.72 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the high diagnostic sensitivity of TNF-R1 measurements (AUC was 0.928) for the diagnosis of adenoma, and the best cut-off level of TNF-R1 was 2.08 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 93.4% and a specificity of 82.4%. There were no significant differences in the serum levels of TNF-α or sTNF-R2 between the two groups. Immunohistochemistry showed high levels of TNF-R1 and p-JNK expression in the epithelial cells of adenomas. Furthermore, a high incidence of co-localization of TNF-R1 and p-JNK was identified in adenoma tissue. CONCLUSION: TNF-R1 may be a promising biomarker of colorectal adenoma, and it may also play an important role in the very early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Responses of serum inflammatory factor high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in elderly males with cerebral infarction Non-randomized concurrent control

BACKGROUND： Cerebral infarction is poorly treated due to neuronal necrosis and secondary pathophysiological changes; for example, free radical production and inflammatory reactions. OBJECTIVE： To detect the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）, interleukin-6 （IL-6）, and tumor necrosis factor- a （TNF- α ） in elderly males with cerebral infarction. DESIGN： Non-randomized current control study. SETTING： Cadre Medical Department, Guizhou Provincial People＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： Forty elderly males （65-89 years old） with cerebral infarction were selected from Cadre Medical Department, Guizhou Provincial People＇s Hospital from February 2004 to December 2006. All patients met the diagnostic criteria of cerebral infarction modified at the 4th National Cerebrovascular Disease Academic Meeting, and were diagnosed on the basis of CT or MRI tests. Furthermore, 35 elderly male inpatients （65-87 years old） without cerebral infarction were selected as the control group. Included subjects provided confirmed consent and did not have heart disease, diabetes mellitus, lipid disorder, acute trauma, infection, rheumatism, or other inflammatory diseases. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. There were no significant differences in age, blood pressure, and lipid levels between the cerebral infarction group and the control group （P 〉 0.05）, and this suggested that the baseline data of both groups were comparable. METHODS： Fasting venous blood was drawn from cerebral infarction patients 24 hours after cerebral infarction attack and from control subjects 24 hours after hospitalization. A latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF- α in the serum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The levels of hs-CRP, 1L-6, and TNF- α in the serum in both groups. RESULTS： Forty cerebral infarction patients and thirty-five control subjects were included in the final analysis without any loss. Levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the cerebral infarction group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. CONCLUSION： Levels of serum inflammatory reactive factors are increased in elderly males with cerebral infarction.

Upregulation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha/CXCR4 axis-induced migration of human neural progenitors by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8

BACKGROUND： Studies of several animal models of central nervous system diseases have shown that neural progenitor cells （NPCs） can migrate to injured tissues. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha （SDF-la）, and its primary physiological receptor CXCR4, have been shown to contribute to this process. OBJECTIVE： To investigate migration efficacy of human NPCs toward a SDF-1α gradient, and the regulatory roles of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-8 （IL-8） in SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis-induced migration of NPCs. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An in vitro, randomized, controlled, cellular and molecular biology study was performed at the Laboratory of Department of Cell Biology, Medical College of Soochow University between October 2005 and November 2007. MATERIALS： SDF-1α and mouse anti-human CXCR4 fusion antibody were purchased from R＆D Systems, USA. TNF-αwas purchased from Biomyx Technology, USA and IL-8 was kindly provided by the Biotechnology Research Institute of Soochow University. METHODS： NPCs isolated from forebrain tissue of 9 to 10-week-old human fetuses were cultured in vitro. The cells were incubated with 0, 20, and 40 ng/mL TNF-α, or 0, 20, and 40 ng/mL IL-8, for 48 hours prior to migration assay. For antibody-blocking experiments, cells were further pretreated with 0, 20, and 40 μg/mL mouse anti-human CXCR4 fusion antibody for 2 hours. Subsequently, the transwell assay and CXCR4 blockade experiments were performed to evaluate migration of human NPCs toward a SDF-1α gradient. Serum-free culture medium without SDF-1α served as the negative control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The transwell assay was performed to evaluate migration of human NPCs toward a SDF-1α gradient, which was blocked by fusion antibody against CXCR4. In addition, CXCR4 expression in human NPCs stimulated by TNF-α and IL-8 was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS： Results from the transwell assay demonstrated that SDF-1α was a strong chemoattractant for human NPCs （P 〈 0.01）, and 20 ng/mL produced the highest levels of migration. Anti-human CXCR4 fusion antibody significantly blocked the chemotactic effect （P 〈 0.05）. Flow cytometry results showed that treatment with TNF-α and IL-8 resulted in increased CXCR4 expression and greater chemotaxis efficiency of NPCs towards SDF-1α（P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： These results demonstrated that SDF-la significantly attracted NPCs in vitro, and neutralizing anti-CXCR4 antibody could block part of this chemotactic function. TNF-α and IL-8 increased chemotaxis efficiency of NPCs towards the SDF-1αgradient by upregulating CXCR4 expression in NPCs.

TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR－α ALTERS PROTEINMETABOLISM AND CELL－CYCLE KINETICSIN MALIGNANT TUMOR

The effects of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF) on protein metabolism and cell-cycle kinetics were investigated in malignant tumor. Sprague-Dawley rats, subcutaneously inoculated with Walker 256 carcinosarcoma,were injected intraperitoneally with recombinant human TNF at a dose of 4-75×106 U/kg for 3 consecutive days.Tumor protein metabolism and cell-cycle kinetics were analyzed. The results showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight in comparison with control.TNF resulted in significant decrease in tumor Protein fractional synthesis rate, Protein synthesis and fractional growth rate, but no change of tumor protein fractional degradation rate. TNF also resulted in remarkable decline in labelling index and GI phase increase of tumor cells, 6 hours after bromodeoxyuridine injection, by cytometry. The results indicated that TNF inhibits tumor growth as a result of decreases in tumor cell DNA and protein syntheses.

Inhibitory effect of matrine on tumor necrosis factor production and protein kinase C activity

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Tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 deficiency in hepatocytes does not protect from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but attenuates insulin resistance in mice

BACKGROUND End-stage liver disease caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)is the second leading indication for liver transplantation.To date,only moderately effective pharmacotherapies exist to treat NASH.Understanding the pathogenesis of NASH is therefore crucial for the development of new therapies.The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)is important for the progression of liver disease.TNF signaling via TNF receptor 1(TNFR1)has been hypothesized to be important for the development of NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma in whole-body knockout animal models.AIM To investigate the role of TNFR1 signaling in hepatocytes for steatohepatitis development in a mouse model of diet-induced NASH.METHODS NASH was induced by a western-style fast-food diet in mice deficient for TNFR1 in hepatocytes(TNFR1ΔHEP)and their wild-type littermates(TNFR1fl/fl).Glucose tolerance was assessed after 18 wk and insulin resistance after 19 wk of feeding.After 20 wk mice were assessed for features of NASH and the metabolic syndrome such as liver weight,liver steatosis,liver fibrosis and markers of liver inflammation.RESULTS Obesity,liver injury,inflammation,steatosis and fibrosis was not different between TNFR1ΔHEP and TNFR1fl/fl mice.However,Tnfr1 deficiency in hepatocytes protected against glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.CONCLUSION Our results indicate that deficiency of TNFR1 signaling in hepatocytes does not protect from diet-induced NASH.However,improved insulin resistance in this model strengthens the role of the liver in glucose homeostasis.