An Experimental Study on the Role of Nuclear Factor-κB in the Signal Conduction of Protein Kinase C Regulating the Proliferation and Apoptosis of T Lymphocytes in Asthma

To explore the role of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in the signal pathway of protein kinase C (PKC) regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes in asthma. T lymphocytes were isolated from the asthmatic model of guinea pigs and the asthmatic patients. Either the T cells stimulated with PMA alone or those stimulated with PMA together with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) were incubated for 1 and 24?h. The proliferation of and the presence of NF-κB in the cells incubated for 1?h were observed by MTT and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. And the cells incubated for 24?h were observed for the apoptosis by TUNEL. All the assays were paralleled with controls, and all the data were analyzedstatistically with the software SAS. The percentage of cells of nuclear positive staining of NF-κB and the proliferation of T lymphocytes from asthmatic guinea pigs and asthmatic patients stimulated with PMA were significantly higher than those of T lymphocytes from asthmatic guinea pigs and asthmatic patients stimulated without PMA respectively (P<0.01) and those of T lymphocytes from normal control guinea pigs and normal control persons stimulated with PMA respectively (P<0.01), and were significantly reduced by PDTC (P<0.01). The apoptosis index of T lymphocytes from asthmatic guinea pigs and asthmatic patients stimulated with PMA were significantly lower than those of T lymphocytes from asthmatic guinea pigs and asthmatic patients stimulated without PMA respectively (P<0.01) and those of T lymphocytes from normal control guinea pigs and normal control persons stimulated with PMA respectively (P<0.01), and were significantly induced by PDTC (P<0.01). There were good positive correlation between the percentage of cells of nuclear staining of NF-κB of T lymphocytes and the proliferation of T lymphocytes (r=0.51-0.72, P<0.001), and also good negative correlation between the percentage of cells of nuclear staining of NF-κB and the apoptosis index of T lymphocytes (r=-0.55-0.71, P<0.001, respectively). It concludes that the active PKC of asthmatic T lymphocytes promoting the proliferation and inhibiting the apoptosis of T lymphocytes may be mediated by activating NF-κB, the activation of PKC-NF-κB signal pathway of T lymphocytes NF-κB may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Suppressing high mobility group box-1 release alleviates morphine tolerance via the adenosine5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 pathway

Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.

Glycine Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis in Myocardial Infarction in Rats Partly through Modulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3/Nuclear Factor-κB/Transforming Growth Factor-β axis

Objective: Inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with each other. Glycine is present in various traditional Chinese medicines and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of glycine on myocardial fibrosis(MF) in rats with myocardial infarction(MI) have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of glycine therapy on MF and comprehend its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Left anterior descending artery ligation-induced MI in Sprague Dawley rats was leveraged to assess the therapeutic effects of Glycine. Rats received either normal saline or glycine(0.5 mg/g bodyweight) for 7 days. Results: Glycine upregulated cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening to improve cardiac function, as evaluated by echocardiography. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that glycine could decrease inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviate collagen deposition. Western blotting revealed that nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling was also downregulated by glycine treatment. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) was decreased significantly in the glycine-treated group compared to the model group. Thus, glycine plays a protective role against myocardial ischemia and subsequent MF. Conclusion: The protective effects of glycine were achieved partly through STAT3/NF-κB/TGF-β signaling pathway.

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.

Sphingosine kinase 1 dependent protein kinase C-δ activation plays an important role in acute liver failure in mice

AIM: To investigate the role of protein kinase C(PKC)-δ activation in the pathogenesis of acute liver failure(ALF) in a well-characterized mouse model of D-galactosamine(D-Gal N)/lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALF.METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to five groups, and ALF was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of D-Ga IN(600 mg/kg) and LPS(10 μg/kg). Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels at different time points within one week were determined using a multiparameteric analyzer. Serum levels of high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 as well as nuclear factor(NF)-κB activity were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatic morphological changes at 36 h after ALF induction were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of PKC-δ in liver tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) was analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS: The expression and activation of PKC-δ were up-regulated in liver tissue and PBMCs of mice with D-Gal N/LPS-induced ALF. Inhibition of PKC-δ activation with rottlerin significantly increased the survival rates and decreased serum ALT/AST levels at 6, 12 and 24 h compared with the control group(P < 0.001). Rottlerin treatment also significantly decreased serum levels of HMGB1 at 6, 12, and 24 h, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β at 12 h compared with the control group(P < 0.01). The inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis in liver tissue were also decreased in the rottlerin treatment group. Furthermore, sphingosine kinase 1(Sph K1) dependent PKC-δ activation played an important role in promoting NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production in ALF.CONCLUSION: Sph K1 dependent PKC-δ activation plays an important role in promoting NF-κB activation and inflammatory response in ALF, and inhibition of PKC-δ activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for this disease.

Apigenin ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in C57BL/6J mice by inactivating STAT3 and NF-κB

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by patches on the skin.It is caused by malfunction of immune cells and keratinocytes with inflammation as one of its key features.Apigenin(API)is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.Therefore,we speculated that API can ameliorate psoriasis,and determined its effect on the development of psoriasis by using imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model.Our results showed that API attenuated IMQ-induced phenotypic changes,such as erythema,scaling and epidermal thickening,and improved splenic hyperplasia.Abnormal differentiation of immune cells was restored in API-treated mice.Mechanistically,we revealed that API is a key regulator of signal transducer activator of transcription 3(STAT3).API regulated immune responses by reducing interleukin-23(IL-23)/STAT3/IL-17A axis.Moreover,it suppressed IMQ-caused cell hyperproliferation by inactivating STAT3 through regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway.Furthermore,API reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines through inactivation of NF-κB.Taken together,our study demonstrates that API can ameliorate psoriasis and may be considered as a strategy for psoriasis treatment.

山姜素调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路对冠心病大鼠心肌损伤的影响

目的:探讨山姜素调控磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对冠心病(CHD)大鼠心肌损伤的影响。方法:选取健康成年SPF级SD雄性大鼠60只,随机分为空白组、模型组、山姜素小剂量组、山姜素中剂量组、山姜素高剂量组各12只,采用Western blot法检测大鼠PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路蛋白表达,采用ELISA法检测大鼠炎症因子指标[肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)、白介素-18(IL-18)]和氧化应激指标[活性氧(ROS)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、丙二醛(MDA)],观察并记录大鼠心肌损伤情况。结果:与空白组比较,模型组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积更大(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积均缩小(P<0.05),且高剂量组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积小于山姜素中、小剂量组,中剂量组心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积小于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB均升高(P<0.05),且高剂量组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB高于山姜素中、小剂量组,中剂量组PI3K、Akt、NF-κB高于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18均降低(P<0.05),且山姜素高剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18低于中、小剂量组,山姜素中剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18低于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA均降低(P<0.05),且山姜素高剂量组ROS、GSH-Px、MDA低于山姜素中、小剂量组,山姜素中剂量组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA低于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。结论:山姜素可通过调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路改善CHD大鼠心肌炎症和氧化应激状况,进而发挥心肌保护作用。

IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2在结直肠癌中的表达及临床意义

目的探讨核因子κb激酶亚基ε的抑制剂(IKBKE)、Yes相关蛋白1(YAP1)和转录增强结构域转录因子2(TEAD2)在结直肠癌(CRC)组织中的表达及其临床意义。方法收集2016年1月至2017年12月在蚌埠医科大学第一附属医院手术切除的142例CRC组织及对应癌旁组织,采用免疫组化法检测标本中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2的表达情况。分析3种蛋白在CRC组织中表达的相关性,分析蛋白阳性率与患者临床病理参数及预后的关系;绘制Kaplan-Meier生存曲线,比较这些蛋白不同表达情况患者的生存差异。采用Cox回归分析影响患者预后的危险因素。结果CRC组织中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2的阳性率均显著高于癌旁组织(65.5%比9.9%,73.9%比14.1%,66.9%比8.5%,均P<0.05)。IKBKE的表达与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移、肿瘤-淋巴结-远处转移(TNM)分期有关,YAP1和TEAD2的表达均与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移、远处转移及TNM分期有关。Spearman秩相关分析显示CRC组织中IKBKE与YAP1、TEAD2表达均呈正相关(均P<0.01)。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性表达组的总生存率降低。Cox回归分析显示IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性、肿瘤分化程度高、TNM分期高是CRC患者预后的独立危险因素。结论CRC中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性表达与肿瘤的分化程度、TNM分期、转移等因素有关,可能成为CRC治疗的潜在靶点;检测这3个蛋白的表达有助于评估预后。

Metformin inhibits nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines expression induced by high glucose via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation in rat glomerular mesangial cells in vitro

Background The renoprotective mechanisms of adenosine monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK） agonist-metformin have not been stated clearly.We hypothesized that metformin may ameliorate inflammation via AMPK interaction with critical inflammatory cytokines The aim of this study was to observe the effects of metformin on expression of nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）,intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） and transforming growth factor-beta 1 （TGF-β1） induced by high glucose （HG） in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells （MCs）.Methods MCs were cultured in the medium with normal concentration glucose （group NG,5.6 mmol/L）,high concentration glucose （group HG,25 mmol/L） and different concentrations of metformin （group M1,M2,M3）.After 48-hour exposure,the supernatants and MCs were collected.The expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,and TGF-β1 mRNA was analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction.Westem blotting was used to detect the expression of AMPK,phospho-Thr-172 AMPK （p-AMPK）,NF-κB p65,MCP-1,ICAM-1,and TGF-β1 protein.Results After stimulated by HG,the expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,TGF-β1 mRNA and protein of MCs in group HG increased significantly compared with group NG （P ＜0.05）.Both genes and protein expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,TGF-β1 of MCs induced by high glucose were markedly reduced after metformin treatment in a dose-dependent manner （P ＜0.05）.The expression of p-AMPK increased with the rising of metformin concentration,presenting the opposite trend,while the level of total-AMPK protein was unchanged with exposure to HG or metformin.Conlusion Metformin can suppress the expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 of glomerular MCs induced by high glucose via AMPK activation,which may partlv contribute to its reno-protection.

Characteristics of Lymphocyte Nuclear Factor-κB Signal Transduction Kinase Expression in Aging Process and Regulatory Effect of Epimedium Flavonoids

Objective：To study the characteristics of lymphocyte nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） signal transduction kinase-related molecular mRNA differential expressions at various month age segments in aging process and the intervening effect of Epimedium flavonoids（EF） on it.Methods：Sixty SD rats were divided into six groups,according to animals＇ age,i.e.,the 3 days（d） group,the 4 months（m） group,the 10 m group,the 18 m group,the 27 m group,and the 27 m＋EF group.RNA was extracted from separated splenic lymphocytes. Adopting NF-κB signal path functional genome oligonucleotide gene-chip（128 related genes）,the integral characteristics and differences of NF-κB signal transduction kinase-related mRNA expressions were determined, and the intervening effect of EF was examined.Results：The mean level of the NF-κB signal transduction kinase-related mRNA expressions in rats＇ splenic lymphocytes lowered with aging;the highest expression was presented at 3 d after birth,and then,it lowered gradually,with the lowest level at 18 m or 27 m.After EF intervention,the expression level was raised to the 10-18 m level in the aged rats.Conclusion：The changing rules of lymphocyte NF-κB-signal-transduction-kinase-related mRNA expressions in various stages of aging are helpful for selecting the well time for preventing and intervening aging,and will also give a hint to the molecular index for assessment of senility retarding researches.

补阳还五汤通过调控PI3K/Akt、JAK2/STAT3信号促进BMSC趋化迁移对外伤性脊髓损伤大鼠神经元活性及认知功能的影响

目的研究补阳还五汤通过调控磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶/蛋白激酶B(PI3K/Akt)、内源性酪氨酸激酶(JAK)2/信号传导和转录启动因子(STAT)3信号促进骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)趋化迁移对外伤性脊髓损伤大鼠的神经元活性及认知功能的影响。方法选取健康大鼠53只,随机分为健康组(健康大鼠常规饲养)、损伤组(建立脊髓损伤模型)、干预组(补阳还五汤治疗)、对照组(甲泼尼龙治疗),每组12只,剩余5只大鼠用于补阳还五汤含药血清制备。流式细胞术鉴定BMSCs细胞。Transwell小室法测大鼠BMSCs迁移。高架十字迷宫和Morris水迷宫实验检测大鼠认知功能。苏木素-伊红(HE)染色检测脊髓组织病理形态。TUNEL测脊髓组织神经细胞凋亡。免疫组化检测p-JAK2、p-STAT3。Western印迹测PI3K、p-PI3K、Akt、p-Akt。结果传代后的培养细胞呈旋窝状或放射状贴壁生长,细胞多呈星形、梭形或三角状,培养3代后,细胞贴壁加快、形态均一,呈旋窝状或单层放射状生长。培养细胞表面抗原CD29、CD90为阳性,CD31、CD45为阴性,提示其为BMSCs细胞。与健康组相比,损伤组总路程、进入开臂次数、穿越平台次数显著降低,不同时间的潜伏期显著升高(P<0.05)。与损伤组相比,干预组与对照组总路程、进入开臂次数、穿越平台次数显著升高,不同时间的潜伏期显著降低(P<0.05)。干预组与对照组各指标对比无统计学差异(P>0.05)。健康组脊髓组织结构完整。损伤组脊髓组织疏松水肿,有细胞空泡变性产生。相较于损伤组,干预组与对照组大鼠脊髓组织病理形态有所改善。与健康组相比,损伤组BMSCs、PI3K、Akt、p-PI3K、p-Akt显著降低,神经细胞凋亡率、p-JAK2、p-STAT3显著升高(P<0.05)。与损伤组相比,干预组BMSCs、PI3K、Akt、p-PI3K、p-Akt显著升高,神经细胞凋亡率、p-JAK2、p-STAT3显著降低(P<0.05)。干预组与对照组各指标水平无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论补阳还五汤通过激活PI3K/Akt通路抑制JAK2/STAT3信号通路的激活,促进BMSCs的迁移,减轻神经细胞的凋亡,起到神经保护的作用,从而改善脊髓损伤大鼠的认知功能。

桥本甲状腺炎合并甲状腺乳头状癌患者中Toll样受体3和核转录因子-κB的表达及相关性分析

目的分析桥本甲状腺炎(Hashimoto thyroiditis,HT)合并甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)患者Toll样受体3(toll-like receptor 3,TLR3)和核转录因子-κB(nuclear transcription factor-κB,NF-κB)表达及相关性。方法收取邯郸市中心医院2020年3月~2022年3月收治的130例行手术切除的甲状腺标本,其中正常甲状腺组织标本43例,HT标本47例,HT合并PTC标本40例,分析TLR3和NF-κB在正常甲状腺组织、HT组、HT合并PTC组中的表达,分析HT合并PTC组中TLR3和NF-κB表达与临床病理参数关系,Pearson相关性分析TLR3和NF-κB的关系。结果TLR3在正常甲状腺组织、HT组、HT合并PTC组中的阳性表达率分别为0(0/43)、80.85%(38/47)、90.00%(36/40);NF-κB在以上三组中的阳性表达率分别为0(0/43)、68.09%(32/47)、85.00%(34/40)。TLR3和NF-κB在HT组、HT合并PTC组中的阳性表达率均高于正常甲状腺组织(P<0.05),TLR3和NF-κB表达与性别、年龄、HT合并PTC病理学特征、病灶类型、淋巴结转移、甲状腺包膜侵犯差异比较均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。TLR3和NF-κB呈显著正相关(r=0.589,P<0.05)。结论TLR3和NF-κB在HT合并PTC组织中的阳性率高于正常甲状腺组织,且二者表达呈正相关。

食管癌组织中BDNF、TrkB、Ki-67和p63蛋白的表达及临床意义

目的探讨食管癌组织中脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、酪氨酸蛋白激酶受体B(TrkB)、增殖细胞核抗原(Ki-67)和肿瘤抑制基因p63蛋白的表达水平及临床意义。方法回顾性分析2018年7月至2021年4月惠州市第三人民医院收治的84例食管癌患者的临床资料。采用免疫组织化学两步法检测癌组织及癌旁正常组织的BDNF、Trk B、Ki-67和p63阳性表达水平,采用单因素分析法分析食管癌组织中BDNF、Trk B、Ki-67、p63蛋白阳性表达水平与临床特征的关系。结果食管癌组织中BDNF、Trk B、Ki-67、p63蛋白阳性表达率分别为73.81%、86.90%、75.00%、84.52%,明显高于癌旁正常组织的9.52%、15.48%、47.62%、27.38%,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);低分化、有淋巴结转移、TNMⅢ~Ⅳ期、深层浸润食管癌组织中的BDNF阳性表达率分别为96.15%、91.89%、94.00%、84.91%,明显高于高分化、无淋巴结转移、TNMⅠ~Ⅱ期、浅层浸润的55.88%、59.57%、44.12%、54.84%,低分化、有淋巴结转移、TNMⅢ~Ⅳ期、深层浸润食管癌组织中的Trk B阳性表达率分别为96.15%、100.00%、98.00%、94.34%,明显高于高分化、无淋巴结转移、TNMⅠ~Ⅱ期、浅层浸润的76.47%、76.60%、70.59%、74.19%,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);深层浸润食管癌组织中的Ki-67阳性表达率为84.91%,明显高于浅层浸润的58.06%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);有淋巴结转移食管癌组织中的p63的阳性表达率为94.59%,明显高于无淋巴结转移的76.60%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);BDNF阳性表达与Trk B、Ki-67、p63阳性表达均呈正相关(r=0.415、0.397、0.496,P<0.05)。结论食管癌组织中BDNF、Trk B、Ki-67、p63蛋白的阳性表达水平均较高,且BDNF和Trk B与肿瘤分化度、淋巴结转移、TNM分期、浸润深度相关,Ki-67与浸润深度相关,p63与淋巴结转移相关,它们可能参与了食管癌的产生、发展。

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.

Breviscapine attenuates acute pancreatitis by inhibiting expression of PKCα and NF-κB in pancreas

AIM:To study the effect of breviscapine (Bre) on activity of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in pancreas,and the mechanism of Bre attenuating acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS:One hundred and eight rats were randomly divided into acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) group,Bre group (ANP + Bre group) and sham operation (SO) group,36 rats in each group. ANP model was induced by a retrograde injection of 4% sodium deoxycholate into the bilio-pancreatic duct. Fifteen minutes after the ANP model was induced,the rats in Bre group were intraperitoneally injected with Bre (0.4 mg/100 g body weight or 0.1 mL/100 g body weight). Survival time and mortality of rats were calculated. Serum amylase and malondialdehyde levels were measured,volume of ascites was recorded and morphology of pancreas and lung was evaluated at 1,5 and 10 h,after the ANP model was induced,respectively. Expressions of PKCα and subunit p65 of NF-κB in pancreas were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS:The life span of rats was longer and the mortality was lower in Bre group than in ANP group 13.51 ± 5.46 vs 25.36 ± 8.11 (P < 0.05). The amylase and MDA levels as well as the volume of ascites were lower and the pathological changes in pancreas and lung were less in Bre group than ANP group (P < 0.05),indicating that the pancreatitis is less severe in Bre group than ANP group. The activation of PKCα and NF-κB p65 in pancreas was induced rapidly and reached their peak at 1 h or 5 h after ANP,but their activity in Bre group was significantly inhibited. CONCLUSION:Bre exerts its therapeutic effect on AP by inhibiting the activation of PKCα and NF-κB p65 in pancreas.

Microglial cathepsin B as a key driver of inflammatory brain diseases and brain aging

Interleukin-1βis a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the brain aging and diverse range of neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,stroke and persistent pain.Activated microglia are the main cellular source of interleukin-1βin the brain.Cathepsin B is associated with the production and secretion of interleukin-1βthrough pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome-independent processing of procaspase-3 in the phagolysosomes.The leakage of cathepsin B from the endosomal-lysosomal system during aging is associated with the proteolytic degradation of mitochondrial transcription factor A,which can stabilize mitochondrial DNA.Therefore,microglial cathepsin B could function as a major driver for inflammatory brain diseases and brain aging.Orally active and blood-brain barrier-permeable specific inhibitors for cathepsin B can be potentially effective new pharmaceutical interventions against inflammatory brain diseases and brain aging.

Molecular predictors of gemcitabine response in pancreatic cancer

Gemcitabine is one of the most used anti-neoplastic drugs with documented activity in almost all major localizations of cancer.In pancreatic cancer treatment,gemcitabine occupies a prominent place as a first line chemotherapy,partly because of the paucity of other efficacious chemotherapy options.In fact,only a minority of pancreatic cancer patients display a response or even stability of disease with the drug.There are currently no clinically applicable means of predicting which patient will derive a clinical benefit from gemcitabine although several proposed markers have been studied. These markers are proteins involved in drug up-take,activation and catabolism or proteins that define the ability of the cell to undergo apoptosis in response to the drug.Several of these markers are reviewed in this paper.We also briefly discuss the possible role of stem cells in drug resistance to gemcitabine.

Crotalaria ferruginea extract attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

Objective:To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Crotalaria ferruginea extract(CFE)and its mechanism.Methods:An intratracheal lipopolysaccharide(LPS)instillationinduced acute lung injury(ALI)model was used to study the antiinflammatory activity of CFE in vivo.The LPS-induced shock model was used to analyze the effect of CFE on survival.LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell model was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of CFE in vitro and the effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)or nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathways.Results:CFE administration decreased the number of inflammatory cells,reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interferon-γ,and diminished protein content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice.CFE also reduced lung wet-to-dry weight ratio,myeloperoxidase,and lung tissue pathological injury.CFE preadministration improved the survival rate of mice challenged with a lethal dose of LPS.CFE reduced LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells to produce nitric oxide,TNF-α,MCP-1,and IL-6.Furthermore,CFE inhibited nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB P65,extracellular signal-regulated kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinases,and P38 MAPKs.Conclusions:CFE exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced ALI mice,LPS-shock mice,and RAW264.7 cells,and its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.Crotalaria ferruginea may be a useful therapeutic drug for the treatment of ALI and other respiratory inflammations.

BTK及其相关炎症因子在AIS患者中的变化及作用探讨

目的探讨急性脑梗死(AIS)后布鲁顿酪氨酸溶酶(BTK)及其相关炎症因子的变化及作用。方法2020年10月至2022年3月在河北医科大学第二医院神经内科住院的58例AIS患者,另随机选取25例健康志愿者作为对照组,收集人口学、既往史、NIHSS评分等资料,比较两组BTK、核因子-κB(NF-κB)、白细胞介素(IL-β)、IL-6和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)水平,分析BTK与NF-κB、NIHSS评分、AIS体积的相关性。结果AIS组BTK、NF-κB明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),IL-β、IL-6和TNF-α与对照组相比升高不明显(P>0.05)。BTK与NF-κB(r=0.828 P<0.01)、AIS体积(r=0.647 P<0.01)以及NIHSS(r=0.498 P<0.01)存在正相关关系。结论AIS患者BTK较健康人明显升高,且与NF-κB、NIHSS评分和AIS体积相关,BTK可能是AIS治疗潜在靶点。

Regulating effect of activated NF-κB on edema induced by traumatic brain injury of rats

Objective:To observe the effect of nuclear transcription factor- κB(NF- κB) on cerebral edema in rats with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Methods:Male SD rau with fluid percussion injury(FPI) were selected.After separation and culture,rats' astrocytes all suffered FPL The expression of NF-κB and the water content were detected at the animal and cellular levels,while the activity of NOX was evaluated at the cellular level.Results:According to the results,the positive expression of NF-κB and expression of mRNA were significantly increased and the water content was increased for rats after TBI.while NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 could significantly reduce the effect of TBI.1 and 3h after FPI of astrocytes,the activation of NFkB was incrcased and BAY 11-7082 could significantly improve the injury-induced swelling of astrocytes.After the injury of astrocytes,the activity of NOX was also increased,while BAY11-7082 could reduce the activity of NOX.Conclusions:The results show that the activation of NF- κB in astrocytes is a key factor in the process of cerebral edema after TBI of rats.