Attenuation of the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Fibroblast Like Synoviocytes of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Baicalin through Regulating the Let-7i-3p/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Axis

[Objectives]To study the effect and mechanism of baicalin on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(HFLS-RA).[Methods]To confirm that baicalin alleviated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA,the expression of NLRP3 before and after baicalin treatment was observed by immunofluorescence.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1 after baicalin treatment for 48 h,and the contents of IL-1 and IL-18 in the supernatents were detected by ELISA.In order to explore the mechanism of baicalin alleviating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,the corresponding relationship between let-7i-3p and PIK3CA was verified by double luciferin and Westen blot analysis.The expression of let-7i-3p and PI3K before and after baicalin intervention was detected by RT-qPCR.let-7i-3p interference was used to verify whether baicalin mitigated the activation of enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome.[Results]Baicalin(50 and 100 mg/L)significantly reduced the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,inhibited the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC and caspase-1,and the secretion of IL-1 and IL-18.let-7i-3p and PIK3CA had a targeted correspondence,and baicalin up-regulated the expression of let-7i-3p and down-regulated the expression of PIK3CA.Baicalin attenuated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome enhanced by let-7i-3p interference.[Conclusions]Baicalin can up-regulate let-7i-3p expression,inhibit PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal transduction,and thus reduce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HFLS-RA.

Protective effects of Dioscin on TNF-α-induced collagen-induced arthritis rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes involves in regulating the LTB4/BLT pathway

Background and Objective:LTB4 has been shown to be involved in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)pathogenesis.The effect of Dioscin(Dio)on the LTB4 pathway of RA have not been reported yet.This study aimed at further exploring whether Dioscin’s effects on TNF-αinduced collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rat fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS)connected with the LTB4 and its receptor pathway.Materials&Methods:In this experiment,control group,TNF-αgroup,and different concentrations of Dioscin groups were established.Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay.The levels of LTB4 in the samples of above groups were measured using ELISA.The mRNA expression levels of LTA4H,BLT1,and BLT2 were detected by quantitative real time PCR,while the expression level of LTA4H proteins were detected using western blot.The distribution of LTA4H was assessed by immunofluorescence assay.Results:the LTB4 level of TNF-αgroup in sample supernatant was higher than both control group and Dioscin groups with decreased LTB4 levels(p<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of LTA4H was significantly increased in TNF-αgroup(p<0.05),whereas LTA4H expressions were significantly decreased in all Dioscin groups when compared to TNF-αgroup(p<0.05).The mRNA expressions of BLT1 and BLT2 were markedly higher in TNF-αgroup than those in control group while Dioscin treatment significantly inhibited the increased expressions of BLT1 and BLT2 induced by TNF-α(p<0.05).Conclusions:These results firstly demonstrate that the protective effect of Dioscin on TNF-αinduced FLS may involve in its reducing LTB4 production by down-regulating LTA4H expression,and may inhibit its downstream pathway by decreasing LTB4 receptors levels.This findings suggest that dioscin produces a potential therapeutic effects for RA via its influencing LTA4H/LTB4/BLT pathway.

Nuciferine alleviates collagen-induced arthritic in rats by inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of human arthritis-derived fibroblast-like synoviocytes and rectifying Th17/Treg imbalance

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by persistent synovial inflammation and joint degradation,posing challenges in the development of effective treatments.Nuciferine,an alkaloid found in lotus leaf,has shown promising anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects,yet its efficacy in RA treatment remains unexplored.This study investigated the antiproliferative effects of nuciferine on the MH7A cell line,a human RA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte,revealing its ability to inhibit cell proliferation,promote apoptosis,induce apoptosis,and cause G1/S phase arrest.Additionally,nuciferine significantly reduced the migration and invasion capabilities of MH7A cells.The therapeutic potential of nuciferine was further evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rat model,where it markedly alleviated joint swelling,synovial hyperplasia,cartilage injury,and inflammatory infiltration.Nuciferine also improved collagen-induced bone erosion,decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum immunoglobulins(IgG,IgG1,IgG2a),and restored the balance between T helper(Th)17 and regulatory T cells in the spleen of CIA rats.These results indicate that nuciferine may offer therapeutic advantages for RA by decreasing the proliferation and invasiveness of FLS cells and correcting the Th17/Treg cell imbalance in CIA rats.

GRK2 mediated degradation of SAV1 initiates hyperplasia of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

Hyperplasia and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)are the key drivers in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and joint destruction.Abundant Yes-associated protein(YAP),which is a powerful transcription co-activator for proliferative genes,was observed in the nucleus of inflammatory FLSs with unknown upstream mechanisms.Using Gene Expression Omnibus database analysis,it was found that Salvador homolog-1(SAV1),the pivotal negative regulator of the Hippo-YAP pathway,was slightly downregulated in RA synovium.However,SAV1 protein expression is extremely reduced.Subsequently,it was revealed that SAV1 is phosphorylated,ubiquitinated,and degraded by interacting with an important serine-threonine kinase,G protein-coupled receptor(GPCR)kinase 2(GRK2),which was predominately upregulated by GPCR activation induced by ligands such as prostaglandin E2(PGE2)in RA.This process further contributes to the decreased phosphorylation,nuclear translocation,and transcriptional potency of YAP,and leads to aberrant FLSs proliferation.Genetic depletion of GRK2 or inhibition of GRK2 by paroxetine rescued SAV1 expression and restored YAP phosphorylation and finally inhibited RA FLSs proliferation and migration.Similarly,paroxetine treatment effectively reduced the abnormal proliferation of FLSs in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis which was accompanied by a significant improvement in clinical manifestations.Collectively,these results elucidate the significance of GRK2 regulation of Hippo-YAP signaling in FLSs proliferation and migration and the potential application of GRK2 inhibition in the treatment of FLSs-driven joint destruction in RA.

Activation of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes by uric acid crystals in rheumatoid arthritis

Hyperuricemia-mediated uric acid crystal formation may cause joint inflammation and provoke the destruction of joints through the activation of inflammasome-mediated innate immune responses.However,the immunopathological effects and underlying intracellular regulatory mechanisms of uric acid crystal-mediated activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS)in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)have not been elucidated.Therefore,we investigated the in vitro effects of monosodium urate crystals,alone or in combination with the inflammatory cytokines tumor-necrosis factor(TNF)-a or interleukin(IL)-1b,on the activation of human FLS from RA patients and normal control subjects and the underlying intracellular signaling mechanisms of treatment with these crystals.Monosodium urate crystals were able to significantly increase the release of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6,the chemokine CXCL8 and the matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-1 from both normal and RA-FLS(all P,0.05).Moreover,the additive or synergistic effect on the release of IL-6,CXCL8 and MMP-1 from both normal and RA-FLS was observed following the combined treatment with monosodium urate crystals and TNF-a or IL-1b.Further experiments showed that the release of the measured inflammatory cytokine,chemokine and MMP-1 stimulated by monosodium urate crystals were differentially regulated by the intracellular activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways but not the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.Our results therefore provide a new insight into the uric acid crystal-activated immunopathological mechanisms mediated by distinct intracellular signal transduction pathways leading to joint inflammation in RA.

Tetrandrine inhibits migration and invasion of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through down-regulating the expressions of Rac1, Cdc42, and Rho A GTPases and activation of the PI3K/Akt and JNK signaling pathways

Tetrandrine （Tet）, the main active constituent of Stephania tetrandra root, has been demonstrated to alleviate adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Tet on the migration and invasion of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovioeytes （RA-FLS） and explore the underlying mechanisms. By using cultures of primary FLS isolated from synoviums of RA patients and cell line MH7A, Tet （0.3, 1 μmol L-1） was proven to significantly impede migration and invasion of RA-FLS, but not cell proliferation. Tet also greatly reduced the activation and expressions of matrix degrading enzymes MMP-2/9, the expression of F-actin and the activation of FAK, which controlled the morphologic changes in migration process of FLS. To identify the key signaling pathways by which Tet exerts anti-migration effect, the specific inhibitors of multiple signaling pathways LY294002, Triciribine, SP600125, U0126, SB203580, and PDTC （against PI3K, Akt, JNK, ERK, p38 MAPK and NF-kB-p65, respectively） were used. Among them, LY294002, Triciribine, and SP600125 were shown to obviously inhibit the migration of MH7A cells. Consistently, Tet was able to down-regulate the activation of Akt and JNK as demonstrated by Western blotting assay. Moreover, Tet could reduce the expressions of migration-related proteins Rho GTPases Rac 1, Cdc42, and RhoA in MH7A cells. In conclusion, Tet can impede the migration and invasion of RA-FLS, which provides a plausible explanation for its protective effect on RA. The underlying mechanisms involve the reduction of the expressions of Racl, Cdc42, and RhoA, inhibition of the activation of Akt and JNK, and subsequent down-regulation of activation and/or expressions of MMP-2/9, F-actin, and FAK.

uPAR promotes tumor-like biologic behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor(uPAR),is a multifunctional receptor on cell surface,widely present in endothelial cells,fibroblasts,and a variety of malignant cells.Current studies have suggested that uPAR overexpressed on synovial tissues or in synovial fluid or plasma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA).However,there are limited researches regarding the role of uPAR on fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(RA-FLSs)and its underlying mechanisms.Here,our studies show that the expression of uPAR protein was significantly higher in fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)from RA than those from osteoarthritis or traumatic injury patients.uPAR gene silencing significantly inhibited RA-FLSs cell proliferation,restrained cell transformation from the G0/G1 phase to S phase,aggravated cell apoptosis,interfered with RA-FLSs cell migration and invasion,and reduced activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may be associated withβ1-integrin.Cell supernatants from uPAR gene-silenced RA-FLSs markedly inhibited the migration and tubule formation ability of the HUVECs(a human endothelial cell line).Therefore,we demonstrate that uPAR changes the biological characteristics of RA-FLSs,and affects neoangiogenesis of synovial tissues in patients with RA.All of these may be associated with theβ1-integrin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.These results imply that targeting uPAR and its downstream signal pathway may provide therapeutic effects in RA.

Activity of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis was impaired by dickkopf-1 targeting siRNA

Background:Fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs),resident mesenchymal cells of synovial joints,play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Dickkopf-1(DKK-1)has been proposed to be a master regulator of bone remodeling in inflammatory arthritis.Here,potential impairation on the activity of FLSs derived from RA to small interfering RNAs(siRNAs)targeting DKK-1 was investigated.Methods:siRNAs targeting DKK-1 were transfected into FLSs of patients with RA.Interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-8,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP3,MMP9,transforming growth factor(TGF)-pi,TGF-β2 and monocyte chemoattractant protein(MCP)-1 levels in the cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Invasion assay and 3H incorporation assay were utilized to investigate the effects of siRNAs targeting DKK-1 on FLSs invasion and cell proliferation,respectively.Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of nuclear factor(NF)-kB,interleukin-1 receptor-associared kinase(IRAK)1,extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)1,Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and p-catenin in FLSs.Results:DKK-1 targeting siRNAs inhibited the expression of DKK-1 in FLSs(P<0.01).siRNAs induced a significant reduction of the levels of IL-6,IL-8,MMP2,MMP3 and MMP9 in FLSs compared to the control group(P<0.05).DKK-1 targeting siRNAs inhibited the proliferation and invasion of FLSs(P<0.05).Important molecules of pro-inflammatory signaling in FLSs,including IRAKI and ERK1,were decreased by the inhibition of DKK-1 in FLSs.In contrast,β-catenin,a pivotal downstream molecule of the Wnt signaling pathway was increased.Conclusions:By inhibiting DKK-1,we were able to inhibit the proliferation,invasion and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion of FLSs derived from RA,which was mediated by the ERK or the IRAK-1 signaling pathway.These data indicate the application of DKK-1 silencing could be a potential therapeutic approach to RA.

Microneedle-assisted dual delivery of PUMA gene and celastrol for synergistic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis through restoring synovial homeostasis

Abnormal proliferation of aggressive fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS)and perpetuate synovial inflammation can inevitably accelerate the progression of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Herein,a strategy of simultaneously promoting FLS apoptosis and inhibiting inflammation as mediated by macrophages is proposed to restore synovial homeostasis for effective RA therapy.A hyaluronic acid-based dissolvable microneedle(MN)is fabricated for transdermal delivery of dual human serum albumin(HSA)-contained biomimetic nanocomplexes to regulate RA FLS and macrophages.Upon skin insertion,dual nanocomplexes are released rapidly from the MN and accumulate in RA joint microenvironment through both passive and active targeting as mediated by HSA.Thioketal-crosslinked fluorinated polyethyleneimine 1.8 K(^(TK)PF)was constructed to bind the plasmid encoding pro-apoptotic gene PUMA with HSA coating layer(^(TK)PF/pPUMA@HSA,TPH).TPH nanocomplexes can upregulate PUMA through RA FLS transfection to trigger efficient apoptosis.Also,HSA nanocomplexes encapsulating the classic anti-inflammatory natural product celastrol(Cel@HSA,CH)can inhibit inflammation of macrophages through blocking NF-κB pathway activation.TPH/CH MN can deplete RA FLS and inhibit M1 macrophage activation,suppress synovial hyperplasia as well as reduce bone and cartilage erosion in a collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mouse model,demonstrating a promising strategy for efficient RA treatment.

Madecassoside impedes invasion of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte from adjuvant arthritis rats via inhibition of NF-κB-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS) play a pivotal role in Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) pathogenesis through aggressive migration and invasion. Madecassoside(Madec), a triterpenoid saponin present in Centella asiatica herbs, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. In the present study, Madec exerted an obvious therapeutic effect in reversing the histological lesions in adjuvant-induced arthritis(AIA) rats. To recognize the anti-rheumatoid potentials of Madec, we further investigated whether Madec interfered with FLS invasion and metalloproteinase(MMP) expression. In cultures of primary FLS isolated from the AIA rats, Madec(10 and 30 μmol·L–1) was proven to considerably inhibit migration and invasion of FLS induced by interleukin 1β(IL-1β), but exhibiting no obvious effect on cell proliferation. Madec repressed IL-1β-triggered FLS invasion by prohibiting the expression of MMP-13. Additionally, Madec suppressed MMP-13 transcription via inhibiting the MMP-13 promoter-binding activity of NF-κB. Our results further showed that Madec down-regulated the translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB as demonstrated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. In conclusion, our results suggest that Madec exerts anti-RA activity via inhibiting the NF-κB/MMP-13 pathway.

Targeted inhibition of GRK2 kinase domain by CP-25 to reverse fibroblast-like synoviocytes dysfunction and improve collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease and is mainly characterized by abnormal proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS).The up-regulated cellular membrane expression of G protein coupled receptor kinase 2(GRK2)of FLS plays a critical role in RA progression,the increase of GRK2 translocation activity promotes dysfunctional prostaglandin E4 receptor(EP4)signaling and FLS abnormal proliferation.Recently,although our group found that paeoniflorin-6’-O-benzene sulfonate(CP-25),a novel compound,could reverse FLS dysfunction via GRK2,little is known as to how GRK2 translocation activity is suppressed.Our findings revealed that GRK2 expression up-regulated and EP4 expression down-regulated in synovial tissues of RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)rats,and prostaglandin E2(PGE2)level increased in arthritis.CP-25 could down-regulate GRK2 expression,up-regulate EP4 expression,and improve synovitis of CIA rats.CP-25 and GRK2 inhibitors(paroxetine or GSK180736 A)inhibited the abnormal proliferation of FLS in RA patients and CIA rats by down-regulating GRK2 translocation to EP4 receptor.The results of microscale thermophoresis(MST),cellular thermal shift assay,and inhibition of kinase activity assay indicated that CP-25 could directly target GRK2,increase the protein stability of GRK2 in cells,and inhibit GRK2 kinase activity.The docking of CP-25 and GRK2 suggested that the kinase domain of GRK2 might be an important active pocket for CP-25.G201,K220,K230,A321,and D335 in kinase domain of GRK2 might form hydrogen bonds with CP-25.Site-directed mutagenesis and co-immunoprecipitation assay further revealed that CP-25 down-regulated the interaction of GRK2 and EP4 via controlling the key amino acid residue of Ala321 of GRK2.Our data demonstrate that FLS proliferation is regulated by GRK2 translocation to EP4.Targeted inhibition of GRK2 kinase domain by CP-25 improves FLS function and represents an innovative drug for the treatment of RA by targeting GRK2.

黄芩苷调节let-7i-3p/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号轴减轻类风湿关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞NLRP3炎性小体活化

目的研究黄芩苷减轻类风湿关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞(human fibroblast like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis,HFLS-RA)NLRP3炎性小体活化的作用及机制。方法为证实黄芩苷减轻HFLS-RA中NLRP3炎性小体活化,采用免疫荧光观察黄芩苷处理前后NLRP3的表达;Western blot检测黄芩苷处理48 h后,p-PI3K、p-Akt、NF-κB p65、NLRP3、ASC及caspase-1蛋白的表达;ELISA检测细胞上清中IL-1及IL-18的含量。为探究黄芩苷减轻NLRP3炎性小体活化的机制,采用双荧光素酶及Western blot验证let-7i-3p与PIK3CA的对应关系;RT-qPCR检测黄芩苷干预前后let-7i-3p及PI3K的表达;采用let-7i-3p干扰,验证黄芩苷是否减轻了增强的NLRP3炎性小体的活化。结果50、100 mg·L^(-1)黄芩苷明显减轻了NLRP3炎性小体的活化,抑制p-PI3K、p-Akt、NF-κB p65、NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1蛋白的表达,抑制IL-1、IL-18的分泌。let-7i-3p与PIK3CA存在靶向对应关系,黄芩苷上调了let-7i-3p的表达、下调了PIK3CA的表达;黄芩苷减轻了因let-7i-3p干扰而增强的NLRP3炎性小体的活化。结论黄芩苷经上调let-7i-3p表达、抑制PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号转导,从而减轻NLRP3炎性小体的活化。

Involvement of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a contributory role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this review, we summarized the current findings of lncRNAs in RA, including cellular function and the potential mechanisms. Serum lncRNA levels are associated with serum proinflammatory cytokines and disease activity. LncRNAs regulate proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), modulate the differentiation of T lymphocytes and macrophages, and affect bone formationdestruction balance of chondrocytes. Besides, lncRNAs are involved in inflammation and cell motivation signaling pathways. Indepth research on lncRNAs may help elucidate the pathogenesis of RA and provides clues for novel treatment targets.

has-miR-497-5p靶向CCNE1对类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞增殖的影响

目的 评价has-miR-497-5p对类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞(HFLS-RA)增殖的影响。方法 利用miRDB、TargetMiner、TargetScan和miRTarBase数据库预测has-miR-497-5p的作用靶基因,然后利用DAVID数据库对靶基因进行GO分析和KEGG信号通路富集,String数据库对靶基因进行互作分析;以HFLS-RA为研究对象,MTT检测has-miR-497-5p对细胞增殖的影响;流式细胞仪检测has-miR-497-5p对细胞周期的影响;利用qRT-PCR检测has-miR-497-5p对HFLS-RA细胞CCNE1、CCND1、CCND2和CDK6 mRNA的影响;MTT评价has-miR-497-5p在沉默CCNE1后对细胞增殖的影响。结果 生物信息学预测has-miR-497-5p的靶基因共计125个,生物学过程主要集中于胸腺发育、蛋白质磷酸化、细胞凋亡和细胞周期等方面;信号途径主要富集于癌症相关的microRNA、PI3K-Akt途径和细胞周期等;细胞周期中的富集蛋白互作分析显示,CCNE1、CCND1、CCND2和CDK6之间存在相互作用;has-miR-497-5p过表达可以显著抑制细胞增殖(P<0.05),明显抑制细胞周期的S期(P<0.05);qRT-PCR结果显示,has-miR-497-5p模拟剂可以显著降低CCNE1、CCND1、CCND2和CDK6 mRNA表达(P<0.05);沉默CCNE1显著抑制细胞增殖(P<0.05)。结论 has-miR-497-5p可能通过靶向CCNE1抑制HFLS-RA增殖。

苗药黑骨藤中咖啡酰基奎宁酸类部位对人类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞MH7A增殖及炎症因子分泌的影响

目的:研究苗药黑骨藤中咖啡酰基奎宁酸类部位(CADF)对肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)诱导的人类风湿性关节炎(RA)成纤维样滑膜细胞MH7A增殖及炎症因子分泌的影响,探讨CADF抗RA的作用机制。方法:将MH7A细胞分为空白组、TNF-α模型组、甲氨蝶呤组(阳性对照,20 mg/L)和CADF不同质量浓度组(50、100、200、400 mg/L),除空白组外,其余各组均以50μg/L TNF-α刺激活化MH7A细胞。以TNF-α与相应药物的混合液共同作用24 h后,检测细胞的增殖情况和培养液中一氧化氮(NO)、前列腺素E_2(PGE_2)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)的含量。结果:与空白组比较,TNF-α模型组细胞增殖活性显著增强(P<0.01),培养液中NO、PGE2、IL-1β、IL-6含量显著增加(P<0.01);与TNF-α模型组比较,各给药组细胞的增殖均受到显著抑制(P<0.05或P<0.01),培养液中NO、PGE2、IL-1β、IL-6含量均显著减少(P<0.01),且与CADF具有一定的量效关系。结论:CADF可通过抑制TNF-α诱导的MH7A细胞增殖,减少炎症因子NO、PGE2、IL-1β、IL-6的分泌,从而发挥其抗RA的作用。

马钱子生物碱组分对类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞增殖作用的比较研究

[目的]比较观察马钱子总生物碱不同组分对类风湿性关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)滑膜细胞增殖的影响。[方法]体外培养人类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞(HFLS-RA),加入不同浓度的马钱子总生物碱、马钱子碱和士的宁,采用溴脱氧尿苷(bromodeoxyuridine,BRDU)比色法观察马钱子不同生物碱组分对细胞增殖的影响。[结果]不同浓度的马钱子总生物碱对HFLS-RA细胞增殖表现出良好的抑制作用。同浓度水平组比较,仅在浓度水平为0.22mg.mL-1时,马钱子碱组对细胞增殖的抑制率明显低于士的宁组(P<0.05),其余各浓度水平时均高于士的宁组。以马钱子总生物碱对细胞增殖的抑制率减去士的宁的抑制率,间接反应非士的宁生物碱对该细胞增殖的抑制率,在士的宁和马钱子碱浓度水平均为0.22mg.mL-1或0.11mg.mL-1时,明显低于士的宁组(P<0.01,P<0.05)与马钱子碱组(P<0.01,P<0.01),其余浓度水平时,均高于士的宁组的抑制率(P<0.01),低于马钱子碱组的抑制率但无显著性差异。[结论]马钱子总生物碱、士的宁、马钱子碱对类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞的增殖均有良好的抑制作用;随着浓度的降低,马钱子碱对滑膜细胞增殖的抑制作用优于士的宁;在马钱子总生物碱中存在的非马钱子碱、非士的宁的生物碱组分未表现出对HFLS-RA细胞增殖的抑制作用。

蕲蛇煮散剂的最佳粉碎粒度优选及其对人类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞凋亡的影响

目的:优选蕲蛇煮散剂的最佳粉碎粒度,并研究其对人类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞凋亡的影响。方法:采用柱前衍生化反相高效液相色谱法,以煎煮1次后4种主要氨基酸(天冬氨酸、谷氨酸、L-羟脯氨酸和甘氨酸)的总煎出量为指标,对蕲蛇饮片及过1~8号筛部分进行筛选,优选蕲蛇煮散剂的最佳粉碎粒度。将人类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞分为阴性对照组、阳性对照组(1μmol/L甲氨蝶呤)和最佳粉碎粒度蕲蛇煮散剂组(2.0 mg/mL),分别作用48 h后,采用流式细胞术测定细胞凋亡率。结果:蕲蛇煮散剂的最佳粉碎粒度为过6号筛,此时4种主要氨基酸总煎出量为(61.27±0.02)mg/g(n=3)。与阴性对照组比较,最佳粉碎粒度蕲蛇煮散剂组细胞凋亡率显著升高(P<0.05),且略高于阳性对照组。结论:蕲蛇煮散剂的最佳粉碎粒度为过6号筛;蕲蛇煮散剂具有诱导人类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞凋亡的作用。

丹皮酚对IL-1β诱导HFLS-RA的保护作用及相关机制研究

目的探讨丹皮酚对白细胞介素(IL)-1β诱导人类风湿关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞(HFLS-RA)的保护作用及机制。方法将HFLS-RA细胞分为空白对照组,10μg/L IL-1β组及0.1、1、10、100μmol/L丹皮酚组,采用MTT法检测细胞增殖情况;酶联免疫吸附测定试验(ELISA)法检测HFLS-RA中肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、IL-6水平。采用免疫荧光法观察空白对照组、10μg/L IL-1β组及10μmol/L丹皮酚组HFLS-RA中核因子(NF)-κB p65细胞核移位情况;Western blot法检测空白对照组,10μg/L IL-1β组,0.1、1、10μmol/L丹皮酚组及阴性对照组(仅10μmol/L丹皮酚处理)的基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-1、MMP-3和Toll样受体-4(TLR4)蛋白表达。将24只雄性DBA/1小鼠随机均分为对照组、CIA组和治疗组,对小鼠进行四肢累计评分,HE染色观察关节组织病理学变化,ELISA法检测滑膜组织中TNF-α、IL-1β水平。结果丹皮酚对IL-1β诱导HFLS-RA细胞增殖无明显抑制作用。与空白对照组相比,10μg/L IL-1β组TNF-α、IL-6、NF-κB p65核移位、MMP-1、MMP-3和TLR4蛋白表达水平均升高,而经丹皮酚干预后可逆转这些改变(P<0.05)。与CIA组相比,治疗组小鼠四肢累计评分明显下降(P<0.05);HE染色结果示丹皮酚治疗48 d时踝关节病理变化有所改善,其中炎性细胞明显下降,软骨破坏减轻。治疗组小鼠滑膜组织中TNF-α、IL-1β水平低于CIA组。结论丹皮酚具有减轻IL-1β诱导HFLS-RA炎性因子表达和缓解CIA小鼠关节炎症状的作用,其机制可能与抑制TLR-4-NF-κB p65通路,减轻炎症反应有关。

黄芩苷对人成纤维细胞样滑膜细胞(类风湿关节炎)的影响研究

目的探讨黄芩苷对人成纤维细胞样滑膜细胞(类风湿关节炎)(HFLS-RA)分泌IL-1β、TNF-a水平和NF-κB信号转导通路的影响,为黄芩苷应用于类风湿关节炎临床治疗提供实验依据。方法将购买的HFLS-RA细胞进行传代培养,选用4-7代HFLS-RA进行细胞增殖试验(MTT)和药物实验研究。黄芩苷不同浓度组:HFLS-RA无血清的基础培养液中加入不同浓度的黄芩苷(10、20、30μm)及MTX 10μg/ml孵育24小时。对照组:HFLS-RA无血清基础培养液不加任何药物培养24小时。ELISA定量检测细胞培养上清液中TNF-α和IL-1β水平,western blot检测滑膜细胞中NF-κB p65、phospho-NF-κB p65(Ser536)和Acetyl-NF-κB p65(Lys310)蛋白表达。结果黄芩苷能明显降低细胞培养上清液中TNF-α、IL-1β含量,抑制滑膜细胞中NF-κB p65、phospho-NF-κB p65(Ser536)和Acetyl-NF-κB p65(Lys310)蛋白水平表达。结论黄芩苷抑制人成纤维细胞样滑膜细胞(类风湿关节炎)(HFLS-RA)可能是通过抑制炎性细胞因子产生和NF-κB信号转导途径而发挥治疗作用的。

Fcα受体在类风湿性关节炎人成纤维样滑膜细胞的表达与功能研究

目的探讨Fcα受体在类风湿性关节炎人成纤维样滑膜细胞的表达特征及其功能。方法采用RT-PCR和免疫荧光技术,从基因和蛋白水平检测Fcα受体在类风湿性关节炎人成纤维样滑膜细胞(RA FLS)的表达;采用ELISA方法,检测IgA对RA FLS分泌IL-6的影响。结果采用RT-PCR和免疫荧光染色方法,均检测到Fcα受体在RA FLS的表达。sIgA与RAFLS孵育12h后,细胞分泌IL-6的水平明显增高,差异具有显著性(P<0.01)。mIgA与RA FLS孵育12h后,细胞分泌IL-6的量无明显改变(P>0.05)。sIgA+TNF-α同时与RA FLS孵育12h后,细胞分泌IL-6含量明显高于sIgA或TNF-α单一组(P<0.01)。结论 Fcα受体在类风湿性关节炎人成纤维样滑膜细胞存在表达,sIgA增高RA FLS分泌IL-6的水平,并与TNF-α产生协同作用。