Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1<i>β</i>) in the Peripheral Blood of Dogs as a Possible Marker for the Detection of Early Stages of Inflammation

Background: Cytokines are mediators of disease. Expression levels in the blood could be of clinical relevance. Objective: Aim of this study was to show if serum levels of IL-1β could be of any clinical relevance concerning dogs. IL-1β was measured in serum samples of healthy dogs to find a reference range for healthy individuals. Measurements of IL-1β should show if this substance was a possible marker for early stages of inflammation. Therefore, a possible relation between serum levels and grades of leukocytosis was analyzed. Methods: IL-1β concentrations in the blood were assessed by the use of a human enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 39 dogs with different inflammatory diseases were analyzed to figure out if there was a correlation between IL-1β serum levels and the number of leukocytes in peripheral blood. The control group consisted of 16 healthy dogs. Results: about half of the samples IL-1β were detected. Most of the patients showed no detectable amounts of IL-1β. The IL-1β levels measured in the serum were stable for at least nine weeks when stored at ?20?C. The patients tested positively on IL-1β had mostly lower-grade leukocytosis compared to those who had no IL-1β in serum. All the dogs which were suffering from disease but still had no traceable IL-1β, showed a leukocytosis as a common symptom. Conclusion: This study showed that IL-1β could become an interesting marker for the detection of early stages of inflammation when leukocytosis does not yet appear in peripheral blood. Nonetheless, the possible use in diagnosis is restricted. This is due to the fact that there are only low amounts of IL-1β to be detected in the serum, even concerning patients are suffering from disease.

Effect of electroacupuncture at distal-proximal acupoint combinations on spinal interleukin-1 beta in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Objective:Pain from herniated disc is a common type of neuropathic pain.This study investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at distal-proximal combinations of acupoints in the rat model of neuropathic pain modulates spinal interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to induce acupuncture analgesia and possibly serve as a pain-relief modality for herniated disc.Methods:A rat model of neuropathic pain was established.Rats were randomly divided into normal,model,sham,EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups.EA 1 rats were needled at bilateral ExB2,BL25,BL40,and BL60 acupoints.EA 2 rats Were needled at bilateral BL40 and BL60.EA 3 rats were needled at bilateral L5 Ex-B2 and BL25.EA stimulation was administered once daily over 7 days.Mechanical withdrawal threshold from noxious mechanical stimulation was measured 1 day preoperatively and at 3,5,and7 days postoperatively.After 7 days of intervention,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-1β in the spinal cord.Results:Mechanical withdrawal threshold of rats in the model group decreased at 3 days postoperatively when compared with the normal group (P < 0.01),lasting 7 days postoperatively.Mechanical withdrawal thresholds in the EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups were elevated over the model group (P < 0.05;P < 0.01).No obvious differences were found between EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups.ELISA demonstrated an increase in IL-1β in the spinal cord of rats in the model group compared with the normal group (P < 0.01).EA treatment attenuated the increase in spinal IL-1β in the model group.Expression of spinal IL-1β was significantly lower in EA 1,EA 2,and EA 3 groups.Conclusion:EA at distal + proximal acupoints,distal points,as well as proximal points attenuated upregulation of spinal IL-1β,alleviated the extent of neuropathic pain hypersensitivity,and promoted mechanical withdrawal threshold,resulting in EA analgesia.

The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1-Ra) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF RI) in periodontal disease

The course and severity of periodontitis can be significantly affected by bacterial virulence as well as host immunity dysfunction. Periodontal tissue destruction has been proved to result from cascade of cytokines synthesized by reactive cells upon stimulation by pathogenic bacteria and lipopolysaccharides within their cell membranes. The clinical use of genetically programmed cells, producing substances blocking IL-1, based on recombinant IL-1 antagonist, as well as cytokines activating fibroblasts and osteoblasts to regenerate the destroyed periodontal tissue could prove alternative to the conventional treatment. Another cytokine of interest in respect to periodontitis ethiopathogenesis is soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNF RI). Observation of soluble TNF receptors as physiologic inhibitors of TNF led to its administration in therapeutic process as well as in therapy selected cases of aggressive periodontitis.

IL-1β和TNF-α基因多态性与慢性牙周炎的相关性分析

目的探讨细胞因子基因多态性与中、重度慢性牙周炎遗传易感性的关系。方法采用PCR-RFLP方法检测IL-1B+3953和TNF-Α-308基因型。采用多变量Logistic回归模型,确定IL-1B+3953和TNF-Α-308等位基因2阳性基因型对中、重度慢性牙周炎的影响。结果中、重度慢性牙周炎组IL-1B+3953(28.23%)和TNF-Α-308(29.03%)等位基因2阳性基因型出现的频率和对照组(分别为13.95%和11.05%)相比有显著性差异(P<0.01)。多变量Logistic回归模型分析结果显示,携带等位基因2阳性基因型的个体较携带阴性型个体发生中、重度慢性牙周炎的危险性相对较大,且统计学有显著意义(IL-1B+3953和TNF-Α-308分别为P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论IL-1B+3953和TNF-Α-308等位基因2阳性基因型可能与中、重度慢性牙周炎易感性有关。

Interleukin-1β gene polymorphism associated with hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus infection

AIM： To examine the effect of interleukin-l-beta （IL-113） promoter region C-511T and IL-1 receptor antagonist （IL-1RN） polymorphism among the patients with chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection （HCC and non-HCC）. METHODS： Genomic DNA from 136 Thai patients with chronic HBV infection （HCC =46 and non-HCC= 90） and 152 healthy individuals was genotyped for IL-113 gene polymorphism （-511） using polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers （PCR-SSP）. The variable number of tandem repeats （VNTR） of IL-1RN gene was assessed by a PCR-based assay. The association between these genes and status of the disease was evaluated by X^2 test. RESULTS： IL-1B-511 genotype c/c was found to be significantly different in patients with HCC when compared with healthy individuals （P = 0.036, OR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.05-4.97） and patients without HCC （P=0.036, OR= 2.52, 95%CI=1.05-6.04）. Analysis of allele frequencies of IL-1B-511 showed that IL-1B-511 C allele was also significantly increased in patients with HCC, compared to that in healthy control （P=0.033, OR= 1.72, 95%CI=1.04-2.84）. However, no significant association in IL-1RN gene was found between the two groups. CONCLUSION： IL-1B-511C allele, which may be associated with high IL-1B production in the liver, is a genetic marker for the development of HCC in chronic hepatitis B patients in Thai population.

Leptin-induced Notch and IL-1 signaling crosstalk in endometrial adenocarcinoma is associated with invasiveness and chemoresistance

BACKGROUND Obesity is a recognized risk factor for endometrial cancer (EmCa) and other cancer types. Leptin levels are significantly increased in obese individuals. Leptin-induced signaling crosstalk [Notch, Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and leptin outcome, NILCO] has been associated with breast cancer progression. This complex signaling crosstalk affects cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis and chemoresistance. NILCO expression was previously detected in human EmCa. However, it is unknown whether leptin regulates NILCO and alters EmCa’s response to chemotherapeutics. It is hypothesized that leptin induces NILCO and increases aggressiveness and chemoresistance in EmCa cells. AIM To determine whether leptin induces NILCO molecules in EmCa affecting cell proliferation, aggressiveness and chemoresistance. METHODS Leptin’s effects on the expression of NILCO molecules [mRNAs and proteins for Notch receptors (Notch1-4), ligands (JAG1 and DLL4) and downstream effectors (survivin, Hey2), and leptin (OB-R) and IL-1 (IL-1R tI) receptors] was examined in EmCa cells (type I: Ishikawa, and HEC-1A, and type II: An3Ca and KLE) using Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, the effects of leptin on cell cycle, proliferation and cell invasion were determined using cytometric analysis (Cellometer Vision CBA system), MTT cell proliferation and Matrigel-based invasion assays, respectively. Inhibitors of leptin (nanoparticlebound leptin peptide receptor antagonist-2, IONP-LPrA2), IL-1 (anti-IL-1R tI antibody) and Notch (siRNA interference RNA) were used to investigate NILCO’s effects on cell proliferation and invasion. Leptin’s effects on Paclitaxel cytotoxicity in EmCa cells was determined by the CCK8 and Cellometer-based Annexin V assays. RESULTS For the first time it was shown that leptin is an inducer of Notch in EmCa. Experimental data suggest that leptin induced the expression of NILCO molecules, promoted proliferation and S- phase progression, and reduced Paclitaxel cytotoxicity on EmCa cells. Leptin’s effects were higher in type II EmCa cells. The progression of this more aggressive form of the disease is associated with obesity. Remarkably, the use of the leptin signaling antagonist, IONPLPrA2, re-sensitized EmCa cells to Paclitaxel. CONCLUSION Present data suggest the notion that leptin-induced NILCO could be a link between obesity and EmCa progression and chemoresistance. Most aggressive type II EmCa cells were higher sensitive to leptin, which appears to increase proliferation, cell cycle progression, aggressiveness, and chemoresistance to Paclitaxel. Therefore, leptin and NILCO could be novel therapeutic targets for type II EmCa, which does not have targeted therapy. Overall, IONP-LPrA2 has a potential as a novel adjuvant drug to enhance the effectiveness of type II EmCa chemotherapy.

AB041.A novel IL-1 receptor modulator prevents photoreceptor loss in a model of age-related macular degeneration

Background:The objective of this study is to evaluate the implications of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in photoreceptor degeneration using a model of blue light in rodents.Methods:CD-1 mice(12-16 weeks-old)were exposed to blue LED light(6000 lux at 450 nm)for 1 hour and then sacrificed at day 3 post-illumination.Mice were intraperitoneally treated or not with a peptide antagonist of the IL-1βreceptor,named Rytvela(or 101.10)twice per day until sacrifice.Several markers related to the inflammatory process such as F4/80,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1βand glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Photoreceptor cell death was assessed by TUNEL assay and Caspase-3 immunofluorescence.Results:Immunofluorescence experiments revealed an infiltration of positive F4/80 cells(microglia and macrophages)into the subretinal space in mice exposed to blue light,which was significantly(P<0.01)abrogated with Rytvela treatment.Co-localization of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1βwith F4/80 positive cells was clearly detected in the subretinal space,suggesting that these inflammatory cells are the main source of IL-1β.Interestingly,GFAP immunoreactivity,a marker of stress in Müller cells,was augmented in retinas exposed to the blue light,and reduced with Rytvela administration.The TUNEL assay showed that Rytvela prevents photoreceptor apoptosis in the retina of mice exposed to blue light.Likewise,co-culture of retinal explants with LPS-ATP activated bone marrow-derived macrophages resulted in a high number of TUNEL positive photoreceptors,which was reduced by treatment with Rytvela.Conclusions:These results show that Rytvela attenuated the inflammatory response and prevented the death of photoreceptors in a model of dry AMD.Modulation of IL-1βsignaling would be a useful therapeutic avenue for dry AMD,for which no approved treatment currently exists.

脂多糖活化星形胶质细胞并下调其内向整流性钾离子通道(Kir4.1)的表达

目的探讨脂多糖(LPS)对星形胶质细胞的活化作用及内向整流性钾离子通道4.1(Kir4.1)表达的影响。方法分离培养新生SD大鼠大脑皮层星形胶质细胞;LPS处理或者和白细胞介素1受体拮抗剂(IL-1ra)处理培养的细胞,MTT法检测细胞活力,免疫细胞化学技术检测星形细胞胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)的表达,ELISA检测细胞培养上清中的IL-1β的水平,实时定量PCR法检测星形胶质细胞IL-1β和Kir4.1 mRNA的表达情况。结果 LPS促进星形胶质细胞的活化具有浓度和时间依赖性。LPS可促进星形胶质细胞IL-1β的分泌和IL-1βmRNA的表达,下调Kir4.1 mRNA的表达;与LPS组相比较,IL-1ra可以有效对抗上述两结果。结论 LPS可诱导培养的星形胶质细胞活化;LPS下调星形胶质细胞Kir4.1 mRNA表达可能与IL-1β有关。

小窝蛋白－1通过 p38 MAPK 信号链通路对大鼠机械通气所致肺损伤的保护机制研究

目的：研究大鼠肺组织在不同潮气量机械通气的情况下小窝蛋白－1（ Cav－1）及p38 MAPK表达的变化。方法56只雄性健康成年SD大鼠，体质量220-330 g，随机均分为7组，自主呼吸对照组（ A组）：仅做气管切开；不同通气时间保护性机械通气组（ B1组和B2组）：潮气量（ VT ）为6 mL／kg，呼吸频率（ RR）为60次／min，B1组通气1 h，B2组通气2 h；不同通气时间大潮气量组（ C1组和C2组）；不同时间大潮气量＋SB203580组（ D1组和D2组）。 C和D组VT为30 mL／kg，RR为40次／min，C1和D1组通气1 h，C2和D2组通气2 h。机械通气前30 min D组大鼠给予注射SB203580溶液，实验中7组大鼠均给予动脉血气和血流动力学监测。 A组行气管切开即刻处死，剩余各组大鼠于预定时间机械通气结束时处死，光镜下观察肺病理改变，免疫组织化学染色法检测肺组织中Cav －1、p38 MAPK及AP－1蛋白的表达，测定Cav －1、MKK3、p38 MAPK mRNA表达，测定髓过氧化物酶（MPO）活性及肺湿干质量比值（W／D），ELISA法测定支气管肺泡灌洗液（ BALF）中总蛋白及IL－6含量。结果与A组比较，C组Cav－1、p38 MAPK蛋白及Cav－1、p38 MAPK、MKK3 mRNA表达上调，W／D比值、MPO、总蛋白浓度、IL－6含量升高，蛋白激酶（AP）－1蛋白表达下降（P＜0．05）。与B组比较，C组Cav－1、p38 MAPK蛋白及p38 MAPK、Cav－1、MKK3 mRNA表达上调，W／D比值、MPO、总蛋白浓度、IL－6含量升高，AP－1蛋白表达水平下降（ P＜0畅05）。与C组比较，D组p38 MAPK蛋白及p38 MAPK、MKK3 mRNA表达下降，Cav－1、AP－1蛋白及Cav－1 mRNA表达上升，W／D比值、MPO、总蛋白浓度、IL－6含量升高（P＜0．05）。结论 Cav－1及其p38 MAPK信号链在机械通气中表达的上调，参与了机械通气相关性肺损伤的保护作用。

卒中后抑郁与血清白细胞介素-1β、白细胞介素-6的相关性研究

目的研究细胞免疫致卒中后抑郁(PSD)可能的机制,探讨IL-1β、IL-6与PSD发生的相关性。方法采用酶联免疫吸附法检测经汉密尔顿评测的卒中后抑郁90例患者和对照组30例患者的IL-1β、IL-6浓度;观察血清IL-1β、IL-6浓度水平变化。结果卒中后患者血清IL-1β、IL-6浓度水平变化高于对照组,有明显差异性(P<0.01)。结论 1)IL-1β、IL-6与卒中后抑郁有显著相关性,提示细胞因子可能在器质抑郁状态的发病机理中起重要作用。2)PSD患者的血清IL-1β、IL-6升高。3)PSD患者的抑郁程度与其的血清IL-1β、IL-6浓度水平呈正相关。

Caspase-1 inhibition alleviates acute renal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To assess the effect of inhibition of caspase-1 on acute renal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Discovery of highly immunogenic spleen-resident FCGR3^(+)CD103^(+)cDC1s differentiated by IL-33-primed ST2^(+)basophils

Recombinant interleukin-33(IL-33)inhibits tumor growth,but the detailed immunological mechanism is still unknown.IL-33-mediated tumor suppression did not occur in Batf3^(−/−)mice,indicating that conventional type 1 dendritic cells(cDC1s)play a key role in IL-33-mediated antitumor immunity.A population of CD103^(+)cDC1s,which were barely detectable in the spleens of normal mice,increased significantly in the spleens of IL-33-treated mice.The newly emerged splenic CD103^(+)cDC1s were distinct from conventional splenic cDC1s based on their spleen residency,robust effector T-cell priming ability,and surface expression of FCGR3.DCs and DC precursors did not express Suppressor of Tumorigenicity 2(ST2).However,recombinant IL-33 induced spleen-resident FCGR3^(+)CD103^(+)cDC1s,which were found to be differentiated from DC precursors by bystander ST2+immune cells.Through immune cell fractionation and depletion assays,we found that IL-33-primed ST2^(+)basophils play a crucial role in the development of FCGR3^(+)CD103^(+)cDC1s by secreting IL-33-driven extrinsic factors.Recombinant GM-CSF also induced the population of CD103^(+)cDC1s,but the population neither expressed FCGR3 nor induced any discernable antitumor immunity.The population of FCGR3^(+)CD103^(+)cDC1s was also generated in vitro culture of Flt3L-mediated bone marrow-derived DCs(FL-BMDCs)when IL-33 was added in a pre-DC stage of culture.FL-BMDCs generated in the presence of IL-33(FL-33-DCs)offered more potent tumor immunotherapy than control Flt3L-BMDCs(FL-DCs).Human monocyte-derived DCs were also more immunogenic when exposed to IL-33-induced factors.Our findings suggest that recombinant IL-33 or an IL-33-mediated DC vaccine could be an attractive protocol for better tumor immunotherapy.

Effects of electroacupuncture at lower he-sea points on interleukin-1β and high mobility group box 1 in model rats with ulcerative colitis

Objective To comparatively observe the effect of electroacupuncture at digestive system-related lower he-sea points on the expressions of serum interleukin-1β（IL-1 β）, tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） of colon tissues and high mobility group box 1 protein（HMGB 1） of ulcerative colitis（UC） model rats, and to explore whether there is relative specificity of electroacupuncture at Shàngjùxū（上巨虚 ST 37）, one of lower he-sea points of large intestine, in treatment of bowel diseases. Method A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, ST 37 group, Zúsānl？（足三里 ST 36） group, Xiàjùxū（下巨虚 ST 39） group and Yánglíngquán（阳陵泉 GB 34） group. There were ten rats in each group; five were males, and five were females. UC models were established by clysis with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid/alcohol solution. After modeling, treatment was conducted for ten days, specimens were collected, colonic ulcers and inflammation were inspected visually and scored. The content of serum IL-1β and the expressions of TNF-α and HMGB 1 in colon were detected through ELISA. Results 1 Compared with control group, the scores of colonic ulcers and inflammation, the content of serum IL-1β and the expressions of TNF-α（except ST 37 group） and HMGB 1 were all higher（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）; 2 compared with model group, the scores of colonic ulcers in ST 36 group and ST 37 group were lower obviously（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）; the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB 1 in the four treatment groups were lower obviously（P〈0.01）; 3 compared with ST 37 group, the expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB 1 in other three treatment groups were higher obviously（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）; and the scores of colonic ulcers in ST 39 group and GB 34 group were higher obviously（P〈0.05）. Conclusion 1 The score of colonic ulcers can be reduced through electroacupuncture at ST 37, ST 36, ST 39 and GB 34, which can also reduce the content of serum IL-1β and the expressions of TNF-α and HMGB 1, and effectively inhibit inflammatory response of colon caused by UC; 2 the effect trend of the four acupoints in treatment of UC is： ST 37ST 36ST 39GB 34, and electroacupuncture at ST 37 has the best effect with relative specificity.

Effect of Moxibustion on IL-1β and IL-2 in Rat Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective： To observe the influence on IL-1β and IL-2 in rat models with rheumatoid arthritis after moxibustion on Shenshu （BL 23） and Zusanli （ST 36） points, and to discuss the mechanism of moxibustion. Methods： Fifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups, control group, model group, drug group, moxibustion group, and laser group, 10 for each. Four groups except the normal group were built on the model of rheumatoid arthritis. The changes of body weight and plantar circumference were measured and the level of IL-1β, IL-2 in sera were examined by ELISA. Results： Compared with the model group, the weight and plantar circumference of rats in the moxibustion group were improved significantly after treatment （P〈0.01）, and the improvement of plantar circumference also had significant differences compared with the drug group and the laser group （P〈0.05）. The level of IL-1β, IL-2 in sera were down regulated in the moxibustion group and the laser group, which had statistical differences compared with the model group （P〈0.05）, but no statistical differences were found when comparing with the drug group. Conclusion： Moxibustion obviously improves the toe tumefaction of the rats with rheumatoid arthritis, which is better than CO2 laser of 10.6μm. On the aspect of decreasing the amount of IL-1β, IL-2, CO2 laser of 10.6μm is similar with moxibustion.

Effect of moxibustion plus Duhuo Jisheng decoction on hs-CRP,IL-1β and TNF-α levels in middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of moxibustion combined with Duhuo Jisheng decoction for middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis（KOA） and its impact on serum high sensitive C-reactive protein（hs-CRP）,interleukin-1β（IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） levels.Methods： A total of 90 eligible KOA patients were randomized into an observation group（n=45） and a control group（n=45）.Cases in the observation group received moxibustion plus oral administration Duhuo Jisheng decoction, while cases in the control group received Duhuo Jisheng decoction. Then the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were examined and the clinical effect was evaluated.Results： Before treatment, the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels showed no between-group statistical differences（all P〉0.05）. After 8 weeks of treatment, the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels all dropped significantly in both groups（P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）, and the treatment group showed more substantial changes than the control group（all P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 97.8% in the treatment group, versus 86.7% in the control group, showing a statistical difference（P〈0.05）.Conclusion： Moxibustion plus Duhuo Jisheng decoction has a good clinical effect for middle-aged and elderly KOA patients,and the effect may relate to the decreased hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels.

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu (ST 37) on Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-4 in the Ulcerative Colitis Model Rats

Objective： To probe into the mechanisms of electroacupuncture （EA） at Shangjuxu （ST 37） for treatment of the ulcerative colitis （UC）. Methods： Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups： a normal group, a model group, a Shangjuxu group and a non-acupoint group, 10 rats in each group. The UC rat model was made with enema of trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid （TNBSA）, and the changes of interleuldn-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-4 （IL-4） contents after EA at Shangjuxu （ST 37） were observed. Results： EA at Shangjuxu （ST 37） could significantly decrease the IL-1β content and increase the IL-4 content in the colic tissues of the UC rats with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Conclusion： The mechanisms of EA at Shangjuxu （ST 37） for treatment of the UC rats is possibly related with the decrease of IL-1β, a inflammation-promoting cytokine, and the increase of IL-4, a anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Effect of modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling on the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and INF-α in synovial fluid of knee osteoarthritis patients

Objective:To compare the modified Qjng Long Bai Wei needling method and ordinary acupuncture method in the effects of improving the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β,IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA),and to determine the advantage of the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method for KOA.Methods:One hundred KOA patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by using the random number table,with 50 cases in each group.The treatment group was intervened by the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method,and the control group was given ordinary acupuncture.The two groups were observed before and after the treatment to determine the changes in the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid,and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate and clinical recovery rate were 97.9％ and 52.1％ respectively in the treatment group,versus 85.1％ and 25.5％ in the control group,and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P＜0.01).After the treatment,the levels of Ib1β,IL-6 and TNF-cα in synovial fluid changed significantly in both groups (all P＜0.01);there were significant differences in the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid between the two groups (all P＜0.01).Conclusion:The modified Qjng Long Bai Wei needling is an effective method for KOA and it can significantly improve the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid.

The mechanism of galanthamine regulating IL-1β/IL-1RA ratio to ameliorate inflammatory microenvironment

In the present study,we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of galanthamine,a classic therapeutic drug for Alzheimer s disease(AD).The co-culture system of hippocampal nerve cell line HT-22 and microglial cell line BV-2 was established to observe the effect of galanthamine on the expressions of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide(LP S).MTT method was used to observe the protective effect of galanthamine on neurons.ELISA and qPCR methods were used to detect the expressions of interleukin-β(IL-1β) and IL-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1 RA) at the protein and mRNA levels,respectively.IL-1β and IL-1 RA were evaluated by the ELISA method after pretreating with galanthamine and α7 nAChR blockerα-bungarotoxin(α-bun),mAChR blocker atropine(Atr),PI3 K inhibitor LY294002,IKKβ inhibitor SC514,or MEK inhibitor PD98059,respectively.The results showed that galanthamine significantly inhibited LPS-induced increased IL-1β and IL-1 RA expressions and maintained the ratio of IL-1β/IL-1 RA.α-Bun could block the regulatory effect of galanthamine on IL-1β and IL-1 RA.As PI3 K and NF-κB pathways were blocked,the regulatory effect of galanthamine on the IL-1β expression was significantly inhibited.Blocking PI3 K and MEK pathways could significantly inhibit the regulation of galanthamine on IL-1 RA expression.In summary,galanthamine regulated the inflammatory activity of the IL-1 subfamily to play an anti-inflammatory role mediated by α7 nAChR and PI3 K/NF-κB/MAPK pathways,which probably provided a new strategy for AD treatment.

Effect of electroacupuncture at Lower He-Sea points including Yanglingquan(GB 34)on nuclear factor-κB and interleukin-1βin guinea pigs with acute cholecystitis

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Lower He-Sea points on the expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in the serum and gallbladder tissues,and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)in gallbladder tissues of the guinea pigs with acute cholecystitis(AC),and to explore whether Yanglingquan(GB 34),the Lower He-Sea point pertaining to Dan Fu(gallbladder),is relatively specific for the Dan Fu(gallbladder)disorders.Methods:Eighty-two healthy guinea pigs were randomly divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method,a blank group,a model group,a Yanglingquan(GB 34)group,a Zusanli(ST 36)group,a Shangjuxu(ST 37)group,and a Xiajuxu(ST 39)group,with 12 guinea pigs in the blank group while 14 in the other groups,respectively,half males and half females in each group.Except for the blank group,guinea pigs in the other groups were injected with E.coli into the gallbladder to establish AC models.Guinea pigs in the blank group were fed routinely without special treatment;those in the model group were daily tied up for 30 min without EA treatment;those in the 4 groups receiving EA treatment were acupunctured at the corresponding Lower He-Sea points after daily binding and stimulated with the SDZ-V EA instrument.After successful modeling and treatment for 5 d,blood was collected from the abdominal aorta of the guinea pigs,and the gallbladder tissues in each group were isolated for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to observe the morphological changes.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the serum IL-1βlevel,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to detect the expression levels of NF-κB and IL-1βin gallbladder.Results:On the 3rd day after modeling,the guinea pigs in the five groups with modeling were mentally depressed with decreased appetite,significantly reduced activities,slouch,lassitude,slack and matted fur,and loose stools;two guinea pigs were selected from each group(one male and one female,not included in the final statistics)to isolate the gallbladder after sacrifice;macroscopic observation showed that the gallbladder wall was differently thickened;the bile color was dark green and opaque with particles suspended or accumulated;light microscope observation showed that the submucosal blood vessels of the gallbladder were congested,along with mucosal edema,ulceration,necrosis,shedding,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating in the lamina propria,indicating that the AC model was successfully prepared.Compared with the model group,the gallbladder tissue injuries of the four groups receiving EA treatment were all differently repaired,the serum IL-1βlevels were reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.05),and the IL-1βlevels in the gallbladder tissues were reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the NF-κB expression level in the Yanglingquan(GB 34)group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),but was not statistical different in the Zusanli(ST 36)group,Shangjuxu(ST 37)group and Xiajuxu(ST 39)group(all P>0.05).Compared with the Yanglingquan(GB 34)group,the gallbladder tissues of the Zusanli(ST 36)group,Shangjuxu(ST 37)group and Xiajuxu(ST 39)group were more severely damaged,and the expression levels of serum IL-1β,the NF-κB and IL-1βin the gallbladder tissues were increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Intervention effect of Yanglingquan(GB 34)on AC guinea pigs was superior to that of Zusanli(ST 36),Shangjuxu(ST 37)and Xiajuxu(ST 39).Conclusion:EA at the Lower He-Sea points of the stomach,large intestine,small intestine and gallbladder can produce curative effects on AC guinea pigs and reduced the inflammatory symptoms.Intervention effect of Yanglingquan(GB 34)on AC guinea pigs is superior to that of Zusanli(ST 36),Shangjuxu(ST 37)and Xiajuxu(ST 39).The mechanism of EA at Yanglingquan(GB 34)in treating AC may be regulating IL-1βand NF-κB to control the inflammatory response and improve the gallbladder tissue damage.

Effects of cold-damp and hot-damp environment on VEGF and IL-1 expression in joint cartilage cells in adjuvant arthritis in rats

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of environmental factors on the degree of injury and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and interleukin-1(IL-1) in cartilage cells of the joint in a rat model of adjuvant arthritis(AA).METHODS:SD rats aged 10 months were randomly divided into 4 groups that varied by temperature and humidity housing conditions and induction of AA:a control group,a model group,a cold-damp group,and a hot-damp group.All groups except the control group were induced with AA.After 4 w,VEGF and IL-1 expression in cartilage cells of ankle joints of hind limbs were observed.RESULTS:Mean area,optical density,and numbers of VEGF-and IL-1-positive cells in the model group,the cold-damp group,and the hot-damp group were significantly higher than that of the control group(all P<0.05).Optical density and positive cell numbers in the cold-damp group and the hot-damp group were significantly higher than that of the model group(all P<0.05).Optical density and positive cell numbers in the hot-damp group were significantly higher than that of the cold-damp group.Bone in the hot-damp and cold-damp groups was severely injured.CONCLUSION:Environmental factors such as high humidity combined with either high or low temperature increase the severity of damage and expression of VEGF and IL-1 in cartilage cells of joints in rats induced with AA.