AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using m...AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.展开更多
Summary: To investigate the role of NF-κB in endotoxic shock in rats, the model of endotoxin-shock rats was induced by intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after LPS injection, the...Summary: To investigate the role of NF-κB in endotoxic shock in rats, the model of endotoxin-shock rats was induced by intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after LPS injection, the activation of NF-κB in blood mononuclear cells and the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma was detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay (ELISA). The level of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the histopathological changes of lung and liver were also observed. The activation of NF-κB in mononuclear cells increased 1 h after LPS injection and reached its peak 2 h after the injection, and its level was higher than that of normal group. The level of TNF-α was increased 1 h after the infusion and peaked 2 h after the injection, and its level was higher than that of normal group after LPS infusion. The content of IL-6 increased gradually with time, the IL-6 level was higher than that of normal group after LPS injection. MAP was decreased gradually with time and its level was lower than that of normal group after LPS injection. Pathological examination showed that endotoxic shock could cause pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage, edema and infiltration of inflammatory cell in lung tissue and congestion, edema, capillary dilation and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue. It is concluded that NF-κB can up-regulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma and play an important role in endotoxin-induced shock in rats.展开更多
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,transfor...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.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata(Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on an experimental murine colitis model.Methods:Experimental colitis was induced...Objective:To investigate the effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata(Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on an experimental murine colitis model.Methods:Experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS),and mice were divided into 4 groups:control.DSS alone.DSS plus SASP,DSS plus pectic polysaccharides.The disease activity index(DAI) and histological score were observed.The tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-17 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.I κ B and NF-κB p65 expression were assessed by western blot analysis.Myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity was determined by using MPO assay kit.Re.sults:Administration of pectic polysaccharides significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis as assessed by DAT and histological score,and resulted in down regulation of MPO activity and NF-κB p65 expression and subsequent degradation of IκB protein,strikingly reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-17.Conclusions:Pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauvolfia verticillata(Lour.)Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang exerts beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may therefore provide a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of UC.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expressi...BACKGROUND: Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expression of nuclear factor-kappa B ( kB), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in rats following focal cerebral ischemia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2004 to June 2006. MATERIALS: A total of 150 adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 280-320g, were selected. Naoxintong powder (mainly comprising szechwan lovage rhizome, milkvetch root, danshen root, and radix angelicae sinensis) was obtained from Buchang Pharmacy Co., Ltd. in Xianyang City of Shanxi Province of China, lot number 040608. METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned into sham operation, saline, high-dose Naoxintong, moderate-dose Naoxintong, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, with 30 rats in each group. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established using the suture method, with the exception of the sham operation group. Rats in the high-dose, moderate-dose and low-dose Naoxintong groups received 4, 2, and 1 g/kg Naoxintong respectively, by gavage. Rats in the saline group were treated with 1 mL saline by gavage All rats were administered by gavage at 5 and 23 hours following surgery, and subsequently, once per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days following model establishment, brain water content was measured. Histopathological changes in brain tissues were detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- α, and complement 3 was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 150 rats were included in the final analysis with no loss. Brain water content was significantly increased in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups at 24 hours, which reached a peak at 48 hours. At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days, brain water content was greater in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared with the sham operation group (P 〈 0.05). At 24 and 48 hours, brain water content was reduced in the high-dose and moderate-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the saline and low-dose Naoxintong groups (P 〈 0.05). In the saline, as well as high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, neuronal edema was observed at 6 hours surrounding the ischemic sites. Inflammatory cells appeared at 24 hours, reached a peak at 48 hours, and gradually diminished. A small amount of glial cell proliferation and neuronal degeneration were observed in the hippocampus at 72 hours following infarction. Microglial proliferation and aggregation were detected at 7 days after infarction. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 was significantly less in the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the sham operation group (P 〈 0.05). Expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory cytokines was lower in rat brain tissues of the high-dose Naoxintong group, compared to the low-dose Naoxintong group (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: High-dose Naoxintong and moderate-dose Naoxintong significantly alleviated rat brain edema and decreased expression of nuclear factor-kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in brain tissues. The protective effect of high-dose Naoxintong was most significant.展开更多
Injury of the periodontium followed by inflammatory response often leads to mot resorption. Resorption is accomplished by osteoclasts and their generation may depend on an interaction with the cells in direct contact ...Injury of the periodontium followed by inflammatory response often leads to mot resorption. Resorption is accomplished by osteoclasts and their generation may depend on an interaction with the cells in direct contact with the root, the cementoblasts. Our study aimed to investigate the role of human cementoblasts in the formation of osteoclasts and the effect of interleukin (IL)- 1β hereupon. Extracted teeth from healthy volunteers were subjected to sequential digestion by type I collagenase and trypsin. The effect of enzymatic digestion on the presence of cells on the root surface was analyzed by histology. Gene expression of primary human cementoblasts (pHCB) was compared with a human cementoblast cell line (HCEM). The pHCBs were analyzed for their expression of IL-1 receptors as well as of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). In a co-culture system consisting of osteoclast precursors (blood monocytes) and pHCBs, the formation of osteoclasts and their resorptive activity was assessed by osteo-assay and ivory slices. The cells obtained after a 120 min enzyme digestion expressed the highest level of bone sialoprotein, similar to that of HCEM. This fraction of isolated cells also shared a similar expression pattern of IL-1 receptors (ILl-R1 and ILl-R2). Treatment with IL-11~ potently upregulated RANKL expression but not of OPG. pHCBs were shown to induce the formation of functional osteoclasts. This capacity was significantly stimulated by pretreating the pHCBs with IL-1β prior to their co-culture with human blood monocytes. Our study demonstrated that cementoblasts have the capacity to induce osteoclastogenesis, a capacity strongly promoted by IL-1β. These results may explain why osteoclasts can be formed next to the root of teeth.展开更多
Background Bacterial inflammation is a common complication in patients with leukemia,and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a bioactive molecule in modulating Gram-negative bacilli infection.This study aimed to examine the cha...Background Bacterial inflammation is a common complication in patients with leukemia,and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a bioactive molecule in modulating Gram-negative bacilli infection.This study aimed to examine the changes in SO2,nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with Gram-negative bacterial inflammation.Methods Fifty-five ALL children were enrolled in this study,including 30 males and 25 females,aged 3-13 years,and the median age was 7.8 years.All these children who accepted chemotherapy for ALL were divided into the control group (before chemotherapy),the infection group (after chemotherapy with infection),and the recovery group (the infection was controlled after 1 week).The serum level of SO2 was detected using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence assay,and NF-κB and IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Human THP-1 cells were cultured,induced,and differentiated into macrophages,which were divided into five groups and each group was cultured with different stimulators:lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group,LPS+L-aspartate-β-hydroxamate (HDX) group,LPS+SO2 group,SO2,and control groups.NF-κB level and IL-8 protein contents by ELISA were examined in each group.Results In comparison with those of the control group,levels of serum SO2,NF-κB,and IL-8 of the infection group were significantly increased (P <0.05),while those of the recovery group were significantly decreased (P <0.05).A positive correlation was found between levels of serum SO2 and intracellular NF-κB/IL-8,and the correlation coefficients were 0.671 and 0.798 (P <0.05),respectively.According to the results found in human THP-1 cells,levels of NF-κB and IL-8 in LPS group were significantly increased compared with those of the control group (P <0.05); when compared with those in LPS group,levels of NF-κB in LPS+HDX group further increased significantly (P <0.05); however,the NF-κB levels of LPS+SO2 group decreased significantly (P <0.05).Conclusion SO2 may play an anti-inflammatory role during the process of inflammation by inhibiting the activation and transcription of NF-κB.展开更多
基金Supported by The Dong-A University Research Fund
文摘AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.
基金This project was supported by a grant from Hubei Province Science and Technology Foundation (2003AA301C51).
文摘Summary: To investigate the role of NF-κB in endotoxic shock in rats, the model of endotoxin-shock rats was induced by intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h after LPS injection, the activation of NF-κB in blood mononuclear cells and the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma was detected by enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay (ELISA). The level of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the histopathological changes of lung and liver were also observed. The activation of NF-κB in mononuclear cells increased 1 h after LPS injection and reached its peak 2 h after the injection, and its level was higher than that of normal group. The level of TNF-α was increased 1 h after the infusion and peaked 2 h after the injection, and its level was higher than that of normal group after LPS infusion. The content of IL-6 increased gradually with time, the IL-6 level was higher than that of normal group after LPS injection. MAP was decreased gradually with time and its level was lower than that of normal group after LPS injection. Pathological examination showed that endotoxic shock could cause pulmonary alveolar hemorrhage, edema and infiltration of inflammatory cell in lung tissue and congestion, edema, capillary dilation and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissue. It is concluded that NF-κB can up-regulate the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma and play an important role in endotoxin-induced shock in rats.
文摘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.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81360603)Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province(Grant No.813215)
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauwolfia verticillata(Lour.) Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang on an experimental murine colitis model.Methods:Experimental colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS),and mice were divided into 4 groups:control.DSS alone.DSS plus SASP,DSS plus pectic polysaccharides.The disease activity index(DAI) and histological score were observed.The tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-17 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.I κ B and NF-κB p65 expression were assessed by western blot analysis.Myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity was determined by using MPO assay kit.Re.sults:Administration of pectic polysaccharides significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis as assessed by DAT and histological score,and resulted in down regulation of MPO activity and NF-κB p65 expression and subsequent degradation of IκB protein,strikingly reduced the production of TNF-α and IL-17.Conclusions:Pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rauvolfia verticillata(Lour.)Baill.var.hainanensis Tsiang exerts beneficial effects in experimental colitis and may therefore provide a useful therapeutic approach for the treatment of UC.
基金Supported by: the Scientific Technology Research and Development Plan of Hebei Province, No. 06276103Dthe Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, No. C2006000915
文摘BACKGROUND: Certain components of tetramethylpyrazine, a traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit protective effects against brain injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of different Naoxintong doses on expression of nuclear factor-kappa B ( kB), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in rats following focal cerebral ischemia. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2004 to June 2006. MATERIALS: A total of 150 adult, healthy, male, Sprague Dawley rats, weighing 280-320g, were selected. Naoxintong powder (mainly comprising szechwan lovage rhizome, milkvetch root, danshen root, and radix angelicae sinensis) was obtained from Buchang Pharmacy Co., Ltd. in Xianyang City of Shanxi Province of China, lot number 040608. METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned into sham operation, saline, high-dose Naoxintong, moderate-dose Naoxintong, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, with 30 rats in each group. Rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established using the suture method, with the exception of the sham operation group. Rats in the high-dose, moderate-dose and low-dose Naoxintong groups received 4, 2, and 1 g/kg Naoxintong respectively, by gavage. Rats in the saline group were treated with 1 mL saline by gavage All rats were administered by gavage at 5 and 23 hours following surgery, and subsequently, once per day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days following model establishment, brain water content was measured. Histopathological changes in brain tissues were detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- α, and complement 3 was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A total of 150 rats were included in the final analysis with no loss. Brain water content was significantly increased in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups at 24 hours, which reached a peak at 48 hours. At 6, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days, brain water content was greater in the ischemic hemisphere of rats from the saline, as well as the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared with the sham operation group (P 〈 0.05). At 24 and 48 hours, brain water content was reduced in the high-dose and moderate-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the saline and low-dose Naoxintong groups (P 〈 0.05). In the saline, as well as high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, neuronal edema was observed at 6 hours surrounding the ischemic sites. Inflammatory cells appeared at 24 hours, reached a peak at 48 hours, and gradually diminished. A small amount of glial cell proliferation and neuronal degeneration were observed in the hippocampus at 72 hours following infarction. Microglial proliferation and aggregation were detected at 7 days after infarction. Expression of nuclear factor- kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 was significantly less in the high-dose, moderate-dose, and low-dose Naoxintong groups, compared to the sham operation group (P 〈 0.05). Expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory cytokines was lower in rat brain tissues of the high-dose Naoxintong group, compared to the low-dose Naoxintong group (P 〈 0.05). CONCLUSION: High-dose Naoxintong and moderate-dose Naoxintong significantly alleviated rat brain edema and decreased expression of nuclear factor-kB, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and complement 3 in brain tissues. The protective effect of high-dose Naoxintong was most significant.
基金Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund Chulalongkorn University(R/F_2557_021_03_32)Integrated-Innovation Academic Center’Chulalongkorn University Centenary Academic Development Project+1 种基金The 2012 Research Chair GrantThailand National Science and Technology Development Agency(NSTDA)
文摘Injury of the periodontium followed by inflammatory response often leads to mot resorption. Resorption is accomplished by osteoclasts and their generation may depend on an interaction with the cells in direct contact with the root, the cementoblasts. Our study aimed to investigate the role of human cementoblasts in the formation of osteoclasts and the effect of interleukin (IL)- 1β hereupon. Extracted teeth from healthy volunteers were subjected to sequential digestion by type I collagenase and trypsin. The effect of enzymatic digestion on the presence of cells on the root surface was analyzed by histology. Gene expression of primary human cementoblasts (pHCB) was compared with a human cementoblast cell line (HCEM). The pHCBs were analyzed for their expression of IL-1 receptors as well as of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). In a co-culture system consisting of osteoclast precursors (blood monocytes) and pHCBs, the formation of osteoclasts and their resorptive activity was assessed by osteo-assay and ivory slices. The cells obtained after a 120 min enzyme digestion expressed the highest level of bone sialoprotein, similar to that of HCEM. This fraction of isolated cells also shared a similar expression pattern of IL-1 receptors (ILl-R1 and ILl-R2). Treatment with IL-11~ potently upregulated RANKL expression but not of OPG. pHCBs were shown to induce the formation of functional osteoclasts. This capacity was significantly stimulated by pretreating the pHCBs with IL-1β prior to their co-culture with human blood monocytes. Our study demonstrated that cementoblasts have the capacity to induce osteoclastogenesis, a capacity strongly promoted by IL-1β. These results may explain why osteoclasts can be formed next to the root of teeth.
文摘Background Bacterial inflammation is a common complication in patients with leukemia,and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a bioactive molecule in modulating Gram-negative bacilli infection.This study aimed to examine the changes in SO2,nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB),and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with Gram-negative bacterial inflammation.Methods Fifty-five ALL children were enrolled in this study,including 30 males and 25 females,aged 3-13 years,and the median age was 7.8 years.All these children who accepted chemotherapy for ALL were divided into the control group (before chemotherapy),the infection group (after chemotherapy with infection),and the recovery group (the infection was controlled after 1 week).The serum level of SO2 was detected using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence assay,and NF-κB and IL-8 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Human THP-1 cells were cultured,induced,and differentiated into macrophages,which were divided into five groups and each group was cultured with different stimulators:lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group,LPS+L-aspartate-β-hydroxamate (HDX) group,LPS+SO2 group,SO2,and control groups.NF-κB level and IL-8 protein contents by ELISA were examined in each group.Results In comparison with those of the control group,levels of serum SO2,NF-κB,and IL-8 of the infection group were significantly increased (P <0.05),while those of the recovery group were significantly decreased (P <0.05).A positive correlation was found between levels of serum SO2 and intracellular NF-κB/IL-8,and the correlation coefficients were 0.671 and 0.798 (P <0.05),respectively.According to the results found in human THP-1 cells,levels of NF-κB and IL-8 in LPS group were significantly increased compared with those of the control group (P <0.05); when compared with those in LPS group,levels of NF-κB in LPS+HDX group further increased significantly (P <0.05); however,the NF-κB levels of LPS+SO2 group decreased significantly (P <0.05).Conclusion SO2 may play an anti-inflammatory role during the process of inflammation by inhibiting the activation and transcription of NF-κB.