Aberrant activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis

AIM:To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2(NFAT2),the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells,in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS:We used two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry,double immunohistochemical staining,and confocal microscopy to inspect the expression of NFAT2 in 107,15,48 and 5 cases of UC, Crohn's disease(CD),non-specific colitis,and 5 healthy individuals,respectively. RESULTS:Up-regulation with profound nucleo- translocation/activation of NFAT2 of lamina propria mononuclear cells(LPMC)of colonic mucosa was found specifically in the affected colonic mucosa from patients with UC,as compared to CD or NC(P<0.001,Kruskal- Wallis test).Nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 primarily occurred in CD8+T,but was less prominent in CD4+T cells or CD20+B cells.It was strongly associated with the disease activity,including endoscopic stage (τ=0.2145,P=0.0281)and histologic grade(τ=0.4167, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:We disclose for the first time the nucleo-translocation/activatin of NFAT2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis.Activation of NFAT2 was specific for ulcerative colitis and highly associated with disease activity.Since activation of NFAT2is implicated in an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop of sustained T-cell activation and NFAT proteins play key roles in the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathways,our results not only provide new insights into the mechanism for sustained intractable inflammation,but also suggest the calcium-calcineurin/NFAT pathway as a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis.

Qingyi decoction attenuates intestinal epithelial cell injury via the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells pathway

BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that dysfunction of the intestinal barrier is a significant contributing factor to the development of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).A stable intestinal mucosa barrier functions as a major anatomic and functional barrier,owing to the balance between intestinal epithelial cell(IEC)proliferation and apoptosis.There is some evidence that calcium overload may trigger IEC apoptosis and that calcineurin(CaN)/nuclear factor of activated Tcells(NFAT)signaling might play an important role in calcium-mediated apoptosis.AIM To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Qingyi decoction(QYD)in SAP.METHODS A rat model of SAP was created via retrograde infusion of sodium deoxycholate.Serum levels of amylase,tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,D-lactic acid,and diamine oxidase(DAO);histological changes;and apoptosis of IECs were examined in rats with or without QYD treatment.The expression of the two subunits of CaN and NFAT in intestinal tissue was measured via quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.For in vitro studies,Caco-2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and QYD serum,and then cell viability and intracellular calcium levels were detected.RESULTS Retrograde infusion of sodium deoxycholate increased the severity of pancreatic and intestinal pathology and the levels of serum amylase,TNF-α,and IL-6.Both the indicators of intestinal mucosa damage(D-lactic acid and DAO)and the levels of IEC apoptosis were elevated in the SAP group.QYD treatment reduced the serum levels of amylase,TNF-α,IL-6,D-lactic acid,and DAO and attenuated the histological findings.IEC apoptosis associated with SAP was ameliorated under QYD treatment.In addition,the protein expression levels of the two subunits of CaN were remarkably elevated in the SAP group,and the NFATc3 gene was significantly upregulated at both the transcript and protein levels in the SAP group compared with the control group.QYD significantly restrained CaN and NFATc3 gene expression in the intestine,which was upregulated in the SAP group.Furthermore,QYD serum significantly decreased the LPS-induced elevation in intracellular free Ca^(2+)levels and inhibited cell death.CONCLUSION QYD can exert protective effects against intestinal mucosa damage caused by SAP and the protective effects are mediated,at least partially,by restraining IEC apoptosis via the CaN/NFATc3 pathway.

川崎病患儿血清CaN、NFATc1水平与免疫球蛋白治疗反应的相关性

目的探讨川崎病患儿血清钙调神经磷酸酶(CaN)、活化T细胞核因子c1(NFATc1)水平与免疫球蛋白(IVIG)治疗反应的相关性,以期为临床改善治疗效果提供理论参考。方法采用前瞻性研究,选取平顶山市第一人民医院2018年1月至2023年1月100例川崎病患儿作为研究对象,检测入院时患儿的血清CaN、NFATc1水平,同时收集患儿的一般资料,根据IVIG治疗反应情况分为IVIG治疗敏感组与IVIG治疗无反应组。比较两组患儿的血清CaN、NFATc1水平及一般资料,采用点二列相关性检验血清CaN、NFATc1水平与IVIG治疗反应之间的关系,并采用logistic回归性检验二者对IVIG治疗反应的影响。结果100例患儿中有20例为IVIG治疗无反应,占比为20%(20/100)。IVIG治疗无反应组患儿入院时血清CaN、NFATc1及C反应蛋白(CRP)水平高于IVIG治疗敏感组(P<0.05)。经点二列相关性检验显示血清CaN、NFATc1水平与川崎病患儿IVIG治疗无反应存在正相关关系(r>0,P<0.05)。经logistic回归性分析检验显示高水平血清CaN、血清NFATc1是导致患儿IVIG治疗无反应的影响因素(P<0.05)。结论川崎病患儿IVIG治疗无反应发生风险较高,且与血清CaN、血清NFATc1存在关系,二者的高水平表达是导致IVIG治疗无反应的影响因素。

Influence of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin in human periodontal ligament cells

Objective To study the effect of baicalin on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cultured human periodontal ligament(HPDL)cells.Methods Small interfering RNA(siRNA)eukaryotic expression vector targeted transforming growth factor βⅡ receptor(TGF-β RⅡ)was constructed and transfected into T cells.HPDL cells with T cells transfected with siRNA or not were placed in the culture medium that had been added with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and baicalin.The obtained solution was divided into six groups according to the components(group Ⅰ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1+baicalin;group Ⅱ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells transfected with siRNA1;group Ⅲ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells+baicalin;group Ⅳ:HPDL cells+LPS+T cells;group Ⅴ:HPDL cells+baicalin;group Ⅵ:HPDL cells)and was cultured for 48 hours.RT-PCR was used to observe the effect of baicalin on the expression of OPG-RANKL in HPDL cells.Results The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅰ was lower than that in group Ⅱ(P<0.01)and higher than that in group Ⅲ(P<0.01);The ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅲ was lower than that in group Ⅳ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅳ was higher than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.01);the ratio of RANKL/OPG in group Ⅴ was lower than that in group Ⅵ(P<0.05).Conclusion ① Baicalin could decrease the ratio of RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells.② The TGF-β signaling transduction plays an important role in the effect of baicalin on the RANKL/OPG ratio in HPDL cells.③ Baicalin acts not only through TGF-β to regulate RANKL/OPG in HPDL cells,but also through other pathways.

2型糖尿病合并骨质疏松患者血清miR-9-5p和NFAT5的表达及其与骨折的关系

目的:2型糖尿病(type 2 diabetes mellitus,T2DM)是一种多病因代谢性疾病,骨质疏松(osteoporosis,OP)和骨折是其常见并发症。本研究旨在探讨T2DM合并OP患者血清中微RNA(microRNA,miR)-9-5p和核转录因子5(nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5,NFAT5)的表达水平,以及其与骨折的关系。方法:收集郑州市第七人民医院就诊的T2DM合并OP患者184例(OP组),另纳入同时间段单纯T2DM患者184例(T2DM组)。实时聚合酶链反应检测血清miR-9-5p、NFAT5表达水平。随访2年,根据新发骨折情况,将T2DM合并OP患者分为骨折组(43例)与无骨折组(141例)。Pearson法分析血清miR-9-5p、NFAT5分别与空腹血糖(fasting plasma glucose,FPG)、I型前胶原N末端前肽(procollagen I N-terminal propeptide,PINP)、空腹胰岛素(fasting insulin,FINS)、胰岛素抵抗指数(insulin resistance index,HOMA-IR)、骨密度T值、I型胶原羧基端β降解产物(type I collagen hydroxy terminal peptideβdegradation products,β-CTX)相关性,以及miR-9-5p与NFAT5的相关性;采用受试者操作特征(receiver operator characteristic,ROC)曲线评估血清miR-9-5p、NFAT5对T2DM合并OP患者骨折的预测价值,多因素logistic回归分析T2DM合并OP患者骨折的影响因素。结果:OP组血清miR-9-5p水平高于T2DM组,NFAT5水平低于T2DM组(均P<0.05)。与无骨折组相比,骨折组患者糖尿病病程、FPG、HOMA-IR、β-CTX、miR-9-5p水平均升高,而PINP、NFAT5水平均降低(均P<0.05)。骨折患者血清miR-9-5p与NFAT5水平呈负相关(r=−0.716,P<0.05);miR-9-5p水平与FPG、HOMA-IR、β-CTX均呈正相关,与PINP呈负相关(均P<0.05),而血清NFAT5水平与FPG、HOMA-IR、β-CTX均呈负相关,与PINP呈正相关(均P<0.05)。血清miR-9-5p、NFAT5单一预测T2DM合并OP患者骨折风险的曲线下面积(area under curve,AUC)分别为0.878和0.868,联合预测的AUC为0.933。β-CTX、miR-9-5p为T2DM合并OP患者骨折的危险因素,PINP、NFAT5为T2DM合并OP患者骨折的保护因素(均P<0.05)。结论:T2DM合并OP患者血清miR-9-5p表达水平升高,NFAT5表达水平降低,两者与骨折发生均有一定关系,miR-9-5p联合NFAT5对骨折预测价值更高。

NFATc4在舌鳞状细胞癌神经侵犯诊断中的作用

目的:通过比较活化T细胞核因子胞质4(NFATc4)与S100钙结合蛋白(S100)、p75神经营养素受体(p75)对舌鳞状细胞癌(TSCC)神经侵犯(PNI)的免疫组织化学染色特点,探索NFATc4在TSCC PNI诊断中的作用。方法:收集59例TSCC病理标本,10例癌前病变为对照组,每个标本连续切片后采用免疫组织化学染色,观察NFATc4对TSCC以及神经的染色情况,并与S100和p75进行比较。结果:59例TSCC病理标本中,NFATc4阳性率为47.5%(28/59),PNI发生率为35.6%(21/59),NFATc4阳性表达组的PNI发生率高于NFATc4阴性表达组(P<0.05),NFATc4染色可见神经内膜淡染色,TSCC细胞胞质可见染色,NFATc4对神经的鉴别效果与S100和p75比较,无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:NFATc4的表达与PNI的发生存在关联,NFATc4能在染色神经束的同时,将TSCC组织染色,可以在同一个视野内直观地观察肿瘤与神经的关系,有利于提高PNI判读准确率,有望成为一个判断PNI的指标。

血清ANGPTL3、NFATc1水平与脑梗死患者病情严重程度、预后的关系

目的探究血管生成素样蛋白-3(ANGPTL3)、活化T细胞核因子c1(NFATc1)在脑梗死患者血清中的表达以及与脑梗死患者病情严重程度、预后的关系。方法收集唐山工人医院2021年1月至2023年1月期间进行治疗的180例脑梗死患者(脑梗死组)作为研究对象;根据NIHSS评分将患者分为轻度组(n=68),中度组(n=76),重度组(n=36);根据患mRS评分将患者分为预后良好组(n=117)和预后不良组(n=63);另选取180例同期门诊健康体检者作为对照组。比较各组血清ANGPTL3、NFATc1水平;多因素logistic回归分析脑梗死患者预后的影响因素;ROC曲线分析血清ANGPTL3、NFATc1对脑梗死患者预后的预测价值。结果脑梗死组血清ANGPTL3、NFATc1水平高于对照组(P<0.05);轻度组、中度组、重度组血清ANGPTL3、NFATc1水平依次显著升高(P<0.05);预后不良组脑梗死患者脑梗死体积、白细胞计数、ANGPTL3、NFATc1水平显著高于预后良好组(P<0.05)。回归分析显示脑梗死体积、白细胞计数、ANGPTL3、NFATc1是脑梗死患者预后的影响因素(P<0.05)。ANGPTL3、NFATc1二者联合预测脑梗死患者预后效能优于各自单独预测(Z联合检测-ANGPTL3=3.345、Z联合检测-NFATc1=2.898,P=0.001、0.004)。结论脑梗死患者血清ANGPTL3、NFATc1水平显著升高,且随着病情严重程度的增加而显著升高,二者联合对脑梗死患者预后有较高的预测价值。

芒果苷对心肌细胞损伤的保护作用及对NFATc4表达的影响

目的研究芒果苷对过氧化氢(H_(2)O_(2))诱导的心肌细胞氧化应激损伤的保护作用,以及对活化T细胞核因子c4(NFATc4)表达的影响。方法体外培养心肌H9c2细胞,分为空白组、H_(2)O_(2)组和芒果苷50、100、150μmol/L组,芒果苷组细胞在经不同浓度芒果苷作用12 h后,再与H_(2)O_(2)组一同经H_(2)O_(2)(200μmol/L)刺激12 h,检测各组细胞的相对存活率,细胞上清液中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、丙二醛(MDA)水平,细胞中活性氧(ROS)水平,以及细胞中凋亡相关蛋白[B细胞淋巴瘤2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、剪切的胱天蛋白酶3(cleaved caspase-3)]、核蛋白NFATc4的表达情况。转染NFATc4干扰序列,考察NFATc4对H_(2)O_(2)诱导的心肌细胞中氧化应激指标和凋亡相关蛋白的影响。结果与空白组比较,H_(2)O_(2)组细胞的相对存活率,SOD、CAT水平,Bcl-2的相对表达量均显著降低;MDA、ROS水平,Bax、cleaved caspase-3和核蛋白NFATc4的相对表达量均显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。与H_(2)O_(2)组比较,芒果苷100、150μmol/L组细胞的上述指标均得以显著逆转(P<0.05)。转染NFATc4干扰序列后,核蛋白NFATc4的表达显著下调,MDA、ROS水平和Bax、cleaved caspase-3蛋白的表达均较H_(2)O_(2)组显著降低/下调,SOD、CAT水平和Bcl-2蛋白的表达均较H_(2)O_(2)组显著升高/上调(P<0.05)。结论芒果苷能够减轻H_(2)O_(2)诱导的H9c2细胞氧化应激,减少细胞凋亡,抑制NFATc4蛋白入核,进而缓解心肌细胞损伤;降低NFATc4蛋白的核内水平与减轻H_(2)O_(2)诱导的氧化应激、细胞凋亡有关。

急诊心肌梗死患者KV1.3-CaN-NFAT信号通路表达及预后观察

目的研究急诊心肌梗死患者电压门控性钾离子通道1.3(KV1.3)-钙调神经磷酸酶(CaN)-活化T细胞核因子(NFAT)信号通路表达及预后。方法选取如皋市人民医院2019年4月—2021年4月急诊入院的148例心肌梗死患者纳入研究对象,随访1年根据预后情况分为预后良好(n=121)和预后不良(n=27)两组。记录并比较两组患者性别、年龄、体质量指数(BMI)、既往病史(高血压、糖尿病、冠心病、高脂血症等)、吸烟史、饮酒史、住院时间、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP)、左心室射血分数(LVEF),采集外周空腹静脉血,密度梯度离心获得淋巴细胞,Western blotting检测KV1.3、CaN、NFAT的相对蛋白表达。通过ROC分析KV1.3、CaN、NFAT预测急诊心肌梗死患者预后不良的价值;急诊心肌梗死患者预后不良的危险因素采取多因素Logistic回归性分析明确。结果两组患者的性别、BMI、高血压史、糖尿病史、冠心病史、高脂血症史、吸烟史、饮酒史、住院时间、SBP、DBP比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),预后不良组年龄≥60岁、LVEF<50%占比及KV1.3、CaN、NFAT显著高于预后良好组(P<0.05);经ROC和Logistic分析,年龄≥60岁、LVEF<50%、KV1.3≥1.370、CaN≥1.378、NFAT≥1.260是急诊心肌梗死患者预后不良的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论KV1.3、CaN、NFAT会影响急诊心肌梗死患者的预后情况,急诊心肌梗死患者预后不良时KV1.3、CaN、NFAT表达会升高。

BAFF调节免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠的Th17/Treg平衡的研究

目的:探讨B细胞激活因子(BAFF)对免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠体内辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)平衡的调节作用和潜在机制。方法:制备豚鼠抗小鼠血小板抗血清(GP-APS),并将150只无特定病原级别的成年雄性BALB/c小鼠(7~8周龄)随机分为5组,每组30只。分别为对照组(空白对照)和ITP组(GP-APS诱导),ITP+rhBAFF组(ITP组联合静脉注射50μg/kg/50μL重组人BAFF蛋白),并在ITP+rhBAFF组处理的基础上分别联合Notch1的抑制剂(DAPT)或PI3K/Akt的抑制剂Polygalacin D(PGD),设立ITP+rhBAFF+DAPT组和ITP+rhBAFF+PGD组,除对照组和ITP组外,均为静脉注射给药,DAPT注射剂量100μg/kg;PGD注射剂量25μg/kg,静脉注射总体积均为50μL,每日1次。1周后取小鼠1mL外周血并分离血清和单个核细胞。用免疫荧光化学检测单个核细胞中BAFF和Notch1的定位。对外周血中的血小板进行计数。酶联免疫吸附法(ELSIA)检测小鼠外周血血清BAFF的水平。Western blot检测小鼠外周血单个核细胞中PI3K、AKT、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的蛋白表达。流式细胞术检测单个核细胞中Th17/Treg的比例变化。结果:ITP小鼠外周血单个核细胞的BAFF与Notch1共定位在细胞膜。与对照组比较,ITP组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达增加,血小板数目和Treg比例减少,Th17比例增加(P<0.05)。与ITP组比较,ITP+rhBAFF组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达增加,血小板数目和Treg比例减少,Th17比例增加(P<0.05)。与ITP+rhBAFF组比较,ITP+rhBAFF+DAPT组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达降低,血小板数目和Treg比例增加,Th17比例降低(P<0.05)。与ITP+rhBAFF组比较,ITP+rhBAFF+PGD组BAFF、Notch1、p-Akt(Thr308)、p-Akt(Ser473)的表达降低,血小板数目和Treg比例增加,Th17比例降低(P<0.05)。结论:BAFF通过激活Notch1/PI3K/Akt信号通路促进免疫性血小板减少症模型小鼠体内Th17比例增加及Treg比例减少。

NFATc3敲除对肝癌细胞转录组的影响及其潜在靶基因的初步筛选

目的探究NFATc3基因敲除对肝癌细胞转录组的影响,并对NFATc3调控的靶基因进行初步筛选,以期为明确NFATc3靶基因及寻找新的抗肝癌治疗靶点提供依据。方法利用敲除NFATc3的SMMC7721细胞,在有或无仙台病毒(Sendai virus,SeV)感染时进行转录组测序(RNA sequencing,RNA-Seq)检测,并对差异表达基因进行GO和KEGG富集分析。对两组测序数据差异基因交集中的免疫相关基因进行PPI蛋白网络互作分析,并利用qRT-PCR实验验证敲减或过表达NFATc3对肝癌细胞内S100A8和S100A9表达水平的影响。利用数据库数据,分析肝癌中S100A8和S100A9 mRNA表达水平及预后。结果经RNA-seq分析发现,肝癌细胞中NFATc3敲除后差异表达基因主要富集在发育、代谢、细胞外基质和血管生成等通路。PPI蛋白网络分析发现S100A8和S100A9可能是NFATc3的重要靶基因。qRT-PCR实验结果显示敲除或敲减NFATc3均可上调S100A8和S100A9的表达,而表达外源NFATc3则可下调S100A8/S100A9的表达。数据库分析显示,肝癌组织中S100A8/S100A9的表达水平显著高于癌旁组织,S100A8/S100A9高表达的肝癌患者与患者生存期短及预后较差相关。结论肝癌细胞中NFATc3基因敲除影响的宿主基因功能主要富集在发育、代谢、细胞外基质和血管生成等通路。NFATc3可以抑制S100A8和S100A9基因的转录表达,S100A8和S100A9可能是肝癌中NFATc3调控的潜在靶基因。

Cav3.2 channel regulates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury:a promising target for intervention

Calcium influx into neurons triggers neuronal death during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Various calcium channels are involved in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Cav3.2 channel is a main subtype of T-type calcium channels.T-type calcium channel blockers,such as pimozide and mibefradil,have been shown to prevent cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced brain injury.However,the role of Cav3.2 channels in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unclear.Here,in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established using middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice and high glucose hypoxia/reoxygenation exposure in primary hippocampal neurons.The results showed that Cav3.2 expression was significantly upregulated in injured hippocampal tissue and primary hippocampal neurons.We further established a Cav3.2 gene-knockout mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Cav3.2 knockout markedly reduced infarct volume and brain water content,and alleviated neurological dysfunction after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Additionally,Cav3.2 knockout attenuated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress,inflammatory response,and neuronal apoptosis.In the hippocampus of Cav3.2-knockout mice,calcineurin overexpression offset the beneficial effect of Cav3.2 knockout after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.These findings suggest that the neuroprotective function of Cav3.2 knockout is mediated by calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 signaling.Findings from this study suggest that Cav3.2 could be a promising target for treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

NFAT2 is implicated in corticosterone-induced rat Leydig cell apoptosis

Aim： To investigate the activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells （NFAT） and its function in the corticosterone （CORT）-induced apoptosis of rat Leydig cells. Methods： NFAT in rat Leydig cells was detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Cyclosporin A （CsA） was used to evaluate potential involvement of NFAT in the CORT-induced apoptosis of Leydig cells. Intracellular Ca^2＋ was monitored in CORT-treated Leydig cells using Fluo-3/AM. After the Leydig cells were incubated with either CORT or CORT plus CsA for 12 h, the levels of NFAT2 in the nuclei and in the cytoplasm were measured by semi-quantitative Western blotting. The role of NFAT2 in CORT- induced Leydig cell apoptosis was further evaluated by observing the effects of NFAT2 overexpression and the inhibition of NFAT2 activation by CsA on FasL expression and apoptosis. Results： We found that NFAT2 was the predominant isoform in Leydig cells. CsA blocked the CORT-induced apoptosis of the Leydig cells. The intracellular Ca^2＋ level in the Leydig cells was significantly increased after the CORT treatment. The CORT increased the level of NFAT2 in the nuclei and decreased its level in the cytoplasm. CsA blocked the CORT-induced nuclear translocation of NFAT2 in the Leydig cells. Both CORT-induced apoptosis and FasL expression in the rat Leydig cells were enhanced by the overexpression of NFAT2 and antagonized by CsA. Conclusion： NFAT2 was activated in CORT-induced Leydig cell apoptosis. The effects of NFAT2 overexpression and the inhibition of NFAT2 activation suggest that NFAT2 may potentially play a pro-apoptotic role in CORT-induced Leydig cell apoptosis through the up-regulation of FasL.

银丹心脑通软胶囊通过抑制CaN/NFATc3信号通路改善球囊损伤所致大鼠颈动脉血管内膜增生

目的探究银丹心脑通软胶囊(Yindan Xinnaotong capsule,YDXNT)是否通过调控钙调神经磷酸酶(Calcineurin,CaN)/活化T细胞核因子c3(Nuclear factors of activated T cell c3,NFATc3)信号通路改善球囊损伤所致大鼠颈动脉血管内膜增生。方法将雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham)、模型组(Model)和YDXNT给药组(YDXNT),采用球囊导管术建立大鼠左侧颈动脉内膜增生模型。造模次日至第14日,YDXNT给药组灌胃1.0 g/kg YDXNT混悬液,Sham和Model组灌胃等体积双蒸水。造模2周后麻醉后取左侧颈动脉标本,HE染色观察颈动脉血管病理学形态;免疫荧光技术检测颈动脉血管新生内膜中CaN、NFATc3、白介素-1β(Interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(Tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、单核趋化蛋白-1(Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,MCP-1)蛋白表达情况。结果与Sham组相比,Model组颈动脉血管内膜厚度明显增加,管腔狭窄,新生内膜面积(Neointimal area,NIA)、NIA/中膜面积(Media area,MA)、NIA/内弹力板围绕面积(Internal elastic lamina area,IELA)明显升高;IL-1β、TNF-α、MCP-1、CaN蛋白表达明显增多(P<0.05),NFATc3蛋白核转位明显增多(P<0.05);与Model组相比,YDXNT组颈动脉血管内膜厚度明显降低,管腔增大,NIA、NIA/MA、NIA/IELA明显降低;IL-1β、TNF-α、MCP-1、CaN蛋白表达明显降低(P<0.05),NFATc3蛋白核转位明显减少(P<0.05)。结论YDXNT至少可能通过抑制CaN/NFATc3信号通路,减轻炎症反应,改善球囊损伤所致大鼠颈动脉血管内膜增生。

Role of nuclear factor κB in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The transcription factor nuclear factor κB（NF-κB） plays major roles in inflammatory diseases through regulation of inflammation and cell viability.Multiple sclerosis（MS） is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system（CNS）.It has been shown that NF-κB is activated in multiple cell types in the CNS of MS patients,including T cells,microglia/macrophages,astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and neurons.Interestingly,data from animal model studies,particularly studies of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,have suggested that NF-κB activation in these individual cell types has distinct effects on the development of MS.In this review,we will cover the current literature on NF-κB and the evidence for its role in the development of MS and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Inhibition of pacemaker activity in interstitial cells of Cajal by LPS via NF-κB and MAP kinase

AIM:To investigate lipopolysaccharide(LPS) related signal transduction in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICCs) from mouse small intestine.METHODS:For this study,primary culture of ICCs was prepared from the small intestine of the mouse.LPS was treated to the cells prior to measurement of the membrane currents by using whole-cell patch clamp technique.Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of the proteins in ICCs.RESULTS:LPS suppressed the pacemaker currents of ICCs and this could be blocked by AH6809,a prostaglandin E2-EP2 receptor antagonist or NG-Nitro-Larginine Methyl Ester,an inhibitor of nitric oxide(NO) synthase.Toll-like receptor 4,inducible NO synthase or cyclooxygenase-2 immunoreactivity by specific antibodies was detected on ICCs.Catalase(antioxidant agent) had no action on LPS-induced action in ICCs.LPS actions were blocked by nuclear factor kB(NF-kB) inhibitor,actinomycin D(a gene transcription inhibitor),PD 98059(a p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases inhibitor) or SB 203580 [a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK) inhibitor].SB 203580 also blocked the prostaglandin E2-induced action on pacemaker currents in ICCs but not NO.CONCLUSION:LPS inhibit the pacemaker currents in ICCs via prostaglandin E2-and NO-dependent mechanism through toll-like receptor 4 and suggest that MAPK and NF-kB are implicated in these actions.

Blockage of PPARδ increases the expression of inflammatory factors in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα

Objective： To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors δ （PPARδ） in inflammatory reaction and its possible mechanism in adipocyte. Methods：Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference （RNAi） was used to block the expression of PPARδ in 3T3-L1 cells. In order to induce inflammation in 3T3-L1, cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α（TNFα, 20 ng/ml） for 4 h. The expression of PPARδ, nuclear factor κB （NFκB） and C reactive protein （CRP） were determined by Western blot analysis. Results：The expression of PPARδ was reduced by 80% after RNAi. Blockage of PPARδ promoted the expression of CRP and NFκB in cells stimulated with TNFα but had no effect on normal cells. Conclusion： PPARδ is involved in inflammatory reaction in adipocyte. Blockage of PPARδ can promote the inflammation mediated by inflammatory factors and increase the expression of NFκB and CRP in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα.

类风湿关节炎患者血清脂肪因子趋化素与疾病活动度和Th17/Treg的关系

目的探究类风湿关节炎(RA)患者血清脂肪因子趋化素水平与疾病活动度和辅助性T细胞17/调节性T细胞(Th17/Treg)比值的相关性。方法纳入RA患者180例为观察组,根据DAS28评分将观察组分为高活动组、中活动组和低活动组,每组60例;另选取同期体检的健康者180例作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测血清趋化素、白细胞介素(IL)-9、IL-10、IL-17水平;流式细胞术检测Th17/Treg比例;分析RA患者血清趋化素水平与DAS28评分,Th17、Treg细胞百分比及Th17/Treg比值的相关性。结果观察组血清趋化素水平高于对照组(P<0.05)。RA患者血清趋化素水平与DAS28评分呈正相关;高、中、低活动组血清趋化素水平和DAS28评分依次降低;观察组Th17细胞百分比、Th17/Treg比值、IL-17、IL-9水平高于对照组,Treg细胞百分比、IL-10水平低于对照组(P<0.05)。RA患者血清趋化素水平与Th17细胞百分比、Th17/Treg比值呈正相关,与Treg细胞百分比呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论RA患者的血清趋化素水平升高,与疾病活动度和Th17/Treg比值具有密切关系。

Treg/Th17 cell balance and phytohaemagglutinin activation of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of systemic sclerosis patients

AIM To investigate T-cell activation, the percentage of peripheral T regulatory cells(Tregs), Th17 cells and the circulating cytokine profile in systemic sclerosis(SSc).METHODS We enrolled a total of 24 SSc patients and 16 healthy controls in the study and divided the patients as having diffuse cutaneous SSc(dc SSc, n = 13) or limited cutaneous SSc(lc SSc, n = 11). We performed a further subdivision of the patients regarding the stage of the disease-early, intermediate or late. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from all subjects. We performed flow cytometric analysis of the activationcapacity of T-lymphocytes upon stimulation with PHA-M and of the percentage of peripheral Tregs and Th17 cells in both patients and healthy controls. We used ELISA to quantitate serum levels of human interleukin(IL)-6, IL-10, tissue growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), and IL-17 A.RESULTS We identified a decreased percentage of CD3+CD69+ cells in PHA-stimulated samples from SSc patients in comparison with healthy controls(13.35% ± 2.90% vs 37.03% ± 2.33%, P < 0.001). However, we did not establish a correlation between the down-regulated CD3+CD69+ cells and the clinical subset, nor regarding the stage of the disease. The activated CD4+CD25+ peripheral lymphocytes were represented in decreased percentage in patients when compared to controls(6.30% ± 0.68% vs 9.36% ± 1.08%, P = 0.016). Regarding the forms of the disease, dc SSc patients demonstrated lower frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells against healthy subjects(5.95% ± 0.89% vs 9.36% ± 1.08%, P = 0.025). With regard to Th17 cells, our patients demonstrated increased percentage in comparison with controls(18.13% ± 1.55% vs 13.73% ± 1.21%, P = 0.031). We detected up-regulated Th17 cells within the lc SSc subset against controls(20.46% ± 2.41% vs 13.73% ± 1.21%, P = 0.025), nevertheless no difference was found between dc SSc and lc SSc patients. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an increased percentage of CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ in dc SSc patients compared to controls(10.94% ± 1.65% vs 6.88% ± 0.91, P = 0.032). Regarding the peripheral cytokine profile, we detected raised levels of IL-6 [2.10(1.05-4.60) pg/m L vs 0.00 pg/m L, P < 0.001], TGF-β1(19.94 ± 3.35 ng/m L vs 10.03 ± 2.25 ng/m L, P = 0.02), IL-10(2.83 ± 0.44 pg/m L vs 0.68 ± 0.51 pg/m L, P = 0.008), and IL-17 A [6.30(2.50-15.60) pg/m L vs 0(0.00-0.05) pg/m L, P < 0.001] in patients when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, we found increased circulating IL-10, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-17 A in the lc SSc subset vs control subjects, as it follows: IL-10(3.32 ± 0.59 pg/m L vs 0.68 ± 0.51 pg/m L, P = 0.003), TGF-β1(22.82 ± 4.99 ng/m L vs 10.03 ± 2.25 ng/m L, P = 0.031), IL-6 [2.08(1.51-4.69) pg/m L vs 0.00 pg/m L, P < 0.001], and IL-17 A [14.50(8.55-41.65) pg/m L vs 0.00(0.00-0.05) pg/m L, P < 0.001]. Furthermore, circulating IL-17 A was higher in lc SSc as opposed to dc SSc subset(31.99 ± 13.29 pg/m L vs 7.14 ± 3.01 pg/m L, P = 0.008). Within the dc SSc subset, raised levels of IL-17 A and IL-6 were detected vs healthy controls: IL-17 A [2.60(0.45-9.80) pg/m L vs 0.00(0.00-0.05) pg/m L, P < 0.001], IL-6 [2.80(1.03-7.23) pg/m L vs 0.00 pg/m L, P < 0.001]. Regarding the stages of the disease, TGF-β1 serum levels were increased in early stage against late stage, independently from the SSc phenotype(30.03 ± 4.59 ng/m L vs 13.08 ± 4.50 ng/m L, P = 0.017).CONCLUSION It is likely that the altered percentage of Th17 and CD4+CD25-Fox P3+ cells along with the peripheral cytokine profile in patients with SSc may play a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

α_(1A)-肾上腺素能受体与增强型绿色荧光蛋白标记的活化T细胞核因子2稳定共表达细胞的构建

目的建立α_(1A)-肾上腺素能受体(α_(1A)-AR)与增强型绿色荧光蛋白(EGFP)标记的活化T细胞核因子2(NFAT2)稳定共表达细胞。方法①将pcDNA3.1-α_(1A)-AR-3×FLAG重组质粒转染至U2OS-EGFPNFAT2细胞,经潮霉素B(Hygro-B)200 mg·L^(-1)压力筛选后加入α_(1A)-AR激动剂去甲肾上腺素(NE,10μmol·L^(-1))孵育30 min,通过高内涵筛选系统检测细胞核内绿色荧光强度,验证EGFP-NFAT2核转位,筛选得到稳定表达α_(1A)-AR的U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞。②采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)和Western印迹法检测该细胞和对照细胞U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2中α_(1A)-AR mRNA和蛋白的表达水平。③将U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞接种于96孔板,分别加入NE(10^(-8)~10^(-5) mol·L^(-1))或α2-AR激动剂右美托咪定(DMED,10^^(-8.8)~10^(-5) mol·L^(-1))孵育30 min,通过高内涵筛选系统检测EGFP-NFAT2核转位。④将U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞分为溶剂对照组、α1-AR拮抗剂萘派地尔(1μmol·L^(-1))组、NE(1μmol·L^(-1))组、萘派地尔+NE(各1μmol·L^(-1)共孵育)组、α2-AR拮抗剂阿替美唑(0.1μmol·L^(-1))组、DMED(0.1μmol·L^(-1))组、阿替美唑+DMED(各0.1μmol·L^(-1)共孵育)组和萘派地尔+DMED(萘派地尔1μmol·L^(-1)与DMED 0.1μmol·L^(-1)共孵育)组,药物孵育时间均为30 min,通过高内涵筛选系统检测EGFP-NFAT2核转位,验证该细胞α_(1A)-AR功能的特异性。结果①Hygro-B压力筛选得到58株U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞,NE 10μmol·L^(-1)孵育后,其中50号细胞核内绿色荧光强度最强,故选定其为稳定共表达α_(1A)-AR和EGFPNFAT2的U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞。②Western印迹法结果显示,U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞可明显表达α_(1A)-AR蛋白,而对照细胞U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2中未见α_(1A)-AR蛋白表达。RT-qPCR结果显示,该细胞在传代5~20代内α_(1A)-AR mRNA均稳定表达,其表达水平为对照细胞的500~800倍。③NE或DMED使U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞中EGFP-NFAT2核转位明显增加,半数有效浓度(EC50)分别为5.94×10^(-7)和6.15×10^(-8) mol·L^(-1)。④与溶剂对照组和萘派地尔组比较,NE组U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞EGFP-NFAT2核转位明显增强(P<0.01),而萘派地尔+NE组EGFP-NFAT2核转位较NE组明显减弱(P<0.01)。与溶剂对照组和阿替美唑组比较,DMED组EGFP-NFAT2核转位明显增强(P<0.01),阿替美唑+DMED组EGFP-NFAT2核转位与DMED组比较无明显差别,而萘派地尔+DMED组EGFP-NFAT2核转位较DMED组明显减弱(P<0.01)。结论成功构建稳定共表达α_(1A)-AR和EGFP-NFAT2的U2OS-EGFPNFAT2-α_(1A)-AR细胞,可用于靶向α_(1A)-AR化合物筛选和受体分子机制研究。