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.

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.

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.

Role of osteoclasts in regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Bone marrow(BM) cavities are utilized for hematopoiesis and to maintain hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs). HSCs have the ability to self-renew as well as to differentiate into multiple different hematopoietic lineage cells. HSCs produce their daughter cells throughout the lifespan of individuals and thus, maintaining HSCs is crucial for individual life. BM cavities provide a specialized microenvironment termed "niche" to support HSCs. Niches are composed of various types of cells such as osteoblasts, endothelial cells and reticular cells. Osteoclasts are unique cells which resorb bones and are required for BM cavity formation. Loss of osteoclast function or differentiation results in inhibition of BM cavity formation, an osteopetrotic phenotype. Osteoclasts are also reportedly required for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell(HSPC) mobilization to the periphery from BM cavities. Thus, lack of osteoclasts likely results in inhibition of HSC maintenance and HSPC mobilization. However, we found that osteoclasts are dispensable for hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and mobilization by using three independent osteoclast-less animal models. In this review, I will discuss the roles of osteoclasts in hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and mobilization.

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.

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。

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。

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.

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。

Molecular mechanisms of triggering,amplifying and targeting RANK signaling in osteoclasts

Osteoclast differentiation depends on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(RANK) signaling,which can be divided into triggering,amplifying and targeting phases based on how active the master regulator nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1) is. The triggering phase is characterized by immediateearly RANK signaling induced by RANK ligand(RANKL) stimulation mediated by three adaptor proteins,tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,Grb-2-associated binder-2 and phospholipase C(PLC)γ2,leading to activation of IκB kinase,mitogen-activated protein kinases and the transcription factors nuclear factor(NF)-κB and activator protein-1(AP-1). Mice lacking NF-κB p50/p52 or the AP-1 subunit c-Fos(encoded by Fos) exhibit severe osteopetrosis due to a differentiation block in the osteoclast lineage. The amplification phase occurs about 24 h later in a RANKLinduced osteoclastogenic culture when Ca2+ oscillation starts and the transcription factor NFATc1 is abundantly produced. In addition to Ca2+ oscillation-dependent nuclear translocation and transcriptional auto-induction of NFATc1,a Ca2+ oscillation-independent,osteoblastdependent mechanism stabilizes NFATc1 protein in dif-ferentiating osteoclasts. Osteoclast precursors lacking PLCγ2,inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors,regulator of G-protein signaling 10,or NFATc1 show an impaired transition from the triggering to amplifying phases. The final targeting phase is mediated by activation of numerous NFATc1 target genes responsible for cell-cell fusion and regulation of bone-resorptive function. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms for each of the three phases of RANK signaling during osteoclast differentiation.

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.

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。

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.

孕晚期血清趋化因子CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2与妊娠糖尿病孕妇妊娠结局的相关性

目的 分析孕晚期血清趋化因子CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2与妊娠糖尿病(GDM)孕妇妊娠结局的相关性。方法 选取2021年2月至2022年6月期间南通市海门区人民医院收治的GDM孕妇125例作为GDM组,60名同期体检健康孕妇为对照组。根据GDM孕妇妊娠结局将孕妇分为良好妊娠结局组(95例)和不良妊娠结局组(30例)。比较GDM组和健康孕妇、良好妊娠结局组和不良妊娠结局组孕妇血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平;采用Pearson法分析血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平与FINS、FPG、HOMA-IR的相关性;采用Logistic回归分析GDM孕妇不良妊娠结局的影响因素;绘制ROC曲线,分析血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平对GDM孕妇不良妊娠结局的预测价值。结果 GDM孕妇血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平均显著高于健康孕妇,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);良好妊娠结局组血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平显著低于不良妊娠结局组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同妊娠结局的GDM孕妇饮食偏好、TG、HDL-C、LDL-C、FINS、FPG、2hPG、HOMA-IR、HOMA-β、HbA1c、孕酮比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。GDM孕妇血清CXCL12与RANTES水平呈正相关(r=0.322,P<0.05),与CCL2水平呈正相关(r=0.401,P<0.05),RANTES与CCL2水平呈正相关(r=0.334,P<0.05);血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平与FINS、FPG、HOMA-IR呈正相关(P<0.05)。CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2、FINS、FPG、HOMA-IR水平升高为GDM孕妇不良妊娠结局的危险因素(P<0.05)。血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平联合评估GDM孕妇不良妊娠结局的AUC(0.936)显著高于三指标单独检测(AUC_(CXCL12)=0.811;AUC_(RANTES)=0.868;AUC_(CCL2)=0.796)(P<0.05)。结论血清CXCL12、RANTES、CCL2水平与GDM孕妇妊娠结局具有密切关系,可能可作为预测GDM孕妇不良妊娠结局的有效标志物。

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。

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。

汉黄芩素调节磷脂酰肌醇3激酶/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶/核因子κB信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠辅助性T细胞17/调节性T细胞平衡的影响

目的探讨汉黄芩素(Wog)调节磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)平衡的影响。方法2022年8-12月,大鼠采用随机数字表法分为Model组、低剂量Wog组(Wog-L组,50 mg/kg)、高剂量Wog组(Wog-H组,100 mg/kg)、阳性药物氨茶碱组(Ami组,2.3 mg/kg)、IGF-1(PI3K激活剂)组(1.33 mg/kg)、Wog-H+IGF-1组(100 mg/kg+1.33 mg/kg)、对照组(CK组),每组12只。除CK组外,其他组大鼠均需利用烟熏法联合气管滴注脂多糖(LPS)的方法构建COPD模型,建模成功24 h后,进行给药处理,每天1次给药,持续4周。检测呼气峰流量(PEF)、每分钟通气量(MV)、吸气峰流量(PIF);流式细胞术检测外周血中Th17/Treg;HE染色检测肺组织病理;酶联免疫吸附法检测大鼠肺组织中白细胞介素(IL)-17、IL-10水平;蛋白质印迹法检测肺组织中维甲酸相关孤核受体γt(RORγt)、叉头框蛋白P3(Foxp3)、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)蛋白。结果与CK组比较,Model组大鼠PEF(12.56±0.47比8.72±0.39)、PIF(9.35±0.32比7.24±0.17)、MV(132.26±5.78比96.63±3.28)、Treg(31.18±2.62比15.52±1.01)比例、IL-10(23.35±1.16比8.85±0.27)明显降低(均P<0.05);Th17(3.14±0.13比18.86±1.67)比例、Th17/Treg(0.10±0.01比1.22±0.11)、肺泡间隔(33.36±1.48比49.78±1.73)、气道炎症评分(0比4.56±0.23)及IL-17(75.83±3.60比185.56±8.62)水平明显升高(均P<0.05)。与Model组比较,Wog-L组、Wog-H组PEF(9.66±0.40,11.49±0.51)、PIF(8.28±0.19,9.03±0.22)、MV(105.54±4.11,126.67±5.72)、Treg(19.93±1.18,27.73±2.05)比例、IL-10(11.56±0.33,20.72±0.59)水平明显升高(均P<0.05);Th17(3.14±0.13比18.86±1.67)比例、Th17/Treg(0.10±0.01比1.22±0.11)、肺泡间隔(43.45±1.26,35.78±1.12)、气道炎症评分(3.75±0.17,0.86±0.07)、IL-17(162.27±7.14,103.35±4.33)水平明显降低(均P<0.05)。与CK组比较,Model组大鼠RORγt(0.15±0.01比1.34±0.11)、p-PI3K(0.22±0.01比0.86±0.07)、p-Akt(0.18±0.01比0.75±0.06)、p-NF-κB p65(0.11±0.01比0.69±0.06)蛋白表达升高,Foxp3(1.45±0.27比0.35±0.02)蛋白表达降低(均P<0.05)。与Model组相比,Wog-L组、Wog-H组RORγt(1.08±0.10,0.36±0.02)、p-PI3K(0.71±0.06,0.35±0.03)、p-Akt(0.62±0.06,0.28±0.02)、p-NF-κB p65(0.52±0.05,0.26±0.02)蛋白表达明显降低,Foxp3(0.57±0.04,1.13±0.09)蛋白表达明显升高(均P<0.05)。Wog-H组与Ami组大鼠上述各指标水平近似,均差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。IGF-1逆转了高剂量Wog对COPD大鼠Th17/Treg的影响。结论Wog促进COPD大鼠Th17/Treg平衡的机制可能与下调PI3K/Akt/NF-κB通路有关。

血清sTREM-1、RANTES水平与病毒性心肌炎患者不良预后的关系

目的 探讨血清可溶性髓样细胞触发受体-1(sTREM-1)、激活调节正常T细胞表达和分泌因子(RANTES)水平与病毒性心肌炎患者(VM)不良预后的关系。方法 选取2019年8月至2022年8月北京市东城区第一人民医收治的200例VM患者作为研究对象,根据随访情况分为预后不良组86例,预后良好组114例。同时选取200例同期该院体检健康人员作为对照组。收集各组一般资料,并检测血清sTREM-1、RANTES、血清白细胞介素-18(IL-18)、血清高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、肌酸激酶(CK)、心肌肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)水平。对VM患者预后随访12个月,比较预后良好组和预后不良组的一般资料及血清sTREM-1、RANTES水平。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清sTREM-1、RANTES水平对VM患者发生不良预后的预测价值,Logistic回归分析影响VM患者发生不良预后的危险因素。结果 VM组sTREM-1、RANTES水平明显高于对照组(P<0.05),预后不良组CK-MB、cTnI、hs-CRP、CK、IL-18水平高于预后良好组(P<0.05)。ROC曲线结果显示,血清sTREM-1、RANTES的ROC曲线的下面积(AUC)分别为0.814、0.824,二者联合检测的AUC为0.905,高于sTREM-1、RANTES单独检测(Z=2.485、2.212,均P<0.05)。Logistic多因素回归分析显示,sTREM-1、RANTES水平是影响VM患者预后不良的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论 血清sTREM-1、RANTES水平对VM患者的不良预后具有重要的预测价值。