Hepatitis B virus X protein up-regulates tumor necrosis factor-α expression in cultured mesangial cells via ERKs and NF-κB pathways

Objective:To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV)X protein(HBx)on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)and the underlying intracellular signal pathways.Methods:The plasmid pCI-neo-X that carries the X gene of hepatitis B virus was transfected into cultured GMCs.HBx expression in the transfected GMCs was assessed by Western-blot.TNF-αprotein and mRNA were assessed by ELISA and semi-quantitative RT-PCR,respectively.Three kinase inhibitors-U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinases(ERKs);lactacvstin,an inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB);and SB203580,a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase(p38 MAPK)were used to determine which intracellular signal pathways may underlie the action of HBx on TNF-αexpression in transfected GMCs.Results:A significant increase in HBx expression in pCI-neo-X transfected GMCs was detected at 36 h and 48 h,which was not affected by any of those kinase inhibitors mentioned above.A similar increase in the expression of both TNF-αprotein and mRNA was also observed at 36 h and 48 h,which was significantly decreased in the presence of U0126 or lactacytin,but not SB203580.Conclusions:HBx upregulates TNF-αexpression in cultured GMCs,possibly through ERKs and NF-κB pathway,but not p38 MAPK pathway.

黄芪阳和汤调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路促进糖尿病足溃疡大鼠创面愈合

目的基于磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路探究黄芪阳和汤对糖尿病足溃疡(DFU)大鼠创面愈合的影响。方法构建DFU大鼠模型,将建模成功的48只大鼠随机分为模型组,黄芪阳和汤低(8.5 g/kg)、高(17 g/kg)剂量组,黄芪阳和汤高剂量(17 g/kg)+LY294002(PI3K/AKT通路抑制剂,0.3 mg/kg)组;每组12只;另取12只大鼠为对照组。各组大鼠给予对应药物干预,连续4周。第14、28天给药后,观察大鼠一般状态及创面变化,计算创面愈合率,检测大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)水平和大鼠创面周围组织经皮氧分压(TcpO2);酶联免疫吸附试验检测大鼠血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素(IL)-6水平;苏木素-伊红染色观察大鼠创面组织病理学变化;免疫组织化学染色测定大鼠创面组织微血管密度;蛋白免疫印迹法检测大鼠创面组织中PI3K、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、AKT、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)、NF-κB p65、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)、NF-κB抑制蛋白α(IκB-α)蛋白表达。结果对照组大鼠毛色光滑,饮食、饮水、排泄均正常,较活跃,创面愈合快,创面组织炎症反应较轻,新生血管较多,肉芽组织中成纤维细胞及胶原基质丰富;模型组大鼠毛色暗淡无光泽,活动减少,且出现多饮、多食、多尿症状,创面颜色较深,且周围组织出现水肿、溃疡,创面组织可见大量炎性细胞浸润,伴组织坏死、渗出,新生血管及成纤维细胞较少,创面愈合率、创面周围组织TcpO2、血清VEGF、HIF-1α、创面组织微血管密度、p-PI3K、p-AKT、IκB-α蛋白表达水平降低,FBG、血清CRP、IL-6、创面组织p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,黄芪阳和汤低、高剂量组大鼠状态逐渐改善,创面组织病变程度依次减轻,创面愈合率、创面周围组织TcpO2、血清VEGF、HIF-1α、创面组织微血管密度、p-PI3K、p-AKT、IκB-α蛋白表达水平依次升高,FBG、血清CRP、IL-6、创面组织p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达依次降低(P<0.05);LY294002能部分逆转高剂量黄芪阳和汤对DFU大鼠的治疗作用(P<0.05)。结论黄芪阳和汤能调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路,抑制DFU大鼠炎症反应,促进血管新生,从而促进创面愈合。

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.

肠病药方调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路改善溃疡性结肠炎的研究

目的探讨肠病药方调控磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/核因子kappa B(NF-κB)信号通路对抗溃疡性结肠炎(UC)的作用机制。方法42只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常对照组(n=6,Control组,自由饮去离子水)、模型组(n=12,DSS组)、美沙拉嗪组(n=12,MES组)及肠病药方组(n=12,CBD组),后3组小鼠自由饮用3%葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)溶液7 d诱导UC模型,后两组同期灌胃美沙拉嗪或肠病药方,前两组灌胃等体积去离子水;观察实验期间小鼠体质量改变,评测小鼠疾病活动指数(DAI);造模结束后麻醉处死小鼠,测量结肠长度、观察结肠内容物及黏膜,采用苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察各组小鼠结肠病理组织学变化,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组小鼠结肠组织匀浆白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平,蛋白免疫印迹法(WB)检测各组小鼠结肠组织中磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)-p85、磷酸化AKT1(p-AKT1)、磷酸化NF-κB(p-NF-κB)-p65蛋白表达,实时荧光定量PCR技术(qRT-PCT)检测各组小鼠结肠组织PI3K、AKT、NF-κB信使RNA(mRNA)表达水平。结果与DSS组比较,CBD组治疗后,有效缓解UC小鼠症状,粪便性状及便血情况改善,结肠黏膜炎症浸润减少,体质量下降有所缓解,DAI评分降低及结肠长度接近正常,结肠组织匀浆中IL-6、TNF-α表达降低(P<0.05),p-PI3K-p85、p-AKT1、p-NF-κB-p65蛋白及mRNA表达明显减少(P<0.05)。结论肠病药方可缓解UC小鼠的症状、减轻结肠黏膜损伤,其机制可能与调解结肠组织中PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路中相关蛋白质及mRNA表达、降低结肠组织炎症因子表达有关。

黄芩素调节PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路及对细菌性脑膜炎大鼠血脑屏障的影响

目的:探讨黄芩素调控磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路对细菌性脑膜炎(BM)大鼠血脑屏障的影响。方法:制备大鼠BM模型,将大鼠分为对照组、模型组、黄芩素组(腹腔注射30 mg/kg黄芩素)、黄芩素+抑制剂组(腹腔注射30 mg/kg黄芩素+7.5 mg/kg LY294002),对大鼠进行Loeffler神经行为评分,H-E染色观察大鼠脑组织病理学变化,伊文思蓝染色检测血脑屏障通透性,分别检测脑脊液IL-1β、IL-6水平及白细胞计数(WBC)、脑组织含水量,水通道蛋白4(AQP4)、闭锁蛋白-5(claudin-5)、PI3K/Akt/NF-κB通路相关蛋白表达。结果:对照组大鼠脑组织结构正常,细胞排列整齐,模型组大鼠脑组织细胞排列紊乱,大量炎症细胞浸润。与对照组比较,模型组Loeffler评分及脑组织AQP4、claudin-5、p-PI3K、p-Akt表达水平显著降低,脑脊液IL-1β、IL-6水平及WBC、脑组织EB含量及含水量、p-NF-κB p65表达水平显著升高;黄芩素组较模型组病理损伤减轻,炎症细胞减少。与模型组比较,黄芩素组Loeffler评分及脑组织AQP4、claudin-5、p-PI3K、p-Akt表达水平显著升高,脑脊液IL-1β、IL-6水平及WBC、脑组织EB含量及含水量、p-NF-κB p65表达水平显著降低;LY294002可部分逆转黄芩素对BM大鼠血脑屏障通透性的改善作用。结论:黄芩素可改善BM大鼠脑水肿及血脑屏障通透性,可能与调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路有关。

茯苓酸调节PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路对大鼠幽门螺旋杆菌相关性胃炎的治疗作用

目的 探讨茯苓酸(PA)对大鼠幽门螺旋杆菌(Hp)相关性胃炎的治疗效果及作用机制。方法 建立Hp相关性胃炎大鼠模型;所有大鼠分为对照组(CT组)、模型组(M组)、PA低剂量组(PA L组)和PA高剂量组(PA H组)、PA H+磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)激活剂(740 Y-P)组;评估各组大鼠胃黏膜损伤指数(UI),透射电子显微镜观察胃黏膜细胞形态学,HE染色评价胃黏膜病理学特征,ELISA检测胃组织白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、IL-10、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的水平,Western blot法检测PI3K、磷酸化-PI3K(p-PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、p-AKT、核因子(NF)-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达。结果 与CT组比较,M组大鼠胃黏膜糜烂,上皮水肿、充血、溃疡严重,上皮细胞固缩,炎性细胞浸润,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平升高,IL-10和SOD水平降低(P<0.05);与M组比较,PA L组、PA H组大鼠胃黏膜损伤改善,炎性细胞浸润减少,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平降低,IL-10和SOD水平升高(P<0.05);与PA H组比较,PA H+740 Y-P组大鼠胃黏膜病理损伤加重,上皮细胞固缩,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平升高,IL-10和SOD水平降低(P<0.05)。结论 PA可能通过抑制PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路发挥对大鼠Hp相关性胃炎的治疗作用。

山姜素调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路对冠心病大鼠心肌损伤的影响

目的:探讨山姜素调控磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对冠心病(CHD)大鼠心肌损伤的影响。方法:选取健康成年SPF级SD雄性大鼠60只,随机分为空白组、模型组、山姜素小剂量组、山姜素中剂量组、山姜素高剂量组各12只,采用Western blot法检测大鼠PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路蛋白表达,采用ELISA法检测大鼠炎症因子指标[肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)、白介素-18(IL-18)]和氧化应激指标[活性氧(ROS)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、丙二醛(MDA)],观察并记录大鼠心肌损伤情况。结果:与空白组比较,模型组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积更大(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积均缩小(P<0.05),且高剂量组的心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积小于山姜素中、小剂量组,中剂量组心肌缺血和心肌梗死面积小于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB均升高(P<0.05),且高剂量组的PI3K、Akt、NF-κB高于山姜素中、小剂量组,中剂量组PI3K、Akt、NF-κB高于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18均降低(P<0.05),且山姜素高剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18低于中、小剂量组,山姜素中剂量组的TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-18低于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。与空白组比较,模型组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA更高(P<0.05),与模型组比较,山姜素小、中、高剂量组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA均降低(P<0.05),且山姜素高剂量组ROS、GSH-Px、MDA低于山姜素中、小剂量组,山姜素中剂量组的ROS、GSH-Px、MDA低于山姜素小剂量组(P<0.05)。结论:山姜素可通过调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路改善CHD大鼠心肌炎症和氧化应激状况,进而发挥心肌保护作用。

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。

IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2在结直肠癌中的表达及临床意义

目的探讨核因子κb激酶亚基ε的抑制剂(IKBKE)、Yes相关蛋白1(YAP1)和转录增强结构域转录因子2(TEAD2)在结直肠癌(CRC)组织中的表达及其临床意义。方法收集2016年1月至2017年12月在蚌埠医科大学第一附属医院手术切除的142例CRC组织及对应癌旁组织,采用免疫组化法检测标本中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2的表达情况。分析3种蛋白在CRC组织中表达的相关性,分析蛋白阳性率与患者临床病理参数及预后的关系;绘制Kaplan-Meier生存曲线,比较这些蛋白不同表达情况患者的生存差异。采用Cox回归分析影响患者预后的危险因素。结果CRC组织中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2的阳性率均显著高于癌旁组织(65.5%比9.9%,73.9%比14.1%,66.9%比8.5%,均P<0.05)。IKBKE的表达与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移、肿瘤-淋巴结-远处转移(TNM)分期有关,YAP1和TEAD2的表达均与肿瘤的分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移、远处转移及TNM分期有关。Spearman秩相关分析显示CRC组织中IKBKE与YAP1、TEAD2表达均呈正相关(均P<0.01)。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性表达组的总生存率降低。Cox回归分析显示IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性、肿瘤分化程度高、TNM分期高是CRC患者预后的独立危险因素。结论CRC中IKBKE、YAP1和TEAD2阳性表达与肿瘤的分化程度、TNM分期、转移等因素有关,可能成为CRC治疗的潜在靶点;检测这3个蛋白的表达有助于评估预后。

Nuclear factor-κB in signal conduction of protein kinase C in T lymphocytes from an asthmatic guinea pig model

Objective To explore the role of nuclear factor κB (NF κB) in the signal conduction of protein kinase C (PKC) regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of Th2 cytokines - interleukin 4 (IL 4) and interleukin 5 (IL 5) of T lymphocytes in the bronchial alveolus lavage fluid (BALF) Methods T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from BALF of asthmatic guinea pigs in normal and asthmatic groups, and were stimulated with PKC agitator phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate (PMA) and NF κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), respectively The expressions of NF κB, IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein, the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes were observed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, ELISA, MTT and TUNEL, respectively Results The activation of NF κB, proliferation response, and expression of IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein in T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA were significantly higher than those of their blank control ( P 【0 01), while those indexes of T lymphocytes stimulated by PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly lower than those stimulated by PMA alone ( P 【0 01) The apoptotic index of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly lower than that of their blank control ( P 【0 01), and the apoptotic index of asthmatic guinea pig T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and PDTC simultaneously were significantly higher than that stimulated by PMA alone ( P 【0 01) The significant positive correlations were found between the activation of NF κB and the proliferation ( r =0 64, P 【0 001), and the expression of IL 4 and IL 5 mRNA and protein of T lymphocytes, respectively ( r =0 55-0 68, P 【0 001) There was also significant negative correlation between the activation of NF κB and apoptosis of T lymphocytes ( r =0 62, P 【0 001) Conclusions NF κB may participate in the signal conduction of PKC regulated proliferation, apoptosis and expression of IL 4 and IL 5 of T lymphocytes in asthma The activation of NF κB in PKC signal conduction pathway of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma

Puerarin partly counteracts the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

IL-36 Cytokine Expression and Its Relationship with p38 MAPK and NF-κB Pathways in Psoriasis Vulgaris Skin Lesions

Summary： This study examined the correlation of the expression of interleukin-36 （IL-36）, a novel member of interleukin-1 （IL-1） family, with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） and nu clear factor-kappa B （NF-kB） pathways in psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions. The expression levels of IL-36a, IL-3613, IL-367, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and NF-id3p65 were detected in the skin tissues of 38 psoriasis patients and 17 healthy control subjects by real-time quantitative reverse transcription po lymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR） and Western blotting. The cytokine expression levels were com pared between the psoriasis group and the control group. A correlation analysis between cytokine pro teins was performed in the psoriasis group. Results showed that the expression levels of IL-36a, IL-3613, IL-36y, phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-rh3p65 in the psoriasis group were Significantly higher than those in the control group （P〈0.001）. In the psoriasis group, the IL-36 cytokine expression was positively correlated with phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-kBp65 expression （P〈0.05）. A significant positive correlation was also found between the phosphorylated p38 MAPK and NF-v,.Bp65 expression （P〈0.01）. It was concluded that the increased IL-36 expression is correlated with p38 MAPK and NF-kB pathways in psoriasis vulgaris skin lesions. All the three factors may be jointly involved in the pathogenesis and local inflammatory response of psoriasis.

Effect of cigarette smoke extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway in cultured cells

Background Lipopolysaccharide （LPS） forms outer membrane of the wall of Gram-negative cells. LPS can directly cause damage to epithelia of respiratory tract and is the major factor responsible for the chronic inflammation of respiratory passage. The mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signal transduction pathway of the airway epithelia is intimately associated with the action of LPS. The chronic inflammation of respiratory tract and smoking are interrelated and entwined in the development and progression of chronic lung diseases. This study was designed to examine the effects of cigarette smoke extract （CSE） and LPS on MAPK signal transduction pathway in order to further understand the roles CSE and LPS play in chronic lung inflammation. Methods Cultured primary human epithelial cells of airway were divided into four groups according to the stimulants used： blank control group, LPS-stimulation group, CSE-stimulation group and CSE plus LPS group. Western blotting was employed for the detection of phosphorylation level of extracellular-signal-regulated-kinase （ERK1/2）, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）. The expression of cytokines of MAPK transduction pathway （granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor （GM-CSF） and mRNA of IL-8） in the primary epithelial cells of respiratory tract was also determined. Results Western blotting revealed that the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK were low and 2 hours after the LPS stimulation, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK were all increased. There was a significant difference in the phosphorylation between the LPS-stimulation group and blank control group （P〈0.05）; no significant difference was found between CSE-stimulation group and blank control group （P〉0.05）; there was a significant difference between CSE ＋ LPS group and blank control group and between CSE ＋ LPS group and LPS group （P〈0.05）. The phosphorylation of CSE-LPS group was higher than that of blank control group but lower than that of LPS group. In blank control group, the expression of IL-8 and GM-CSF mRNA was low in the epithelial cells of airway and the release of IL-8 and GM-CSF was also at a low level. One hour after LPS stimulation, the level of IL-8 mRNA increased （P〈0.05） and reached a peak after 2 hours. On the other hand, GM-CSF mRNA level increased 2 hours after the stimulation （P〈0.05） and reached the highest level 4 hours after the stimulation. Two hours after LPS stimulation, IL-8 and GM-CSF protein level began to rise （P〈0.05）, and the level was the highest 8 hours after the stimulation （P〈0.01）. Stimulation with CSE alone had no effect on the release of IL-8 and GM-CSF and expression of IL-8 mRNA （P〉0.05）, but pre-treatment with CSE could delay the LPS-induced release of IL-8 and GM-CSF and the expression of IL-8 mRNA and its peak was lower. Conclusions LPS stimulation can significantly increase the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK in the epithelial cells of airway and activate the MAPK transduction pathway, thereby can activate the downstream signal transduction pathway, and can ultimately result in the release of cytokines by the epithelial cells of airway. CSE can partially abolish the LPS-induced activation of MAPK signal transduction pathway and the expression of cytokines of the pathway, which might contribute to the development and progression of the inflammatory reactions in COPD patients.

Crotalaria ferruginea extract attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

Objective:To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Crotalaria ferruginea extract(CFE)and its mechanism.Methods:An intratracheal lipopolysaccharide(LPS)instillationinduced acute lung injury(ALI)model was used to study the antiinflammatory activity of CFE in vivo.The LPS-induced shock model was used to analyze the effect of CFE on survival.LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell model was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of CFE in vitro and the effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)or nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathways.Results:CFE administration decreased the number of inflammatory cells,reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interferon-γ,and diminished protein content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice.CFE also reduced lung wet-to-dry weight ratio,myeloperoxidase,and lung tissue pathological injury.CFE preadministration improved the survival rate of mice challenged with a lethal dose of LPS.CFE reduced LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells to produce nitric oxide,TNF-α,MCP-1,and IL-6.Furthermore,CFE inhibited nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB P65,extracellular signal-regulated kinase,c-Jun N-terminal kinases,and P38 MAPKs.Conclusions:CFE exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced ALI mice,LPS-shock mice,and RAW264.7 cells,and its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.Crotalaria ferruginea may be a useful therapeutic drug for the treatment of ALI and other respiratory inflammations.

基于PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路探讨升阳益胃汤对肺癌大鼠免疫力的影响

目的探究升阳益胃汤对肺癌大鼠免疫力的影响及其可能作用机制。方法72只SPF级Wistar大鼠随机抽取12只为对照组,其余60只大鼠采用气管内灌注致癌碘化油溶液法建立肺癌模型,并分为模型组、顺铂组(5 mg/kg)、升阳益胃汤组(14 g/kg)、磷酸肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)激活剂740 Y-P组(10 mg/kg)、升阳益胃汤+740 Y-P组(升阳益胃汤14 g/kg+740 Y-P 10 mg/kg),每组12只。给予相应的药物干预后,流式细胞术检测外周血T淋巴细胞亚群CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)、CD8^(+)占比,计算CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清炎性因子白细胞介素(IL)-6、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和免疫球蛋白(Ig)G、IgA、IgM水平;取肺、脾和胸腺并称质量,计算肺、脾、胸腺指数;HE染色观察肺组织病理学变化;实时荧光定量PCR检测肺组织基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)和细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)mRNA表达;Western blot检测肺组织PI3K/蛋白激酶B(Akt)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)通路相关蛋白表达。结果与对照组相比,模型组CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)占比和CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值、脾和胸腺指数、IgG、IgA、IgM水平降低,CD8^(+)占比、肺指数、IL-6和TNF-α水平、肺组织ICAM-1 mRNA和MMP-9 mRNA水平、p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt比值和核NF-κB p65蛋白水平升高(均P<0.05),肺组织左叶增生、鳞状上皮化生、大量肿瘤细胞片状或条索状排列紊乱,伴有较多炎性细胞浸润;与模型组相比,升阳益胃汤组CD3^(+)、CD4^(+)占比和CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)比值、脾和胸腺指数、IgG、IgA、IgM水平升高,CD8^(+)占比、肺指数、IL-6和TNF-α水平、肺组织ICAM-1 mRNA和MMP-9 mRNA水平、p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt比值和核NF-κB p65蛋白水平降低(均P<0.05),肺组织病变减轻,肺组织肿胀不明显,肺泡囊及上皮细胞结构基本清晰;在使用740 Y-P的基础上,加用升阳益胃汤干预可明显抑制PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路,增强肺癌大鼠免疫力。结论升阳益胃汤可能通过抑制PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路,增强肺癌大鼠T淋巴细胞免疫力。

葫芦巴碱调节PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路对变应性接触性皮炎大鼠免疫反应的影响

目的探讨葫芦巴碱对变应性接触性皮炎(ACD)大鼠免疫、炎性反应及PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路的影响。方法60只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、ACD组、葫芦巴碱(低、中、高)剂量组(20、40、80 mg/kg)和PI3K抑制剂(LY294002)组(40 mg/kg),每组10只。除正常组外,其余组大鼠采用2,4二硝基氟苯(DNFB)诱导ACD模型。给药结束后,通过录像观察大鼠挠痒行为;HE染色检测大鼠耳皮肤组织病理学变化;ELISA检测大鼠血清IgE及Th1、Th2、Th17型细胞因子(IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17)水平;Western blot检测大鼠耳皮肤组织中炎性因子(IL-1β、IL-6)蛋白及PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果与正常组比较,ACD组大鼠挠痒次数增加,血清IgE、IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17水平及耳皮肤组织中IL-1β、IL-6蛋白表达和p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、p-NF-κB/NF-κB比值升高(P<0.05),耳皮肤组织角化过度且可见大量炎性细胞浸润;与ACD组比较,葫芦巴碱(低、中、高)剂量组和LY294002组大鼠挠痒次数减少,血清IgE、IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17水平及耳皮肤组织中IL-1β、IL-6蛋白表达和p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、p-NF-κB/NF-κB比值降低(P<0.05),耳皮肤组织病理损伤均有所改善,且葫芦巴碱各给药组呈剂量依赖效应;葫芦巴碱高剂量组和LY294002组大鼠上述指标比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论葫芦巴碱可抑制ACD大鼠皮肤组织中PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路激活,调控Th1、Th2、Th17型免疫应答并减轻皮肤局部和全身炎性反应。

小鼠初级精母细胞GC-2中TUBB4B的表达及其对NF-κB和MAPK信号通路的调控

目的探究微管蛋白(TUBB4B)与胞浆羧肽酶(CCP1)在小鼠初级精母细胞(GC-2)中的互相作用关系,以及TUBB4B在调控GC-2发育中的作用。方法使用慢病毒感染GC-2细胞分别构建TUBB4B基因敲减组(TUBB4B-KD组)和阴性对照组(NCKD组);TUBB4B基因过表达组(TUBB4B-OE组)与阴性对照组(NC-OE组),利用嘌呤霉素筛选稳定细胞株。采用RT-qPCR和Western blot分别在mRNA和蛋白水平上检测细胞模型是否构建成功,并进一步探究在GC-2细胞中TUBB4B与CCP1二者之间相互调控的表达关系。CCK8及流式细胞术检测TUBB4B沉默和过表达后对GC-2细胞增殖及周期的影响;Western blot及细胞免疫荧光实验找出TUBB4B沉默和过表达后发生表达改变的信号通路因子,并在细胞水平上进行标记验证。结果GC-2中与NC-KD(NC-OE)组相比,TUBB4B沉默和过表达后,CCP1在mRNA和蛋白水平上的表达均发生一致的性改变(P<0.05);同样CCP1敲减和恢复表达后与NC组相比,TUBB4B的表达也随之发生一致的性改变(P<0.05)。CCK8和流式细胞术实验发现TUBB4B敲减和过表达对GC-2的增殖速率和细胞的周期无明显改变。Western blot和细胞免疫荧光实验显示TUBB4B敲减和过表达后,细胞中核因子κB(NF-κB)信号通路关键蛋白:p65,p-p65与丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号通路关键蛋白:ErK1/2,p-ErK1/2会发生相应的明显改变(P<0.05);而CCP1敲减后会明显影响PolyE表达(P<0.05)。结论在GC-2细胞中TUBB4B与CCP1表达相互调控为正向作用,且CCP1对TUBB4B具有去谷氨酰化修饰作用,TUBB4B参与初级精母细胞中NF-κB和MAPK信号通路的调控。

Rhamnus crenata leaf extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory activity via modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways

Objective:To elucidate the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Rhamnus crenata leaf extracts using RAW264.7 cells.Methods:We used 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay to measure cell viability.Nitric oxide(NO)production was measured using Griess reagent.Western blotting and RT-PCR assays were carried out for analyzing the protein and gene expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators,respectively.Moreover,PD98059(ERK1/2 inhibitor),SB203580(p38 inhibitor),SP600125(JNK inhibitor),and BAY11-7082(NF-κB inhibitor)were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Rhamnus crenata leaf extract.Results:Rhamnus crenata leaf extracts significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO,iNOS,COX-2,IL-1β,and TNF-αin lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.Rhamnus crenata leaf extracts also suppressed LPS-induced degradation of IκB-αand nuclear accumulation of p65,which resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB activation in RAW264.7 cells.Additionally,the extracts attenuated the phosphorylation of p38,ERK1/2,and JNK in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.Moreover,HO-1 expression induced by Rhamnus crenata leaf extracts was significantly downregulated by SB230580,PD98059,SP600125 and BAY11-7082.Conclusions:Rhamnus crenata leaf extract may upregulate HO-1 expression through inhibition of p38,ERK1/2,and NF-κB activation,which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts.Rhamnus crenata leaf extracts may have great potential for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs to treat acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Metformin alleviates LTA-induced inflammatory response through PPARγ/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Mastitis is a common inflammatory cow mammary infection;that causes significant economic loss in dairy industry.Given the interesting connection between metformin’s anti-inflammatory function and mastitis model induced by LTA in pbMECs,our objective was to prove that metformin was beneficial in suppressing proinflammatory response induced by LTA through modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathways and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPARγ)in pbMECs.The proliferation of cells and mRNA expression were measured using EdU assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to evaluate the expression of target proteins in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to metformin and LTA.Finally,pbMECs were allowed to treat with the PPAR antagonist GW9662,and inflammatory markers were detected in the cells.Our results showed that LTA concentration at 100μg/mL significantly stimulated the MAPK14,IL-6 and IL-1βmRNA expressions compared to the control cells(P<0.05)in dose-dependent tests for LTA.Metformin suppressed the phosphorylation expressions of MAPK(ERK1/2,p38,and JNK)in LTA-stimulated pbMECs.Metformin also reduced the protein expression of NF-κB,interleukin-8(IL-8),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in pbMECs pretreated with LTA.Metformin administration activated PPARγphosphorylation by up-regulating the expression of PPARγin LTA-stimulated pbMECs.Treatment with GW9662 resulted in increased IL-6 expression,which was reversed by metformin.These findings collectively indicated that metformin act to attenuate LTA-stimulated inflammatory response in pbMECs by suppressing MAPK and NF-κB activation via a mechanism partially dependent on PPARγactivation.These results suggested that metformin could function as an anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of mastitis.

黄芪多糖调控p38 MAPK/NF-κB通路减轻脂多糖诱导鼻黏膜上皮细胞炎症损伤的实验研究

目的探讨黄芪多糖(astragalus polysaccharide,Asp)对脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)诱导的鼻黏膜上皮细胞(nasal mucosal epithelial cell,NMEC)炎症损伤的影响及作用机制。方法取人NMEC细胞株分为对照组、LPS组、Asp组、Anisomycin组和Asp+Anisomycin组。CCK-8法检测细胞增殖活性;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率;免疫荧光法检测p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38 MAPK)阳性表达;免疫组织化学法检测磷酸化核因子κB(phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B,p-NF-κB)阳性表达;酶联免疫吸附测定检测白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、细胞间黏附因子(intercelluar adhesion molecule,ICAM)-1水平;蛋白质印迹法检测黏蛋白2(mucin 2,MUC2)、p38 MAPK、磷酸化p38 MAPK(p-p38 MAPK)、核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)、p-NF-κB蛋白表达。结果LPS处理的NMEC细胞增殖降低、炎症因子分泌增加、凋亡率升高、p38 MAPK/NF-κB通路磷酸化途径激活(P<0.05)。Asp可阻断p38 MAPK/NF-κB途径,缓解NMEC炎症损伤及凋亡(P<0.05)。Anisomycin可逆转Asp的上述作用(P<0.05)。结论Asp可通过抑制p38 MAPK/NF-κB途径,抑制炎症反应,缓解LPS诱导的NMEC炎症损伤及凋亡。