Receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis and vascular calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease

Vascular calcifications are commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD) and contribute to the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates observed in these patients populations. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, recent evidence suggests a link between bone metabolism and the development and progression of vascular calcifications. Moreover, accumulating data indicate that receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin axis which plays essential roles in the regulation of bone metabolism is also involved in extra-osseous bone formation. Further studies are required to establish the prognostic significance of the above biomarkers as predictors of the presence and severity of vascular calcifications in CKD patients and of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify whether inhibition of osteoclast activity will protect from vascular calcifications.

Semaphorin 7A impairs barrier function in cultured human corneal epithelial cells in a manner dependent on nuclear factor-kappa B

●AIM:To evaluate the role of semaphorin 7A(Sema7A)and its associated regulatory mechanisms in modulating the barrier function of cultured human corneal epithelial cells(HCEs).●METHODS:Barrier models of HCEs were treated with recombinant human Sema7A at concentrations of 0,125,250,or 500 ng/mL for 24,48,or 72h in vitro.Transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER)as well as Dextran-fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)permeability assays were conducted to assess barrier function.To quantify tight junctions(TJs)such as occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)at the mRNA level,reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)analysis was performed.Immunoblotting was used to examine the activity of the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and the production of TJs proteins.Immunofluorescence analyses were employed to localize the TJs.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and RT-PCR were utilized to observe changes in interleukin(IL)-1βlevels.To investigate the role of NF-κB signaling activation and IL^(-1)βin Sema7A’s anti-barrier mechanism,we employed 0.1μmol/L IκB kinase 2(IKK2)inhibitor IV or 500 ng/mL IL^(-1)receptor(IL-1R)antagonist.●RESULTS:Treatment with Sema7A resulted in decreased TEER and increased permeability of Dextran-FITC in HCEs through down-regulating mRNA and protein levels of TJs in a time-and dose-dependent manner,as well as altering the localization of TJs.Furthermore,Sema7A stimulated the activation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha(IκBα)and expression of IL-1β.The anti-barrier function of Sema7A was significantly suppressed by treatment with IKK2 inhibitor IV or IL-1R antagonists.●CONCLUSION:Sema7A disrupts barrier function through its influence on NF-κB-mediated expression of TJ proteins,as well as the expression of IL-1β.These findings suggest that Sema7A could be a potential therapeutic target for the diseases in corneal epithelium.

Silencing of Jumonji domain-containing 1C inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via nuclear factor-κB signaling

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder induced by an imbalance between osteoclastic activity and osteogenic activity.During osteoporosis,bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)exhibit an increased ability to differentiate into adipocytes and a decreased ability to differentiate into osteoblasts,resulting in bone loss.Jumonji domain-containing 1C(JMJD1C)has been demonstrated to suppress osteoclastogenesis.AIM To examine the effect of JMJD1C on the osteogenesis of BMSCs and the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS BMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow tissues.Oil Red O staining,Alizarin red staining,alkaline phosphatase staining and the expression of adipo-genic and osteogenic-associated genes were assessed to determine the differen-tiation of BMSCs.Bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs)were incubated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaΒligand to induce osteoclast differentiation,and osteoclast differen-tiation was confirmed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.Other related genes were measured via reverse transcription coupled to the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta.RESULTS The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs isolated from mouse bone marrow samples was evaluated.JMJD1C mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in BMSCs after osteoblast induction,while p-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory cytokines were not significantly altered.Knockdown of JMJD1C repressed osteogenic differentiation and enhanced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release in BMSCs.Moreover,JMJD1C expression decreased during BMM osteoclast differentiation.CONCLUSION The JMJD1C/NF-κB signaling pathway is potentially involved in BMSC osteogenic differentiation and may play vital roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Are TrkB receptor agonists the right tool to fulfill the promises for a therapeutic value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor tro pomyosin receptor kinase B regulates several crucial physiological processes.It has been shown to act in the brain,promoting neuronal survival,growth,and plasticity as well as in the rest of the body where it is involved in regulating for instance aspects of the metabolism.Due to its crucial and very pleiotro pic activity,reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling have been found to be associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases.Howeve r,because of its poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties,brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself has a very low therapeutic value.Moreover,the concomitant binding of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the p75 neurotrophin receptor has the potential to elicit several unwanted and deleterious side effects.Therefo re,developing tools and approaches to specifically promote tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling has become an important goal of translational research.Among the newly developed tools are different categories of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist molecules.In this review,we give a comprehensive description of the diffe rent tro pomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs developed so far and of the res ults of their application in animal models of several neurological diseases.Moreover,we discuss the main benefits of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists,concentrating especially on the new tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies.The benefits observed both in vitro and in vivo upon application of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs seem to predominantly depend on their general neuroprotective activity and their ability to promote neuronal plasticity.Moreover,tro pomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies have been shown to specifically bind the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and not p75 neurotrophin receptor.Therefore,while,based on the current knowledge,the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists do not seem to have the potential to reve rse the disease pathology per se,promoting brainderived neurotrophic factor/tro pomyosin receptor kinase B signaling still has a very high therapeutic relevance.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors in the Garoua Central Prison, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Garoua city is the headquarters of the North Region of Cameroon, where the HBV prevalence is among the highest of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriage and associated factors among persons incarcerated in the Garoua Central Prison. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2023 at the Garoua Central prison. We included all prisoners willing to participate in the study and who gave their verbal consent. We collected data using a pre-established data entry form and we used rapid test for blood screening for HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) with ELISA confirmation. Data were analyzed using the R® software for Windows. After the univariate analysis, we selected associated variables to HBV infection with p-value p-value was set at 5%. Results: We included 1389 prisoners out of which 97.6% were male. The median age (IQR) of the study population was 28 (23 - 35) years. The median (IQR) duration of incarceration was 12 (6 - 26) months and the mean (±sd) number of incarcerations was 1.24 (±0.6). HBV prevalence was estimated at 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0 - 16.7). Upon uni- and multivariate analysis, no risk factor was significantly associated with viral hepatitis B infection in our study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B was high in the Garoua Central Prison, but there were no additional risk factors for HBV infection. There is a need to include the Garoua Central Prison and by the way other prisons in the country in the chronic viral hepatitis care program.

Factors Associated with Renal Impairment in Patients on Tenofovir for Chronic Hepatitis B in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is widely used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But kidney abnormalities are the main concern using this drug. Few studies have described the renal impairment due to the TFV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to evaluate factors associated with renal impairment observed in patients on TFV for CHB. Method: It was a hospital based cross sectional prospective study carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and included any patient treated with TFV for CHB during at least a period of 6 months. For each participant, we collected in the medical report socio-demographic data, clinical data, baseline creatinine, treatment information (type of TFV which was Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Alafenamide (TAF), duration). Then, we collected blood samples to measure serum creatinine and phosphate levels and urine dipstick analysis. Factors associated with renal impairment were assessed with the Odds Ratio. A p value of Results: A total of 60 participants were included. The median age was 44 years [36-55] and median duration of TFV therapy was 17.5 months [11.7-25.7]. The prevalence of reduced eGFR (Conclusion: Kidney function was impaired in some patients receiving TFV for CHB. It should be monitored, particularly after 36 months and for those receiving TDF prodrug.

Prospective study of hepatitis B and D epidemiology and risk factors in Romania:A 10-year update

BACKGROUND The global burden of hepatitis D virus(HDV)infection represents a major medical challenge and a public health crisis worldwide.However,there is a lack of accurate data on the epidemiology and risk factors for HDV.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)and HDV coinfection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis,leading to a higher cumulative incidence of liver-related events compared with HBV monoinfection,including the need for liver transplantation and death.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,natural history,risk factors and clinical management of HBV and HDV coinfection in Romanian patients.METHODS This prospective study was conducted between January and July 2022 in six tertiary gastroenterology and hepatology referral centres in Romania.All consecutive adults admitted for any gastroenterology diagnosis who were HBV-positive were enrolled.Patients with acute hepatitis or incomplete data were excluded.Of the 25390 individuals who presented with any type of gastroenterology diagnosis during the study period,963 met the inclusion criteria.Testing for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA was performed for all participants.Demographic and risk factor data were collected by investigators using medical charts and patient questionnaires.All data were stored in an anonymized online database during the study.RESULTS The prevalence of HBV was 3.8%;among these patients,the prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was 33.1%.The median age of the study population was 54.0 years,and it consisted of 55.1%men.A higher prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was observed in patients 50–69 years old.Patients with HBV/HDV coinfection were significantly older than those with HBV monoinfection(P=0.03).Multivariate multiple regression analysis identified female gender(P=0.0006),imprisonment(P<0.0001),older age at diagnosis(P=0.01)and sexual contact with persons with known viral hepatitis(P=0.0003)as significant risk factors for HDV.CONCLUSION This study shows that HDV infection among those with HBV remains endemic in Romania and updates our understanding of HDV epidemiology and associated risk factors.It emphasizes the need for systematic screening for HDV infection and collaborative initiatives for controlling and preventing HBV and HDV infection.

Evaluation of combined detection of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and glutathione peroxidase 4 in primary hepatic carcinoma and preliminary exploration of pathogenesis

This study aims to analyze the clinical significance and mechanism of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC).Methods:The expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in peripheral blood of patients with PHC was determined to analyze the diagnostic value of the two combined for PHC.The prognostic significance of NRF2 and GPX4 was evaluated by 3-year followup.Human liver epithelial cells THLE-2 and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 were purchased,and the expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in the cells was determined.NRF2 and GPX4 aberrant expression vectors were constructed and transfected into HepG2,and changes in cell proliferation and invasion capabilities were observed.Results:The expression of NRF2 and GPX4 in patients with PHC was higher than that in patients with LC or VH(p<0.05),and the two indicators combined was excellent in diagnosing PHC.Moreover,patients with high expression of NRF2 and GPX4 had a higher risk of death(p<0.05).In in vitro experiments,both NRF2 and GPX4 expression was elevated in HepG2(p<0.05).HepG2 activity was enhanced by increasing the expression of the two,vice versa(p<0.05).Conclusion:NRF2 and GPX4 combined is excellent in diagnosing PHC,and promotes the malignant development of PHC.

针刺对干眼兔角膜形态学及角膜组织NF-κB信号通路的影响

目的 探讨针刺对干眼兔角膜形态学及角膜组织NF-κB信号通路的影响,分析针刺对干眼的作用机制。方法 取雌雄不拘的健康新西兰兔24只,随机分为空白组、模型组、针刺组、假针刺组,每组6只。空白组为正常对照组,不加任何处理;其余3组动物每天800、 1100、1400和1800时于皮下注射氢溴酸东莨菪碱2.0 mg·kg-1,连续35 d直至实验结束。假针刺组:于造模后第22天给予假针刺治疗(睛明BL1、攒竹BL2、丝竹空SJ23、太阳穴EX-HN5、瞳子髎GB1),钝针头点刺穴位,不刺进穴位,每天1次,连续14 d。针刺组:于造模成功后第22天给予针刺治疗,穴位同假针刺组。造模后第0、21、28、35天分别进行角膜荧光素染色,第35天进行角膜共焦显微镜检查,之后处死动物,在光学显微镜、透射电子显微镜下观察角膜形态学变化,采用Western blot检测角膜组织NF-κB蛋白的表达。结果 与模型组相比,造模后第28、35天,针刺组、空白组兔角膜荧光素染色评分均减小,差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。造模后第35天共焦显微镜检查结果显示,模型组和假针刺组与其他组相比,兔角膜基质层出现大量球状免疫细胞和边界不清大小不规律的活化基质层细胞,可见具有不规则细胞间间隙的区域,存在炎症;针刺组基质层细胞形态得到改善,细胞呈轻微激活状态,角膜神经形态未见明显异常。造模后第35天光学显微镜检查结果显示,模型组和假针刺组兔角膜组织表面可见角化过度的扁平上皮细胞,淋巴细胞浸润,局灶上皮细胞层数增多,表面上皮细胞脱落;针刺组角膜上皮有接近4~6层上皮细胞,上皮脱落减少,与模型组相比,淋巴细胞浸润减少。造模后第35天透射电子显微镜检查结果显示,模型组和假针刺组兔角膜上皮细胞出现异常的微绒毛结构和上皮细胞缺失,细胞间隙增宽,粗面内质网严重扩张,桥粒解体伴随线粒体肿胀;针刺组上皮细胞微绒毛结构稀疏且短,仍见局部缺失,粗面内质网轻度扩张,线粒体未见明显肿胀。造模后第35天Western blot检测结果显示,与空白组相比,模型组、假针刺组p-NF-κB p65表达均上调(均为P<0.05);与模型组、假针刺组相比,针刺组p-NF-κB p65表达均下调(均为P<0.05)。结论 针刺可以抑制NF-κB信号通路从而发挥抗炎作用,改善兔干眼模型角膜炎症和损伤。

褪黑素通过NF-κB/NLRP3信号抑制子宫内膜异位症的进展机制研究

目的:探讨褪黑素(MEL)对子宫内膜异位症(EMT)进展的抑制作用,以及其对核转录因子κB(NF-κB)/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)信号的调控机制。方法:通过自体子宫内膜皮下种植法构建EMT大鼠。动物实验模型分假手术组(Sham组,大鼠在造模过程中仅进行子宫片段剪取)和实验处理4组,分别为:模型组(EMT组,大鼠进行自体子宫内膜皮下种植)、褪黑素组(EMT+MEL组,以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理)、EMT+NF-κB信号通路激活剂佛波酯(PMA)组(EMT+PMA组,以5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)、EMT+MEL+PMA组(以50 mg/kg的MEL灌胃处理和5 mg/kg的PMA腹腔注射)。检测各组大鼠子宫内膜异位的质量、血清和腹腔液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)的含量;免疫组化、免疫荧光检测各组样本中髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的表达;Western blot实验检测各组样本中NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达。结果:与Sham组相比,实验处理4组大鼠中动情周期紊乱的比例、异位子宫内膜的质量、血清以及腹腔液中TNF-α和IL-6的含量、MPO和VEGF的表达及NF-κB/NLRP3信号通路相关蛋白的表达均明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与EMT组相比,EMT+MEL组和EMT+MEL+PAM组以上各项指标明显下降,而EMT+PAM组各项指标明显升高;与EMT+MEL组相比,EMT+MEL+PAM组、EMT+PAM组以上各项指标明显升高,以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:MEL能明显抑制EMT中的炎症反应,抑制EMT的进展,这可能通过抑制NF-κB/NLRP3信号的激活实现的。

白细胞介素6与核因子κB对胰腺癌的诊断价值及其与临床病理分期的关系研究

目的探究白细胞介素6(IL-6)、核因子κB(NF-κB)对胰腺癌的诊断价值及其与胰腺癌临床病理分期的关系。方法收集2019年6月至2022年6月新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院收治的68例胰腺癌患者作为病例组,60例同期于本院门诊健康体检者作为对照组。检测2组受试者血清中IL-6、NF-κB的表达水平,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析IL-6、NF-κB表达对胰腺癌诊断的价值;比较不同临床病理分期患者血清IL-6、NF-κB水平的表达差异。结果病例组患者血清IL-6和NF-κB水平明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义[IL-6:16.33(8.41,67.41)ng/L比6.15(5.55,7.33)ng/L,Z=6.109,P<0.001;NF-κB:449.52(230.37,568.28)ng/L比150.35(126.48,167.30)ng/L,Z=5.463,P<0.001]。IL-6、NF-κB诊断胰腺癌ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.813±0.041、0.920±0.024,联合检测的AUC为0.923±0.024。T_(3)、T_(4)期胰腺癌患者血清IL-6、NF-κB水平与T_(1)、T_(2)期患者比较差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。血清IL-6、NF-κB水平随着淋巴结转移程度(N_(0)~N_(2))的增高而增高,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05),且N_(1)、N_(2)期胰腺癌患者血清IL-6、NF-κB水平与N_(0)期患者相比,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。远处转移胰腺癌患者(M_(1))的血清IL-6、NF-κB水平高于未远处转移的患者(M_(0)),差异有统计学意义(P=0.024)。结论血清IL-6、NF-κB可以作为胰腺癌早期诊断、临床病理分期的血清学标志物,其可能与胰腺癌的发生、发展密切相关。

PCNA、Bcl-2及EGFR在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系

目的探讨增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)及表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)在喉癌组织中的表达及与临床病理特征、生存的关系。方法选取2017年3月—2020年1月在苏州大学附属第一医院因喉癌行手术治疗的92例患者的喉癌组织及对应癌旁组织标本。检测癌组织与癌旁组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量,多元线性回归分析其癌组织表达与临床病理特征的关系。随访3年,采用Kaplain-Maier曲线分析不同PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平患者生存情况差异。结果癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量高于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。不同年龄、肿瘤部位患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);低分化,临床分期Ⅲ、Ⅳ期及淋巴结转移患者PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA相对表达量分别高于中、高分化,临床分期Ⅰ、Ⅱ期,无淋巴结转移患者(P<0.05)。多元线性回归分析结果显示,肿瘤分化程度、临床分期、淋巴结转移是喉癌组织PCNA mRNA、Bcl-2 mRNA、EGFR mRNA表达的影响因素。Kaplain-Maier曲线分析结果显示,PCNA mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.57%和70.21%,低于低表达患者的80.00%和88.89%(P<0.05);Bcl-2 mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为60.78%和70.59%,低于低表达患者的80.49%和90.24%(P<0.05);EGFR mRNA高表达患者3年无进展生存率、总生存率分别为59.09%和70.45%,低于低表达患者的79.17%、87.50%(P<0.05)。结论喉癌组织PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR呈高表达,且其高表达状态与肿瘤分期高、分化程度低、淋巴结转移有关,PCNA、Bcl-2、EGFR表达水平可在一定程度上反映患者预后。

子宫内膜癌组织NF-κB、STAT3蛋白对子宫内膜癌的诊断及预后价值意义分析

目的探讨与分析子宫内膜癌(EC)组织核因子κB(NF-κB)、信号转导与转录激活因子3(STAT3)蛋白对子宫内膜癌的诊断及预后价值意义。方法选择2019年9月—2022年11月石河子大学第一附属医院收治的88例子宫内膜癌患者作为研究对象,取所有患者术中切除的新鲜子宫内膜癌肿瘤组织标本(肿瘤组)和癌旁正常子宫内膜组织(癌旁组),采用免疫组化法检测NF-κB、STAT3蛋白表达阳性率,调查患者的病理特征、随访预后并进行相关性分析。结果肿瘤组NF-κB、STAT3蛋白表达阳性率显著高于癌旁组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在88例患者中,不同年龄、临床分期、分化程度、肌层浸润、淋巴结转移患者的NF-κB、STAT3蛋白表达阳性率比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。所有患者随访到2023年6月1日,生存患者NF-κB、STAT3蛋白表达阳性率明显低于死亡患者,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Cox回归分析显示NF-κB、STAT3蛋白表达阳性率为影响预后中位生存时间的重要因素,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论子宫内膜癌组织多伴随有NF-κB、STAT3蛋白的高表达,其表达水平与患者的临床病理特征和预后生存情况都存在相关性。

五味子乙素通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路对急性胰腺炎大鼠肺部损伤的影响

目的:探讨五味子乙素通过Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路对急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠肺部损伤的影响。方法:取SD大鼠,通过胆胰管内逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠方法诱导建立AP肺损伤模型,经随机数表法分为模型组、五味子乙素组、TLR4过表达载体组、TLR4空载组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组,每组12只大鼠,再取12只SD大鼠仅翻动肠管不注射5%牛磺胆酸钠,作为假手术组。以药物分别干预大鼠后,检测各组大鼠肺功能及各组大鼠腹水量与肺组织湿重/干重(W/D);HE染色检测各组大鼠肺组织病理形态并评分;检测各组大鼠动脉血气;全自动生化分析仪检测大鼠血清淀粉酶,ELISA检测炎症细胞因子IL-6、IL-18水平;蛋白免疫印迹法检测肺组织TLR4/NF-κB通路蛋白表达;免疫组织化学染色检测肺组织TLR4蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠肺组织出现病理损伤改变,模型组大鼠MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI显著降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与模型组、五味子乙素+TLR4过表达载体组分别相比,五味子乙素组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均减轻,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均升高(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均降低(P<0.05);TLR4过表达载体组大鼠肺组织病理损伤改变程度均加重,MV、PEF、PaO_(2)、OI均降低(P<0.05),Ri、腹水量与W/D、PaCO_(2)、Holfbauer评分、血清淀粉酶、IL-6与IL-18水平、肺组织TLR4阳性细胞比例、TLR4与MYD88蛋白表达、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65水平均升高(P<0.05)。与模型组相比,TLR4空载组大鼠各指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:五味子乙素可通过下调TLR4/NF-κB信号通路,抑制炎症,减轻AP大鼠肺部损伤,修复肺功能。

创伤性脑损伤患者血清AQP4和NF-κB p65表达与神经功能缺损程度及预后的关系

目的探讨创伤性脑损伤(TBI)患者血清水通道蛋白4(AQP4)和核因子κB(NF-κB p65)表达与神经功能缺损程度及预后的关系。方法选取2021年3月至2023年3月于河南科技大学第一附属医院开元急诊科收治的128例TBI患者作为研究对象(观察组),根据美国国立卫生院神经缺损评估量表(NIHSS)将患者分为重度组31例、中度组45例和轻度组52例;根据格拉斯哥预后量表(GOS)评分将患者分为预后不良组37例和预后良好组91例。另选取同期于本院体检的128例健康志愿者作为对照组。比较各组受检者的一般资料及血清AQP4和NF-κB p65水平,采用Spearman法分析血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平与NIHSS评分的相关性,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析血清AQP4、NF-κB p65对TBI患者预后不良的预测价值。结果观察组患者的血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平分别为(27.37±6.34)μg/L、(2.27±0.24)ng/mL,明显高于对照组的(12.65±3.21)μg/L、(0.36±0.11)ng/mL,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Spearman相关性分析结果显示,TBI患者血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平与NIHSS评分均呈正相关(r=0.605、0.612,P<0.05)。入院24 h血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平比较,重度组>中度组>轻度组,48 h、72 h有同样的趋势,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。预后不良组患者的血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平分别为(34.65±7.51)μg/L、(2.71±0.40)ng/mL,明显高于预后良好组的(24.41±6.48)μg/L、(2.09±0.22)ng/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。血清AQP4、NF-κB p65两者联合预测TBI患者预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.938,高于各单一指标的0.873、0.830,联合预测的敏感度为91.89%,特异度为85.71%,两者联合优于血清AQP4、NF-κB p65各自单独预测(Z两者联合-AQP4=2.564、Z两者联合-NF-κB p65=2.555,P=0.010、0.011)。结论TBI患者血清AQP4、NF-κB p65水平上升与神经功能缺损程度和不良预后有关,可作为预测预后的潜在标志物。

分数[a,b]-因子的紧孤立韧度条件

本文研究了分数[a,b]-因子和孤立韧度相关性的问题.利用子图分解的方法,获得了一个图存在分数[a,b]-因子的孤立韧度条件,通过反例说明该条件是紧的.改进了原有对分数[a,b]-因子的孤立韧度界.

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。

(+)-丁香树脂酚通过NF-κB信号调节三阴性乳腺癌细胞生长和转移的实验研究

目的:探讨(+)-丁香树脂酚[(+)-Syringaresinol]对三阴性乳腺癌(TNBC)细胞生长和转移的影响,分析其对核因子-κB(NF-κB)信号的影响。方法:根据(+)-丁香树脂酚处理浓度将MDA-MB-231细胞分为0μM组、2μM组、4μM组、8μM组、16μM组、32μM组、64μM组和128μM组。使用相应浓度的(+)-丁香树脂酚孵育各组MDA-MB-231细胞48 h。MTT法检测细胞增殖及(+)-丁香树脂酚半抑制浓度(IC50)值。Annexin V-FITC/PI试剂盒检测细胞凋亡。Transwell检测细胞迁移和侵袭。qRT-PCR检测Bax、Bcl-2、基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-2、MMP-9、E-cadherin、N-cadherin和Vimentin mRNA相对表达量。Western blot检测NF-κB p65磷酸化水平。结果:与0μM组相比,2~128μM组的MDA-MB-231细胞的生长抑制率升高(P<0.05)。(+)-丁香树脂酚对MDA-MB-231细胞的IC50值为25.24μmol/L。与0μM组相比,2~128μM组的MDA-MB-231细胞的凋亡率升高,Bax mRNA相对表达量升高,Bcl-2 mRNA相对表达量降低,迁移和侵袭数量降低,MMP-2和MMP-9的mRNA相对表达量降低,E-cadherin mRNA相对表达量升高,N-cadherin和Vimentin的mRNA相对表达量降低,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白相对表达量降低(P<0.05)。结论:(+)-丁香树脂酚抑制了TNBC细胞的生长和转移并呈浓度依赖性,(+)-丁香树脂酚的抗TNBC作用可能与抑制NF-κB信号通路的活化有关。

姜黄素抑制NF-κB信号通路缓解氧化应激对成骨分化的损害发挥抗骨质疏松作用

目的 探讨姜黄素抑制氧化应激对成骨分化损害的机制及以剂量依赖的方式发挥抗骨质疏松的作用。方法 采用细胞氧化应激模型,加入不同浓度的姜黄素,测定骨形成指标,并检测参与的潜在信号通路。同时,用姜黄素处理小鼠去卵巢(ovariectomized, OVX)骨质疏松动物模型来证实其抗骨质疏松的作用。结果 体外实验发现,低浓度姜黄素(1~10μmol·L^(-1))促进成骨细胞增殖,提高骨形成碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase, ALP)活性,逆转氧化应激导致的成骨钙沉积下降,降低了核因子kappa-B配体的受体激动剂(RANKL)和白介素-6 (IL-6)的表达。体内实验结果显示,姜黄素(5 mg·kg^(-1))给药后部分逆转了OVX小鼠血液中丙二醛(malondialdehyde, MDA)和谷胱甘肽(glutathione, GSH)活性的比例、降低高骨代谢、增加骨密度(bone density, BMD)、改善了骨小梁的微结构,但高浓度姜黄素无氧化应激保护作用。结论 姜黄素可以减轻氧化应激的骨形成损害,NF-κB信号通路是主要参与通路,姜黄素可能是预防骨质疏松症的理想药物。

HMGB1基因敲除通过抑制TLR4/NF-κB通路减轻脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤

目的 研究高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)基因敲除减轻脓毒症小鼠急性肺损伤及抑制Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)通路的作用。方法 野生型(WT)小鼠分为WT-Sham组和WT-模型组,HMGB1基因敲除(KO)小鼠分为KO-Sham组和KO-模型组。WT-模型组和KO-模型组采用盲肠结扎穿孔术制备脓毒症ALI模型,WT-Sham组和KO-Sham组进行假手术操作。造模后24 h,检测动脉血氧分压(PaO_(2)),计算氧合指数(OI),检测肺组织病理改变,计算肺损伤评分,检测血清及肺组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、IL-6、活性氧簇(ROS)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的浓度,肺组织中HMGB1、TLR4、核NF-κB的表达。结果 WT-模型组的PaO_(2)、OI、血清及肺组织SOD的浓度低于WT-Sham组,肺损伤评分、血清及肺组织中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、ROS、MDA的浓度、肺组织中HMGB1、TLR4、核NF-κB的表达水平高于WT-Sham组(P<0.05);KO-模型组肺组织中不表达HMGB1,PaO_(2)、OI、血清及肺组织SOD的浓度高于WT-模型组,肺损伤评分、血清及肺组织中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、ROS、MDA的浓度、肺组织中TLR4、核NF-κB的表达水平低于WT-模型组(P<0.05)。结论敲除HMGB1减轻脓毒症小鼠ALI,相关的分子机制可能是抑制TLR4/NF-κB通路介导的炎症反应和氧化应激反应。