Correlation of p38MAPK,ERK1/2 and JNK expression in peripheral blood with the cytokines and pain mediators in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia

Objective: To study the correlation of p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK expression in peripheral blood with the cytokines and pain mediators in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with herpes zoster for the first time in the Second Hospital of Hanbin District Ankang City between March 2015 and April 2016 were selected and divided into the PHN group who were combined with post-herpetic neuralgia and the pure HZ group who were without neuralgia, and the healthy volunteers who received physical examination in the Second Hospital of Hanbin District Ankang City during the same period were selected as control group. The peripheral blood was collected to determine the expression of MAPK signaling molecules, and serum was collected to determine the contents of cytokines and pain mediators. Results: p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK mRNA expression in peripheral blood as well as 5-HT, CGRP, SP, NSE, S100B, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 levels in serum of PHN group and HZ group were significantly higher than those of control group while β-EP levels were significantly lower than that of control group;p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK mRNA expression in peripheral blood as well as 5-HT, CGRP, SP, NSE, S100B, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 levels in serum of PHN group were significantly higher than those of HZ group while β-EP level was significantly lower than that of HZ group. p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK expression in peripheral blood of PHN patients were positively correlated with CGRP, 5-HT, SP, NSE, S100B, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 levels in serum, and negatively correlated with β-EP level in serum. Conclusion: The high expression of p38MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK in peripheral blood of PHN patients can increase the secretion of cytokines and algogenic mediators and decrease the secretion of analgesic mediators.

Omentin-1 prevents inflammation-induced osteoporosis by downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines

Osteoporosis is a frequent complication of chronic inflammatory diseases and increases in the pro-inflammatory cytokines make an important contribution to bone loss by promoting bone resorption and impairing bone formation. Omentin-1 is a newly identified adipocytokine that has anti-inflammatory effects, but little is known about the role of omentin-1 in inflammatory osteoporosis. Here we generated global omentin-1 knockout（omentin-1^-/-） mice and demonstrated that depletion of omentin-1 induces inflammatory bone loss-like phenotypes in mice, as defined by abnormally elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased osteoclast formation and bone tissue destruction, as well as impaired osteogenic activities. Using an inflammatory cell model induced by tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）, we determined that recombinant omentin-1 reduces the production of proinflammatory factors in the TNF-α-activated macrophages, and suppresses their anti-osteoblastic and pro-osteoclastic abilities. In the magnesium silicate-induced inflammatory osteoporosis mouse model, the systemic administration of adenoviral-delivered omentin-1 significantly protects from osteoporotic bone loss and inflammation. Our study suggests that omentin-1 can be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory bone diseases by downregulating the proinflammatory cytokines.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines profiles in Nigerian pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Objective:To investigate the pro-inflammatory cytokines profiles in in Nigerian pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria.Methods:Peripheral, and placental blood samples were collected from 96 consenting volunteers comprising 76 P.falciparium infected pregnant women and 20 healthy uninfected pregnant women in Ekpoma.Nigeria,and subjected to ELISA for cytokines evaluation.Results:Increased serum concentrations of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) was observed in infected pregnant women than their uninfected counterparts[(31.2±20.9) pg/mL vs(1.8±0.9) pg/mL]and these differences were statistically significant(χ~2= 26.18,P【0.05).The depressed levels of interleukin-12(IL- 12) seen in peripheral blood of the infected pregnant women than the uninfected women[(13.9±3.6) pg/mL vs(28.4±5.28) pg/mL]respectively was not statistically significant(χ~2= 4.96,P】0.05). The interleukin-6(IL-6) was significantly elevated in infected pregnant women(81.0±26.1 pg/mL) than in the uninfected pregnant women[(25.0±5.0) pg/mL](χ~2 = 29.58,P【0.05).In all, mean cytokines concentration of IL-6,IL-12 and IFN-γin the placental blood from infected pregnant women were(53.5±23.4) pg/mL,(8.7±6.9) pg/mL and(16.4±4.0) pg/mL,respectively. The multigravidae had a higher haemoglobin level of 10.2 g/dL and birth weight of 3 000 g than the primigrivadae with lower haemoglobin level of 7.5 g/dL and birth weight of 2 430 g. Conclusions:The elevated IFN-γamong the malarous pregnant women implicates it as the major cytokine mediator in the host responses to systematic P.falciparum malaria in our locality.

Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats following 7-day oral supplementation with a proprietary eggshell membrane-derived product

NEM®?brand eggshell membrane is a novel dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to alleviate arthritis joint pain and stiffness;however the mechanism of action is not well understood. Preliminary evidence from an?in vitro?study of?NEM®?indicated that the mechanism of action may be based on the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.?In vivo?studies were therefore initiated to evaluate the effects of?NEM®?on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines following oral administration in rats.?NEM®?was administered daily at doses of 6.13 mg/kg bw/day (Study 1), 10.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 2), or at doses of 0 (control), 26.0 or 52.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) by oral gavage for 7 consecutive days. Inflammation was induced in the Study 3 rats by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. Changes in plasma cytokine levels from baseline following 7 days of oral supplementation with?NEM®?at 6.13 mg/kg bw/ day (Study 1) were statistically significant at Day 8 for IL-2, TIMP-1 and VEGF, at Day 21 for IL-10, and at Day 35 for MCP-1, MCP-3 and TIMP-1, and at 10.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 2) were statistically significant at Day 8 for VEGF, at Day 21 for MIP-1β, MIP-2 and VEGF, and at Day 35 for MCP-3, MIP-1β, MIP-2 and VEGF. Changes in serum cytokine levels versus control at 26.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) were statistically significant at all time-points for IL-1β?and at 1.5 hours for IL-10, and at 52.0 mg/kg bw/day (Study 3) were statistically significant at 1.5 hours for IFN-γ, IL-1β?and IL-10, and at 3 hours for IL-1β, and at 24 hours for IL-10. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that oral supplementation with?NEM®?can influence both early-phase pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β?and TNF-α?(Study 3), as well as later-phase cytokines like MCP-1, MIP-1α?&?β, RANTES and VEGF (Study 1 & 2). These studies provide a possible basis for the mechanism of action of?NEM®?in vivo.

Effect of sufentanil analgesia for hip replacement on pain mediator, stress hormone and inflammatory cytokine secretion

Objective:To study the effect of sufentanil analgesia for hip replacement on pain mediator, stress hormone and inflammatory cytokine secretion.Methods: Patients who underwent hip replacement in People's Hospital of Dongxihu District Wuhan between August 2015 and October 2017 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into the sufentanil group who accepted postoperative sufentanil analgesia and the fentanyl group who accepted postoperative fentanyl analgesia. The expression levels of pain mediators and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood as well as the levels of pain mediators, stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines in serum were measured 1 day and 3 days after surgery.Results:Serum PGE2, SP,β-EP, GH, COR, ACTH, INS, AT-II, TNF-α and ICAM-1 levels as well as peripheral blood MKP1, p38MAPK, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 expression intensity of sufentanil group 1 day and 3 days after surgery were significantly lower than those of fentanyl group.Conclusion: Sufentanil analgesia for hip replacement can be more effective than fentanyl to reduce the secretion of pain mediators, stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in tears and dry eye disease in Parkinson’s disease

Background:Neuroinflammation is an essential event in Parkinson’s disease(PD).Identifying affordable and less invasive biomarkers to make an early diagnosis and monitor therapeutic strategies should be a priority among researchers.The study’s objective was to measure tear levels of cytokines in subjects with PD and their association with motor features and the presence of dry eye symptoms.Methods:A total of 16 subjects with PD and 16 age-and sex-matched controls were included.Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale(MDS-UPDRS),Hoehn and Yahr(HY)stage scale,Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),tear break-up time(TBUT),blink rate(BR),Dry Eye Questionnaire 5(DEQ-5)were examined,and pro-inflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)]were quantified in tears using the BD Cytometric Bead Array Human Inflammatory Cytokine Kit.Results:Higher tear TNF-αwere quantified in PD compared to controls(2.94±3.95 vs.0.33±0.49 pg/mL,P=0.008).According to DEQ-5,50.0%(n=8)of PD subjects and 12.5%(n=2)controls had dry eye disease(DED).No differences were found in cytokines concentrations between PD patients with DED compared to those without DED.IL-8 was associated with the HY stage,TBUT,DEQ-5,and a better MoCA score.A higher BR correlated moderately with a lower HY stage(r=−0.645,P=0.007),and DED patients have lower BR in PD(12.14±2.54 vs.9.0±2.06 blinks/minute,P=0.031).Conclusions:PD patients have higher levels of TNF-αin tears than age-and sex-matched HC.IL-8 in tears may be both involved in the severity of the disease and in the development of DED in PD.In addition,our findings suggest that as HY stage increases,indicating a more advanced stage,BR decreases,indicating greater motor impairment.Conversely,the presence of DED is associated with higher levels of bradykinesia in PD patients,suggesting a potential relationship between DED and motor impairment severity.

Pretreated Oenan the Javanica extract increases anti-inflammatory cytokines, attenuates gliosis, and protects hippocampal neurons following transient global cerebral ischemia in gerbils

Recently,we have reported that Oenanthe javanica extract(OJE)displays strong neuroprotective effect against ischemic damage after transient global cerebral ischemia.However,neuroprotective mechanisms of OJE have not been fully identified.Thus,this study investigated the neuroprotection of OJE in the hippocampal CA1 area and its anti-inflammatory activity in gerbils subjected to 5 minutes of transient global cerebral ischemia.We treated the animals by intragastrical injection of OJE(100 and 200 mg/kg)once daily for 1 week prior to transient global cerebral ischemia.Neuroprotection of OJE was observed by immunohistochemistry for neuronal nuclear antigen and histofluorescence staining for Fluoro-Jade B.Immunohistochemistry of glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 was done for astrocytosis and microgliosis,respectively.To investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of OJE,we performed immunohistochemistry of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-2 for pro-inflammatory function and interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 for anti-inflammatory function.When we treated the animals by intragastrical administration of 200 mg/kg of OJE,hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were protected from transient global cerebral ischemia and cerebral ischemia-induced gliosis was inhibited in the ischemic hippocampal CA1 area.We also found that interleukin-4 and-13 immunoreactivities were significantly increased in pyramidal neurons of the ischemic CA1 area after OJE pretreatment,and the increased immunoreactivities were sustained in the CA1 pyramidal neurons after transient global cerebral ischemia.However,OJE pretreatment did not increase interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha immunoreactivities in the CA1 pyramidal neurons.Our findings suggest that pretreatment with OJE can protect neurons and attenuate gliosis from transient global cerebral ischemia via increasing expressions of interleukin-4 and-13.The experimental plan of this study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(IACUC)in Kangwon National University(approval No.KW-160802-1)on August 10,2016.

Role of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral nerve injury

Inflammatory events occurring in the distal part of an injured peripheral nerve have, nowadays, a great resonance. Investigating the timing of action of the several cytokines in the important stages of Wallerian degeneration helps to understand the regenerative process and design pharmacologic intervention that promotes and expedites recovery. The complex and synergistic action of inflammatory cytokines finally promotes axonal regeneration. Cytokines can be divided into pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that upregulate and downregulate, respectively, the production of inflammatory mediators. While pro-inflammatory cytokines are expressed in the first phase of Wallerian degeneration and promote the recruitment of macrophages, anti-inflammatory cytokines are expressed after this recruitment and downregulate the production of all cytokines, thus determining the end of the process. In this review, we describe the major inflammatory cytokines involved in Wallerian degeneration and the early phases of nerve regeneration. In particular, we focus on interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-β, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β.

Inflammatory niche:Mesenchymal stromal cell priming by soluble mediators

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells(MSCs)are adult stem cells of stromal origin that possess self-renewal capacity and the ability to differentiate into multiple mesodermal cell lineages.They play a critical role in tissue homeostasis and wound healing,as well as in regulating the inammatory microenvironment through interactions with immune cells.Hence,MSCs have garnered great attention as promising candidates for tissue regeneration and cell therapy.Because the inflammatory niche plays a key role in triggering the reparative and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs,priming of MSCs with bioactive molecules has been proposed as a way to foster the therapeutic potential of these cells.In this paper,we review how soluble mediators of the inflammatory niche(cytokines and alarmins)influence the regenerative and immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs,highlighting the major advantages and concerns regarding the therapeutic potential of these inflammatory primed MSCs.The data summarized in this review may provide a significant starting point for future research on priming MSCs and establishing standardized methods for the application of preconditioned MSCs in cell therapy.

The effects of EPA + DHA and aspirin on inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors

Objective: In a recent study, we showed that the combination of aspirin plus the ω3 fatty acids eicosapen-taenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synergistically inhibited platelet function. As aspirin, EPA, and DHA have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, we hypothesized that the ingestion of EPA and DHA, with and without aspirin, would reduce plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors more than aspirin alone and before aspirin was ingested. Methods: Using multiplex technology, we investigated the effects of aspirin (single-dose 650 mg on day 1), EPA + DHA (3.4 g/d for days 2 - 29), and aspirin with EPA + DHA (day 30) on plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors in healthy adults. Results: Aspirin alone had no effect on any factor versus baseline, but EPA + DHA, with and without aspirin, significantly reduced concentrations of 8 of 9 factors. Although EPA + DHA plus aspirin reduced concentrations of a subset of the factors compared to baseline, neither aspirin alone nor the combination significantly reduced the level of any analyte more robustly than EPA + DHA alone. Conclusions: These data suggest that EPA + DHA has more pronounced down-regulatory effects on inflammation and angiogenesis than aspirin. The implications of these findings for the use of combined therapy for cardiovascular disease remain to be clarified.

Long Dan Xie Gan Formula Granule Promotes Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Female Guinea Pigs with Recurrent Genital Herpes

Objective To explore the effects of Long Dan Xie Gan formula granule(LDXGFG)on regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in female guinea pigs with recurrent genital herpes(herpes simplex virus 2,HSV-2).Methods Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood of HSV-2-infected guinea pigs,including IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12,IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-γ,and TNF-α,were detected by ELISA;corresponding gene expression levels in tissues were detected by real-time PCR.Results IL-6,IL-10,IL-12,IFN-α,IFN-γand TNF-αdecreased significantly in both blood and diseased tissues after infection with recurrent genital herpes.Upon feeding LDXGFG to HSV-2-infected guinea pigs,IL-6,IL-10,IL-12,IFN-α,IFN-γand TNF-αdemonstrated significant increases,similar to the effects of acyclovir(ACV).LDXGFG promoted the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in blood and tissue,with a stronger effect than ACV.Moreover,LDXGFG demonstrated broader effects than ACV.Conclusion The present results suggest that LDXGFG can serve as an alternative,inexpensive,and long-term treatment for HSV-2 infection.

New translational and experimental insights into the role of proresolving lipid mediators in inflammatory bowel disease

The resolution of inflammation is an active process,guided by specialized proresolution lipid mediators(SPMs).These mediators originate from polyunsaturated fatty acids,such as omega-3.Sufficient evidence suggests that the beneficial effects attributed to omega-3 are,at least in part,the result of the immunomodulatory action of the SPMs,which act systemically by overcoming inflammation and repairing tissue damage,without suppressing the immune response.Recent studies suggest that an imbalance in the synthesis and/or activity of these compounds may be associated with the pathogenesis of several inflammatory conditions,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Thus,this review highlights the advances made in recent years with regard to the endogenous synthesis and the biological role of lipoxins,resolvins,protectins,and maresins,as well as their precursors,in the regulation of inflammation;and provides an update on the participation of these mediators in the development and evolution of IBD and the therapeutic approaches that these immunomodulating substances are involved in this context.

β-arrestin 2 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury via inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathwaymediated inflammation in mice

AIM To study the role and the possible mechanism of β-arrestin 2 in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro.METHODS Male β-arrestin 2^(+/+) and β-arrestin 2^(-/-)C57 BL/6 J mice were used for in vivo experiments, and the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was used for in vitro experiments. The animal model was established via intraperitoneal injection of LPS or physiological sodium chloride solution. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected to analyze liver injury and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cultured cell extracts were collected to analyze the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expression of key molecules involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.RESULTS Compared with wild-type mice, the β-arrestin 2 knockout mice displayed more severe LPS-induced liver injury and significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and IL-10. Compared with the control group, pro-inflammatory cytokines(including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10) produced by RAW264.7 cells in the β-arrestin 2 si RNA group were significantly increased at 6 h after treatment with LPS. Further, key molecules involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, including phosphoIκBα and phosho-p65, were upregulated.CONCLUSION β-arrestin 2 can protect liver tissue from LPS-induced injury via inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathwaymediated inflammation.

Distinct Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis after <i>in</i><i>Vitro</i>Blockade of Interleukin (IL)-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is an antigen-driven and lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disorder with irregularity in the adaptive immune system. Auto reactive T cells, activated by cartilage-derived auto antigens, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ and IL-17. Failure of regulatory T cells leads to decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production and results in the loss of immune tolerance. This activation of innate and adaptive immunity stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Thus, inhibition of these cytokines is considered as an appropriate therapeutic strategy for oJIA. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the blockade of a single cytokine pathway in the present cytokine setting causes an unfavourable imbalance in the cytokine system or whether the blockade is sufficient to suppress the inflammatory condition. We examined the cytokine secretion after in vitro inhibition of IL-1 and TNF-α of patients with oJIA and healthy subjects. This single center cohort study consisted of oJIA affected children and control subjects. Cytokine profiles from cell culture supernatants were examined with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay by flow cytometry. Adalimumab prevents highly effective and very selective effect of the cytokine TNF-α. Due to its structure, the mode of action of etanercept is difficult to display. In addition, adalimumab and etanercept appear in vitro suppressive to IFN-γ. The efficiency of both substances is particularly supported by the increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In contrast, anakinra unselectively inhibits the pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokines. To conclude, our observations suggest that inhibition of IL-1 or TNF-α may contribute to the unselective decline of other pro-inflammatory cytokines in oJIA patients. The selective anti-inflammatory effect of cytokine inhibitors is most likely supported by an increase of IL-4 or IL-10. It still remains to be elucidated whether the reduced IFN-γ secretion is maybe causative for the increased susceptibility to infections with opportunistic pathogens.

Wear particle-mediated expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB and RANK were impacted by lanthanum chloride in RAW264.7 cells

To explore the impact of different concentrations of lanthanum chloride （LaC13） on critical components of wear particle-mediated signaling pathways in inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, RAW264.7 cells were naturally divided into eight groups and analyzed by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, ELISA, RT-PCR and western blot after treatments. The results showed that three concentrations of LaCI3 had no influence on viability of RAW264.7 cells and down-regulated receptor activator of nuclear factor rd3 （RANK） instead of macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor （M-CSFR）. Additionally, 2.5 and 10 pmol/L LaC13 could signifi- cantly inhibit gene and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines （tumor necrosis factor-or and interleukin-113, i.e., TNF-ct and IL-113） and NF-r,B/p65, but 100 pmol/L LaC13 did not exert an obvious inflammation-inhibiting effect, and even induced inflamma- tion. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that LaC13 was able to suppress wear particle-induced inflammation and activation of NF-rd3 in a certain range of concentrations in vitro and mainly decrease the expression of RANK, but not M-CSFR, all of which were generally recognized to play a pivotal role in osteoclastogenesis.

Differences in the Histopathology and Cytokine Expression Pattern between Chronological Aging and Photoaging of Hairless Mice Skin

Skin photoaging is a complex, multifactorial process resulting in functional and structural changes of the skin, and different phenotypes from chronological skin aging are well-recognized. Ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated hairless mice have been used as a skin photoaging animal model. However, differences in morphology and gene expression patterns between UV-induced and chronological skin changes in this mouse model have not been fully elucidated. Here we investigated differences in histopathology and cytokine expression between UV-irradiated and non-irradiated aged hairless mice to clarify the factor(s) that differentiate photoaging from chronological skin aging phenotypes. Eight-week-old HR-1 hairless mice were divided into UV-irradiated (UV-irradiated mice) and non-irradiated (control mice) groups. Irradiation was performed three times per week for 10 weeks. In addition, 30-week-old HR-1 hairless mice were reared until 70 weeks of age without UV irradiation (aged mice). Histopathologies revealed that the flattening of dermal-epidermal junctions and epidermal thickening were observed only in UV-irradiated mice. Decreases in fine elastic fibers just beneath the epidermis, the thickening of elastic fibers in the reticular dermis, and the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans were more prominent in UV-irradiated mice as compared to non-irradiated aged mice. Quantitative PCR analyses revealed that UV-irradiated mice showed an increase in the expression of IFN-γ. In contrast, aged mice exhibited proportional up-regulation of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, an indicator for the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, was significantly higher in UV-irradiated mice as compared to control and non-irradiated aged mice. An elevated IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was also observed in aged senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 1 (SAMP1) mice, a spontaneous skin photoaging model we recently reported. Thus, an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines might be a key factor to differentiate photoaged skin from chronologically-aged skin.

Correlation of serum Hcy metabolism with pro-inflammatory factors, chemokines and oxidative stress response in patients with senile dementia

Objective: To investigate the correlation of serum Hcy metabolism with pro-inflammatory factors, chemokines and oxidative stress response in patients with senile dementia. Methods:A total of 50 patients who were diagnosed with senile dementia in our hospital between August 2012 and June 2016 were selected as the senile dementia group, and 50 elderly patients who underwent physical examination in this hospital during the same period were selected as normal control group. The differences in serum levels of Hcy, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and oxidative stress indexes were compared between the two groups, and Pearson test was adopted to assess the correlation between serum Hcy level and illness. Results: Serum Hcy level of senile dementia group was higher than that of control group;serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP levels were higher than those of control group;serum chemokines MCP-1, CCL2 and RANTES levels were higher than those of control group;serum oxidative stress indexes ROS, MDA and 4-HNE contents were higher than those of control group. Pearson test showed that the serum Hcy level in patients with senile dementia was positively correlated with the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, chemokines and oxidative stress indexes. Conclusions: The serum Hcy metabolism disorder in patients with senile dementia is closely related to the inflammatory response and oxidative stress response.

Involvement of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the anti-inflammatory activity of Rubus idaeus L.on LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells

Anti-inflammatory activity ofRubus idaeus L. and possible mechanisms involved were explored in lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-treated RAW 264.7 cells. The effects of ethanol extract of R. idaeus on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alfa （TNF-α）, interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β）, as well as pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide （NO）, inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） were studied by Sandwich ELISA, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis. Moreover, the effects of ethanol extract of R. idaeus on anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 （IL-10） and anti-inflammatory mediator heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） were also investigated using the same methods. Furthermore, nuclear factor-gB （NF-κB） level was assayed by immunocytochemistry. The results showed that the production of IL-1β, IL-6, NO, TNF-α and COX-2 in LPS-treated cells could be significantly inhibited （P〈0.01 or P〈0.05） by ethanol extract ofR. idaeus compared with that in the cells treated with LPS only. Meanwhile, the production of NF-r,B was also inhibited by the extract. Based on these results, the anti-inflammatory activity ofR. idaeus was attributed to the down-regulation of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels as well as gene expression of iNOS and COX-2 through the suppression of NF-κB activation, and induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL- 10 and anti-inflammatory mediator HO- 1.

葛根汤颗粒对甲型流感病毒感染小鼠TNFR1/NF-κB/JNK等炎症和免疫指标的影响

目的基于PR8感染所致病毒性肺炎小鼠模型,探寻葛根汤颗粒抗流感病毒性肺炎损伤的作用机制。方法32只雌性SPF级ICR小鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、奥司他韦组、葛根汤颗粒组,每组8只。滴鼻法建立PR8毒株感染所致病毒性肺炎小鼠模型,计算肺指数和肺指数抑制率,应用光镜观察各组肺组织病理变化,运用ELISA和Western blotting法检测各组肺组织炎性细胞因子白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM1)、血管细胞黏附分子-1(VCAM1)和炎性免疫蛋白人肿瘤坏死因子受体-1(TNFR1)、核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)、Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK1)表达情况。结果与模型组比较,奥司他韦组和葛根汤颗粒组可降低小鼠肺指数(P<0.001),葛根汤颗粒组对肺指数抑制效果优于奥司他韦组。病理提示,与模型组比较,葛根汤颗粒组可显著减轻支气管炎症反应渗出,减轻肺泡、肺间质和红细胞渗出。ELISA结果显示,与模型组比较,奥司他韦组和葛根汤颗粒组可显著降低IL-6、ICAM1、VCAM1的表达(P<0.001);与奥司他韦组相比,葛根汤颗粒组IL-6含量降低(P<0.01)。Western blotting结果显示,与模型组比较,奥司他韦组和葛根汤颗粒组可降低TNFR1、JNK1蛋白的表达(P<0.05或P<0.01),葛根汤颗粒可降低NF-κB蛋白的表达(P<0.05)。结论葛根汤颗粒可以降低甲型流感病毒感染小鼠肺组织中IL-6、ICAM1、VCAM1、TNFR1、NF-κB、JNK等炎性因子和炎性免疫蛋白的表达,调节炎症和免疫紊乱,为仲景经典处方临床应用提供基础理论依据。

Neutralization of interleukin-17A alleviates burn-induced intestinal barrier disruption via reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in a mouse model

Background:The intestinal barrier integrity can be disrupted due to burn injury,which is responsible for local and systemic inflammatory responses.Anti-inflammation strategy is one of the proposed therapeutic approaches to control inflammatory cascade at an early stage.Interleukin-17A(IL-17A)plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases.However,the role of IL-17A in the progression of burn-induced intestinal inflammation is poorly understood.In this study,we aimed to investigate the effect of IL-17A and associated pro-inflammatory cytokines that were deeply involved in the pathogenesis of burn-induced intestinal inflammatory injury,and furthermore,we sought to determine the early source of IL-17A in the intestine.Methods:Mouse burn model was successfully established with infliction of 30%total body surface area scald burn.The histopathological manifestation,intestinal permeability,zonula occludens-1 expression,pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined with or without IL-17A-neutralization.Flow cytometry was used to detect the major source of IL-17A^(+)cells in the intestine.Results:Burn caused intestinal barrier damage,increase of intestinal permeability,alteration of zonula occludens-1 expressions,elevation of IL-17A,IL-6,IL-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),whereas IL-17A neutralization dramatically alleviated burn-induced intestinal barrier disruption,maintained zonula occludens-1 expression,and noticeably,inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines elevation.In addition,we observed that the proportion of intestinal IL-17A^(+)Vγ4^(+)T subtype cells(but not IL-17A^(+)Vγ1^(+)T subtype cells)were increased in burn group,and neutralization of IL-17A suppressed this increase.Conclusions:The main original findings of this study are intestinal mucosa barrier is disrupted after burn through affecting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines,and a protective role of IL-17A neutralization for intestinal mucosa barrier is determined.Furthermore,Vγ4^(+)T cells are identified as the major early producers of IL-17A that orchestrate an inflammatory response in the burn model.These data suggest that IL-17A blockage may provide a unique target for therapeutic intervention to treat intestinal insult after burn.