Toll-like receptors 2 polymorphism is associated with psoriasis: A case-control study in the northern Chinese population

Background:Psoriasis is a disease caused by genetics and immune system dysfunction,affecting the skin and joints.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)play an important role in triggering the innate immune response and controlling adaptive immunity.The role of TLR2 in the progression of psoriasis is not well understood.Methods:A case-control study was conducted on a northern Chinese Han population,consisting of psoriasis patients and healthy control subjects.Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction(ARMS-PCR),and allele and genotype frequencies of four SNPs in TLR2 were analyzed in 270 psoriasis patients and 246 healthy controls.Results:Four TLR2 SNPs(rs11938228,rs4696480,rs3804099,rs5743699)were genotyped and found to be in linkage disequilibrium.The genotype distributions of rs11938228 and rs4696480 in two groups were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and statistically significant except for the overdominance model.The haplotypes ATTC and ATCC were found to be protective against psoriasis.Conclusion:Our study found a correlation between TLR2 genetic variations and the likelihood of psoriasis in northern China.

Relationship of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 Gene Polymorphisms with Essential Hypertension in Chinese Han Population

Objective: There are numerous studies suggesting that genetic polymor-phisms of inflammation factors Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2, TLR4) might play a role in the pathophysiological process of hypertension. In this study, we evaluated the association in a sample of members of the Chinese Han population. Method: We selected four single nucleotide polymor-phisms (SNP) of TLR2 (rs3804099, rs3804100, rs7656411) and TLR4 (rs1927906) genes, and measured the distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies in 1063 participants, including 391 essential hypertension pa-tients and 672 controls. Result: No significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the four SNPs were detected between cases and controls. However, three haplotypes, CCG, TTG and TTT of TLR2, were significantly associated with a decrease in the risk of essential hyperten-sion (OR: 0.512, 95% CI: 0.397 - 0.660, P P = 0.0038;OR: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.667 - 0.952, P = 0.0122, respectively). Inversely, the risk of essential hypertension increased sig-nificantly in patients with the CTG, TCG or TCT haplotypes (OR: 2.924, 95% CI: 2.157 - 3.963, P P P Conclusion: Our study suggested that haplotypes (CCG, TTG, TTT, CTG, TCG and TCT) of TLR2 might have profound effects on the development of essential hypertension in the Chinese Han population.

Correlation between Toll-like Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Chinese Children

Objective Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome(INS)is the most common glomerular disease in children.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)have been reported to be associated with response to steroid treatment in children with INS.Nevertheless,the correlation between TLR genes and the progression of INS has not yet been clarified.The present study aimed to investigate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in TLR2,TLR4,and TLR9 with susceptibility to INS as well as the clinical phenotyping of steroid responsiveness in Chinese children with INS.Methods A total of 183 pediatric inpatients with INS were included and given standard steroid therapy.Based on their clinical response to steroids,the patients were classified into three groups:steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS),steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome(SDNS),and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS).A total of 100 healthy children were employed as controls.The blood genome DNA was extracted from each participant.Six SNPs(rs11536889,rs1927914,rs7869402,rs11536891,rs352140,and rs3804099)in TLR2,TLR4,and TLR9 were selected and detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction with next-generation sequencing to assess TLR gene polymorphisms.Results Among the 183 patients with INS,89(48.6%)had SSNS,73(39.9%)had SDNS,and 21(11.5%)had SRNS.No significant difference was found in the genotype distribution between healthy children and patients with INS.However,the genotype and allele frequencies of TLR4 rs7869402 were significantly different between SRNS and SSNS.Compared with patients with the C allele and CC genotype,patients with the T allele and CT genotype had an increased risk of SRNS.Conclusion TLR4 rs7869402 affected the steroid response in Chinese children with INS.It might be a predictor for the early detection of SRNS in this population.

Clinical significance of NOD2/CARD15 and Toll-like receptor 4 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM： To evaluate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of Crohn＇s disease （CD） and ulcerative colitis （UC）, we investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） of NOD2/CARD15 （R702W, Gg08R and L1007finsC）, and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） genes （D299G and T399I） in a selected inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） population coming from Southern Italy. METHODS： Allele and genotype frequencies of NOD2/ CARD15 （R702W, Gg08R and L1007finsC） and TLR4 （D299G and T399I） SNPs were examined in 133 CD patients, in 45 UC patients, and in 103 healthy controls. A genotype-phenotype correlation was performed. RESULTS： NOD2/CARD15 R702W mutation was significantly more frequent in CD （9.8%） than in controls （2.4%, P = 0.001） and in UC （2.3%, P = 0.03）. No significant difference was found between UC patients and control group （P 〉 0.05）. In CD and UC patients, no significant association with G908R variant was found. L1007finsC SNP showed an association with CD （9.8%） compared with controls （2.9%, P = 0.002） and UC patients （2.3%, P = 0.01）. Moreover, in CD patients, G908R and L1007finsC mutations were significantly associated with different phenotypes compared to CD wild-type patients. No association of IBD with the TLR4 SNPs was found in either cohort （allele frequencies： D299G-controls 3.9%, CD 3.7%, UC 3.4%, P 〉 0.05; T399I-controls 2.9%, CD 3.0%, UC 3.4%, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： These findings confirm that, in our IBD patients selected from Southern Italy, the NOD2/ CARD15, but not TLR4 SNPs, are associated with increased risk of CD.

人Toll-like receptor 2胞外段的克隆和表达

目的 克隆、表达人Toll-like receptor2(TLR2)胞外段(A26-T588)基因,获得人TLR2胞外段蛋白。方法 RT-PCR扩增TLR2胞外段基因,以pcDNA3.1+质粒为载体在HEK293细胞中表达TLR2胞外段蛋白,同时以pcDNA3.1+/TLR2(A26-T588)重组质粒免疫昆明鼠,制备抗TLR2胞外段蛋白多抗。结果 PCR扩增及重组质粒测序结果表明成功地构建了pcDNA3.1+/TLR2(A26-T588)真核表达质粒,SDS-PAGE分析纯化产物在M_r为68000处出现明显蛋白条带。重组质粒DNA免疫小鼠3次后,血清抗体滴度可达1∶250。TLR2胞外段蛋白可与LPS结合,并在一定的质量浓度范围内呈剂量依赖性。结论 构建的pcDNA3.1+/TLR2(A26-T588)真核表达质粒可在哺乳动物细胞中表达TLR2胞外段蛋白,并与重组质粒DNA免疫小鼠抗血清及TLR2单克隆抗体TL2.1特异性反应,由此证明其表达正确。

广谱模式识别分子Toll-like receptor 2的研究进展

TLR-2（Toll-like receptor 2,TLR-2）是哺乳动物TLRs（Toll-like receptors,TLRs）家族的一员,作为细胞表面的天然受体蛋白,主要参与病原微生物产物的识别及炎症信号传导,介导天然抗感染兔疫;最近又发现其参与机体对非感染因子所致炎性组织损伤的识别。通过对TLR-2参与的识别和细胞内信号传导机制的研究,可为深入探讨抵御微生物感染的机制、对自身正常与非正常组织的识别提供新的思路。

Argon preconditioning protects neuronal cells with a Toll-like receptor-mediated effect

The noble gas argon has the potential to protect neuronal cells from cell death.So far,this effect has been studied in treatment after acute damage.Preconditioning using argon has not yet been investigated.In this study,human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of argon(25%,50%,and 74%;21%O_(2),5%CO_(2),balance nitrogen)at different time intervals before inflicting damage with rotenone(20μM,4 hours).Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry after annexin V and propidium iodide staining.Surface expressions of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 were also examined.Cells were also processed for analysis by western blot and qPCR to determine the expression of apoptotic and inflammatory proteins,such as extracellular-signal regulated kinase(ERK1/2),nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB),protein kinase B(Akt),caspase-3,Bax,Bcl-2,interleukin-8,and heat shock proteins.Immunohistochemical staining was performed for TLR2 and 4 and interleukin-8.Cells were also pretreated with OxPAPC,an antagonist of TLR2 and 4 to elucidate the molecular mechanism.Results showed that argon preconditioning before rotenone application caused a dose-dependent but not a time-dependent reduction in the number of apoptotic cells.Preconditioning with 74%argon for 2 hours was used for further experiments showing the most promising results.Argon decreased the surface expression of TLR2 and 4,whereas OxPAPC treatment partially abolished the protective effect of argon.Argon increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but decreased NF-κB and Akt.Preconditioning inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis and the heat shock response.Argon also suppressed the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8.Immunohistochemistry confirmed the alteration of TLRs and interleukin-8.OxPAPC reversed the argon effect on ERK1/2,Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,and interleukin-8 expression,but not on NF-κB and the heat shock proteins.Taken together,argon preconditioning protects against apoptosis of neuronal cells and mediates its action via Toll-like receptors.Argon may represent a promising therapeutic alternative in various clinical settings,such as the treatment of stroke.

Toll-like receptor 2及其信号传导通路在阿片类物质诱导细胞凋亡中的作用

目的:成瘾物质(Addictive drugs)导致的中毒性脑病的中枢神经系统损害以神经元凋亡为突出表现,具体机制仍有待进一步的研究探讨。方法:Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)不仅是激活机体自身免疫防御和炎症反应的重要受体,而且广泛参与多种细胞功能,包括细胞凋亡。我们使用体外培养的HEK293和高表达TLR2的HEK2932种细胞,以及体外培养小鼠皮层原代神经元细胞,研究经过吗啡处理后细胞存活率和凋亡的变化,以探讨TLR2信号通路在吗啡诱导的细胞凋亡中的作用。结果:TLR2高表达导致吗啡诱导的细胞存活率下降和细胞凋亡的显著增加。使用MyD88抑制体竞争性抑制MyD88并阻断TLR2信号通路后,吗啡诱导的TLR2高表达细胞的凋亡也被明显抑制。长期的吗啡处理导致正常神经元的TLR2在信使RNA(mRNA)水平和蛋白水平表达明显增高,而且在TLR2功能缺失的原代神经元细胞中,吗啡诱导的caspase-3活性增高被阻断,吗啡诱导的神经元凋亡也被明显抑制。结论:TLR2信号通路参与吗啡诱导的神经元凋亡。

Association between polymorphisms in the Toll-like receptor 4,CD14,and CARD15/NOD2and inflammatory bowel disease in the Greek population

AIM: Crohn's disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)are multifactorial diseases with a significant genetic background.Apart from CARD15/NOD2 gene, evidence is accumulating that molecules related to the innate immune response such as CD14 or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), are involved in their pathogenesis. In further exploring the genetic background of these diseases, we investigated the variations in the CARD15/NOD2 gene (Arg702Trp,Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC), and polymorphisms in the TLR4 gene (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) as well as in the promoter of the CD14 gene (T/C at position -159) in Greek patients with CD and UC.METHODS: DNA was obtained from 120 patients with CD,85 with UC and 100 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed by allele specific PCR or by PCR-RFLP analysis.RESULTS: The 299Gly allele frequency of the TLR4 gene and the T allele and TT genotype frequendes of the CD14 promoter were significantly higher in CD patients only compared to healthy individuals (P = 0.026＜0.05; P = 0.0048＜0.01 and P= 0.047＜0.05 respectively). Concerning the NOD2/CARD15mutations the overall presence in CD patients was significantly higher than that in UC patients or in controls.Additionally, 51.67% of the CD patients were carriers of a TLR4 and/or CD14 polymorphic allele and at least one variant of the NOD2/CARD15, compared to 27% of the UC patients. It should be pointed out that both frequencies significantly increased as compared with the 10% frequency of multiple carriers found in healthy controls. A possible interaction of the NOD2/CARD15 with TLR4 and especially CD14, increased the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that co-existence of a mutation in either the TLR4 or CD14 gene, and in NOD2/CARD15is associated with an increased susceptibility to developing CD compared to UC, and to developing either CD or UC compared to healthy individuals.

Faecal and mucosal microbiota in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders: Correlation with toll-like receptor 2/toll-like receptor 4 expression

AIM To investigate the intestinal luminal microbiota(LM)and mucosa-associated microbiota(MAM)in Chinese patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs)and examine the association between these communities and the expression of toll-like receptor(TLR)2 and TLR4. METHODS Thirty-two Chinese subjects who suffered from symptoms of FGIDs,as confirmed by gastroenterologists,were enrolled in this study.Fresh faecal samples and descending colonic mucosal biopsies were collected from the subjects before(faecal)and during(mucosal) flexible colonoscopy.For analysis of the samples,we performed high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4region of the 16S rR NA gene and reverse transcription(RT)-PCR to detect the expression of colonic TLR2 and TLR4.Differences in the stool and mucosal microbiota were examined and a correlation network analysis was performed. RESULTS The microbiota of faecal samples was significantly more diverse and richer than that of the mucosal samples,and the LM and MAM populations differed significantly.TLR2 expression showed a significant positive correlation with TLR4 expression.In the MAM samples,the genera Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus,which belong to the family Ruminococcaceae,were inversely correlated with TLR4 expression(r=-0.45817,P=0.0083 and r=-0.5306,P=0.0018,respectively).Granulicatella,which belongs to Carnobacteriaceae,and Streptococcus,which belongs to Streptococcaceae,were inversely correlated with TLR2 expression(r=-0.5573,P=0.0010 and r=-0.5435,P=0.0013,respectively).In the LM samples,examination at phylum,class,or order level revealed no correlation with TLR4 expression.Faecalibacterium,which belongs to Ruminococcaceae,and Streptococcus,which belongs to Streptococcaceae,were inversely correlated with TLR2 expression(r=-0.5743,P=0.0058 and r=-0.3905,P=0.0271,respectively). CONCLUSION Microbial compositions of LM and MAM in Chinese patients with FGIDs are different.Expression of TLRs may be affected by the type of bacteria that are present in the gut.

Divergent expression of bacterial wall sensing toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in colorectal cancer

To characterize the expression of toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and in normal colorectal mucosa. METHODSWe analysed tissue samples from a prospective series of 118 unselected surgically treated patients with CRC. Sections from formalin fixed, paraffin embedded specimens were analysed for TLR2 and TLR4 expression by immunohistochemistry. Two independent assessors evaluated separately expression at the normal mucosa, at the invasive front and the bulk of the carcinoma, and in the lymph node metastases when present. Expression levels in different locations were compared and their associations with clinicopathological features including TNM-stage and the grade of the tumour and 5-year follow-up observations were analysed. RESULTSNormal colorectal epithelium showed a gradient of expression of both TLR2 and TLR4 with low levels in the crypt bases and high levels in the surface. In CRC, expression of both TLRs was present in all cases and in the major proportion of tumour cells. Compared to normal epithelium, TLR4 expression was significantly weaker but TLR2 expression stronger in carcinoma cells. Weak TLR4 expression in the invasive front was associated with distant metastases and worse cancer-specific survival at 5 years. In tumours of the proximal colon the cancer-specific survival at 5 years was 36.9% better with strong TLR4 expression as compared with those with weak expression (P = 0.044). In contrast, TLR2 expression levels were not associated with prognosis. Tumour cells in the lymph node metastases showed higher TLR4 expression and lower TLR2 expression than cells in primary tumours. CONCLUSIONTumour cells in CRC show downregulation of TLR4 and upregulation of TLR2. Low expression of TLR4 in the invasive front predicts poor prognosis and metastatic disease.

Toll-like receptor 9 polymorphisms and Helicobacter pylori influence gene expression and risk of gastric carcinogenesis in the Brazilian population

BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors(TLRs)are the first line of host defense,and are involved in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)recognition and activation of both inflammatory and carcinogenic processes.The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in genes that activate the immune response may modulate the risk of precancerous lesions and gastric cancer(GC).Among them,Toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)polymorphisms have emerged with a risk factor of infectious diseases and cancer,however the studies are still inconclusive.AIM To evaluate whether TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 SNPs contribute to the risk of gastric carcinogenesis,and its influence on mRNA expression.METHODS A case-control study was conducted to evaluate two TLR9 SNPs(TLR9-1237 TCrs5743836 and TLR9-1486 CT-rs187084)in chronic gastritis(CG)and GC patients.A total of 609 DNA samples of peripheral blood[248 CG,161 GC,and 200 samples from healthy individuals(C)]were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.All samples were tested for the H.pylori infection using Hpx1 and Hpx2 primers.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction by TaqMan?assay was used to quantify TLR9 mRNA from fresh gastric tissues(48 GC,26 CG,and 14 C).RESULTS For TLR9-1237,the TC+CC or CC genotypes were associated with a higher risk of GC than C[recessive model odds ratio(OR)=5.01,95%confidence interval(CI):2.52-9.94,P<0.0001],and the CG(recessive model OR=4.63;95%CI:2.44-8.79,P<0.0001)groups.For TLR9-1486,an association between the CT+TT genotypes and increased risk of both GC(dominant model OR=2.72,95%CI:1.57-4.72,P<0.0001)and CG(dominant model OR=1.79,95%CI:1.15-2.79,P=0.0094)was observed when compared to the C group.Moreover,the presence of TLR9-1237 TC/CC+TLR9-1486 CC genotypes potentiate the risk for this neoplasm(OR=18.57;95%CI:5.06-68.15,P<0.0001).The TLR9 mRNA level was significantly higher in the GC group(RQ=9.24,P<0.0001)in relation to the CG group(RQ=1.55,P=0.0010)and normal mucosa(RQ=1.0).When the samples were grouped according to the polymorphic genotypes and the presence of H.pylori infection,an influence of TLR9-1237 TC+CC polymorphic genotypes(P=0.0083)and H.pylori infection(P<0.0001)was observed on the upregulation of mRNA expression.CONCLUSION Our findings show that TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 polymorphisms are associated with a higher risk of carcinogenesis gastric,and that TLR9 mRNA levels can be modulated by TLR9-1237 TC+CC variant genotypes and H.pylori infection.

Protection against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury via downregulation of toll-like receptor 2 expression by inhibition of Kupffer cell function

AIM： To elucidate the mechanism of liver protection by inhibition of Kupffer cells （KCs） function.METHODS： All the animals were randomly divided into three groups. Blockade group （gadolinium chloride solution （GdCl3） injection plus ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） injury）：GdCl3 solution was injected once every 24 h for 2 d via the tail vein before I/R injury. Non-blockade group （saline solution injection plus I/R injury）： saline instead of GdCl3 as a control was injected as in the blockade group. Sham group： saline was injected without I/R injury. Liver samples were collected 4 h after blood inflow restoration. The blockade of the function of KCs was verified by immunostaining with an anti-CD68 mAb. Toll-like receptor2 （TLR2） was immunostained with a goat antimouse polydonal anti-TLR2 antibody. Membrane proteins were extracted from the liver samples and TLR2 protein was analyzed by Western blot. Portal vein serum and plasma were taken respectively at the same time point for further detection of the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, an indicator of liver function.I/R injury via downregulation of theexpression of TLR2.RESULTS： Compared to non-blockade group, CD^68＋ cells significantly reduced in blockade group （OPTDI, optical density integral）： 32.97±10.55 vs 185.65±21.88, P〈0.01） and the liver function impairment was relieved partially （level of ALT： 435.89±178.37 U/L vs 890.21±272.91 U/L,P〈0.01）. The expression of TLR2 protein in blockade group significantly decreased compared to that in non- group（method of immunohistochemistry, OPDTI： 75.74±17.44 vs 170.58±25.14, P〈0.01; method of Western blot, A value： 125.89±15.49 vs 433.91±35.53, P〈0.02）. The latter correlated with the variation of CD68 staining （r = 0.745,P〈0.05）. Also the level of portal vein TNF-α decreased in blockade group compared to that in non-blockade group （84.45±14.73 ng/L vs 112.32±17.56 ng/L, P〈0.05）, butwas still higher than that in sham group （84.45±14.73 ng/L vs 6.07±5.33 ng/L, P〈0.01）.CONCLUSION： Inhibition of the function of KCs may protect liver against I/R injury via downregulation of the expression of TLR2.

Science Letters:A synthetic Toll-like receptor 2 ligand decreases allergic immune responses in a mouse rhinitis model sensitized to mite allergen

It has been proposed that activation of Toll-like receptors （TLRs） plays crucial roles in the polarization of adaptive immune responses. A synthetic Toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2） ligand, Pam3CSK4, has been reported to modulate the balance of Th1/Th2 responses. We evaluated the modulation effect of Pam3CSK4 on allergic immune response in a mouse rhinitis model sensitized to house dust mite allergen （HDM）. Mice were sensitized and challenged with Dermatophagoidesfarinae allergen （Der f）, and then the allergic mice were treated by Pam3CSK4. Nasal allergic symptoms and eosinophils were scored. Der f-specific cytokine responses were examined in the splenocytes and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF）. Serum level of total IgE was also detected. After establishing a mouse allergic rhinitis model with HDM, we have showed that Pam3CSK4 treatment not only ameliorated the nasal allergic symptoms remarkably but also decreased the eosinophils and total inflammation cells in BALF significantly. Analysis of cytokine profile found that IFN-7 released from either BALF or stimulated splenocytes increased markedly in Pam3CSK4-treated mice, while IL-13 decreased significantly. Moreover, serum level of total IgE was significantly lower in Pam3CSK4-treated mice than in the untreated. Thus, in an allergic rhinitis mouse model developed with HDM, Pam3CSK4 was shown to exhibit an antiallergic effect, indicating its potential application in allergic diseases.

Over-expression of Toll-like receptor 2 up-regulates heme oxygenase-1 expression and decreases oxidative injury in dairy goats

Background： Mastitis, an infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria, produces udder inflammation and oxidative injury in milk-producing mammals. Toll-like receptor 2（TLR2） is important for host recognition of invading Grampositive microbes. Over-expression of TLR2 in transgenic dairy goats is a useful model for studying various aspects of infection with Gram-positive bacteria, in vivo.Methods： We over-expressed TLR2 in transgenic dairy goats. Pam3CSK4, a component of Gram-positive bacteria,triggered the TLR2 signal pathway by stimulating the monocytes-macrophages from the TLR2-positive transgenic goats, and induced over-expression of activator protein-1（AP-1）, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K） and transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） and inflammation factors downstream of the signal pathway.Results： Compared with wild-type controls, measurements of various oxidative stress-related molecules showed that TLR2, when over-expressed in transgenic goat monocytes-macrophages, resulted in weak lipid damage, high level expression of anti-oxidative stress proteins, and significantly increased m RNA levels of transcription factor NF-E2-related factor-2（Nrf2） and the downstream gene, heme oxygenase-1（HO-1）. When Pam3CSK4 was used to stimulate ear tissue in vivo the HO-1 protein of the transgenic goats had a relatively high expression level.Conclusions： The results indicate that the oxidative injury in goats over-expressing TLR2 was reduced following Pam3CSK4 stimulation. The underlying mechanism for this reduction was increased expression of the anti-oxidation gene HO-1 by activation of the Nrf2 signal pathway.

Toll-Like Receptor Gene Expression in Nasal Polyp

Objective: To investigate the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the correlation between TLR expression and mucosal changes in chronic sinusitis-related nasal polyposis. Methods: Patients with nasal polyps were enrolled in this study as the study group. The control group consisted of individuals undergoing surgery due to nasal obstruction caused by concha hypertrophy who were not diagnosed with chronic sinusitis-related nasal polyposis (NP). There were 30 patients in the study group (individuals with NP) and 20 patients in the control group. Sterile tissue samples were taken from the patients and were kept at -80°C. A piece of tissue sample was put into the eppendorf tube. Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 gene was investigated in the tissue samples. The samples were taken after the surgery;they were carried into the liquid nitrogen and were kept at -80° C before study. Results: TLR2 and TLR4 expression was measured in both groups and then analyzed using Student’s t-test. In the experimental group, the level of TLR2 expression was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001);however, TLR4 expression was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.656). Conclusion: TLRs are thought to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of NP. In addition, the authors consider that a possible treatment for NP could be a TLR-specific treatment. Thus, in the future it will be essential to determine the extent to which TLRs function in NP formation and to apply this knowledge to design a specific therapeutic regimen for the enhanced treatment of NP.

Expression of toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphism and inflammatory factors in peripheral blood on patients with sepsis

Objective:To observe the presence of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)gene polymorphism in the venous blood in patients with sepsis,meanwhile,to observe the expression and the diagnostic value of TLR4 mRNA,interferon-(IFN-),interleukin-23(IL-23),procalcitonin(PCT)and C-reactive protein(CRP)in patients with different degrees of sepsis.Methods:The peripheral blood samples from the subjects were collected to extract genomic DNA,gene sequencing and enzyme digestion method were applied to the detection of TLR4 Asp299Gly loci polymorphism.The expression of TLR4 mRNA in the peripheral blood was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The expression levels of IFN-,IL-23,PCT and CRP were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:(1)The gene polymorphism was not present in TLR4 Asp299Gly loci;(2)The expression of TLR4 mRNA in the peripheral blood in patients with sepsis:on d1,there were statistically significant differences between the normal group and the group(APACHE II≤20),between the normal group and the group(APACHE II>20),between the group(APACHE II≤20)and the group(AAPACHE II>20)(t=5.741,14.780 and 10.500,all p<.01).APACHE II stands for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II.On d7,there were statistically significant differences between the normal group and the group(APACHE II≤20),between the normal group and the group(APACHE II>20),between the group(APACHE II≤20)and the group(APACHE II>20)(t=4.186,13.830 and 9.645,all p<.01);(3)The expression levels of IFN-,IL-23,PCT and CRP were obviously upregulated(all p<.01),and TLR4 was positively correlated with IFN-and IL-23(all p<.01);(4)The best cutoff value of TLR4 mRNA at baseline was 891.6μg/L,with a sensitivity of 100%and a diagnostic specificity of 57%.The best cutoff value of IFN-at baseline was 84.5μg/L,with a sensitivity of 100%and a diagnostic specificity of 57%.The best cutoff value of IL-23 at baseline was 861μg/L,with a sensitivity of 100%and a diagnostic specificity of 97%.Conclusions:(1)The Asp299Gly polymorphism is not present in TLR4 gene;(2)The expression levels of TLR4 mRNA,IFN-and IL-23 are relatively high in patients with sepsis,and will be higher with the increased severity of sepsis;(3)TLR4 mRNA,IFN-and IL-23 can be used as molecular biomarkers for the early diagnosis of sepsis.

肺腺癌组织中前列腺素内过氧化物合酶2表达水平与表皮生长因子受体基因突变的相关性分析

目的 分析肺腺癌组织中前列腺素内过氧化物合酶2(PTGS2)表达水平与表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)基因突变的相关性。方法 选取57例肺腺癌患者为研究对象,收集肺腺癌组织及其相应癌旁组织。采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-PCR)法检测癌组织及癌旁组织中PTGS2 mRNA表达水平;采用免疫组织化学法分析PTGS2蛋白表达;采用RT-PCR法检测癌组织及癌旁组织EGFR基因突变情况。分析肺腺癌患者临床病理参数与PTGS2 mRNA水平、EGFR基因突变情况的关系。采用Spearman秩相关分析探讨肺腺癌患者EGFR基因突变情况与PTGS2 mRNA水平的相关性。结果 57例肺腺癌患者中,5例癌旁组织EGFR基因突变型患者,其对应癌组织也均发生突变,且为同一突变类型。26例(45.61%)癌组织EGFR基因突变型患者,未发现双重突变,其中19外显子突变17例(29.82%),均为缺失突变;21外显子突变9例(15.79%),均为L858R点突变。癌组织中PTGS2mRNA表达水平、PTGS2蛋白阳性率及EGFR基因突变型比例高于癌旁组织,EGFR基因野生型比例低于癌旁组织(P<0.01)。肺腺癌患者性别、TNM分期、吸烟与PTGS2 mRNA表达水平、EGFR基因突变情况有关(P<0.05或0.01)。EGFR基因突变型PTGS2 mRNA表达水平高于EGFR基因野生型(P<0.01)。肺腺癌患者EGFR基因突变与PTGS2 mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r=0.512,P<0.01)。结论 肺腺癌患者癌组织中PTGS2mRNA表达水平及PTGS2蛋白阳性率升高,且与EGFR基因突变关系密切,二者可能共同影响疾病进程。

miR-10b介导NKG2D调节脑胶质瘤细胞免疫效应的实验研究

目的:观察微小核糖核酸-10b(miR-10b)对脑胶质瘤细胞免疫效应的调节作用并探讨其作用机制。方法:取人脑胶质瘤细胞U251进行培养和传代,获得处于对数生长期的细胞。按照1.0×105个/ml浓度制备细胞悬液,并设置对照组、过表达组、低表达组、空白组,每组6个复孔。对照组、过表达组、低表达组分别采用脂质体转染法转染阴性对照、miR-10b模拟物、miR-10b抑制剂,空白组予以等量无菌生理盐水。分离和培养1例健康志愿者外周血自然杀伤(NK)细胞。MTT法检测不同效靶比时NK细胞的杀伤活性;流式细胞仪检测各组NK细胞表面NK细胞激活受体(NKG2D)表达,并检测各组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面主要组织相容性复合物Ⅰ链相关基因A(MICA)、UL16结合蛋白2(ULBP2)、UL16结合蛋白3(ULBP3)表达。结果:对照组、过表达组、低表达组转染效率分别为(93.55±2.05)%、(95.67±3.14)%、(94.18±3.26)%;与对照组和空白组相比,过表达组miR-10b表达升高,低表达组miR-10b表达降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且对照组和空白组miR-10b表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);与对照组和空白组相比,过表达组NK细胞不同效靶比杀伤活性均降低、NKG2D表达降低,低表达组NK细胞不同效靶比杀伤活性均增高、NKG2D表达增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),各组NK细胞杀伤活性均随效靶比增加而增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且对照组与空白组相比,相同效靶比NK细胞杀伤活性、NKG2D表达差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);与对照组和空白组相比,过表达组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达均降低,低表达组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达均增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且对照组与空白组人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:抑制miR-10b表达能够增加NK细胞表面NKG2D和人脑胶质瘤细胞U251表面MICA、ULBP2、ULBP3表达,增强NK细胞对人脑胶质瘤细胞U251的杀伤活性。

SNP Identification in α_(2A)-Adrenergic Receptor Gene in Chinese and the Effect on Gene Expression

Objective: To scan single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP ) in Chinese alpha-2Aadrenergic receptor (α_(2A)-AR) gene and study the effects of the SNP on the gene expression.Methods: The complete sequence of α_(2A)-AR gene was analyzed with automated DNA sequencer to scanSNPs. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and a 239 bp fragment containing the G/Cpolymorphism was amplified with PCR using a pair of. specific primers. PCR-RFLP was used to performthe genotyping of the SNP at the site-1 296 bp of the people in the North of China. Electrophoresismobility shift assay ( EMSA ) was used to study the binding of the 390 bp fragments (- 1 414-1 025bp) with G or C at the site-1 296 bp and nuclear extracts . Results: In our study, two SNPs werefound in α_(2A)-AR gene. Allele frequencies of the SNP at the site-1 296 bp were 0.61 and 0.39 forG and C , and the genotype frequencies were 0.34 , 0.54 and 0.13 for GG, GC and CC respectively fromthe people in the North of China. In the EMSA, a specific binding appeared in the complex ofnuclear extracts and DNA with C at-1 296 bp . Conclusion: Two SNPs exist in α_(2A)-AR gene from thepeople in the North of China , and DNA fragment with allele C of the SNP at the site-1 296 bp couldbind with a specific protein, which could influence the gene expression.