Objective: To study the adverse effects of advanced glycation end products(AGEs) on chondrocytes and the role of autophagy in this process. Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the human articular cartilage tissu...Objective: To study the adverse effects of advanced glycation end products(AGEs) on chondrocytes and the role of autophagy in this process. Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the human articular cartilage tissues in surgery. AGEs were administered during chondrocytes culture. The rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. The cell viability was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κ B(NF-κ B) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The reactive oxygen species(ROS) production and apoptosis of the chondrocytes were determined by fluorescent probe and flow cytometer, respectively. Results: The chondrocytes viability was significantly reduced after 12 h incubation with AGEs(P<0.01)). In contrast, rapamycin pretreatment increased the chondrocytes viability through autophagy. AGEs increased TNF-α and NF-κ B mRNA expression of chondrocytes and autophagy receded or proceeded the change. AGEs increased intracellular ROS accumulation and autophagy reversed the change. AGEs accelerated chondrocytes apoptosis and autophagy suspended apoptosis. Conclusions: Accumulation of AGEs may have an adverse role for chondrocytes by increasing TNF-α and NF-κB expression, ROS accumulation and apoptosis; meanwhile, autophagy ameliorates the AGEsinduced adverse effects.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effect of propofol on human pancreatic cells and the molecular mechanism of propofol action.METHODS:We used the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2 for in vitro studies measuring growth ...AIM:To investigate the effect of propofol on human pancreatic cells and the molecular mechanism of propofol action.METHODS:We used the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2 for in vitro studies measuring growth inhibition and degree of apoptotic cell death induced by propofol alone,gemcitabine alone,or propofol followed by gemcitabine.All experiments were conducted in triplicate and carried out on three or more separate occasions.Data were means of the three or more independent experiments±SE.Statistically significant differences were determined by two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test and defined as P<0.05.RESULTS:Pretreatment of cells with propofol for 24 h followed by gemcitabine resulted in 24%-75% growth inhibition compared with 6%-18%when gemcitabine was used alone.Overall growth inhibition was directly correlated with apoptotic cell death.We also showed that propofol potentiated gemcitabine-induced killing by downregulation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).In contrast,NF-κB was upregulated when pancreatic cancer cells were exposed to gemcitabine alone,suggesting a potential mechanism of acquired chemoresistance.CONCLUSION:Inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by propofol might abrogate gemcitabineinduced activation of NF-κB,resulting in chemosensitization of pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine.展开更多
Strokes include both ischemic stroke,which is mediated by a blockade or reduction in the blood supply to the brain,and hemorrhagic stroke,which comprises intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage and is cha...Strokes include both ischemic stroke,which is mediated by a blockade or reduction in the blood supply to the brain,and hemorrhagic stroke,which comprises intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage and is characterized by bleeding within the brain.Stroke is a lifethreatening cerebrovascular condition characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms,including oxidative stress,inflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,and neuronal injury.Critical transcription factors,such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor kappa B,play central roles in the progression of stroke.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is sensitive to changes in the cellular redox status and is crucial in protecting cells against oxidative damage,inflammatory responses,and cytotoxic agents.It plays a significant role in post-stroke neuroprotection and repair by influencing mitochondrial function,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and lysosomal activity and regulating metabolic pathways and cytokine expression.Conversely,nuclear factor-kappa B is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction,the generation of reactive oxygen species,oxidative stress exacerbation,and inflammation.Nuclear factor-kappa B contributes to neuronal injury,apoptosis,and immune responses following stroke by modulating cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators.The interplay between these pathways,potentially involving crosstalk among various organelles,significantly influences stroke pathophysiology.Advancements in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have greatly improved our understanding of stroke pathogenesis and offer new opportunities for the development of targeted,individualized,cell typespecific treatments.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor-kappa B in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke,with an emphasis on their roles in oxidative stress,inflammation,and neuroprotection.展开更多
BACKGROUND Rosmarinic acid(RA)is a natural polyphenol carboxylic acid known for its role in chemoprevention.Given its widespread use as a food additive,we are interested in whether RA affects the development of colore...BACKGROUND Rosmarinic acid(RA)is a natural polyphenol carboxylic acid known for its role in chemoprevention.Given its widespread use as a food additive,we are interested in whether RA affects the development of colorectal cancer(CRC).AIM To examine the anti-tumor effects of RA on various CRC cell lines,and to further investigate the possible mechanisms.METHODS Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and optical microscopy imaging were used to evaluate the viability of CRC cell lines.Western blot,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and flow cytometry analyses were performed to assess cell viability and activation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling.Molecular modeling was used to assess the interaction between RA and inhibitory kappa B kinase beta.Luciferase assay was used to examine the activity of NF-κB-driven transcription.The combinations of RA with 5-fluorouracil or oxaliplatin were utilized to evaluate the potential synergistic action of RA with the chemotherapeutics.RESULTS RA exerted potent cytotoxic actions on all six CRC cell lines examined.RA was docked nicely into the binding pocket of inhibitory kappa B kinase beta by molecular modeling.The activity of NF-κB-driven luciferase and the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 were decreased after exposure to the compound.Lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation was effectively inhibited by RA,too.Further,RA downregulated the expression of cell proliferationrelated cyclin D1 and MYC,which are target genes of NF-κB.Of note,the cytotoxic actions of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin were markedly enhanced by RA in those CRC cells.CONCLUSION Our results indicate that RA inhibits NF-κB signaling and induces apoptosis in CRC cells.It enhances the cytotoxic actions of chemotherapeutics and might help to improve the chemotherapy of CRC.展开更多
Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations.The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated.Osteomodulin(OMD)is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family memb...Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations.The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated.Osteomodulin(OMD)is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member distributed in bones and teeth.It is a bioactive protein that promotes osteogenesis and suppresses the apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs).In this study,the role of OMD in pulpitis and the OMD-induced regulatory mechanism were investigated.The OMD expression in normal and inflamed human pulp tissues was detected via immunofluorescence staining.Intriguingly,the OMD expression decreased in the inflammatory infiltration area of pulpitis specimens.The cellular experiments demonstrated that recombined human OMD could resist the detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation.A conditional Omd knockout mouse model with pulpal inflammation was established.LPS-induced inflammatory impairment significantly increased in conditional Omd knockout mice,whereas OMD administration exhibited a protective effect against pulpitis.Mechanistically,the transcriptome alterations of OMD overexpression showed significant enrichment in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Interleukin-1 receptor 1(IL1R1),a vital membrane receptor activating the NF-κB pathway,was significantly downregulated in OMD-overexpressing hDPSCs.Additionally,the interaction between OMD and IL1R1 was verified using co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking.In vivo,excessive pulpal inflammation in Omd-deficient mice was rescued using an IL1R antagonist.Overall,OMD played a protective role in the inflammatory response via the IL1R1/NF-κB signaling pathway.OMD may optimize the immunomodulatory functions of hDPSCs and can be used for regenerative endodontics.展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common malignancy.However,the efficacy of current treatment strategies remains limited.In recent years,monomeric compounds from traditional Chinese medicine have received extens...Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common malignancy.However,the efficacy of current treatment strategies remains limited.In recent years,monomeric compounds from traditional Chinese medicine have received extensive attention in cancer therapy.Rosmarinic acid(RA),a natural phenolic acid,has multiple biological activities and exhibits anti-oncogenic effects in several cancers.Liu et al previously uncovered that RA could serve as a dual-action therapeutic agent in CRC.By suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B signaling via direct inhibition of inhibitory kappa B kinase beta,RA not only impedes tumor progression but also synergizes with first-line chemotherapeutics(5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin)to reverse drug resistance.The authors demonstrate RA’s capacity to downregulate nuclear factor-kappa B-driven oncogenes and enhance chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity in vitro through integrative approaches,including molecular docking,luciferase assays,and functional validation.While these findings position RA as a cost-effective adjuvant in precision oncology,critical clinical translational gaps remain,including optimizing RA’s in vivo bioavailability,validating systemic safety in combinatorial regimens,and elucidating its immunomodulatory effects within the tumor microenvironment.This underscores the urgency of bridging phytochemistry and clinical oncology,advocating for biomarker-driven animal studies and phase I trials to translate RA’s potential into actionable CRC therapies.By addressing these hurdles,RA could emerge as a paradigm-shifting agent,harmonizing natural product efficacy with modern therapeutic precision.展开更多
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has emerged as a prominent and pervasive global health challenge.Bicuculline(BIC),which is a key active component of the anti-MASLD prescriptio...BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has emerged as a prominent and pervasive global health challenge.Bicuculline(BIC),which is a key active component of the anti-MASLD prescription"Eight Zhes Decoction",has been preliminarily shown by our research team to have significant potential in treating MASLD.AIM To determine BIC's efficacy in treating MASLD by regulating lipid metabolism and suppressing hepatic inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)pathway,identifying it as a therapeutic candidate.METHODS This study explored the potential of BIC in preventing and treating MASLD using zebrafish,cellular(HepG2 and AML12),and mouse models.RESULTS Our results indicate that BIC significantly reduces lipid accumulation and inflammation both in vivo and in vitro.Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-MASLD effects of BIC are linked to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway,which plays a critical role in mitigating inflammation and lipid deposition.CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate that BIC specifically alleviates lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis in MASLD models via the NF-κB signaling pathway.Overall,BIC has emerged as a promising candidate for treating MASLD.展开更多
BACKGROUND In vivo degradation of bone scaffolds is significantly influenced by osteoclast(OC)activity,which is orchestrated by the interplay between receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand(RANKL)and osteo...BACKGROUND In vivo degradation of bone scaffolds is significantly influenced by osteoclast(OC)activity,which is orchestrated by the interplay between receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG).The ratio of RANKL/OPG is a crucial determinant of OC-mediated bone resorption,which plays an integral role in bone remodeling and scaffold degradation.Elevated levels of RANKL relative to OPG enhance osteoclastogenesis,thereby accelerating the degradation process essential for integrating bone scaffolds into the host tissue.AIM To elucidate the effects of OPG gene silencing on osteoclastogenesis within rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).By investigating these effects,the study aimed to provide deeper insights into the regulatory mechanisms that influence bone scaffold degradation,potentially leading to improved bone repair and regeneration strategies.METHODS We employed recombinant lentiviral plasmids to silence the OPG gene in rat BMSCs to achieve the aims.The efficacy of gene silencing was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis to measure the expression levels of OPG and RANKL.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining was utilized to evaluate the formation of OCs.Additionally,co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the interactions between RANKL and OPG proteins,further assessing the biochemical pathways involved in osteoclastogenesis.RESULTS The silencing of the OPG gene in BMSCs resulted in a significant increase in the RANKL/OPG ratio,evidenced by decreased expression levels of OPG and increased levels of RANKL.Enhanced osteoclastogenesis was observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,which indicated a substantial rise in OC formation in response to the altered RANKL/OPG balance.The co-immunoprecipitation assays provided concrete evidence of the direct interaction between RANKL and OPG proteins,substantiating their pivotal roles in regulating OC activity.CONCLUSION The findings from this study underscore the critical role of the RANKL/OPG axis in osteoclastogenesis.Silencing of the OPG gene in BMSCs effectively increases the RANKL/OPG ratio,promoting OC activity and potentially enhancing bone scaffold degradation.This regulatory mechanism offers a promising avenue for modulating bone remodeling processes,which is essential for effective bone repair and the successful integration of bone scaffolds into damaged sites.Future research might focus on optimizing the control of this axis to better facilitate bone tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.展开更多
To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction (JPQCD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.METHODSC57BL/c mice were injected intragastrically with 5% DSS instea...To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction (JPQCD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.METHODSC57BL/c mice were injected intragastrically with 5% DSS instead of drinking water for 7 d, and their body weight, diarrhea severity and fecal bleeding were monitored, while the mice in the control group were treated with standard drinking water, without DSS. After 7 d, the DSS drinking water was changed to normal water and the DSS group continued with DSS water. The control and DSS groups were given normal saline by intragastric injection. The 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group was treated orally with 5-ASA at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily. The JPQCD group was treated orally with JPQCD at a dose of 17.1 g/kg daily. On day 14, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathological damage score was assessed, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in colon supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κB and inhibitor of kappa B.RESULTSAcute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS, including the symptoms of losing body weight, loose feces/watery diarrhea and presence of fecal blood; all these symptoms worsened at 7 d. The colons of mice treated with DSS were assessed by histological examination, and the results confirmed that acute inflammation had occurred, as evidenced by loss of colonic mucosa and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, and these features extended into the deeper layer of the colon walls. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the DSS group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the JPQCD and 5-ASA groups were lower than those in the DSS group after treating with JPQCD and 5-ASA. Comparing with the DSS group, the mRNA level of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB was significantly reduced by 5-ASA and JPQCD. The difference between JPQCD and 5-ASA groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparing with the DSS group, due to using JPQCD and 5-ASA, significant suppression of activation in DSS-induced NF-κB and increased phosphorylation of IκB in mice with experimental colitis occurred (P < 0.05). The difference between the JPQCD group and the 5-ASA group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONActivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is inhibited by JPQCD, which shows the potential mechanism by which JPQCD treats UC.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The active form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is involved in the initiation, generation, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is up-regulated in inflammation-associated malignanc...BACKGROUND: The active form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is involved in the initiation, generation, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is up-regulated in inflammation-associated malignancies. We investigated the dynamic expression of NF-kappa B and its influences on the occurrence of HCC through antiangiogenic (thalidomide) intervention in NF-kappa B activation. METHODS : Hepatoma models were induced with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA, 0.05%) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and thalidomide (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered intragastrically to intervene in NF-kappa B activation. The pathological changes in the liver of sacrificed rats were assessed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. NF-kappa B mRNA was amplified by RT-nested PCR. The alterations of NF-kappa B and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Rat hepatocytes showed denatured, precancerous, and cancerous stages in hepatocarcinogenesis, with an increasing tendency of hepatic NF-kappa B, NF-kappa B mRNA, and VEGF expression, and their values in the HCC group were higher than those in controls (P<0.001). In the thalidomide-treated group, the morphologic changes generated only punctiform denaturation and necrosis at the early or middle stages, and nodular hyperplasia or a little atypical hyperplasia at the final stages, with the expression of NF-kappa B (chi(2)=9.93, P<0.001) and VEGF (chi(2)=8.024, P<0.001) lower than that in the 2-FAA group. CONCLUSION: NF-kappa B is overexpressed in hepatocarcinogenesis and antiangiogenic treatment down-regulates the expression of NF-kappa B and VEGF, and delays the occurrence of HCC. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 169-174)展开更多
AIM:To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF)inducing protein (Tip-α)on cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS:We cloned Tip-αfrom the H.pylori strain 26695,transfor...AIM:To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF)inducing protein (Tip-α)on cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS:We cloned Tip-αfrom the H.pylori strain 26695,transformed Escherichia coli with an expression plasmid,and then confirmed the expression product by Western blotting.Using different concentrations of Tip-αthat affected SGC7901 and GES-1 cells at different times,we assessed cytokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We blocked SGC7901 cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC),a specific inhibitor of nuclear factorκB(NF-κB).We then detected interleukin(IL)-1βand TNF-αlevels in SGC7901 cells. RESULTS:Western blot analysis using an anti-Tip-α antibody revealed a 23-kDa protein,which indicated that recombinant Tip-αprotein was recombined successfully.The levels of IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-αwere sig-nificantly higher following Tip-αinterference,whether GES-1 cells or SGC-7901 cells were used(P<0.05).However,the levels of cytokines(including IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α)secreted by SGC-7901 cells were greater than those secreted by GES-1 cells following treatment with Tip-αat the same concentration and for the same duration(P<0.05).After blocking NF-κB with PDTC, the cells(GES-1 cells and SGC-7901 cells)underwent interference with Tip-α.We found that IL-1βand TNF-αlevels were significantly decreased compared to cells that only underwent Tip-αinterference(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Tip-αplays an important role in cyto-kine expression through NF-κB.展开更多
AIM To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction(TPSJ) on the epithelial barriers in vitro. METHODS Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with or without ...AIM To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction(TPSJ) on the epithelial barriers in vitro. METHODS Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with or without TPSJ in the presence or absence of TNF-α, and paracellular permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER) were measured to evaluate the epithelial barrier function. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were respecti-vely used to evaluate the distribution and expression of the tight junction proteins claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin in Caco-2 cells. western blotting was also used to evaluate the cellular expression of myosin light chain(MLC), phosphorylated MLC(pM LC), MLC kinase(MLCK), and nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65. RESULTS TPSJ promoted the proliferation of Caco-2 cells and inhibited TNF-α-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines. Furthermore, TPSJ significantly ameliorated both the reduction of TEER and the increased paracellular permeability observed in tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-damaged Caco-2 monolayers. Furthermore, TPSJ remarkably attenuated TNF-α-induced morphological changes, downregulated the expression of claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin, and markedly suppressed TNF-α-mediated upregulation of p-MLC and MLCK expression. Finally, TPSJ inhibited the activation and expression of NF-κB p65. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that TPSJ alleviates the TNF-α-induced impairment of the intestinal epithelial cell barrier function by suppressing NF-κB p65-mediated phosphorylation of MLCK and MLC.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) inhibits the inflammatory response and protects against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The inflammatory response is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and i...BACKGROUND: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) inhibits the inflammatory response and protects against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The inflammatory response is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and its related target genes and products such as vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule and CXC chemokines. We aimed to assess the roles of those mediators in a UTI-treated mouse model of hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Treatment group 1 (UTI given 5 minutes prior to liver ischemia), treatment group 2 (UTI given 5 minutes after the anhepatic phase) and a control group were investigated. Blood and liver samples were obtained and compared at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours after reperfusion. RESULTS: Attenuation of pathological hepatocellular damage was greater in the treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the UTI treatment groups showed significantly lower serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, decreased myeloperoxidase activity, and reduced NF-kappa B activation. Also downregulated was the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 at the mRNA level. P-selectin protein and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein expression were also downregulated. In addition, the treatment group I showed a better protective effect against I/R injury than the treatment group 2. CONCLUSIONS: UTI reduces NF-kappa B activation and downregulates the expression of its related mediators, followed by the inhibition of neutrophil aggregation and infiltration in hepatic I/R injury. The protective role of UTI is more effective in prevention than in treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. We analyzed the expression of miclear-transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) during hepatocarcinogenesis in order to evaluate i...BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. We analyzed the expression of miclear-transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) during hepatocarcinogenesis in order to evaluate its dynamic expression and its clinical value in the development and diagnosis of HCC. METHODS: Hepatoma models were induced by oral administration of 2-acetamidoflurene (2-FAA) to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes were observed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The cellular distribution of NF-kappa B expression during different stages of cancer development was investigated by immunohistochemistry, and the level of NF-kappa B expression in liver tissues was quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. The gene fragments of hepatic NF-kappa B were amplified by nested-polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: Hepatocytes showed vacuole-like degeneration during the early stages, then had a hyperplastic nodal appearance during the middle stages, and finally progressed to tubercles of cancerous nests with high differentiation. The NF-kappa B-positive material was buff-colored, fine particles localized in the nucleus, and the incidence of NF-kappa B-positive cells was 81.8% in degeneration, 83.3% in precancerous lesions, and 100% in cancerous tissues. All of these values were higher than those in controls (P<0.01). Hepatic NF-kappa B expression and hepatic NF-kappa B-mRNA were also higher during the course of HCC development (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The NF-kappa B signal transduction pathway is activated during the early stages of HCC development, and its abnormal expression may be associated with the occurrence of HCC.展开更多
Nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） in the spinal cord is involved in pro-infl ammatory cytokine-mediated pain facilitation. However, the role of NF-κB activation in chronic morphine-induced analgesic tolerance and the ...Nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） in the spinal cord is involved in pro-infl ammatory cytokine-mediated pain facilitation. However, the role of NF-κB activation in chronic morphine-induced analgesic tolerance and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the level of phosphorylated NF-κB p65（p-p65） was increased in the dorsal horn of the lumbar 4–6 segments after intrathecal administration of morphine for 7 consecutive days, and the p-p65 was co-localized with neurons and astrocytes. The expression of TNF-α and IL-1β was also increased in the same area. In addition, pretreatment with pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate（PDTC） or SN50, inhibitors of NF-κB, prevented the development of morphine analgesic tolerance and alleviated morphine withdrawal-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia. The increase in TNF-α and IL-1β expression induced by chronic morphine exposure was also partially blocked by PDTC pretreatment. In another experiment, rats receiving PDTC or SN50 beginning on day 7 of morphine injection showed partial recovery of the anti-nociceptive effects of morphine and attenuation of the withdrawal-induced abnormal pain. Meanwhile, intrathecal pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphae-roides, an antagonist of toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）, blocked the activation of NF-κB, and prevented the development of morphine tolerance and withdrawal-induced abnormal pain. These data indicated that TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation in the spinal cord is involved in the development and maintenance of morphine analgesic tolerance and withdrawalinduced pain hypersensitivity.展开更多
To investigate the inhibiting effect of β-Aescin on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat brain, 62 SD ra...To investigate the inhibiting effect of β-Aescin on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat brain, 62 SD rats were subjected to lateral cortical impact injury caused by a free-falling object and divided randomly into four groups: (1) sham operated (Group A); (2) injured (Group B); (3) β-Aescin treatment (Group C); (4) pyrrolidine dithocarbamate (PDTC) treatment (Group D). β-Aescin was administered in Group C and PDTC treated in Group D immediately after injury. A series of brain samples were obtained directly 6h, 24 h and 3 d respectively after trauma in four groups. NF-κB activation was examined by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA); the levels of TNF-α protein were measured by radio-immunoassay (RIA); the water content of rat brain was measured and pathomorphological observation was carried out. NF-κB activation, the levels of TNF-α protein and the water content of rat brain were significantly increased (P＜0.01) following TBI in rats. Compared with Group B, NF-κB activation (P＜0.01), the levels of TNF-α protein (P＜0.01) and the water content of brain (P＜0.05) began to decrease obviously after injury in Groups C and D.β-Aescin could dramatically inhibit NF-κB activation and the expression of TNF-α protein in the rat brain, alleviate rat brain edema, and that could partially be the molecular mechanism by which β-Aescin attenuates traumatic brain edema.展开更多
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus（PEDV） is a highly infectious pathogen that can cause severe diseases in pigs and result in enormous economic losses in the worldwide swine industry. Previous studies revealed that PED...Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus（PEDV） is a highly infectious pathogen that can cause severe diseases in pigs and result in enormous economic losses in the worldwide swine industry. Previous studies revealed that PEDV exhibits an obvious capacity for modulating interferon（IFN） signaling or expression. The newly discovered type III IFN, which plays a crucial role in antiviral immunity, has strong antiviral activity against PEDV proliferation in IPEC-J2 cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of PEDV nucleocapsid（N） protein on type III IFN-λ. We found that the N proteins of ten PEDV strains isolated between 2013 and 2017 from different local farms shared high nucleotide identities, while the N protein of the CV777 vaccine strain formed a monophyletic branch in the phylogenetic tree. The N protein of the epidemic strain could antagonize type III IFN, but not type I or type II IFN expression induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid（poly（I：C）） in IPEC-J2 cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the inhibition of poly（I：C）-induced IFN-λ3 production by PEDV N protein was dependent on the blocking of nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） nuclear translocation. These findings might help increase understanding of the pathogenesis of PEDV and its mechanisms for evading the host immune response.展开更多
AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using m...AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： Celastrol has been established as a nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） activation inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism behind this action is still unknown. Using text-mining technology, the authors predicted ...OBJECTIVE： Celastrol has been established as a nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） activation inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism behind this action is still unknown. Using text-mining technology, the authors predicted that int erleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases（IRA Ks） are potential celastrol targets, and hypothesized that targeting IRAKs might be one way that celastrol inhibits NF-κB. This is because IRAKs are key molecules for some crucial pathways to activate NF-κB（e.g., the inter leukin-1 receptor（IL-1R）/Toll- like receptor（TLR） superfamily）.METHODS： The human hepatocellular cell line（Hep G2） treated with palmitic acid（PA） was used as a model for stimulating TLR4/NF-κB activation, in order to observe the potential effects of celastrol in IRAK regulation and NF-κB inhibition. The transfection of small interfering RNA was used for down-regulating TLR4, IRAK1 and IRAK4, and the Western blot method was used to detect changes in the protein expressions.RESULTS： The results showed that celastrol could effectively inhibit PA-caused TLR4-dependent NF-κB activation in the Hep G 2 cells; PA also activated IRAKs, which were inhibited by celastrol. Knocking down IRAKs abolished PA-caused NF-κB activation.CONCLUSION： The results for the first time show that targeting IRAKs is one way in which celastrol inhibits NF-κB activation.展开更多
AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 5...AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group(P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.展开更多
文摘Objective: To study the adverse effects of advanced glycation end products(AGEs) on chondrocytes and the role of autophagy in this process. Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the human articular cartilage tissues in surgery. AGEs were administered during chondrocytes culture. The rapamycin was used to induce autophagy. The cell viability was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay.The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κ B(NF-κ B) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The reactive oxygen species(ROS) production and apoptosis of the chondrocytes were determined by fluorescent probe and flow cytometer, respectively. Results: The chondrocytes viability was significantly reduced after 12 h incubation with AGEs(P<0.01)). In contrast, rapamycin pretreatment increased the chondrocytes viability through autophagy. AGEs increased TNF-α and NF-κ B mRNA expression of chondrocytes and autophagy receded or proceeded the change. AGEs increased intracellular ROS accumulation and autophagy reversed the change. AGEs accelerated chondrocytes apoptosis and autophagy suspended apoptosis. Conclusions: Accumulation of AGEs may have an adverse role for chondrocytes by increasing TNF-α and NF-κB expression, ROS accumulation and apoptosis; meanwhile, autophagy ameliorates the AGEsinduced adverse effects.
文摘AIM:To investigate the effect of propofol on human pancreatic cells and the molecular mechanism of propofol action.METHODS:We used the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2 for in vitro studies measuring growth inhibition and degree of apoptotic cell death induced by propofol alone,gemcitabine alone,or propofol followed by gemcitabine.All experiments were conducted in triplicate and carried out on three or more separate occasions.Data were means of the three or more independent experiments±SE.Statistically significant differences were determined by two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test and defined as P<0.05.RESULTS:Pretreatment of cells with propofol for 24 h followed by gemcitabine resulted in 24%-75% growth inhibition compared with 6%-18%when gemcitabine was used alone.Overall growth inhibition was directly correlated with apoptotic cell death.We also showed that propofol potentiated gemcitabine-induced killing by downregulation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).In contrast,NF-κB was upregulated when pancreatic cancer cells were exposed to gemcitabine alone,suggesting a potential mechanism of acquired chemoresistance.CONCLUSION:Inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by propofol might abrogate gemcitabineinduced activation of NF-κB,resulting in chemosensitization of pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine.
基金supported by grants from the Zhejiang Provincial TCM Science and Technology Plan Project,No.2023ZL156(to YH)Ningbo Top Medical and Health Research Program,No.2022020304(to XG)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo,No.2023J019(to YH)Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerotic Diseases of Zhejiang Province,No.2022E10026(to YH)。
文摘Strokes include both ischemic stroke,which is mediated by a blockade or reduction in the blood supply to the brain,and hemorrhagic stroke,which comprises intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage and is characterized by bleeding within the brain.Stroke is a lifethreatening cerebrovascular condition characterized by intricate pathophysiological mechanisms,including oxidative stress,inflammation,mitochondrial dysfunction,and neuronal injury.Critical transcription factors,such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor kappa B,play central roles in the progression of stroke.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is sensitive to changes in the cellular redox status and is crucial in protecting cells against oxidative damage,inflammatory responses,and cytotoxic agents.It plays a significant role in post-stroke neuroprotection and repair by influencing mitochondrial function,endoplasmic reticulum stress,and lysosomal activity and regulating metabolic pathways and cytokine expression.Conversely,nuclear factor-kappa B is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction,the generation of reactive oxygen species,oxidative stress exacerbation,and inflammation.Nuclear factor-kappa B contributes to neuronal injury,apoptosis,and immune responses following stroke by modulating cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators.The interplay between these pathways,potentially involving crosstalk among various organelles,significantly influences stroke pathophysiology.Advancements in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have greatly improved our understanding of stroke pathogenesis and offer new opportunities for the development of targeted,individualized,cell typespecific treatments.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and nuclear factor-kappa B in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke,with an emphasis on their roles in oxidative stress,inflammation,and neuroprotection.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of China Under Grant,No.PL2024H020High-Quality Innovation Platform of Science and Education Innovation Zone in Suzhou Industrial Park-Key Platform Project,No.YZCXPT2023104.
文摘BACKGROUND Rosmarinic acid(RA)is a natural polyphenol carboxylic acid known for its role in chemoprevention.Given its widespread use as a food additive,we are interested in whether RA affects the development of colorectal cancer(CRC).AIM To examine the anti-tumor effects of RA on various CRC cell lines,and to further investigate the possible mechanisms.METHODS Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and optical microscopy imaging were used to evaluate the viability of CRC cell lines.Western blot,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,and flow cytometry analyses were performed to assess cell viability and activation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling.Molecular modeling was used to assess the interaction between RA and inhibitory kappa B kinase beta.Luciferase assay was used to examine the activity of NF-κB-driven transcription.The combinations of RA with 5-fluorouracil or oxaliplatin were utilized to evaluate the potential synergistic action of RA with the chemotherapeutics.RESULTS RA exerted potent cytotoxic actions on all six CRC cell lines examined.RA was docked nicely into the binding pocket of inhibitory kappa B kinase beta by molecular modeling.The activity of NF-κB-driven luciferase and the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 were decreased after exposure to the compound.Lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation was effectively inhibited by RA,too.Further,RA downregulated the expression of cell proliferationrelated cyclin D1 and MYC,which are target genes of NF-κB.Of note,the cytotoxic actions of 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin were markedly enhanced by RA in those CRC cells.CONCLUSION Our results indicate that RA inhibits NF-κB signaling and induces apoptosis in CRC cells.It enhances the cytotoxic actions of chemotherapeutics and might help to improve the chemotherapy of CRC.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82071104)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23XD1434200/22Y21901000)+9 种基金Shanghai Hospital Development Center(SHDC12022120)National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases (NCRCO2021-omics-07)Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases (19MC1910600)Major and Key Cultivation Projects of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (JYZP006)Shanghai’s Top Priority Research Center (2022ZZ01017)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2019-I2M-5-037)Fundamental research program funding of Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(JYZZ237)Eastern Talent Plan Leading Project (BJZH2024001)partly supported by the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University,School of Medicine(JYJC202223)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose diseases (14DZ2260300)
文摘Pulpitis is a common infective oral disease in clinical situations.The regulatory mechanisms of immune defense in pulpitis are still being investigated.Osteomodulin(OMD)is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan family member distributed in bones and teeth.It is a bioactive protein that promotes osteogenesis and suppresses the apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs).In this study,the role of OMD in pulpitis and the OMD-induced regulatory mechanism were investigated.The OMD expression in normal and inflamed human pulp tissues was detected via immunofluorescence staining.Intriguingly,the OMD expression decreased in the inflammatory infiltration area of pulpitis specimens.The cellular experiments demonstrated that recombined human OMD could resist the detrimental effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation.A conditional Omd knockout mouse model with pulpal inflammation was established.LPS-induced inflammatory impairment significantly increased in conditional Omd knockout mice,whereas OMD administration exhibited a protective effect against pulpitis.Mechanistically,the transcriptome alterations of OMD overexpression showed significant enrichment in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Interleukin-1 receptor 1(IL1R1),a vital membrane receptor activating the NF-κB pathway,was significantly downregulated in OMD-overexpressing hDPSCs.Additionally,the interaction between OMD and IL1R1 was verified using co-immunoprecipitation and molecular docking.In vivo,excessive pulpal inflammation in Omd-deficient mice was rescued using an IL1R antagonist.Overall,OMD played a protective role in the inflammatory response via the IL1R1/NF-κB signaling pathway.OMD may optimize the immunomodulatory functions of hDPSCs and can be used for regenerative endodontics.
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common malignancy.However,the efficacy of current treatment strategies remains limited.In recent years,monomeric compounds from traditional Chinese medicine have received extensive attention in cancer therapy.Rosmarinic acid(RA),a natural phenolic acid,has multiple biological activities and exhibits anti-oncogenic effects in several cancers.Liu et al previously uncovered that RA could serve as a dual-action therapeutic agent in CRC.By suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B signaling via direct inhibition of inhibitory kappa B kinase beta,RA not only impedes tumor progression but also synergizes with first-line chemotherapeutics(5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin)to reverse drug resistance.The authors demonstrate RA’s capacity to downregulate nuclear factor-kappa B-driven oncogenes and enhance chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity in vitro through integrative approaches,including molecular docking,luciferase assays,and functional validation.While these findings position RA as a cost-effective adjuvant in precision oncology,critical clinical translational gaps remain,including optimizing RA’s in vivo bioavailability,validating systemic safety in combinatorial regimens,and elucidating its immunomodulatory effects within the tumor microenvironment.This underscores the urgency of bridging phytochemistry and clinical oncology,advocating for biomarker-driven animal studies and phase I trials to translate RA’s potential into actionable CRC therapies.By addressing these hurdles,RA could emerge as a paradigm-shifting agent,harmonizing natural product efficacy with modern therapeutic precision.
基金Supported by Joint TCM Science&Technology Projects of National Demonstration Zones for Comprehensive TCM Reform,No.GZYKJS-ZJ-2025-044Ningbo Top Medical and Health Research Program,No.2023020612.
文摘BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has emerged as a prominent and pervasive global health challenge.Bicuculline(BIC),which is a key active component of the anti-MASLD prescription"Eight Zhes Decoction",has been preliminarily shown by our research team to have significant potential in treating MASLD.AIM To determine BIC's efficacy in treating MASLD by regulating lipid metabolism and suppressing hepatic inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)pathway,identifying it as a therapeutic candidate.METHODS This study explored the potential of BIC in preventing and treating MASLD using zebrafish,cellular(HepG2 and AML12),and mouse models.RESULTS Our results indicate that BIC significantly reduces lipid accumulation and inflammation both in vivo and in vitro.Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-MASLD effects of BIC are linked to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway,which plays a critical role in mitigating inflammation and lipid deposition.CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate that BIC specifically alleviates lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis in MASLD models via the NF-κB signaling pathway.Overall,BIC has emerged as a promising candidate for treating MASLD.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82160192and Guangxi Science and Technology Program,No.2023AB23037.
文摘BACKGROUND In vivo degradation of bone scaffolds is significantly influenced by osteoclast(OC)activity,which is orchestrated by the interplay between receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG).The ratio of RANKL/OPG is a crucial determinant of OC-mediated bone resorption,which plays an integral role in bone remodeling and scaffold degradation.Elevated levels of RANKL relative to OPG enhance osteoclastogenesis,thereby accelerating the degradation process essential for integrating bone scaffolds into the host tissue.AIM To elucidate the effects of OPG gene silencing on osteoclastogenesis within rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).By investigating these effects,the study aimed to provide deeper insights into the regulatory mechanisms that influence bone scaffold degradation,potentially leading to improved bone repair and regeneration strategies.METHODS We employed recombinant lentiviral plasmids to silence the OPG gene in rat BMSCs to achieve the aims.The efficacy of gene silencing was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis to measure the expression levels of OPG and RANKL.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining was utilized to evaluate the formation of OCs.Additionally,co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the interactions between RANKL and OPG proteins,further assessing the biochemical pathways involved in osteoclastogenesis.RESULTS The silencing of the OPG gene in BMSCs resulted in a significant increase in the RANKL/OPG ratio,evidenced by decreased expression levels of OPG and increased levels of RANKL.Enhanced osteoclastogenesis was observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,which indicated a substantial rise in OC formation in response to the altered RANKL/OPG balance.The co-immunoprecipitation assays provided concrete evidence of the direct interaction between RANKL and OPG proteins,substantiating their pivotal roles in regulating OC activity.CONCLUSION The findings from this study underscore the critical role of the RANKL/OPG axis in osteoclastogenesis.Silencing of the OPG gene in BMSCs effectively increases the RANKL/OPG ratio,promoting OC activity and potentially enhancing bone scaffold degradation.This regulatory mechanism offers a promising avenue for modulating bone remodeling processes,which is essential for effective bone repair and the successful integration of bone scaffolds into damaged sites.Future research might focus on optimizing the control of this axis to better facilitate bone tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81403355 and No.81573892the Project of 3-Year Action Plan for Shanghai Municipal Chinese Medicine Development,No.ZY3-RCPY-2-2001
文摘To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction (JPQCD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.METHODSC57BL/c mice were injected intragastrically with 5% DSS instead of drinking water for 7 d, and their body weight, diarrhea severity and fecal bleeding were monitored, while the mice in the control group were treated with standard drinking water, without DSS. After 7 d, the DSS drinking water was changed to normal water and the DSS group continued with DSS water. The control and DSS groups were given normal saline by intragastric injection. The 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group was treated orally with 5-ASA at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily. The JPQCD group was treated orally with JPQCD at a dose of 17.1 g/kg daily. On day 14, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathological damage score was assessed, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in colon supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κB and inhibitor of kappa B.RESULTSAcute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS, including the symptoms of losing body weight, loose feces/watery diarrhea and presence of fecal blood; all these symptoms worsened at 7 d. The colons of mice treated with DSS were assessed by histological examination, and the results confirmed that acute inflammation had occurred, as evidenced by loss of colonic mucosa and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, and these features extended into the deeper layer of the colon walls. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the DSS group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the JPQCD and 5-ASA groups were lower than those in the DSS group after treating with JPQCD and 5-ASA. Comparing with the DSS group, the mRNA level of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB was significantly reduced by 5-ASA and JPQCD. The difference between JPQCD and 5-ASA groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparing with the DSS group, due to using JPQCD and 5-ASA, significant suppression of activation in DSS-induced NF-κB and increased phosphorylation of IκB in mice with experimental colitis occurred (P < 0.05). The difference between the JPQCD group and the 5-ASA group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONActivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is inhibited by JPQCD, which shows the potential mechanism by which JPQCD treats UC.
基金supported by grants from the Project of Elitist Peak in Six Fields(No.2006-B-063)the Project of Medical Sciences(H200727),the Bureau of Health,Jiangsu Province,China
文摘BACKGROUND: The active form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) is involved in the initiation, generation, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and is up-regulated in inflammation-associated malignancies. We investigated the dynamic expression of NF-kappa B and its influences on the occurrence of HCC through antiangiogenic (thalidomide) intervention in NF-kappa B activation. METHODS : Hepatoma models were induced with 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA, 0.05%) in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and thalidomide (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered intragastrically to intervene in NF-kappa B activation. The pathological changes in the liver of sacrificed rats were assessed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. NF-kappa B mRNA was amplified by RT-nested PCR. The alterations of NF-kappa B and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Rat hepatocytes showed denatured, precancerous, and cancerous stages in hepatocarcinogenesis, with an increasing tendency of hepatic NF-kappa B, NF-kappa B mRNA, and VEGF expression, and their values in the HCC group were higher than those in controls (P<0.001). In the thalidomide-treated group, the morphologic changes generated only punctiform denaturation and necrosis at the early or middle stages, and nodular hyperplasia or a little atypical hyperplasia at the final stages, with the expression of NF-kappa B (chi(2)=9.93, P<0.001) and VEGF (chi(2)=8.024, P<0.001) lower than that in the 2-FAA group. CONCLUSION: NF-kappa B is overexpressed in hepatocarcinogenesis and antiangiogenic treatment down-regulates the expression of NF-kappa B and VEGF, and delays the occurrence of HCC. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 169-174)
文摘AIM:To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF)inducing protein (Tip-α)on cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS:We cloned Tip-αfrom the H.pylori strain 26695,transformed Escherichia coli with an expression plasmid,and then confirmed the expression product by Western blotting.Using different concentrations of Tip-αthat affected SGC7901 and GES-1 cells at different times,we assessed cytokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We blocked SGC7901 cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC),a specific inhibitor of nuclear factorκB(NF-κB).We then detected interleukin(IL)-1βand TNF-αlevels in SGC7901 cells. RESULTS:Western blot analysis using an anti-Tip-α antibody revealed a 23-kDa protein,which indicated that recombinant Tip-αprotein was recombined successfully.The levels of IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-αwere sig-nificantly higher following Tip-αinterference,whether GES-1 cells or SGC-7901 cells were used(P<0.05).However,the levels of cytokines(including IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α)secreted by SGC-7901 cells were greater than those secreted by GES-1 cells following treatment with Tip-αat the same concentration and for the same duration(P<0.05).After blocking NF-κB with PDTC, the cells(GES-1 cells and SGC-7901 cells)underwent interference with Tip-α.We found that IL-1βand TNF-αlevels were significantly decreased compared to cells that only underwent Tip-αinterference(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Tip-αplays an important role in cyto-kine expression through NF-κB.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81202635the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Chinese Medicine,No.20151244
文摘AIM To explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of total polysaccharides of the Sijunzi decoction(TPSJ) on the epithelial barriers in vitro. METHODS Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with or without TPSJ in the presence or absence of TNF-α, and paracellular permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER) were measured to evaluate the epithelial barrier function. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were respecti-vely used to evaluate the distribution and expression of the tight junction proteins claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin in Caco-2 cells. western blotting was also used to evaluate the cellular expression of myosin light chain(MLC), phosphorylated MLC(pM LC), MLC kinase(MLCK), and nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65. RESULTS TPSJ promoted the proliferation of Caco-2 cells and inhibited TNF-α-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cyto-kines. Furthermore, TPSJ significantly ameliorated both the reduction of TEER and the increased paracellular permeability observed in tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α-damaged Caco-2 monolayers. Furthermore, TPSJ remarkably attenuated TNF-α-induced morphological changes, downregulated the expression of claudin 1, claudin 2, zo3, and occludin, and markedly suppressed TNF-α-mediated upregulation of p-MLC and MLCK expression. Finally, TPSJ inhibited the activation and expression of NF-κB p65. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that TPSJ alleviates the TNF-α-induced impairment of the intestinal epithelial cell barrier function by suppressing NF-κB p65-mediated phosphorylation of MLCK and MLC.
文摘BACKGROUND: Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) inhibits the inflammatory response and protects against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The inflammatory response is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and its related target genes and products such as vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule and CXC chemokines. We aimed to assess the roles of those mediators in a UTI-treated mouse model of hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Treatment group 1 (UTI given 5 minutes prior to liver ischemia), treatment group 2 (UTI given 5 minutes after the anhepatic phase) and a control group were investigated. Blood and liver samples were obtained and compared at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours after reperfusion. RESULTS: Attenuation of pathological hepatocellular damage was greater in the treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the UTI treatment groups showed significantly lower serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, decreased myeloperoxidase activity, and reduced NF-kappa B activation. Also downregulated was the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 at the mRNA level. P-selectin protein and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein expression were also downregulated. In addition, the treatment group I showed a better protective effect against I/R injury than the treatment group 2. CONCLUSIONS: UTI reduces NF-kappa B activation and downregulates the expression of its related mediators, followed by the inhibition of neutrophil aggregation and infiltration in hepatic I/R injury. The protective role of UTI is more effective in prevention than in treatment.
基金supported by grants from the Project of Elitist Peak in Six Fields(No.2006-B-063)the Projectof Medical Sciences(H200727),the Bureau of Health,Jiangsu Province,China
文摘BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. We analyzed the expression of miclear-transcription factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) during hepatocarcinogenesis in order to evaluate its dynamic expression and its clinical value in the development and diagnosis of HCC. METHODS: Hepatoma models were induced by oral administration of 2-acetamidoflurene (2-FAA) to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Morphological changes were observed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The cellular distribution of NF-kappa B expression during different stages of cancer development was investigated by immunohistochemistry, and the level of NF-kappa B expression in liver tissues was quantitatively analyzed by ELISA. The gene fragments of hepatic NF-kappa B were amplified by nested-polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: Hepatocytes showed vacuole-like degeneration during the early stages, then had a hyperplastic nodal appearance during the middle stages, and finally progressed to tubercles of cancerous nests with high differentiation. The NF-kappa B-positive material was buff-colored, fine particles localized in the nucleus, and the incidence of NF-kappa B-positive cells was 81.8% in degeneration, 83.3% in precancerous lesions, and 100% in cancerous tissues. All of these values were higher than those in controls (P<0.01). Hepatic NF-kappa B expression and hepatic NF-kappa B-mRNA were also higher during the course of HCC development (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The NF-kappa B signal transduction pathway is activated during the early stages of HCC development, and its abnormal expression may be associated with the occurrence of HCC.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31171070 and 81171060)
文摘Nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） in the spinal cord is involved in pro-infl ammatory cytokine-mediated pain facilitation. However, the role of NF-κB activation in chronic morphine-induced analgesic tolerance and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the level of phosphorylated NF-κB p65（p-p65） was increased in the dorsal horn of the lumbar 4–6 segments after intrathecal administration of morphine for 7 consecutive days, and the p-p65 was co-localized with neurons and astrocytes. The expression of TNF-α and IL-1β was also increased in the same area. In addition, pretreatment with pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate（PDTC） or SN50, inhibitors of NF-κB, prevented the development of morphine analgesic tolerance and alleviated morphine withdrawal-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia. The increase in TNF-α and IL-1β expression induced by chronic morphine exposure was also partially blocked by PDTC pretreatment. In another experiment, rats receiving PDTC or SN50 beginning on day 7 of morphine injection showed partial recovery of the anti-nociceptive effects of morphine and attenuation of the withdrawal-induced abnormal pain. Meanwhile, intrathecal pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphae-roides, an antagonist of toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）, blocked the activation of NF-κB, and prevented the development of morphine tolerance and withdrawal-induced abnormal pain. These data indicated that TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation in the spinal cord is involved in the development and maintenance of morphine analgesic tolerance and withdrawalinduced pain hypersensitivity.
文摘To investigate the inhibiting effect of β-Aescin on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat brain, 62 SD rats were subjected to lateral cortical impact injury caused by a free-falling object and divided randomly into four groups: (1) sham operated (Group A); (2) injured (Group B); (3) β-Aescin treatment (Group C); (4) pyrrolidine dithocarbamate (PDTC) treatment (Group D). β-Aescin was administered in Group C and PDTC treated in Group D immediately after injury. A series of brain samples were obtained directly 6h, 24 h and 3 d respectively after trauma in four groups. NF-κB activation was examined by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA); the levels of TNF-α protein were measured by radio-immunoassay (RIA); the water content of rat brain was measured and pathomorphological observation was carried out. NF-κB activation, the levels of TNF-α protein and the water content of rat brain were significantly increased (P＜0.01) following TBI in rats. Compared with Group B, NF-κB activation (P＜0.01), the levels of TNF-α protein (P＜0.01) and the water content of brain (P＜0.05) began to decrease obviously after injury in Groups C and D.β-Aescin could dramatically inhibit NF-κB activation and the expression of TNF-α protein in the rat brain, alleviate rat brain edema, and that could partially be the molecular mechanism by which β-Aescin attenuates traumatic brain edema.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31702250)the Key Research and Development Project Funds of Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Department(Nos.2015C02044 and 2018C02028)+2 种基金the Agricultural Technology Extension Funds of Zhejiang Universitythe Dabei Agricultural Discipline Development and Talent Training Fund(No.2017ZDNT004)the Three Rural and Six Party Funds,China
文摘Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus（PEDV） is a highly infectious pathogen that can cause severe diseases in pigs and result in enormous economic losses in the worldwide swine industry. Previous studies revealed that PEDV exhibits an obvious capacity for modulating interferon（IFN） signaling or expression. The newly discovered type III IFN, which plays a crucial role in antiviral immunity, has strong antiviral activity against PEDV proliferation in IPEC-J2 cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of PEDV nucleocapsid（N） protein on type III IFN-λ. We found that the N proteins of ten PEDV strains isolated between 2013 and 2017 from different local farms shared high nucleotide identities, while the N protein of the CV777 vaccine strain formed a monophyletic branch in the phylogenetic tree. The N protein of the epidemic strain could antagonize type III IFN, but not type I or type II IFN expression induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid（poly（I：C）） in IPEC-J2 cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that the inhibition of poly（I：C）-induced IFN-λ3 production by PEDV N protein was dependent on the blocking of nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） nuclear translocation. These findings might help increase understanding of the pathogenesis of PEDV and its mechanisms for evading the host immune response.
基金Supported by The Dong-A University Research Fund
文摘AIM:To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and its target genes in gastric cancer. METHODS:The tumor tissues of 115 patients with gastric cancer were immunohistochemically evaluated using monoclonal antibodies against NF-kB RelA. Preoperative serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed via enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured via immunotrubidimetry. RESULTS:Positive rate of NF-kB RelA was 42.6%. NF-kB RelA expression in tumor tissues was also related to serum levels of IL-6 (P = 0.044) and CRP (P = 0.010). IL-6, SAA, CRP were related to depth of invasion, VEGF and SAA were correlated with lymph node metastasis. IL-6, VEGF, SAA and CRP were related to the stage. Univariate analysis demonstrated that immunostaining of NF-kB RelA, levels of IL-6, VEGF, SAA were significantly related with both disease free survival and over-all survival (OS). Multivariate analysis verified that NF-kB RelA [hazard ratio (HR): 3.40, P = 0.024] and SAA (HR: 3.39, P = 0.045) were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSION: Increased expression of NF-kB RelA and high levels of serum SAA were associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.
基金the Shanghai Gongli Hospital Youth Project (No. 2014GLQN16 for YS and No. 2012GLQN09 for XZ)the Shanghai Pudong District Science and Technology Innovation Project (No. PKJ2013-Y03 for YW)+5 种基金the Shanghai Pudong Youth Talent Project in Medicine (No. PWRq2013-11 for FC)the Shanghai Yang Fan Project (No. 15YF1410800 for FC)the International Science & Technology Cooperation Project of China (Grant 2011DFB30010 for GU)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81102349 for BP and No. 81400793 for YW)the Shanghai Excellent Academic Leader in Medicine (No. XBR2011054 for DZ)the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Content Construction Innovation Project (No. ZY3-CCCX-3-7001 for DZ)
文摘OBJECTIVE： Celastrol has been established as a nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB） activation inhibitor; however, the exact mechanism behind this action is still unknown. Using text-mining technology, the authors predicted that int erleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases（IRA Ks） are potential celastrol targets, and hypothesized that targeting IRAKs might be one way that celastrol inhibits NF-κB. This is because IRAKs are key molecules for some crucial pathways to activate NF-κB（e.g., the inter leukin-1 receptor（IL-1R）/Toll- like receptor（TLR） superfamily）.METHODS： The human hepatocellular cell line（Hep G2） treated with palmitic acid（PA） was used as a model for stimulating TLR4/NF-κB activation, in order to observe the potential effects of celastrol in IRAK regulation and NF-κB inhibition. The transfection of small interfering RNA was used for down-regulating TLR4, IRAK1 and IRAK4, and the Western blot method was used to detect changes in the protein expressions.RESULTS： The results showed that celastrol could effectively inhibit PA-caused TLR4-dependent NF-κB activation in the Hep G 2 cells; PA also activated IRAKs, which were inhibited by celastrol. Knocking down IRAKs abolished PA-caused NF-κB activation.CONCLUSION： The results for the first time show that targeting IRAKs is one way in which celastrol inhibits NF-κB activation.
基金Supported by Jinling Hospital Research Fund,No.2013064
文摘AIM To determine the effects of ω-3 fatty acids(ω-3FA) on the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB p56(NF-κBp56) signal pathway in the lungs of rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, SAP-saline group, SAP-soybean oil group and SAP-ω-3FA group. SAP was induced by the retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in the lungs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the lungs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp56 in lungs and of inflammatory cytokines in serum significantly increased in the SAP group compared with the control group(P < 0.05), but was significantly decreased in the ω-3FA group compared with the soybean oil group at 12 and 24 h(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION During the initial stage of SAP, ω-3FA can efficiently lower the inflammatory response and reduce lung injury by triggering the TLR4/NF-κBp56 signal pathway.
