The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becomi...The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.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
BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therap...BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.展开更多
Lipopolysaccharide stimulates Toll-like receptor 4 on immune cells to produce immune mediators. Toll-like receptor 4 is also expressed by non-immune cells, which can be stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. However, wheth...Lipopolysaccharide stimulates Toll-like receptor 4 on immune cells to produce immune mediators. Toll-like receptor 4 is also expressed by non-immune cells, which can be stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. However, whether Toll-like receptor 4 is expressed by primary cultured hippocampal neurons and its specific role in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation is currently undefined, in this study, Toll-like receptor 4 antibody blocking was used to analyze the Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway and changes in inflammation of lipopolysaccharide stimulated hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence showed that Toll-like receptor 4 protein was mainly located in the membrane of hippocampal neurons. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot assay showed that after stimulation of lipopolysaccharide, the mRNA and protein levels of Toll-like receptor 4 and the mRNA levels of interleukin-ll3 and tumor necrosis factor-（] were significantly increased. In addition, there was increased phosphorylation and degradation of kappa B a inhibitor in the cytosol and increased nuclear factor-KB p65 expression in the nuclei. Pretreatment with Toll-like receptor 4 antibody could almost completely block this increase. These experimental findings indicate that lipopolysaccharide participates in neuroinflammation by stimulating Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-KB pathway in hippocampal neurons, which may be both ＂passive victims＂ and ＂activators＂ of neuroinflammation.展开更多
Background Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic liver lobes may paradoxically exacerbate tissue injury, which is called hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury （IRI）. Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）, expressed on sev...Background Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic liver lobes may paradoxically exacerbate tissue injury, which is called hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury （IRI）. Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）, expressed on several liver cell types, and the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-KB） signaling pathway are crucial to mediating hepatic inflammatory response. Because IRI is essentially a kind of profound acute inflammatory reaction evoked by many kinds of danger signals, we investigated TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway activation in a murine model of partial hepatic IRI. Methods Wild-type mice （WT, C3H/HeN） or TLR4 mutant mice （C3H/HeJ） were subjected to 45 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 1 hour, 3 hours of reperfusion. Sham group accepted the same procedure without the obstruction of blood supply. At the end of reperfusion, the compromise of liver function and the histological change of liver sections were measured as the severity of liver injury. The level of endotoxin in the portal vein was measured by limulus assay. NF-KB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA）. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） and intedeukin-1β （IL-1β） in systemic blood after hepatic IRI were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results The compromise of liver function and the morphological injuries in mutant mice were relieved more markedly than those in WT mice after partial hepatic IRI. NF-KB activation in WT mice was stronger than that in TLR4 mutant mice, and both were stronger than those in the sham operated mice （P〈0.01）. Endotoxin in each group was undetectable. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in systemic blood were elevated in both strains, but lower in the sham operated group. These mediators were significantly decreased in TLR4 mutant mice compared with those in WT mice （P〈0.01）. Conclusions The TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway may mediate hepatic IRI triggered by endogenous danger signals. Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-KB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for attenuating ischemia/reperfusion-induced tissue damage in some clinical settings.展开更多
BACKGROUND Our previous studies confirmed that abdominal paracentesis drainage(APD)attenuates intestinal mucosal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP),and improves administration of enteral nutrition in p...BACKGROUND Our previous studies confirmed that abdominal paracentesis drainage(APD)attenuates intestinal mucosal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP),and improves administration of enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of APD remain poorly understood.AIM To evaluate the effect of APD on intestinal inflammation and accompanying apoptosis induced by SAP in rats,and its potential mechanisms.METHODS SAP was induced in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats by 5%sodium taurocholate.Mild AP was induced by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein(20μg/kg body weight,six consecutive injections).Following SAP induction,a drainage tube connected to a vacuum ball was placed into the lower right abdomen of the rats to build APD.Morphological changes,serum inflammatory mediators,serum and ascites high mobility group box protein 1(HMGB1),intestinal barrier function indices,apoptosis and associated proteins,and toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling molecules in intestinal tissue were assessed.RESULTS APD significantly alleviated intestinal mucosal injury induced by SAP,as demonstrated by decreased pathological scores,serum levels of D-lactate,diamine oxidase and endotoxin.APD reduced intestinal inflammation and accompanying apoptosis of mucosal cells,and normalized the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins in intestinal tissues.APD significantly suppressed activation of the intestinal TLR4 signaling pathway mediated by HMGB1,thus exerting protective effects against SAP-associated intestinal injury.CONCLUSION APD improved intestinal barrier function,intestinal inflammatory response and accompanying mucosal cell apoptosis in SAP rats.The beneficial effects are potentially due to inhibition of HMGB1-mediated TLR4 signaling.展开更多
Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory p...Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.展开更多
Background: Existing studies have found that some inflammatory factors cause brain cell damage through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and that mild hypothermia has a protective effect on nerve cells. It is not clear whether...Background: Existing studies have found that some inflammatory factors cause brain cell damage through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and that mild hypothermia has a protective effect on nerve cells. It is not clear whether the mild hypothermic brain protection is achieved through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in microglia. Objective: To investigate the impacts of mild hypothermia on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in microglia. Method: The cultured microglia cells in vitro were divided into the NS group and the LPS group at 33?C and 37?C, respectively;quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA in the microglia, Western blot was used to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the microglia, and ELISA was performed to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the culture medium. Results: Under the LPS stimulation, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB at different time points had significant changes between the normothermia group and the mild hypothermia group, in which the expressions in the former group were firstly increased and then decreased, while those in the latter showed a continuous increasing trend (P < 0.01);and the expressions of TNF-α in all the groups presented the trend of first-increasing then-decreasing, while IL-10 exhibited one slow linear increasing trend (P Conclusions: Mild hypothermia could inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of LPS-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the microglia, and inhibit the production and release of downstream inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10).展开更多
BACKGROUND Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS)is an uncommon disorder characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow.To date,the exact mechanism underlying hepatic injury derived from the hepatic venous outflow obstruct...BACKGROUND Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS)is an uncommon disorder characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow.To date,the exact mechanism underlying hepatic injury derived from the hepatic venous outflow obstruction in BCS remains largely unknown.AIM To assess the role of NF-κB-mediated inflammation in BCS-induced liver injury in humans and rats.METHODS A total of 180 rats were randomly assigned into nine groups,including four BCS model groups(1,3,6 and 12 wk),four sham-operated groups(1,3,6 and 12 wk),and a control group.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)levels in each group were detected by the Tachypleus Amebocyte Lysate assay.The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4,NF-κB,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-2 and interferon(IFN)-γwere quantified.In addition,60 patients with BCS and 30 healthy controls were enrolled,and their blood samples were analyzed.RESULTS Hepatic and plasma LPS levels were significantly increased in rats.The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4,NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-2 and IFN-γ)in liver tissues were significantly higher in the BCS model groups compared with the other two groups.In addition,the model groups(1,3,6 and 12 wk after BCS induction)showed significant differences in the levels of LPS,TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-2 and IFN-γ.Notably,there was a significant correlation between the LPS concentrations and mRNA and protein levels of TLR4,NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines.Importantly,it was revealed that the levels of LPS,TLR4,NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines were significantly greater in chronic BCS patients than healthy controls and acute BCS patients.CONCLUSION LPS level is markedly elevated in BCS,in turn activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway,leading to induction of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-2 and IFN-γ)in response to BCS-induced liver injury.展开更多
Objective:To observe the effect of Elephantopus scaber Linn on community-acquired pneumonia and its relationship with the expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α.an...Objective:To observe the effect of Elephantopus scaber Linn on community-acquired pneumonia and its relationship with the expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α.and to explore its molecular mechanism for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia,so as to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.Methods:140 patients with community-acquired pneumonia were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 70 cases in each group.Observation group:Elephantopus scaber Linn+NS atomized inhalation+intravenous injection of ceftazidine;Control group:intravenous injection of ceftazidine;Meanwhile,70 healthy subjects were selected as the healthy control group.The expressions of TLR4,NF-kB,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-αin serum of observation group,control group before and after treatment and healthy control group were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the efficacy of Elephantopus scaber Linn in the treatment of community acquired pneumonia was observed.Results:Compared with the control group,the observation group was significantly better than the control group in recovery rate,total effective rate,number of days for the disappearance of symptoms such as fever,cough,expectoration,with statistical significance(P<0.05);Compared with the healthy control group,the serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-αwere significantly different(P<0.05)between the observation group and the control group;Serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-αwere significantly different(P<0.05)in the observation group before and after treatment with Elephantopus scaber Linn;Compared with the control group after treatment,there were significantly different(P<0.05)in serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-αin the observation group after treatment.Conclusion:Serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-αwere highly expressed in patients with community-acquired pneumonia,Elephantopus scaber Linn can decreased the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in blood,and its downstream inflammatory factors also decreased significantly.There were significantly different(P<0.05)in blood TLR4 and NF-κB between the observation group and the control group after treatment.It is suggested that Elephantopus scaber Linn may inhibit TLR4/NF-kB signal pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effect.Elephantopus scaber Linn has a definite effect and can significantly improve the clinical symptoms,and effectively shorten the treatment cycle.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of the effects of Radix isatidis on lung inflammation in tuberculosis rats through TLR4-NF-κB pathway.Methods:Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=15 in ...Objective:To investigate the mechanism of the effects of Radix isatidis on lung inflammation in tuberculosis rats through TLR4-NF-κB pathway.Methods:Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=15 in each group):control group,model group,and isatis root polysaccharide group.Through the tail vein injection of H37RV Mycobacterium tuberculosis model,the rats in the isatis root polysaccharide group received the intervention of Radix isatidis polysaccharides on the second day of infection.The serum inflammatory factors and the expression levels of TLR4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factors in lung tissue of each group were detected and compared.Results:A large number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the lung tissue of the model group,and clustered outside the cell.In the isatis root polysaccharide group,the CFU level was significantly lower compared with the model group,and the number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was less than that of the model group(P<0.05),mainly distributed in tuberculous nodules and giant cells.The level of serum inflammatory factors in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and IFN-γin the serum of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those in the model group and significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The TLR4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factor mRNA levels in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of TLR4,NF-κB,IL-1β,IL-6 and IFN-γin the lung tissue of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those of the model group and significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The expression level of TLR4-NF-κB pathway was significantly up-regulated in the lung tissue of model rats(P<0.05).The levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the lung tissue of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those of the model group and significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Radix isatidis can alleviate lung inflammation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by regulating TLR4-NF-κB pathway.展开更多
Objective:To study the correlation of the changes of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) / nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) pathway function in intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) tissue with the characteristics of cytokine secretion and ...Objective:To study the correlation of the changes of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) / nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) pathway function in intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) tissue with the characteristics of cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism.Methods:The patients with IUAs who were treated in our hospital between February 2015 and March 2018 were selected as the IUAs group, and the patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility and were pathologically confirmed to have normal endometrium during the same period were selected as the control group. The expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB pathway molecules and collagen metabolism genes as well as the contents of cytokines and collagen metabolism markers in the adhesion tissues of IUAs group and the normal endometrial tissue of control group were measured.Results: TLR4, NF-κB, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15 (ADAM15), ADAM17, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad2/3, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), periostin/osteoblast-specific factor 2 (Postn), type I collagen (Col-I) and actin-α (α-SMA) contents in the adhesion tissues of IUAs group were significantly higher than those of control group while urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) mRNA expression was significantly lower than that of control group;TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression were positively correlated with TGF-β1, Smad2/3, IGF-1, IGF-1R, bFGF, Postn, Col-I,α-SMA, ADAM15, ADAM17, MMP9 and PAI-1, and negatively correlated with uPA.Conclusion:The excessive activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in IUAs is associated with the cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism abnormalities.展开更多
Background Inflammation and immunity play a vital role in the pathogenesis of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） regulates many genes essential for inflammation...Background Inflammation and immunity play a vital role in the pathogenesis of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） regulates many genes essential for inflammation and immunity and is activated by toll-like receptor （TLR）. This study aimed to detect the expression of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B （TLR4/NF-κB） signaling in the rat brain after early SAH. Methods The rats were decapitated and their brains were removed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after a single injection of blood into the prechiasmatic cistern, mRNA expression of TLR4 was measured by Taqman real-time RT-PCR, and protein expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. NF-κB activity and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）, interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results TaqMan real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting identified a biphasic change in TLR4 expression in both mRNA and protein： an initial peak （2-6 hours） and a sustained elevation （12-48 hours）. Immunohistochemical staining showed the inducible expression of TLR4-like immunoreactions predominantly in glial cells and vascular endothelium. A similar biphasic change in the activation of NF-κB subunit p65 as well as the production of NF-κB-regulated proinflammatory cytokines （TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6） were detected by ELISA. Conclusions These data suggest that experimental SAH induces significant up-regulation of TLR4 expression and the NF-κB signaling in early brain injury. Activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling may regulate the inflammatory responses after SAH.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
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
Cerebral neuroinflammation models were established by injecting 10μg lipopolysaccharide into the hippocampus of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 120, 90, or 60 mg/k...Cerebral neuroinflammation models were established by injecting 10μg lipopolysaccharide into the hippocampus of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 120, 90, or 60 mg/kg oxymatrine daily for three days prior to the lipopolysaccharide injection. Twenty-four hours after model induction, the hippocampus was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, and the cerebral cortex was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot assay. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the real-time quantitative PCR showed that the secretion and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-113 and tumor necrosis factor-a were significantly decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of model rats treated with oxymatrine. Western blot assay and real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that toll-like receptor 4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased in the groups receiving different doses of oxymatrine. Additionally, 120 and 90 mg/kg oxymatrine were shown to reduce protein levels of nuclear factor-KB p65 in the nucleus and of phosphorylated IKBa in the cytoplasm of brain cells, as detected by western blot assay. Experimental findings indicate that oxymatrine may inhibit neuroinflammation in rat brain via downregulating the expression of molecules in the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-KB signaling Dathwav.展开更多
Neuroinflammation and the NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome play crucial roles in secondary tissue damage following an initial insult in patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Maraviroc,a ...Neuroinflammation and the NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome play crucial roles in secondary tissue damage following an initial insult in patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Maraviroc,a C-C chemokine receptor type 5 antagonist,has been viewed as a new therapeutic strategy for many neuroinflammatory diseases.We studied the effect of maraviroc on TBI-induced neuroinflammation.A moderate-TBI mouse model was subjected to a controlled cortical impact device.Maraviroc or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour after TBI and then once per day for 3 consecutive days.Western blot,immunohistochemistry,and TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling)analyses were performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of maraviroc at 3 days post-TBI.Our results suggest that maraviroc administration reduced NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome activation,modulated microglial polarization from M1 to M2,decreased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration,and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors after TBI.Moreover,maraviroc treatment decreased the activation of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes,which,in turn,exacerbated neuronal cell death.Additionally,we confirmed the neuroprotective effect of maraviroc using the modified neurological severity score,rotarod test,Morris water maze test,and lesion volume measurements.In summary,our findings indicate that maraviroc might be a desirable pharmacotherapeutic strategy for TBI,and C-C chemokine receptor type 5 might be a promising pharmacotherapeutic target to improve recovery after TBI.展开更多
The role of progesterone in the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in pre-eclampsia was studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from pre-eclampsia （PE） patients were subjec...The role of progesterone in the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in pre-eclampsia was studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from pre-eclampsia （PE） patients were subjected to primary culture, and stimulated with different concentra- tions of progesterone （0, 10^-8, 10^-6, and 10^-4 mol/L）. The mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88 and nu- clear factor-kappaB （NF-κB） was detected by using real-time PCR. The Ikappa-B protein expression was detected by using Western blotting. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-or （TNF-α and inter- leukin-6 （IL-6） in the supernatant was determined by using ELISA. With the concentrations of proges- terone increasing, the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in 2^△△CT value were sig- nificantly decreased, and the IkappaB protein expression levels were significantly increased. The TNF-α and IL-6 expression showed a downward trend when the progesterone concentration increased, and there were significant differences among all of the groups （P〈0.05）. It was suggested that progesterone can inhibit the TLR4-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in PE significantly and benefit for the preg- nancy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury(ALI)and its final severe stage,acute respiratory distress syndrome,are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in patients due to the lack of effective specific treatments.Gut m...BACKGROUND Acute lung injury(ALI)and its final severe stage,acute respiratory distress syndrome,are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in patients due to the lack of effective specific treatments.Gut microbiota homeostasis,including that in ALI,is important for human health.Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota improves lung injury through the lung-gut axis.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal cells(HUC-MSCs)have attractive prospects for ALI treatment.This study hypothesized that HUC-MSCs improve ALI via the lung-gut microflora.AIM To explore the effects of HUC-MSCs on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALI in mice and the involvement of the lung-gut axis in this process.METHODS C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups(18 rats per group):Sham,sham+HUC-MSCs,LPS,and LPS+HUC-MSCs.ALI was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injections of LPS(10 mg/kg).After 6 h,mice were intervened with 0.5 mL phosphate buffered saline(PBS)containing 1×10^(6) HUC-MSCs by intraperitoneal injections.For the negative control,100 mL 0.9%NaCl and 0.5 mL PBS were used.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was obtained from anesthetized mice,and their blood,lungs,ileum,and feces were obtained by an aseptic technique following CO_(2) euthanasia.Wright’s staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,Evans blue dye leakage assay,immunohistochemistry,fluorescence in situ hybridization,western blot,16S rDNA sequencing,and non-targeted metabolomics were used to observe the effect of HUC-MSCs on ALI mice,and the involvement of the lung-gut axis in this process was explored.One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey’s test,independent-sample Student’s t-test,Wilcoxon rank-sum test,and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses.RESULTS HUC-MSCs were observed to improve pulmonary edema and lung and ileal injury,and decrease mononuclear cell and neutrophil counts,protein concentrations in BALF and inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum,lung,and ileum of ALI mice.Especially,HUC-MSCs decreased Evans blue concentration and Toll-like receptor 4,myeloid differentiation factor 88,p-nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)/NF-κB,and p-inhibitorαof NF-κB(p-IκBα)/IκBαexpression levels in the lung,and raised the pulmonary vascular endothelial-cadherin,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),and occludin levels and ileal ZO-1,claudin-1,and occludin expression levels.HUC-MSCs improved gut and BALF microbial homeostases.The number of pathogenic bacteria decreased in the BALF of ALI mice treated with HUCMSCs.Concurrently,the abundances of Oscillospira and Coprococcus in the feces of HUS-MSC-treated ALI mice were significantly increased.In addition,Lactobacillus,Bacteroides,and unidentified_Rikenellaceae genera appeared in both feces and BALF.Moreover,this study performed metabolomic analysis on the lung tissue and identified five upregulated metabolites and 11 downregulated metabolites in the LPS+MSC group compared to the LPS group,which were related to the purine metabolism and the taste transduction signaling pathways.Therefore,an intrinsic link between lung metabolite levels and BALF flora homeostasis was established.CONCLUSION This study suggests that HUM-MSCs attenuate ALI by redefining the gut and lung microbiota.展开更多
文摘The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.
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.
基金Supported by the Scientific Foundation of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Hebei Province,China,No.2023257.
文摘BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.
基金supported by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutionsthe Nantong Applied Research Program,No.k2010036+1 种基金the 2011 Jiangsu Graduated Students' Research and Innovation Program,No.CX2211-0640the Nantong University Graduated Students' Technological and Innovative Program,No.YKC11033
文摘Lipopolysaccharide stimulates Toll-like receptor 4 on immune cells to produce immune mediators. Toll-like receptor 4 is also expressed by non-immune cells, which can be stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. However, whether Toll-like receptor 4 is expressed by primary cultured hippocampal neurons and its specific role in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation is currently undefined, in this study, Toll-like receptor 4 antibody blocking was used to analyze the Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway and changes in inflammation of lipopolysaccharide stimulated hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence showed that Toll-like receptor 4 protein was mainly located in the membrane of hippocampal neurons. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot assay showed that after stimulation of lipopolysaccharide, the mRNA and protein levels of Toll-like receptor 4 and the mRNA levels of interleukin-ll3 and tumor necrosis factor-（] were significantly increased. In addition, there was increased phosphorylation and degradation of kappa B a inhibitor in the cytosol and increased nuclear factor-KB p65 expression in the nuclei. Pretreatment with Toll-like receptor 4 antibody could almost completely block this increase. These experimental findings indicate that lipopolysaccharide participates in neuroinflammation by stimulating Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-KB pathway in hippocampal neurons, which may be both ＂passive victims＂ and ＂activators＂ of neuroinflammation.
基金This research was supported by grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.30200272 and No.30500487)
文摘Background Restoration of blood flow to the ischemic liver lobes may paradoxically exacerbate tissue injury, which is called hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury （IRI）. Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）, expressed on several liver cell types, and the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-KB） signaling pathway are crucial to mediating hepatic inflammatory response. Because IRI is essentially a kind of profound acute inflammatory reaction evoked by many kinds of danger signals, we investigated TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway activation in a murine model of partial hepatic IRI. Methods Wild-type mice （WT, C3H/HeN） or TLR4 mutant mice （C3H/HeJ） were subjected to 45 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 1 hour, 3 hours of reperfusion. Sham group accepted the same procedure without the obstruction of blood supply. At the end of reperfusion, the compromise of liver function and the histological change of liver sections were measured as the severity of liver injury. The level of endotoxin in the portal vein was measured by limulus assay. NF-KB activation was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA）. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） and intedeukin-1β （IL-1β） in systemic blood after hepatic IRI were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results The compromise of liver function and the morphological injuries in mutant mice were relieved more markedly than those in WT mice after partial hepatic IRI. NF-KB activation in WT mice was stronger than that in TLR4 mutant mice, and both were stronger than those in the sham operated mice （P〈0.01）. Endotoxin in each group was undetectable. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in systemic blood were elevated in both strains, but lower in the sham operated group. These mediators were significantly decreased in TLR4 mutant mice compared with those in WT mice （P〈0.01）. Conclusions The TLR4/NF-KB signaling pathway may mediate hepatic IRI triggered by endogenous danger signals. Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-KB pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for attenuating ischemia/reperfusion-induced tissue damage in some clinical settings.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81772001the National Clinical Key Subject of China,No.41732113
文摘BACKGROUND Our previous studies confirmed that abdominal paracentesis drainage(APD)attenuates intestinal mucosal injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP),and improves administration of enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of APD remain poorly understood.AIM To evaluate the effect of APD on intestinal inflammation and accompanying apoptosis induced by SAP in rats,and its potential mechanisms.METHODS SAP was induced in male adult Sprague-Dawley rats by 5%sodium taurocholate.Mild AP was induced by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein(20μg/kg body weight,six consecutive injections).Following SAP induction,a drainage tube connected to a vacuum ball was placed into the lower right abdomen of the rats to build APD.Morphological changes,serum inflammatory mediators,serum and ascites high mobility group box protein 1(HMGB1),intestinal barrier function indices,apoptosis and associated proteins,and toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signaling molecules in intestinal tissue were assessed.RESULTS APD significantly alleviated intestinal mucosal injury induced by SAP,as demonstrated by decreased pathological scores,serum levels of D-lactate,diamine oxidase and endotoxin.APD reduced intestinal inflammation and accompanying apoptosis of mucosal cells,and normalized the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins in intestinal tissues.APD significantly suppressed activation of the intestinal TLR4 signaling pathway mediated by HMGB1,thus exerting protective effects against SAP-associated intestinal injury.CONCLUSION APD improved intestinal barrier function,intestinal inflammatory response and accompanying mucosal cell apoptosis in SAP rats.The beneficial effects are potentially due to inhibition of HMGB1-mediated TLR4 signaling.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNos.81971047 (to WTL) and 82073910 (to XFW)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20191253 (to XFW)Key R&D Program (Social Development) Project of Jiangsu Province,No.BE2019 732 (to WTL)Jiangsu Province Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University) Clinical Capacity Enhancement Project,No.JSPH-511B2018-8 (to YBP)。
文摘Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.
文摘Background: Existing studies have found that some inflammatory factors cause brain cell damage through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and that mild hypothermia has a protective effect on nerve cells. It is not clear whether the mild hypothermic brain protection is achieved through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in microglia. Objective: To investigate the impacts of mild hypothermia on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in microglia. Method: The cultured microglia cells in vitro were divided into the NS group and the LPS group at 33?C and 37?C, respectively;quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA in the microglia, Western blot was used to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the microglia, and ELISA was performed to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the culture medium. Results: Under the LPS stimulation, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB at different time points had significant changes between the normothermia group and the mild hypothermia group, in which the expressions in the former group were firstly increased and then decreased, while those in the latter showed a continuous increasing trend (P < 0.01);and the expressions of TNF-α in all the groups presented the trend of first-increasing then-decreasing, while IL-10 exhibited one slow linear increasing trend (P Conclusions: Mild hypothermia could inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of LPS-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the microglia, and inhibit the production and release of downstream inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10).
基金Natural Science Foundation Project of Anhui Province,No.1708085QH218。
文摘BACKGROUND Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS)is an uncommon disorder characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow.To date,the exact mechanism underlying hepatic injury derived from the hepatic venous outflow obstruction in BCS remains largely unknown.AIM To assess the role of NF-κB-mediated inflammation in BCS-induced liver injury in humans and rats.METHODS A total of 180 rats were randomly assigned into nine groups,including four BCS model groups(1,3,6 and 12 wk),four sham-operated groups(1,3,6 and 12 wk),and a control group.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)levels in each group were detected by the Tachypleus Amebocyte Lysate assay.The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4,NF-κB,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-2 and interferon(IFN)-γwere quantified.In addition,60 patients with BCS and 30 healthy controls were enrolled,and their blood samples were analyzed.RESULTS Hepatic and plasma LPS levels were significantly increased in rats.The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4,NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-2 and IFN-γ)in liver tissues were significantly higher in the BCS model groups compared with the other two groups.In addition,the model groups(1,3,6 and 12 wk after BCS induction)showed significant differences in the levels of LPS,TLR4,NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-2 and IFN-γ.Notably,there was a significant correlation between the LPS concentrations and mRNA and protein levels of TLR4,NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines.Importantly,it was revealed that the levels of LPS,TLR4,NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines were significantly greater in chronic BCS patients than healthy controls and acute BCS patients.CONCLUSION LPS level is markedly elevated in BCS,in turn activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway,leading to induction of inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-2 and IFN-γ)in response to BCS-induced liver injury.
文摘Objective:To observe the effect of Elephantopus scaber Linn on community-acquired pneumonia and its relationship with the expression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α.and to explore its molecular mechanism for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia,so as to provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.Methods:140 patients with community-acquired pneumonia were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 70 cases in each group.Observation group:Elephantopus scaber Linn+NS atomized inhalation+intravenous injection of ceftazidine;Control group:intravenous injection of ceftazidine;Meanwhile,70 healthy subjects were selected as the healthy control group.The expressions of TLR4,NF-kB,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-αin serum of observation group,control group before and after treatment and healthy control group were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the efficacy of Elephantopus scaber Linn in the treatment of community acquired pneumonia was observed.Results:Compared with the control group,the observation group was significantly better than the control group in recovery rate,total effective rate,number of days for the disappearance of symptoms such as fever,cough,expectoration,with statistical significance(P<0.05);Compared with the healthy control group,the serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-αwere significantly different(P<0.05)between the observation group and the control group;Serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-αwere significantly different(P<0.05)in the observation group before and after treatment with Elephantopus scaber Linn;Compared with the control group after treatment,there were significantly different(P<0.05)in serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-αin the observation group after treatment.Conclusion:Serum TLR4,NF-κB,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-αwere highly expressed in patients with community-acquired pneumonia,Elephantopus scaber Linn can decreased the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in blood,and its downstream inflammatory factors also decreased significantly.There were significantly different(P<0.05)in blood TLR4 and NF-κB between the observation group and the control group after treatment.It is suggested that Elephantopus scaber Linn may inhibit TLR4/NF-kB signal pathway to exert anti-inflammatory effect.Elephantopus scaber Linn has a definite effect and can significantly improve the clinical symptoms,and effectively shorten the treatment cycle.
基金This study was supported by Chongqing Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission(Grant No.ZY201703067).
文摘Objective:To investigate the mechanism of the effects of Radix isatidis on lung inflammation in tuberculosis rats through TLR4-NF-κB pathway.Methods:Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=15 in each group):control group,model group,and isatis root polysaccharide group.Through the tail vein injection of H37RV Mycobacterium tuberculosis model,the rats in the isatis root polysaccharide group received the intervention of Radix isatidis polysaccharides on the second day of infection.The serum inflammatory factors and the expression levels of TLR4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factors in lung tissue of each group were detected and compared.Results:A large number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the lung tissue of the model group,and clustered outside the cell.In the isatis root polysaccharide group,the CFU level was significantly lower compared with the model group,and the number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was less than that of the model group(P<0.05),mainly distributed in tuberculous nodules and giant cells.The level of serum inflammatory factors in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and IFN-γin the serum of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those in the model group and significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The TLR4-NF-κB pathway and inflammatory factor mRNA levels in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of TLR4,NF-κB,IL-1β,IL-6 and IFN-γin the lung tissue of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those of the model group and significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The expression level of TLR4-NF-κB pathway was significantly up-regulated in the lung tissue of model rats(P<0.05).The levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the lung tissue of the isatis root polysaccharide group were significantly lower than those of the model group and significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Radix isatidis can alleviate lung inflammation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by regulating TLR4-NF-κB pathway.
文摘Objective:To study the correlation of the changes of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) / nuclear factorκB (NF-κB) pathway function in intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) tissue with the characteristics of cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism.Methods:The patients with IUAs who were treated in our hospital between February 2015 and March 2018 were selected as the IUAs group, and the patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility and were pathologically confirmed to have normal endometrium during the same period were selected as the control group. The expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB pathway molecules and collagen metabolism genes as well as the contents of cytokines and collagen metabolism markers in the adhesion tissues of IUAs group and the normal endometrial tissue of control group were measured.Results: TLR4, NF-κB, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15 (ADAM15), ADAM17, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad2/3, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), periostin/osteoblast-specific factor 2 (Postn), type I collagen (Col-I) and actin-α (α-SMA) contents in the adhesion tissues of IUAs group were significantly higher than those of control group while urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) mRNA expression was significantly lower than that of control group;TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression were positively correlated with TGF-β1, Smad2/3, IGF-1, IGF-1R, bFGF, Postn, Col-I,α-SMA, ADAM15, ADAM17, MMP9 and PAI-1, and negatively correlated with uPA.Conclusion:The excessive activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in IUAs is associated with the cytokine secretion and collagen metabolism abnormalities.
文摘Background Inflammation and immunity play a vital role in the pathogenesis of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） regulates many genes essential for inflammation and immunity and is activated by toll-like receptor （TLR）. This study aimed to detect the expression of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B （TLR4/NF-κB） signaling in the rat brain after early SAH. Methods The rats were decapitated and their brains were removed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after a single injection of blood into the prechiasmatic cistern, mRNA expression of TLR4 was measured by Taqman real-time RT-PCR, and protein expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. NF-κB activity and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）, interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results TaqMan real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting identified a biphasic change in TLR4 expression in both mRNA and protein： an initial peak （2-6 hours） and a sustained elevation （12-48 hours）. Immunohistochemical staining showed the inducible expression of TLR4-like immunoreactions predominantly in glial cells and vascular endothelium. A similar biphasic change in the activation of NF-κB subunit p65 as well as the production of NF-κB-regulated proinflammatory cytokines （TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6） were detected by ELISA. Conclusions These data suggest that experimental SAH induces significant up-regulation of TLR4 expression and the NF-κB signaling in early brain injury. Activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling may regulate the inflammatory responses after SAH.
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.
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 a project of the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsApplied Research and Technology Plan of Nantong City, No. k2010036+2 种基金2011 Jiangsu Graduated Students' Research and Innovation Program, No. CX2211-0640Nantong University Graduated Students' Technological and Innovative Program, No. YKC11033Students' Practice Innovative Training Project of Nantong University
文摘Cerebral neuroinflammation models were established by injecting 10μg lipopolysaccharide into the hippocampus of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 120, 90, or 60 mg/kg oxymatrine daily for three days prior to the lipopolysaccharide injection. Twenty-four hours after model induction, the hippocampus was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, and the cerebral cortex was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot assay. The results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the real-time quantitative PCR showed that the secretion and mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-113 and tumor necrosis factor-a were significantly decreased in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of model rats treated with oxymatrine. Western blot assay and real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that toll-like receptor 4 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased in the groups receiving different doses of oxymatrine. Additionally, 120 and 90 mg/kg oxymatrine were shown to reduce protein levels of nuclear factor-KB p65 in the nucleus and of phosphorylated IKBa in the cytoplasm of brain cells, as detected by western blot assay. Experimental findings indicate that oxymatrine may inhibit neuroinflammation in rat brain via downregulating the expression of molecules in the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-KB signaling Dathwav.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 81930031 (to JNZ), 81720108015 (to JNZ), 81901525 (to SZ), 82101440 (to DDS), 81801234 (to YZ) and 82071389 (to GLY)the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin, Nos. 20JCQNJC01270 (to JWW), 20JCQNJC00460 (to GLY), 18JCQNJC81000 (to HTR)+4 种基金Scientific Research Project of Tianjin Education Commission (Natural Science), No. 2018KJ052 (to ZWZ)Tianjin Health and Health Committee Science and Technology Project, No. QN20015 (to JWW)the Science & Technology Development Fund of Tianjin Education Commission for Higher Education, No. 2016YD02 (to YW)Tianjin Key Science and Technology Projects of Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices, No. 19ZXYXSY00070 (to YW)the Clinical Research Fundation of Tianjin Medical University, No. 2018kylc002 (to YW)
文摘Neuroinflammation and the NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome play crucial roles in secondary tissue damage following an initial insult in patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI).Maraviroc,a C-C chemokine receptor type 5 antagonist,has been viewed as a new therapeutic strategy for many neuroinflammatory diseases.We studied the effect of maraviroc on TBI-induced neuroinflammation.A moderate-TBI mouse model was subjected to a controlled cortical impact device.Maraviroc or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally 1 hour after TBI and then once per day for 3 consecutive days.Western blot,immunohistochemistry,and TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling)analyses were performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of maraviroc at 3 days post-TBI.Our results suggest that maraviroc administration reduced NACHT,LRR,and PYD domains-containing protein 3 inflammasome activation,modulated microglial polarization from M1 to M2,decreased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration,and inhibited the release of inflammatory factors after TBI.Moreover,maraviroc treatment decreased the activation of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes,which,in turn,exacerbated neuronal cell death.Additionally,we confirmed the neuroprotective effect of maraviroc using the modified neurological severity score,rotarod test,Morris water maze test,and lesion volume measurements.In summary,our findings indicate that maraviroc might be a desirable pharmacotherapeutic strategy for TBI,and C-C chemokine receptor type 5 might be a promising pharmacotherapeutic target to improve recovery after TBI.
文摘The role of progesterone in the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in pre-eclampsia was studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from pre-eclampsia （PE） patients were subjected to primary culture, and stimulated with different concentra- tions of progesterone （0, 10^-8, 10^-6, and 10^-4 mol/L）. The mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88 and nu- clear factor-kappaB （NF-κB） was detected by using real-time PCR. The Ikappa-B protein expression was detected by using Western blotting. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-or （TNF-α and inter- leukin-6 （IL-6） in the supernatant was determined by using ELISA. With the concentrations of proges- terone increasing, the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in 2^△△CT value were sig- nificantly decreased, and the IkappaB protein expression levels were significantly increased. The TNF-α and IL-6 expression showed a downward trend when the progesterone concentration increased, and there were significant differences among all of the groups （P〈0.05）. It was suggested that progesterone can inhibit the TLR4-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in PE significantly and benefit for the preg- nancy.
基金the Key Research and Development Project of Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province,No.2019C03041.
文摘BACKGROUND Acute lung injury(ALI)and its final severe stage,acute respiratory distress syndrome,are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in patients due to the lack of effective specific treatments.Gut microbiota homeostasis,including that in ALI,is important for human health.Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota improves lung injury through the lung-gut axis.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal cells(HUC-MSCs)have attractive prospects for ALI treatment.This study hypothesized that HUC-MSCs improve ALI via the lung-gut microflora.AIM To explore the effects of HUC-MSCs on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALI in mice and the involvement of the lung-gut axis in this process.METHODS C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups(18 rats per group):Sham,sham+HUC-MSCs,LPS,and LPS+HUC-MSCs.ALI was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injections of LPS(10 mg/kg).After 6 h,mice were intervened with 0.5 mL phosphate buffered saline(PBS)containing 1×10^(6) HUC-MSCs by intraperitoneal injections.For the negative control,100 mL 0.9%NaCl and 0.5 mL PBS were used.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was obtained from anesthetized mice,and their blood,lungs,ileum,and feces were obtained by an aseptic technique following CO_(2) euthanasia.Wright’s staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,Evans blue dye leakage assay,immunohistochemistry,fluorescence in situ hybridization,western blot,16S rDNA sequencing,and non-targeted metabolomics were used to observe the effect of HUC-MSCs on ALI mice,and the involvement of the lung-gut axis in this process was explored.One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey’s test,independent-sample Student’s t-test,Wilcoxon rank-sum test,and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses.RESULTS HUC-MSCs were observed to improve pulmonary edema and lung and ileal injury,and decrease mononuclear cell and neutrophil counts,protein concentrations in BALF and inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum,lung,and ileum of ALI mice.Especially,HUC-MSCs decreased Evans blue concentration and Toll-like receptor 4,myeloid differentiation factor 88,p-nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)/NF-κB,and p-inhibitorαof NF-κB(p-IκBα)/IκBαexpression levels in the lung,and raised the pulmonary vascular endothelial-cadherin,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),and occludin levels and ileal ZO-1,claudin-1,and occludin expression levels.HUC-MSCs improved gut and BALF microbial homeostases.The number of pathogenic bacteria decreased in the BALF of ALI mice treated with HUCMSCs.Concurrently,the abundances of Oscillospira and Coprococcus in the feces of HUS-MSC-treated ALI mice were significantly increased.In addition,Lactobacillus,Bacteroides,and unidentified_Rikenellaceae genera appeared in both feces and BALF.Moreover,this study performed metabolomic analysis on the lung tissue and identified five upregulated metabolites and 11 downregulated metabolites in the LPS+MSC group compared to the LPS group,which were related to the purine metabolism and the taste transduction signaling pathways.Therefore,an intrinsic link between lung metabolite levels and BALF flora homeostasis was established.CONCLUSION This study suggests that HUM-MSCs attenuate ALI by redefining the gut and lung microbiota.
