Expression of nuclear factor-κB in asthmatic guinea pigs and the effect of erigeron breviscapus on it

AIM:To explore the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)in asthmatic guinea pigs,and the effect of erigeron breviscapus,a protein kinase C(PKC)inhibitor,on the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).METHODS:48 guinea pigs were randomly divided into 6 groups(n=8).Airway resistance and eosinophilic inflammation of airway wall were examined,the expression of NF-κB in the lung tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining.RESULTS:The expression of NF-κB was mainly found in airway epithelium,all the asthmatic animals showed significantly higher optical densities than that of the normal control group(P＜0.01),and the rats subjected therapeutic treatment for two weeks showed significantly lower NF-κB expression than those of the asthmatic groups(P＜0.01).Positive correlation exist between the airway resistance and the percentage of cells expressing NF-κB in epithelium,and between the amount of eosinophil in airway wall and the percentage of cells expressing NF-κB in epithelium(P＜0101).CONCLUSION:The increased expression of NF-κB in airway epithelium of the asthmatic guinea pigs suggested that NF-κB may be involved in asthma.And result that the increased expression of NF-κB was inhibited significantly by the treatment of the erigeron breviscapus suggested that PKC may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma through NF-κB.     

Changes of nuclear factor-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension

AIM: To observe the changes of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). METHODS :The rat model of HPH was used. The NF-κB activity and iNOS expression in lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: ISH showed that iNOS mRNA expression in intraacinar pulmonary arteriole (IAPA) in H28d group (hypoxic treatment for 28 days) was stronger than that in normal group, H5d group and H14d group. RT-PCR showed that the iNOS mRNA in H28 group was 2.1 times, 1.9 times and 1.8 times higher than that in normal group, H5d group and H14d group, respectively. The nucleic anti-NF-κB stain was observed in H28d group, which was significantly stronger, but the I-κB amount was 2.8 times, 2.7 times and 2.5 times lower than that in normal group, H5d group and H14d group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The activity of NF-κB was correlated with the hypoxic pulmonary vessel structural remodeling and iNOS expression.     

Effects of fractalkine on nuclear factor-κB activation and endogenous fractalkine mRNA expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

AIM: To investigate the effects of fractalkine(FKN) on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and endogenous FKN mRNA expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: RA-FLS were gained through tissue culture. Fractalkine at 100 μg/L was used to stimulate RA-FLS for 0 h, 1 h and 2 h. The expression of NF-κB p65 protein in cytoplasm and nucleus was detected by Western blotting, representing the activation of NF-κB in RA-FLS. RA-FLS was stimulated with fractalkine at concentration of 100 μg/L for 0 h, 12 h or 18 h, and the mRNA expression of FKN in RA-FLS was detected by RT-PCR.RESULTS: After stimulated with recombinant human FKN for 1 h, the expression of NF-κB p65 protein in the cytoplasm of RA-FLS was obviously lower than that in RA-FLS without FKN treatment in control group (P<0.05). After stimulated with FKN for 2 h, the expression of NF-κBp65 protein in nucleus was obviously higher than that in RA-FLS of control group (P<0.05). Recombinant human FKN at concentration of 100 μg/L induced endogenous FKN mRNA expression in RA-FLS in a time-dependent manner. The mRNA expression of FKN in RA-FLS obviously increased after stimulated with FKN for 18 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: FKN up-regulates the expression of endogenous FKN mRNA, suggesting a positive feedback. FKN can activate the NF-κB and may play an important role in the beginning of joint inflammation, angiogenesis and bone destruction.     

Effects of diterpenoid C from ether extract of Radix Curcumae on nuclear factor-κB activity in LPS-induced human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells

AIM: To observe the effects of diterpenoid C from ether extract of Radix Curcumae (RC) on the activity of nuclear factor-κB in human gastric adenocarcinoma SGC7901 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: SGC7901 cells were normally cultured, induced by LPS, or treated with LPS plus RC. The protein expression of IKKα, IKKβ, p65, phosphorylated p65 and phosphorylated IκBα was assayed by Western blotting. NF-κB DNA binding activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS: RC reduced the protein expression of IKKα, IKKβ, p65, phosphorylated p65 and phosphorylated IκBα induced by LPS. NF-κB DNA binding activity increased much greatly by LPS stimulation, while RC resisted the action of LPS. CONCLUSION: RC may attenuate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.     

The relationship between delayed preconditioning mediated by R-PIA and myocardial nuclear factor-kappa B

AIM:To investigate the role of myocardial nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in the mechanism underlying cardioprotective effect of delayed preconditioning mediated by adenosine A₁ receptor agonist R-phenylisopropyladenosine ( R-PIA). METHODS:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=12), Group normal saline, Group R-PIA and Group R-PIA plus DPCPX (an adenosine A₁ receptor antagonist). Twenty four hours after administration of above drug, left ventricular myocardial samples of 4 rats in each group were obtained for assessment of myocardial Mn-SOD content (ELISA) and NF-κB binding activity (EMSA). Eight rats in each group, 24 hours after pretreatment as above, were subjected to chest-open and subjected to 30 min of regional myocardial ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion, and then the hearts of the rats were isolated to determine the infarct size (TTC stain ). RESULTS: The infarct size in group R-PIA was significantly less than that in group normal saline (P＜0.01), and there was no significant difference between group R-PIA+DPCPX and group normal saline in infarct size (P＞0.05). Myocardial NF-kappa B binding activity and Mn-SOD content in group R-PIA were all higher than those in group normal saline. There was no significant difference between group R-PIA+DPCPX and group normal saline in NF-κB binding activity and Mn-SOD content (P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS:This study suggested that there might be a close relationship between delayed preconditioning mediated by adenosine A₁ receptor agonist R-PIA and myocardial nuclear factor-kappa B binding activity and Mn-SOD protein expression.     

Role of angiotensin II and angiotensin II receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells migration

AIM:To determine the effects of Angiotensin II(AngII) on migration of rat smooth muscle cells and to investigate the mechanisms underlying Ang II action in the development of injured vascular disease. METHODS:VSMCs isolated from aortic media of Wistar rats and cultured by the modified explant method were adopted. In prersence and absence of AngII, the expression of AngII receptor and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton of VSMCs were studied by immunocytochemistry technique, fluorocytochemistry technique. The migration assays were performed by a modified Boyden's chamber. And the effects of AT₁R antagonist (CV-11974), AT₂R antagonist (PD123319) on aforementioned target were studied.RESULTS:VSMCs migration was stimulated by addition of AngII. The dynamic reorganization of actin cytoskeleton may be an important mechanism by which AngII facilitates VSMC motility. The expression of AT₁R in VSMCs can be upregulated after treatment with AngII initially, then decreased gradually. The expression of AT₁R was downregulated by AT₁R antagonist. The effect of AngII on VSMCs migration was mediated by AT₁R, while AT₂R had no significant effect.CONCLUSION:The dynamic reorganization of actin cytoskeleton is required for AngII-induced VSMC migration, and this effect is mediated by AT₁R .     

Effect of sodium nitroprusside on activation of nuclear factor κB

AIM: To investigate the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on activation of nuclear factor κB. METHODS: The techniques of culture of human T lymphocytes, Western blot and RT-PCR were applied. The effects of NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at different concentrations on mRNA and protein expression of IκB_α in human T lymphocytes at 30 min or 120 min after stimulating with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA-P) were observed. RESULTS: SNP at middle or high concentrations reduced the degradation of κIB_αprotein 30 min after stimulating with PHA-P,and increased the re-expression of κIB_αmRNA 120 min after stimulating with PHA-P significantly.CONCLUSION: The mechanism of inhibitory effect of SNP at middle or high concentrations may be due to the decrease in degradation and the increase in re-synthesis of κIB_α.The regulatory mechanism of SNP at low concentration may not be through κIB_α.     

Effects of PDS on rat brain cortical nuclear factor kappa B in LPS shock

AIM:To explore the molecular mechanism of brain tissue injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS),the effects of panaxadiol (PDS) on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in cerebral cortex of rat with LPS shock were studied. METHODS:Rats were randomly divided into LPS roup,LPS+dexamethasone group,LPS+PDS group and control group. The DNA binding activity and protein expression of NF-κB were observed. These indices were assayed at 1 h and 4 h after intravenous injection of LPS (4 mg·kg^-1). RESULTS:EMSA showed that PDS inhibited NF-κB DNA-binding activity in nuclear extracts at both 1 h and 4 h after LPS injection,compared with the LPS group (P<0.01). Western blotting showed that PDS down-regulated the expression of p65 and p50 protein in the nuclear extracts compared with the LPS group. However,the expression of p65 and p50 protein from cytosolic extracts did not show any significant change. CONCLUSION:PDS may alleviate brain injury by inhibiting NF-κB activation.     

Downregulation of aortic angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA expression by simvastatin in hyperlipidemic rats

AIM:To study the impact of hyperlipidemia on aortic AT₁ mRNA expression and vasoactive substances, and investigate the potential mechanism on reversion of endothelial dysfunction during the statin therapy.METHODS:The investigation included control, hyperlipidemic and simvastatin-treated groups. Hyperlipidemic model was set up on the 4-week atherogenic diet, followed by a 16-week treatment in the simvastatin treated group (simvastatin 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) and without treatment in the hyperlipidemic group. Serum lipid level, the expression of AT₁mRNA of aorta and level of serum AngⅡ and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, hyperlipidemic rats showed a stronger expression of AT₁ mRNA and lower level of NO. No significant difference in systolic blood pressure and AngⅡ was showed in this group. In contrast, in simvastatin treated group, expression of AT₁ mRNA as well as lipid(TC, TG, LDL-C) levels were significantly decreased and NO level increased which associated with improvement of endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSION:By regulated the lipid level, downregulated AT₁ mRNA expresstion and increased the NO activity, simvastatin restored endothelial function and inhibited atherogenesis.     

Intervention of resveatrol on activated nuclear factor-κB and expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase

AIM: To investigate the role of resveatrol among red wine on the proliferation, activity of NF-κB and the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase in cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC). METHODS: SMC proliferation was examined by 3-4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2, 5-diphenylte tra zoliumbromide (MTT) metabolism, activity of NF-κB, the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), immunohistochemitry and in situ hybridyzation in cultured rabbit aortic SMC. RESULTS: 100 μmol/L-200 μmol/L resveatrol (RES), an effective composition in red wine, was confirmed to inhibit metabolism and the activity of NF-κB as well as the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 in rabbit aortic SMC, which were promoted by the oxygen free radicals induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. CONCLUSION: Resveatrol may antagonist oxygen free radicals-induced proliferation and the activity of NF-κB as well as protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 in cultured rabbit aortic SMC, which might play an important role in preventing atherosclerosis.     

Effects of baicalin on glial fibrillary acidic protein and nuclear factor-κB expression in juvenile rat hippocampus after status convulsion

AIM: To study the effects of baicalin (BC) on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression and neuronal apoptosis in juvenile rat hippocampus after status convulsion (SC). METHODS: One hundred and ninety five juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal saline pretreatment group (NS group), SC group and SC with BC pretreatment group (BC group). Each of these 3 groups would be subdivided into 5 subgroups sacrificed at 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after SC. The rat SC model was prepared by lithium-pilocarpine chemical method. The protein expression of GFAP and NF-κB was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of GFAP was detected by RT-PCR. The neuronal apoptosis was observed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: Compared with NS group, the GFAP positive cells was increased in SC group (P<0.05). Compared with SC group, the expression of GFAP was significantly reduced in BC group (P<0.05). Compared with NS group, the NF-κB positive cells was increased in SC group (P<0.05). Compared with SC group, the expression of NF-κB was significantly reduced in BC group. RT-PCR showed that the expression trend of GFAP mRNA was similar to that of the protein. Compared with NS group, the TUNEL positive cells in the hippocampus CA1 area in SC group increased significantly 12 h after SC (P<0.01), and reached a peak at 48 h. After the intervention with BC, the TUNEL positive cells decreased significantly between 12~48 h after SC (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but the number of TUNEL positive cells remained significantly greater than that in NS group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of GFAP and NF-κB in the hippocampus increased after SC in rats. Baicalin decreases the expression of GFAP and NF-κB in hippocampus of rats with pilocarpine-induced seizures, and reduces the number of neuronal apoptosis, suggesting that baicalin may protect against the brain damage caused by status convulsion.     

Advances in IκB protein family research

IκB is an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and presents in the majority of cells. Eight structurally related members of the mammalian IκB family have been described:IκBα, IκBβ, IκBε, Bcl-3, IκBγ, IκBδ, p100 and p105. The ankyrin repeat domain of IκB can interact with NF-κB, and sequester NF-κB in the cytoplasm as inactive complexes. Most recently, IκBα has been found to inhibit p53 tumor suppressor protein by binding p53 to form a cytoplasmic p53·IκBα complex and studies have shown that p100 profoundly sensitizes cells to death-receptor-mediated apoptosis. The current review is to describe the members of IκB family, their related signaling pathways, and their application in tumor therapy.     

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits doxorubicin-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in rat cardiomyocytes by modulating activation of NF-κB pathway

AIM：To investigate whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) attenuates doxorubicin (DOX)-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) by modulating nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. METHODS：The expression of NF-κB p65 was measured by western blotting. The secretion levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining was used to detect the morphological changes and number of apoptotic cells. RESULTS：Treatment of H9c2 cells with 5 μmol/L DOX significantly up-regulated the expression level of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65), and induced inflammation and cytotoxicity, as evidenced by increases in secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and number of apoptotic cells as well as a decrease in cell viability. Pretreatment of H9c2 cells with 400 μmol/L NaHS (a donor of H2S) for 30 min markedly depressed the up-regulation of p-p65 expression induced by DOX. In addition, NaHS pretreatment also reduced DOX-induced inflammatory response and injury, leading to decreases in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion and number of apoptotic cells as well as an increase in cell viability. Similar to the effect of NaHS, pretreatment with 100 μmol/L pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF-κB, also blocked DOX-induced cardiac inflammation and cytotoxicity. Co-administration of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and DOX reduced DOX-induced activation of NF-κB and cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION：During the DOX-induced cardiomyocyte inflammation, there is positive interaction between NF-κB pathway and IL-1β. H2S may protect cardiomyocytes against DOX-induced inflammatory response and cytotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB pathway.     

Role of angiotensin Ⅱ receptors in overload pressure-induced left ventricular hypertrophy

AIM and METHODS:To investigate the role of angiotensin Ⅱ recepters(ATRs) in overload pressure-induced left ventricular hypertrophy. The rat abdominal aortic constraction model was adopted. At 10th week after operating, angiotensin Ⅱ in myocardium was measured by radioimmunoassay,tissue ATRs and its subtype were analysed by radioligand binding assay. RESULTS: The AngⅡ content in the operated group was significantly higher than that of the control group, LVMI was positively correlated with AngⅡ(r=0.8066,P＜0.01).The maximal binding capacity of ATRs in the operated group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P＜0.01). However,the equilibrium dissociation constant(kd) and ratio of AT₁R to AT₂R in these two groups had no significantly different. Left ventricular hypertrophy was significantly reduced by AT₁R antagonist irbesartan,and not influenced by AT₂R antagonist CGP42112A. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that left ventricular ATRs upregulate during pressure overload.The left ventricular hypertrophy induced by AngⅡis mainly mediated by AT₁R.     

Roles of NF-κB,AP-1 and caspase-3 in SC58125-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells

AIM: To explore the molecular mechanisms of SC58125 on apoptosis in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Cell culture, ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis were employed to clarify the effect of SC58125 on apoptosis in HepG2 cells and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: SC58125 induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, which was accompanied by inhibition of NF-κB, activation of caspase-3, decrease of bcl-2 mRNA and increase of p53mRNA. However, no significant changes were found in the DNA binding of AP-1. CONCLUSION: SC58125 induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells, which may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB, activation of caspase-3, decrease of bcl-2 mRNA and increase of p53mRNA.