Effects of IL-32γ on proliferation and cell cycle of rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To observe the effects of interleukin-32γ (IL-32γ)on the proliferation and cell cycle of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: The VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aorta of SD rats by the method of tissue-piece inoculation. The cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of IL-32γ. The proliferation of the cells was examined by MTT assay. The cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of NF-κB p65 and cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)was examined by immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: Administration of IL-32γ at the concentrations of 10~50 μg/L for 24~48 h significantly promoted the proliferation of VSMCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After stimulation with IL-32γ at the concentration of 50 μg/L for 24 h, the cell cycle transition from G₁ phase to S/G₂ phase was accelerated and the expression levels of NF-κB p65, cyclin D1 and PCNA increased as compared with those in control group. CONCLUSION: IL-32γ promotes the proliferation of rat VSMCs and accelerates the cell cycle transition via upregulating the expression of NF-κB p65 and cyclin D1.     

Protective effects of Zhenwu decoction on kidney injury of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin

AIM：To investigate the effects of Zhenwu decoction (ZWD) on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and NF-κB in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. METHODS：Diabetic rat model was induced by intrape-ritoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), and the animals were randomly divided into STZ group (n=22) and STZ+ZWD group (n=23). The normal rats served as control (n=16). All rats were sacrificed on 8 weeks after modeling. Biochemical assay and pathological observation (HE staining and transmission electron microscopy) were used to evaluate the effects of Zhenwu decoction on the renal function and pathological morphology. The body weight, renal index, blood glucose, total urinary protein in 24 h, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA),inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined as well. Western blotting was used to observe the effects of Zhenwu decoction on the expression of α-SMA and NF-κB in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. RESULTS：Compared with normal group, the renal index, blood glucose concentration, total urinary protein in 24 h, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr) and MDA were significantly higher and body weight was lower in DN rats (P<0. 05). Pathological examination of the kidneys in DN group showed glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular basement membrane thickening, tubular epithelial cell degeneration, mesangial matrix proliferation, protein cast formation in some renal tubules. The protein expression levels of α-SMA and NF-κB were markedly increased (P<0.05). After ZWD treatment, the level of renal index, total urinary protein in 24 h, BUN, SCr and the expression of α-SMA and NF-κB at the protein level were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The renal histological injury in ZWD group was significantly ameliorated. CONCLUSION：Zhenwu decoction might protect kidney against STZ-induced injury via decreasing the expression of α-SMA and NF-κB.     

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α attenuates myocardial inflammatory injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion in rats

AIM:To investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) stable expression in myocardial inflammatory injury induced by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) in rats. METHODS:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:sham operation (sham) group, I/R group, HIF-1α stabilizer dimethyloxalyl glycine (DMOG)+I/R group and HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1+I/R group. The protein expression of myocardial Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was determined by Western blot. The mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, TLR4 and NF-κB were detected by real-time PCR. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the myocardial tissues was measured. HE staining was used to observe the infiltration of inflammatory cells. RESULTS:HIF-1α decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells, the MPO activity, and the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the myocardial tissues. HIF-1α also reduced the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The stable expression of HIF-1α has an anti-inflammatory effect on the myocardial tissues after I/R injury in rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Inflammatory response in rat kidney with contrast-induced nephropathy

AIM：To observe the expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in the renal tissue of the rats with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). METHODS：Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=96) were randomly divided into control group (n=48) and CIN group (n=48). The model rats in CIN group were intravenously injected with iodinated contrast media (76% compound diatrizoate injection,10 mL/kg), while the rats in control group were injected with the same volume of saline. Six rats in each group were sacrificed at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 5 d, 10 d and 15 d after intravenous injection, respectively, and the blood and kidney samples of the rats were obtained. The renal tubular injury was assessed by histological examination (HE staining). The expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), TNF-α and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels in the renal tissues were semiquantitatively measured by the methods of RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The correlations between the expression of TNF-α, NF-κB and tubular injury score, KIM-1 expression in renal tissue of CIN group were analyzed. RESULTS：The levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in control group were not changed between different time points (P>0.05). The levels of SCr and BUN in CIN group displayed significant increases at different time points (except 15 d) compared with control group (P<0.05). The renal tubular injury score in CIN group was significantly higher at all time points than that in control group (P<0.05). The expression of KIM-1, TNF-α and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels up-regulated significantly at 6 h and the peaking of KIM-1 expression was at 24 h, while the peaking of TNF-α and NF-κB expression was at 48 h in CIN group. The expression of KIM-1,TNF-α and NF-κB was significantly increased in CIN group compared with control group except at 15 d (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels showed close correlations with renal tubular injury score (r=0.843, 0.758, 0.743 and 0.707, P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels was also positively correlated with KIM-1 expression (r=0.863, 0.807, 0.839 and 0.855, P<0.05). CONCLUSION：The expression of TNF-α and NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels in the renal tissues of CIN group is up-regulated and is closely related with renal tubular injury, indicating that the inflammatory response is involved in the pathogenesis of CIN.     

IL-1β induces human mesangial cell injury via exacerbating lipid-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

AIM：To investigate the molecular mechanism that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) exacerbates lipid-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the injury of human mesangial cells (HMCs). METHODS：HMCs were cultured and divided into control group, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) group, IL-1β+LDL group and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA)+IL-1β+LDL group. Oil red O staining was used to evaluate the accumulation of lipid droplet in the cells. The mRNA levels of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were examined by real-time PCR. Immunocytochemistry was used to observe GRP78 expression. The protein level of NF-κB p65 was measured by Western blotting. The releases of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in the culture supernatants of HMCs were detected by ELISA. RESULTS：Compared with LDL group, the intracellular lipid accumulation, the mRNA levels of GRP78 and PERK, the protein expression of GRP78 and NF-κB p65, and the release of IL-6 were significantly increased in IL-1β+LDL group. Dramatically reduced intracellular lipid accumulation, down-regulated GRP78 and PERK mRNA expression, decreased protein levels of GRP78 and NF-κB p65, and suppressed IL-6 release were observed in 4-PBA+IL-1β+LDL group as compared with IL-1β+LDL group. The mRNA level of α-SMA was higher in IL-1β+LDL group than that in LDL group, and that in 4-PBA+IL-1β+LDL group was significantly depressed. CONCLUSION：IL-1β exacerbates lipid-induced ERS, thus promoting the injury of HMCs.     

Roles of gap junction in TGF-β1-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneous hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate whether gap junction participates in transforming growth factor β₁(TGF-β₁)-induced proliferation of spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: The thoracic aorta of the rats were sampled. The primary SHR VSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into 4 groups: control group, TGF-β₁ group,18α-glycyrrhetinic acid(18α-GA) group and TGF-β₁+18α-GA group. The proliferation of SHR VSMCs was observed by the methods of MTT and flow cytometry. The protein expression and co-localization of connexin(Cx)43 and Cx40 in SHR VSMCs were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The protein levels of Cx43 and Cx40 in the cells were also measured by Western blotting. The method of molecular dye transfer (scrape dye transfer method) was applied to detect the function of gap junction in SHR VSMCs. RESULTS: The protein expression of Cx43 and Cx40 in SHR VSMCs was positive and co-localized in the cytoplasm. Compared with control group, the percentage of S-phase detected by cell cycle and A value detected by MTT in TGF-β₁ group were obviously increased (P<0.05), indicating that the proliferation of the cells was enhanced. However, the proliferation of the cells decreased in 18α-GA group (P<0.05). Compared with TGF-β₁ group, the percentage of S-phase and A value in TGF-β₁+18α-GA group were both significantly decreased (P<0.05), indicating that the proliferation of the cells decreased. Compared with control group, the protein expression of Cx43 in TGF-β₁ group was increased (P<0.05), whereas the protein expression of Cx40 was not changed (P>0.05), and the protein expression of Cx43 and Cx40 in 18α-GA group were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with TGF-β₁ group, the expression of Cx43 in TGF-β₁+18α-GA group was significantly decreased (P<0.05),but no difference of the Cx40 protein levels between the two groups was observed. Compared with control group, the function of gap junction detected by scrape dye transfer method in TGF-β₁ group was enhanced (P<0.05), and weakened in 18α-GA group (P<0.05). Compared with the TGF-β₁ group, the function of gap junction in TGF-β₁+18α-GA group was significantly attenuated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TGF-β₁ enhances the function of gap junction to stimulate the proliferation of SHR VSMCs through the expression of Cx43 protein. The expression of Cx40 protein may not play a major role in this process.     

Effects of SUMOylation on IKKγ/NF-κB signaling in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells treated with high glucose

AIM：To investigate the effects of SUMOylation on IκB kinase γ (IKKγ)/NF-κB signaling in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) treated with high glucose. METHODS：Cultured HBZY-1 rat GMCs were divided into normal glucose group and high glucose groups, and mannitol was used for osmotic control. The expression of SUMO1, SUMO2/3, IKKγ and NF-κB p65 was measured by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Interaction between SUMO and IKKγ was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS：Compared with normal glucose group, the expression of SUMO and NF-κB p65 was increased in high glucose groups in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The expression of IKKγ was not changed by high glucose. The SUMOylation of IKKγ in high glucose groups was significantly decreased as compared with normal glucose group. CONCLUSION:High glucose obviously changes the interaction between SUMO and IKKγ in cultured rat mesangial cells, which may be involved in the activation of NF-κB by taking a special influence on the SUMOylation of IKKγ/NF-κB signaling molecules.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in IL-1β-stimulated mesangial cells is medicated by NF-κB/IκB signal pathway

AIM: To investigate the role of NF-κB/IκB signal pathway in the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in human mesangial cells (HMC). METHODS: The PGE₂ concentration in supernatants of HMC was measured by radioimmunoassay. COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Western blot were used to detect the activity of NF-κB and degradation of IκB. RESULTS: IL-1β significantly upregulated COX-2 expression and PGE₂ production in HMC. Significant up-regulation of NF-κB activation, nuclear translocation of p65 subunit, and degradation of IκB α and IκB β were observed in IL-1β-induced HMC. CONCLUSION: Expression of COX-2 in IL-1β-induced HMC is mediated by NF-κB/IκB signal pathway.     

Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on expression of nuclear factor κB and release of cytokines in human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide

AIM: To investigate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and release of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), IL-1α and IL-6 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS).METHODS: HUVECs were obtained from cell strain and cultured in vitro. HUVECs were divided into 4 groups: control group, LPS group, 0.030 g/L EPA treatment group and 0.050 g/L EPA treatment group. The cells were cultured with LPS alone in LPS group and incubated with EPA for 1 h in the EPA pretreatment groups at the concentrations of 0.030 g/L and 0.050 g/L before LPS stimulation. Twenty-four hours after stimulated by LPS, the protein expression of NF-κB p65 in HUVECs were assessed by Western blotting analysis at different time points. The production of VEGF, IL-1α and IL-6 in cultured HUVECs was evaluated by ELISA. The effects of EPA on the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and the production of VEGF, IL-1α and IL-6 in HUVECs challenged by LPS were also determined.RESULTS: Compared with control group, the protein expression of NF-κB p65 was significantly increased in HUVECs induced by LPS and was inhibited by EPA. Compared with control group, the protein expression of VEGF, IL-1α and IL-6 was dramatically increased in HUVECs induced by LPS and most of the increase was inhibited by EPA.CONCLUSION: LPS enhances the protein expression of NF-κB and the release of VEGF, IL-1α and IL-6. EPA inhibits the protein expression of NF-κB, and the production of VEGF and the inflammatory cytokines in cultured HUVECs stimulated by LPS, indicating that EPA may be useful for preventing and treating neovascular and inflammatory diseases.     

Effects of rat mesenchymal stem cells modified by CGRP on proliferation and phenotype transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro

AIM：To explore the effects of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modified by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the proliferation and phenotype transformation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro. METHODS：Rat MSCs and VSMCs were isolated, cultured and identified. The MSCs were infected by lentivirus which carried genes encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and CGRP. The expression levels of CGRP in CGRP-modified MSCs were detected using real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prolife-ration and migratory abilities of VSMCs were evaluated by MTT assay, Trypan blue staining and scratch test. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS：Compared with MSCs and MSCs-EGFP groups, the expression levels of CGRP in MSCs-CGRP group were markedly increased (P<0.01). The results of MTT assay and scratch test demonstrated that the proliferation and migratory abilities of VSMCs in MSCs-CGRP group were significantly inhibited compared with MSCs and MSCs-EGFP groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, cell viability was >90% shown by Typan blue staining. Western blotting showed that the expression of α-SMA was increased and that of OPN was decreased in MSCs-CGRP group compared with MSCs and MSCs-EGFP groups (P<005). CONCLUSION：CGRP-modified MSCs could secrete CGRP protein and inhibit the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, which may be associated with deterring the phenotype transformation from contractile type to synthetic type. These results lay a foundation for gene therapy in vivo.     

Up-regulation of miR-181a attenuates releases of CSE-induced pro-inflammatory factors and expression of collagen IV,fibronectin and α-SMA in human bronchial epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of microRNA-181a (miR-181a) on cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced the productions of pro-inflammatory factors and the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). METHODS: CSE-induced miR-181a expression was detected by RT-qPCR in the HBECs. After tansfected with miR-181a mimic, the releases of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by ELISA, the protein expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA was determined by Western blot. The activation of NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway was also evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: CSE increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1 and the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA, and decreased the expression of miR-181a in the HBECs (P<0.05). However, transfected with miR-181a mimic partially prevented the releases of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1, and inhibited the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA (P<0.05). Additionally, the activation of NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad3 evoked by CSE was attenuated after transfected with miR-181a mimic. CONCLUSION: Up-regulation of miR-181a prevents the releases of CSE-induced pro-inflammatory factors and expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA in the HBECs, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway.     

Effects of renal denervation on inflammatory factors in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis

AIM: To evaluate the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a rabbit model of early atherosclerosis. METHODS: New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control group, RDN+ high-fat diet (HFD) group (RDN group), sham+HFD group (sham group) and HFD group. The rabbits in later 3 groups were fed with 2% cholesterol for 8 weeks to establish an early atherosclerosis model. The blood samples were collected to test the levels of lipids, norepinephrine (NE), TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6. The protein expression of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. The levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Ang II 1 type receptor (AT1R) were evaluated by Western blot. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was determined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: After 1 d of RDN procedure, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.01). After 8 weeks, the NE level was lower in RDN group than that in sham group and HFD group (P<0.05), and triglyceride (TG) was lower in RDN group than that in HFD group (P<0.05). The protein expression of Ang II was decreased in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.01). The protein expression of NF-κB was lower in RDN group than that in sham group (P<0.05). The plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1α were reduced in RDN group compared with sham group and HFD group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and IL-6 was reduced in RDN group compared with sham group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: RDN inhibits sympathetic activity, decreases the plasma level of TG, and alleviates inflammatory reactions in the rabbits with atherosclerosis.     

Protective effect of SIRT1 on rat mesangial cells by decreasing high glucose-induced acetylation of NF-κB p65

AIM: To investigate the effects of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) on high glucose-induced acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit and its protective role in rat mesangial cells. METHODS: Rat mesangial cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and were divided into control group, mannitol group, high glucose group, resveratrol group and SIRT1 RNAi group. The cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The mRNA expression of SIRT1, monocyte chemoattratant protein 1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein expression of SIRT1 and the acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit were determined by Western blotting. The protein concentrations of MCP-1, VCAM-1, TNF-α, TGF-β1 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The cell viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the expression of SIRT1 at mRNA and protein levels were decreased by high glucose treatment as compared with control group. The acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit was significantly increased after interfered with high glucose, resulting in the increase in the secretion of MCP-1, VCAM-1, TNF-α and TGF-β1. Resveratrol decreased high glucose-induced acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit. However, silencing SIRT1 significantly enhanced the acetylation of NF-κB p65 subunit and the expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1, TNF-α and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION: SIRT1 remarkably inhibits the inflammatory reactions by deacetylating NF-κB p65, suggesting that SIRT1 is a possible target for preventing diabetic nephropathy.     

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.     

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.     

Resveratrol attenuates inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant via NF-κB signaling pathway in a mouse model

AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory action of resveratrol (Res) and its correlation with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in a mouse model of inflammatory pain.METHODS: BALB/c mice (n=60) were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal control group, inflammatory pain model group, positive control (dexamethasone, 0.5 mg/kg) group and resveratrol (100, 50 and 25 mg/kg) groups (10 mice in each group). In order to observe the anti-inflammatory pain effects of reseratrol on mice, the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold, paw withdrawal thermal latency and cold withdrawal times were detected. In order to analyze the mechanism of analgesic effect of resveratrol, the expression levels of NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) α, inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IKK) β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in the spinal cord tissues (L4~L6) of the mice were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot.RESULTS: The resveratrol at 100 and 50 mg/kg increased the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold, prolonged the paw withdrawal thermal latency, and decreased the cold withdrawal times in the inflammatory pain mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The resveratrol at 100 mg/kg down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB, IκBα, IKKβ, TNF-α and IL-1β in the spinal cord tissues (L4~L6) of inflammatory pain mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Resveratrol ameliorates the inflammatory pain of the mice induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Effects of icariin preconditioning on inflammatory responses in myocar-dial ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM:To observe the effects of icariin on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 min and then loosened for 2 h to establish the rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Forty-eight healthy adult male SD rats weighing 250~300 g were randomly divided into sham group, model group, low-, middle-and high-dose icariin groups, and aspirin group. The morphological changes of the myocardium were observed by HE staining. The protein expression of NF-κB p65 in the myocardial nucleus was determined by the method of immunohistochemistry. The content of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the myocardial tissues was detected by Western blotting. The level of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in the serum was measured by ELISA. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the myocardial tissues was assayed by colorimetry. RESULTS:Compared with sham group, TNF-α content, IL-1β concentration, NF-κB expression and MPO activity in all other groups increased. Compared with model group, TNF-α content, IL-1β concentration, NF-κB expression and MPO activity in low-, middle- and high-dose icariin groups and aspirin group all decreased. No significant difference of the above parameters between high-dose icariin group and aspirin group was observed. CONCLUSION: Icariin preconditioning reduces inflammatory responses in the process of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in a dose-dependent manner.     

Effect of NOD8 on production of nitric oxide,IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS-treated macrophages

AIM: To investigate the effect of NOD8 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced releases of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW264.7 cells. METHODS: The plasmids of pEGFP-C2 and pEGFP-NOD8 were transfected into RAW264.7 cells respectively. The transfected and non-transfected cells were stimulated by LPS for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h. NO production was evaluated by Griess reagent assay, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The protein expression of NOD8 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit were detected by Western blotting. The level of activated caspase-1 was determined by fluorimetric method. RESULTS: Compared with pEGFP-C2 group, the protein expression of NOD8 was significantly elevated in pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. The releases of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α were obviously increased after RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, and while the secretion of NO was significantly reduced in the cells transfected with pEGFP-NOD8 and induced by LPS for 12 h and 24 h, and the release of IL-1β was also significantly reduced at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. However, no significant difference of TNF-α release was observed between pEGFP-C2+LPS group and pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. The activation of caspase-1 in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h was markedly increased, and the expression of NF-κB p65 subunit in the cytoplasm was significantly decreased, indicating that p65 nuclear translocation was increased. In addition, the activation of caspase-1 and the nuclear translocation of p65 were significantly inhibited in pEGFP-NOD8+LPS group. CONCLUSION: NOD8 suppresses the releases of LPS-induced NO and IL-1β in RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the activation of caspase-1 and NF-κB.