NF-kappaB at the crossroads of life and death

Time serial transcriptome reveals Cyp2c29 as a key gene in hepatocellular carcinoma development

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a severely lethal cancer that usually originates from chronic liver injury and inflammation. Although progress on diagnosis and treatment is obvious, the cause of HCC remains unclear. In this study, we sought to determine key genes in HCC development. Methods: To identify key regulators during HCC progression, we performed transcriptome sequencing to obtain time series gene expression data from a mouse model with diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumors and further verified gene expression and function in vitro and in vivo. Results: Among the differentially expressed genes, Cyp2c29 was continuously downregulated during HCC progression. Overexpression of Cyp2c29 suppressed NF-κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine production by increasing the production of 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of Cyp2c29 in vivo protected against liver inflammation in mouse models of liver injury induced by both acetaminophen and CCl4. Two human homologs of mouse Cyp2c29, CYP2C8 and CYP2C9, were found to be downregulated in human HCC progression, and their expression was positively correlated with overall survival in patients with HCC (significance: P = 0.046 and 0.0097, respectively). Conclusions: Collectively, through systematic analysis and verification, we determined that Cyp2c29 is a novel gene involved in liver injury and inflammation, which may be a potential biomarker for HCC prevention and prognosis determination.

Puerarin Increases Survival and Protects Against Organ Injury by Suppressing NF-κB/JNK Signaling in Experimental Sepsis

Puerarin, an isoflavonoid rich in Radix Puerariae, has been reported to be a broadly effective regulator in various biological processes and clinic conditions. However, the role of puerarin in sepsis-induced mortality with multiple-organ injury remains unknown. Herein, we showed that puerarin potently attenuated organ injury and increased survival rate in both lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced mouse sepsis models. It greatly suppressed systemic inflammation, determined by the serum levels of proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, as well as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Flow cytometry analysis indicated that puerarin settled overall inflammation mainly by normalizing expanded macrophages with limited effects on dendritic cells and CD4+T cells in the circulation of sepsis mice. In the liver, puerarin inhibited the transcription of inflammatory factor TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and protected hepatocyte apoptosis in sepsis mouse models. In vitro, puerarin inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in LO2 hepatocytes, prevented TNF-α-mediated cell apoptosis and promoted an M2 phenotype revealed by M2 marker IL-10 and Arginase-1 (Arg-1) in LPS challenged Raw 264.7 macrophages, through the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB/JNK pathway. In conclusion, puerarin reduced systemic inflammation and protected organ injury in sepsis mice, thus, it might provide a new modality for a better treatment of sepsis.

Citrus Peel Flavonoids as Potential Cancer Prevention Agents

Citrus fruit and in particular flavonoid compounds from citrus peel have been identified as agents with utility in the treatment of cancer. This review provides a background and overview regarding the compounds found within citrus peel with putative anticancer potential as well as the associated in vitro and in vivo studies. Historical studies have identified a number of cellular processes that can be modulated by citrus peel flavonoids including cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metastasis, and angiogenesis. More recently, molecular studies have started to elucidate the underlying cell signaling pathways that are responsible for the flavonoids' mechanism of action. These growing data support further research into the chemopreventative potential of citrus peel extracts, and purified flavonoids in particular. This critical review highlights new research in the field and synthesizes the pathways modulated by flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds into a generalized schema.

A new perspective of triptolide-associated hepatotoxicity: the relevance of NF- B and NF- B-mediated cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein

Previously, we proposed a new perspective of triptolide (TP)-associated hepatotoxicity: liver hypersensitivity upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. However, the mechanisms for TP/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity remained elusive. The present study aimed to clarify the role of LPS in TP/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity and the mechanism by which TP induces liver hypersensitivity upon LPS stimulation. TNF-α inhibitor, etanercept, was injected intraperitoneally into mice to investigate whether induction of TNF-α by LPS participated in the liver injury induced by TP/LPS co-treatment. Mice and hepatocytes pretreated with TP were stimulated with recombinant TNF-α to assess the function of TNF-α in TP/LPS co-treatment. Additionally, time-dependent NF-κB activation and NF-κB-mediated pro-survival signals were measured in vivo and in vitro. Finally, overexpression of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIP), the most potent NF-κB-mediated pro-survival protein, was measured in vivo and in vitro to assess its function in TP/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity. Etanercept counteracted the toxic reactions induced by TP/LPS. TP-treatment sensitized mice and hepatocytes to TNF-α, revealing the role of TNF-α in TP/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity. Mechanistic studies revealed that TP inhibited NF-κB dependent pro-survival signals, especially FLIP, induced by LPS/TNF-α. Moreover, overexpression of FLIP alleviated TP/LPS-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and TP/TNF-α-induced apoptosis in vitro. Mice and hepatocytes treated with TP were sensitive to TNF-α, which was released from LPS-stimulated immune cells. These and other results show that the TP-induced inhibition of NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity and FLIP production are responsible for liver hypersensitivity.

Significance of nuclear factor - kappa beta activation on prostate needle biopsy samples in the evaluation of Gleason score 6 prostatic carcinoma indolence

Background

The goal of our study was to find out whether the immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB) p65 in biopsy samples with Gleason score 3 + 3 = 6 (GS 6) can be a negative predictive factor for Prostate cancer (PCa) indolence.

Patients and methods

Study was conducted on a retrospective cohort of 123 PCa patients with initial total PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, number of needle biopsy specimens ≥ 8, GS 6 on biopsy and T1/T2 estimated clinical stage who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and whose archived formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate needle biopsy specimens were used for additional immunohistochemistry staining for detection of NF-κB p65. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear NF-κB p65 expression in biopsy cores with PCa were correlated with postoperative pathological stage, positive surgical margins, GS and biochemical progression of disease.

Results

After follow-up of 66 months, biochemical progression (PSA ≥ 0.2 ng/ml) occurred in 6 (5.1%) patients, 3 (50%) with GS 6 and 3 (50%) with GS 7 after radical prostatectomy. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear NF-κB p65 expressions were not significantly associated with pathological stage, positive surgical margin and postoperative GS. Patients with positive cytoplasmic NF-kB reaction had significantly more frequent biochemical progression than those with negative cytoplasmic NF-kB reaction with PSA 0.2 ng/ml as cutoff point (p = 0.015) and a trend towards more biochemical progression with PSA ≥ 0.05 ng/ml as cutoff point (p = 0.068).

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic expression of NF-κB is associated with more biochemical progression and might be an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS), but further studies including larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm these initial results.

Computational analysis of nuclear factor-κB and resveratrol in colorectal cancer

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), a dimeric transcription factor, is a major regulator and an important determinant of the biological characteristics of tumour cells. Some antioxidants or protease inhibitors have been found to act against NF-κB to suppress colorectal cancer (CRC). In the current investigation, a computational study was performed to investigate the molecular interaction between NF-κB and resveratrol. Molecular docking studies revealed that, resveratrol with NF-κB are predicted to be quite effective. The application of molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) tactics has considerably supported in increasing the prediction precision of the outcomes. Further, this study revealed that NF-κB could be a potential target for various anti-cancerous drugs for cancer therapeutics. Furthermore, animal investigations are necessary to confirm the efficacy and evaluate potency of target and drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

15-hydroxy-6α,12-epoxy-7β,10αH,11βH-spiroax-4-ene-12-one exerts anti-tumor effects against osteosarcoma through apoptosis induction

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of malignant bone tumor, which has an overall survival rate of only 15-30%. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 15-hydroxy-6α,12-epoxy-7β,10αH,11βH-spiroax-4-ene-12-one (HESEO), a compound extracted from the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. FJ-1 isolated from Avicennia marina, on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells and to explore its underlying mechanisms of action. Cell number was counted to measure the cell proliferation. JC-1 reagent was used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. ELISA was used to measure the cytochrome c level and caspase activities. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-Propidium Iodide staining. Gene and protein expression were measured by reverse-transcription-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Additionally, the anti-tumor effects of HESEO were explored within a syngeneic osteosarcoma tumor model. The results suggested that HESEO significantly inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells and induced apoptosis of MG-63 cells, evidenced by their decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased cytochrome c release, caspase activities and percentage of apoptotic cells. In addition, HESEO increased the expression of pro-apoptotic genes and proteins compared with control cells. The results indicated that HESEO may act through increasing p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis expression. Furthermore, HESEO treatment significantly increased the survival time and decreased the tumor burden of osteosarcoma tumor-bearing mice compared with vehicle treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment with HESEO enhanced the effects of the chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate on a lung metastasis osteosarcoma model. These data suggested that HESEO could be developed as a potential anti-tumor agent against osteosarcoma.

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Bcl-xl: transcriptional regulation and anti-apoptosis analysis

Bcl-xl, Bax2, and NF-κB are well-known to be involved in anti-apoptosis response. Although Bcl-xl has been reported in fish, the NF-κB-mediated regulatory mechanism and anti-apoptotic function are still unclear. Here, we cloned and characterized the full-length cDNA sequence of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Bcl-xl (CiBcl-xl) and its promoter region sequence. The full-length cDNA of CiBcl-xl is 2836 bp with an ORF of 627 bp encoding a polypeptide of 208 amino acids. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that CiBcl-xl shared high homology with Dario rerio Bcl-xl (DrBcl-xl). After stimulation with Poly I:C, the expression of CiBcl-xl in CIK cells and various tested tissues of grass carp were significantly upregulated. To further understand the transcriptional control of fish Bcl-xl induced by NF-κB, CiC-rel and Cip65 were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified by affinity chromatography with the Ni-NTA His-Bind resin. In vitro, gel mobility shift assays demonstrated the high affinity of CiC-rel and Cip65 with CiBcl-xl promoter. Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that CiC-rel and Cip65 activated CiBcl-xl promoter. Also, knockdown of CiC-rel and Cip65 reduced the expression of Bcl-xl. Therefore, similar to those of mammals, fish C-rel and p65 can upregulate the transcription of Bcl-xl. In addition, we found that overexpression of CiBcl-xl in CIK cells increased the cell activity and inhibited cell apoptosis, while overexpression of Bax2 promoted cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, co-transfection of CiBcl-xl and CiBax2 into cells can ease up apoptotic rate. To further investigate the molecular basis of synergistic effect of Bcl-xl and Bax2, we showed that Bcl-xl and Bax2 interacted with each other. The results suggested that Bcl-xl executed its anti-apoptotic function by binding to and inhibiting the pro-apoptotic activity of Bax2.

Munc18-1-interacting protein 3 mitigates renal fibrosis through protection of tubular epithelial cells from apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is initiated by tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury. Hypoxia promotes tubular cell death, fibrosis and CKD progression. Munc18-1-interacting protein 3 (Mint3) is a molecule that activates hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) by binding and suppressing factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH). However, the role of Mint3 in tubulointerstitial fibrosis remains unknown.

METHODS

We induced fibrosis of the kidney after unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (uIRI) in Mint3-knockout and littermate wild-type mice. The duration of ischemia was 23 min and the kidneys were harvested at 24 h and 7 days after ischemia-reperfusion. The function of Mint3 was further investigated by using mouse cortical tubular (MCT) cells, which were treated with Mint3 and/or FIH small interfering RNA and exposed to normoxia or hypoxia.

RESULTS

Knockout of Mint3 did not affect the acute injury induced by uIRI, but exacerbated the tubulointerstitial fibrosis, accompanied by an increase in TEC apoptosis. Consistently, hypoxia-induced apoptosis of MCT cells was aggravated by Mint3 knockdown. Unexpectedly, the additional knockdown of FIH did not suppress the increase in apoptosis by Mint3 knockdown, demonstrating the irrelevance of the FIH/HIF pathway. Therefore, we next focused on nuclear factor (NF)-κB, which has an anti-apoptotic role. Indeed, not only the expression of the inhibitory NF-κB p50 but also the DNA-binding activity of p50/p50 homodimer was increased by knockdown of Mint3 in the TECs, along with the decreased expressions of the NF-κB-targeted anti-apoptotic genes. An increase in NF-κB p50 was also confirmed in Mint3-knockout kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

Mint3 in epithelial cells protects the cells from apoptosis by up-regulating anti-apoptotic effects of NF-κB, leading to fibrosis suppression. This new pathophysiology of tubulointerstitial fibrosis could be a target of future therapy for CKD.

Life, death, and autophagy in cancer: NF-κB turns up everywhere

Escaping programmed cell death is a hallmark of cancer. NF-κB transcription factors are key regulator of cell survival and aberrant NF-κB signaling has been involved in the pathogenesis of most human malignancies. Although NF-κB is best known for its antiapoptotic role, other processes regulating the life/death balance, such as autophagy and necroptosis, seem to network with NF-κB. This review discusses how the reciprocal regulation of NF-κB, autophagy and programmed cell death affect cancer development and progression.

Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extract induces p53-independent apoptosis via the elevation of nitric oxide production in human HCT116 colon cancer cells

Induction of apoptosis in human cancer cells by Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai has been considered to be a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment; however, the underlying mechanisms of action are not well understood. The present study investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO^•) and inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) during apoptosis induced by Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extracts (SQE) in p53-wild type (WT) and p53-null HCT116 colon carcinoma cells. Trypan blue exclusion and Annexin V/propidium iodide assays were used to test for antiproliferation, and apoptosis and cell cycle. Griess and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were carried out to assay NO^• production, and to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2, PARP and IAPs. A colorimetric assay was utilized to measure the time-dependent increase in caspase-3 activity. SQE inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis by the elevation of NO^• in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, both cell types underwent a reduction in mRNA and protein levels of IAPs (survivin, CIAP-1 and -2, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis) as well as anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, whereas an increase in protein expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 and caspase 3 activity was observed; however, an equivalent cytotoxic and apoptotic effect by SQE was observed in p53-WT and p53-null cells. Collectively, the results indicated that SQE-induced apoptosis was independent of p53 status and associated with modulation of endogenous NO^• and IAP family gene expression.

Gut microbiota and obesity: Impact of antibiotics and prebiotics and potential for musculoskeletal health

Obesity is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors. One of the most intensely studied factors during the past decade has been the gut microbiota, which is the community of all microbes in the intestinal tract. The gut microbiota, via energy extraction, inflammation, and other actions, is now recognized as an important player in the pathogenesis of obesity. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbial community, can initiate a cascade of metabolic disturbances in the host. Early life is a particularly important period for the development of the gut microbiota, and perturbations such as with antibiotic exposure can have long-lasting consequences for host health. In early life and throughout the life span, diet is one of the most important factors that shape the gut microbiota. Although diets high in fat and sugar have been shown to contribute to dysbiosis and disease, dietary fiber is recognized as an important fermentative fuel for the gut microbiota and results in the production of short-chain fatty acids that can act as signaling molecules in the host. One particular type of fiber, prebiotic fiber, contributes to changes in the gut microbiota, the most notable of which is an increase in the abundance of Bifidobacterium. This review highlights our current understanding of the role of gut microbiota in obesity development and the ways in which manipulating the microbiota through dietary means, specifically prebiotics, could contribute to improved health in the host, including musculoskeletal health.

UFL1 Alleviates LPS-Induced Apoptosis by Regulating the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Bovine Ovarian Granulosa Cells

Ubiquitin-like modifier 1 ligating enzyme 1 (UFL1) is an E3 ligase of ubiquitin fold modifier 1 (UFM1), which can act together with its target protein to inhibit the apoptosis of cells. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can affect the ovarian health of female animals by affecting the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. The physiological function of UFL1 on the apoptosis of bovine (ovarian) granulosa cells (bGCs) remains unclear; therefore, we focused on the modulating effect of UFL1 on the regulation of LPS-induced apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells. Our study found that UFL1 was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of bGCs. The results here demonstrated that LPS caused a significant increase in the apoptosis level of bGCs in cows, and also dramatically increased the expression of UFL1. Furthermore, we found that UFL1 depletion caused a significant increase in apoptosis (increased the expression of BAX/BCL-2 and the activity of caspase-3). Conversely, the overexpression of UFL1 relieved the LPS-induced apoptosis. In order to assess whether the inhibition of bGCs apoptosis involved in the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway resulted from UFL1, we detected the expression of NF-κB p-p65. LPS treatment resulted in a significant upregulation in the protein concentration of NF-κB p-p65, and knockdown of UFL1 further increased the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, while UFL1 overexpression significantly inhibited the expression of NF-κB p-p65. Collectively, UFL1 could suppress LPS-induced apoptosis in cow ovarian granulosa cells, likely via the NF-κB pathway. These results identify a novel role of UFL1 in the modulation of bGC apoptosis, which may be a potential signaling target to improve the reproductive health of dairy cows.

Activation of lncRNA lnc-SLC4A1-1 induced by H3K27 acetylation promotes the development of breast cancer via activating CXCL8 and NF-kB pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect and potential modulation mechanism of lnc-SLC4A1-1 on breast cancer (BC) carcinogenesis. The expression of lnc-SLC4A1-1 in tissue and serum samples from BC patients, as well as BC cell lines, was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCRs). Next, the expression of lnc-SLC4A1-1 was silenced or upregulated in BC cells, then cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were detected using MTT, flow cytometry analysis and Transwell assay. Meanwhile, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, potential mechanism of lnc-SLC4A1-1 was explored by chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. CXCL8 was overexpressed to evaluate the relationship between lnc-SLC4A1-1 and CXCL8. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 was significantly up-regulated in BC tissue, serum samples and cell lines. In BC cells, lnc-SLC4A1-1 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis and suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, lnc-SLC4A1-1 is transcriptionally activated by H3K27 acetylation, and lnc-SLC4A1-1 interacted with transcription factor (NF)-κB p65, thereby regulating CXCL8 expression. Meanwhile, CXCL8 overexpression partly reversed the effects of lnc-SLC4A1-1 knockdown on cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion in BC cells. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 could promote the development of BC by regulating NF-κB/CXCL8. Highlights Lnc-SLC4A1-1 was overexpressed in BC tissues, blood and cell lines. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 was transcriptionally activated by H3K27 acetylation. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 interacted with NF-κB to promote CXCL8 expression. Lnc-SLC4A1-1 could promote the development of BC.

A synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract prevents hepatic toxicity induced by colorectal cancer in mice

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to be a life-threatening disease and commonly leads to metastasis in the liver. Fermented milk acts as an effective carrier for probiotic strains, whose consumption improves host health. Our previous study indicated that fermented milk that included a synbiotic combination of Lactobacillus gasseri 505 (505) and Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CT) resulted in significantly greater anti-oxidative effects than fermented milk without CT. Therefore, we hypothesized that fermented milk containing CT and 505 (FCT) could result in hepatoprotective effects against CRC-induced liver metastasis. Liver inflammation and CRC were induced in male C57BL/6J mice, using azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate, and 505, CT, and FCT were administered to the 3 sample-treated 505, CT, and FCT groups, respectively, for 10 wk. The results showed that FCT treatment significantly reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations and elevated albumin concentrations. Moreover, the results of histological analysis showed that hepatic steatosis was notably reduced in the FCT group. Among the 3 sample-treated groups, the expression of mRNA associated with enzymes showing anti-oxidative activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase, was the highest in the FCT-treated mice. In addition, FCT administration resulted in the greatest anti-inflammatory activity, as inflammatory marker levels (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, myeloperoxidase, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells) were significantly downregulated at the mRNA level and the expression of proteins associated with the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways was suppressed by FCT. Therefore, this study demonstrated that fermented milk containing novel synbiotics has the potential to prevent hepatic toxicity induced because of CRC owing to its enhanced anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Viral FLIP blocks Caspase-8 driven apoptosis in the gut in vivo

A strict cell death control in the intestinal epithelium is indispensable to maintain barrier integrity and homeostasis. In order to achieve a balance between cell proliferation and cell death, a tight regulation of Caspase-8, which is a key player in controlling apoptosis, is required. Caspase-8 activity is regulated by cellular FLIP proteins. These proteins are expressed in different isoforms (cFLIP_long and cFLIP_short) which determine cell death and survival. Interestingly, several viruses encode FLIP proteins, homologous to cFLIP_short, which are described to regulate Caspase-8 and the host cell death machinery. In the current study a mouse model was generated to show the impact of viral FLIP (vFLIP) from Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)/ Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) on cell death regulation in the gut. Our results demonstrate that expression of vFlip in intestinal epithelial cells suppressed cFlip expression, but protected mice from lethality, tissue damage and excessive apoptotic cell death induced by genetic cFlip deletion. Finally, our model shows that vFlip expression decreases cFlip mediated Caspase-8 activation in intestinal epithelial cells. In conclusion, our data suggests that viral FLIP neutralizes and compensates for cellular FLIP, efficiently counteracting host cell death induction and facilitating further propagation in the host organism.

Rolipram Protects Mice from Gram-negative Bacterium Escherichia coli-induced Inflammation and Septic Shock

Sepsis is typically triggered by an overwhelming systemic inflammatory response to pathogens, and may lead to severe organ dysfunction and/or death. Sepsis consequently has a high mortality rate and a high rate of complications for survivors, despite modern medical advances. Therefore, drug identification and validation for the treatment of sepsis is of the utmost importance. As a selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, rolipram also exhibits the abilities of inhibiting multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines production in macrophages and toxin-induced inflammation in mice. However, this drug has never been studied as a sepsis treatment method. We found that rolipram significantly improves survival in mice challenged with gram-negative bacterium E. coli, CLP, or E. coli derived lipopolysaccharide. We have also found that rolipram inhibits organ damage, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and intracellular migration of early-stage inflammatory elements. Our results also show that rolipram increases anti-inflammatory cytokine production. The protective effects of rolipram on septic mice may result from inhibition of the MAP kinase and NF-κB signaling pathways. Rolipram may therefore be a potential novel sepsis treatment, one that would bypass the time-consuming and costly drug-discovery process.

Demethyleneberberine attenuates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice through inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling

Demethyleneberberine (DMB) is a natural product which has been reported to possess mitochondria-targeting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect. However, the pharmacological action and molecular mechanism of DMB on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have not been explored. In this study, AIH was induced by intravenously injecting Con A (20 mg/kg) in mice for 8 h, and DMB protected against Con A-induced AIH, evidenced by obvious reduction of hepatic enzymes in serum and histological lesion. DMB significantly inhibited the infiltration of CD4⁺ T cell and Kupffer cell as well as the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IFN-γ by ELISA and qPCR analysis. Western blotting analysis illustrated that DMB remarkably inhibited Con A-induced phosphorylation of IKK, IκB, NF-κB p65, ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK and STAT3 induced by Con A. Moreover, DMB also effectively suppressed hepatic oxidative stress with reduction of MDA and elevation of GSH. Taken together, our findings indicated that DMB could prevent Con A-induced AIH by regulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling, suggesting that DMB can serve as a promising candidate for therapy of AIH.

The Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors May Increase Symptoms of Muscle Function Loss in Patients with Chronic Illnesses

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is common in patients with muscle wasting-related chronic diseases. We explored the hypothesis that the use of PPIs may contribute to a reduction in muscle mass and function in these patients. Literature indicates that a PPI-induced reduction in acidity of the gastrointestinal tract can decrease the absorption of, amongst others, magnesium. Low levels of magnesium are associated with impaired muscle function. This unwanted side-effect of PPIs on muscle function has been described in different disease backgrounds. Furthermore, magnesium is necessary for activation of vitamin D. Low vitamin D and magnesium levels together can lead to increased inflammation involved in muscle wasting. In addition, PPI use has been described to alter the microbiota’s composition in the gut, which might lead to increased inflammation. However, PPIs are often provided together with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are anti-inflammatory. In the presence of obesity, additional mechanisms could further contribute to muscle alterations. In conclusion, use of PPIs has been reported to contribute to muscle function loss. Whether this will add to the risk factor for development of muscle function loss in patients with chronic disease needs further investigation.

Synergistic anticancer effect of combined use of Trichosanthes kirilowii with cisplatin and pemetrexed enhances apoptosis of H1299 non-small-cell lung cancer cells via modulation of ErbB3

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. To treat lung cancer, various anticancer drugs were developed and tested, but they failed because of drug resistance. In the present study, we tested herbal medicines, such as TK and CuD, as anticancer drugs to decrease side effects and resistance.

METHODS

Cell viability was measured by an MTT assay. Analysis of cell cycle arrest was performed by flow cytometry. Induction of apoptosis by cucurbitacin D was measured by an annexin V-FITC/PI assay. We performed RTK kit analysis. Levels of p-ErbB3, p-STAT3, p-NF-κB, and caspases were measured by western blot analysis. Nuclear staining of ErbB3 was measured by immunocytochemistry. Transcriptional activity of STAT3 and NF-κB was detected by STAT3 and NF-κB luciferase reporter gene assays.

RESULTS

We found a synergistic effect of TK with CDDP and PXD in primary culture of human NSCLC tumor cells. The combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD inhibited the proliferation of H1299 cells. The combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD induced sub-G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest in H1299 cells. The combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD induced apoptosis, regulated apoptotic molecules, caused morphological changes and inhibited colony formation in H1299 cells. We found that TK suppresses p-ErbB3 expression and signaling. The combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD inhibited p-AKT, p-Erk, and p-JNK signaling and suppressed Stat3 and NF-κB transcriptional activity in H1299 cells. More importantly, the combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD inhibited p-ErbB3 and downstream molecules in H1299 cells. The combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD inhibited ErbB2/ErbB3 dimerization. Our results clearly demonstrate that the synergistic effect of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis by inhibiting ErbB3 signaling.

CONCLUSION

The combination of CDDP/PXD and TK or CuD decreases cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by inhibiting ErbB3 signaling in H1299 lung cancer cells. TK or CuD could be useful as a compound to treat lung cancer. Additionally, targeting ErbB3 may also be useful for treating lung cancer.

Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) Signalling in Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Mechanistic Approach

A transcriptional regulatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein is a modulator of cellular biological activity via binding to a promoter region in the nucleus and transcribing various protein genes. The recent research implicated the intensive role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in diseases like autoimmune disorder, inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, targeting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) protein offers a new opportunity as a therapeutic approach. Activation of IκB kinase/NF-κB signaling pathway leads to the development of various pathological conditions in human beings, such as neurodegenerative, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Therefore, the transcriptional activity of IκB kinase/NF- κB is strongly regulated at various cascade pathways. The nuclear factor NF-kB pathway plays a major role in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. In response to the diverse stimuli, the cytosolic sequestered NF-κB in an inactivated form by binding with an inhibitor molecule protein (IkB) gets phosphorylated and translocated into the nucleus further transcribing various genes necessary for modifying various cellular functions. The various researches confirmed the role of different family member proteins of NF-κB implicated in expressing various genes products and mediating various cellular cascades. MicroRNAs, as regulators of NF- κB microRNAs play important roles in the regulation of the inflammatory process. Therefore, the inhibitor of NF-κB and its family members plays a novel therapeutic target in preventing various diseases. Regulation of NF- κB signaling pathway may be a safe and effective treatment strategy for various disorders.

Targeting XIST induced apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells by activation of NF-kB/PUMA signal

The long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) plays vital roles in tumor progression. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of targeting XIST on osteosarcoma (OS) cells in vitro and in vivo. We used shRNA to knockdown XIST to evaluate cell growth and apoptosis in U2OS cells in vitro and xenograft formation in vivo. An observed relationship between XIST and the p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathway was further explored by using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Our results showed that suppression of XIST by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) impeded U2OS cell growth, induced apoptosis and lessened OS xenograft tumor growth. Targeting XIST increased NF-kB-dependent PUMA upregulation in U2OS cells. Upregulation of PUMA is correlated with suppression of XIST-induced apoptosis in U2OS cells. Therefore, inhibition of XIST could promote U2OS cell death via activation of NF-kB/PUMA pathways.

Role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

The NF-κB signaling pathway is a key regulator of CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Over-activation of the NF-κB pathway is a feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). While new combinatorial treatments have improved overall patient outcome; quality of life, cost of care, and patient survival rate have seen little improvement. Suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway using biological or specific pharmacological inhibitors is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of colon cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CRC for a better understanding and hence a better management of the disease.

Systemic administration with tetrahydrocannabinol causes retinal damage in BALB/c mice

Recent years have seen substantial shifts in cultural attitudes towards cannabis for medical and recreational use. However, legalizing recreational marijuana may have adverse effects on individual and public health. As the most widely used illicit agent, cannabis is commonly reported to disrupt learning and memory. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral impairment by cannabis abuse remain poorly understood. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a major component in cannabis, causes short-term effects on the visual system, but little is known about persisting visual disturbances. This study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration with THC on retina and explore its underlying mechanisms. BALB/c mice were treated with 1 or 2 mg/kg THC intraperitoneally daily for 2 months, mice treated with vehicle as negative control. The retinal function was tested by electroretinography after THC treatment. Morphology and pathology changes of retina were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect the apoptosis in photoreceptor cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to show the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. mRNA and protein changes were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results indicated that 2-month treatment with THC caused retinal damage, evidenced by its functional loss and increased apoptosis in photoreceptor cells through inducing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Our study demonstrated that systemic administration with THC caused toxic effects on retinas of BALB/c mice, suggesting the potential mechanisms for the retina damage caused by cannabis abuse.

Effect of Enterococcus faecalis 2001 on colitis and depressive-like behavior in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice: involvement of the brain-gut axis

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including those with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, have higher rates of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety; however, the mechanism of psychiatric disorder development remains unclear. Mice with IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water exhibit depressive-like behavior. The presence of Lactobacillus in the gut microbiota is associated with major depressive disorder. Therefore, we examined whether Enterococcus faecalis 2001 (EF-2001), a biogenic lactic acid bacterium, prevents DSS-induced depressive-like behavior and changes in peripheral symptoms.

METHODS

We evaluated colon inflammation and used the tail suspension test to examine whether EF-2001 prevents IBD-like symptoms and depressive-like behavior in DSS-treated mice. The protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and cleaved caspase-3 in the rectum and hippocampus was assessed by western blotting. Hippocampal neurogenesis, altered nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) p65 morphometry, and the localization of activated NFκB p65 and XIAP were examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Treatment with 1.5% DSS for 7 days induced IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior, increased TNF-α and IL-6 expression in the rectum and hippocampus, activated caspase-3 in the hippocampus, and decreased hippocampal neurogenesis. Interestingly, these changes were reversed by 20-day administration of EF-2001. Further, EF-2001 administration enhanced NFκB p65 expression in the microglial cells and XIAP expression in the hippocampus of DSS-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

EF-2001 prevented IBD-like pathology and depressive-like behavior via decreased rectal and hippocampal inflammatory cytokines and facilitated the NFκB p65/XIAP pathway in the hippocampus. Our findings suggest a close relationship between IBD and depression.

The inhibitory effects of butein on cell proliferation and TNF-α-induced CCL2 release in racially different triple negative breast cancer cells

Drug resistance is the leading cause of breast cancer-related mortality in women, and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype, affecting African American women more aggressively compared to Caucasians women. Of all cancer-related deaths, 15 to 20% are associated with inflammation, where proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the tumorigenesis process. The current study investigated the effects of the polyphenolic compound butein (2',3,4,4'-tetrahydroxychalcone) on cell proliferation and survival, as well as its modulatory effect on the release of proinflammatory cytokines in MDA-MB-231 (Caucasian) and MDA-MB-468 (African American) TNBC cell. The results obtained showed that butein decreased cell viability in a time and dose-dependent manner, and after 72-h of treatment, the cell proliferation rate was reduced in both cell lines. In addition, butein was found to have higher potency in MDA-MB-468, exhibiting anti-proliferative effects in lower concentrations. Apoptosis assays demonstrated that butein (50 μM) increased apoptotic cells in MDA MB-468, showing 60% of the analyzed cells in the apoptotic phase, compared to 20% in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, butein downregulated both protein and mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokine, CCL2, and IKBKE in TNFα-activated Caucasian cells, but not in African Americans. This study demonstrates butein potential in cancer cell suppression showing a higher cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic effects in African Americans, compared to Caucasians TNBC cells. It also reveals the butein inhibitory effect on CCL2 expression with a possible association with IKBKE downregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells only, indicating that Caucasians and African Americans TNBC cells respond differently to butein treatment. The obtained findings may provide an explanation regarding the poor therapeutic response in African American patients with advanced TNBC.

Macrophage autophagy regulates mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibits necrotic core formation in vulnerable plaques

The vulnerable plaque is a key distinguishing feature of atherosclerotic lesions that can cause acute atherothrombotic vascular disease. This study was designed to explore the effect of autophagy on mitochondria-mediated macrophage apoptosis and vulnerable plaques. Here, we generated the mouse model of vulnerable carotid plaque in ApoE^-/- mice. Application of ApoE^-/- mice with rapamycin (an autophagy inducer) inhibited necrotic core formation in vulnerable plaques by decreasing macrophage apoptosis. However, 3-methyladenine (an autophagy inhibitor) promoted plaque vulnerability through deteriorating these indexes. To further explore the mechanism of autophagy on macrophage apoptosis, we used macrophage apoptosis model in vitro and found that 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC, one of the primary oxysterols in oxLDL) caused macrophage apoptosis with concomitant impairment of mitochondria, characterized by the impairment of mitochondrial ultrastructure, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial potential dissipation, mitochondrial fragmentation, excessive ROS generation and both caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. Interestingly, such mitochondrial apoptotic responses were ameliorated by autophagy activator, but exacerbated by autophagy inhibitor. Finally, we found that MAPK-NF-κB signalling pathway was involved in autophagy modulation of 7-KC-induced macrophage apoptosis. So, we provide strong evidence for the potential therapeutic benefit of macrophage autophagy in regulating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting necrotic core formation in vulnerable plaques.

Repression of eEF2K transcription by NF-κB tunes translation elongation to inflammation and dsDNA-sensing

Gene expression is rapidly remodeled by infection and inflammation in part via transcription factor NF-κB activation and regulated protein synthesis. While protein synthesis is largely controlled by mRNA translation initiation, whether cellular translation elongation factors are responsive to inflammation and infection remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal a surprising mechanism whereby NF-κB restricts phosphorylation of the critical translation elongation factor eEF2, which catalyzes the protein synthesis translocation step. Upon exposure to NF-κB-activating stimuli, including TNFα, human cytomegalovirus infection, or double-stranded DNA, eEF2 phosphorylation on Thr56, which slows elongation to limit protein synthesis, and the overall abundance of eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) are reduced. Significantly, this reflected a p65 NF-κB subunit-dependent reduction in eEF2K pre-mRNA, indicating that NF-κB activation represses eEF2K transcription to decrease eEF2K protein levels. Finally, we demonstrate that reducing eEF2K abundance regulates protein synthesis in response to a bacterial toxin that inactivates eEF2. This establishes that NF-κB activation by diverse physiological effectors controls eEF2 activity via a transcriptional repression mechanism that reduces eEF2K polypeptide abundance to preclude eEF2 phosphorylation, thereby stimulating translation elongation and protein synthesis. Moreover, it illustrates how nuclear transcription regulation shapes translation elongation factor activity and exposes how eEF2 is integrated into innate immune response networks orchestrated by NF-κB.

Effects of sclerostin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory phenotype in human odontoblasts and dental pulp cells

Previously we have demonstrated that sclerostin inhibits stress-induced odontogenic differentiation of odontoblasts and accelerates senescence of dental pulp cells (DPCs) Odontoblasts and DPCs are main functioning cells for inflammation resistance and tissue regeneration in dentine-pulp complex. Sclerostin is relevant for systemic inflammation and chronic periodontitis processes, but its effects on dental pulp inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we found that sclerostin expression of odontoblasts was elevated in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory environment, and exogenous sclerostin increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in inflamed odontoblasts. Furthermore, sclerostin activated the NF-κB signaling pathway in inflamed odontoblasts and the NF-κB inhibitor reversed the exaggerative effects of sclerostin on the pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Additionally, sclerostin promoted adhesion and migration of inflamed DPCs, while inhibiting odontoblastic differentiation of inflamed DPCs. Sclerostin also might enhance pulpal angiogenesis. Taken together, it can therefore be inferred that sclerostin is upregulated in inflamed odontoblasts under pulpal inflammatory condition to enhance inflammatory responses in dentine-pulp complex and impair reparative dentinogenesis. This indicates that sclerostin inhibition might be a therapeutic target for anti-inflammation and pro-regeneration during dental pulp inflammation.

Artemisinin and its derivatives prevent Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis via inhibition of NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer has a high morbidity and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is commonly found in the early stage of gastric cancer pathogenesis, which induces chronic gastritis. Artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives (ARTS, artesunate and DHA, dihydroartemisinin), a new class of potent antimalarials, have been reported to exert both preventive and anti-gastric cancer effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of the chemopreventive effects of ART and its derivatives in H. pylori infection induced-gastric cancer are not fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

We investigated the effects of H. pylori infection in gastric cancer; and the preventive mechanisms of ART, ARTS and DHA.

METHODS

The H. pylori growth was determined by the broth macro-dilution method, and its adhesion to gastric cancer cells was evaluated by using the urease assay. The protein and mRNA levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as the production of inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by Western blot, real-time PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Moreover, an in vivo MNU (N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea) and H. pylori-induced gastric adenocarcinoma mouse model was established for the investigation of the cancer preventive effects of ART and its derivaties, and the underlying mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

ART, DHA and ARTS inhibited the growth of H. pylori and gastric cancer cells,suppressed H. pylori adhesion to the gastric cancer cells, and reduced the H. pylori-enhanced ROS production. Moreover, ART, DHA and ARTS significantly reduced tumor incidence, number of tumor nodules and tumor size in the mouse model. Among these three compounds, DHA exerted the most potent chemopreventive effect. Mechanistic studies showed that ART and its derivatives potently inhibited the NF-κB activation.

CONCLUSION

ART, DHA and ARTS have potent preventive effects in H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis. These effects are, at least in part, attributed to the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings provide a molecular justification of using ART and its derivatives for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Effects of dietary tryptophan levels on antioxidant status and immunity for juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) involved in Nrf2 and TOR signaling pathway

Dietary administration of tryptophan has been proved improving growth performance of fish. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary tryptophan level on antioxidant capacity and immune response through Nrf2 and TOR signaling pathway. The results showed that, 0.08% tryptophan level significantly increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), while immunoglobulin M (IgM) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were strikingly increased by 0.40% level. The level of plasma complement component 3 (C3), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and albumin (ALB) were independent of tryptophan supplementation. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione (GSH) activity were increased with increasing dietary tryptophan level until 0.40% and then decreased, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) showed a reverse trend. 0.19% and 0.28% tryptophan level significantly improved the glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) activity. Compared with 0.08% dietary tryptophan level, 0.40% level significantly improved nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), GPx, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), CAT and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA level, while Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) mRNA level were significantly decreased. The relative expression of copper zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), target of rapamycin (TOR), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were significantly improved by 0.28% diet, while the mRNA level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were increased by 0.08% diet. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) mRNA level was not significantly affected by dietary tryptophan. Based on MDA and T-SOD value, the optimal dietary tryptophan level of juvenile blunt snout bream was determined to be 0.33% (1.03% of dietary protein) and 0.36% (1.13% of dietary protein), respectively, using quadratic regression analysis.

Proteasome Inhibitors Suppress ErbB Family Expression through HSP90-Mediated Lysosomal Degradation

Although dual EGFR/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib has provided effective clinical benefits for HER2-positive breast cancer patients, acquired resistance to this drug remains a major concern. Thus, the development of alternative therapeutic strategies is urgently needed for patients who failed lapatinib treatment. Proteasome inhibitors have been reported to possess high anti-tumor activity to breast cancer cells. Therefore, this study aims to examine whether and how proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can overcome lapatinib resistance. Treatments with several proteasome inhibitors, including Bortezomib, MG132, and proteasome inhibitor I (PSI), as well as the viabilities of both HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines and their lapatinib-resistant clones, were inhibited. Importantly, the expressions of ErbB family were downregulated at both transcriptional and translational levels. Also, our results further indicated that proteasome inhibitors decreased ErbB family expression through lysosomal degradation pathway in a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)-dependent manner. In this study, our data supported a potential approach to overcome the acquired resistance of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients to lapatinib using proteasome inhibitors.

At Least Two Genes Encode Many Variants of Irak3 in Rainbow Trout, but Neither the Full-Length Factor Nor Its Variants Interfere Directly With the TLR-Mediated Stimulation of Inflammation

The interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase 3 (IRAK3) is known in mammals as a negative feedback regulator of NF-κB-mediated innate-immune mechanisms. Our RNA-seq experiments revealed a prototypic 1920-nt sequence encoding irak3 from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), as well as 20 variants that vary in length and nucleotide composition. Based on the DNA-sequence information from two closely related irak3 genes from rainbow trout and an irak3-sequence fragment from Atlantic salmon retrieved from public databases, we elucidated the underlying genetic causes for this striking irak3 diversity. Infecting rainbow trout with a lethal dose of Aeromonas salmonicida enhanced the expression of all variants in the liver, head kidney, and peripheral blood leucocytes. We analyzed the functional impact of the full-length factor and selected structural variants by overexpressing them in mammalian HEK-293 cells. The full-length factor enhanced the basal activity of NF-κB, but did not dampen the TLR2-signaling-induced levels of NF-κB activation. Increasing the basal NF-κB-activity through Irak3 apparently does not involve its C-terminal domain. However, more severely truncated factors had only a minor impact on the activity of NF-κB. The TLR2-mediated stimulation did not alter the spatial distribution of Irak3 inside the cells. In salmonid CHSE-214 cells, we observed that the Irak3-splice variant that prominently expresses the C-terminal domain significantly quenched the stimulation-dependent production of interleukin-1β and interleukin-8, but not the production of other immune regulators. We conclude that the different gene and splice variants of Irak3 from trout play distinct roles in the activation of immune-regulatory mechanisms.

"Let my liver rather heat with wine" - a review of hepatic fibrosis pathophysiology and emerging therapeutics

Cirrhosis is characterized by extensive hepatic fibrosis, and it is the 14th leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous contributing conditions have been implicated in its development, including infectious etiologies, medication overdose or adverse effects, ingestible toxins, autoimmunity, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and primary biliary cholangitis to list a few. It is associated with portal hypertension and its stigmata (varices, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, combined coagulopathy and thrombophilia), and it is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation has been the only curative modality to treat cirrhosis, and the scarcity of donors results in many people waiting years for a transplant. Identification of novel targets for pharmacologic therapy through elucidation of key mechanistic components to induce fibrosis reversal is the subject of intense research. Development of robust models of hepatic fibrosis to faithfully characterize the interplay between activated hepatic stellate cells (the principal fibrogenic contributor to fibrosis initiation and perpetuation), hepatocytes and extracellular matrix components has the potential to identify critical components and mechanisms that can be exploited for targeted treatment. In this review, we will highlight key cellular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from extracellular ligands, effectors and receptors, to nuclear receptors, epigenetic mechanisms, energy homeostasis and cytokines. Further, molecular pathways of hepatic stellate cell deactivation are discussed, including apoptosis, senescence and reversal or transdifferentiation to an inactivated state resembling quiescence. Lastly, clinical evidence of fibrosis reversal induced by biologics and small molecules is summarized, current compounds under clinical trials are described and efforts for treatment of hepatic fibrosis with mesenchymal stem cells are highlighted. An enhanced understanding of the rich tapestry of cellular processes identified in the initiation, perpetuation and resolution of hepatic fibrosis, driven principally through phenotypic switching of hepatic stellate cells, should lead to a breakthrough in potential therapeutic modalities.

Relevance of Non-Targeted Effects for Radiotherapy and Diagnostic Radiology; A Historical and Conceptual Analysis of Key Players

Non-targeted effects (NTE) such as bystander effects or genomic instability have been known for many years but their significance for radiotherapy or medical diagnostic radiology are far from clear. Central to the issue are reported differences in the response of normal and tumour tissues to signals from directly irradiated cells. This review will discuss possible mechanisms and implications of these different responses and will then discuss possible new therapeutic avenues suggested by the analysis. Finally, the importance of NTE for diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine which stems from the dominance of NTE in the low-dose region of the dose–response curve will be presented. Areas such as second cancer induction and microenvironment plasticity will be discussed.

Silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog 1 overexpression is an important strategy for the survival of adapted suspension tumor cells

Characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTC) is important to prevent death caused by the metastatic spread of cancer cells because CTC are associated with distal metastasis and poor prognosis of breast cancer. We have previously developed suspension cells (SC) using breast cancer cell lines and demonstrated their high metastatic potential. As survival of CTC is highly variable from a few hours to decades, herein we cultured SC for an extended time and named them adapted suspension cells (ASC). Silent mating‐type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) expression increased in ASC, which protected the cells from apoptosis. High SIRT1 expression was responsible for the suppression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activity and downregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ASC. As the inhibition of NF‐κB and ROS production in SIRT1‐depleted ASC contributed to the development of resistance to apoptotic cell death, maintenance of a low ROS level and NF‐κB activity in ASC is a crucial function of SIRT1. Thus, SIRT1 overexpression may play an important role in growth adaptation of SC because SIRT1 expression is increased in long‐term rather than in short‐term cultures.

Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha on the Expression of Programmed Cell Death Factor 5 in Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and the expression of programmed cell death factor 5 (PDCD5) in an inflammatory microenvironment, for the further understanding of the mechanism of action of TNF-α in promoting the proliferation of synovial cells and the apoptosis of the chondrocytes.

METHODS

Articular carriage specimens were obtained from 21 cases with osteoarthritis and 12 cases with femoral neck fractures as healthy controls during arthroplasties. The expression of PDCD5 was evaluated by immunofluorescence analyzed by mean option density (MOD) detected using the software ImagePro Plus. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the transcriptions of PDCD5 and TNF-α in synovium. FLS cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis patients were cultured in vitro and incubated with different concentrations of TNF-α. The effects of TNF-α at different concentrations on the proliferation of FLS cells were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate the cell proliferation rate. After incubation with the absence or presence of recombinant human TNF-α at different concentrations, the FLS cells were isolated for detection of PDCD5 protein and PDCD5 gene. The expression of PDCD5 protein was detected by western-blot and the transcription of PDCD5 gene from the cells was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

The MOD of PDCD5 as well as TNF-α of osteoarthritis cartilage sections were significantly increased compared with those of the controls, and in synovium there was a positive correlation between transcriptions of their mRNA. When the concentration of TNF-α was 1 ng/mL, the cell proliferation rate was not significantly different from that of the control group (P = 0.592), while the proliferation of FLS cells was significantly promoted when the concentration of TNF-α was 5, 10, 15, or 20 ng/mL, and the proliferation-promoting rates were 35.64% ± 6.96%, 48.72% ± 7.69%, 45.60% ± 8.85%, and 39.32% ± 6.18%, respectively (P < 0.01). The transcription of PDCD5 gene was significantly downregulated, which was 80.44% ± 4.07% and 84.30% ± 5.48%, respectively (P < 0.05), in the FLS cells incubated with TNF-α at the concentration of 10 and 15 ng/mL for 24 h. When the concentration of TNF-α was 1, 5, or 20 ng/mL, the transcription of PDCD5 mRNA in FLS cells was not significantly different from that in the control group (P > 0.05). The expression of PDCD5 protein was only significantly downregulated when the concentration of TNF-α was 10 ng/mL (P < 0.01), while the expression of PDCD5 protein in FLS cells was not significantly different from that in the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expression of PDCD5 as well as TNF-α in osteoarthritis cartilage and synovium was significantly higher than in healthy tissues, and TNF-α can promote the proliferation of FLS cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and inhibit the expression of PDCD5. PDCD5 may be involved in the abnormal proliferation of synoviocytes and the degeneration of chondrocytes stimulated by TNF-α.

A detrimental role of RelB in mature oligodendrocytes during experimental acute encephalomyelitis

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is firmly established that overactivation of the p65 (RelA) nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor upregulates expression of inflammatory mediators in both immune and non-immune resident CNS cells and promotes inflammation during MS. In contrast to p65, NF-κB family member RelB regulates immune cell development and can limit inflammation. Although RelB expression is induced during inflammation in the CNS, its role in MS remains unknown.

Methods

To examine the role of RelB in non-immune CNS cells, we generated mice with RelB specifically deleted in astrocytes (RelB^ΔAST), oligodendrocytes (RelB^ΔOLIGO), or neural progenitor-derived cells (RelB^ΔNP). We used experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an accepted mouse model of MS, to assess the effect of RelB deletion on disease outcomes and performed analysis on the histological, cellular, and molecular level.

Results

Despite being a negative regulator of inflammation, conditional knockout of RelB in non-immune resident CNS cells surprisingly decreased the severity of EAE. This protective effect was recapitulated by conditional deletion of RelB in oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes. Deletion of RelB in oligodendrocytes reduced disease severity, promoted survival of mature oligodendrocytes, and correlated with increased activation of p65 NF-κB.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that RelB fine tunes inflammation and cell death/survival during EAE. Importantly, our data points out the detrimental role RelB plays in controlling survival of mature oligodendrocytes, which could be explored as a viable option to treat MS in the future.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-019-1548-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

miR-29b-3p promotes progression of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells through downregulating TRAF3

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the second common malignant cancer among females worldwide. Accumulating studies have indicated that deregulation of miRNA expression in breast cancer will contribute to tumorigenesis and form different cancer subtypes. However, the reported studies on miR-29b-3p-regulated breast cancer are limited so far. Herein, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR-29b-3p in the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.

METHODS

The relative miR-29b-3p expression in different breast cancer cell lines were determined by qRT-PCR. CCK8 and colony formation assay were used to determine the influence of miR-29b-3p on cell proliferation. Migration assay and invasion assay were performed for cell migration and invasion respectively. To study the cell integrity immunofluorescence was performed. TUNEL assay, flow cytometry assay, hoechst staining and western blot were conducted to determine the influence of miR-29b-3p inhibitor on cell apoptosis. TRAF3 was found to be the target gene of miR-29b-3p using bioinformatics predictions. Dual-luciferase assay was performed to determine the relative luciferase activity in NC, miR-29b-3p mimic, miR-29b-3p inhibitor with TRAF3 3'-UTR wt or TRAF3 3'-UTR mt reporter plasmids. The proteins expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 after transfection with NC, miR-29b-3p mimic, miR-29b-3p inhibitor were determined by western blot.

RESULTS

The miR-29b-3p expression was significantly increased in MDA-MB-231 compare with MCF-10A. miR-29b-3p inhibitor reduced the cell viability of MDA-MB-231 and inhibited cell migration and invasion. Cell cytoskeleton integrity destroyed after miR-29b-3p inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, we identified the mechanism and found miR-29b-3p targets the TRAF3 and activates NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

From the above studies, our results indicated that miR-29b-3p acts as a promoter for the development of MDA-MB-231.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce endothelial cell apoptosis via cell membrane oxidative damage and p38, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB signaling pathways modulation

BACKGROUND

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are widely used nanoparticles. Despite, several studies investigated the toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs on HUVECs, the results are contradictory and the possible underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

In the present study, we conducted an in vitro study to re-evaluate the possible toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs on HUVECs including cell viability, lipids peroxidation, intracellular signaling pathways and nitric oxide syntheses enzymes.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that, TiO₂ NPs were internalized to HUVECs and induce intracellular reactive oxygen species production and cell membrane oxidative damage at the higher concentration. TiO₂ NPs induce IKKα/β and Akt phosphorylation and p38 dephosphorylation. After 24 h treatment, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokine upregulated significantly. TiO₂ NPs have no significant effects on eNOS enzymatic activation and iNOS gene expression. At cellular level, apoptosis is the main process that occur in response to TiO2 NPs treatment. HUVECs pretreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) ameliorate the toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs that indicate the oxidative stress is essential in TiO₂ NPs -induced toxicity. Total antioxidant capacity show a trend to increase in response to TiO₂ NPs exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study confirmed the effects of TiO₂ NPs on endothelial cells and proposed multiple underlying mechanisms including cell membrane oxidative damage and intracellular processes.

Myosin IIA suppresses glioblastoma development in a mechanically sensitive manner

The ability of glioblastoma to disperse through the brain contributes to its lethality, and blocking this behavior has been an appealing therapeutic approach. Although a number of proinvasive signaling pathways are active in glioblastoma, many are redundant, so targeting one can be overcome by activating another. However, these pathways converge on nonredundant components of the cytoskeleton, and we have shown that inhibiting one of these-the myosin II family of cytoskeletal motors-blocks glioblastoma invasion even with simultaneous activation of multiple upstream promigratory pathways. Myosin IIA and IIB are the most prevalent isoforms of myosin II in glioblastoma, and we now show that codeleting these myosins markedly impairs tumorigenesis and significantly prolongs survival in a rodent model of this disease. However, while targeting just myosin IIA also impairs tumor invasion, it surprisingly increases tumor proliferation in a manner that depends on environmental mechanics. On soft surfaces myosin IIA deletion enhances ERK1/2 activity, while on stiff surfaces it enhances the activity of NFκB, not only in glioblastoma but in triple-negative breast carcinoma and normal keratinocytes as well. We conclude myosin IIA suppresses tumorigenesis in at least two ways that are modulated by the mechanics of the tumor and its stroma. Our results also suggest that inhibiting tumor invasion can enhance tumor proliferation and that effective therapy requires targeting cellular components that drive both proliferation and invasion simultaneously.

USP13 functions as a tumor suppressor by blocking the NF-kB-mediated PTEN downregulation in human bladder cancer

Background

USP13 has been reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of human cancers, however, its functional role and regulatory mechanisms in bladder cancer (BC) remain unclear.

Methods

q-RT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of miR-130b-3p, miR-301b-3p and USP13 in BC tissue samples. Western blot, q-RT-PCR, bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to identify the regulatory function of miR-130b-3p/301b-3p for USP13. Co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to assess the interaction between USP13 and PTEN protein. Cell-counting-kit 8, colony formation assay and transwell assay were performed to value the proliferative, migrative and invasive capacities of BC cells in vitro. Mouse xenograft model of BC cells was established to verify the function of USP13 in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the protein expression of USP13, NF-kB p65 or PTEN in clinical/xenograft tumor tissues.

Results

Our present study reveals that USP13 functions as a tumor suppressor by interacting with PTEN protein and increasing its expression in bladder cancer. We found that loss of USP13 led to the downregulation of PTEN and promoted proliferative, invasive and migrative capacities of bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, we discovered that USP13 was a common target of miR-130b-3p and miR-301b-3p, and the miR-130b/301b cluster, which could be transcriptionally upregulated by NF-kB. Our data demonstrated that NF-kB activation decreased expression level of USP13 and PTEN, and promoted the tumorigenesis phenotypes of BC cells. In addition, reintroduction of USP13 partially rescued PTEN expression as well as the oncogenesis trend caused by NF-kB.

Conclusion

We reported a potential regulatory loop that the NF-kB-induced miR-130b/301b overexpression decreased USP13 expression and subsequently resulted in the downregulation of PTEN protein and promoted tumorigenesis of bladder cancer. Moreover, NF-kB-mediated PTEN downregulation is very likely to facilitate the full activation of NF-kB.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1262-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

RNA-seq profiles of chicken type II pneumocyte in response to Escherichia coli infection

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes great economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide. Chicken type II pneumocytes (CP II cells) secrete surfactants and modulate lung immunity to decrease the infection of the invading pathogen. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of CP II cells to APEC infection remains poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted global gene expression profiling of CP II cells after APEC-O78 infection to explore the host-pathogen interaction. The differentially expressed genes of CP II cells to APEC infection were characterized by RNA-seq with EB-seq algorithm. In consequence, the mRNA of 18996 genes was identified, and CP II cells responded to APEC infection with marked changes in the expression of 1390 genes. Among them, there are 803 down-regulated mRNAs and 587 up-regulated mRNAs. The KEGG prediction and Gene Ontology terms analysis revealed that the major enriched pathways were related to NF-κB signaling pathway, apoptosis pathway, tight junction, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and other pathways. We adopted qRT-PCR to verify the validity of the selected gene expression. The fold induction of qPCR was similar to the RNA-seq results. These results provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of APEC, especially apoptosis pathway involved in APEC infection.

Akt Signaling in Macrophage Polarization, Survival, and Atherosclerosis

The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a crucial role in the survival, proliferation, and migration of macrophages, which may impact the development of atherosclerosis. Changes in Akt isoforms or modulation of the Akt activity levels in macrophages significantly affect their polarization phenotype and consequently atherosclerosis in mice. Moreover, the activity levels of Akt signaling determine the viability of monocytes/macrophages and their resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli in atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, elimination of pro-apoptotic factors as well as factors that antagonize or suppress Akt signaling in macrophages increases cell viability, protecting them from apoptosis, and this markedly accelerates atherosclerosis in mice. In contrast, inhibition of Akt signaling by the ablation of Rictor in myeloid cells, which disrupts mTORC2 assembly, significantly decreases the viability and proliferation of blood monocytes and macrophages with the suppression of atherosclerosis. In addition, monocytes and macrophages exhibit a threshold effect for Akt protein levels in their ability to survive. Ablation of two Akt isoforms, preserving only a single Akt isoform in myeloid cells, markedly compromises monocyte and macrophage viability, inducing monocytopenia and diminishing early atherosclerosis. These recent advances in our understanding of Akt signaling in macrophages in atherosclerosis may have significant relevance in the burgeoning field of cardio-oncology, where PI3K/Akt inhibitors being tested in cancer patients can have significant cardiovascular and metabolic ramifications.

Novel heterozygous NFKB1 mutation in a pediatric patient with cytopenias, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy

Background: The nuclear factor κ-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a critical regulator of many important adaptive and innate immune responses. The NF-κB transcription factor family consists of 5 structurally related core proteins, one of which is NFKB1. Mutations in the NFKB1 gene has been reported in patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID) as well as with a large spectrum of clinical features including recurrent viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, autoimmunity, inflammation, and malignancy.

Aim: We describe the clinical characteristics of a pediatric patient with a novel mutation in NFKB1.

Methods: Patient informed consent was obtained in accordance with approved protocols from the Research Ethics Board at the Hospital for Sick Children. Gene panel testing was employed to identify the immune aberration.

Results: Our patient, a previously well 18-month-old boy of Philippines descent, presented with multi-lineage cytopenias (thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia), splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. He did not have prior history of recurrent infections. Immunological work-up showed normal numbers of T and B cells, normal quantitative immunoglobulins, and adequate vaccination titres. Gene panel testing revealed a novel heterozygous missense variant c.425T>C (p. Ile142Thr) in the NFKB1 gene. Due to persistent cytopenias unresponsive to steroids and IVIG, he was started on Sirolimus with improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion: NFKB1 encodes for p105, which is processed to generate the active p50 transcription factor that can interact with different proteins to activate or inhibit downstream signaling. Our patient was found to have a missense mutation in the Rel homology domain (RHD) of p50, which has distinct functions including DNA binding, protein dimerization, and inhibitory protein binding. The clinical presentation described here broadens the scope of characteristics associated with heterozygous NFKB1 mutations.

Statement of novelty: We report a novel heterozygous missense variant c.425T>C (p. Ile142Thr) in the NFKB1 gene in a pediatric patient with cytopenias, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. To the best of our knowledge, this variant has not been previously reported.

Involvement of TNF-α and IFN-γ in Inflammation-Mediated Cochlear Injury

Objectives:

Inflammation is crucial for the pathogenesis of acquired sensorineural hearing loss, but the precise mechanism involved remains elusive. Among a number of inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays a pivotal role in cisplatin ototoxicity. However, TNF-α alone is cytotoxic to cochlear sensory cells only at the extremely high concentrations, suggesting the involvement of other factors that may sensitize cells to TNF-α cytotoxicity. Since interferon gamma (IFN-γ) importantly contributes to the cochlear inflammatory processes, we aim to determine whether and how IFN-γ affects TNF-α cytotoxicity to cochlear sensory cells.

Methods:

TNF-α expression was determined with western blotting in RSL cells and immunolabeling of mouse temporal bone sections. HEI-OC1 cell viability was determined with MTT assays, cytotoxicity assays, and cytometric analysis with methylene blue staining. Cochlear sensory cell injury was determined in the organotypic culture of the mouse organ of Corti.

Results:

Spiral ligament fibrocytes were shown to upregulate TNF-α in response to pro-inflammatory stimulants. We demonstrated IFN-γ increases the susceptibility of HEI-OC1 cells to TNF-α cytotoxicity via JAK1/2-STAT1 signaling. TNFR1-mediated Caspase-1 activation was found to mediate the sensitization effect of IFN-γ on TNF-α cytotoxicity. The combination of IFN-γ and TNF-α appeared to augment cisplatin cytotoxicity to cochlear sensory cells ex vivo.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these findings suggest the involvement of IFN-γ in the sensitization of cochlear cells to TNF-α cytotoxicity, which would enable us to better understand the complex mechanisms underlying inflammation-mediated cochlear injury.

Hepatoprotective effect of chiisanoside from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus against LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting NF-κB and activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

In China, Acanthopanax sessiliflorus is a delicious wild vegetable. It is also used to treat inflammation and pain. Chiisanoside (CSS) is the main constituent of the leaf of A. sessiliflorus. Combined use of lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN) can induce acute liver failure in human beings, and there are no reports on the protective effect of CSS against LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury in mice.

RESULTS

Chiisanoside pretreatment evidently reduced the activities of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the changes induced by LPS/D-GalN, and these histopathological changes induced by LPS/GalN were significantly weakened. Catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) activity decreased after CSS treatment compared with LPS/D-GalN treatment. Pretreatment with CSS also inhibited the expression levels of inflammatory factors. The administration of CSS prevented the phosphorylated expression of inhibitor kappa B (IκB) kinase, and led to a significant increase in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSION

The protective effects of CSS are attributed to its antioxidative effect and inflammatory suppression in Nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Chiisanoside might therefore be a potential ingredient for drug and food development against acute liver injury in the future. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of silymarin on p65 NF-κB, p38 MAPK and CYP450 in LPS-induced hoof dermal inflammatory cells of dairy cows

Background

Laminitis is considered as one of the most important causes of hoof lameness in dairy cows, which can lead to enormous economic losses. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of laminitis have not been clarified yet. Besides, it is of great significant to find alternative herbs for the prevention and treatment of dairy hooves to avoid the antibiotic abuse. In this study, the primary hoof dermal cells of dairy cows were isolated, the inflammatory model was induced by LPS, and treated with silymarin to find whether silymarin has protective effect on the inflammatory dermal cells. The viability of dermal cells, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, the degree of p65 NF-κB and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, the expressions of CYP3A4 and CYP1A1 were measured.

Results

Hoof dermal cells of dairy cows were successfully isolated and cultured by tissue adherent culture method. Certain concentrations of LPS can increase the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α, promote the phosphorylation of p65 NF-κB and p38 MAPK, and inhibit the mRNA expressions of CYP3A4 and CYP1A1. The optimal concentration for LPS to establish a hoof dermal cells inflammatory model was 10 μg/mL. Certain concentrations of silymarin can markedly decrease the secretions of IL-1β and TNF-α, inhibit the phosphorylation of p65 NF-κB and p38 MAPK, and promote the mRNA expressions of CYP3A4 and CYP1A1 in LPS-induced dermal inflammatory model.

Conclusions

LPS can be used for inducing the hoof dermal cells inflammatory model of dairy cows. Silymarin has protective effects on the LPS-induced inflammatory model.