Total Saponin Fraction of Dioscorea Nipponica Makino Improves Gouty Arthritis Symptoms in Rats via M1/M2 Polarization of Monocytes and Macrophages Mediated by Arachidonic Acid Signaling / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of effects of total saponin fraction from Dioscorea Nipponica Makino (TSDN) on M1/M2 polarization of monocytes/macrophages and arachidonic acid (AA) pathway in rats with gouty arthritis (GA).@*METHODS@#Seventy-two Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=18 in each): normal, model, TSDN at 160 mg/kg, and celecoxib at 43.3 mg/kg. Monosodium urate crystal (MSU) was injected into the rats' ankle joints to induce an experimental GA model. Blood and tissue samples were collected on the 3rd, 5th, and 8th days of drug administration. Histopathological changes in the synovium of joints were observed via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of arachidonic acid (AA) signaling pathway were assessed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in the peripheral blood. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect interleukine (IL)-1 β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-4, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4).@*RESULTS@#HE staining showed that TSDN improved the synovial tissue. qPCR and Western blot showed that on the 3rd, 5th and 8th days of drug administration, TSDN reduced the mRNA and protein expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX)2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 derived eicosanoids (mPGES-1), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), recombinant human mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NALP3), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rats' ankle synovial tissues (P<0.01). TSDN decreased COX1 mRNA and protein expression on 3rd and 5th day of drug administration and raised it on the 8th day (both P<0.01). It lowered CD68 protein expression on days 3 (P<0.01), as well as mRNA and protein expression on days 5 and 8 (P<0.01). On the 3rd, 5th, and 8th days of drug administration, TSDN elevated the mRNA and protein expression of Arg1 and CD163 (P<0.01). Flow cytometry results showed that TSDN decreased the percentage of M1 macrophages while increasing the percentage of M2 in peripheral blood (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ELISA results showed that on the 3rd, 5th, and 8th days of drug administration, TSDN decreased serum levels of IL-1 β, TNF-α, and LTB4 (P<0.01), as well as PGE2 levels on days 3rd and 8th days (P<0.05 or P<0.01); on day 8 of administration, TSDN increased IL-4 serum levels and enhanced IL-10 contents on days 5 and 8 (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The anti-inflammatory effect of TSDN on rats with GA may be achieved by influencing M1/M2 polarization through AA signaling pathway.

Progress in the regulatory effects of tumor-derived exosomes on macrophage polarization / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Mononuclear macrophages are versatile cells that can have different responses to various microenvironmental signals. Under different stimuli of circumstances, macrophages can be fully polarized into classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2), which are the extremes of a continuum of functional states. Nuclear factor-κB, cyclooxygenase 2, anoxia status, proto-oncogene MYC, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway and cytokines are all closely involved in the transition of tumor-associated macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype. Macrophages that infiltrate tumor tissues are driven by tumor-derived cytokines to acquire a polarized M2 phenotype. These functionally polarized cells play a key role in the subversion of adaptive immunity and in inflammatory circuits that promote tumor development and progression. Exosomes derived from tumors have the characteristics of tumor cells and could participate in multiple processes of tumorigenesis and development. This review focused on exosomes derived from various cancer cells and discussed the role of the payloads of tumor-derived exosomes in modulating macrophage polarization in the tumor immune microenvironment and the intracellular signal mechanisms involved.

Effects of Total Saponins from Dioscorea Nipponica Makino on Monosodium Urate-Induced M1-Polarized Macrophages through Arachidonic Acid Signaling Pathway: An in vitro Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate and reveal the underlying mechanism of the effect of total saponins from Dioscoreae nipponica Makino (TSDN) on the arachidonic acid pathway in monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced M1-polarized macrophages.@*METHODS@#M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells were induced by 1 µ g/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide method was then used to screen the concentration of TSDN. MSU (500 µ g/mL) was used to induce the gouty arthritis model. Afterwards, 10 µ g/L TSDN and 8 µ mol/L celecoxib, which was used as a positive control, were added to the above LPS and MSU-induced cells for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expressions of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase derived eicosanoids (mPGES)-1, leukotriene B (LTB)4, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4A, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the contents of M1 markers, including inducible nitric oxid synthase (NOS) 2, CD80, and CD86.@*RESULTS@#TSDN inhibited the proliferation of M1 macrophages and decreased both the mRNA and protein expressions of COX2, 5-LOX, CYP4A, LTB4, and PGE2 (P<0.01) while increased the mRNA and protein expression of mPGES-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). TSDN could also significantly decrease the contents of NOS2, CD80, and CD86 (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#TSDN has an anti-inflammation effect on gouty arthritis in an in vitro model by regulating arachidonic acid signaling pathway.

Recombinant Human Peroxiredoxin-5 Improves Anti-tumor Immunity by Inducing Macrophage Polarization / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Tumor cells can use different strategies to suppress the immune system and disable them for killing tumor cells. Previous studies have shown that recombinant human peroxiredoxin-5 (hPRDX5) can activate the normal anti-tumor immune, so as to control and eliminate the tumor cells, but its exact mechanism of action needs to be studied in depth. The study aimed to investigate whether hPRDX5 exerts its anti-tumor activity by activating or reversing the polarization state of mouse macrophages RAW264. 7 cells. The results of CCK8 showed that different doses of hPRDX5 could significantly enhance the viability of macrophage compared with the control group (P < 0. 001); The results of Nitric oxide (NO) test showed that hPRDX5 significantly enhanced NO secretion levels in RAW264. 7 cells (P < 0. 001); ELISA experiments revealed that hPRDX5 promotes TNF-α (P<0. 01) and IL-6 (P<0. 001) secretion in RAW264. 7 cells; Flow cytometry revealed that hPRDX5 increased the expression of antigen differentiation cluster (CD) 80 (P < 0. 01) and inducible nitric oxide oxide synthase (iNOS) (P < 0. 001) in RAW264. 7 cells, and reduced the expression of CD206 (P < 0. 001) in RAW264. 7 cells induced by tumor conditional culture solution (TCS); Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) experiments revealed that hPRDX5 can increase the killing activity of mouse macrophages on mouse pancreatic cancer Panc02 cells. hPRDX5 is able to activate mouse macrophage RAW264. 7 cells, promotes its M1-type polarization, reverses M2-type polarization, and exerts antitumor activity through the immune-enhancing effect.

Tetrahydropalmatine alleviated diabetic neuropathic pain by inhibiting activation of microglia via p38 MAPK signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

Neuropathic pain is one of the common complications of diabetes. Tetrahydropalmatine(THP) is a main active component of Corydalis Rhizoma with excellent anti-inflammatory and pain-alleviating properties. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of THP on diabetic neuropathic pain(DNP) and the underlying mechanism. High-fat and high-sugar diet(4 weeks) and streptozotocin(STZ, 35 mg·kg~(-1), single intraperitoneal injection) were employed to induce type-2 DNP in rats. Moreover, lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was used to induce the activation of BV2 microglia in vitro to establish an inflammatory cellular model. Fasting blood glucose(FBG) was measured by a blood glucose meter. Mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT) was assessed with von Frey filaments, and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL) with hot plate apparatus. The protein expression levels of OX42, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), CD206, p38, and p-p38 were determined by Western blot, the fluorescence expression levels of OX42 and p-p38 in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord by immunofluorescence, the mRNA content of p38 and OX42 in rat spinal cord tissue by qRT-PCR, and levels of nitric oxide(NO), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-10(IL-10), and serum fasting insulin(FINS) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). RESULTS:: showed that the mo-del group demonstrated significant decrease in MWT and TWL, with pain symptoms. THP significantly improved the MWT and TWL of DNP rats, inhibited the activation of microglia and p38 MAPK signaling pathway in rat spinal cord, and ameliorated its inflammatory response. Meanwhile, THP promoted the change of LPS-induced BV2 microglia from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, suppressed the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, decreased the expression levels of inflammatory factors NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and increased the expression level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. The findings suggested that THP can significantly ameliorate the pain symptoms of DNP rats possibly by inhibiting the inflammatory response caused by M1 polarization of microglia via the p38 MAPK pathway.

miR-122-5p attenuates the inflammatory response by modulating microglia polarization after traumatic brain injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To determine the effect of miR-122-5p on microglia polarization, apoptosis and inflammation after traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:A mouse model and an in vitro TBI model were established. Astrocytes were stimulated to synthesize and release exosomes by brain extracts. microRNA microarray analysis was used to analyze the significantly altered microRNAs. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of miR-122-5p in the in vivo and in vitro TBI model. TUNEL, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were performed to detect the effects of miR-122-5p inhibitors on microglia apoptosis, microglia M1/M2 phenotype transformation and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and the phosphorylation of NF-κB after TBI.Results:The results of microRNA microarray analysis showed that 83 miRNAs were downregulated significantly (altered more than 2 folds, P < 0.05), among which miR-122-5p was significantly down-regulated ( P < 0.01). Expression of miR-122-5p was significantly decreased in the in vivo and in vitro TBI model [(1.00±0.00) vs. (0.41±0.15), P < 0.001; (1.00±0.00) vs. (0.34±0.07), P < 0.001]. TUNEL and immunofluorescence showed that miR-122-5p inhibitor significantly alleviated microglia apoptosis[(8.03±1.30) vs. (3.17±0.34), P < 0.001] and promoted microglia M1→M2 phenotype transformation ,M1 phenotype polarization was reduced [(56.96±13.70) vs. (34.70±3.47), P =0.002] and M2 phenotype polarization was increased [(30.46±3.67) vs. (40.74±2.49), P =0.005]. Western blot showed that NLRP3 inflammasome activation was inhibited and NF-κB phosphorylation was decreased when miR-122-5p was downregulated[(0.77±0.10) vs. (0.51±0.11), P =0.02; (0.73±0.08) vs. (0.50±0.07), P =0.003]. Conclusions:miR-122-5p is downregulated in microglia and exosomes secreted by astrocytes after TBI. miR-122-5p inhibitor can attenuate the microglia inflammatory response after TBI by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and the phosphorylation of NF-κB, promoting the microglia M1→M2 phenotypic transformation and reducing microglia apoptosis, thereby reducing the microglia inflammatory injury after TBI.

MicroRNA Mediates Post-transcriptional Regulation of Macrophage Polarization / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Macrophage polarization is a process of phenotypic regulation based on the surroundingstimulus environment, which is generally polarized into two phenotypes, namely classical activated M1macrophages and alternative activated M2 macrophages. In short, M1 macrophages are characterized aspro-inflammatory and anti-tumor; M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory and pro-tumor. Macrophagepolarization is considered to be a key regulator of human physiology and pathology processes, and itseffectiveness depends on the coordinated expression of key factors, whose expression is finely regulated bymicroRNAs (miRNAs) at the post-transcriptional level. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that havethe ability to regulate gene expression and cellular network processes. More and more evidence shows thatmiRNAs play an important role in regulating macrophage polarization. Therefore, in this review, miRNAsregulating macrophage polarization to M1 / M2 type and have bidirectional regulation function are listed, and how they regulate macrophage polarization through transcription factors and their potential in thetreatment of inflammation and tumor.

Intermedin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced polarization of macrophages by activating AMPK signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To evaluate the mechanism by which intermdin(IMD)inhibits lipopolysaccha ride(LPS)-induced polarization in RAW264.7 cells.Methods RAW264.7 cells were divided into control groups, LPS groups, LPS+IMD groups, LPS+IMD+Compound C groups.The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α,(TNF-α,), CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), Arginase-1(Arg-1)and CD206 were detected by Realtime-PCR.The protein expressions of p-AMPK, AMPK, TNF-α, intereukin-6(IL-6)and intereukin-10(IL-10)were detected by Western blot.The proportion of CD86+ M1 type cells was detected by Flow cytometry.In addition, the expression levels of supernatant cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with control and LPS groups, IMD treatment could up-regulate the expression level of p-AMPK and the ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK.LPS promoted M1 polarization, since the expressions of CD86, TNF-α and iNOS increased, while the expressions of CD206 and Arg-1 decreased by LPS induction.The proportion of M1 type cells increased and the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6 in the cell supernatant increased.And IMD treatment could inhibit the polarization of M1 induced by LPS.These effects were reversed by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK.Conclusion IMD can inhibit the M1-type polarization of LPS-induced macrophages by activating AMPK signaling pathway.

Effect of leonurine on peritoneal macrophages M1/M2 phenotypic differentiation via inhibiting overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome / 药学实践杂志

Objective To find the effect of leonurine on LPS-induced macrophages activation and its potential mechanism. Methods Mouse primary peritoneal macrophages were isolated and pretreated for 24 h with LPS and leonurine. MTT assay was used to detect the cell viability of macrophages. The production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-18 in culture medium were tested by ELISA, and the production of NO was detected by Griess reagent. The mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, TNF-α, iNOS, Arg-1 and CD206 were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were detected by Western blotting. Results LPS can significantly increase the releases of NO、IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α and IL-18 from macrophages. Leonurine can suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory factor levels, such as IL-1β (P<0.05), IL-18 (P<0.05), NO(P<0.05), IL-6(P<0.05) and TNF-α (P<0.05). Leonurine can decrease the activation of macrophage as well as the expression of NLRP3 Inflammasome.Protein expressions of NLRP3、ASC、caspase-1 were mitigated. Conclution Leonurine exerts beneficial effects through M1/M2 phenotypic differentiation of peritoneal macrophage via inhibiting overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings suggest that leonurine might have a therapeutic potential for pelvic inflammatory disease.

Mechanism of Total Saponins from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma to Treat Gouty Arthritis by Regulating M1/M2 Polarization of Macrophages / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To illustrate the effect of M1/M2 polarization of macrophages on gouty arthritis models induced with monosodium urate and reveal the molecular mechanism of total saponins from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma to treat gouty arthritis. Method:A total of 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups： normal group， model group， total saponin group （160 mg·kg^-1）， celecoxib group （43.3 mg·kg^-1）， with 18 rats in each group. Gouty arthritis models were induced by injecting monosodium urate into ankle joints bilaterally. Histopathology changes of ankle joints were observed by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining. Immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the protein expression change of CD68， interleukin-4（IL-4）， inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁（TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）. Result:HE staining results showed that the inflammation of the model group was most obvious on the third day after modeling， and the disease was in the acute stage. On day 5， the inflammation was alleviated， and on day 8， the inflammation was still present but close to normal. The total saponin group and celecoxib group could improve the pathological changes of synovial tissue， and the effect of total saponin group was more obvious. Immunohistochemical results were as follows. Compared with the normal group. The expression of CD68 and iNOS in the model group increased on the 3rd，5th and 8th day of administration （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the total saponins group could reduce the expression of CD68 and iNOS （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）on the 3rd day of administration， and significantly reduced them expression on the 5th and 8th days （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the normal group， IL-4 and TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ expression were increased in the model group when the drug was given for three days（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Total saponin group could enhance IL-4 expression（<italic>P</italic><0.05）and decreased the TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ expression（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with normal group， the expression of IL-4 in the model group decreased on the 5th and 8th day of administration （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the expression of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ in the model group decreased on the 5th day of administration（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the total saponins group could increase the expression of IL-4 and TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ at 5 d and 8 d after administration （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:Total saponins from Dioscoreae Nipponicae Rhizoma has the potential effect to treat gouty arthritis by regulating M1/M2 polarization.

RvD1 regulates microglial polarization through FPR2 to improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate whether RvDl regulates microglial polarization through FPR2 and alleviates the inflammatory damage after cerebral ischemiareperfusion. Methods The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established by Longa method. The rats after MCAO were randomly divided into; model group, RvD1 group and RvD1 + Boc-2 group, and a sham-operated group was set up as control as well. Cerebral infarct volume was measured, MPO activities in rat brain were measured by immunofluorescence. The expression and localization of FPR2/Iba-1, CD16/Iba-1 and CD206/Iba-1 were detected by immunofluorescence double labeling method. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS in M1 and TGF-β, IL-10, Arg-1 in M2 were detected by RT-qPCR. Results RvDl significantly reduced cerebral infarction volume and the expression of MPO, and its receptor FPR2 was expressed in microglia. RvD1 down-regulated M1 markers CD16

Effect of Ermiaosan on M1/M2 Polarization of Bone Marrow Derived-macrophages / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Ermiaosan（EMS） on the polarization of M1 by lipopolysaccharide（LPS）+interferon(IFN)-γ and M2 induced by interleukin(IL)-4+IL-13 in rat bone marrow-derived macrophages. Method:Macrophages from rat bone marrow were extracted in vitro, stimulated by macrophage colony stimulating factor(M-CSF), induced to macrophages (marked by F4/80), stimulated by LPS+IFN-γ and induced to polarize to M1，while stimulated by IL-4+IL-13 and induced to polarize to M2. After adding different concentrations of EMS (0.2，0.4，0.8 g·L-1), the phenotypes of M1 and M2 were detected by immunofluorescence, and the effect of EMS on M1(marked by CD68 and iNOS)/M2(marked by CD206 and Arginase) polarization of macrophages from rat bone marrow was detected. Result:Compared with control group, LPS + IFN-γ could increase the polarization of M1 (P<0.01)，while IL-4+IL-13 could increase the polarization of M2 (P<0.01); compared with LPS+IFN-γ/IL-4+IL-13 group, EMS (0.2，0.4，0.8 g·L-1) could inhibit the polarization of M1 induced by LPS+IFN -γ for 24 hours (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on polarization of M2 induced by IL-4+IL-13. Conclusion:EMS can inhibit M1 polarization induced by LPS+IFN - γ, but has no effect on M2 polarization induced by IL-4+IL-13.

S1P₁ Regulates M1/M2 Polarization toward Brain Injury after Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia

M1/M2 polarization of immune cells including microglia has been well characterized. It mediates detrimental or beneficial roles in neuroinflammatory disorders including cerebral ischemia. We have previously found that sphingosine 1-phospate receptor subtype 1 (S1P₁) in post-ischemic brain following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) can trigger microglial activation, leading to brain damage. Although the link between S1P₁ and microglial activation as a pathogenesis in cerebral ischemia had been clearly demonstrated, whether the pathogenic role of S1P₁ is associated with its regulation of M1/M2 polarization remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether S1P₁ was associated with regulation of M1/M2 polarization in post-ischemic brain. Suppressing S1P₁ activity with its functional antagonist, AUY954 (5 mg/kg, p.o.), attenuated mRNA upregulation of M1 polarization markers in post-ischemic brain at 1 day and 3 days after tMCAO challenge. Similarly, suppressing S1P₁ activity with AUY954 administration inhibited M1-polarizatioin-relevant NF-κB activation in post-ischemic brain. Particularly, NF-κB activation was observed in activated microglia of post-ischemic brain and markedly attenuated by AUY954, indicating that M1 polarization through S1P₁ in post-ischemic brain mainly occurred in activated microglia. Suppressing S1P₁ activity with AUY954 also increased mRNA expression levels of M2 polarization markers in post-ischemic brain, further indicating that S1P₁ could also influence M2 polarization in post-ischemic brain. Finally, suppressing S1P₁ activity decreased phosphorylation of M1-relevant ERK1/2, p38, and JNK MAPKs, but increased phosphorylation of M2-relevant Akt, all of which were downstream pathways following S1P₁ activation. Overall, these results revealed S1P₁-regulated M1/M2 polarization toward brain damage as a pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia.

Protective effect of diosmetin on viral myocarditis of CVB3-induced suckling mice by regulating macrophage M1/M2 type polarization / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Objective: To study the protective effect of diosmetin on viral myocarditis induced by coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) by regulating macrophage M1/M2 type polarization. Methods: BALB/c suckling mice were given ip 0.1 mL CVB3 virus culture solution of 1×105pfu, which was recorded as DO. After 24 h (D1), diosmetin (Dio) 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·kg-1were ig given, respectively, 7 d in succession. At the end of the experiment, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), expression levels of serum creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) and myoglobin (Mb) were detected. The peripheral blood was collected to analyze and sort polarization of macrophage M1 and M2 in peripheral blood by flow cytometry. The pathological features of myocardial tissues were analyzed by HE staining and TUNEL staining. Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 9 in myocardial tissues. Macrophages were sorted from spleen tissues of suckling mice. After macrophages were treated with IFN-y 5 mg·L-1, CVB3 1×105pfu, Dio 20 μmol·L-1, CVB3 (1×105pfu)+Dio 20 μmol·L-1for 24 h, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in cells were detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with normal control group, MAP, HR and LVSP in model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, MAP, HR and LVSP were significantly increased in Dio 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·kg-1groups (P<0.05). Compared with normal control group, levels of CK, CK-MB and Mb in serum, and apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), so were expression levels of cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 9 in myocardial tissues (P<0.05). Compared with model group, levels of CK, CK-MB and Mb in serum, and apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes were significantly decreased in Dio 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·kg-1groups (P<0.05), so were expression levels of cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 9 in myocardial tissues (P< 0.05). Compared with normal control group, positive percentages of F4/80+iNOS\F4/80+TLR4+and F4/ 80+CD40+in peripheral blood of model group were significantly increased, while those of F4/80+CD14\ F4/80+Arg-1+ and F4/80+CD206t were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the former three items in peripheral blood were significantly decreased in Dio 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·kg-1groups, while the latter three items were significantly increased (P<0.05). Both IFN-γ and CVB3 virus could up-regulate the expression of iNOS, and inhibit the expression of Arg-1. The Dio treatment could inhibit the expression of iNOS and up- regulate the expression of Arg-1. Compared with CVB3 virus alone group, the expression of iNOS was decreased, but the expression of Arg-1 was increased in CVB3 + Dio group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dio can inhibit the activation of M1 type macrophage caused by viral infection, promote its development towards M2 polarization, and improve cardiac function of the viral myocarditis model.

Polarization of microglia/macrophages and its role in ischemic stroke repair / 中国药理学通报

Traditionally, microglia/macrophage activation is thought to be detrimental in ischemic stroke. However, there is increasing evidence that microglia/macrophage activation is essential for attenuating neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia, promoting neurogenesis and promoting functional recovery. Current research suggests that the inflammatory microenvironment greatly affects the phenotypic changes of microglia/macrophages, so that the same brain tissue has different gene expression patterns and biological functions at different stages of brain damage. This review provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of microglia/macrophage activation and the possible potential therapies.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Synovial M 1/M 2 Macrophage Polarization in Rats with Acute Gouty Arthritis / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of synovial AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein α， arginase-1 mRNA, nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS 2) mRNA, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP 3) mRNA, and interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) mRNA in acute gouty arthritis (AGA) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of AGA via M 1/M 2 macrophage polarization. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, medication (colchicine) and EA groups (n＝15 rats in each group). The AGA model was established by injection of sodium urate crystal (MSU) suspension (0.2 mL) into the articular cavity of the left knee. The rats of the normal control group received articular injection of normal saline (0.2 mL) of the left knee, and those of the medication group were treated by gavage of the colchicine (0.3 mg•kg－1•d－1) once daily for 7 days. EA (2 Hz/10 Hz, 1.0 mA) was applied to "Zusanli"(ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) of the left hind limb for 10 min, once daily for 7 days. The inflammatory conditions of the synovial membrane tissue of the left knee joint were observed by H．E. staining. The expression levels of phosphorylated AMPKα (p-AMPKα) protein, and arginase-1 (a maker of M 2 macrophages) mRNA, NOS 2 (a maker of M 1 macrophages) mRNA, NLRP 3 mRNA, and IL-1 β mRNA in the knee joint synovial tissue were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the inflammatory cell infiltration of the synovial tissue was more severe, the expression of p-AMPKα protein was significantly decreased (P0.05), except higher up-regulation of arginase-1 mRNA in the medication group (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: EA intervention can up-regulate the expression of arginase-1 mRNA and p-AMPKα protein, and down-regulate the expression of NOS 2, IL-1 β and NLRP 3 mRNAs in synovial tissues in AGA rats, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory effect by promoting conversion of macrophages from M 1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to M 2 anti-inflammatory phenotype.

Mecanismos de modulação da ANXA1 sobre a função da proteína translocadora (TSPO) em células da glia (OU) Mecanismos de modulação da anexina A1 sobre a função da proteína translocadora em células da glia / Annexin A1 modulation mechanism on the expression of the Translocator Protein (TSPO) in BV2 cells

A inflamação no sistema nervoso central (SNC) está envolvida na gênese de uma série de doenças neurodegenerativas, sendo assim, compreender o processo inflamatório nessas circunstâncias se torna essencial para propor novas abordagens terapêuticas. Sabemos que a Anexina A1 (ANXA1) e o receptor TSPO são dois moduladores importantes da neuroinflamação. Enquanto se sabe que a ANXA1 possui propriedades antiinflamatórias, o papel do TSPO ainda não está esclarecido. Desta forma, este projeto avaliou a atuação da ANXA1 sobre a expressão do TSPO em linhagem de células da microglia (BV2), e sua conexão com o receptor Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) em BV2 ativada pelo lipopolisacarídeo de E.coli (LPS). Os resultados obtidos mostram que o tratamento de BV2 com LPS induz a expressão de TSPO, dependente de ativação de TLR4, através das vias da molécula adaptadora do fator de diferenciação mielóide 88 (MyD88) e do fator nuclear κB (NFκB). O tratamento com ANXA1 recombinante induz um perfil antiinflamatório em células BV2 estimuladas com LPS, por reduzir a secreção de citocinas proinflamatórias e, ao mesmo tempo, aumentar secreção de citocinas antiinflamatórias. A exposição com ANXA1 ainda impede o aumento da expressão de TSPO induzida pelo LPS. Mostramos também que esta ação da ANXA1 é dependente da interação com o receptor de peptídeo formilado (FPR2). Adicionalmente, o silenciamento de TSPO em células BV2 predispõe essas células a um perfil ativado exacerbando a secreção do fator de necrose tumoral (TNFα) em resposta ao LPS, o que não pode ser revertido pelo tratamento com ANXA1 recombinante. Em conjunto, os resultados expõe a relação existente entre ANXA1 e TSPO em micróglia ativada pelo LPS, mostrando que a ANXA1 9 modula negativamente a expressão do TSPO. Ademais, o silenciamento de TSPO inibiu a fagocitose de neurônios apoptóticos, o que ainda sugere a participação do TSPO na eferocitose

Inflammation in the Central Nervous System (CNS) is involved in the genesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases, so understanding the inflammatory process in these circumstances is essential to proposal new therapeutic approaches. We know that Annexin A1 (ANXA1) and the TSPO receptor are two important modulators of neuroinflammation. While it is known that ANXA1 has anti-inflammatory properties, the role of TSPO has not yet been clarified. Thus, this project evaluated the interference of ANXA1 on the expression of TSPO in microglia cell line (BV2), and its connection with the Toll-like receptor-4 receptor (TLR4) in BV2 activated by E. coli lipopolysaccharide LPS). The results show that the treatment of BV2 with LPS induces the expression of TSPO, dependent on activation of TLR4, through the pathways of the adapter molecule of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB). Treatment with recombinant ANXA1 induces an anti-inflammatory profile in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and, at the same time, increasing secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Exposure with ANXA1 still prevents the increase of LPS-induced TSPO expression. We also show that this action of ANXA1 is dependent on the interaction with the formylated peptide receptor (FPR2). In addition, TSPO silencing in BV2 cells predisposes these cells to an activated profile exacerbating secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) in response to LPS, which can not be reversed by treatment with recombinant ANXA1. Together, the results show the relationship between ANXA1 and TSPO in LPS activated microglia, showing that ANXA1 negatively modulates TSPO 11 expression. In addition, TSPO silencing inhibited the phagocytosis of apoptotic neurons, which still suggests the participation of TSPO in eferocytosis

Curcumin induces M1 phenotype derived from murine RAW264.7 macrophages polarization to alternatively activated M2 phenotype / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT:Objective To observe the effect of curcumin on RAW264.7 macrophages induced with LPS and IFNγ(M1)and the mechanisms involved.Methods Curcumin of different concentrations (6.25 μmol/L,12.5μmol/L and 25 μmol/L)was used to treat RAW264.7 macrophages induced with LPS and IFNγ(M1)for 12 h,and RAW264.7 macrophages induced with LPS and IFNγ(M1)were incubated with 20μmol/L GW9662 and 25 μmol/L curcumin for 12 h.Using Real-time PCR,ELISA and Western blotting analysis,we examined the expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,PPARγand phenotype markers M2 (KLF4,FIZZ1,and MGL1 )and the expressions of KLF4 and FIZZ1 when PPARγwas inhibited.Results Curcumin of different concentrations all could inhibit the expressions of IL-1βand IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages induced with LPS and IFNγ(M1).Curcumin of different concentra-tions could upregulate the expression of M2 markers (KLF4,FIZZ1 and MGL1)and PPARγin RAW264.7 macro-phages induced with LPS and IFNγ(M1).When M1 macrophages were incubated with curcumin and GW9662,the expression of the M2 phenotype markers was reduced.Conclusion Curcumin polarized the M1 phenotype macro-phages derived from RAW264.7 macrophages to become M2 phenotype through activating PPARγ.

Effect of sinomenine on mouse RAW264.7 macrophage cells line polarization induced by LPS or IL-4 / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate sinomenine (Sinomenine,SIN) effect on RAW264.7 cells polarization to M1 or M2 phenotype induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-4 (IL-4) .Methods:RAW264.7 cells were induced to polarize to M1 by LPS ,and to M2 by IL-4.Sinomenine effects on LPS or IL-4 induced macrophages:TNF-αand IL-10 secretion induced by different condition were detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);The expression level of mRNA of Arginase1(Arg-1),Nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-2(SOCS2) and suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-3(SOCS3) of M1/M2 phenotypes were detected by real time PCR respectively.Results:Sinomenine inhibited the increase of TNF-αsecretion,iNOS and SOCS3 mRNA expression level induced by LPS.Sinomenine inhibited the increase of IL-10 secretion and Arg-1 mRNA expression level induced by IL-4,but SOCS2 mRNA expression level was not affected by Sinomenine.Conclusion: Sinomenine can inhibite the macrophage polarization to M1 and M2 induced by LPS and IL-4.Sinomenine plays a regulatory role on imbalance of M1/M2,and is conducive to maintain the dynamic balance.

Role of Cordycepin and Adenosine on the Phenotypic Switch of Macrophages via Induced Anti-inflammatory Cytokines

BACKGROUND: Chronic low grade inflammation is closely linked to type II diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Macrophages play a key role in the regulation of pro- or anti-inflammatory actions at the lesion sites of disease. Components of cordyceps militaris, cordycepin and adenosine, have been used for the modulation of inflammatory diseases. The effects of cordycepin in the modulation of macrophages have yet to be elucidated. We investigated the effects of cordycepin and adenosine on the morphological changes of macrophages under the inflammatory condition of LPS and an anti-inflammatory condition involving high concentrations of adenosine. METHODS: We confirmed the mRNA levels of the M1/M2 cytokine genes through RT-PCR and morphological change. RESULTS: LPS-activated macrophages returned to their inactivated original shape, i.e., they looked like naive macrophages, through the treatment with high concentrations of cordycepin (40 microgram/ml). LPS and adenosine activated macrophages also returned to their original inactivated shapes after cordycepin treatment; however, at relatively higher levels of cordycepin than adenosine. This change did not occur with relatively low concentrations of cordycepin. Adenosine down-regulated the gene expression of M1 cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha) and chemokines (CX3CR1, RANTES), as well as cordycepin. Additionally, M2 cytokines (IL-10, IL-1ra, TGF-beta) were up-regulated by both cordycepin and adenosine. CONCLUSION: Based on these observations, both cordycepin and adenosine regulated the phenotypic switch on macrophages and suggested that cordycepin and adenosine may potentially be used as immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of inflammatory disease.