Research progress of glucocorticoid receptor ligands / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Glucocorticoids have been applied to clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergic diseases for over 60 years.In recent years, the clinical application of glucocorticoids is annually on the rise with the increased incidence of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.Therefore, the adverse events of glucocorticoids have been well concerned.It is urgent to analyze the pharmacological mechanism of glucocorticoids, search for novel glucocorticoid receptor ligands with anti-inflammatory and immune inhibitory effects and less adverse events.This study aims to review the research progress of glucocorticoid receptor ligands.

The Relationship between PPP2R5C and Molt-4 Cell Viability, HSP90-GR Signal in Childhood Acute T Lymphocytic Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of PPP2R5C to the activity of Molt-4 cells in childhood acute T lymphocytic leukemia and its mechanism.@*METHODS@#The small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology targeting PPP2R5C gene was used to down-regulate the expression of PPP2R5C in Molt-4 cells. At the same time, a blank control group, a negative control group and a 17-DMAG group were set up. The cells in the negative control group were transfected with siRNA-NC, the cells in 17-DMAG group were treated with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG at a final concentration of 6.4 μmol/L for 48 h. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect transfection efficiency; CCK-8 method was used to detect the proliferation activity of the cells in each group, EdU was used to detect the proliferation level of the cells in each group, flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle distribution ratio of the cells in each group, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect the apoptosis of the cell, RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression changes of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) of the cells in each group.@*RESULTS@#After Molt-4 cells were transfected with siRNA-PPP2R5C, the expression of PPP2R5C mRNA and protein in the cells were down-regulated significantly compared with those in the blank control group and the si-NC group (P<0.05); compared with cells in the blank control group and the si-NC group, the proliferation activity of the cells in the siRNA-PPP2R5C group and the 17-DMAG group significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the rate of EdU positive cells was significantly reduced (P<0.05); the proportion of the cells in G1 phase decreased while the proportion of the cells in G2 phase increased (P<0.05), the apoptosis rate of the cells also increased significantly (P<0.05); in addition, the expression of PPP2R5C mRNA and protein of the cells in siRNA-PPP2R5C group was significantly down-regulated compared with those in the blank control group and si-NC group (P<0.05). The expressions of PPP2R5C mRNA and protein in the 17-DMAG group were also significantly down-regulated compared with those in the blank control group and si-NC group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Down-regulation of PPP2R5C gene expression can inhibit Molt-4 cell activity in childhood acute T lymphocytic leukemia, block the cells in G2 phase, and promote cell apoptosis, the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of HSP90-GR signaling pathway.

Effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on the expression of 5-HT and cortisol in the serum, and MR and GR in the hippocampus in rats with hypothyroidism complicated with depression / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on behavior, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and cortisol in the serum, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the hippocampus in rats with hypothyroidism complicated with depression, and to explore the possible mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion on improving depression in rats with hypothyroidism.@*METHODS@#A total of 32 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a medication group and a wheat-grain moxibustion group, 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were treated with intragastric administration of 0.1% propylthiouracil (PTU) suspension at 1 mL/100 g, once a day for 4 weeks to establish the rat model of hypothyroidism, and whether the rats were accompanied with depression-like behavior determined through behavioristics evaluation. The rats in the medication group were intervened with euthyrox at 0.9 mL/100 g, once a day, for 4 weeks; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Mingmen" (GV 4), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Pishu" (BL 20), 7 cones each acupoint, once a day, six times a week for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the depression status was observed by behavioristics test; the contents of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), 5-HT and cortisol in the serum were detected by ELISA; the protein expressions of MR and GR in hippocampus were detected by Western blot; the expressions of MR mRNA and GR mRNA in the hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#Before the intervention, compared with the blank group, the scores of open field test (OFT) were decreased and the immobility time of tail suspension test (TST) was prolonged (P<0.05); the serum TSH contents were increased and TT4 contents were decreased (P<0.01) in the other three groups. After the intervention, compared with the model group, the vertical score of OFT was increased and the immobility time of forced swimming test (FST) was prolonged in the medication group (P<0.05), while the scores of three items of OFT were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the immobility time of FST and TST was shortened in the wheat-grain moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the medication group, the immobility time of TST and FST in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was shorter (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the contents of serum TSH and cortisol were increased (P<0.01, P<0.001), while the contents of serum TT4 and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001). Compared with the model group, the contents of serum TT4 and 5-HT were increased, while the contents of serum TSH and cortisol were decreased in the medication group and wheat-grain moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the protein and mRNA expression of MR, GR in the hippocampus in the model group was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001); compared with the model group, the protein and mRNA expression of MR in the hippocampus in the medication group were increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression of MR, GR and mRNA expression of MR in the hippocampus in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, the expression of MR mRNA in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat-grain moxibustion could significantly improve thyroid function and depression in rats with hypothyroidism. Its mechanism may be related to up-regulating the protein and mRNA expression of MR and GR in the hippocampus, and then affecting the expression of serum cortisol and 5-HT.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of NR3C1 gene in childhood asthma and its influence on the efficacy of glucocorticoids / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism of corticosteroids receptor gene(NR3C1)and children with asthma and to analyze the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid(ICS)treatment.Methods:The study included a control group(100 healthy children)who participated in the physical examination and an asthma group(101 children with bronchial asthma)who were hospitalized in the General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command from October 2018 to October 2020.Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of all enrolled subjects and then the polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene locus of NR3C1 was analyzed using SNaPshot SNP gene detection technology.The comparisons of allele frequency in rs41423247、rs7701443 between two groups were performed and the treatment effects of ICS in the asthma group were evaluated at the 12th week of treatment.Results:The frequencies of GG, GC, and CC genotypes of rs41423247 locus of NR3C1 were 75.2%, 21.8%, and 3.0% in the asthma group and 72.0%, 24.0%, and 4.0% in the control group, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups( χ2=0.333, P>0.05). The frequencies of GG, GA, and AA genotypes of rs7701443 locus of NR3C1 were 45.5%, 39.6%, and 14.9% in the asthma group and 56.0%, 31.0%, and 13.0% in the control group, respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups( χ2=2.259, P>0.05). After ICS treatment, the C-ACT/ACT scores were not significantly improved in children with CC genotypes at rs41423247 locus( P>0.05), while children with GG and GC genotypes were obviously improved( P<0.05). The scores of C-ACT/ACT showed obvious differences among three genotypes of rs41423247 locus after treatment with ICS( P<0.05). The C-ACT/ACT scores of all were significantly improved in children with GG, GA, or AA genotypes at rs7701443 locus after treatment with ICS( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference among those three genotypes( P>0.05). Significantly improved pulmonary function following ICS treatment in children with asthma was observed in GG and GC genotypes of rs41423247 locus of NR3C1( P<0.05), while only MMEF was improved in CC genotype( P<0.05). Meanwhile, those pulmonary function indexes were improved in all genotypes of rs7701443 after treatment with ICS( P<0.05). Conclusion:Both rs41423247 and rs7701443 locus at NR3C1 gene have polymorphisms.But there were no significant differences in the polymorphism of rs41423247 and rs7701443 locus of NR3C1 between the asthma group and the control group.Different genotype frequencies of rs41423247 and rs7701443 at NR3C1 locus in children with asthma have different effects on ICS treatment.

Effect of Sinisan on BDNF/TrkB， 5-HT/5-HT1AR， and HPA axis in Depression Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Sinisan on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）/tyrosine kinase receptor B （TrKB）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）/5-HT1A receptor （5-HT1AR）， and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal （HPA） axis in depressed rats， and explore the antidepressant mechanism of Sinisan based on BDNF/TrKB， 5-HT/5-HT1AR， and HPA axis. Method:A total of 120 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group， a model group， a fluoxetine （0.01 g·kg^-1） group， and low- （1.25 g·kg^-1）， medium- （2.5 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose （5 g·kg^-1） Sinisan groups， with 20 rats in each group. The depression model was induced by isolation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stimulation（CUMS） in rats except for those in the normal group for 21 days. Rats were then treated correspondingly once a day for 21 days by gavage. Those in the normal group and the model group received an equal volume of normal saline. During the intervention， the model rats were stimulated continuously. The depressive state of CUMS model rats was evaluated by sucrose preference test and open field test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone （CRH）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， and corticosterone （CORT） in the plasma and BDNF and 5-HT levels in the hippocampal homogenate. The mRNA expression of hippocampal TrKB， 5-HT1AR， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， and mineralocorticoid receptor （MR） was detected by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of hippocampal TrKB， 5-HT1AR， GR， and MR was detected by Western blot. The histomorphological changes of the hippocampus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Result:Compared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased sucrose preference rate （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， reduced horizontal and vertical scores in the open field test （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， increased plasma content of CRH， ACTH， and CORT （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， declining content of BDNF and 5-HT in the hippocampus （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， dwindled mRNA and protein expression levels of TrKB， 5-HT1AR， and GR （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， elevated mRNA and protein expression of MR （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and damaged hippocampal neurons revealed by HE staining. Compared with the model group， the groups with drug intervention showed increased sucrose preference rate （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and horizontal and vertical scores in the open field test （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， decreased content of plasma CRH， ACTH， and CORT （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， elevated content of hippocampal BDNF and 5-HT （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of hippocampal TrKB， 5-HT1AR， and GR （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of hippocampal MR （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and recovered hippocampal neurons as revealed by HE staining. Conclusion:Sinisan can exert a significant antidepressant effect by increasing hippocampal BDNF and 5-HT content， up-regulating TrKB， 5-HT1AR， and GR mRNA and protein expression， down-regulating MR mRNA and protein expression， inhibiting HPA axis hypertrophy， and enhancing the regeneration and repair of hippocampal neurons.

Prenatal stress up-regulated hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression in female adult rat offspring / Estrés prenatal expresión del receptor de glucocorticoides del hipocampo regulado por aumento en crías de ratas hembras adultas

Accumulating evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates prenatal exposure to stress or excess glucocorticoids can affect offspring brain. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is an important target of glucocorticoid. Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of GR in prenatally stressed adult offspring and the relationship between GR expression and behavior in offspring. Pregnant rats received restraint stress during the last week of pregnancy. Hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression levels in the offspring were detected on postnatal 60 (P60).Cognition function was also detected. It shows significantly lower hippocampal GR expression was observed in female prenatally stressed offspring compared with their controls at P60. Corresponding to the expression of GR, female prenatally stressed offspring exhibited poorer spatial learning and memory abilities in the Barnes maze than control, This suggests that cognitive impairment in prenatally stressed rat offspring attribute lower hippocampal GR expression.

La evidencia acumulada de estudios preclínicos y clínicos indica que la exposición prenatal al estrés, o el exceso de glucocorticoides puede afectar el desarrollo cerebral de las crías. El receptor de glucocorticoides (RG) es un objetivo importante de los glucocorticoides. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la expresión de RG en crías adultas estresadas durante el período prenatal y la relación entre la expresión de RG y el comportamiento de las crías. Las ratas preñadas recibieron niveles de estrés restringido, durante la última semana de embarazo. Se determinaron niveles de expresión del receptor de glucocorticoides del hipocampo y niveles de función cognitiva en las crías. En comparación con el grupo control se observó una expresión de RG en el hipocampo, significativamente menor en las crías estresadas prenatalmente, en comparación con los controles en P60. En referencia a la expresión de RG, las crías estresadas prenatalmente exhibieron habilidades de memoria y aprendizaje espacial menores, en el laberinto de Barnes que el grupo control. Esto sugiere que el deterioro cognitivo en crías de ratas estresadas prenatalmente muestran una menor expresión de RG en el hipocampo.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) aqueous extract reverses the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract Crocus sativus L., Iridaceae, has been used worldwide in traditional medicinefor treatment ofsome neurological disorderssuch as depression. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder developed in peoplewho experience stressful events. Since stress has been proposed tocause thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis malfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder patients, this study aimed at investigating the effect of saffron aqueous extract on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in rats of post-traumatic stress disorder model. Here, Post-traumatic stress disorder animals received an acute electro foot shock; however, 5 min before the stress session, these animals received an intra-cerebral-ventricular (10 µg/rat) infusion of either saffron aqueous extract or saline. Twenty one days later, they were re-exposedto the stress box withoutinducing stress, andthen were examined for their freezing behavior. The impact of stress and saffron aqueous extract on serum corticosterone, corticotrophin releasing hormone gene expression in hypothalamus and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in pituitary gland werethen evaluated on day 28. Intra-cerebral-ventricular injection of saffron aqueous extract resulted in an increase in serum corticosterone level and reduced symptoms of freezing behavior, and corticotrophin releasing hormone and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in post-traumatic stress disorder groups.Saffron administration could improve the symptoms of stress-induced post-traumatic stress disorder, possiblythrough the adjustment ofhypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function.

Prenatal stress induces long-lasting effects in lung glucocorticoid receptor gene expression in a sex-dependent manner / O estresse pré-natal induz efeitos de longo prazo na expressão gênica de receptores de glicocorticoides no pulmão de uma maneira dependente do sexo

AIM: Stressful events during pregnancy may influence respiratory system development, resulting in long-term effects in the offspring. However, little is known on its long-lasting effects upon the expression of important genes in the lungs. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two different prenatal stress paradigms on lung glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in adulthood. METHODS: Pregnant BALB/c mice were divided into 3 groups: control (CON), prenatal stress from the second week of pregnancy (PNS1) and prenatal stress on the last week of pregnancy (PNS2). In both groups (PNS1 and PNS2), restraint stress was used. When adults, male and female offspring were submitted to 30 min of restraint stress. Lung gene expression of GR was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in GR expression in males (PNS1), under basal conditions. Restraint stress during adulthood significantly reduced GR expression in PNS1 and PNS2 males as compared to controls. No significant differences were found for females. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that prenatal stress from the second week of gestation modulates adult male mice GR expression in the lungs. Thus, fetal exposure to maternal stress from the second week of gestation seems to modulate mechanisms responsible for pulmonary development in a sex-dependent manner.

OBJETIVO: Eventos estressores durante a gestação podem influenciar o desenvolvimento do sistema respiratório, resultando em efeitos a longo prazo na prole. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre seus efeitos duradouros sobre a expressão de genes importantes nos pulmões. Assim, nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de dois diferentes modelos de estresse pré-natal na expressão pulmonar do receptor de glicocorticoide (GR) na vida adulta. MÉTODOS: Camundongos BALB/c prenhes foram divididas em 3 grupos: controle (CON), estresse pré-natal a partir da segunda semana de gestação (PNS1) e estresse pré-natal durante a última semana de gestação (PNS2). Nos dois grupos (PNS1 e PNS2), o estresse por contenção foi utilizado. Quando adultas, as proles machos e fêmeas foram submetidas ao estresse por contenção durante 30 min. A expressão do gene GR no pulmão foi avaliada. RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento significativo na expressão de GR em machos (PNS1) sob condições basais. O estresse na vida adulta reduziu significativamente a expressão de GR em machos PNS1 e PNS2 em comparação aos controles. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em fêmeas. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que o estresse pré-natal a partir da segunda semana de gestação modula a expressão do GR nos pulmões de camundongos machos adultos. Assim, a exposição fetal ao estresse materno a partir da segunda semana de gestação parece modular os mecanismos responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento pulmonar de uma maneira dependente do sexo.

The experimental research of dexamethasone reducing paclitaxel chemotherapy on lung cancer cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim: To investigate the effect of dexamethasone on paclitaxel chemotherapy, when given before chemotherapy. Methods: MTT method was used to investigate the effects of paclitaxel at different concentrations and dexamethasone (10 μ, mol · L-1) combined with paclitaxel at indicate dosages on the cell viability of lung cancer cells A549 and Calu-1. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The effect of dexamethasone on protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), P-glycoprotein (P-gP) and multidrug resistance protein-1 (MRP-1) expression were detected by Western blot. The effect of dexamethasone on lung cancer resistance of paclitaxel xenografts in nude mice was studied as well. Results paclitaxel at indicate dosages with dexamethasone (10 μmol · L-1) showed significantly increased IC50 value (A549: from 0.58 to 1.35 μmol · L-1; Calu-1 from 1. 10 to 2. 10 μmol · L-1). Dexamethasone activated GR, increased GR expression, and up-regulated the expression of P-gP and MRP-1. Dexamethasone combined with paclitaxel significantly decreased the antitumor effect of paclitaxel on nude mice transplanted tumor. Conclusions Giving dexamethasone before chemotherapy may cause resistance to cancer cells and reduce the effect of paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Response of Glucocorticoid Receptor Alpha and Histone Deacetylase 2 to Glucocorticoid Treatment Predicts the Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVES: To investigate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) gene expression and protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with severe or profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to explore the roles of GRs and HDAC2 in glucocorticoid (GC) insensitivity. METHODS: Fifty-five severe or profound SSNHL patients were enrolled in the study. According to hearing improvement after GC treatment, patients were assigned into two groups: GC-sensitive and GC-resistant. A normal reference group included 20 healthy volunteers without hearing loss. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to detect the relative expression of GRα, GRβ, and HDAC2 in PBMCs at the mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: The protein levels of GRs and HDAC2 in PBMCs of SSNHL patients were lower than the normal reference values before GC treatment. Compared with the GC-resistant group, both the mRNA and protein levels of GRα and HDAC2 were significantly increased in the GC-sensitive group after GC treatment. CONCLUSION: A lack of GRα and HDAC2 induction following steroid treatment in GC-resistant SSNHL patients may play a fundamental mechanistic role in GC insensitivity. Response of GRα and HDAC2 to steroid treatment may, thus, predict the prognosis of hearing improvement in SSNHL patients.

The relationship between the expression of GRα, GRβ and hormone sensitivity in KHE children with KMP / 中华整形外科杂志

To investigate the relationship between glucocorticoid receptor (GRα, GRβ) expression and hormone sensitivity in kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) patients complicated by Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP).Methods@#In this study, 25 cases of KHE with KMP (mean age 2.4±1.5 months), including 9 males and 16 females at Henan Provincial People′s Hospital between May 2013 and May 2016 were included. All patients underwent surgical resection after being treated with hormone for one week, and were divided into sensitive group (10 cases) and resistance group (15 cases) according to the efficacy evaluation criteria. Normal tissues collected from 15 patients received surgical excision of lipoma was performed as a control group.Immunohistrochemical SP method was adopted in detecting GRα and GRβ expression in all groups. The expression intensity and positive rate were analyzed. Statistical significance was determined using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for the group samples and the Kruskal-Wallis test for multiple samples. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.@*Results@#①There was no significant difference among the control group, the resistance group and the sensitive group in expression intensity of GRα (control group 4.20±1.01, resistance group 4.10±0.99, sensitive group 3.53±0.52, P=0.632). The number of GRα positive cells in the sensitive group(46.20±2.57)was higher than that in the resistance group (40.93±5.18, P=0.032). ②The expression intensity of GRβ in the resistance group(5.40±0.51)was significantly higher than that in the sensitive group(2.60±0.52)and the control group(2.87±0.64, P=0.000, 0.002); there was significant difference among the sensitive group(29.70±2.50), the control group(36.07±3.47)and the resistance group (47.27±5.59)in the number of GRβ positive cells (P=0.000). ③The ratio of GRα/Grβ expression intensity was significantly lower in the resistance group than in the sensitive group and the control group; The ratio of GRα/GRβ positive cells was gradually decreased in the sensitive group, control group and resistance group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000).@*Conclusions@#In the tumor tissue of KHE children with KMP, the increase of GRβ expression negatively regulats GRα, leading to imbalance of the expression ratio of the two, which may be an important cause for GC resistance.

Research progress in glucocorticoid receptor gene methylation in depression / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increased levels of glucocorticoid hormones are the most consistent and typical pathophysiological alternations in patients with major depression,which are possibly caused by altered functions of the receptor of glucocorticoid hormones, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Recent studies have found that the environmental factors interfere with the pathophysiological mechanism of depression by influencing the epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid receptor. GR gene methylation is a way of epigenetic regulation and affects the GR expression and function of HPA axis,which plays an important role in the development of depression. In this review,domestic and foreign literature on the role of GR gene methylation in the development of depression is discussed,which will encourage provide new ideas on the diagnosis and treatment of depression.

Effects of Glucocorticoid-Induced Transcript 1 Gene Deficiency on Glucocorticoid Activation in Asthmatic Mice / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Glucocorticoid (GC) is the first-line therapy for asthma, but some asthmatics are insensitive to it. Glucocorticoid-induced transcript 1 gene (GLCCI1) is reported to be associated with GCs efficiency in asthmatics, while its exact mechanism remains unknown.@*Methods@#A total of 30 asthmatic patients received fluticasone propionate for 12 weeks. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV) and GLCCI1 expression were detected. Asthma model was constructed in wild-type and GLCCI1 knockout (GLCCI1) mice. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression were detected by polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting (WB). The phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was also detected by WB.@*Results@#In asthmatic patients, the change of FEV was well positively correlated with change of GLCCI1 expression (r = 0.430, P = 0.022). In animal experiment, GR and MKP-1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in asthmatic mice than in control mice (wild-type: GR: 0.769 vs. 1.000, P = 0.022; MKP-1: 0.493 vs. 1.000, P < 0.001. GLCCI1: GR: 0.629 vs. 1.645, P < 0.001; MKP-1: 0.377 vs. 2.146, P < 0.001). Hydroprednisone treatment significantly increased GR and MKP-1 mRNA expression levels than in asthmatic groups; however, GLCCI1 asthmatic mice had less improvement (wild-type: GR: 1.517 vs. 0.769, P = 0.023; MKP-1: 1.036 vs. 0.493, P = 0.003. GLCCI1: GR: 0.846 vs. 0.629, P = 0.116; MKP-1: 0.475 vs. 0.377, P = 0.388). GLCCI1 asthmatic mice had more obvious phosphorylation of p38 MAPK than wild-type asthmatic mice (9.060 vs. 3.484, P < 0.001). It was still higher even though after hydroprednisone treatment (6.440 vs. 2.630, P < 0.001).@*Conclusions@#GLCCI1 deficiency in asthmatic mice inhibits the activation of GR and MKP-1 and leads to more obvious phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, leading to a decremental sensitivity to GCs.@*Trial Registration@#ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR-RCC-13003634; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=5926.

Effects of PFOA exposure on inflammatory mediators IL-4, IFN-γand glucocorticoid receptor in asthmatic mice / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effects of perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA)exposure on the changes of asth-matic mouse airway inflammation,inflammatory mediators interleukin-4(IL-4)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)in serum, and glucocorticoid receptor(GR)expression in the lung tissue.METHODS:BALB/c mice(n=30)were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control(C)group,asthma(A)group,asthma+low-dose PFOA(AP10)group,asthma+mode-rate-dose PFOA(AP50)group and asthma+high-dose PFOA(AP100)group.Asthma model and PFOA exposure model of mice were established according to the grouping.The animals were sacrificed and their lungs were collected for HE stai-ning,transmission electron microscopy,Western blot and immunohistochemical staining.ELISA was applied to detect the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γin the serum.RESULTS: HE staining of the lungs showed that the asthmatic mice, compared with the normal control mice,had obvious mucus secretion around the airways and infiltration of inflammatory cells around airways and blood vessels,and the effects were much more marked in AP groups.Ultrastructural alteration of the lung tis-sues in the asthmatic mice were indicated by transmission electron microscopy.Compared with C group, the results of ELISA in A group and AP groups proved that IL-4 in the serum was increased and IFN-γwas decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compare with A group,IL-4 was significantly increased and IFN-γwas decreased in AP100 group(P<0.05), and no difference of those between AP 10 group and AP50 group was found.The results of Western blot indicated that GR protein expression in the asthmatic mice were decreased compare with the normal mice(P<0.05), and no difference of that among A group and AP groups was observed.Immunohistochemical staining manifested that GR protein was mainly lo-cated in the cytoplasm of bronchial columnar epithelial cells,airway smooth muscle cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSION:Acute airway PFOA exposure in asthmatic mice dose-dependently exacebates lung inflammation by indu-cing Th2 type immune responses, promotes infiltration of inflammatory cells and mucus secretion around the airways and blood vessels,and destroys the ultrastructure of the lung tissues.

Histone deacetylase inhibition attenuates hepatic steatosis in rats with experimental Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a collection of symptoms caused by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol. Chronically elevated glucocorticoid (GC) levels contribute to hepatic steatosis. We hypothesized that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) could attenuate hepatic steatosis through glucocorticoid receptor (GR) acetylation in experimental CS. To induce CS, we administered adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 40 ng/kg/day) to Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous infusion with osmotic mini-pumps. We administered the HDACi, sodium valproate (VPA; 0.71% w/v), in the drinking water. Treatment with the HDACi decreased steatosis and the expression of lipogenic genes in the livers of CS rats. The enrichment of GR at the promoters of the lipogenic genes, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc), fatty acid synthase (Fasn), and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (Srebp1c), was markedly decreased by VPA. Pan-HDACi and an HDAC class I-specific inhibitor, but not an HDAC class II a-specific inhibitor, attenuated dexamethasone (DEX)-induced lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. The transcriptional activity of Fasn was decreased by pretreatment with VPA. In addition, pretreatment with VPA decreased DEX-induced binding of GR to the glucocorticoid response element (GRE). Treatment with VPA increased the acetylation of GR in ACTH-infused rats and DEX-induced HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that HDAC inhibition attenuates hepatic steatosis hrough GR acetylation in experimental CS.

Anti-Human Rhinovirus 1B Activity of Dexamethasone viaGCR-Dependent Autophagy Activation

OBJECTIVES: Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the major cause of the common cold. Currently there is no registered, clinically effective, antiviral chemotherapeutic agent to treat diseases caused by HRVs. In this study, the antiviral activity of dexamethasone (DEX) against HRV1B was examined. METHODS: The anti–HRV1B activity of DEX was assessed by sulforhodamine B assay in HeLa cells, and by RT-PCR in the lungs of HRV1B-infected mice. Histological evaluation of HRV1B-infected lungs was performed and a histological score was given. Anti-HRV1B activity of DEX via the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR)-dependent autophagy activation was assessed by blocking with chloroquine diphosphate salt or bafilomycin A1 treatment. RESULTS: In HRV1B-infected HeLa cells, treatment with DEX in a dose-dependent manner, resulted in a cell viability of > 70% indicating that HRV1B viral replication was reduced by DEX treatment. HRV1B infected mice treated with DEX, had evidence of reduced inflammation and a moderate histological score. DEX treatment showed antiviral activity against HRV1B via GCR-dependent autophagy activation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that DEX treatment showed anti-HRV1B activity via GCR-dependent autophagy activation in HeLa cells and HRV1B infected mice. Further investigation assessing the development of topical formulations may enable the development of improved DEX effectiveness.

Effects of SRSF9/SRp30c on proliferation and migration abilities of glio-ma cells by regulating GRβ / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the expression of serine-arginine-rich splicing factor 9/serine-arginine-rich protein 30c (SRSF9/SRp30c) and glucocorticoid receptor β(GRβ) in the glioma cells and the relationship of them. METHODS:Small interfering RNA ( siRNA) was used to knock down the expression of SRSF9 in the U87 cells.Short hairpin RNA ( shRNA) derived from lentivirus was used to establish U 87 stable knockdown cell line .Fluorescence micros-copy was used to observe and detect transfection efficiency .The expression of Grβand SRSF9/SRp30c at mRNA and pro-tein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot .The cell viability , colony formation ability and migration ability were measured by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and wound healing experiment .RESULTS:The mRNA and pro-tein levels of SRSF9/SRp30c and Grβin the U87 cells were both down-regulated after knockdown of SRSF9 (P<0.05). Fluorescence microscopic observation showed that a stable cell line was constructed successfully , and the transfection effi-ciency exceeded 80%.After knockdown of SRSF9 expression in the U87 cells, the cell viability and colony formation abili-ty were reduced (P<0.05).The migration ability was weakened significantly after SRSF9 was knocked down (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:SRSF9/SRp30c may promote the proliferation and migration of the glioma cells by regulating GRβ.

Preeclampsia alters the expression of HPA axis related genes in the hippocampus of offspring rats / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To explore the effect of preeclampsia on the expression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis related genesin the hippocampus of adolescent offspring rats.Methods The pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups to be given 125 mg · kg-1 ·d-1 L-NAME or 1 mL pure saline by daily injection from day 14 to delivery.Serum corticosterone (CORT) levels in neonatal offspring rats were detected by ELISA.The mRNA and protein levels of glucocorticoid receptor (GR),corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH),CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) and IL-6 in the hippocampus of 8-week offspring rats were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared with normal neonatal rats,the serum CORT concentration of neonatal rats with preeclampsia was increased (P＜0.05).Compared with normal adolescent offspring,the levels of GR,CRH and CRHR1 mRNA and protein were increased in the hippocampus of adolescent rats with preeclampsia (P＜0.05),accompanied by increased IL-6 mRNA and protein (P＜0.05),as a downstream inflammatory gene of the GR.Conclusions We found that adolescent SD rats exposed to preeclampsia showed alteration in the expression of HPA related genes in the hippocampus,which played a role in the impairment of learning and memory in children.

Effect of clarithromycin on expressions of HDAC2and GR in smoke-exposed asthmatic mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the effects of clarithromycin on the expressions of histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) of cigarette smoke-exposed asthmatic mice.Methods BALB/c mice were chosen to be the subjects of this study.They were raised to establish asthma model (OVA group);and mice in one asthma group were exposed to smoke (SEA group), one asthma group were treated with clarithromycin (CAM group) after smoke exposure.Control group mice were used as parallel comparison.The histopathological changes were studied to assess lung tissue inflammation.Cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were also tested for airway inflammation.Histone deacelytase2 (HDAC2) activity of lung tissues was measured by qRT-PCR.HDAC2 and GR expressions in the lung tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Histopathologic observation showed massive infiltration of inflammatory cells in both OVA group and SEA group, while inflammation infiltration attenuated in CAM group.Compared with those in CAM group, the levels of IL-4 and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of SEA group increased significantly (104.36±14.39 vs.65.49±10.82, 681.35±66.18 vs.321.49±90.37;P=0.031, 0.017).The expression of HDAC2 mRNA in CAM group was significantly higher than that in SEA group (0.062±0.013 vs.0.031±0.015, P=0.032).The expressions of HDAC2 protein (0.23±0.017 vs.0.49±0.022, P=0.033) and GR protein (0.19±0.014 vs.0.64±0.023, P=0.011) were significantly lower in SEA group than in CAM group.Conclusion Clarithromycin could attenuate airway inflammation in smoke-exposed asthmatic mice.The mechanism of action may be related to the expression of HDAC2 gene in the lower reaches by combining with GR.

Effects of SRSF9/SRp30c on proliferation and migration abilities of glio-ma cells by regulating GRβ / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the expression of serine-arginine-rich splicing factor 9/serine-arginine-rich protein 30c (SRSF9/SRp30c) and glucocorticoid receptor β(GRβ) in the glioma cells and the relationship of them. METHODS:Small interfering RNA ( siRNA) was used to knock down the expression of SRSF9 in the U87 cells.Short hairpin RNA ( shRNA) derived from lentivirus was used to establish U 87 stable knockdown cell line .Fluorescence micros-copy was used to observe and detect transfection efficiency .The expression of Grβand SRSF9/SRp30c at mRNA and pro-tein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot .The cell viability , colony formation ability and migration ability were measured by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and wound healing experiment .RESULTS:The mRNA and pro-tein levels of SRSF9/SRp30c and Grβin the U87 cells were both down-regulated after knockdown of SRSF9 (P<0.05). Fluorescence microscopic observation showed that a stable cell line was constructed successfully , and the transfection effi-ciency exceeded 80%.After knockdown of SRSF9 expression in the U87 cells, the cell viability and colony formation abili-ty were reduced (P<0.05).The migration ability was weakened significantly after SRSF9 was knocked down (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:SRSF9/SRp30c may promote the proliferation and migration of the glioma cells by regulating GRβ.