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ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury in mice. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， dexamethasone group， and low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups. Mice in the normal group were instilled with normal saline through the nose， and the other groups were instilled with normal saline containing LPS （50 μg）. After 30 minutes of modeling， the dexamethasone group was gavaged with 5 mg·kg-1 of dexamethasone acetate solution， the low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups were gavaged with different doses of （7， 14 g·kg-1） of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract， and the normal group and the model group were gavaged with the same volume of water. After 24 hours of modeling， the total number of white blood cells in bronchoalceolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected by cell counter， and the levels of the inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and myeloperoxidase （MPO） was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Haematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in each group， and the Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear transcription factor （NF）-κB p65， phosphorylation （p）-NF-κB p65， and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in lung tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was decreased （P<0.05）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was obvious， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the treatment group was decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was alleviated， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionZingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract may play a protective role in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Reflux esophagitis is an inflammatory disease of esophageal mucosa damage caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Its incidence is on the rise， and it has become an important precancerous disease of esophageal cancer. Studies have shown that the continuous inflammatory response stimulates the esophageal mucosa， causing abnormal proliferation of esophageal epithelial cells and damage to esophageal mucosal tissue， which eventually leads to the occurrence of heterogeneous hyperplasia and even carcinogenesis. The nuclear transcription factor-kappa B （NF-κB） signaling pathway is one of the most classical inflammatory and cancer signaling pathways. It has been found that abnormal activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is crucial to the development and prognosis of reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer. It is widely involved in the proliferation， autophagy， apoptosis， and inflammatory response of esophageal epithelial cells and tumor cells， accelerating the transformation of reflux esophagitis to esophageal cancer and making it a potential target for the treatment of reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer. Currently， there is no specific treatment for reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer， and large side effects often appear. Therefore， finding a promising and safe drug remains a top priority. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine scholars have conducted a lot of research on NF-κB signaling pathway， and the results indicate that NF-κB signaling pathway is an important potential target for traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer， but there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic elaboration. Therefore， this paper summarized the relevant studies in recent years， analyzed the relationship among NF-κB signaling pathway， reflux esophagitis， esophageal cancer， and transformation from inflammation to cancer， and reviewed the research literature on the regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer， so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of reflux esophagitis and esophageal cancer.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of glycyrrhizin （GL） on Helicobacter pylori （HP）-associated gastritis in rats and its mechanism. METHODS HP-associated gastritis rat model was induced by inoculating with 1×109 cfu/mL HP. The model rats were randomly divided into model group， positive control group （HP standard quadruple group）， GL low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （5， 20， 50 mg/kg）， with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 healthy rats were selected as normal control group. Except the normal control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically， the other groups were given corresponding drugs intragastrically， once a day， for 30 consecutive days. After administration， rats received 13C urea breath test， and delta-over-baseline （DOB） was recorded； the pathological and cellular morphological changes of gastric mucosa in rats were observed， and pathological scoring was performed； the levels of interleukin-8 （IL-8）， IL-1β， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， reactive oxygen species （ROS） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected in gastric mucosa of rats； mRNA expressions of high mobility group box-1 protein （HMGB1） and nuclear factor-κ-B （NF-κB）， relative expressions of nitric oxide synthases （iNOS） and HMGB1， the phosphorylation level of NF- κBp65 were also detected in rats. RESULTS Compared with normal control group， the DOB value， histopathological score of gastric mucosa， the levels of IL-8， IL-1β， TNF-α， ROS and MDA， relative expressions of HMGB1 and NF- κB mRNA， relative expressions of iNOS and HMGB1 protein and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 were all increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05）； the epithelial cells of gastric mucosa in rats were incomplete in structure and decreased in the number， with an increase in cell fragments and vacuoles， and significant cell pyknosis. Compared with model group， the changes of the above indexes in GL groups and positive control group were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）； the changes in the above indicators in the GL high-dose group were more significant than GL low-dose and medium-dose groups （P＜0.05）； the pathological changes of gastric mucosal cells in rats had all improved. CONCLUSIONS GL may inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting the activation of HMGB1/NF-κB pathway， thus relieving HP-induced gastric mucosal injury.
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@#Objective To study the effect of ankyrin repeat domain 49(ANKRD49)on the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line NCI-H1299 and its mechanism.Methods NCI-H1299 cells were infected with lentivirus vector carrying ANKRD49 gene and shRNA targeting ANKRD49 to construct the cell models stably overexpressing and knocking down ANKRD49. Meanwhile,the control cell models infected with empty lentivirus vector and lentivirus vector with scramble sequences were constructed respectively. The expression levels of ANKRD49 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. The effect of ANKRD49 on cell migration was measured by scratch test. The mRNA and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2/9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-1/2 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. The protein expression levels of p65,p-p65,IκBα and p-IκBα were detected by Western blot.Results The levels of ANKRD49 mRNA and protein in the ANKRD49 overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t = 70. 02 and 45. 68,respectively,each P < 0. 001). Compared with the control group,the migration ability of cells in the ANKRD49 overexpression group significantly increased at 24 h and 48 h(t = 5. 343 and 3. 282,P = 0. 005 9 and 0. 030 4,respectively);The mRNA transcription levels and protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly increased(t = 9. 304 and 6. 193,P =0. 000 7 and 0. 003 5,respectively),while the mRNA and protein expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 decreased significantly(t = 3. 858 and 3. 517,P = 0. 018 2 and 0. 024 5,respectively),and the values of MMP-2/TIMP-1 and MMP-9/TIMP-2 significantly increased(t = 17. 7 and 9. 682,P < 0. 001 and < 0. 01,respectively);The expression of p-p65 and pIκBα significantly increased,the total protein levels of p65 and IκBα showed no obvious change,and the values of p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα significantly increased(t = 3. 962 and 5. 370,P = 0. 016 7 and 0. 005 8,respectively). However,knocking down of ANKRD49 presented the opposite results.Conclusion ANKRD49 promotes the migration of NCI-H1299cells by enhan-cing the expression of MMP-2/9,the values of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 via activating NF-κB/p65 signa-ling pathway.
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Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect of sulforaphane on inflammatory response and airway remodeling in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods Seventy-five SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,and the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of sulforaphane,with 15 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,the COPD model was prepared in the remaining group using aroma smoke inhalation combined with intratracheal droplet lipopolysaccharide(LPS)method.After the successful modelling,the rats were administered the drug by gavage for 28 days.At the end of the administration,the general conditions of the rats in each group were observed,and the lung function[forced vital capacity(FVC),peak expiratory flow-rate(PEF),forceful expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1)]was examined,and the pathological changes of the lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining method,and the indexes of airway remodeling(thickness of the bronchial wall,thickness of the smooth muscle)were measured;the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to examine the lung function of the rats.The levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β)]were detected in lung tissue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and changes in the protein expressions of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88),and nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)were detected in lung tissue by Western Blot.Results(1)The rats in the model group had dry and lack of glossy fur,obvious coughing and nose scratching,shortness of breath,slow movement,and preferred to arch their backs and lie curled up;the rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of sulforaphane showed significant improvement in shortness of breath,coughing,and other abnormal manifestations.(2)HE staining showed that the airway wall and smooth muscle of rats in the model group were thickened,the airway epithelium was damaged,and alveolar destruction,fusion,and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells were seen;the histopathological changes in the lungs of rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of sulforaphane improved to varying degrees,with the airway wall becoming thinner,the degree of alveolar destruction being reduced,and the infiltration of inflammatory cells being reduced.(3)Compared with the normal group,FVC,PEF and FEV1 were significantly reduced in the model group(P＜0.05),and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β,bronchial wall thickness,smooth muscle thickness,and the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB were significantly increased in the model group(P＜0.05);and in comparison with the model group,the levels of FVC,PEF,and FEV1 were significantly increased in the rats in the sulforaphane low-,medium-,and high-dose groups(P＜0.05),and the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,bronchial wall thickness,smooth muscle thickness,and the expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB were significantly decreased(P＜0.05)compared with the model group.Conclusion Sulforaphane helps to inhibit the inflammatory response,attenuate airway remodeling,and improve the pathological injury and lung function of lung tissue in rats with COPD,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB protein expressions.
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Objective To observe the regulatory mechanism of drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription based on qi and blood replenishing method on the expression of growth and differentiation factor 9(GDF9)and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rats with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH).Methods Serum of COH rats(blank serum)and serum of COH rats gavaged by the Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription were prepared.A COH rat model was established and ovarian granulosa cells were collected.The experiment was divided into 5 groups:blank serum group,drug-containing serum group,drug-containing serum+SB203580[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)inhibitor]group,drug-containing serum + PDTC[nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)inhibitor]group,drug-containing serum + SB203580 + PDTC group.The mRNA expression levels of p38MAPK,casein kinase 2(CK2),nuclear transcription factor κB inhibitor α(IκBα),NF-κB and GDF9 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and GDF9 protein expression level was detected by Western Blot,and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL).Results The drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription decreased the mRNA expressions of p38MAPK and NF-κB,elevated the mRNA expressions of CK2 and IκBα,increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of GDF9,and decreased the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in COH rats.The addition of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 alone and the addition of NF-κB inhibitor PDTC alone both promoted the mRNA and protein expressions of GDF9 and reduced the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells.Conclusion The drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription based on qi and blood replenishing method can promote the expression of GDF9 and inhibit the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rats with COH,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of genes of the dual signaling pathways of p38MAPK and NF-κB.
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Aim To investigate the mechanism of curcumin inhibition of oxidative stress on osteogenic differentiation and its dose-dependent anti-osteoporosis effect. Methods Cellular oxidative stress models were used, different concentrations of curcumin were added to determinethebone formation markers, and the potential signaling pathways involvedwere detected. Meanwhile, the mouse model of osteoporosis ( ovariecto- mized, 0VX) was used to confirm its effect against osteoporosis. Results In vitro experiments found that low concentrations of curcumin (1-10 μmol · L
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yiqi Tongxin formula （YQTM） on liver inflammation in apolipoprotein E-∕- （ApoE-∕-） mice by regulating the nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway. MethodForty ApoE-∕- mice were randomly divided into a model group， an atorvastatin group （positive drug group）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose YQTM groups （0.39， 0.78， 1.56 g·kg-1）. Each drug administration group was given the corresponding concentration of the drug by gavage on the basis of high-fat feeding for 12 consecutive weeks. Eight C57BL/6J mice were used as a blank group and fed with normal chow. After 12 weeks， oil red O staining and Masson staining were used to observe the aortic lesions in mice and to determine whether the modeling was successful. Oil red O staining was used to observe the lipidosis in the livers of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the tissue lesions in the livers of mice. Masson staining was used to observe the distribution of collagen fibers in the livers of mice. Enzyme markers were used to detect the total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein （LDL-C）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） in mouse serum， as well as total cholesterol （TC） and triglyceride （TG） in the liver. Interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-18 were detected in mouse liver by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was utilized to observe the expression regions of NF-κB and NLRP3 in the livers of mice. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of NF-κB， NF-κB inhibitory protein （IκB）， IκB kinase β （IKKβ）， phosphorylated NF-κB （p-NF-κB）， phosphorylated IκB （p-IκB）， phosphorylated IKK β （p-IKKβ）， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in the livers of mice. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed severe aortic lipidosis， and the intracellular fat droplets in the livers aggregated in large quantities. The cytoplasm was filled with fat vacuoles（P<0.01）. The serum levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， AST， and ALT were significantly elevated in the mice（P<0.01）. TG and TC levels were elevated in the liver（P<0.01）. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in liver tissue， as well as the protein expression levels of NF-κB， IκB， IKKβ， p-NF-κB， p-IκB， p-IKKβ， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in the liver were significantly elevated（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the aortic arch plaques of mice in each YQTM group were attenuated， and the fat aggregation in the liver was reduced. The inflammatory cell infiltration was alleviated（P<0.05，P<0.01）. The serum levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， AST， and ALT were significantly reduced（P<0.05，P<0.01）. TG and TC levels in the liver were reduced. The IL-1β and IL-18 levels in liver tissue， as well as protein expression levels of NF-κB， IκB， IKKβ， p-NF-κB， p-IκB， p-IKKβ， NLRP3， and Caspase-1 in the liver were significantly reduced（P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionThe intervention mechanism of YQTM on liver inflammation in ApoE-∕- mice may be related to the down-regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
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【Objective】 To investigate the influence of matrine (MT) on the balance of T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) in rats with inflammatory bowel disease by regulating interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. 【Methods】 SD rats were grouped into control check group (CK group), model group, low-dose MT group (MT-L group, 50 mg/kg), medium-dose MT group (MT-M group, 100 mg/kg), high-dose MT group (MT-H group, 200 mg/kg), mesalazine group (MSLM group, 0.42 g/kg), and MT-H+rIL-6 (IL-6 activator) group (200 mg/kg+0.05 mg/kg) according to the random number table method, with 18 in each group. Except for the CK group, the rats in other groups all received with 5% trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (20 mg/kg) buffer solution mixed with 50% ethanol at a ratio of 1∶1 and then enema to construct a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease. After the successful modeling, they were treated with drug administration once a day for 7 weeks. The body weight of rats was measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 weeks of administration; the changes of colon length of rats in each group were compared; HE staining was used to detect the pathological damage of rat colon tissue; the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 in serum of rats were detected by ELISA; the proportions of Th17 and Treg cells in peripheral blood of rats were detected by flow cytometry; Western blottingt was performed to detect the protein expression of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3), IL-6, p-STAT3, and p-NF-κB p65 in rat colon tissue. 【Results】 Compared with the CK group, the colon tissue of the model group was severely damaged by pathology, and the body weight (at 3, 5, and 7 weeks), the level of IL-10, the proportion of Treg cell, and the expression of Foxp3 protein were decreased, the colon length shortened, the levels of TNF-α, IL-17, the proportions of Th17 cell, Th17/Treg ratio, and the protein expression of RORγt, IL-6, p-STAT3, and p-NF-κB p65 increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the corresponding indicators of the MT-L group, MT-M group, MT-H group, and MSLM group had the opposite trends (P<0.05); rIL-6 attenuated the promoting effect of high-dose MT on Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel disease rats. 【Conclusion】 MT may promote Th17/Treg balance in inflammatory bowel disease rats by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Qihong Tongluo prescription on vascular endothelial cells in rats with deep venous thrombosis （DVT）. MethodSixty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group （n=11） and a modeling group （n=55）. The DVT model was induced in rats of the modeling group by slowing down blood flow and damaging vascular endothelium. The model rats were randomly divided into model group， aspirin group （200 mg·kg-1）， and low-，medium-， and high-dose Qihong Tongluo prescription groups （6.5， 13， 26 g·kg-1） according to a random number table. Rats were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage， while those in the model group and the blank group received normal saline， once per day for 7 days. The rats were sacrificed and the abdominal aortic blood was taken. The levels of serum endothelin-1 （ET-1） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in vascular endothelial tissues. The ultrastructure of vascular endothelial cells was observed by the transmission electron microscope. The viability of vascular endothelial cells was detected by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide （MTT） method，and the release level of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） was detected by the LDH kit. The messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） expression of platelet-activating factor （PAF），nuclear transcription factor κB （NF-κB），Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 （Rac1）， and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 （Rac2） in vascular endothelial tissues were detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1， and Rac2 in vascular endothelial tissues was detected by Western blot. ResultThe model group showed seriously damaged and swollen vascular endothelial cells with massive shedding， attachment of massive inflammatory cells， nucleus pyknosis and deformation under the electron microscope， highly swollen mitochondria， serious cytoplasmic vacuolation，and exposure of internal elastic membrane. The damage of vascular endothelium and its ultrastructure in Qihong Tongluo prescription groups and the aspirin group was improved in varying degrees. Compared with the blank group，the model group showed increased levels of serum ET-1 and IL-6，potentiated vascular endothelial cell viability， up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1， and Rac2 in vascular endothelial tissues，and decreased LDH release level of vascular endothelial cells （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group，the aspirin group and the Qihong Tongluo prescription groups showed decreased levels of serum ET-1 and IL-6，blunted vascular endothelial cell viability，down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1， and Rac2 in vascular endothelial tissues，and increased LDH release level of vascular endothelial cells （P<0.05）. The effect of Qihong Tongluo prescription was dose-dependent. ConclusionQihong Tongluo prescription has a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells of DVT rats and can prevent and treat thrombosis，and its therapeutic effect is presumably achieved by inhibiting the expression of PAF，NF-κB，Rac1，and Rac2 and reducing the levels of serum ET-1 and IL-6.
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ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of Xielitang on ulcerative colitis （UC） mice induced by dextran sodium sulfate （DSS） and its possible mechanism. MethodSixty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， sulfasalazine group and and low-， medium-， and high-dose Xielitang groups. Free drinking DSS solution to build the chronic UC model mice. Except for normal group， other groups were given 1.5% DSS for 3 cycles of drinking （days 1-7， days 22-28 and days 43-49） and distilled water for the rest of the time （days 8-21， days 29-42 and days 50-63）. After the first cycle， corresponding drugs were given for 42 days. The changes of general condition， body weight and disease activity index （DAI） score of mice were daily recorded during the experiment. At the end of the treatment， serum and colon tissue samples were collected， colon length was measured， intestinal weight index and colonic mucosal injury （CMDI） score were calculated. The pathological status of colon tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-10 （IL-10） and tumour necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The gene and protein expressions of Toll like receptor 4 （TLR4）， nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in colon tissue was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the body weight， colon length and IL-10 content in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， DAI score， intestinal weight index， CMDI score， IL-6 and TNF-α contents， and mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4， NF-κB and HIF-1α in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Moreover， the structure of colonic mucosa was destroyed and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with model group， body weight， colon length and IL-10 content in each dose group of Xielitang were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， DAI score， intestinal weight index and CMDI score， IL-6 and TNF-α contents， mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4， NF-κB and HIF-1α were notably decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The pathological injury of colon was obviously alleviated. ConclusionXielitang can significantly improve the inflammatory response of UC mice induced by DSS， and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Flemiphilippinin D on collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） in rats and explore its mechanism. MethodForty rats were randomly divided into normal group， CIA group， methotrexate （MTX） group （1.35 mg·kg-1）， low-dose Flemiphilippinin D group （1.5 mg·kg-1）， and high-dose Flemiphilippinin D group （3.0 mg·kg-1）， with eight rats in each group. Except for the normal group， the CIA model was induced by type Ⅱ collagen. Each group was given corresponding liquid medicine or normal saline， once a week in the MTX group， and once a day in the Flemiphilippinin D groups for a total of 28 days. The arthritis score and joint swelling degree of rats were experimentally recorded. Pathological changes in the ankle joint of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， IL-8， and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay （ELISA）， and the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 2 （TLR2）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， and nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） p65 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein expressions of TLR2， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the ankle joint of the CIA group was significantly swollen， and the clinical score of arthritis and the degree of joint swelling were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The ankle joint tissue structure was significantly damaged， and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels and protein levels of TLR2， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Compared with the CIA group， arthritis clinical score and joint swelling of rats in each administration group were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the pathological changes in the ankle joint were significantly improved. The contents of serum IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA levels and protein levels of TLR2， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the ankle joint were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTo a certain extent， Flemiphilippinin D can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in rheumatoid arthritis rats and play a good therapeutic effect. It works perhaps by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and thus shows an anti-inflammatory effect.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dendrobii Caulis mixture on cell inflammatory response and apoptosis in diabetic rat with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD） and its possible mechanism. MethodForty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group and model group of type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM） with NAFLD according to body weight. The model was established by high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin（STZ）， which was randomly divided into the model group， Dendrobii Caulis mixture group（16.67 g·kg-1·d-1） and metformin group（100 mg·kg-1·d-1） according to blood glucose and body weight， and 10 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered by continuous gavage for 4 weeks， the blank and model groups were given saline by gavage at 10 mL·kg-1·d-1. Fasting blood glucose（FBG）， serum insulin（INS）， glycosylated serum protein（GSP）， triglyceride（TG）， total cholesterol（TC）， high density lipoprotein（HDL-C）， low density lipoprotein（LDL-C）， alanine aminotransferase（ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase（AST） were detected in each group of rats. The liver tissues of rats in each group were stained with hematoxylin-eosin（HE） to observe the pathological changes， and the positive expressions of nuclear transcription factor（NF）-κB， NOD-like receptor heat protein structural domain-related protein 3（NLRP3）， interleukin（IL）-1β and tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α were observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-2（Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein（Bax）， Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65， NLRP3， IL-1β， TNF-α in liver tissue of rats in each group. ResultCompared with the blank group， FBG， GSP， TC， TG， LDL-C， AST and ALT levels were increased， INS and HDL-C levels were decreased， Bax， Caspase-3， NLRP3， IL-1β， TNF-α protein and mRNA expression were increased in model group， the ratio of p-NF-κB/NF-κB protein increased， the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA decreased， and the positive immunohistochemical expression of NF-κB， NLRP3， IL-1β and TNF-α increased， and the differences were statistically significant（P<0.01）. The morphological structure of the liver was disrupted， and obvious fat vacuoles were seen. Compared with the model group， FBG， GSP， TC， TG， LDL-C， AST and ALT levels of Dendrobii Caulis mixture group and metformin group were decreased， INS and HDL-C levels were increased， and protein and mRNA expressions of Bax， Caspase-3， NLRP3， IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased， the protein ratio of p-NF-κB/NF-κB decreased， the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA increased， and the positive immunohistochemical expressions of NF-κB， NLRP3， IL-1β and TNF-α decreased， and the differences were statistically significant（P<0.01）. The liver morphology and structure were relatively complete， and the fat vacuoles were reduced. ConclusionDendrobii Caulis mixture can inhibit cell apoptosis， reduce inflammatory response and alleviate liver injury in rats with T2DM and NAFLD， the mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway， blocking the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles， reducing IL-1β secretion， attenuating Caspase-3 activity and reducing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.
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Objective:To investigate whether salidroside (SAL) improves lung tissue injury in rats with severe pneumonia (SP) through mediating toll-like receptor 4/nuclear transcription factor-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3) signaling pathway.Methods:Seventy-five Wistar rats were used in this study. Fifteen of them were randomly selected as the sham operation group, and the others were induced by endotracheal infusion of Klebsiella pneumoniae ( Kp) suspension to construct a rat model of SP. After modeling, the rats were randomly divided into four groups with 15 rats in each group: model group, low-dose SAL group (30 mg/kg), high-dose SAL group (60 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (DXMS, 15 mg/kg) group. The sham operation group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline for seven consecutive days. The wet-dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissues in each group was detected. HE and TUNEL staining methods were used to observe the morphology of lung tissues and cell apoptosis. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA. The expression of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor (MyD88), NF-κBp65, phosphorylated NF-κBp65 (p-NF-κBp65) and NLRP3 at protein level in lung tissues was detected by Western blot. Results:The rat model of SP was successfully constructed by endotracheal infusion of Kp suspension. Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed more severe edema of lung tissues, increased W/D value ( P<0.05), loose and incomplete alveolar structure, edema of alveolar wall and thickened alveolar wall, massive inflammatory cell infiltration, increased apoptosis rate as well as higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 and lower lover of IL-10 in BALF. Moreover, the relative expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65 and NLRP3 at protein level in lung tissues was increased in the model group ( P<0.05). Gradually improved pathological injury of lung tissues, decreased W/D value ( P<0.05), recovered alveolar structure, reduced alveolar wall edema and decreased cell apoptosis rate were observed in the low-dose and high-dose SAL groups as well as the DXMS group as compared with those of the model group. Besides, the three groups also showed decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 and increased level of IL-10 in BALF, and inhibited expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65 and NLRP3 at protein level in lung tissues ( P<0.05). DXMS performed better in improving lung injury in rats with SP, followed by high and low doses of SAL ( P<0.05). Conclusions:SAL could reduce cell apoptosis and improve the Kp-induced lung injury in rats. The mechanism might be related to the blockage of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway activation and inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.
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Aim To investigate the effect of quercetin (Que) on secretory otitis media (SOM) rats and its mechanism. Methods Forty-eight male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into control group (control), model group (model), Que group (100 mg • kg
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Aim To explore the regulatory effect of Cangfudaotan Decoction on the ovarian Toll receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor kBp65 (NF-κB p65) signaling pathway in obese PCOS-IR rats. Methods Forty-eight female rats were randomly divided into normal group (n = 8) and model group (n = 40). The obese PCOS-IR rats were established by letrozole (1 mg · kg
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Objective @#To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the feedback regulation of single immunoglobin interleukin-1 related receptor ( SIGIRR) expression by the nuclear factor kappa-κB ( NF-κB) in human renal tubular epithelial cells ( HKC) ．@*Methods @#The pLNCX2-G418-SIGIRR overexpression vector was constructed by molecular cloning，and the SIGIRR overexpression cells and control cells were constructed by infecting HKC cells after packaging with PT67 cells．Using IL-1 β induction，Western blot verified that overexpression of SIGIRR inhibited NF-κB activation．After using NF-κB blocker and interfering with NF-κB activity ，immunofluorescence assay verified that activated NF-κB regulated SIGIRR expression． Online tools predicted the presence of NF-κB binding sites in the SIGIRR promoter region．The SIGIRR promoter sequence containing the binding site was obtained from within human genomic DNA by molecular cloning，ligated to the luciferase vector pGL3-Luc，constructed pGL3-Luc-SIGIRR , and mutated the binding site．The luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunopre- cipitation technique ( ChIP) were used to jointly verify that activated NF-κB could bind to the SIGIRR promoter region to regulate SIGIRR gene expression. @*Results @#The results showed that the constructed pLNCX2-G418-SIGIRR retroviral vector was verified by enzymatic digestion and sequencing to be identical to the coding sequence of the SIGIRR gene for comparison，the recombinant and control vectors were transferred into HKC cells after viral packaging，and the HKC / SIGIRR experimental and HKC / Co control cell lines were successfully constructed at the mRNA and protein levels of SIGIRR expression differences were statistically significant (P＜0．05，P＜0. 001) ．Overexpression of SIGIRR cell groups reduced IL-1 β-induced NF-κB activation compared to control cells (P＜0. 001) . SIGIRR expression was downregulated after inhibition of NF-κB activation and interference with NF-κB expression. After extracting human genomic DNA ，the SIGIRR target promoter sequence was obtained by molecular cloning method and linked to the vector，and the pGL3-Luc-SIGIRR luciferase vector was successfully constructed and targeted to mutate the vector，which was verified to be identical to the target sequence by digestion and sequencing. The luciferase reporter gene assay and CHIP assay confirmed that NF-κB could bind to SIGIRR promoter region and regulate SIGIRR expression．@*Conclusion@#It has been verified that SIGIRR can influence the activation of NF-κB in HKC cells，and activated NF-κB can bind to the promoter region of SIGIRR and regulate the gene expression changes of SIGIRR , forming a feedback system to control the over-activation of NF-κB.
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ObjectiveTo clarify the intervention effect of Osteoking （OK） in rats with myofascial pain syndrome （MPS） and preliminarily explore the pharmacological mechanism of OK in relieving chronic pain from the perspective of anti-inflammatory disease. MethodThe 60 SD rats were divided into normal group， model group， low， medium， and high dose OK groups （0.66， 1.31， 2.63 mL·kg-1）， and positive celecoxib group （21 mg·kg-1）. The MPS rat model was established by beating combined with the centrifugal exercise method， and the OK and celecoxib were given at the same time. SMALGO paw pressure pain manometer detected the shock pain point tenderness threshold of rats， and the Von-Frey needle and acetone stimulation method detected the mechanical hyperalgesia threshold and cold hyperalgesia stimulation response respectively. Eight weeks and 10 weeks after modeling， the spontaneous discharge state and convulsion response of MPS rats were determined by electromyograph （EMG） instrument. The gait changes of MPS rats were detected using a CatWalk gait analyzer. The expression levels of interleukin-1 β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， substance P （SP）， and bradykinin （BK） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein expression levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） inhibiting protein α （IκBα）， phosphorylates （p）- IκBα， NF-κB p65， and p-NF-κB p65 were detected in MPS rats by Western blot. The positive expression of p-NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group shows 100% positive rates for EMG signal and local convulsions response at both the 8th and 10th weeks. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold are significantly reduced. Cold hyperalgesia score is significantly increased， and gait is abnormal. The expression levels of serum and trigger points IL-1β， TNF-α， SP， BK， p-IκBα， and p-NF-κB p65， as well as the positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 are significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the positive rate of EMG detection and local convulsion response is significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups （P<0.05）. The tenderness threshold and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold increase significantly in the medium and high dose OK groups， and the cold hyperalgesia score is significantly reduced in the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. The standing time， swing time， and walking period are significantly increased. The swing speed， maximum contact area， and maximum contact intensity are significantly decreased in the high dose OK group （P<0.05）. Moreover， the protein expression levels of p-IκBα/IκBα and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 are significantly reduced in the medium and high dose OK groups （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The positive expression intensity of p-NF-κB p65 is significantly decreased in the high dose OK group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe mechanism of OK in relieving the pain in trigger points of MPS and improving gait abnormalities is related to the downregulation of the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and pain mediators in blood and trigger point tissue.
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ObjectiveTo explore the action mechanism of Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang on the treatment of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury （ALI） in mice. MethodTraditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， GeneCards， DisGeNET， and Herb databases were combined with clinical data from Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） to screen the key targets of Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang in the treatment of ALI. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed to screen the core targets， and gene ontology （GO） and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The mouse ALI model was established by LPS induction to verify the effect and key targets of Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang on the treatment of ALI. The expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， nuclear transcription factor-κB p65 （NF-κB p65）， and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （NF-κB p-p65） in lung tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultThe analysis showed that the treatment of ALI with Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang was related to 10 core targets such as interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and JUN， involving TNF signaling pathway， Toll-like receptor signaling pathway， NF-κB signaling pathway， etc. The animal experimental results show that Linggan Wuwei Jiangxintang can reduce lung injury， improve the pathological state of ALI mice， significantly reduce the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum， increase the activity of total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） and catalase （CAT） in lung tissue， and reduce the expression levels of JUN， TLR4， NF-κB p65， and NF-κB p-p65 proteins in lung tissue. ConclusionLinggan Wuwei Jiangxintang can inhibit LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative damage in ALI mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and the reduction of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6.
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Objective:To investigate the role of nuclear transcription factor Gli1/Gli2 of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in the hepatic epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of biliary atresia mice caused by Rhesus rotavirus (RRV) infection.Methods:The biliary atresia model in mice was generated by RRV infection.Mice were divided into normal group, model group, Gli1 overexpression group, Gli1 shRNA group, Gli2 overexpression group and Gli2 shRNA group.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of regulatory factors for EMT (Snail/Slug) and characteristic cytokines of EMT [Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), E-cadherin] in mouse liver tissues.Additionally, hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to calculate the percentage of liver fibrous tissue expression area.The data were analyzed by One- Way ANOVA and LSD- t test. Results:The relative mRNA expression of Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and E-cadherin in Gli2 overexpression group, Gli2 shRNA group and model group were 15.13±3.40, 5.48±0.46, 8.78±1.06, 12.40±2.18 and 3.06±0.53; 3.73±1.16, 5.62±1.75, 3.56±1.06, 3.88±1.16 and 10.51±1.83; 8.13±1.27, 5.32±0.98, 5.05±0.98, 4.02±0.77 and 5.12±1.60.Compared with those of the model group, mRNA levels of Snail, Vimentin and α-SMA were significantly higher in Gli2 overexpression group, while that of E-cadherin was significantly lower( t=4.53, 5.29, 8.12, -2.13; all P<0.05); compared with those of the model group, mRNA levels of Snail and Vimentin in Gli2 shRNA group significantly decreased, while that of E-cadherin significantly increased( t=-2.86, -2.12, 5.62; all P<0.05). In Gli2 overexpression group, Gli2 shRNA group and model group, the protein levels of Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and E-cadherin were 2.02±0.39, 0.31±0.08, 0.95±0.17, 1.07±0.17 and 0.42±0.06; 0.53±0.13, 0.40±0.18, 0.20±0.04, 0.28±0.07 and 1.09±0.31; 0.70±0.15, 0.42±0.22, 0.64±0.13, 0.81±0.11 and 0.42±0.09.Compared with those of the model group, protein levels of Snail, Vimentin and α-SMA were significantly higher in Gli2 overexpression group( t=12.71, 4.28, 3.70; all P<0.05); compared with those of the model group, protein levels of Vimentin and α-SMA in Gli2 shRNA group significantly decreased, while that of E-cadherin significantly increased( t=-6.14, -7.57, 5.96; all P<0.05). However, no significant change trend were detected in expression levels of characteristic cytokines of EMT between Gli1 overexpression group and Gli1 shRNA group.The area percentage of liver fiber expression in normal group, model group, Gli1 overexpression group, Gli1 shRNA group, Gli2 overexpression group and Gli2 shRNA group were (1.03±0.58)%, (33.02±11.39)%, (39.81±5.67)%, (26.06±1.29)%, (49.81±8.57)% and (17.55±0.66)%, respectively.Besides, in terms of percentage of area expressed in liver fiber tissue, the Gli2 overexpression group and Gli2 shRNA group were statistically significant compared with the model group( t=3.21, -2.96; all P<0.05), while the Gli1 overexpression group and Gli1 shRNA group were not statistically significant compared with the model group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The Shh signaling pathway plays an important role in liver fibrosis in mice with biliary atresia.Gli2, a key transcription factor of Shh signaling pathway, can significantly regulate liver EMT process in mice with biliary atresi.