褪黑素对AD模型小鼠脑内小胶质细胞的影响

目的探讨褪黑素对APP/PS1转基因AD模型小鼠脑内小胶质细胞和炎症细胞因子COX-2的抑制效应。方法 AD转基因小鼠随机分为褪黑素处理组和对照组。14 d后,取海马通过免疫荧光化学染色检测小胶质细胞、老年斑位置情况;Western blot、ELISA方法分别检测CD11b、COX-2的变化;Western blot检测炎症信号通路TLR/NF-κB的变化。结果免疫荧光化学显示,老年斑周围有大量活化的小胶质细胞聚集;Western blot、ELISA结果显示褪黑素组小鼠脑内CD11b、COX-2表达显著减少;褪黑素组小鼠TLR/NF-κB炎症信号通路的TLR2、NF-κB-p65表达减少。结论褪黑素可能通过抑制TLR/NF-κB炎症信号通路来抑制小胶质细胞活化并抑制炎症细胞因子COX-2的分泌。     

Ghrelin Inhibits High Glucose-Induced PC12 Cell Apoptosis by Regulating TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Ghrelin has a protective effect on diabetic encephalopathy. To expound the protective mechanism, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on high glucose-induced cell apoptosis and intracellular signaling in cultured PC12, which is a suitable model for studying neuronal cell death. High glucose-induced PC12 apoptosis was significantly inhibited by co-treatment of ghrelin. Sustaining inflammatory response is one of the molecular mechanisms of diabetic encephalopathy and TLR4 signaling has close relationship with inflammatory response. But there is no report about the biologic role of toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling in controlling high glucose-induced PC12 apoptosis by ghrelin. In this study, we found that TLR4/NF-κB pathway was activated by high glucose stimulation in PC12 and significantly alleviated by the co-treatment of ghrelin. From these findings, we made the conclusion that ghrelin could attenuate the symptoms of diabetic encephalopathy, which alleviates inflammatory reaction of diabetic encephalopathy by regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway.     

黄芪甲苷通过toll样受体4/核因子κB通路介导辐射所致肾损伤的防护作用

目的 探讨黄芪甲苷(AS-Ⅳ)是否通过toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子κB(NF-KB)介导的信号通路对辐射诱导肾脏损伤起到保护作用.方法 将小鼠分为正常对照组、DMSO溶剂组、辐射组(IR)、IR+AS-Ⅳ20 mg/kg组和IR+AS-Ⅳ 40 mg/kg组.小鼠给予AS-Ⅳ腹腔注射1个月后,以8Gy的60Co...     

匹诺塞林缓解大鼠肝细胞系BRL-3A低氧/复氧损伤

目的探讨匹诺塞林(PIN)对低氧/复氧(H/R)诱导的大鼠肝细胞损伤的保护作用及其可能机制。方法将大鼠肝细胞(BRL-3A细胞系)分为正常对照组、PIN实验组、低氧复氧损伤模型组和PIN预处理组。CCK-8检测细胞存活率;Annexin V-FITC/PI双染法流式细胞计量术检测细胞凋亡;检测细胞培养液中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活性;ELISA检测TNF-α和IL-1β含量;Western blot检测细胞中TLR4、IκB-α和NF-κB P65蛋白水平;RT-q PCR检测细胞中TLR4、IκB-α和NF-κB P65mRNA表达。结果在H/R条件下细胞存活率明显降低(P0.01),细胞凋亡率增高(P0.001),ALT活性升高(P0.01),IL-1β和TNF-α含量增多(P0.01),TLR4和NF-κB P65蛋白与mRNA表达水平显著提高(P0.01)而IκB-α降低(P0.05);经PIN预处理后,细胞存活率显著提高(P0.01),细胞凋亡率显著减小(P0.001),ALT活性降低(P0.01),IL-1β和TNF-α含量降低(P0.01),TLR4和NF-κB P65蛋白与mRNA表达水平明显降低(P0.01)而IκB-α升高(P0.05)。结论 PIN对H/R诱导的BRL-3A肝细胞的损伤具有保护作用,且该作用可能是通过TLR4/NF-κB信号通路实现的。     

LPS激活TLR4抑制BMP9诱导iMEFs成骨分化

目的研究脂多糖(LPS)激活的Toll样受体4(TLR4)信号对骨形态发生蛋白9(BMP9)诱导永生化小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞(i MEFs)成骨分化的影响。方法细胞免疫荧光检测TLR4/NF-κB信号通路的激活;LPS,BAY11-7082和BMP9处理iMEFs,ALP染色和活性检测i MEFs早期成骨分化能力;茜素红S染色检测晚期成骨分化能力;半定量PCR和Western blot检测晚期成骨基因OCN和OPN表达;Western blot检测Smad1/5/8磷酸化水平;半定量PCR和Western blot检测成骨关键转录因子Runx2和Dlx5的表达。结果 LPS成功激活TLR4/NF-κB信号通路;LPS抑制BMP9诱导的ALP染色和活性(P0.01)、钙盐沉积、OCN的mRNA和蛋白质表达(P0.05)、OPN的mRNA(P0.01)和蛋白质(P0.05)表达、Smad1/5/8信号通路激活(P0.01)、Runx2的mRNA和蛋白质表达(P0.05)、Dlx5的mRNA(P0.01)和蛋白质(P0.05)表达,BAY11-7082可以部分逆转LPS的抑制作用(P0.05)。结论 LPS激活TLR4可以通过NF-κB信号通路抑制BMP9诱导的iMEFs成骨分化。     

LPS对大鼠脊髓背角星形胶质细胞CXCL1和CCL2表达的影响

目的:观察脂多糖(LPS)诱发的大鼠脊髓背角星形胶质细胞趋化因子CXCL1和CCL2的表达及释放,分析Toll样受体2(TLR2)以及Toll样受体4(TLR4)的作用。方法:培养新生SD大鼠(<3d)脊髓背角星形胶质细胞,免疫荧光鉴定纯度达95%之后分为空白对照组、LPS处理组、TAK-242+LPS处理组、LPS-RS+LPS处理组。在LPS(1μg/ml)作用下,采用real time RT-PCR法检测SD大鼠(<3d)脊髓背角星形胶质细胞CXCL1和CCL2 mRNA表达;Western Blot用于检测胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)、TLR2、TLR4、CXCL1以及CCL2表达;ELISA检测CXCL1和CCL2释放。结果:与正常对照组相比,LPS作用6 h,背角星形胶质细胞CXCL1和CCL2在mRNA和蛋白水平的表达均上调(P<0.05),CXCL1和CCL2释放增加(P<0.05)。LPS刺激CXCL1和CCL2表达和释放增加的效应可以被TLR4受体拮抗剂TAK-242(50 nmol)以及TLR2/TLR4受体拮抗剂LPS-RS(500 ng/ml)明显阻断(P<0.05)。与正常组相比,LPS刺激星形胶质细胞GFAP、TLR2、TLR4和核转录因子-κBp65(NF-κBp65)表达上调(P<0.05),该效应亦可被TAK-242和LPS-RS所阻断(P<0.05)。此外,与LPS处理组相比,TAK-242预处理背角星形胶质细胞可明显抑制LPS诱发的TLR2表达上调。结论:TLR4/NF-κB信号可能参与了LPS诱导的培养的大鼠脊髓星形胶质细胞趋化因子CXCL1和CCL2表达上调和释放增加。     

Baicalin suppresses expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB in chlamydia trachomatis-infected mice

Our previous studies have shown that the baicalin could blocked infection of chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis)-infected cells in vitro. Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) and the downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which mediate the inflammatory reaction, are involved in the pathophysiological processes of inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether baicalin inhibits TLR2/4 signaling pathway in gential tract chlamydia-infected mice. The progesterone-treated animals were given intravaginally 200?mg/kg baicalin administered. Nineteen days after infection, cervical tissue were taken and expression of TLR2/4, NF-κB were determined by RT-PCR or westernblot. Nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production in cervical tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was demonstrated that baicalin significantly reduced C. trachomatis loading in BALB/c mice that were vaginally infected with the pathogen. Meanwhile, baicalin also reduced the expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB, decreased activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxgenase-2 in cervical tissue. Our results suggest that baicalin inhibits the TLR2/4 signaling pathway in cervical tissue of gential tract chlamydia-infected mice. On the basis of these data and our previous observations, we conclude that further evaluation of baicalin for prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted chlamydial infection is warranted.     

Baicalin suppresses expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB in chlamydia trachomatis–infected mice

Our previous studies have shown that the baicalin could blocked infection of chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis)–infected cells in vitro. Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) and the downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which mediate the inflammatory reaction, are involved in the pathophysiological processes of inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether baicalin inhibits TLR2/4 signaling pathway in gential tract chlamydia–infected mice. The progesterone-treated animals were given intravaginally 200?mg/kg baicalin administered. Nineteen days after infection, cervical tissue were taken and expression of TLR2/4, NF-κB were determined by RT-PCR or westernblot. Nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production in cervical tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was demonstrated that baicalin significantly reduced C. trachomatis loading in BALB/c mice that were vaginally infected with the pathogen. Meanwhile, baicalin also reduced the expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB, decreased activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxgenase-2 in cervical tissue. Our results suggest that baicalin inhibits the TLR2/4 signaling pathway in cervical tissue of gential tract chlamydia–infected mice. On the basis of these data and our previous observations, we conclude that further evaluation of baicalin for prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted chlamydial infection is warranted.     

Erythropoietin Protects Rat Brain Injury from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4/NF-kappa B-Dependent Inflammatory Responses

Inflammatory responses play critical roles in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning-induced cerebral injury. The present study investigated whether erythropoietin (EPO) modulates the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways in brain injury after acute CO poisoning. EPO (2500 and 5000 U/kg) was injected subcutaneously twice a day after acute CO poisoning for 2 days. At 48 h after treatment, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB as well as the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampal tissues were measured. Our results showed that CO poisoning induced a significant upregulation of TLR4, NF-κB, and inflammatory cytokines in the injured rat hippocampal tissues. Treatment with EPO remarkably suppressed the gene and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, as well as the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the hippocampal tissues. EPO treatment ameliorated CO poisoning-induced histological edema and neuronal necrosis. These results suggested that EPO protected against CO poisoning-induced brain damage by inhibiting the TLR4–NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.     

Regulation of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor by the classical and alternative NF-κB pathways in intestinal epithelial cells

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) transports IgA antibodies across intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Expression of pIgR is upregulated by proinflammatory signaling pathways via activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Here, we examined the contributions of the RelA-dependent classical and RelB-dependent alternative pathways of NF-κB to pIgR regulation in the HT-29 human IEC line following stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand), and polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (pIC; TLR3 ligand). Whereas induction of proinflammatory genes such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) required only RelA, pIgR expression was regulated by complex mechanisms that involved both RelA and RelB. Upregulation of pIgR expression by ligation of the lymphotoxin-β receptor suggested a direct role for the alternative NF-κB pathway. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases reduced the induction of IL-8, but enhanced the induction of pIgR by TNF and TLR signaling. Regulation of pIgR through unique signaling pathways could allow IECs to sustain high levels of IgA transport while limiting the proinflammatory responses.     

Quercetin regulates oxidized LDL induced inflammatory changes in human PBMCs by modulating the TLR-NF-κB signaling pathway

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been shown to play a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR family is the essential recognition and signaling component of mammalian host defense. Both genetic and biochemical data support a common signaling pathway that finally leads to the activation of NF-κB and induction of the cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules required for the activation of the adaptive immune response. The present study was designed to examine the involvement of TLR2 and TLR4 in the oxidized LDL induced inflammation in human PBMCs and the effect of flavonoid quercetin on TLR-NF-κB signaling mechanism. LDL was isolated from human plasma and oxidation of LDL was done by incubating with 10 μM CuSO₄ overnight at 37 °C. The isolated human PBMCs in culture were used as the model system. 50 μg/ml ox-LDL treatment significantly up regulated TLR2 and TLR4 expression in isol human PBMCs after 24 h of culture and this was down regulated by quercetin at 25 μM concentration. ox-LDL caused a significant activation of NF-κB as evidenced by the detection of enhanced p65 subunit in nuclear extracts. Supplementation of quercetin significantly modulates the NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. The cytokine IL-6 production was significantly increased in ox-LDL treated group and was decreased by quercetin treatment. Quercetin mediated reduction of TLR2 and TLR4 expression and the inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in turn decreased the inflammatory enzymes like 5-LOX and COX and also decreased the mRNA expression of inducible enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS. Quercetin inhibited the ox-LDL induced TLR2 and TLR4 expression at mRNA level and modulated the TLR-NF-κB signaling pathway thereby inhibited the cytokine production and down regulated the activity of inflammatory enzymes thus have protective effect against the ox-LDL induced inflammation in PBMCs.     

Immunomodulatory role of recombinant human erythropoietin in acute kidney injury induced by crush syndrome via inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) plays an immunomodulatory function by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Materials and methods: C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with rHuEPO and, half an hour later, with 50% glycerol at the dose of 7.5?ml/kg to induce crush syndrome (CS)-acute kidney injury (AKI). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, serum creatinine (Scr), and creatine kinase (CK) were measured. The kidney tissues were analyzed by HE staining, and macrophage infiltration was detected by immunohistochemistry. Double immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were conducted to analyze TLR4/NF-κB p65 expression. Ferrous myoglobin was co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells to mimic crush injury and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 were measured.

Results: In vivo study results revealed that rHuEPO ameliorated renal function, tissue damage, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and macrophage infiltration in the kidneys. The protein and mRNA expression levels of genes involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in CS-induced AKI mice were upregulated (p?<?.05). Meanwhile, the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, and proinflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells were downregulated in CS-AKI mice injected with rHuEPO (p?<?.05).

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the immunomodulatory capacity of rHuEPO and confirmed that rHuEPO exerts protective effects against CS-induced AKI by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages. Therefore, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of rHuEPO in improving the prognosis of CS-AKI patients.     

A glycoprotein from Porphyra yezoensis produces anti-inflammatory effects in liposaccharide-stimulated macrophages via the TLR4 signaling pathway

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a glycoprotein isolated from the alga Porphyra yezoensis in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. First, we extracted a novel material with antioxidant activity from P. yezoensis, confirmed by SDS-PAGE to be a glycoprotein, which we named P. yezoensis glycoprotein (PGP). PGP inhibited the production of NO and ROS and expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β, which are involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammation-associated human diseases, including septic shock, hemorrhagic shock and rheumatoid arthritis. Next, we determined the mechanisms behind the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of PGP. We focused on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway because it is well-known to induce the pro-inflammatory proteins that trigger MAPK and NF-κB activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative events. PGP treatment reduced the formation of the TLR4-IRAK4 and TLR4-TRIF binding complexes in response to LPS. Moreover, it inhibited LPS-induced activation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB by abrogating IκB phosphorylation. PGP also suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that PGP exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by modulating TLR4 signaling and thus inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and MAP kinases.     

GEF-H1-RhoA signaling pathway mediates LPS-induced NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis in endothelial cells

Secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by LPS activated endothelial cells contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, the mechanism involved in this process is not well understood. In the present study, we determined the roles of GEF-H1 (guanine-nucleotide exchange factor-H1)-RhoA signaling in LPS-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) production in endothelial cells. First, we observed that GEF-H1 expression was upregulated in a dose- and time-dependent manner as consistent with TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) expression after LPS stimulation. Afterwards, Clostridium difficile toxin B-10463 (TcdB-10463), an inhibitor of Rho activities, reduced LPS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation. Inhibition of GEF-H1 and RhoA expression reduced LPS-induced NF-κB and p38 phosphorylation. TLR4 knockout blocked LPS-induced activity of RhoA, however, MyD88 knockout did not impair the LPS-induced activity of RhoA. Nevertheless, TLR4 and MyD88 knockout both significantly inhibited transactivation of NF-κB. GEF-H1-RhoA and MyD88 both induced significant changes in NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis. Co-inhibition of GEF-H1-RhoA and p38 expression produced similar inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis as inhibition of p38 expression alone, thus confirming that activation of p38 was essential for the GEF-H1-RhoA signaling pathway to induce NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LPS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 synthesis in endothelial cells are regulated by the MyD88 pathway and GEF-H1-RhoA pathway.     

人凋亡相关半胱氨酸肽酶4基因在川崎病中的表达及与核转录因子-κB信号通路的相关性

目的 探讨人凋亡相关半胱氨酸肽酶4基因(Caspase4,Casp4)在川崎病中的表达及与核转录因子-κB(nuclear factor-kappa B,NF-κB)信号通路的相关性.方法 收集上海市第六人民医院东院儿科2012年1月至2015年1月的15例川崎病患者血液样本然后提取单核细胞,采用mRNA定量检测血液中单核细胞Casp4及NF-κB信号通路相关因子表达情况,同时用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)和免疫蛋白印迹方法检测Casp4蛋白及NF-κB信号通路相关因子表达情况,并对结果进行生物统计学的分析.结果 mRNA定量、ELISA和及免疫蛋白印迹方法结果表明川崎病患儿血液CASP4基因表达与健康对照组相比显著升高,NF-κB信号通路相关因子表达也发生变化.数据分析证明川崎病患儿血液中NF-κB p65和Casp4基因mRNA表达情况存在线性关系.结论 婴幼儿在受到环境因素和遗传因素影响后,NF-κB信号通路激活,NF-κB被释放进入细胞核内,引起Casp4基因变化,CASP4基因在川崎病中的高表达及与NF-κB信号通路相关.     

Toll样受体4信号转导研究进展

Toll样受体（Toll-like-receptors,TLRs）是一个主要分布于炎症细胞的识别病源分子的受体超家族,其中TLR4主要识别革兰阴性细菌细胞壁成分脂多糖（lipopolysaccharide,LPS）。LPS与TLR4结合后活化髓样分化因子88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88, MyD88)依赖性和非依赖性两条信号途径;前者活化丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶（mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK）和核因子-κB（nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB）信号通路,后者活化NF-κB和干扰素调节因子-3(IFN-regulated factor-3,IRF3)信号通路。通过这些信号途径TLR4诱导炎症细胞释放炎症因子介导炎症反应;同时TLR4通过活化树突状细胞促进抗原递呈,介导先天性免疫向获得性免疫的转化。此外,TLR4能诱导磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶-蛋白激酶B（PI3K-AKT）的信号转导,LPS介导的细胞存活和增殖与TLR4活化 PI3K-AKT途径有关。     

Propofol Attenuates Airway Inflammation in a Mast Cell-Dependent Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma by Inhibiting the Toll-like Receptor 4/Reactive Oxygen Species/Nuclear Factor κB Signaling Pathway

Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic agent widely used in clinical practice, is the preferred anesthetic for asthmatic patients. This study was designed to determine the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of propofol on airway inflammation in a mast cell-dependent mouse model of allergic asthma. Mice were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA) without alum and challenged with OVA three times. Propofol was given intraperitoneally 0.5 h prior to OVA challenge. The inflammatory cell count and production of cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected. The changes of lung histology and key molecules of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NF-κB signaling pathway were also measured. The results showed that propofol significantly decreased the number of eosinophils and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α in BALF. Furthermore, propofol significantly attenuated airway inflammation, as characterized by fewer infiltrating inflammatory cells and decreased mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia. Meanwhile, the expression of TLR4, and its downstream signaling adaptor molecules—–myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and NF-κB, were inhibited by propofol. The hydrogen peroxide and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde levels were decreased by propofol, and the superoxide dismutase activity was increased in propofol treatment group. These findings indicate that propofol may attenuate airway inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway in a mast cell-dependent mouse model of allergic asthma.     

IRF9 as a negative regulator involved in TRIF-mediated NF-κB pathway in a teleost fish,Miichthys miiuy

Proinflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs were produced by TLR signaling and these responses are crucial for host defensive responses against pathogens. In order to avoid harmful and inappropriate inflammatory responses, there are multiple mechanisms to negatively regulate TLR signaling. In this paper, we have firstly studied IRF9 functions as a negative regulator involved in TRIF-mediated NF-κB pathway. Moreover, we found inhibitory effect of IRF9 primary depends on DBD domain. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that else mutants of IRF9, except for IRF9-ΔDBD, have different inhibitory effects upon TRIF-mediated NF-κB pathway. This study provides a novel evidence about the negatively regulation of innate immune signaling pathway in teleost fish. In addition, this finding provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism in mammals.     

Saturated Fatty Acids Up-regulate COX-2 Expression in Prostate Epithelial Cells via Toll-like Receptor 4/NF-κB Signaling

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis, and recently it has been confirmed to be a molecular target of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). In the present study, we investigated the effect of stearic acid (SA) and palmitic acid (PA), two of the most abundant SFAs contained in dietary fat, on COX-2 expression in prostate epithelial cells and the signaling transduction pathway involved. First, we demonstrated that both SA and PA increased the mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, and consistently induced the activation of NF-κB in RWPE-1, BPH-1 and PC-3 prostate epithelial cell lines. The effect of SA and PA on COX-2 over-expression and NF-κB activation was in a dose-dependent manner, and PA was more potent than SA at the same concentration. Then, we demonstrated inhibition of NF-κB using its specific inhibitor strikingly attenuated PA-induced COX-2 expression. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was revealed to be expressed on RWPE-1, BPH-1 and PC-3 cell lines by PCR and immunofluorescence staining, and blocking its signaling significantly inhibited PA induced COX-2 over-expression and NF-κB activation. Taken together, we demonstrated that SFAs can up-regulate COX-2 expression in prostate epithelial cells, and this effect was mediated mainly through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.