Proinflammatory cytokine responses in skin and epidermal cells following epicutaneous administration of anticoagulant rodenticide warfarin in rats

Context: Dermal toxicity of coumarin anticoagulant rodenticides, such as warfarin, represents potential risk for workers handling these agents and for individuals applying easily available rodenticides in their households as well.

Objective: In this study, proinflammatory effects of repeated epicutaneous administration of warfarin in rats were explored by examining inflammatory cytokine skin responses.

Materials and methods: Ex vivo production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-17 by skin explants and by epidermal cells isolated by enzyme (dispase/trypsin) digestion from skin repeatedly (once a day, three consecutive days) exposed to 10?µg of warfarin was measured 24?h and 72?h following the last warfarin application by ELISAs for respective rat cytokines.

Results: Warfarin treatment resulted in histological changes, but skin or epidermal cell viability were not compromised, judging by MTT reduction assay. Both skin and epidermal cells responded to administration of this agent by production of all examined inflammatory cytokines (skin explants by TNF-α and IL-17; epidermal cells by IL-1β and TNF-α) except IL-6.

Discussion: Along with histomorphological changes, cytokines indicate functional consequences in treated skin. IL-1β production, that precede production of TNF-α, might be responsible for production of the latter cytokine. Sustained production of IL-1β suggests persistence of epidermal cell stimulation or existence of some amplification mechanisms. Requirements for T cells seem to exist concerning epidermal cell IL-17 production.

Conclusion: Presented data provide additional new information concerning proinflammatory effects of warfarin.     

Cytokine regulation by MAPK activated kinase 2 in keratinocytes exposed to sulfur mustard

Uncontrolled inflammation contributes to cutaneous damage following exposure to the warfare agent bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide (sulfur mustard, SM). Activation of the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) precedes SM-induced cytokine secretion in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). This study examined the role of p38-regulated MAPK activated kinase 2 (MK2) during this process. Time course analysis studies using NHEK cells exposed to 200 μM SM demonstrated rapid MK2 activation via phosphorylation that occurred within 15 min. p38 activation was necessary for MK2 phosphorylation as determined by studies using the p38 inhibitor SB203580. To compare the role of p38 and MK2 during SM-induced cytokine secretion, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these proteins was utilized. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was evaluated 24 h postexposure, while mRNA changes were quantified after 8 h. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 up regulation at the protein and mRNA level was observed following SM exposure. IL-1β secretion was also elevated despite unchanged mRNA levels. p38 knockdown reduced SM-induced secretion of all the cytokines examined, whereas significant reduction in SM-induced cytokine secretion was only observed with TNF-α and IL-6 following MK2 knockdown. Our observations demonstrate potential activation of other p38 targets in addition to MK2 during SM-induced cytokine secretion.     

Effect of IL-1β and TNF-α vs IL-13 on bronchial hyperresponsiveness, β2-adrenergic responses and cellularity of bronchial alveolar lavage fluid

1 Levels of IL-13, IL-1β and TNF-α are increased in bronchial lavage fluid of asthmatics and induce certain significant features of bronchial asthma including airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). In this study, we have investigated the effect of these cytokines in na?ve mice and those sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) on bronchoconstrictions to methacholine (MCh) and the functional antagonism induced by β2 -adrenoceptor agonism. 2 Na?ve or OVA-sensitized mice were treated for 3 days with IL-1β (250 U), TNF-α (150 ng), IL-13 (5 μg) or combinations of IL-1β with TNF-α or IL-1β with IL-13. MCh-induced bronchoconstriction and its sensitivity to albuterol, a β2-adrenoceptor agonist, was assessed 24 h after the last cytokine administration. 3 In na?ve mice, responsiveness to MCh was significantly increased by the combination of IL-1β and TNF-α, IL-13 alone or in combination with IL-1β, but not by treatment with IL-1β or TNF-α alone. Similar results were obtained in OVA-sensitized mice except that treatment with IL-13 alone did not increase sensitivity to MCh. 4 In na?ve mice, albuterol sensitivity was only significantly attenuated by treatment with IL-1β and TNF-α in combination. In mice sensitized to OVA, albuterol sensitivity was significantly attenuated by treatment with TNF-α, IL-13 or IL-13 in combination with IL-1β. 5 Inflammatory cell influx was increased by all cytokines and combinations except IL-13 in OVA-sensitized mice. 6 Our data do not support a link between inflammatory cell influx and AHR. In addition, the mechanism of IL-13-induced AHR might involve decreased β2-adrenoceptor responsiveness.     

稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者诱导痰中细胞因子的表达

目的 探讨不同严重程度稳定期慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者诱导痰中细胞因子白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白介素-8(IL-8)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的表达.方法 分别纳入健康吸烟成人90例、稳定期COPD患者100例为研究对象.采用放射免疫法测定诱导痰中细胞因子IL-8、IL-1β、TNF-α水平.结果 稳定期COPD患者诱导痰中IL-8、IL-1β、TNF-α均显著高于健康吸烟成人组(P =0.000).稳定期COPD患者诱导痰中三种细胞因子水平与肺功能呈负相关(r=-0.678,-0.752,-0.615,均P＜0.05).结论 IL-1β、IL-8、TNF-α均参与了COPD的发生和发展过程,其水平可能是COPD严重程度的一个炎性标志.     

Anorexic responses to trichothecene deoxynivalenol and its congeners correspond to secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β

Type B trichothecene mycotoxins comprise deoxynivalenol (“Vomitoxin”, DON) and four structually related congeners: 15-acetyl- and 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON and 3-ADON), nivalenol (NIV), 4-acetyl-nivalenol (fusarenon X, FX). These foodborne mycotoxins has been linked to food poisoning leading to anorexic response in human and several animal species. However, the pathophysiological basis for anorexic effect is relatively unclear. The goal of this research was to compare anorexic effect to type B trichothecenes and relate these effects to two common cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) following oral and IP exposure. Both cytokines were increased within 1−2 h in plasma and returned to basal concentrations at 6 h following exposure to DON and ADONs. FX evoked both cytokines with initial time and duration at 1−2 h and > 6 h, respectively. Elevation of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by orally exposure to NIV did not occur until 2 h and recovered to basal concentrations at 6 h. Both cytokines were elevated at 1 h and lasted more than 6 h following IP exposure to NIV. Type B trichothecenes stimulated plasma secretion of both cytokines that were consistent with reduction of food intake. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that TNF-α and IL-1β act critical roles in type B trichothecenes-induced anorexic response.     

Effects of oral exposure to naturally-occurring and synthetic deoxynivalenol congeners on proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression in the mouse

The foodborne mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) induces a ribotoxic stress response in mononuclear phagocytes that mediate aberrant multi-organ upregulation of TNF-α, interleukins and chemokines in experimental animals. While other DON congeners also exist as food contaminants or pharmacologically-active derivatives, it is not known how these compounds affect expression of these cytokine genes in vivo. To address this gap, we compared in mice the acute effects of oral DON exposure to that of seven relevant congeners on splenic expression of representative cytokine mRNAs after 2 and 6 h. Congeners included the 8-ketotrichothecenes 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), fusarenon X (FX), nivalenol (NIV), the plant metabolite DON-3-glucoside (D3G) and two synthetic DON derivatives with novel satiety-inducing properties (EN139528 and EN139544). DON markedly induced transient upregulation of TNF-α IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL-2, CCL-2 and CCL-7 mRNA expressions. The two ADONs also evoked mRNA expression of these genes but to a relatively lesser extent. FX induced more persistent responses than the other DON congeners and, compared to DON, was: 1) more potent in inducing IL-1β mRNA, 2) approximately equipotent in the induction of TNF-α and CCL-2 mRNAs, and 3) less potent at upregulating IL-6, CXCL-2, and CCL-2 mRNAs. EN139528's effects were similar to NIV, the least potent 8-ketotrichothecene, while D3G and EN139544 were largely incapable of eliciting cytokine or chemokine mRNA responses. Taken together, the results presented herein provide important new insights into the potential of naturally-occurring and synthetic DON congeners to elicit aberrant mRNA upregulation of cytokines associated with acute and chronic trichothecene toxicity.     

丹皮酚对TNF-α诱导真皮成纤维细胞MMP-9 mRNA及细胞因子表达的影响

目的通过研究丹皮酚对TNF-α诱导的真皮成纤维细胞MMP-9 mRNA及细胞因子表达的影响,探讨丹皮酚抗皮肤炎症的可能机制。方法采用RT-PCR法考察正常人真皮成纤维细胞中MMP-9 mRNA表达情况以及丹皮酚对TNF-α诱导的真皮成纤维细胞MMP-9 mRNA表达的影响。采用ELISA法测定丹皮酚对TNF-α诱导的真皮成纤维细胞表达IL-1β、IL-6及IL-8的影响。结果MMP-9在正常真皮成纤维细胞上表达极弱,TNF-α可以诱导MMP-9 mRNA的表达,丹皮酚可以抑制TNF-α诱导引起的MMP-9 mRNA表达的上调。成纤维细胞可分泌少量的IL-1β、IL-6及IL-8,TNF-α可以明显增加成纤维细胞IL-1β和IL-8的分泌量,丹皮酚可以抑制TNF-α诱导的IL-1β和IL-8的产生,但对IL-6的分泌无影响。结论丹皮酚可以抑制TNF-α诱导真皮成纤维细胞引起的MMP-9 mRNA及炎症因子IL-1β和IL-8表达水平的上调。     

Nano-curcumin therapy,a promising method in modulating inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients

BackgroundAs an ongoing worldwide health issue, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) has been causing serious complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure. However, there is no decisive treatment approach available for this disorder, which is primarily attributed to the large amount of inflammatory cytokine production. We aimed to identify the effects of Nano-curcumin on the modulation of inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients.MethodForty COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls were recruited and evaluated for inflammatory cytokine expression and secretion. Subsequently, COVID-19 patients were divided into two groups: 20 patients receiving Nano-curcumin and 20 patients as the placebo group. The mRNA expression and cytokine secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL‐18 were assessed by Real‐time PCR and ELISA, respectively.ResultOur primary results indicated that the mRNA expression and cytokine secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18 were increased significantly in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy control group. After treatment with Nano-curcumin, a significant decrease in IL-6 expression and secretion in serum and in supernatant (P = 0.0003, 0.0038, and 0.0001, respectively) and IL-1β gene expression and secretion level in serum and supernatant (P = 0.0017, 0.0082, and 0.0041, respectively) was observed. However, IL-18 mRNA expression and TNF-α concentration were not influenced by Nano-curcumin.ConclusionNano-curcumin, as an anti-inflammatory herbal based agent, may be able to modulate the increased rate of inflammatory cytokines especially IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression and cytokine secretion in COVID-19 patients, which may cause an improvement in clinical manifestation and overall recovery.     

WY-14 643, a selective PPAR{alpha} agonist, induces proinflammatory and proangiogenic responses in human ocular cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) agonism in ocular inflammation has not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of WY-14 643, a selective PPARα agonist, on inflammatory cytokine release in human ocular cells. Stimulation of primary human corneal epithelial cells, keratocytes, and retinal endothelial cells with 1 to 10 ng/mL interleukin 1β (IL-1β) resulted in a significant increase in numerous inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); and dexamethasone was able to significantly inhibit these effects. However, WY-14 643 did not effectively block IL-1β-induced cytokine release in ocular cells; rather, significant increases in IL-1β-induced inflammatory cytokines were observed in these cells but not in aortic smooth muscle cells. WY-14 643 also significantly upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes. These studies demonstrate for the first time that PPARα agonism may be proinflammatory and proangiogenic in a variety of ocular cells and suggest that therapeutic applications of such agents in ophthalmology may be limited.     

Cadmium-induced inflammatory responses in cells relevant for lung toxicity: Expression and release of cytokines in fibroblasts,epithelial cells and macrophages

Inhalation is an important route of cadmium (Cd) exposure, and the lung is considered to be one of the main target organs of Cd toxicity. Pulmonary inflammation seems to be involved in development of many lung diseases. In the present study we show that Cd²⁺ at fairly low concentrations affects gene expression of several different cytokines/chemokines in human M1 fibroblasts. The chemokines CXCL2, CXCL3, IL-8/CXCL8 and CCL26, the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the receptor IL-1RL1 were expressed at high levels after exposure to 7 μM Cd²⁺ for 7 h. The expression of some important cytokines was further studied in two different primary cell cultures from rat lungs. Cd²⁺ induced cytokine responses at low concentrations (3–6 μM) and early time-points both in type 2 epithelial cell-enriched cultures and alveolar macrophages. However, the two primary lung cells displayed different patterns of cytokine release. Cd²⁺ induced an increased release of IL-6 and MIP-2/CXCL2 from the epithelial cells and MIP-2, IL-1β and TNF-α from alveolar macrophages. In conclusion, the marked up-regulation of different cytokines in these cell types, that are important in development of lung injury and disease, suggests that inflammation may contribute in Cd-induced lung damage.     

Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 ameliorates vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by inhibiting fungal growth and NF-κB activation

The anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen peroxide-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) against Candida albicans-induced vulvovaginal candidiasis in β-estradiol-immunosuppressed mice were examined. Oral and intravaginal treatment with these LABs significantly decreased the level of viable C. albicans within the vaginal cavity as well as the quantitated myeloperoxidase activity in the vaginal tissues when compared with control untreated mice. Out of all of the LABs tested, Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 (LH) most potently inhibited vulvovaginal candidiasis. LH also inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and inflammatory enzymes, COX-2 and iNOS, as well as the activation of NF-κB. However, the addition of LH led to an increase in IL-10 cytokine expression in the vaginal tissues. In addition, the decrease of Lactobacillaceae and the increase of Pasteurellaceae caused by treatment with C. albicans were reversed with oral and intravaginal administration of LH, suggesting a potential shift in the vaginal microflora present. Addition of LH was toxic to C. albicans in vitro when cultured with HeLa cells. Oral administration of LH inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-α and IL-1β expressions in β-estradiol-immunosuppressed mice but reversed the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in comparison to levels observed in the normal control group. LH also inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, and the activation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Based on these findings, LH may ameliorate vulvovaginal candidiasis by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, as well as through inhibition of the growth of C. albicans.     

地尔硫卓对心脏缺血/再灌注后心肌炎症的影响

目的探讨地尔硫卓对心脏缺血/再灌注后炎症细胞和细胞因子表达的影响。方法建立大鼠缺血/再灌注模型,存活鼠随机分为地尔硫卓组(D组)和缺血/再灌注组(I/R组),另设假手术组(S组)。分别在术后1、2和4wk检测各组大鼠超声心动图、心肌炎症细胞浸润及致炎因子IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6及抗炎因子IL-10、TGF-β的表达。结果与IR组比较,超声心动图显示D组射血分数和左室重量明显改善,心肌组织炎症细胞浸润减少,致炎因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6表达减少,抗炎因子IL-10、TGF-β呈现低水平表达。结论地尔硫卓减少心肌缺血;再灌注损伤后炎症细胞浸润和致炎因子表达,保护心脏功能。     

Inhibition by dexamethasone of Langerhans cell migration: influence of epidermal cytokine signals.

The influence of dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, on the induction in mice of Langerhans cell (LC) migration has been investigated. Systemic treatment of mice with DEX was found to inhibit significantly the ability of a topically applied contact allergen (oxazolone) to induce the migration of LC from the epidermis and their subsequent accumulation as dendritic cells (DC) in draining lymph nodes. The stimulation of LC migration during skin sensitization is dependent upon signals provided by the epidermal cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta). It was found that treatment with DEX was unable to inhibit either LC migration or DC accumulation induced by the intradermal injection of TNF-alpha. In contrast, LC migration provoked by similar exposure of mice to IL-1beta (the action of which is dependent upon the de novo synthesis of TNF-alpha) was inhibited by DEX as was the arrival of DC in draining lymph nodes induced by this cytokine. Taken together, the data reported here indicate that DEX is able to inhibit very markedly the stimulation of LC migration during skin sensitization and it is proposed that such inhibition may represent an important aspect of the immunosuppressive properties of glucocorticoids and of their proven utility in the treatment of cutaneous inflammatory disorders. The results also indicate that DEX does not inhibit LC migration secondary to direct effects on cell motility. The proposal is that impaired LC migration results from the regulation by DEX of the de novo synthesis and/or release of TNF-alpha, an inducible epidermal cytokine that provides one important signal for LC to traffic from the skin.     

注射用炎琥宁对实验性急性咽炎动物模型的疗效与作用机制研究

目的探讨注射用炎琥宁对大鼠实验性急性咽炎动物模型的疗效及作用机制。方法采用乙型溶血性链球菌直接注射于SD大鼠咽部黏膜建立急性咽炎动物模型,并给予注射用炎琥宁药物进行治疗,观察该药物对模型动物血清IL-1β、IL-6β、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的表达以及对病理形态学的影响。结果高、中(53、26.7mg/kg)剂量组药物对模型动物血清中的IL-1β、IL-6β有明显的抑制作用,同时能不同程度改善急性咽炎的病理变化;高剂量组药物能有效抑制模型组动物TNF-α的表达。结论注射用炎琥宁对急性咽炎有较好的治疗作用,其作用机制可能与调节细胞因子的表达和抑制咽部病理改变的发生有关。     

Induction and localization of cutaneous interleukin-1 beta mRNA during contact sensitization

Chemical allergens that induce contact sensitivity cause changes in levels of epidermal cytokines. In mice one of the earliest epidermal cytokines to be upregulated following sensitization is interleukin-1 beta (Iota L-1 beta). The present study investigated the kinetics and in situ localization of induced IL-1 beta expression in mouse skin following topical exposure to the contact allergen oxazolone. Mice were exposed topically to 1% oxazolone, with control mice exposed to vehicle (acetone:olive oil 4:1) alone, and at various times thereafter skin was excised for IL-1 beta mRNA and protein determination by in situ hybridization and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), respectively. IL-1 beta mRNA was found to be expressed constitutively at low levels in skin from na?ve (untreated) and vehicle-treated mice, with mRNA localized in some hair follicles and sebaceous glands; no IL-1 beta mRNA was detected in the epidermis of control animals. Following topical exposure of mice to oxazolone for 5-15 min, upregulation of IL-1 beta mRNA was observed in the epidermis, dermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands; at 90 min and beyond the pattern of IL-1 beta mRNA expression declined toward control. Analysis of whole skin homogenates by ELISA demonstrated cutaneous IL-1 beta protein to be present constitutively in both vehicle-treated and na?ve mice. Following exposure to oxazolone, cutaneous IL-1 beta protein expression was elevated at 30 min, decreased at 1 h, and fell below the limit of detection of the assay at 2 h before returning to constitutive levels at 4 and 24 h. IL-1 beta protein levels in vehicle-treated mice, na?ve mice, and mice treated with the respiratory allergen trimellitic anhydride were unchanged over this time period. The present study demonstrated that IL-1 beta mRNA expression was upregulated rapidly and transiently in well-defined regions of mouse epidermis and dermis during contact sensitization, and was succeeded by an elevation in IL-1 beta protein. This early highly localized upregulation of IL-1 beta lends further support to the hypothesis that this cytokine plays a key role in the initial stages of skin sensitization. Such information will enhance our understanding of the molecular processes involved in allergic contact dermatitis and may provide a mechanistic basis for designing refined animal and in vitro alternatives to existing models of skin sensitization.     

Characterization in mice of the immunological properties of five allergenic acid anhydrides

Occupational exposure to certain acid anhydrides, including trimellitic anhydride (TMA), maleic anhydride (MA), phthalic anhydride (PA), hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA) and methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA), has been associated with the development of respiratory allergy or asthma. There is considerable debate about the mechanisms through which such chemicals may cause respiratory sensitization, particularly concerning a universal requirement for specific IgE antibody. Despite the controversy regarding an obligatory role for IgE, there is a growing consensus that chemical respiratory hypersensitivity is associated with the selective development of T lymphocytes with a type 2 (Th2) phenotype. In the current investigations we have characterized in mice the nature of immune responses provoked by prolonged topical exposure to five acid anhydrides. Under application conditions where similar overall immunogenicity was achieved, we have compared cytokine responses induced by PA, MA, HHPA and MTHPA with those provoked by concurrent exposure to TMA or to the reference contact allergen 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Lymph node cells (LNC) draining the site of topical exposure to DNCB invariably expressed high levels of the type 1 cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), but only low levels of the type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). In each experiment, TMA-activated LNC displayed the converse, type 2, phenotype of cytokine production. The other acid anhydrides in each case provoked a type 2 cytokine secretion profile, with comparable IL-10 expression but somewhat less vigorous IL-4 production compared with that observed following exposure to the reference respiratory allergen TMA. In every experiment relatively low levels of IFN-gamma and IL-12 were elaborated by acid anhydride-activated LNC, with the exception of PA-stimulated LNC that displayed increased amounts of IL-12 in comparison with other acid anhydrides. Thus, prolonged topical exposure of mice to five different acid anhydrides in each case resulted in the development of a predominantly Th2-type cytokine secretion phenotype, consistent with the ability of these materials to provoke asthma and respiratory allergy through a type 2 (possibly IgE-mediated) mechanism. Taken together with the results of previous investigations with a wider range of chemical allergens, these data suggest that induced cytokine secretion patterns or 'fingerprints' allow discrimination between contact and respiratory allergens and consequently represent a suitable approach to prospective evaluation of respiratory sensitization hazard.     

Indicated and non-indicated antibiotic administration during pregnancy and its effect on pregnancy outcomes: Role of inflammation

The objective of this study was to compare the release of endotoxin and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as pregnancy outcomes after antibiotic exposure in healthy and bacterial infected pregnant rats. Thirty female Wistar pregnant rats were divided into five groups. Group A considered as control and received intraperitoneal saline 0.9% on 17th day of gestation or DG) and groups B and C treated with 20 mg/kg/day intravenous ceftriaxone and ceftazidime, respectively (DG: 18–20). Groups D and E received intraperitoneal E. coli and LPS on 17th DG respectively. Also, groups F and G received the same treatment as group D but they treated with the exact antibiotics mentioned for groups B and C (same dose and duration). Pregnancy outcomes as well as maternal sera levels of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was shown that group B had a higher IL-1β (P = 0.003) and TNF-α (P = 0.003) levels compared to the controls (CTC). Group C expressed a lower gestational duration (P = 0.007) as well as higher IL-6 (P = 0.025) and TNF-α (P < 0.001) levels CTC. Interestingly, both group B (P = 0.021) and C (P < 0.001) had a higher rate of endotoxin release CTC. Moreover, in group C, IL-6 (P < 0.0001 and r = −0.941) had a significant correlation with gestational duration. As the results showed, antibiotic administration in non-indication condition seems to be associated with significantly higher production of endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines which increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.     

大黄苷元注射抗大鼠脑缺血损伤炎性级联反应

目的评价大黄苷元抗脑缺血损伤作用,并从细胞因子水平及表达方面探讨其抑制脑缺血炎性级联反应机制。方法将大鼠分为假手术组、模型组、川芎嗪组、大黄苷元组(低、中、高剂量)。线栓法制备大鼠局灶性脑缺血6h模型。观察神经症状积分、脑组织含水量、梗死面积,放射免疫法测定脑组织TNF-α、IL-1β、TGF-β水平,免疫组织化学法测定TNF-α、VCAM-1表达,原位杂交法测定VCAM-1-mRNA表达。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠神经症状积分和脑含水量及梗死面积增加,脑组织TNF-α和IL-1β水平增高(P<0·01)、TGF-β水平降低(P<0·01),TNF-α和VCAM-1的表达增强(P<0·01)。与模型组比较,川芎嗪组和大黄苷元低剂量、中剂量组神经症状积分和脑含水量及梗死面积明显降低,大黄苷元低剂量组较中、高剂量组和川芎嗪组尤为明显。大黄苷元低剂量组和川芎嗪组TNF-α和IL-1β水平及TNF-α、ICAM-1表达明显降低,TGF-β水平增高(P<0·01),大黄苷元低剂量组较川芎嗪组尤为明显。结论由多种细胞因子如TNF-α、IL-1β、ICAM-1介导的炎性级联反应增强和TGF-β的保护作用减弱是脑缺血损伤的重要机制。大黄苷元抗脑缺血损伤作用机制可能是通过抑制缺血脑组织炎性级联反应和提高脑保护因子如TGF-β水平而实现的。