TRIM31 过表达改善脂多糖诱导下神经细胞的炎症损伤

目的:探讨E3泛素连接酶31(TRIM31)对LPS诱导PC12细胞炎症性损伤的保护作用和机制。方法:用不同浓度LPS处理PC12细胞24 h,MTT法检测细胞增殖活性,Western blot检测LPS最佳浓度处理后PC12细胞TRIM蛋白表达水平。将TRIM31过表达质粒(pcDNA3.1-TRIM31)及其阴性对照质粒(pcDNA3.1-NC)转染至PC12细胞,qRT-PCR和Western blot检测细胞TRIM31 mRNA和蛋白表达水平。PC12细胞分为对照组(Control)、LPS组、LPS+NC组和LPS+TRIM31组,分组干预后,ELISA检测细胞上清IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-18含量,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,免疫荧光检测NLRP3蛋白表达,qRT-PCR检测NLRP3、caspase-1 mRNA表达,Western blot检测NLRP3、caspase-1、Cleaved-caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax蛋白表达。结果:LPS剂量增加,PC12细胞增殖活性逐渐降低(P0.05),LPS处理可降低PC12细胞TRIM31蛋白表达水平(P0.01),TRIM31过表达,PC12细胞TRIM31 mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著提高(P0.05)。与Control组相比,LPS组细胞上清中IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-18含量、细胞凋亡率及细胞Cleaved-caspase-3和Bax蛋白水平显著提高(P0.05),Bcl-2和TRIM31蛋白水平显著降低(P0.05),NLRP3蛋白荧光强度及NLRP3、caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著提高(P0.05);与LPS组相比,LPS+TRIM31组细胞上清中IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-18含量、细胞凋亡率及细胞Cleaved-caspase-3和Bax蛋白水平显著降低(P0.05),Bcl-2蛋白水平显著提高(P0.05),NLRP3荧光强度及NLRP3、caspase-1 mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著降低(P0.05)。结论:过表达TRIM31能通过抑制NLRP3炎症小体活化,改善LPS诱导的PC12细胞炎症损伤。     

白藜芦醇通过调节miR-223-3p/NLRP3通路发挥对幼年大鼠脑膜炎模型皮质神经元的保护作用

目的:探究白藜芦醇在大鼠细菌性脑膜炎(BM)模型中对皮质神经元的保护作用及机制。方法:通过小脑延髓池注射B族溶血性链球菌制作BM模型,经鼻滴注白藜芦醇,并经侧脑室注射微小RNA-223-3p(miR-223-3p)antagomir。HE染色观察脑膜炎组织病理结构的改变;Loeffler评分法评估神经功能;TUNEL染色检测神经元凋亡情况;免疫荧光染色检测白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、IL-18、胶质细胞原纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)和离子钙结合衔接分子1(Iba1)的表达;Western blot检测核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18的表达水平;RT-qPCR检测miR-223-3p的表达水平;利用在线软件TargetScan查询miR-223-3p与NLRP3mRNA中是否存在互补的核苷酸序列。结果:与假手术组比较,BM模型组大鼠的脑膜增厚;神经功能评分明显降低(P0. 05);TUNEL阳性神经元数量明显增多(P0. 05);星形胶质细胞和小胶质细胞被激活;IL-1β和IL-18的免疫荧光强度明显增加(P0. 05);NLRP3、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β、IL-18和miR-223-3p的表达水平明显升高(P0. 05)。与BM模型组比较,白藜芦醇治疗组大鼠神经功能评分明显升高(P0. 05);TUNEL阳性神经元数量明显减少(P0. 05);星形胶质细胞和小胶质细胞炎症反应被抑制;IL-1β和IL-18荧光强度明显减弱(P0. 05);NLRP3、cleaved caspase-1、IL-1β和IL-18蛋白表达明显降低,miR-223-3p的表达水平明显上调(P0. 05)。TargetScan查询显示miR-223-3p的部分核苷酸序列与NLRP3 mRNA 3'-UTR的核苷酸序列互补。在白藜芦醇治疗的BM大鼠脑内,与antagomir对照组比较,miR-223-3p antagomir处理组的NLRP3蛋白表达明显升高(P0. 05)。结论:在幼年大鼠BM模型中,白藜芦醇可能通过调节miR-223-3p/NLRP3通路减少皮质神经元炎性死亡,从而发挥对神经元的保护作用。     

硼替佐米调节miR-223/NLRP3轴对脂多糖诱导的人单核细胞炎症反应的影响

目的:探讨硼替佐米(BTZ)调节微小RNA-233(miR-223)/核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)轴对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的人单核细胞炎症反应的影响。方法:从类风湿性关节炎(RA)患者外周血中分离、纯化单核细胞。采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)法检测单核细胞上清液中白细胞介素6(IL-6)、IL-1β和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)水平,并根据IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α水平筛选LPS的最佳诱导时间和BTZ的最佳处理浓度。实验分为对照组、LPS诱导组和BTZ组。RT-qPCR法测定各组单核细胞中miR-223水平;Western blot法测定单核细胞中NLRP3、caspase-1、细胞因子信号抑制物1(SOCS1)和含SH2结构域的肌醇磷酸酶1(SHIP-1)水平。结果:成功从RA患者外周血中分离、纯化出单核细胞,其呈类球形,分布均匀;经LPS诱导24 h后,细胞多呈梭形、聚集状。根据IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α水平筛选出LPS的最佳诱导时间为24 h,BTZ的最佳处理浓度为50 nmol/L。与对照组相比,LPS诱导组miR-223、SOCS1和SHIP-1水平显著降低(P0.05),NLRP3和caspase-1水平显著升高(P0.05);与LPS诱导组相比,BTZ组miR-223、SOCS1和SHIP-1水平显著升高(P0.05),NLRP3和caspase-1水平显著降低(P0.05)。结论:BTZ可能通过阻断miR-223/NLRP3轴活化,减少LPS诱导的人单核细胞炎症因子的分泌。     

NLRP1炎性体促进高糖高胰岛素诱导的肾小球系膜细胞焦亡

目的研究含pyrin结构域NOD样受体家族1(NLRP1)炎性体对高糖高胰岛素诱导的肾小球系膜细胞焦亡(pyroptosis)的调控作用。方法将培养的人肾小球系膜细胞(HRMC)分为4.5 mg/m L葡萄糖处理的高糖组和10μg/m L胰岛素处理的高胰岛素组,分别处理0、12、24、48、72、96 h。在各时间点,采用MTT法检测细胞增殖,流式细胞术检测细胞焦亡,实时定量PCR检测HRMC的NLRP1、白细胞介素1β前体(pro-IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和胱天蛋白酶1前体(pro-caspase-1)的mRNA水平,Western blot法检测NLRP1、IL-1β、TNF-α、caspase-1的蛋白水平;高糖高胰岛素培养的HRMC中转染NLRP1小干涉RNA(si NLRP1),采用以上方法检测上述指标的变化情况。结果高糖高胰岛素处理48 h后,HRMC增殖能力下降、焦亡细胞数目显著增加,NLRP1、pro-IL-1β、TNF-α和pro-caspase-1 mRNA和NLRP1、IL-1β、TNF-α和caspase-1蛋白水平均显著增加;si NLRP1下调HRMC中NLRP1水平后,高糖高胰岛素培养的HRMC细胞焦亡减少,IL-1β、TNF-α和caspase-1表达显著降低。结论高糖高胰岛素处理促进NLRP1的激活从而增加肾小球系膜细胞焦亡和炎症反应,下调NLRP1的表达可抑制高糖高胰岛素诱导的肾小球系膜细胞焦亡和炎症反应。     

NOX1在TNF-α诱导的肺泡上皮细胞氧化损伤和炎症中的作用研究

目的:探索NADPH氧化酶1(NOX1)在肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)诱导的肺泡上皮细胞A549氧化损伤和炎症中的作用。方法:以real-time PCR和Western blot法测定TNF-α处理后肺泡上皮细胞中NOX1的m RNA和蛋白表达水平。在肺泡上皮细胞中转染NOX1 si RNA及其阴性对照,以TNF-α诱导以后,用real-time PCR和Western blot测定细胞中NOX1水平。硫代巴比妥酸法检测细胞中丙二醛(MDA)含量,黄嘌呤氧化法检测细胞中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,ELISA法检测细胞培养液中的白细胞介素4(IL-4)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)含量,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,Western blot检测凋亡蛋白cleaved caspase-3的水平。结果:TNF-α诱导处理后A549细胞中NOX1 m RNA和蛋白水平均升高(P 0. 05),NOX1 si RNA转染可以下调细胞中NOX1的m RNA和蛋白表达(P 0. 05),转染si RNA阴性对照对细胞中NOX1的m RNA和蛋白表达没有影响。TNF-α处理后细胞中MDA含量升高,SOD活性降低,细胞分泌的IL-4、IL-6和IL-1β增多,细胞凋亡率和凋亡蛋白cleaved caspase-3水平均升高,与没有经TNF-α处理的细胞比较,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05)。下调NOX1的细胞经TNF-α诱导后,细胞中MDA含量降低,SOD活性升高,细胞分泌的IL-4、IL-6和IL-1β减少,凋亡率及凋亡蛋白cleaved caspase-3水平降低,与只经过TNF-α诱导处理的细胞比较,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05)。结论:TNF-α诱导肺泡上皮细胞表达NOX1。下调NOX1表达可减少细胞氧化损伤和炎症因子分泌,减少细胞凋亡。     

NLRP3炎性小体在呼吸机相关性肺炎患者中的表达及临床意义

目的观察核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域样受体蛋白3(nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3,NLRP3)炎性小体在呼吸机相关性肺炎(ventilator-associated pneumonia,VAP)患者中的表达及临床意义。方法选取2014年1月至2019年1月于本院行机械辅助通气治疗的患者720例作为研究对象。根据是否发生VAP,将其分为VAP组(132例)和非VAP组(588例),按VAP患者病情严重程度将VAP组分为低危组(48例)、中危组(44例)和高危组(40例)。检测各组单个核细胞(peripheral blood mononuclear cells,PBMCs)中NLRP3、半胱氨酸蛋白酶1(Caspase-1)mRNA表达及白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor,TNF-α)水平,评价NLRP3水平对VAP患者病情严重程度的预测价值。结果VAP组患者外周血NLRP3、Caspase-1 mRNA水平及外周血IL-1β和TNF-α水平显著高于非VAP组(P<0.05);VAP患者中高危组外周血NLRP3、Caspase-1 mRNA水平、急性生理学与慢性健康状况评分(acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score,APACHE II score)及外周血IL-1β和TNF-α水平最高,中危组次之,低危组最低。VAP组患者PBMCs NLRP3 mRNA表达与Caspase-1 mRNA、APACHE II评分、外周血IL-1β和TNF-α水平呈显著正相关(Caspase-1 mRNA:r=0.790,P<0.001;APACHE II评分:r=0.752,P<0.001;IL-1β:r=0.710,P=0.003;TNF-α:r=0.740,P<0.001)。ROC曲线分析显示,NLRP3 mRNA水平曲线下面积为0.862(95%CI 0.799~0.925),其最佳工作点为2.16,此时预测VAP患者病情严重程度的灵敏度和特异性分别为75.21%和81.69%,显著优于APACHE II评分、IL-1β及TNF-α。结论外周血NLRP3炎性小体与VAP的发生、发展密切相关,对于VAP患者病情严重程度的预测,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

miR-212通过靶向NRP1调节结肠癌SW480肿瘤干细胞样特性和免疫应答北大核心CSCD

目的:探讨miR-212在SW480肿瘤干细胞样特性和免疫应答中的调控作用,并初步分析其调控机制。方法:结肠癌SW480细胞分别转染mimic、miR-NC或miR-212-5p,RT-PCR检测神经纤毛蛋白1(NRP1)和miR-212-5p表达水平并进行相关性分析;TargetScan预测miR-212-5p潜在靶向基因NRP1,荧光素酶实验验证靶向关系;SW480细胞单独或联合转染miR-212-5p和pcDNA-NRP1,RT-PCR检测miR-212-5p和NRP1 mRNA表达水平,Western blot检测NRP1蛋白表达水平;流式细胞术分选干细胞阳性标记(CD44+)比例,Western blot检测性别决定区Y框蛋白2(SOX2)和富含亮氨酸重复单位的G蛋白偶联受体5(LGR5)蛋白表达;ELISA测定SW480细胞上清液中IL-6、TNF-α和IL-4蛋白含量,RT-PCR检测IL-6和IL-4 mRNA表达水平。结果:与Control组相比,miR-212-5p显著上调SW480肿瘤干细胞miR-212-5p表达(P<0.05),下调NRP1表达(P<0.05),抑制CD44+、SOX2、LFR5表达(P<0.05),促进炎症反应和免疫应答(P<0.05);与NRP1组相比,miR-212-5p明显抑制因NRP1上调的CD44+、SOX2和LGR5表达(P<0.05),促进因NRP1下调的炎症因子表达(P<0.05)。结论:miR-212-5p靶向抑制NRP1表达,调节结肠癌SW480肿瘤干细胞样特性和免疫应答。     

miR-433在NIH-3T3细胞纤维化和矽尘诱导的小鼠肺纤维化中的作用

目的:本研究旨在探究微小RNA-433(miR-433)在纤维化中的作用及机制。方法:采用TargetScan预测miR-433的潜在靶基因。检测转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)处理小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞(NIH-3T3细胞)24h后miR-433表达的变化。检测miR-433 mimic对TGF-β1处理的NIH-3T3细胞中p-SMAD2、纤维连接蛋白(FN)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)表达水平的影响。采用CCK-8法和流式细胞术检测转染miR-433 mimic对TGF-β1诱导的NIH-3T3细胞生长和S期阻滞的影响。构建矽尘诱导的小鼠肺纤维化模型并使用agomiR-433进行干预,HE染色和Masson染色观察miR-433对小鼠肺纤维化的影响,采用免疫组化检测小鼠肺组织中α-SMA的表达。结果:miR-433能特异性结合SMAD2的3'-UTR,并抑制其蛋白和mRNA的表达。TGF-β1能下调NIH-3T3细胞中miR-433的表达水平,上调p-SMAD2蛋白的水平,同时也增强FN、α-SMA和CTGF蛋白和mRNA的表达,并增强细胞活力,诱导S期细胞数量增加;而miR-433 mimic能逆转TGF-β1对NIH-3T3细胞活力和S期阻滞的影响。在矽尘诱导的小鼠肺纤维化模型中,agomiR-433能抑制肺纤维化进程,减少小鼠肺组织中α-SMA的表达。结论:miR-433可能通过靶向调控SMAD2干预TGF-β1/SMAD2信号通路,从而参与调节纤维化的病理过程。     

降钙素基因相关肽通过降低炎性小体活性抑制巨噬细胞功能

目的探讨降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)抑制巨噬细胞炎性反应的机制。方法使用不同浓度CGRP处理LPS活化/未活化的小鼠巨噬细胞(RAW264.7),实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测巨噬细胞内促炎细胞因子白介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和还原型辅酶Ⅱ氧化酶-活性氧簇-NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)mRNA表达水平;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)定量检测细胞上清分泌型IL-1β和TNF-α蛋白表达量;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测细胞内NLRP3蛋白表达水平。结果 CGRP显著降低LPS活化/未活化RAW264.7细胞内炎性因子IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3 m RNA水平与蛋白水平,同时,NLRP3下游调节分子Caspase-1的蛋白水平被显著下调。在mRNA水平,NLRP3随CGRP剂量变化而变化的趋势与IL-1β、TNF-α非常相似。结论CGRP抑制巨噬细胞炎性激活,其机制可能与CGRP抑制NLRP3表达与活性有关。     

miR-133a-3p靶向调控CD2AP基因减轻RSV感染的人支气管上皮细胞系16-HBE损伤

目的探讨miR-133a-3p对呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)感染的支气管上皮细胞凋亡、炎性反应的影响及其对CD2相关蛋白(CD2AP)的调控作用。方法收集59例支气管哮喘儿童的支气管黏膜组织标本为AsP组,同时选取59例支气管扩张非哮喘儿童的支气管黏膜组织标本为NC组,用RT-qPCR法检测组织中miR-133a-3p、CD2AP的表达量;RSV感染支气管上皮细胞(16-HBE)建立细胞损伤模型(RSV组),分别将miR-NC、miR-133a-3p mimics、si-NC、si-CD2AP、pcDNA-NC、pcDNA-CD2AP、miR-133a-3p mimics与pcDNA-NC、miR-133a-3p mimics与pcDNA-CD2AP转染至感染RSV的16-HBE细胞;用RT-qPCR法与Western blot法分别检测细胞中miR-133a-3p、CD2AP的表达量;用ELISA法检测TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1α的水平;用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率;双荧光素酶报告实验检测miR-133a-3p与CD2AP的靶向关系;Western blot法检测cleaved-caspase-3蛋白表达量。结果与NC组比较,AsP组支气管黏膜组织中miR-133a-3p的表达水平降低(P0.05),CD2AP mRNA的表达水平升高(P0.05);RSV感染的16-HBE细胞中miR-133a-3p的表达水平降低(P0.05),CD2AP的表达水平及TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1α的水平升高(P0.05),凋亡率及cleaved-caspase-3蛋白水平升高(P0.05);RSV感染的16-HBE细胞中转染miR-133a-3p mimics或转染si-CD2AP可明显降低TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1α的水平、凋亡率及cleaved-caspase-3蛋白水平(P0.05);双荧光素酶报告实验证实CD2AP是miR-133a-3p的靶基因;共转染miR-133a-3p mimics与pcDNA-CD2AP可明显逆转miR-133a-3p mimics对16-HBE细胞凋亡及炎性反应。结论 miR-133a-3p过表达可通过负向调控CD2AP的表达而抑制RSV感染的支气管上皮细胞炎性反应及凋亡,从而减轻细胞损伤。     

MiR-24 inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-induced acute lung injury of neonatal rats through targeting NLRP3

Inflammation plays an important role in the development of acute lung injury (ALI) in preterm infants. Despite the critical role of microRNA in inflammatory response, little is known about its function in ALI. In this study, we investigate the role of MicroRNA-24 (miR-24) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced neonatal rats ALI and its potential mechanism. LPS was used to induce ALI neonatal animal model. miR-24 expression in the lung tissues of LPS-challenged neonatal rats was detected by qPCR. Proinflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-18 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues of LPS-challenged neonatal rats were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The mRNA levels of surfactant protein A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) was measured by qRT-PCR. Direct binding of miR-24 and pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3) were determined by dual luciferase assay. The levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C?terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and caspase-1 protein expression were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and western blot, respectively. Our data indicated that LPS-induced lung injury in neonatal rats and resulted in significant downregulated of miR-24 expression. Overexpression of miR-24 significantly reduced LPS-induced lung damage and decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and SP-A, SP-D expression induced by LPS. In addition, miR-24 inhibited the expression of NLRP3 by directly targeting to the CDS region of NLRP3 mRNA. Furthermore, miR-24 overexpression attenuated lung inflammation and deactivated the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway in LPS-challenged neonatal rats. These data show that miR-24 alleviated inflammatory responses in LPS-induced ALI via targeting NLRP3.     

NLRP3 Deletion Inhibits the Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Development and Inflammation in Kupffer Cells Induced by Palmitic Acid

The cleavage and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 is regulated by NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome activation. Kupffer cells (KCs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and liver fibrosis. However, the role of NLRP3 played in the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has yet to be evaluated. In the present study, methionine–choline-deficient (MCD) diet was used to establish the mice NASH model. The expression levels of F4/80 and NLRP3 in liver tissues were evaluated, and the IL-1β and IL-18 in serum were also evaluated. KCs were isolated from wild-type (WT) mice and NLRP3 knockout (NLRP3^?/?) mice and then randomly divided into two groups: the control and palmitic acid (PA) groups. The expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in KCs were determined by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant (SN) of KCs were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that KCs and NLRP3 play pro-inflammatory roles in the progression of NASH, probably through secretions of IL-1β and IL-18 by KCs induced by PA. PA could act as a kind of damage-associated molecular patterns to elevate the messenger RNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in KCs from WT mice. In the contrast, NLRP3 deletion could inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome upregulation and activation in KCs induced by PA. Furthermore, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in the SN of KCs from WT mice were all elevated with the stimulation of PA, and the increase of these cytokines in the SN was blocked by NLRP3 deletion. In conclusion, our novel findings demonstrate that NLRP3 plays a pivotal role in NASH development and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 secretion induced by PA stimulation, and NLRP3 might be an effective potential target for the treatment of liver inflammatory diseases associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation.     

Role of NLRP3 and CARD8 in the regulation of TNF-α induced IL-1β release in vascular smooth muscle cells

Interleukin (IL)-1β is known to be activated by the inflammasome. Inflammasome activities depend on a plethora of moieties including NLRP3 and CARD8, which have been reported to be associated with several inflammatory diseases. Aortic smooth muscle cells (AOSMCs) were transfected with siRNA targeting the NLRP3 and CARD8 genes, followed by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) treatment. We found that TNF-α induces IL-1β, IL-1Ra and NLRP3 genes but not CARD8. Silencing of the NLRP3 gene significantly decreased IL-1β expression and release, the IL-1Ra expression showed a borderline non-significant increment, while CARD8 knockdown did not affect the IL-1β and IL-1Ra mRNA expression or IL-1β protein release. Our results suggest that mainly NLRP3 plays a role in the regulation of IL-1β expression and release in AOSMC and could be a potential future target for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.     

Vitamin D decreases expression of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in placental explants from women with preeclampsia cultured with hydrogen peroxide

This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D (VD) on the NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in placental explants from preeclamptic (PE) and normotensive (NT) pregnant women. Placental explants from eight PE and eight NT pregnant women were cultured with or without hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)_, VD or H₂O₂ + VD. Gene and protein expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, HMGB1, caspase-1, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18 were determined by qPCR and Western blotting/ELISA. Compared to NT pregnant women, the endogenous gene expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, HMGB1, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18 was significantly higher in explants from PE and became decreased after VD treatment. Similarly, VD decreased the protein expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, caspase-1, HMGB1, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18 in PE. Placental explants from NT cultured with H₂O₂ showed increased gene and protein expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB1, while H₂O₂ was also able to increase TNF-α and caspase-1 gene expression in PE. Treatment with H₂O₂ + VD decreased gene/protein expression of NLRP1, NLRP3, caspase-1, HMGB1, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-18 in PE and NT explants with H₂O₂. NLRP1 and NLRP3 are upregulated in the PE. VD may play an immunomodulatory role in the placental inflammation and downregulates oxidative stress induced in vitro by H₂O_2.     

MiR-200b attenuates IL-6 production through IKKβ and ZEB1 in human gingival fibroblasts

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in biological processes such as cell differentiation, development, infection, immune response, inflammation and tumorigenesis. We previously reported that the expression of miR-200b was significantly increased in inflamed gingiva compared with non-inflamed gingiva. To elucidate the roles of miR-200b in the inflamed gingiva, we have analyzed the effects of miR-200b on the expression of IL-6 in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

Materials and methods

Total RNA and protein were extracted from HGF after stimulation by interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 1 ng/ml) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 10 ng/ml) and transfected with miR-200b expression plasmid or miR-200b inhibitor. IL-6, IL-1β, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinaseβ (IKKβ), Zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and E-cadherin mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot.

Results

IL-1β and TNF-α increased IL-6 mRNA and protein levels, and they were significantly suppressed by miR-200b overexpression, whereas they were further increased by miR-200b inhibitor in HGF. IKKβ and ZEB1 which are target genes of miR-200b negatively regulate E-cadherin. MiR-200b suppressed the expression of IKKβ and ZEB1 and increased E-cadherin mRNA and protein levels in HGF.

Conclusions

These results suggest that miR-200b attenuates inflammatory response via IKKβ and ZEB1 in periodontal tissue.

     

Resveratrol protects BV2 mouse microglial cells against LPS-induced inflammatory injury by altering the miR-146a-5p/TRAF6/NF-κB axis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the role of miR-146a-5p in the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on inflammatory response in BV2 mouse microglial cells.

Materials and methods: BV2 cells were pretreated by RSV and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell Viability was checked using a MTT assay. Real-Time PCR was performed to detect the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosisfactor-α－TNF-α, interleukin-1β－IL-1β and interleukin-6 － IL-6) and miR-146a-5p expression. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (pNF-κB). Gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis of miR-146a-5p was performed using transfection of miR-146a-5p mimic and miR-146a-5p inhibitor, respectively.

Results: Pretreatment with RSV significantly and dose dependently inhibited LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in BV2 cells. MiR-146a-5p was significantly upregulated after LPS treatment, and further increased in RSV and LPS-co-treated cells. MiR-146a-5p overexpression via miR-146a-5p mimic transfection downregulated the mRNA level of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as abrogated the protein expression of TRAF6 and pNF-κB in BV2 cells exposed to LPS. More importantly, the reducion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 level by RSV were reversed by miR-146a-5p silence via miR-146a-5p inhibitor transfection. Furthermore, silencing miR-146a-5p attenuated the inhibitory effect of RSV on the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway which was activated after induction with LPS. Conclusions: RSV can suppress LPS-induced inflammatory injury via modulating the miR-146a-5p/TRAF6/NF-κB axis in BV2 mouse microglial cells.     

MiR-200b attenuates IL-6 production through IKKβ and ZEB1 in human gingival fibroblasts

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in biological processes such as cell differentiation, development, infection, immune response, inflammation and tumorigenesis. We previously reported that the expression of miR-200b was significantly increased in inflamed gingiva compared with non-inflamed gingiva. To elucidate the roles of miR-200b in the inflamed gingiva, we have analyzed the effects of miR-200b on the expression of IL-6 in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

Materials and methods

Total RNA and protein were extracted from HGF after stimulation by interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 1 ng/ml) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 10 ng/ml) and transfected with miR-200b expression plasmid or miR-200b inhibitor. IL-6, IL-1β, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinaseβ (IKKβ), Zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and E-cadherin mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot.

Results

IL-1β and TNF-α increased IL-6 mRNA and protein levels, and they were significantly suppressed by miR-200b overexpression, whereas they were further increased by miR-200b inhibitor in HGF. IKKβ and ZEB1 which are target genes of miR-200b negatively regulate E-cadherin. MiR-200b suppressed the expression of IKKβ and ZEB1 and increased E-cadherin mRNA and protein levels in HGF.

Conclusions

These results suggest that miR-200b attenuates inflammatory response via IKKβ and ZEB1 in periodontal tissue.

     

Mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its role in NSAID-induced enteropathy

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induce cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins (ILs), in the small intestine via a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent pathway, leading to intestinal ulceration. Activation of the inflammasome promotes pro-caspase-1 cleavage, leading to pro-IL-1β maturation. We examined the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in NSAID-induced enteropathy. Small intestinal damage developed 3 h after indomethacin administration, accompanied by increases in IL-1β and NLRP3 mRNA expression and mature caspase-1 and IL-1β levels. In vivo blocking of IL-1β using neutralizing antibodies attenuated indomethacin-induced damage, whereas exogenous IL-1β aggravated it. NLRP3^−/− and caspase-1^−/− mice exhibited resistance to the damage with reduction of mature IL-1β production. This resistance was abolished by exogenous IL-1β. TLR4 deficiency prevented intestinal damage and inhibited upregulation of NLRP3 and IL-1β mRNAs and maturation of pro-caspase-1 and pro-IL-1β, whereas TLR4 activation by its agonists exerted opposite effects. Apyrase, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) scavenger, or Brilliant Blue G, a purinergic P2X₇ receptor antagonist, inhibited the damage as well as caspase-1 activation and IL-1β processing, despite there being sufficient amounts of pro-IL-1β and NLRP3. These results suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome-derived IL-1β plays a crucial role in NSAID-induced enteropathy and that both TLR4- and P2X₇-dependent pathways are required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation.     

MicroRNA-223 regulates inflammation and brain injury via feedback to NLRP3 inflammasome after intracerebral hemorrhage

NLRP3 inflammasome, the multimeric protein complexes involved in the processing of IL-1β through Caspase-1 cleavage, facilitates the inflammatory response. The control and activation of NLRP3 after intracerebral hemorrhage have not been fully studied. In the current study, we explore the specific microRNA which could regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage. We detected the inverse relationship between the expression of miR-223 and NLRP3. We found that NLRP3 mRNA contains conserved miR-223 binding sites in its 3′ UTR, and miR-223 could directly regulate NLRP3 expression through these 3′ UTR sites. Our results indicate that miR-223 could downregulate NLRP3 to inhibit inflammation through caspase-1 and IL-1β, reduce brain edema and improve neurological functions. Together, miR-223 may be a vital regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results suggest that miR-223 represents a novel target reducing the inflammatory response, and offers a new therapeutical strategy following ICH.     

野百合碱致肺动脉高压大鼠肺组织中IL-1β和IL-18表达增加

目的探讨野百合碱致肺动脉高压(PAH)大鼠IL-1β和IL-18表达的变化。方法将雄性大鼠随机分为对照组和实验组(n=10),建立野百合碱致PAH大鼠实验模型,应用B超、心肌细胞HE染色和TUNNEL染色检测;ELISA检测血清NF-κB、COX2、IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α和NO浓度;免疫组化法检测肺组织IL-1β和IL-18表达;Western blot检测肺组织NLRP3蛋白表达。结果 PAH大鼠血清中NF-κB、COX2、IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α和NO均显著增加(P0.05);肺组织IL-1β和IL-18的表达明显增加(P0.05),PAH大鼠肺组织IL-1β和IL-18阳性细胞百分比显著增加,IL-1β的增加更明显;NLRP3蛋白表达实验组比对照组有明显增加(P0.05)。结论野百合碱致肺组织IL-1β和IL-18表达增加。