c-Jun N-terminal kinase binding domain–dependent phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 and balancing cross-talk between c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways in cortical neurons

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activated by stress-signals and involved in many different diseases. Previous results proved the powerful effect of the cell permeable peptide inhibitor d-JNKI1 (d-retro-inverso form of c-Jun N-terminal kinase-inhibitor) against neuronal death in CNS diseases, but the precise features of this neuroprotection remain unclear. We here performed cell-free and in vitro experiments for a deeper characterization of d-JNKI1 features in physiological conditions.     

Effect of aspirin on the expression of hepatocyte NF-κB and serum TNF-α in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Aspirin is a kind of anti-inflammatory drug and may be used to reverse hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia by improving insulin resistance. We hypothesized that aspirin improves insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes by inhibiting hepatic nuclear factor kappa-β (NF-κB) activation and serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, untreated diabetic, diabetic treated with metformin (100 mg/kg/day), and diabetic treated with aspirin (120 mg/kg/day). Diabetes was induced by high-fat feeding and a low dose of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg). After treatment, plasma glucose, insulin, lipids, free fatty acids (FFAs) concentrations and serum TNF-α were determined. The expression of NF-κB in hepatocytes was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The results showed administration of aspirin caused no significant lowering in fasting glucose level but significant reduction of hepatic NF-κB expression and serum TNF-α level with improved insulin resistance compared to the diabetic group. The relevant analysis showed positive correlation between the expression of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and NF-κB (r = 0.799, P < 0.01); HOMA-IR and serum TNF-α (r = 0.790, P < 0.01). It is concluded that aspirin improves insulin resistance by inhibiting hepatic NF-κB activation and TNF-α level in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.     

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.     

Apigenin inhibits release of inflammatory mediators by blocking the NF-κB activation pathways in the HMC-1 cells

Apigenin is a plant flavonoid and a pharmacologically active agent that has been isolated from several plant species. However, the molecular mechanism of apigenin-mediated immune modulation has not been fully understood. One of the possible mechanisms of its protective effects is the down-regulation of inflammatory responses. In this study, we used cells from the human mast cell line (HMC-1) to investigate this effect. Apigenin significantly inhibits the inductive effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus A23187 on the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Moreover, apigenin attenuated the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and intracellular Ca(2+) level. In activated HMC-1 cells, apigenin inhibited the PMA plus A23187-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, IκB degradation, and luciferase activity. Furthermore, apigenin suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, GM-CSF, and COX-2 by decreasing the intracellular Ca(2+) level and inhibiting NF-κB activation. These results indicate that apigenin has a potential regulatory effect on inflammatory reactions that are mediated by mast cells.     

Acacetin inhibits expression of E-selectin on endothelial cells through regulation of the MAP kinase signaling pathway and activation of NF-κB

Abstract

Since E-selectin-mediated adhesion of leukocytes or tumor cells to the vascular endothelium is a key early event in the initiation of inflammatory response and cancer metastasis, E-selectin inhibition is thought to be a good target for therapeutic intervention. Several flavones have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of plant flavones on expression of E-selectin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Among 11 flavones, acacetin strongly inhibited TNF-α-induced E-selectin expression in HUVECs. Acacetin suppressed the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of p38 but did not inhibit TNF-α-induced phosphorylations of JNK and ERK. Acacetin also inhibited the activation of NF-κB by stimulation with TNF-α. Furthermore, adhesion of monocytes to TNF-α-treated endothelial cells was inhibited by cotreatment with acacetin. These results suggest that acacetin inhibits the expression of E-selectin by regulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and activation of NF-κB.     

Curcumin inhibits ox-LDL-induced MCP-1 expression by suppressing the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Objective  

This study was designed to identify the inhibitory effect of curcumin on ox-LDL-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production and investigated whether the effects are mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB pathways in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).     

Anti-inflammatory activities of Reynoutria elliptica through suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB activation pathways

Reynoutria elliptica has been used in traditional Korean medicine to promote blood circulation, relieve pain, increase dieresis, and alleviate respiratory problems, through as yet undefined mechanisms. We set out to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of this plant are linked with its ability to suppress mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. We found for the first time that the hexane fraction of Reynoutria elliptica (HRE) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated NO and PGE2 synthesis. This is due to the diminishing of the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, respectively. HRE also suppressed LPS-stimulated TNF-α secretion in a dose-dependent manner, which might be due to the suppression of LPS-induced MAPKs and NF-κB activation. Moreover, our HPLC data demonstrated that the major components of the HRE were bioactive compounds such as emodin-6-Glc, emodin, and physcion. Overall, our results indicate that Reynoutria elliptica could be provided as a potential candidate for anti-inflammation treatment.     

Squamosamide derivative FLZ inhibits TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression via down-regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells

Dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) resulting from chronic inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It has been reported that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) could induce intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in RPE cells. FLZ, a novel synthetic squamosamide derivative from a Chinese herb, Annona glabra, has displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of FLZ on TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in RPE cells remain unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of FLZ on TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in RPE cells. We found that FLZ prevented TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression and the ability of monocytes to adhere to ARPE-19 cells induced by TNF-α. Furthermore, FLZ inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB p65 expression, as well as phosphorylation of IκBα in ARPE-19 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that FLZ inhibited TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression through blocking NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells. Thus, FLZ could be used for designing novel therapeutic agents against AMD.