miR-155 modulates the progression of neuropathic pain through targeting SGK3

This study aimed to illustrate the potential effects of miR-155 in neuropathic pain and its potential mechanism. Spragure-Dawley (SD) rats were used for neuropathic pain model of bilateral chronic constriction injury (bCCI) construction. Effects of miR-155 expression on pain threshold of mechanical stimuli (MWT), paw withdrawal threshold latency (PMTL) and cold threshold were analyzed. Target for miR-155 was analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Moreover, effects of miR-155 target gene expression on pain thresholds were also assessed. Compared with the controls and sham group, miR-155 was overexpressed in neuropathic pain rats (P<0.05), but miR-155 slicing could significantly decreased the pain thresholds (P<0.05). Serum and glucocorticoid regulated protein kinase 3 (SGK3) was predicted as the target gene for miR-155, and miR-155 expression was negatively correlated to SGK3 expression. Furthermore, SGK3 overexpression could significantly decreased the pain thresholds which was the same as miR-155 (P<0.05). Moreover, miR-155 slicing and SGK3 overexpression could significantly decrease the painthreshold. The data presented in this study suggested that miR-155 slicing could excellently alleviate neuropathic pain in rats through targeting SGK3 expression. miR-155 may be a potential therapeutic target for neuropathic pain treatment.     

miR-146a对THP-1细胞靶基因AUF1调控及细胞因子表达的影响

目的探讨miR-146a对人急性单核白血病细胞系(THP-1)靶基因AU碱基富集区结合降解因子1(AUF1)表达的调控及细胞因子表达的影响。方法构建miR-146a过表达及抑制表达慢病毒载体并转染THP-1细胞,以正常培养的THP-1细胞为对照。用实时定量PCR法检测THP-1细胞AUF1 mRNA表达;蛋白质印迹法检测THP-1细胞AUF1蛋白的表达;酶联免疫吸附试验检测THP-1细胞培养基上清液白细胞介素-8(IL-8)及白细胞介素-35(IL-35)浓度。结果过表达miR-146a,可导致THP-1细胞AUF1 mRNA及蛋白表达下调(P0.01,P0.05);THP-1细胞上清液IL-8及IL-35浓度降低(P0.01,P0.05)。抑制miR-146a表达,导致THP-1细胞上清液IL-8及IL-35浓度明显增高(P0.01,P0.01)。结论 AUF1是miR-146a的靶基因。miR-146a可以调控THP-1细胞上清液IL-8、IL-35浓度。IL-8的改变引起相应IL-35的改变,一起参与炎性反应。     

Comparison of three models of neuropathic pain in mice using a new method to assess cold allodynia: The double plate technique

The recent identification of receptors sensitive to cold stimuli increased the significance of using mice to study cold allodynia, one of the important features of neuropathic pain. However, commonly used techniques (simple cold plate and acetone technique) may be inappropriate to study cold allodynia in mice because of problems of interpretation. We have developed a new method for assessing aversion to a cold non-noxious stimulus. It consists of calculating the time that mice spend on a non-noxious cold plate during their explorative behavior versus a thermoneutral one. We used three different models of neuropathic pain: chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI), partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) and chronic constriction of the saphenous nerve (CCS) with their respective sham groups and naive animals to assess the double plate in comparison to the acetone drop technique. All operated mice displayed cold allodynia with both methods. The response to acetone and the time spent on the cold plate were correlated (r = −0.93) and we also showed that the CCI mice were more sensitive to cold. Pharmacological validation of this technique showed that CCI induced cold allodynia was alleviated by gabapentin. In conclusion, the double plate technique provides a new, relevant method for assessing cold allodynia in mice. The advantages and drawbacks with the other techniques are discussed.     

Inadequate induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 causes systemic autoimmune diseases

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 is a cytokine-inducible, negative regulatory molecule of Janus kinases (JAK) and its deficiency causes hyper-response to various cytokines. SOCS-1(-/-) mice spontaneously develop a fatal disease depending on aberrantly activated lymphocytes. Here, we show that partial restoration of SOCS-1 in lymphoid cells rescues SOCS-1(-/-) mice from the early-onset fatal disease, indicating that SOCS-1 expression in vivo is especially required in lymphocytes. However, SOCS-1 expression in these SOCS-1-restored mutant mice (E( micro )-SOCS-1(-/-) mice) was insufficient for proper down-regulation of its target signaling, and these mice spontaneously exhibit hyperactivation of lymphocytes, an increase in the levels of serum Ig and anti-DNA autoantibodies, and glomerulonephritis with glomerular IgG deposition. These phenotypes resemble those of murine systemic autoimmune diseases, models for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Interestingly, similar phenotypes were also observed in adult female SOCS-1(+/-) mice, indicating that the autoimmune phenotypes of these mice can be ascribed primarily to the inadequate expression of SOCS-1. In addition, autoimmune phenotypes were not observed in SOCS-1(+/-)CD4(-/-) mice, suggesting that autoimmunity is dependent on hyper-activated CD4(+) T cells. Our findings also suggest that insufficient expression of SOCS-1 results in impaired function of CD25(+)CD4(+) regulatory T cells, which may contribute to aberrant activation of CD4(+) T cells. These findings suggest that dysfunction of SOCS-1 can be a pathogenic factor of systemic autoimmune diseases such as SLE.     

miR-146a在大鼠神经病理性疼痛模型中的表达及其作用机制

目的 研究miR-146a对神经病理性疼痛的调控机制.方法 将大鼠随机分为:1)na(i)vve组(n=12);2)假手术组(n=12):进行大鼠双侧假手术;3)双侧慢性压迫损伤(bCCI)组(n=12):建立大鼠双侧坐骨神经结扎模型.在建模前1d及后第1、3、7和14天监测机械刺激诱发痛、热刺激诱发痛行为学指标;实时定量PCR法检测背根神经节(L4-L6) miR-146a及TNF-α受体相关因子6(TRAF6)、白介素1受体相关激酶(IRAK1)的mRNA表达水平;Western blot法检测TRAF6及IRAK1蛋白表达.结果 bCCI大鼠双足热刺激诱发痛痛阈、机械刺激诱发痛痛阈较na(i)ve组、假手术组显著降低(P＜0.05).术后第14天bCCI组miR-146a表达水平较na(i)ve组显著下降(P＜0.05).bCCI组TRAF6、IRAK1的mRNA表达水平较na(i)ve组升高(P ＜0.05);TRAF6、IRAKI蛋白表达水平较假手术组和na(i)ve组均显著增加(P＜0.05).结论 神经病理性疼痛大鼠背根神经节miR-146a表达水平下调,miR-146a可能通过过度激活其靶基因TRAF6和IRAK1发挥作用.     

JNK/MCP-1信号通路在姜黄素抗糖尿病神经病理性疼痛中的作用

 目的:观察JNK/MCP-1通路在姜黄素抗大鼠糖尿病神经病理性疼痛（DNP）中的作用及机制。方法:雄性SD大鼠诱导为2型糖尿病神经病理性痛大鼠（DNP）模型,将其随机分为6组（n=27）： DNP组、姜黄素组（Cur组）、溶剂对照组（DSC组）、JNK抑制剂组 (DJ组)、JNK抑制剂溶剂对照组(DJS组)、姜黄素+单核细胞趋化蛋白 1 (MCP-1)激动剂组（DM组）。另取27只正常大鼠为正常对照组（C组）,给药后3 d、7 d、14 d时测定机械缩足痛阈和热缩足潜伏期,并在同一时点取脊髓腰膨大及L4~6背根神经节（DRG）,用免疫印迹法测定脊髓和DRG中p-JNK水平,用ELISA测定脊髓和DRG中的MCP-1含量。结果:与DNP组相比,在给药后的7 d、14 d Cur组、DJ组、DM组p-JNK的表达明显下降（P<0.05）;与C组相比,链脲佐菌素给药后其它6组MCP-1含量出现明显下降;与DNP组相比,在给药后的7 d、14 d Cur组、DJ组MCP-1出现明显上升,而DM组出现进一步下降（P<0.05）。结论: DNP大鼠脊髓和DRG中的p-JNK、MCP-1表达明显升高,姜黄素减轻2型糖尿病大鼠神经病理性疼痛的机制可能与JNK/MCP-1信号通路有关。     

细胞因子信号抑制因子3在小鼠肾炎进程中的表达

目的: 探索细胞因子信号抑制因子3(SOCS3)在小鼠肾炎进程中的表达变化规律和意义。方法: 采用含兔抗小鼠肾小球基底膜抗体的肾毒素血清(NTS)制备小鼠肾炎模型。在第10、15、20和25 d分别收集小鼠尿液并摘取肾脏。以蛋白尿水平、肾脏组织HE和Masson染色评价肾炎进程;采用免疫组化和Western blotting 法检测SOCS3蛋白表达变化,以及Janus激酶2(JAK2)和信号转导及转录激活因子3(STAT3)在小鼠肾炎进程中磷酸化情况。结果: 小鼠肾炎模型表现出典型的发病、进展与转归;SOCS3在肾炎进程中未出现立即随JAK2和STAT3磷酸化增多而表达增加的现象,仅在肾炎严重期(第20 d)表达增加(P<0.05),在恢复期(第25 d)表达明显增加(P<0.01)。恢复期SOCS3表达显著增加,表现出抑制JAK2和STAT3磷酸化的作用。结论: 机体自身条件下,SOCS3的表达未立即随JAK2/STAT3磷酸化增多而增加,SOCS3对免疫性肾炎的保护作用可能主要在肾炎恢复期。     

The role of HMGB1 in COVID-19-induced cytokine storm and its potential therapeutic targets: A review

Hyperinflammation characterized by elevated proinflammatory cytokines known as ‘cytokine storms’ is the major cause of high severity and mortality seen in COVID-19 patients. The pathology behind the cytokine storms is currently unknown. Increased HMGB1 levels in serum/plasma of COVID-19 patients were reported by many studies, which positively correlated with the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Dead cells following SARS-CoV-2 infection might release a large amount of HMGB1 and RNA of SARS-CoV-2 into extracellular space. HMGB1 is a well-known inflammatory mediator. Additionally, extracellular HMGB1 might interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA because of its high capability to bind with a wide variety of molecules including nucleic acids and could trigger massive proinflammatory immune responses. This review aimed to critically explore the many possible pathways by which HMGB1-SARS-CoV-2 RNA complexes mediate proinflammatory responses in COVID-19. The contribution of these pathways to impair host immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to a cytokine storm was also evaluated. Moreover, since blocking the HMGB1-SARS-CoV-2 RNA interaction might have therapeutic value, some of the HMGB1 antagonists have been reviewed. The HMGB1- SARS-CoV-2 RNA complexes might trigger endocytosis via RAGE which is linked to lysosomal rupture, PRRs activation, and pyroptotic death. High levels of the proinflammatory cytokines produced might suppress many immune cells leading to uncontrolled viral infection and cell damage with more HMGB1 released. Altogether these mechanisms might initiate a proinflammatory cycle leading to a cytokine storm. HMGB1 antagonists could be considered to give benefit in alleviating cytokine storms and serve as a potential candidate for COVID-19 therapy.     

Association of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) gene polymorphisms with acute coronary syndrome in Mexican patients

Recent studies provide evidence on the emerging role of the SOCS1 gene in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. This gene encodes for the suppressor of the cytokine signaling-1 protein that interacts directly with the Janus kinases that are essential intracellular mediators of the immune cytokine action. The aim of this study was to test for associations between SOCS1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of developing acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a group of Mexicans patients. Four SNPs [-3969 C > T (rs243327), -1656 G > A (rs243330), -820 G > T (rs33977706) and +1125 G > C (rs33932899)] of SOCS1 gene were determined for TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 447 patients with ACS and 622 healthy controls. Under heterozygous model, the -3969 C > T (rs243327) SNP was associated with increased risk of ACS (OR = 1.45, P_Het = 0.021). On the other hand, under co-dominant and heterozygous models, the -1656 G/A (rs243330) SNP was associated with increased risk of ACS (OR = 1.47, P_Co-dom = 0.038 and OR = 1.50, P_Het = 0.013, respectively). Moreover, under co-dominant, dominant, and heterozygous models, the -820 T/G (rs33977706) SNP was associated with increased risk of ACS (OR = 1.59, P_Co-dom = 0.03, OR = 1.48, P_Dom = 0.028 and OR = 1.61, P_Het = 0.01). Finally, under co-dominant and heterozygous models, the +1125 G/C (rs33932899) SNP was associated with increased risk of ACS (OR = 1.54, P_Co-dom = 0.006, OR = 1.58, P_Het = 0.012, respectively). Models were adjusted for gender, age, body index mass, dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, and smoking. In summary, our data suggests that the four studied polymorphisms of the SOCS1 gene play an important role as susceptibility markers for developing ACS.     

miR-19a对血肿瘤屏障通透性的影响

目的研究miR-19a对血肿瘤屏障通透性的影响。方法将miR-19a模拟物转染至人脑微血管内皮细胞hCMEC/D3,应用real-timePCR法检测miR-19a的表达。用过表达miR-19a的hCMEC/D3细胞和人U251胶质瘤细胞建立体外血肿瘤屏障模型,跨内皮电阻测量系统检测血肿瘤屏障跨内皮阻抗值的变化;Western blot和免疫荧光法检测体外血肿瘤屏障hCMEC/D3细胞中,紧密连接相关蛋白ZO-1和occludin的表达。结果经miR-19a模拟物转染后,hCMEC/D3细胞中miR-19a的表达水平显著升高;血肿瘤屏障跨内皮阻抗值显著下降;体外血肿瘤屏障hCMEC/D3细胞中,紧密连接相关蛋白ZO-1和occludin的表达水平显著降低,在细胞膜上呈不连续分布。结论 miR-19a过表达能显著增加血肿瘤屏障的通透性,其机制之一可能与降低紧密连接相关蛋白相关。     

大鼠细胞因子信号转导抑制因子-1基因的原核克隆表达和免疫学分析

目的 克隆表达大鼠细胞因子信号转导抑制因子-1基因(SOCS-1).方法 将大鼠SOCS-1全长编码基因的PCR产物,克隆到原核表达质粒pET-28a(+)中,构建重组质粒pET-28a(+)-ratSOCS-1.转化大肠埃希菌BL-21/DE3,用异丙基-β-D-硫代半乳糖苷(IPTG)诱导表达,应用镍离子金属螯合剂亲和层析柱从表达产物中纯化重组蛋白,通过十二烷基磺酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(SDS-PAGE)对表达产物和重组蛋白进行鉴定.应用纯化的重组蛋白免疫新西兰大白兔,抗体滴度达到1:10000以上后进行末次免疫,2周后心脏取血、测定滴度,分离制备免疫血清.用红细胞裂解法制备大鼠外周血白细胞裂解全蛋白.将阴性血清(未用重组蛋白免疫的新西兰大白兔的血清)、免疫血清及兔抗组氨酸标签抗体转入各蛋白条带,用Western免疫印迹检测重组蛋白的免疫学活性.结果 PCR、双酶切及DNA测序分析均表明重组质粒pET-28a(+)-ratSOCS-1构建成功.SDS-PAGE结果可见转化了重组质粒的大肠埃希菌全菌和经超声裂解后的菌体沉淀的样品均在相对分子质量约26 000处有一明显的蛋白条带,经亲和层析获得的纯化重组蛋白有特异的单一条带与上述条带一致,而在超声裂解后的菌体上清中相同位置却未见有蛋白表达条带.Western免疫印迹表明重组蛋白、大鼠外周血白细胞裂解蛋白中相对分子质量约24000的蛋白条带、兔抗组氨酸标签抗体均可被免疫血清识别,分别出现清晰的相对分子质量26000、24 000、26000的反应条带,表明其具有免疫活性.结论 SOCS-1基因可以在大肠埃希菌BL-21/DE3中获得表达,其纯化重组蛋白具有良好的抗原性和免疫活性.     

FAM19A4 is a novel cytokine ligand of formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) and is able to promote the migration and phagocytosis of macrophages

FAM19A4 is an abbreviation for family with sequence similarity 19 (chemokine (C–C motif)-like) member A4, which is a secretory protein expressed in low levels in normal tissues. The biological functions of FAM19A4 remain to be determined, and its potential receptor(s) is unclarified. In this study, we demonstrated that FAM19A4 was a classical secretory protein and we verified for the first time that its mature protein is composed of 95 amino acids. We found that the expression of this novel cytokine was upregulated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes and macrophages and was typically in polarized M1. FAM19A4 shows chemotactic activities on macrophages and enhances the macrophage phagocytosis of zymosan both in vitro and in vivo with noticeable increases of the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt). FAM19A4 can also increase the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon zymosan stimulation. Furthermore, based on receptor internalization, radio ligand binding assays and receptor blockage, we demonstrated for the first time that FAM19A4 is a novel ligand of formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1). The above data indicate that upon inflammatory stimulation, monocyte/macrophage-derived FAM19A4 may play a crucial role in the migration and activation of macrophages during pathogenic infections.     

MiR-302a inhibits the tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells by suppression of SDC1

MicroRNA plays an important role in tumor proliferation and cell cycle. In this study, we suggested the level of miR-302a was increasing in the human ovarian cancer cells compared to the normal cells. We aimed to explore the role of miR-302a downregulation in human ovarian cancer cells. Functional studies demonstrate over expression of miR-302a could significant suppress ovarian cancer cells proliferation and promote the cell cycle progress. In vitro reporter assay suggested SDC1 is a direct target gene of miR-302a. Furthermore, the expressions of miR-302a in ovarian cancer cells were inversely corrected with that of SDC1. Upregulation of SDC1 could rescue the effect of over expressed miR-302a in the ovarian cancer cells. These findings provide evidence that miR-302a plays a key role in inhibition of the ovarian cancer cells proliferation, and enhancing the cells’ apoptosis through targeting SDC1, and strongly suggest that exogenous miR-302a may have therapeutic value in treating ovarian cancer.     

A regulatory role for suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 in T(h) polarization in vivo

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 is an inhibitory molecule for JAK, and its deficiency in mice leads to lymphocyte-dependent multi-organ disease and perinatal death. Crossing of SOCS-1(-/-) mice on an IFN-gamma(-/-), STAT1(-/-) and STAT6(-/-) background revealed that the fatal disease of SOCS-1(-/-) mice is also dependent on IFN-gamma/STAT1 and IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathways. Since IFN-gamma and IL-4 are representative T(h)1 and T(h)2 cytokines respectively, here we investigated the role of SOCS-1 in T(h) differentiation. Freshly isolated SOCS-1(-/-) CD4(+) T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 rapidly produced larger amounts of IFN-gamma and IL-4 than control cells, suggesting that these mutant T cells had already differentiated into T(h)1 and T(h)2 cells in vivo. In addition, SOCS-1(+/-) CD4(+) T cells cultured in vitro produced significantly larger amounts of IFN-gamma and IL-4 than SOCS-1(+/+) cells. Similarly, SOCS-1(+/-) CD4(+) T cells produced more IFN-gamma and IL-4 than SOCS-1(+/+) cells after infection with Listeria monocytogenes and Nippostrongyrus braziliensis respectively. Since IL-12-induced STAT4 and IL-4-induced STAT6 activation is sustained in SOCS-1(-/-) T cells, the enhanced T(h) functions in SOCS-1(-/-) and SOCS-1(+/-) mice appear to be due to the enhanced effects of these cytokines. These results suggest that SOCS-1 plays a regulatory role in both T(h)1 and T(h)2 polarizations.     

Involvement of GluR2 and GluR3 subunit C-termini in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis and C1-C2 neurons in trigeminal neuropathic pain

To clarify the involvement of GluR2 and GluR3 subunits of AMPA receptor in orofacial neuropathic pain, we studied changes in nocifensive behavior and extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation followed by infraorbital nerve (ION)-partial transection model applied to GluR2 or GluR3 delta7 knock-in (KI) mice. In these animals, last seven amino acids of GluR2 or GluR3 subunit, the binding sites of interacting protein, are deleted in vivo. Head-withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation of the whisker pad skin ipsilateral to ION-partial transection was significantly reduced at 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14 days after transection compared with that before transection in wild-type mice. In the GluR2 and GluR3 delta7 KI mice, the head-withdrawal threshold did not change following ION-partial transection. The number of pERK-LI cells examined in Vc and C1-C2 in wild-type mice after the non-noxious stimulation was larger than that of GluR2 and GluR3 delta7 KI mice. The present findings suggest that GluR2 and GluR3 subunits of AMPA receptor play roles in the trigeminal nerve injury-mediated enhancement of Vc and C1-C2 neuronal excitability, and hyperalgesia.