EstA protein,a novel virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae, induces nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in RAW 264.7 macrophages through NF-κB/MAPK

In the present study we characterized the molecular mechanism by which esterase A (EstA) protein, a novel virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae induces inflammation. Stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages with purified EstA protein induced the expression of inducible nitrogen oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and nitrogen oxide (NO) production in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibitors of iNOS, NF-κB, p38 and ERK 1/2 MAPK pathways significantly decreased (50–78%) EstA-induced NO production. Similarly, EstA induced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner, and pre-treatment of the cell cultures with specific NF-κB, p38 and ERK 1/2 MAPK pathway inhibitors significantly decreased EstA-induced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 protein production. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis revealed the degradation of the inhibitory kappa B (IKB-α) in response to EstA stimulation. Taken together, our data suggests that EstA protein is a novel inducer of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the NF-κB, p38 and ERK 1/2 MAPK pathways during inflammatory responses. Future studies on the upstream protein kinases of the MAPK/NF-κB pathways and the kinetics of cytokine production will provide further details into the mechanism of EstA-induced inflammatory response.     

Paeoniflorin suppresses IL-33 production by macrophages

Abstract

Objective: Interleukin (IL)-33 has been attracting more and more attention as a new member of theIL-1 cytokine family in recent years. However, the underlying mechanisms referred to the regulation of endogenous IL-33 production are not fully illustrated. Paeoniflorin (PF) has been reported to possess multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation and anti-allergy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of PF on IL-33 production by macrophages and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: In vivo, IL-33 production in mice after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection together with PF application was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, MTT, Real-time PCR, ELISA, Calcium (Ca²⁺) imaging and Western blot were used to assess the cytotoxicity of PF, IL-33 expression at mRNA and protein levels, Ca²⁺ influx, protein kinase C (PKC) activity, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages with PF administration.

Results: Our results indicated that PF (5 and 25?mg/kg) significantly reduced the production of TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-33 in the peritoneal exudate of LPS-treated mice. In vitro assay, upregulation of PF concentration (≥ 20?μM) showed an increased cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 cells during the 24-h cell culture. PF (10?μM) inhibited IL-33 production, Ca²⁺ influx, PKC activity, NF-κB (p65) activation, and P38MAPK phosphorylation in LPS-treated macrophages. Notably, NF-κB inhibitor (BAY 11-7085), P38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), and Ca²⁺ blocker (NiCl₂) also curbed LPS-induced IL-33 production, respectively.

Conclusions: PF suppresses IL-33 production by macrophages via inhibiting NF-κB and P38MAPK activation associated with the regulation of Ca²⁺ mobilization.     

Spironolactone inhibits production of proinflammatory mediators in response to lipopolysaccharide via inactivation of nuclear factor-κB

The effect of spironolactone (SPIR) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of proinflammatory mediators was examined using RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages. SPIR significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α and prostaglandin E2. The inhibition was not mediated by cell death. SPIR reduced the expression of an inducible NO synthase mRNA in response to LPS. SPIR significantly inhibited phosphorylation of p65 nuclear factor (NF)-κB in response to LPS. Furthermore, SPIR inhibited phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK) as an upstream molecule of NF-κB in response to LPS. LPS did not induce the production of aldosterone in RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, SPIR is suggested to inhibit LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators via inactivation of IKK/NF-κB in LPS signaling.     

Inhibition of LPS-induced inflammatory biomarkers by ethyl acetate fraction of Patrinia scabiosaefolia through suppression of NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells

Patrinia scabiosaefolia (PS) has been used for curing various types of inflammatory-related disorders. However, the precise mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of PS remains unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of several fractions isolated from the PS in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of PS (EAPS) concentration highly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and IL-6 productions without a cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells. EAPS inhibited the expressions of LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 protein and their mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Particularly, EAPS suppressed the level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, which was linked with the suppression of LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65 at serine 276 and p65 translocation into nuclei, but not MAPK signaling. In addition, treatment with EAPS inhibited the production of TNF-α in LPS-injected mice and suppressed the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated splenocytes from BALB/c mice. Therefore, we demonstrate here that Patrinia scabiosaefolia potentially inhibits the biomarkers related to inflammation through the blocking of NF-κB p65 activation, and it may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of physalin E from Physalis angulata on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through inhibition of NF-κB pathway

Physalin E is a naturally occurring seco-steroid isolated from the stems and aerial parts of Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae). This study was aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of physalin E on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the potential underlying mechanisms. The results showed that physalin E significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression and secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike dexamethasone, these effects could not be blocked by miferstone (RU486). Meanwhile, physalin E reduced the degradation of I-kappa B protein in the cytoplasm and downregulated the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein in the nuclear, which resulted in the inhibition of the NF-κB nuclear translocation. In conclusion, physalin E exerts its anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-induced macrophages. Physalin E can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway.     

葫芦素E对脂多糖诱导RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症反应的影响及作用机制

分析葫芦素E(CuE)对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的小鼠RAW264.7巨噬细胞炎症反应的影响,研究其抗炎作用的分子机制。采用改良MTT法检测RAW264.7细胞的增殖;以碘化丙锭染色检测CuE对细胞周期的影响;采用细胞内细胞因子染色法分析肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)的表达;免疫荧光染色分析胞内Actin的结构;应用免疫印迹法检测CuE对G-肌动蛋白(G-ac-tin)及核转录因子NF-κB核转位的影响。实验结果显示CuE对RAW264.7细胞的增殖具有剂量依赖性抑制作用,并降低细胞内G-actin的水平;CuE明显阻止LPS诱导的细胞伸展和伪足形成,使细胞周期阻滞于G2/M期。同时,CuE还明显抑制LPS活化的RAW264.7细胞表达促炎因子TNF-α,并显著降低LPS诱导的转录因子NF-κB的核转位作用。这些结果表明,CuE通过破坏RAW264.7巨噬细胞的肌动蛋白细胞骨架,引起细胞周期阻滞,并抑制LPS诱导的NF-κB核转位以及TNF-α的表达,从而发挥抗炎作用。     

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.     

Peimine impairs pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion through the inhibition of the activation of NF-κB and MAPK in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages

Abstract

In the previous study, we found that peimine has good anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of peimine remains unclear. We, therefore, assessed the effects of peimine on inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that peimine (0–25?mg/L) significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and increased IL-10 production. Furthermore, peimine significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as well as decreased p65 and IκB. The present results indicate that peimine inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS through blocking MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways.     

Soybean glyceollins mitigate inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression levels via suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells

Glyceollins, produced to induce disease resistance responses against specific species, such as an incompatible pathogen Phytophthora sojae in soybeans, have the potential to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of elicited glyceollins via a signaling pathway, we studied the glyceollin signaling pathway using several assays including RNA and protein expression levels. We found that soybean glyceollins significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, as well as the expression of inducible ΝΟ synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) via the suppression of NF-κB activation. Glyceollins also inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα kinase (IKK), the degradation of IκBα, and the formation of NF-κB-DNA binding complex in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, they inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, but increased the generation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Collectively, the present data show that glyceollins elicit potential anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 cells.     

Chikusetsusaponin V inhibits inflammatory responses via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

Excessive activation of macrophages is implicated in various inflammation resulted injuries. Saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activities. However, whether Chikusetsusaponin V (CsV), the most abundant component of SPJ, can exert anti-inflammatory activities is unknown. The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of CsV in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and the underlying mechanisms. Our data showed that CsV dose-dependently inhibited NO, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β expressions in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Increased protein levels of nuclear NF-κB and elevated phosphorylation levels of ERK and JNK in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were also found downregulated by CsV treatment. Furthermore, the increase of CD14 and TLR4 mRNA expression due to LPS stimulation were significantly reversed by CsV treatment. These results suggested that CsV attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses partly via TLR4/CD14-mediated NF-κB and MAPK pathways.     

Inhibition of Interleukin-12 Production in Mouse Macrophages via Suppression of Nuclear Factor-κB Binding Activity by Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis

Pharmacological inhibition of interleukin-12 (IL-12) production may be a therapeutic strategy for preventing development and progression of disease in experimental models of autoimmunity. The acetone fraction prepared from bamboo, Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis, potently inhibited the Lipo polysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-12 production from RAW264.7 monocytic cell-line in a dose-dependent manner. The repressive effect mapped to a region in the IL-12 gene promoter containing a binding site for NF-κB. Furthermore, activation of macrophages by LPS resulted in markedly enhanced binding activity to the NF-κB site, which significantly decreased upon addition of the acetone fraction of Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis. This indicated that the acetone fraction inhibited IL-12 production in LPS-activated macrophages via inhibition of NF-κB binding activity.     

Ellagic acid protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury through inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B,proinflammatory cytokines and enhancement of interleukin-10

Ellagic acid is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound which is found in many fruits, nut galls and plant extracts. In the present study, we explored the ability of ellagic acid to modulate lipopolysaccharides (LPS) response using macrophage-mediated inflammatory conditions and acute lung injury (ALI). The data showed that ellagic acid reduced TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β secretions, enhance IL-10 production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. In murine ALI model, mice were treated with ellagic acid prior to LPS challenge. The data showed that ellagic acid possess a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in mice. The underlying mechanism may be through shocking the NF-κB pathway to attenuate the nonspecific pulmonary inflammation induced by LPS administration.     

Dichloromethane Fraction of Laminaria japonica Ethanolic Extract Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide Synthase and Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in RAW 264.7 Cells via NF-κB Pathway

Strong anti-inflammatory activity has been found in Laminaria japonica dichloromethane fraction (LDF); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory activity are not reported. Our results indicated that LDF inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) production in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in RAW 264.7 cells. Also, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were remarkably reduced by LDF in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. LDF greatly inhibited promoter activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and translocation of NF-κB subunits by prevention of the degradation of inhibitor κB-α in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells (p?相似文献   

Inhibitory effects of eugenol on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation via attenuation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Bone loss diseases are often associated with increased receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation. Compounds that can attenuate RANKL-mediated osteoclast formation are of great biomedical interest. Eugenol, a phenolic constituent of clove oil possesses medicinal properties; however, its anti-osteoclastogenic potential is unexplored hitherto. Here, we found that eugenol dose-dependently inhibited the RANKL-induced multinucleated osteoclast formation and TRAP activity in RAW264.7 macrophages. The underlying molecular mechanisms included the attenuation of RANKL-mediated degradation of IκBα and subsequent activation of NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, increase in phosphorylation and activation of RANKL-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (MAPK) was perturbed by eugenol. RANKL-induced expression of osteoclast-specific marker genes such as TRAP, cathepsin K (CtsK) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was remarkably downregulated by eugenol. These findings provide the first line of evidence that eugenol mediated attenuation of RANKL-induced NF-κB and MAPK pathways could synergistically contribute to the inhibition of osteoclast formation. Eugenol could be developed as therapeutic agent against diseases with excessive osteoclast activity.     

槐定碱抑制LPS诱导巨噬细胞株NF-κB表达

 摘 要：目的 观察槐定碱对LPS诱导的RAW264.7巨噬细胞IKKβ,IκBα,NF-κB P65及TNF-α表达的影响,探讨其抗内毒素机制。方法 培养RAW264.7巨噬细胞,分为对照组、槐定碱对照组、LPS组、槐定碱干预组。槐定碱干预组加入LPS100μg/L孵育1h,弃去LPS后加入槐定碱15.63mg/L,作用5、30、60、120min,分别获取细胞与培养液。RT - PCR与Western Blot分别检测NF-κB等的mRNA与蛋白表达,放免法检测培养液中TNF-α含量。结果 LPS组各时间点IKKβ、pIκBα、NF-κB P65 mRNA和/或蛋白表达及TNF-α含量均显著高于同时间点对照组(P < 0.01);槐定碱干预组以上因子mRNA和/或蛋白表达及TNF-α含量均较同时间点LPS组显著回落(P < 0.01)。结论 槐定碱调控LPS激活的巨噬细胞NF-κB通路IKKβ、IκBα、NF-κB P65等分子的表达,进而抑制下游TNF – α分泌是其抗内毒素作用机制之一。     

Inhibition of LPS-induced inflammatory biomarkers by ethyl acetate fraction of Patrinia scabiosaefolia through suppression of NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells

Patrinia scabiosaefolia (PS) has been used for curing various types of inflammatory-related disorders. However, the precise mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of PS remains unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of several fractions isolated from the PS in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of PS (EAPS) concentration highly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and IL-6 productions without a cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells. EAPS inhibited the expressions of LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 protein and their mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Particularly, EAPS suppressed the level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, which was linked with the suppression of LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65 at serine 276 and p65 translocation into nuclei, but not MAPK signaling. In addition, treatment with EAPS inhibited the production of TNF-α in LPS-injected mice and suppressed the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated splenocytes from BALB/c mice. Therefore, we demonstrate here that Patrinia scabiosaefolia potentially inhibits the biomarkers related to inflammation through the blocking of NF-κB p65 activation, and it may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.