Triptolide-induced apoptosis by inactivating nuclear factor-kappa B apoptotic pathway in multiple myeloma <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

The effect of triptolide on proliferation and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells in vitro,as well as the roles of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) and IκBα was investigated.The effect of tritptolide on the growth of RPMI-8226 cells was studied by MTT assay.Apoptosis was detected by Hoechest 33258 staining and Annexin V/PI double staining assay.The expression of NF-κB and IκBα was observed by Western blot and confocal microscopy.The results showed that triptolide inactivated NF-κB apoptotic pathway in human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells.Triptolide at nM range induced proliferation inhibition in a dose-and time-dependent manner and apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in RPMI-8226 cells.Besides,we observed the inhibition of NF-κB /p65 in the nuclear fraction was correlated with the increase in the protein expression of IκBα in the cytosol.These results suggested that triptolide might exhibit its strong anti-tumor effects via inactivation of NF-κB/p65 and IκBα.     

Expression of NF-κB in hRPE Cells Stimulated by PDTC and IL-1β

The constitutive expression of nuclear-factor-κB (NF-κB) in human pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells cultivated in vitro and the possible changes when incubated with PDTC and IL-I were investigated. The synchronized hRPE cells in vitro were divided into two groups. In nonPDTC group, hRPE cells were exposed respectively to IL-1β and NS (for detecting the constitutive expressions of NF-κB in hRPE cells) ; In PDTC group, PDTC-pretreated hRPE cells were exposed respectively to IL-1β?Aand NS. (for detecting the constitutive expression of NF-κB in PDTC-pretreated hRPE cells). The expression of NF-κB in hRPE cells in two groups was detected by immunofluorescence stain and flow cytometry. The results showed that the constitutive expression of NF-κB in hRPE cells in vitro was 8.05 %, and increased to 30.26 % by IL-1β. After PDTC pretreatment, the constitutive expression of NF-κB in hRPE cells was decreased to 3.74%, and 3.66 % by IL-l,respectively. It was concluded that the expressions of NF-κB in hRPE cells could be increased significantly by IL-1βand depressed effectively by PDTC. Also, PDTC could significantly inhibit the activation of NF-κB induced by IL-1β.     

Inhibition of NF-κB by mutant IκBα enhances TNF-α-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells by controlling bcl-xL expression

Backgound The aim of this study was to explore whether the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)activation by mutant IκBα (S32,36→A) can enhance TNF-α-induced apoptosis of leukemia cells and to investigate the possible mechanism. Methods The mutant IκBα gene was transfected into HL-60 cells by liposome-mediated techniques. G418 resistant clones stably expressing mutant IκBα were obtained by the limiting dilution method. TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The expression of bcl-xL was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot after 4 hours exposure of parental HL-60 and transfected HL-60 cells to a variety of concentrations of TNF-α. The percentage of apoptotic leukemia cells was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). Results Mutant IκBα protein was confirmed to exist by Western blot. The results of EMSA showed that NF-κB activation by TNF-α in HL-60 cells was induced in a dose-dependent manner, but was almost completely inhibited by mutant IκBα repressor in transfected cells. The levels of bcl-xL mRNA and protein in HL-60 cells increased after exposure to TNF-α, but changed very little in transfected HL-60 cells. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by mutant IκBα enhanced TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Thecytotoxic effects of TNF-α were amplified in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Conclusions NF-κB activation plays an important role in the resistance to TNF-α-induced apoptosis. The inhibition of NF-κB by mutant IκBα could provide a new approach that may enhance the antileukemia effects of TNF-α or even of other cytotoxic agents.     

LMP1 activates NF- κB via degradation of IκBα in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Objective To elucidate the mechanisms by which Epstein- Barr virus- encoded latent membran e protein 1 activates NF- κB in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Methods A tetracycline- regulated LMP1- expressing nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, T et- on- LMP1- HNE2, was used as the cell model. The kinetics of the expression of proteins, including LMP1, IκBα and IκBβ, was analyzed by Western blotting . The subcellular localization of NF- κB (p65) was detected by indirect immuno fluorescence assay. The NF- κB transactivity was studied by transient transfec tion and reporter gene assay. Results IκBα was phosphorylated and degraded after the inducible expression of LMP1, a lthough the total protein levels remained stable. The steady- state level of to tal IκBβ protein may have resulted from the initiation of an autoregulation lo op after the activation of NF- κB. No change in the IκBβ level was detected . NF- κB (p65) was translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus following de gradation of IκBα. After the introduction of the dominant- negative mutant of IκBα (Del 71) into Tet- on- LMP1- HNE2 cells, both nuclear translocation and transactivation of NF- κB induced by LMP1 was significantly inhibited. Conclusions The results indicated that in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, LMP1 activated NF - κB via phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, but not IκBβ. The do minant- negative mutant of IκBα (Del 71) could completely inhibit both the nuc lear translocation and transactivation of NF- κB induced by LMP1.     

Oxymatrine Improves TNBS-induced Colitis in Rats by Inhibiting the Expression of NF-κB p65

Inflammatory bowel disease is thought to be regulated by the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines secreted by T cells, and NF-κB p65 also plays a predominant role in the intestinal inflammation. We evaluated the potency of oxymatrine, one of active components of Sophora Root, in inhibiting the immune responses and inflammation in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. The inflammation was markedly ameliorated in the oxymatrine-treated rats. The level of IL-2 was increased and that of IL-10 was decreased in colon tissue in the rat model, which was reversed by the treatment of oxymatrine. Moreover, the elevated expression of NF-κB p65 in colon tissue in the model was also improved by oxymatrine treatment. Our results suggest that oxymatrine might be beneficial for the abnormal immune responses and inflammation by regulating the unbalance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and inhibiting the expression of NF-κB p65 in colon tissue.     

The role of NF-κB in hepatocellular carcinoma cell

Objective To evaluate the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and IκBα in hepatocellular cacinoma (HCC) SMMC7721 cells, the consequence of NF-κB inhibition in SMMC7721 cells transfected with mutated IκBα (mIκBα) plasmid and the effect of stable inhibition of NF-κB activity in combination with Doxorubicin.Methods Western blot was used to determine the expression of NF-κB and IκBα in SMMC7721 cells and normal liver cells. Nuclear protein was used to evaluate the binding of the 32P-labeled tandem κB sequence using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and the expression of NF-κB using Western blot between SMMC7721 cells transfected with mIκBα plasmid (SMMC7721-MT) and control cells. Furthermore, cell viability was plotted between SMMC7721-MT and control cells. The binding of κB sequence and cell viability between SMMC7721-MT and control cells at different concentrations of Doxorubicin were also investigated.Results Western blot analysis for nuclear extract showed more P50 (NF-κB1) and P65 (RelA) expression in SMMC7721 cells compared with normal liver cells. The expression of cytosolic IκBα protein in SMMC7721 cells was less than that in normal cells. SMMC7721-MT cells inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation at 0, 24, 48 and 96 hours. Furthermore, NF-κB cannot be detected in the nuclear protein of SMMC7721-MT cells by Western blot. By calculating cell viability, the proliferation of SMMC7721-MT cells was shown to be suppressed more significantly than that of control cells. NF-κB in untransfected cells was activated by Doxorubicin in a dose-dependent manner, but that in SMMC7721-MT cells was not induced at low concentrations of Doxorubicin. Compared with untransfected cells, the viability of SMMC7721-MT cells was significantly suppressed at the same concentration of Doxorubicin (P&lt;0.01）.Conclusions The present study demonstrates that upregulation of NF-κB and downregulation of inhibitory kappaB (IκBα) in SMMC7721 cells are related with the growth of hepatocellular cacinoma cells. Stable expression of mIκBα in SMMC7721-MT cells can inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation and suppress cell growth. Furthermore, stable inhibition of NF-κB activity in combination with Doxorubicin can significantly inhibit cell proliferation in SMMC7721-MT cells. Thus, modulation of NF-κB may represent an improvement in the efficacy of HCC therapies and be worthy of further research and investigation.     

Effect of Dachengqi Decoction on NF-κB p65 Expression in Lung of Rats with Partial Intestinal Obstruction and the Underlying Mechanism

To investigate the effect of Dachengqi decoction on NF-κB p65 expression in lung of rats with partial intestinal obstruction and the underlying mechanism, 30 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operation group, model group and Dachengqi decoction treatment group （Dachengqi group）, with 10 animals in each group. The models were made by partially ligating their large intestines outside the body. The pathological changes were analyzed by HE staining. The expression of NF-κB p65 in rats lung were measured by using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry respectively. Moreover, the expression of caveolin-1 in rats lung was also measured to. Increased edema, interstitial thickening, hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells were found in the model group. In contrast, this change was significantly reduced in Dachengqi group as compared with model group. In addition, the up-regulated caveolin-1 and NF-κB p65 were also suppressed by Dachengqi decoction in lung of rats with partial intestinal obstruction. We are led to concluded that the caveolin-l-NF-κB pathway plays an important role in the development of lung injury of rats with partial intestinal obstruction and Dachengqi decoction could down-regulate the expression of caveolin-1 and NF-κB p65 in lung of rats with partial intestinal obstruction.     

The Role of IκBα in TNF-α-induced Apoptosis in Hepatic Stellate Cell Line HSC-T6

To investigate the role of NF-κB in TNF-α induced apoptosis in HSC-T6, a mutant IκBα was transfected into HSC-T6 cells by lipofectin transfection technique and its transient effect was examined 48 h after the transfection. The activation of NF-κB was detected by immune fluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting with anti-p65 antibody. The apoptosis and the rate of inhibition by TNF-α in both transfected and untransfected HSC-T6 cells were measured respectively by FAC-Scan side scatter analysis and MTF methods. Our results showed that TNF-α could activate NF-κB in untransfected cells but not in transfected HSC-T6 cells. The percentage of apoptosis in transfected cells were significantly higher than that in the untransfected ones （P〈0.01） and it was also true of the inhibition rate （P〈0.01）. It is concluded that the resistance of HSC-T6 towards apoptosis induced by TNF-α can be mediated by NF-κB activation. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by mutant IκBα can attenuate the resistance of HSC-T6 cells and increase its sensitivity to TNF-α.     

Effect of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanylchloromethyl Ketone on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha -induced NF-κB Activation and Apoptosis in U937 Cell Line

Summary: To investigate the effect of N-tosyl-L-phenylalanylchloromethyl ketone (TPCK) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis in U937 cell line, changes and subcellular localization of NF-κB/p65 and IκB-α were observed by fluorescencemicroscopy and expression and degradation of IκB-α by flow cytometry. The apoptosis of U937 cells was measured by flow cytometry and electrophoresis of DNA. Immunolfluorescence assay showed that NF-κB/p65,IκB-α only localized in cytoplasm. After TNF-α stimulation, p65 was localized only in nuclei, and IκB-α was only localized in cytoplasm and decreased. The changes of TNF-α stimulation were specifically inhibited by TPCK. Flow cytometry also revealed the downregulation of IκB-α protein during TNF-α-induced apoptosis and the down-regulation was specifically inhibited by TPCK. Flow cytometry also showed the apoptosis of U937 cells after TNF-α induction. DNA ladder can be detected in cells treated by TNF-α. It is concluded that degradation of IκB-α protein and NF-κB/p65 translocation occur during TNF-α-induced apoptosis of U937 cells, suggesting the activation of NF-κB.TPCK-sensitive protease plays an important role in the degradation of IκB-α protein induced by TNF-α in U937 cells. TPCK sensitive protease also plays an important role in the apoptosis of U937 cells induced by TNF-α.     

LPS-induced NF-κB activation requires Ca2+ as a mediator in isolated pancreatic acinar cells of rat

Objective To investigate the effect of Ca2+ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB activation in pancreatic acinar cells and the role of NF-κB in LPS-induced acinar cell injury. Methods Male rat pancreatic acinar cells were isolated by collagenase digestion, then exposed to varying concentrations of LPS (from 1 to 20 mg/L) in the presence or absence of EGTA. At various time points (30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours and 10 hours) after treatment with the agents, cell viability was determined by MTT. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB’s subunit p65 was visualized by immunofluorescence staining and nuclei protein was extracted to perform EMSA which was used to assay the activity of NF-κB binding to the DNA sequence containing the recognition site of NF-κB. Results LPS induced cell damage in a time- and concentration-dependent manner while EGTA attenuated LPS-induced cell damage (P&lt;0.05). NF-κB p65 immunofluorescence staining had increased intensity in the cytoplasm and indicated that nuclear translocation occurred within 30 minutes and its zenith was reached at 1 hour after LPS (10 mg/L) treatment. Testing of NF-κB DNA binding activity showed the same alteration phase as p65 immunofluorescence staining. NF-κB activation preceded the pathological alteration of pancreatic acinar cells. The Ca2+ chelator EGTA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Conclusions NF-κB activation is an important early event in LPS-induced injury to pancreatic acinar cells. Ca2+ is an important mediator in the process of LPS-induced NF-κB activation.     

Activation of NF-κB in bronchial epithelial cells from children with asthma

Objectives To determine whether nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is activated in epithelial cells from children with asthma and to understand the role of NF-κB in airway inflammation in asthma. Methods Bronchial mucosa specimens were obtained from 9 children with asthma and 6 control subjects. NF-κB expression in epithelial cells were detected by immunohistochemical examination, and NF-κB-DNA binding was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results Nuclear expression of NF-κB in epithelial cells was observed in the 9 asthmatic children. NF-κB-DNA binding was found in 4 asthmatic children (EMSA was performed in 6 asthmatic children). In contrast, both nuclear expression and NF-κB-DNA binding were absent in the 6 control subjects. Conclusion These results indicated that NF-κB is activated in epithelial cells from asthmatic children and the NF-κB activation may be the basis for the increased expression of many inflammatory genes and for airway inflammation in asthma.     

Change and significance of nuclear factor-κB in adriamycin induced cardiomyopathy in rats

Background This study aimed at investigating the change and significance of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in eardiomyopathy induced by adriamyein (ADR) in rats. Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, ADR and ADR pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) groups. After 30-day experiment, myocardial histopathological observation was performed. Location and distribution of NF-κB p50 was examined by immunohistochemical assay. Expression of NF-κB p50 protein was examined by immunoboh assay. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay examined activity of NF-κB; Myocardium p53 gene expression was examined by RT-PCR analysis. Results The myocardial lesions of rats were less pronounced in ADR PDTC group than in ADR group. Compared with control group, there were many myocardium nucleuses, which expressed NF-κB p50 and distribute under epicardium. Expression of NF-κB p50 protein in nucleus increased significantly in ADR group. The NF-κB binding activity increased significantly in ADR group. Myocardium expressions of p53 mRNA increased in ADR group. Conclusions The NF-κB binding activity increased significantly in cardiomyopathy induced by ADR in rats. Moreover, NF-κB plays an important role in causing degeneration of myocardial tissue and regulating expression of related-apoptosis genes.     

Inhibiting NF-κB increases cholesterol efflux from THP-1 derived-foam cells treated with AngII via up-regulating the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1

Objective: To study the role of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) in cholesterol efflux from THP-1 derived-foam cells treated with AngiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ). Methods:Cultured THP-1 derived-foam cells were treated with AngⅡ or preincubated with tosyl-phenylalanine chloromethyl-ketone(TPCK) NF-κB inhibitor. The levels of activated NF-κB in the cells were examined by sandwich ELISA. Cellular cholesterol content was studied by electron microscopy scanning and zymochemistry via fluorospectrophotometer and cholesterol efflux was detected by scintillation counting technique. ABCA1 mRNA and protein were quantified by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results:Addition of TPCK to the cells before AngⅡ stimulation attenuated the response of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation induced by AngⅡ and showed no peak in foam cells group and caused a reduction in cholesterol content and an increase in cholesterol efflux by 24.1%(P < 0.05) and 41.1%(P < 0.05) respectively, when compared with AngⅡgroup. In accordance, the ABCA1 mRNA and protein were increased by 30% and 19%(P < 0.05) respectively, when compared with AngⅡ group. Conclusion:AngⅡ can down-regulate ABCA1 in THP-1 derived-foam cells via NF-κB, which leads to less cholesterol efflux and the increase of cholesterol content with the consequence of the promotion of atherosclerosis.     

Competition between TRAF2 and TRAF6 Regulates NF-κB Activation in Human B Lymphocytes

Objective To investigate the role of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 （TRAF-2） and TRAF6 in CD40-induced nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway and whether CD40 signaling requires TRAF2. Methods Human B cell lines were transfected with plasmids expressing wild type TRAF2 or dominant negative TRAF2,TRAF2-shRNA,or TRAF6-shRNA. The activation of NF-κB was detected by Western blot,kinase assay,transfactor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）,and fluorescence resonance energy transfer （FRET）. Analysis of the role of TRAF-2 and TRAF-6 in CD40-mediated NF-κB activity was examined following stimulation with recombinant CD154. Results TRAF2 induced activity of IκB-kinases （IKKα,IKKi/ε）,phosphorylation of IκBα,as well as nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of p65/RelA. In contrast,TRAF6 strongly induced NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation of p65 as well as p50 and c-Rel. Engagement of CD154-induced nuclear translocation of p65 was inhibited by a TRAF6-shRNA,but conversely was enhanced by a TRAF2-shRNA. Examination of direct interactions between CD40 and TRAFs by FRET documented that both TRAF2 and TRAF6 directly interacted with CD40. However,the two TRAFs competed for CD40 binding. Conclusions These results indicate that TRAF2 can signal in human B cells,but it is not essential for CD40-mediated NF-κB activation. Moreover,TRAF2 can compete with TRAF6 for CD40 binding,and thereby limit the capacity of CD40 engagement to induce NF-κB activation.     

Pro-apoptotic role of NF-κB pathway inhibition in lipopolysaccharide stimulated polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Objective To investigate the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated apoptosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs).Methods Rats with acute lung injury induced by LPS intratracheal instillation and cultured human venous PMNs were studied. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and gliotoxin were used as NF-κB inhibitors. Additionally, to explore the role of extracellularly regulated protein kinase as an upstream signal in NF-κB pathway on regulating LPS-stimulated PMN apoptosis, PD098059, the specific inhibitor of extracellularly regulated protein kinase, was also applied. The lung injury was determined by protein content and PMN numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. PMN apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) end labeling and DNA fragmentation. IκBα degradation was analyzed by Western blot. NF-κB DNA binding activity was detected by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Results (1) The increase of protein content and PMN numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid induced by LPS (100μg per rat) intratracheal instillation were alleviated by PDTC (50, 100, or 200mg/kg, i. p. ) in a dose-dependent manner. (2) PMNs apoptosis in vivo or in vitro was delayed by LPS, and accelerated by PDTC, gliotoxin or PD098059 pretreatment. (3) IκBα degradation and increased NF-KB DNA binding activity mediated by LPS were inhibited by PDTC, gliotoxin or PD098059 pretreatment.Conclusion Inhibition of either NF-κB itself or the upstream signals in NF-κB pathway such as extracellularly regulated protein kinases has therapeutic effect on LPS-induced acute lung injury, in which the dysregulation of PMN apoptosis plays an important role.