HO-1对大鼠AMI后重塑过程左心室功能和TNF-α的影响

目的 观察血红素氧合酶1(HO-1)对SD大鼠急性心肌梗死(AMI)后重塑过程中左心室功能和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的影响.方法 成年雄性SD大鼠40只,结扎冠状动脉前降支制作AMI模型,随机分组并于术前3d～术后8周隔日一次分别腹腔注射,假手术(Sham)和AMI组均0.9%氯化钠溶液(NS)1 ml/只、氯血红素(Heroin)组Hemin 4 mg/kg、原卟啉锌(ZnPP)组ZnPP50μg/kg;术后第8周末行血流动力学测定、获取心脏标本,免疫印迹法测定HO-1和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α).结果 ZnPP组死亡率高于其他各组(P<0.05);心脏相对重量和心率(HR)由低至高依次均为Sham组、Hemin组、AMI组和ZnPP组;左室压最大上升/下降速度(±dp/dt_(max))Hemin组低于Sham组,高于AMI组和ZnPP组(P<0.05).Hemin组HO-1含量高于其他各组,ZnPP组HO-1含量低于其他各组(P<0.05).TNF-α的组间差异与HO-1的差异一致.结论 HO-1高表达可改善大鼠AMI后重塑过程中左心室功能和抑制TNF-α的产生.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of genistein on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats induced by high fat diet and its potential mechanisms

Genistein is a naturally occurring plant-derived phytoestrogen present in the human diet, and is known to possess anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-osteoporosis effects. Anti-inflammatory activity of genistein has been revealed in animal studies. In this paper, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of genistein on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats induced by high fat diet (HFD), and explored its potential mechanisms. Rats were fed with normal chow diet or HFD for 12 weeks with or without low (4 mg/kg/day body weight) or high (8 mg/kg/day body weight) dose of genistein. Serum levels of aminotransferases, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β(1)) were measured, hepatic inflammation, liver TBARS, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β(1) levels were determined, and proteins involved in mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways were assayed. The results showed that the NASH model rats reproduced typical pathogenetic and histopathological features of NASH in human, and genistein administration improved liver function, slowed down NASH progression, decreased the levels of TBARS, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and liver, as well as inhibited IκB-α phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit, and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). In conclusion, genistein may be a promising drug to inhibit the inflammatory process and prevent liver damage in patients with NASH.     

阿托伐他汀对氧化型低密度脂蛋白刺激下脂肪细胞分泌功能的影响

目的 观察阿托伐他汀对氧化型低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)刺激下3T3-L1脂肪细胞分泌功能的影响,并探讨其作用机制.方法 3T3-L1脂肪细胞促分化成熟后,oxLDL刺激脂肪细胞,给予不同浓度的阿托伐他汀干预,收集细胞,测定脂肪细胞肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)浓度、TNF-α和PPAR-γ mRNA表达水平及核因子-κB(NF-κB)活性.结果 oxLDL刺激使3T3-L1脂肪细胞分泌TNF-α、TNF-α mRNA表达水平明显增高.阿托伐他汀呈浓度依赖性抑制oxLDL刺激下TNF-α分泌、TNF-α mRNA表达和NF-κB活化,并增强PPAR-γ mRNA表达.1.0及10.0 μM阿托伐他汀干预组TNF-α水平、TNF-α mRNA表达低于oxLDL刺激组(P＜0 05),10.0 μM阿托伐他汀干预组PPAR-γ mRNA表达高于oxLDL组,NF-κB活性低于oxLDL刺激组(P＜0 05);TNF-α水平、TNF-α mRNA表达、NF-κB活性和PPAR-γ mRNA表达10.0和0.1 μM阿托伐他汀干预组比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0 05).结论 阿托伐他汀能抑制oxLDL刺激下3T3-L1脂肪细胞TNF-α分泌、TNF-α mRNA表达和NF-κB活性,增强PPAR-γ mRNA表达,PPAR-γ与NF-κB可能介导了他汀类药物对脂肪细胞炎性过程的调节.     

Hemin modulates cytokine expressions in macrophage-derived foam cells via heme oxygenase-1 induction

Lipid-laden foam cells were considered to be targets for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerosis. Several studies proposed new approaches to alter both lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in macrophages. Finding anti-inflammatory signals during foam cell formation would provide new valid targets for anti-atherosclerotic treatment. The aim of the present study was to see whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can active heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression level in a human monocyte line, U937 cells, associated with the increase of cytokine secretion. We used hemin (HO-1 activator) and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX, HO-1 inhibitor) to determine the effect of HO-1 on the regulation of cytokine expressions. The results showed that hemin can significantly decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels, while enhancing IL-10 production in a dose-dependent manner in U937 foam cells. ZnPP IX did not significantly affect cytokine levels in foam cells. Our present results suggested that HO-1 is an important anti-inflammatory therapeutic target through inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines for the management of atherogenesis.     

Heme oxygenase-1 inhibits progression and destabilization of vulnerable plaques in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Although heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been implicated in protection against atherogenesis, its role in vulnerable plaques remains to be fully elucidated. This study was aimed to explore the effect of HO-1 on the progression and stabilization of vulnerable plaques and the possible mechanism. We established a vulnerable plaque model by local transfection with recombinant p53 adenovirus to plaques in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. HO-1 activity was modulated by intraperitoneal injection of hemin or Sn-protoporphyrin IX (SnPP). HO-1 induction by hemin inhibited the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and changed the plaque morphology and composition into a more stable phenotype. In addition, hemin treatment is associated with a reduction in matrix metalloproteinase-9, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production, an increase in interleukin-10 level, as well as a decrease of TUNEL labeled apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in lesions. Compared with the control group, aortic nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity decreased markedly, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity increased significantly in the Hemin group. In contrast, inhibition of HO-1 by SnPP induced reversed effects and augmented plaque progression and vulnerability. After pharmacological triggering, the incidence of plaque disruption in SnPP group was significantly higher than that in control group (79% vs. 33%, P<0.05), while no plaque in Hemin group developed disruption (0% vs. 33%, P<0.05). These findings suggest that HO-1 induction could delay progression and enhance stability of atherosclerotic plaques, possibly through the attenuation of plaque inflammation and apoptosis, and the suppression of iNOS/NO production.     

血红素氧合酶-1对脂多糖诱导的急性心肌细胞损伤细胞内钙离子浓度的影响

目的研究HO-1对脂多糖刺激的心肌细胞内钙离子含量的影响。方法差速贴壁法培养乳鼠心肌细胞,分为对照组（C）,脂多糖LPS组（L）,LPS＋Hemin组（L＋H）,LPS＋ZnPP组（L＋Zn）,分别诱导或阻断HO-1的合成,并检测心肌细胞内钙离子含量。结果 LPS诱导心肌细胞钙离子含量升高,Hemin增加HO-1水平,降低细胞内钙离子水平,ZnPP降低HO-1水平,细胞内钙离子浓度进一步增加。结论 LPS刺激使心肌细胞内钙离子含量明显升高,HO-1可降低细胞内钙超载。     

Heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide-biliverdin pathway down regulates neutrophil rolling, adhesion and migration in acute inflammation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Heme oxygenase (HO) activity is known to down-regulate inflammatory events. Here, we address the role of HO and its metabolites, carbon monoxide (CO) and biliverdin (BVD), in leukocyte rolling, adhesion and neutrophil migration during inflammatory processes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Intravital microscopy was used to evaluate leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the mesenteric microcirculation of mice. TNFalpha and IL-1beta were determined by ELISA and HO-1 protein expression by Western blot. KEY RESULTS: Intraperitoneal challenge with carrageenan enhanced HO-1 protein expression in mesentery and bilirubin concentration in peritoneal exudates. Pretreatment of mice with a non-specific inhibitor of HO (ZnDPBG) or with a HO-1 specific inhibitor (ZnPP IX) enhanced neutrophil migration, rolling and adhesion on endothelium induced by carrageenan. In contrast, HO substrate (hemin), CO donor (DMDC) or BVD reduced these parameters. The reduction of neutrophil recruitment promoted by HO metabolites was independent of the production of chemotactic cytokines. Inhibitory effects of CO, but not of BVD, were counteracted by treatment with a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, ODQ. Furthermore, inhibition of HO prevented the inhibitory effect of a nitric oxide (NO) donor (SNAP) upon neutrophil migration, while the blockade of NO synthase (NOS) activity by aminoguanidine did not affect the CO or BVD effects. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Metabolites of HO decreased leukocyte rolling, adhesion and neutrophil migration to the inflammatory site by a mechanism partially dependent on sGC. Moreover, inhibition by NO of neutrophil migration was dependent on HO activity.     

Heme oxygenase-1 induction protects against hypertension associated with diabetes: effect on exaggerated vascular contractility

Disturbances in vascular reactivity are important components of diabetes-evoked hypertension. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a homeostatic enzyme upregulated in stress. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of HO-1 against diabetes-evoked hypertension. Rats were left 8 weeks after diabetes induction with streptozotocin to induce vascular dysfunction in the diabetic groups. HO-1 inducers, hemin and curcumin, were daily administrated in the last 6 weeks in the treated groups after 2 weeks of induction. Then, at the end of the study (8 weeks), HO-1 protein level was assessed by immunofluorescence; blood pressure (BP) was recorded; isolated aorta reactivity to phenylephrine (PE) and KCl was studied; reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was determined; and serum level of glucose, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. While not affected by diabetes, HO-1 protein expression was strongly induced by hemin or curcumin administration. Compared with control animals, diabetes increased systolic and pulse BP. Induction of HO-1 by hemin or curcumin significantly reduced elevated systolic BP and abolished elevated pulse BP without affecting the developed hyperglycemia or AGEs level. The possibility that alterations in vascular reactivity contributed to diabetes–HO-1 BP interaction was investigated. Diabetes increased contractile response of the aorta to PE and KCl, while HO-1 induction by curcumin or hemin prevented aorta-exaggerated response to PE and KCl. Furthermore, the competitive HO inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin, abolished the protective effect of hemin. Diabetes was accompanied with elevated level of TNF-α and ROS generation, while HO-1 induction abrogated increased TNF-α and ROS generation. Collectively, induction of HO-1 protects against hypertension associated with diabetes via ameliorating exaggerated vascular contractility by reducing TNF-α and aortic ROS levels.     

Heme oxygenase/carbon monoxide-biliverdin pathway may be involved in the antinociceptive activity of etoricoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor

The aim of this study was to assess the interaction between the heme oxygenase-1/ biliverdin/carbon monoxide (HO-1/BVD/CO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways in the writhing test. Mice were pretreated with 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg, ip etoricoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, or with one of the following HO-1/BVD/CO pathway modulators: 1, 3 or 9 mg/kg, sc ZnPP IX, a specific HO-1 inhibitor, 0.3, 1 or 3 mg/kg, sc hemin, a substrate of the HO-1/BVD/CO pathway; or 0.00025, 0.025 or 2.5 μmol/kg, sc DMDC, a CO donor. Mice pretreated with etoricoxib or one of the HO-1/BVD/CO pathway modulators received an injection of acetic acid (ip) after 30 and 60 min, respectively. Next, the number of writhes was quantified between 0 and 30 min after stimulus injection. In another series of experiments, ineffective doses of etoricoxib were co-administered with hemin or DMDC and an effective dose of etoricoxib with ZnPP IX, followed by an acetic acid injection. Four hours after the acetic acid injection, levels of bilirubin, which is a product of BVD conversion by the BVD reductase enzyme, in the peritoneal lavage were determined. Hemin or DMDC reduced (p<0.05) the number of writhes, but ZnPP IX potentiated (p<0.05) the effect of acetic acid by increasing (p < 0.05) the number of writhes. The co-administration of etoricoxib with hemin or DMDC reduced (p<0.05) the number of writhes. However, the analgesic effect of etoricoxib was not observed in the presence of ZnPP IX. Pretreatment with ZnPP IX reduced bilirubin levels, but etoricoxib pretreatment significantly increased the bilirubin concentration in peritoneal exudates. The data obtained from these experiments showed that the HO-1/BVD/CO pathway was activated in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing model. The analgesic effect of etoricoxib was at least partially dependent on the participation of the HO-1/BVD/CO pathway.     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸防治内毒素所致肝损伤的实验研究

目的　探讨N 乙酰半胱氨酸 (NAC)可否对内毒素性肝损伤进行抑制及相应的细胞、分子机制。方法　健康雄性昆明种小鼠 30只随机分为肝损伤组、NAC组和对照组 ,不同给药后检测肝匀浆肿瘤坏死因子(TNF) α、丙二醛 (MDA)和还原型谷胱甘肽 (GSH)含量变化 ,并行聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳 ,分析NAC对核因子(NF) κBp6 5、IκBα的影响。 结果　NAC不但使肝组织TNF α、MDA含量降低 ,GSH含量升高 ,且抑制了内毒素诱导胞质IκBα降解和NF κBp6 5的表达。 结论　NAC可能通过调整库普弗细胞氧化还原平衡 ,影响NF κBp6 5活化 (核易位 ) ,从而抑制了TNF α等炎性因子基因的表达 ,减轻肝损伤。     

Pharmacological activation of heme oxygenase (HO)-1/carbon monoxide pathway prevents the development of peripheral neuropathic pain in Wistar rats

Recent studies have emphasized the contribution of neuroinflammation and oxido-nitrosative stress to neuropathic pain. Both, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and carbon monoxide (CO) play an important role in regulating free radical generation and inflammation. Herein, we investigated the role of HO-1/CO pathway, by using hemin, a selective HO activator, and CO-releasing molecule (CORM)-2, a CO-releasing agent, in rat sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain. CCI rats exhibited full development of behavioral hypersensitivity symptoms, including cold allodynia, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and also exhibit of a significant increase in spinal cord pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and oxido-nitrosative stress markers, both in spinal cord and ipsilateral sciatic nerve homogenate. Spinal (10 and 30 μg/rat, intrathecal (i.t.)), but not systemic (5 and 10 mg/kg, subcutaneous (s.c.)), administration of hemin for 14 days significantly prevented the development of behavioral hypersensitivity. Further, simultaneous administration of hemin via spinal (10 μg/rat, i.t.) and systemic (5 mg/kg, s.c.) routes led to a more pronounced inhibition of the development of behavioral hypersensitivity. Further, administration of CORM-2 (1 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.), dose-dependently and most effectively, prevented the development of behavioral hypersensitivity. Both hemin and CORM-2 produced ameliorative beneficial effects that paralleled with the extent of reduction of oxido-nitrosative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, hemin and CORM-2 significantly improved the levels of HO-1 and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Thus, it may be concluded that chronic pharmacological activation of HO-1/CO pathway may prevent the development of behavioral symptoms of neuropathic pain, through an activation of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant mechanisms.     

幽门螺杆菌感染胃黏膜中IL-1B基因多态性对TNF-α和NF-κB的上调作用

摘要目的观察白细胞介素（IL） 1B基因多态性对胃黏膜感染幽门螺杆菌（Hp）后肿瘤坏死因子（TNF） α、核因子（NF） κB的表达和活性的影响。方法Hp阳性胃十二指肠溃疡患者94例,通过多态性分析和检测,其中IL 1B 31T/T基因型21例,C/C基因型40例,C/T基因型33例。以34例Hp阴性功能性胃肠病患者作为对照,其中IL 1B 31T/T基因型7例,C/C基因型18例,C/T基因型9例。结果Hp阴性患者胃黏膜组织TNF α和NF κB表达量极少,而且IL 1B 31各基因型间差异无统计学意义。在Hp阳性胃黏膜,IL 1B 31T/T基因型、C/T基因型和C/C基因型患者TNF α表达分别为1.20±0.17,0.87±0.18和0.94±0.16;NF κB mRNA表达分别为1.10±0.16,0.90±0.15和0.97±0.17（均P＜0.01）。而Hp阴性的NF κB mRNA活性很低。在Hp阳性患者,NF κB 活性显著增加,而且IL 1B 31T/T基因型患者比C/T和C/C基因型明显增加,分别为0.99±0.12,0.89±0.15和0.90±0.14（P＜0.01）。结论Hp感染促进TNF α和NF κB mRNA表达,上调NF κB活性,在IL 1B 31T/T基因型个体更明显。提示Hp感染后,IL 1B 31基因型患者的高胃癌风险有炎症反应参与。     

Naringenin inhibits TNF-α induced VSMC proliferation and migration via induction of HO-1

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, which is triggered by various inflammatory stimuli, contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Naringenin is a citrus flavonoid with both lipid-lowering and insulin-like properties. Here, we investigated whether naringenin affects TNF-α-induced VSMC proliferation and migration and if so, whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is involved. Rat VSMCs were treated with naringenin alone or in combination of TNF-α stimulation. We found that naringenin induced HO-1 mRNA and protein levels, as well as its activity, in VSMCs. Naringenin inhibited TNF-α-induced VSMC proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic study demonstrated that naringenin prevented ERK/MAPK and Akt phosphorylation while left p38 MAPK and JNK unchanged. Naringenin also blocked the increase of ROS generation induced by TNF-α. More importantly, the specific HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP IX or HO-1 siRNA partially abolished the beneficial effects of naringenin on VSMCs. These results suggest that naringenin may serve as a novel drug in the treatment of these pathologies by inducing HO-1 expression/activity and subsequently decreasing VSMC proliferation and migration.     

阿托伐他汀对兔动脉粥样硬化中NF-κB/IκB和炎症因子表达的影响

目的探讨高脂饮食诱发兔动脉粥样硬化中核因子-κB(NF-κB)的活化与其抑制因子IκB的表达,以及阿托伐他汀对NF-κB/IκB信号途径、ICAM-1和P选择素的影响。方法24只新西兰♂家兔随机分为正常对照组、高胆固醇组和阿托伐他汀组,应用W estern b lot方法检测动脉中胞核NF-κB p65亚基和胞浆IκBα表达变化;免疫放射法检测血清P选择素水平,免疫组织化学检测血管壁ICAM-1的表达。结果高胆固醇组与对照组比较胞核NF-κB p65和血管壁ICAM-1表达明显增强、血P选择素明显升高(P<0.05),胞浆中IκBα表达明显减弱(P<0.05);阿托伐他汀组与高胆固醇组比较NF-κB p65和血管壁ICAM-1明显表达较弱、血P选择素明显减少(P<0.05),胞浆IκBα的表达增强(P<0.05)。结论NF-κB/IκB信号途径在动脉粥样硬化中起重要作用,阿托伐他汀可以减少P选择素、ICAM-1的表达。     

诱导血红素加氧酶-1对肝硬化大鼠肠黏膜屏障的保护作用

目的 探讨血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)对肝硬化大鼠肠黏膜屏障的保护作用.方法 建立四氯化碳(CCl4)致大鼠肝硬化动物模型,钴原卟啉诱导HO-1表达.FITC-荧光标记法检测大鼠肠黏膜通透性.ELISA法检测血浆TNF-α及IL-6含量.分光光度法检测肠组织HO活性及MDA含量.TUNEL染色法检测肠黏膜细胞凋亡.Western blot检测肠组织Bcl-2蛋白表达.结果 与control组比较,肝硬化(HC)组大鼠肠道通透性显著增高(P＜0.01);HC+HO组大鼠肠道通透性比HC组显著降低(P＜0.05).血浆TNF-α水平在HC组显著高于control组(P＜0.01),而在HC+HO组显著低于HC组(P＜0.05);IL-6水平在HC组显著高于control组(P＜0.01).肠组织匀浆MDA含量在HC组显著高于control组(P＜0.01),而在HC+HO组显著低于HC组(P＜0.01).诱导HO-1可有效抑制肝硬化大鼠肠黏膜细胞凋亡.HC组大鼠Bcl-2蛋白表达量显著低于control组(P＜0.01),诱导HO-1可使Bcl-2蛋白表达量显著高于control组(P＜0.01).结论 诱导HO-1可能通过抑制炎症与细胞凋亡保护肝硬化大鼠肠黏膜屏障.     

Induction of heme oxygenas-1 attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in mice

Mastitis is one of most prevalent production disease in dairy herds worldwide, and is responsible for enormous economic losses. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme, which is involved in the response to oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to detect the protective effect of HO-1 on LPS-induced mastitis in mice. BALB/c mice were pretreated with hemin (HO-1 inducer) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP; HO-1 inhibitor) at 2 h before LPS stimulation. The results showed that the mammary gland damage, production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, and MPO activity in mammary gland tissues were significantly reduced after pretreated with hemin compared with the group of LPS stimulation only. However, ZnPP reversed the effects of hemin. Furthermore, we found that the levels of ROS and NLRP3 inflammasome were increased after LPS stimulation. The increases were inhibited by hemin and the inhibition of hemin on ROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation were blocked by ZnPP. In addition, the results showed that hemin reduced the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) induced by LPS, and ZnPP attenuated these changes. In conclusion, the results suggested that overproduction of HO-1 may inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the expression of TXNIP. Induction of HO-1 may be served as a promising method against mastitis induced by LPS.     

吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐下调基质金属蛋白酶9表达机制的研究

目的探讨TNF-α诱导的肺泡巨噬细胞(AM)性基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)表达的信号通路以及吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)对MMP-9表达的影响机制。方法从慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者支气管肺泡灌洗液中分离与培养AM,以PDTC预处理AM,以TNF-α或IL-1刺激AM。半定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应法检测MMP-9 mRNA的表达;Western blot检测MMP-9蛋白的表达及TNF-α或IL-1诱导的IκBα磷酸化水平。凝胶阻滞分析实验检测NF-κB活性。结果TNF-α上调AM源性MMP-9 mRNA和蛋白的表达(P<0.05);PDTC抑制TNF-α诱导的MMP-9的表达(P<0.05)。PDTC对TNF-α或IL-1诱导的IκBα的磷酸化均无抑制作用(P>0.05)。PDTC对TNF-α或IL-1诱导的NF-κB的活化均有抑制作用(P<0.05);且PDTC不能在体外直接抑制NF-κB的DNA结合活性(P>0.05)。结论NF-κB在TNF-α诱导的AM源性MMP-9的表达中起着重要作用;PDTC可能通过抑制泛素化-蛋白酶小体途径来下调TNF-α诱导的AM源性MMP-9的表达。     

4,7-Dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole from Antrodia camphorata inhibits LPS-induced inflammation via suppression of NF-κB and induction HO-1 in RAW264.7 cells

Several benzenoid compounds have been isolated from Antrodia camphorata are known to have excellent anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of 4,7-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole (DMB), one of the major benzenoid compounds isolated from the mycelia of A. camphorata. DMB significantly decreased the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, DMB suppressed the protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, DMB significantly suppressed LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and this inhibition was found to be associated with decreases in the phosphorylation and degradation of its inhibitor, inhibitory κB-α (IκB-α). Moreover, we found that DMB markedly inhibited the protein expression level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Furthermore, treatment with DMB significantly increased hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in RAW264.7 cells, which is further confirmed by hemin, a HO-1 enhancer, significantly attenuated the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory molecules and iNOS and TLR4 protein levels. Taken together, the present study suggests that DMB may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

Comparative effect of berberine and its derivative 8-cetylberberine on attenuating atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice

Berberine (BBR), one of the main bioactive compounds in Rhizoma coptidis, has multiple pharmacological activities. It has been reported that 8-cetylberberine (8-BBR-C16) has increased anti-microbial property in vivo and a higher bioavailability in hamsters. Therefore, in the present study, we used apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE^−/−) as an atherosclerosis model to investigate the anti-atherosclerosis effects of 8-BBR-C16. After 12 weeks of treatment, the atherosclerotic plaque area of the aorta, serum lipid profile, the plasma redox state and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ApoE^−/− mice were determined. Both BBR and 8-BBR-C16 significantly decreased the atherosclerotic plaque area by suppressing inflammatory and oxidative markers in ApoE^−/− mice. Treatment with BBR or 8-BBR-C16, decreased serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α as well as mRNA levels of NF-κBp65, i-NOS, ICAM-1, IL-6 in the aorta. In addition, the expression of NF-κB p65 protein decreased in the nucleus, whereas IκBα levels increased in the cytosol. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of BBR and 8-BBR-C16 attributed to inhibition of the translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus. Since the dosage of BBR used was 10 fold higher than that of 8-cetylberberine, we conclude that 8-BBR-C16 is more efficient in treating atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice.