Resveratrol attenuates bone cancer pain through the inhibition of spinal glial activation and CX3CR1 upregulation

The present study examined the effects of intrathecal use of resveratrol on pain hypersensitivities, spinal glia activation, and CX3CR1 expression in the model of bone cancer pain (BCP). The BCP model was established through intrathecally injecting Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells to Sprague‐Dawley rats. We found that spinal CX3CR1 expression and glial activation aggravated after inoculation. Resveratrol (i.t.) attenuated bone cancer‐induced pain hypersensitivities, decreased CX3CR1 expression and glial activation in the spine in a BCP model. Resveratrol (i.t.) also attenuated mechanical allodynia resulting from intrathecally injecting fractalkine in rats. Inhibition of spinal glial activation and CX3CR1 upregulation may involve in resveratrol's analgesic effects. These findings demonstrated that resveratrol attenuated pain facilitation through inhibiting spinal glial activation and CX3CR1 upregulation in a BCP model.     

低氧对人骨髓间充质干细胞趋化因子受体CXCR4和CX3CR1表达的影响

背景：移植的骨髓间充质干细胞能向损伤病灶部位定向迁移,进而发挥治疗作用,但关于其向病灶定向迁移的具体机制还不十分清楚。 目的：观察低氧对人骨髓间充质干细胞趋化因子受体CXCR4和CX3CIR1表达的影响。 设计、时间和地点：细胞学体外观察,于2008-02／2009-02在解放军第三军医大学新桥医院中心实验室进行。 材料：骨髓标本取自解放军第三军医大学附属新桥医院血液科收治的15-40岁正常或原发病未累及骨髓患者。方法：穿刺采集骨髓,密度梯度离心结合贴壁培养法分离纯化入骨髓间充质干细胞。取生长良好的第3代细胞接种于25cm。培养瓶中,培养至70％-80％融合后,置于37℃、体积分数分别为3％O2、5％CO2,92％N2的饱和湿度孵育箱内培养48h,以常氧培养作为对照。主要观察指标：相差显微镜下观察细胞形态,流式细胞仪检测细胞表面标记物,Realtime荧光定量PCR法检测CXCR4和CX3CR1 mRNA的表达,免疫细胞化学和Westernblot法检测CXCR4和CX3CR1蛋白的表达。 结果：体外分离纯化的人骨髓间充质干细胞呈成纤维细胞样,培养12-14d达90％汇合,呈极性排列,集落呈漩涡状：CD105和CD29阳性率分别为99．38％和99．13％,而CD14,CD45均呈阴性表达。在体积分数为3％的02培养条件下,人骨髓间充质干细胞CXCR4和CX3CR1mRNA的表达分别是常规培养条件下的2．130倍和2．361倍,CXCR4和CX3CR1蛋白的表达分别是常规培养条件下的1．69倍和1．93倍,CXCR4和CX3CR1主要表达于人骨髓间充质干细胞的胞膜和胞浆。 结论：体积分数为3％的02低氧条件能够促进人骨髓间充质干细胞趋化因子受体CXCR4和CX3CR1mRNA及蛋白的表达,这可能是体内移植的骨髓间充质干细胞向损伤病灶定向迁移的机制之一。     

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 induces interleukin-6 upregulation through NF-kappaB in a rat neuropathic pain model

Peripheral nerve injury resulting in neuropathic pain induces the upregulation of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, which binds to tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) and induces NF-κB and p38 MAPK activation in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We here investigated whether TNFR1 regulates IL-6 expression through NF-κB or p38 MAPK activations in the spinal cord and DRG in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Intrathecal treatment with a TNFR1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) significantly inhibited CCI-elevated IKKs phosphorylation, IkB-α degradation, the nuclear translocation, phosphorylation, and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB, p38 MAPK activation, and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in the spinal cord and DRG. Interestingly, CCI remarkably elevated IKKα and p65 phosphorylations in the spinal cord rather than in the DRG. In addition, NF-κB decoy, but not p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 reduced CCI-elevated IL-6 expression in the spinal cord and DRG. Therefore, these data suggest that TNFR1 induces IL-6 upregulation and neuropathic pain through NF-κB, but not p38 MAPK activation in the spinal cord and DRG and that the NF-κB/IL-6 pathways in the DRG may be less dependent on TNFR1 than the spinal cord pathway.     

An increase in spinal cord noradrenaline is a major contributor to the antihyperalgesic effect of antidepressants after peripheral nerve injury in the rat

Antidepressants are often used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Clinical studies suggest that the efficacy of serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for neuropathic pain is greater than that of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In the present study, we determined the efficacy and mechanisms involved in the antihyperalgesic effects of milnacipran, an SNRI, compared with paroxetine, an SSRI, and maprotiline, a selective NA reuptake inhibitor, using a rat model of neuropathic pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent spinal nerve ligation (SNL), and the withdrawal threshold to paw pressure was measured. Intraperitoneal injection of milnacipran (3-30mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent antihyperalgesic effect. The effect was reversed by intrathecal injection of the α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (30μg), but not by various 5-HT receptor antagonists. Paroxetine produced an antihyperalgesic effect only at the highest dose tested (10mg/kg). This effect was reversed by intrathecal injection of both idazoxan and ondansetron (30μg), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Maprotiline produced an antihyperalgesic effect (10 and 30mg/kg), and the effect was reversed by intrathecal idazoxan. In microdialysis studies, NA and 5-HT concentrations in the spinal dorsal horn were increased after injection of either milnacipran or paroxetine, and only NA was increased after maprotiline. Furthermore, the NA content in the spinal cord of SNL rats was greater than that in normal animals. These findings suggest that an increase in NA in the spinal cord plays an important role in the antihyperalgesic effects of not only NA reuptake inhibitors but also SSRIs.     

Inhibition of spinal p38 MAPK prevents articular neutrophil infiltration in experimental arthritis via sympathetic activation

The central nervous system controls the innate immunity by modulating efferent neuronal networks. Recently, we have reported that central brain stimulation inhibits inflammatory responses. In the present study, we investigate whether spinal p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) affects joint inflammation in experimental arthritis. Firstly, we observed that intra‐articular administration of zymosan in mice induces the phosphorylation of the spinal cord p38 MAPK. In addition, we demonstrated that spinal p38 MAPK inhibition with intrathecal injection of SB203580, a conventional and well‐characterized inhibitor, prevents knee joint neutrophil recruitment, edema formation, experimental score and cytokine production. This local anti‐inflammatory effect was completely abolished with chemical sympathectomy (guanethidine) and beta‐adrenergic receptors blockade (nadolol). In conclusion, our results suggest that pharmacological strategies involving the modulation of spinal p38 MAPK circuit can prevent joint inflammation via sympathetic networks and beta‐adrenoceptors activation.     

Chronic blockade of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) prevents and attenuates neuropathic pain behavior and spontaneous ectopic neuronal activity following nerve injury

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain state resulting from peripheral nerve injury, characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia. We have reported that mice with genetic impairment of IL‐1 signaling display attenuated neuropathic pain behavior and ectopic neuronal activity. In order to substantiate the role of IL‐1 in neuropathic pain, WT mice were implanted subcutaneously with osmotic micropumps containing either IL‐1ra or vehicle. Two days following the implantation, two models of neuropathic pain were used; partial nerve injury (spinal nerve transection, SNT), or complete nerve cut (spinal neuroma model). Mechanosensitivity was assessed seven consecutive days following SNT, and on day 7 recordings of spontaneous ectopic activity were performed. In the spinal nerve neuroma model, autotomy scores were recorded up to 35 days. Vehicle‐treated mice developed significant allodynia and autotomy, and clear ectopic activity (4.1±1.1% of the axons); whereas IL‐1ra‐treated mice did not display allodynic response, displayed delayed onset of autotomy and markedly reduced severity of autotomy scores, and displayed reduced spontaneous activity (0.8±0.4% of the axons). To test whether IL‐1 is involved in maintenance of mechanical allodynia, a separate group of WT mice was treated with a single injection of either saline or IL‐1ra four days following SNT, after the allodynic response was already manifested. Whereas saline‐treated mice displayed robust allodynia, acute IL‐1ra treatment induced long‐lasting attenuation of the allodynic response. The results support our hypothesis that IL‐1 signaling plays an important role in neuropathic pain and in the ectopic neuronal activity that underling its development.     

Expression of c‐Fos in the parabrachial nucleus following peripheral nerve injury in rats

Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats evokes c‐Fos expression at spinal cord level. Using immunohistochemical methods we studied changes in c‐Fos expression in the brain stem area, which is suggested as one of the major targets of projection neurons in the superficial dorsal horn laminae, i.e., the parabrachial area. During the first week following injury, the animals developed tactile allodynia. At this time we found an increase of c‐Fos positive neurons in the parabrachial area, mainly in the pontine part where the group of c‐Fos immunoreactive neurons was present in the dorsal part of lateral parabrachial subnuclei. The number of c‐Fos positive neurons gradually decreased up to 14 days following CCI. The specific activation of brain stem neurons during onset of mechanical allodynia could underlie the changes in central nociceptive processing following peripheral nerve injury.     

低频电针对选择性神经损伤大鼠神经痛维持期脊髓背角PKA-TRPV1通路及痛敏递质的干预作用

目的 探讨低频电针干预神经病理痛维持期脊髓背角（SCDH）蛋白激酶A（PKA）、辣椒素受体（TRPV1）通路的调控机制。 方法 将大鼠随机分为空白对照组、假手术组、模型对照组、电针干预组4组。采用坐骨神经分支选择性神经损伤（SNI）方法建立神经病理痛模型。电针干预取术侧足三里、昆仑穴,频率2Hz,每日1次,连续干预14d。检测大鼠术侧后足缩足阈值（PWT）、SCDH PKA和TRPV1以及降钙素基因相关肽（CGRP）和P物质（SP）水平。 结果 SNI模型大鼠术侧PWT下降（P<0.01）,术侧SCDH PKA、TRPV1、CGRP、SP水平均上调（P<0.05）;2Hz电针可提高SNI模型大鼠PWT（P<0.01）,降低术侧SCDH PKA、TRPV1、CGRP、SP水平（P<0.05）。 结论 低频电针能改善神经病理痛,可能与其下调SCDH PKA-TRPV1通路以及CGRP、SP痛敏递质水平有关。     

p38信号通路参与呼吸机所致肺损伤大鼠高迁移率族蛋白B1的表达

目的 研究p38信号通路在呼吸机所致肺损伤(ventilator-induced lung injury,VILI)大鼠肺组织表达高迁移率族蛋白BI(high mobility group box 1 protein,HMGB1)中的作用.方法健康sD大鼠24只随机分为3组:对照组(A组)不行机械通气,保留自主呼吸;常规通气组(B组)潮气量(Vt)为8mL/kg;大潮气量通气组(C组)Vt为40 mL/kg.机械通气4 h后处死动物,测定支气管肺泡灌洗液中总蛋白水平、白细胞计数以及肺湿干重比值(W/D)和中性粒细胞髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性.采用Western blot方法检测肺组织HMGB1蛋白和p38激酶活性变化,采用RT-PCR方法检测HMGB1 mRNA的表达.应用单因素方差分析进行不同组别间的比较.结果 通气4 h后,与A组相比,C组总蛋白水平(1.77±0.68)g/L、白细胞计数(106.55±28.17)×10~7 L~(-1)、肺W/D比值(7.16±1.02)、MPO活性(3.94±1.21)U/g、HMGB1蛋白(0.64±0.17)和mRNA(1.17±0.45)表达以及p38激酶活性(0.51±0.12)均明显增加(P<0.05),而B组上述各项指标的变化均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论大潮气量机械通气可引起大鼠急性肺损伤,p38参与了机械牵张诱导肺组织HMGB1的表达.     

Protective action of the ginsenoside Rh3 in a rat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury model by inhibition of apoptosis induced via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/caspase-3 signaling

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of the ginsenoside Rh3 on rats subjected to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) via its impact on caspase-3 and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.MethodsFifteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly categorized into the MIR group (MY group, n = 5), sham surgery group (SS group, n = 5), and ginsenoside Rh3 group (GR group, n = 5).ResultsThe MY group exhibited the largest myocardial infarctions compared with the GR and SS groups. The GR group exhibited significantly higher cell viability of cardiomyocytes and significantly decreased apoptosis compared with the MY group. Fibrils of infarcted tissue in the GR group were disordered but less swollen, with a more organized fibril orientation than those in the MY group. The GR group showed reduced p-p38 MAPK protein and caspase-3 mRNA expression levels compared with the MY and SS groups.ConclusionsRh3 significantly improved myocardial necrosis and caspase-3 levels in myocardial tissues by suppressing the p38 MAPK pathway, thereby inhibiting caspase-3 involvement in apoptosis. Thus, Rh3 was effective in inhibiting the escalated apoptotic pathway in myocardial infarction and can potentially serve as a useful therapeutic agent to rescue myocardial infarction.     

Regulatory mechanisms of C4b‐binding protein (C4BP)α and β expression in rat hepatocytes by lipopolysaccharide and interleukin‐6

Summary. Background: C4b‐binding protein (C4BP), a multimeric protein structurally composed of α chains (C4BPα) and a β chain (C4BPβ), regulates the anticoagulant activity of protein S (PS). Patients with sepsis have increased levels of plasma C4BP, which appears to be induced by interleukin (IL)‐6. However, it is not fully understood how lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL‐6 affect the plasma C4BP antigen level and C4BPα and C4BPβ expression in hepatocytes. Objectives: To assess the effect of LPS and IL‐6 on plasma C4BP, PS–C4BP complex levels, PS activity, and C4BP expression by rat liver in vivo and on C4BP expression by isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro. Results: Plasma C4BP antigen level transiently decreased from 2 to 12 h after LPS (2 mg kg^?1) injection, and then it abruptly increased up to 24 h after LPS injection. Plasma C4BP antigen level increased until 8 h after IL‐6 (10 μg kg^?1) injection, and then gradually decreased up to 24 h after IL‐6 injection. LPS significantly decreased the protein and mRNA expression of both C4BPα and C4BPβ in rat hepatocytes, and this effect was inhibited by NFκB and MEK/ERK inhibitors. IL‐6 mediated increase in C4BPβ expression in rat hepatocytes, which leads to increased plasma PS–C4BP complex level and to decreased plasma PS activity, was inhibited by inhibition of STAT‐3. Conclusion: LPS decreases both C4BPα and C4BPβ expression via the NFκB and MEK/ERK pathways, whereas IL‐6 specifically increases C4BPβ expression via the STAT‐3 pathway, causing an increase in plasma PS–C4BP complex, and thus decreasing the anticoagulant activity of PS.     

Enhancement of bone regeneration with the accordion technique via HIF‐1α/VEGF activation in a rat distraction osteogenesis model

Axial micromotion of bone fragments promotes callus formation and bone healing during the process of distraction osteogenesis (DO). This study investigated the effects of the combined axial compression and distraction (accordion) technique on bone regeneration in rat DO model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 62) underwent right tibial transverse osteotomy and were randomly divided into four groups after lengthening: control (no manipulation) and three experimental groups assigned on the basis of the period of accordion manoeuvres in the consolidation phase (Groups 1, 2, and 3 with accordion technique applied at Weeks 1, 3, and 5, respectively). Animals were terminated at 1 week after each accordion phase (i.e., Weeks 2, 4, and 6). Callus formation was monitored by X‐ray radiography; new bone quality was evaluated by microcomputed tomography, histological analysis, and mechanical testing. Serum levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured. Callus formation after accordion manoeuvre at Week 3 (Group 2) increased significantly over time of consolidation. The microcomputed tomography and mechanical analysis revealed Group 2 had more newly formed bone and superior mechanical properties in contrast to the other groups at termination. Histomorphological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed a greater degree of osteogenesis and angiogenesis corresponding to increased serum levels of HIF‐1α and VEGF in Group 2. The accordion technique was effective in promoting bone consolidation via activation of HIF‐1α/VEGF during DO. The accordion technique may be used in the middle phase of bone consolidation to promote bone formation in patients undergoing DO treatment.     

Flow mediated vasodilation and circulating concentrations of high sensitive C‐reactive protein,interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in normal pregnancy – The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

Background: Traditional risk factors such as hyperlipidemia induce a state of inflammation that impairs vascular function. Despite marked maternal hyperlipidemia, endothelial function improves during pregnancy. In non‐pregnant state increased circulating levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) lead to attenuated flow mediated vasodilation. Relation between endothelial function and pro‐inflammatory cytokines has not been studied thoroughly in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on hsCRP and pro‐inflammatory cytokines and their associations with vascular endothelial function. Methods: As part of population‐based, prospective cohort Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study conducted in Finland we measured brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) and serum concentrations of hsCRP, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in 57 pregnant Finnish women throughout gestation and 62 control women matched for age and smoking. Results: HsCRP‐concentration was greater in pregnancy compared to non‐pregnant controls (median hsCRP 2·52 mg l^?1 versus 1·21 mg l^?1, P<0·001). IL‐6‐concentration was slightly increased in pregnancy compared with the non‐pregnant controls (median 1·66 versus 1·32 mg l^?1, non‐significant [NS]) and TNF‐α‐concentration was slightly decreased in pregnant group (2·11 versus 2·38 pg ml^?1, NS). FMD increased during pregnancy and IL‐6 had a positive correlation to the FMD in pregnancy (R = 0·288, P = 0·031). Conclusions: Improvement of FMD in normal pregnancy was not affected by increase in hsCRP concentration. We found an association with IL‐6 and FMD but we believe that improvement in endothelial function during normal pregnancy is not caused by variation in hsCRP, IL‐6 or TNF‐α.     

Optical imaging detection of microscopic mammary cancer in ErbB‐2 transgenic mice through the DA364 probe binding αvβ3 integrins

Despite spontaneous tumor growth in genetically engineered mice being one of the most recognized tools for the in vivo evaluation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic anticancer compounds, monitoring early stage lesions in live animals is a goal that has yet to be achieved. A large number of targets for the molecular imaging of various diseases have been identified and many imaging technologies, including optical techniques are emerging. One of the most commonly exploited targets in tumor imaging is α_vβ₃ integrin, which plays an important role in the expansion, invasiveness and metastatic capability of a number of cancers, including breast cancer. The aim of this study was to set up an optical imaging method for the early detection of autochthonous mammary cancer in female BALB/c mice transgenic for the rat‐ErbB‐2 oncogene (BALB‐neuT). We show that DA364, a near‐infrared fluorescence arginine–glycine–aspartic acid cyclic probe, was taken up by neoplastic mammary glands and that its uptake increased with cancer progression. By contrast, the nonaccumulation of DA364 in the healthy mammary glands of virgin and lactating wild‐type mice suggests that the probe specifically targets breast cancers. Comparisons of optical imaging with whole‐mount and histological findings showed that DA364 allows the noninvasive visualization of atypical hyperplasia and microscopic foci of in situ carcinoma 2 months before mammary lesions become detectable by palpation. Moreover, DA364 was successfully used to monitor the outcome of anticancer vaccination. Therefore, it can be considered a promising early detection tool in near‐infrared noninvasive optical imaging for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fibroblast growth factor improves the motility of human mesenchymal stem cells expanded in a human plasma‐derived xeno‐free medium through αVβ3 integrin

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are being explored for cell therapies targeting varied human diseases. For that, cells are being expanded in vitro, many times with fetal bovine serum (FBS) as the main source of growth factors. However, animal‐derived components should not be used, to avoid immune rejection from the patient that receives the MSC. To solve this issue, different xeno‐free media are being developed, and an industrial‐grade human plasma fraction (SCC) is a promising candidate to substitute FBS. Indeed, we have previously shown that MSC expanded in SCC‐medium maintain their phenotype and genetic stability. However, a reduction on MSC motility was observed when comparing with MSC motility on FBS‐medium. Thus, in this present study, we have tested different factors to improve the motility of MSC in SCC‐medium. Time lapse assays and experiments with transwells revealed that supplementation of the xeno‐free medium with FGF or PDGF, but not TNF‐α or SDF‐1, increased MSC motility. Interestingly, FGF and PDGF supplementation also led to alterations on MSC morphology to a shape similar to the one observed when using FBS. The mechanism behind the effect of FGF on MSC motility involved the increased expression of αVβ3 integrin. Furthermore, assays with small molecule inhibitors revealed that the signalling molecule p38 MAPK is important for MSC motility and that MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT also have a role on FGF‐supplemented expanded MSC. Thus, it was found that FGF supplementation can improve the motility of xeno‐free‐expanded MSC and that the cells motility is regulated by αVβ3 integrin.     

An αIIb mutation in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia located in the N‐terminus of blade 1 of the β‐propeller (Asn2Asp) disrupts a calcium binding site in blade 6

Summary. Background: Studies of Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT)‐causing mutations has generated invaluable information on the formation and function of integrin αIIbβ₃. Objective: To characterize the mutation in four siblings of an Israeli Arab family affected by GT, and to analyze the relationships between the mutant protein structure and its function using artificial mutations. Methods and Results: Sequencing disclosed a new A97G transversion in the αIIb gene predicting Asn2Asp substitution at blade 1 of the β‐propeller. Alignment with other integrin α subunits revealed that Asn2 is highly conserved. No surface expression of αIIbβ₃ was found in patients’ platelets and baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells transfected with mutated αIIb and WT β₃. Although the αIIbβ₃ was formed, the mutation impaired its intracellular trafficking. Molecular dynamics simulations and modeling of the αIIbβ₃ crystal indicated that the Asn2Asp mutation disrupts a hydrogen bond between Asn2 and Leu366 of a calcium binding domain in blade 6, thereby impairing calcium binding that is essential for intracellular trafficking of αIIbβ₃. Substitution of Asn2 to uncharged Ala or Gln partially decreased αIIbβ₃ surface expression, while substitution by negatively or positively charged residues completely abolished surface expression. Unlike αIIbβ₃, αVβ₃ harboring the Asn2Asp mutation was surface expressed by transfected BHK cells, which is consistent with the known lower sensitivity of αVβ₃ to calcium chelation compared with αIIbβ₃. Conclusion: The new GT causing mutation highlights the importance of calcium binding domains in the β‐propeller for intracellular trafficking of αIIbβ₃. The mechanism by which the mutation exerts its deleterious effect was elucidated by molecular dynamics.