Proteasome inhibition attenuates lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia reperfusion in rats

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of proteasome in the pathogenesis of lung injury induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) by examining the effect of the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin on neutrophil infiltration, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into (1) control, (2) intestinal I/R, (3) 0.2 mg/kg lactacystin pretreated, and (4) 0.6 mg/kg lactacystin pretreated groups (n = 8). Injuries in lung and intestine were induced by intestinal I/R, and were characterized by histological edema, hemorrhage and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The results showed a significant increase in serum creatine kinase B (CK-B) and lung water content in intestine and lung injuries. As compared with the control group, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in intestine and lung as well as the serum TNF-α level increased significantly in intestinal I/R group. Simultaneously, expression of ICAM-1 and NF-κB p65 was also observed in the I/R group. Pre-treatment with lactacystin markedly reduced 20S proteasome activity in circulating white blood cells and ameliorated intestine and lung injuries. These results demonstrated that the proteasome participates in the pathogenesis of lung injury induced by intestinal I/R. Lactacystin as a proteasome inhibitor can prevent this kind of injury by decreasing ICAM-1 and TNF-α production via the inhibition of NF-κB activation.     

The TRIF-dependent signaling pathway is not required for acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice

TIR domain-containing adaptor protein (TRIF) is an adaptor protein in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways. Activation of TRIF leads to the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). While studies have shown that TLRs are implicated in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and in neuroprotection against ischemia afforded by preconditioning, little is known about TRIF’s role in the pathological process following cerebral I/R. The present study investigated the role that TRIF may play in acute cerebral I/R injury. In a mouse model of cerebral I/R induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, we examined the activation of NF-κB and IRF3 signaling in ischemic cerebral tissue using ELISA and Western blots. Neurological function and cerebral infarct size were also evaluated 24 h after cerebral I/R. NF-κB activity and phosphorylation of the inhibitor of kappa B (IκBα) increased in ischemic brains, but IRF3, inhibitor of κB kinase complex-ε (IKKε), and TANK-binding kinase1 (TBK1) were not activated after cerebral I/R in wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, TRIF deficit did not inhibit NF-κB activity or p-IκBα induced by cerebral I/R. Moreover, although cerebral I/R induced neurological and functional impairments and brain infarction in WT mice, the deficits were not improved and brain infarct size was not reduced in TRIF knockout mice compared to WT mice. Our results demonstrate that the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway is not required for the activation of NF-κB signaling and brain injury after acute cerebral I/R.     

Identification of a new Mpl-interacting protein,Atp5d

Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory proteins. However, it is unclear whether the NF-κB/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) pathway is involved in the adhesion of neutrophils and renal injury after hypoxia–ischemia (HI) in neonates. In this report we investigated whether NF-κB and its downstream molecule ICAM-1 were involved in renal injury induced by postasphyxial serum (PS) from neonates. Human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells were preincubated with 10 % fetal calf serum (control), 20 % neonatal PS, or 20 % PS plus pyrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). The expression of IκBα, NF-κB p65, and ICAM-1 in HK-2 cells was determined by Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in HK-2 cells was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. The ICAM-1 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. Then HK-2 cells were cultured with neutrophils from neonates with asphyxia. After HK-2 cells had been cultured with neutrophils, we detected myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, the leakage rate of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cell viability. We found that PS preincubation resulted in significantly decreased IκBα expression and increased expression of NF-κB and ICAM-1, and facilitated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in HK-2 cells. PS preincubation increased MPO activity, leading to elevated leakage rates of LDH and decreased cell viability after neutrophil exposure. Furthermore, the inhibition of NF-κB activity by PDTC significantly upregulated IκBα expression, decreased NF-κB and ICAM-1 expression, downregulated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and decreased MPO activity. This leads to decreased leakage rates of LDH and increased cell viability after neutrophil exposure. Our findings suggest that NF-κB/ICAM-1 pathway may be involved in neutrophil–endothelial interactions and neonatal renal injury after HI.     

Omentin inhibits TNF-α-induced expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells via ERK/NF-κB pathway

In the present study, we investigated whether omentin affected the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our data showed that omentin decreased TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HUVECs. In addition, omentin inhibited TNF-α-induced adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs. Further, we found that omentin inhibited TNF-α-activated signal pathway of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by preventing NF-κB inhibitory protein (IκBα) degradation and NF-κB/DNA binding activity. Omentin pretreatment significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced ERK activity and ERK phosphorylation in HUVECs. Pretreatment with PD98059 suppressed TNF-α-induced NF-κB activity. Omentin, NF-kB inhibitor (BAY11-7082) and ERK inhibitor (PD98059) reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induced by TNF-α. These results suggest that omentin may inhibit TNF-α-induced expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells via blocking ERK/NF-κB pathway.     

Engeletin alleviates cerebral ischemia reperfusion-induced neuroinflammation via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB network

High-mobility group box1 (HMGB1) induces inflammatory injury, and emerging reports suggest that it is critical for brain ischemia reperfusion. Engeletin, a natural Smilax glabra rhizomilax derivative, is reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Herein, we examined the mechanism of engeletin-mediated neuroprotection in rats having transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Male SD rats were induced using a 1.5 h tMCAO, following by reperfusion for 22.5 h. Engeletin (15, 30 or 60 mg/kg) was intravenously administered immediately following 0.5 h of ischemia. Based on our results, engeletin, in a dose-dependent fashion, reduced neurological deficits, infarct size, histopathological alterations, brain edema and inflammatory factors, namely, circulating IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, engeletin treatment markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis, which, in turn, elevated Bcl-2 protein levels, while suppressing Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 protein levels. Meanwhile, engeletin significantly reduces overall expressions of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB and attenuated nuclear transfer of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in ischemic cortical tissue. In conclusion, engeletin strongly prevents focal cerebral ischemia via suppression of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory network.     

N-乙酰半胱氨酸对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤NF-κ B和ICAM-1表达的影响

目的：探讨大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤NF-κB和ICAM-1表达情况及NAC的保护作用机制。方法：45只雄性SD大鼠随机分成三组：假手术组（Sham组,n=5）;缺血再灌注损伤组（I/R组,n=20）缺血60min后分别再灌注1、3、6、12h;N-乙酰半胱氨酸组（NAC组,n=20）：先自阴茎背静脉给大鼠注射溶于生理盐水的NAC,20min后再按I/R组处理。在各规定的再灌注时间点,分别采用western-blot和免疫组化方法测定肝组织中NF-κB和ICAM-1的表达。结果：I/R组和NAC组再灌注1、3、6、12h后,NF-κB的表达均明显高于Sham组（p〈0.01）,于再灌注3h达到高峰;ICAM-1的表达均明显高于Sham组（p〈0.01）,于再灌注6h达到高峰。NAC组再灌注1、3、6h与I/R组相同时间点比较：NF-κB和ICAM-1的表达均低于I/R组（p〈0.05）。NAC组再灌注12h与I/R组相同时间点比较：NF-κB和ICAM-1的表达虽然在数值上有所减少,但统计学上无差异（p〉0.05）。结论：大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注后NF-κB和ICAM-1表达增加,NAC可抑制NF-κB激活,减少ICAM-1表达减轻大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤。     

The anti-atherosclerotic effect of tanshinone IIA is associated with the inhibition of TNF-α-induced VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CX3CL1 expression

Tanshinone IIA is one of the major diterpenes in Salvia miltiorrhiza. The inhibitory effect of Tanshinone IIA on atherosclerosis has been reported, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The present study aimed to study the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Tanshinone IIA on the adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells and related mechanism. Results showed that Tanshinone IIA, at the concentrations without cytotoxic effect, dose-dependently inhibited the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to the TNF-α-stimulated human vascular endothelial cells. The expressions of cell adhesion molecules including VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were induced by TNF-α in HUVECs at both the mRNA and protein levels. The mRNA and protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, but not E-selectin, were both significantly suppressed by Tanshinone IIA in a dose dependent manner. In addition, the TNF-α-induced mRNA expression of fractalkine/CX3CL1 and the level of soluble fractalkine were both reduced by Tanshinone IIA. We also found that Tanshinone IIA significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB which was resulted from the inhibitory effect of Tanshinone IIA on the TNF-α-activated phosphorylation of IKKα, IKKβ, IκB and NF-κB. As one of the major components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Tanshinone IIA alone exerted more potent effect on inhibiting the adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells when compared with Salvia miltiorrhiza. All together, these results demonstrate a novel underlying mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of Tanshinone IIA by modulating TNF-α-induced expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and fractalkine through inhibition of TNF-α-induced activation of IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway in human vascular endothelial cells.     

牛磺酸对肢体缺血／再灌注后肝损伤大鼠TNF-α、NF-κB表达的影响

目的：探讨给予牛磺酸预处理对肢体缺血／再灌注（limb ischemia-reperfusion,H／R）后大鼠肝脏损伤及,INn、NF—KB表达的影响及意义。方法：采用Wistar大鼠建立LI/R损伤模型,随机分为4组（n=10）：对照（C）组,缺血／再灌注（I／R）组,牛磺酸（T）组和牛磺酸＋缺血／再灌注（TR）组。比色法测定动物血浆ALT、AST、MDA,肝组织MDA、MPO、DNA裂解率和钙含量,放免法检测血浆及肝组织TNF-α水平;HE染色观察肝脏组织形态改变;免疫组化法观察NF-κB蛋白表达。结果：与C组比较,I／R和TR组各损伤性指标、TNF-α水平均升高,NF-κB蛋白表达增高（P〈0．01）;但TR组上述各项指标较I／R组显著降低。结论：牛磺酸预处理可减轻大鼠LI／R所致肝脏损伤,降低TNF-α、NF-κB表达。     

Casuarinin suppresses TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression via blockade of NF-κB activation in HaCaT cells

Hippophae rhamnoides has been extensively used in oriental traditional medicines for treatment of asthma, skin diseases, gastric ulcers, and lung disorders. In this study, we isolated casuarinin from the leaves of H.rhamnoides and examined the effect of casuarinin on the TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in a human keratinocytes cell line HaCaT. Pretreatment with casuarinin inhibited TNF-α-induced protein and mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and subsequent monocyte adhesiveness in HaCaT cells. Casuarinin significantly inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation. In addition, casuarinin inhibited activation of ERK and p38 MAPK in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, pretreatment with casuarinin decreased TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. These results demonstrated that casuarinin exerts its anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines via blockage of activation of NF-κB and ERK/p38 MAPK and can be used as a therapeutic agent against inflammatory skin diseases.     

芹菜素对缺血再灌注大鼠心肌核转录因子-κB和ICAM-1表达的影响

目的研究芹菜素对缺血再灌注大鼠心肌核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)和粘附分子ICAM-1表达的影响,探讨其抗心肌缺血再灌注损伤的可能机制。方法将Wistar大鼠随机分为6组:假手术组、缺血再灌注组(IR组)、溶剂对照组、维拉帕米阳性对照组、芹菜素低、高剂量用药组。采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支制作缺血再灌注模型,心肌缺血30 min,再灌注2 h。免疫组化染色检测心肌组织的NF-κB和ICAM-1的表达.结果芹菜素组可降低心肌组织NF-κB和ICAM-1的表达,与IR组比较有显著差异(P0.05)。结论芹菜素对缺血再灌注心肌的保护作用可能与其减少心肌缺血再灌注后NF-κB和ICAM-的激活有关。     

YAP1 inhibits the induction of TNF-α-stimulated bone-resorbing mediators by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), the core downstream effector of the Hippo signaling cascade, was involved in the regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and in bone metabolism. However, the regulatory effects and mechanisms of YAP1 on bone-remodeling molecules in osteoblasts under inflammation remain unknown. In this study, YAP1 expression level was downregulated after treatment with inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in MC3T3-E1 cells. The key osteoclastogenic molecules induced by TNF-α, namely, interleukin-6 and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand, were suppressed after lentivirus-induced YAP1 overexpression, which dramatically increased the expression level of osteoprotegerin. Conversely, the expression levels of the above factors showed opposite trends in the YAP1 small interfering RNA and YAP1 inhibitor (verteporfin) group. Mechanistically, YAP1 attenuated the TNF-α-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway as revealed by the reduced expression of phosphorylated-p65 and NF-κB reporter activity and the nuclear translocation of p65. Moreover, the expression level of YAP1 suppressed by TNF-α was reversed by berberine in concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our study suggests that YAP1 plays a critical role in the regulation of bone metabolism and is a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory bone resorption.     

Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α augment acidosis-induced rat articular chondrocyte apoptosis via nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent upregulation of ASIC1a channel

The acute-phase proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) demonstrate high-level expression and pleiotropic biological effects, and contribute to the progression and persistence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Acid hydrarthrosis is also an important pathological characteristic of RA, and the acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) plays a critical role in acidosis-induced chondrocyte cytotoxicity. However, the roles of IL-1β and TNF-α in acid-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes remain unclear. Rat adjuvant arthritis and primary articular chondrocytes were used as in vivo and in vitro model systems, respectively. ASIC1a expression in articular cartilage was increased and highly colocalized with nuclear factor (NF)-κB expression in vivo. IL-1β and TNF-α could upregulate ASIC1a expression. These cytokines activated mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB pathways in chondrocytes, while the respective inhibitors of these signaling pathways could partially reverse the ASIC1a upregulation induced by IL-1β and TNF-α. Dual luciferase and gel-shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that IL-1β and TNF-α enhanced ASIC1a promoter activity in chondrocytes by increasing NF-κB DNA-binding activities, which was in turn prevented by the NF-κB inhibitor ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate. IL-1β and TNF-α also decreased cell viability but enhanced LDH release, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration elevation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3/9 expression, and apoptosis in acid-stimulated chondrocytes, which effects could be abrogated by the specific ASIC1a inhibitor psalmotoxin-1 (PcTX-1), ASIC1a-short hairpin RNA or calcium chelating agent BAPTA-AM. These results indicate that IL-1β and TNF-α can augment acidosis-induced cytotoxicity through NF-κB-dependent up-regulation of ASIC1a channel expression in primary articular chondrocytes.     

Protective roles of cornuside in acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

Cornuside is a secoiridoid glucoside isolated from the fruit of Cornus officinalis SIEB. et ZUCC. In this study, we investigated the anti-myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury effects of cornuside in vivo and elucidated the potential mechanism. Rat models of myocardial I/R were induced by coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion or by Isoproterenol (ISO), treatment of rats with cornuside (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.v.) protected the animals from myocardial I/R injury as indicated by a decrease in infarct volume, improvement in hemodynamics and reduction of myocardial damage severity. Treatment with cornuside also attenuated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) infiltration, decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the heart, lowered serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors and reduced phosphorylated IκB-α and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels in the heart. Additionally, cornuside was shown to have remarkable antioxidant activity and inhibited ISO-induced myocardial cell necrosis. Thus, cornuside appeared to protect the rat from myocardial I/R injury by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings suggested that cornuside may be used therapeutically in the setting of myocardial I/R where inflammation and oxidant injury are prominent.     

小檗碱对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用及免疫机制*

目的:探讨小檗碱对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用及免疫机制。方法:50只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham group)、模型组(Model group)、小檗碱低剂量组(BBR-L,25 mg/kg)、小檗碱中剂量组(BBR-M,50 mg/kg)、小檗碱高剂量组(BBR-H,100 mg/kg),每组各10只。采用Longa线栓法建立脑缺血/再灌注大鼠模型,缺血2 h后再灌注24 h处理。于造模成功2 h后灌胃给药,假手术组和模型组组按上述方法同体积给予生理盐水。给药24 h后,测定各组大鼠神经功能缺损程度评分及脑梗死率;采用ELISA法检测抗氧化酶SOD和GSH-Px的活性、细胞因子TNF-α、IFN-β、IL-6和NO的含量;采用流式细胞术检测CD4⁺、CD8⁺及CD4⁺/CD8⁺血清含量;进一步采用RT-qPCR与Western blot技术检测大鼠脑组织内NF-κB-NLRP3信号轴关键基因及蛋白的表达情况。结果:与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠神经功能缺损程度、脑梗死率均升高(P＜0.05),且血清NO、TNF-α、IFN-β、IL-6含量和脑组织的NF-κB p65、NLRP3、ASC及caspase-1基因与蛋白表达水平均升高(P＜0.05),而血清中SOD、GSH-Px活性和CD4⁺、CD8⁺及CD4⁺/CD8⁺水平下降(P＜0.05);与模型组比较,BBR-H、BBR-M、BBR-L组大鼠神经功能缺损程度、脑梗死率均下降(P＜0.05),且血清NO、TNF-α、IFN-β、IL-6含量和脑组织的NF-κB p65、NLRP3、ASC及caspase-1基因与蛋白表达水平均降低(P＜0.05),而血清中SOD、GSH-Px活性和CD4⁺、CD8⁺及CD4⁺/CD8⁺水平升高(P＜0.05)。结论:小檗碱可通过减轻氧化应激,抑制炎症反应,增强免疫功能,减轻大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤,其机制可能与抑制NF-κB-NLRP3信号有关。     

The molecular mechanisms of the effect of Dexamethasone and Cyclosporin A on TLR4 /NF-κB signaling pathway activation in oral lichen planus

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling transduction pathway play important roles in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases, but its function in oral lichen planus (OLP) remains unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB-p65 and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β by immunohistochemistry in OLP tissues, and found that TLR4 and NF-κB-p65 were significantly upregulated in OLP compared to normal oral mucosa (P<0.05). We used keratinocytes HaCaT stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate the local OLP immune environment to some extent. RT-PCR and immunoblotting analyses showed significant activation of TLR4 and NF-κB-p65 in the circumstance of LPS-induced inflammatory response. The high expression of TLR4 and NF-κB-p65 are correlated with expression of cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05). We further showed that NF-κB could act as an anti-apoptotic molecule in OLP. We conclude that TLR4 and the NF-κB signaling pathway may interact with the perpetuation of OLP. Steroids and cyclosporine are effective in the treatment of symptomatic OLP. However, there was some weak evidence for the mechanism over Dexamethasone (DeX) and Cyclosporine A (CsA) for the palliation of symptomatic OLP. In the present study, we found that Dexamethasone and Cyclosporine A negatively regulated NF-κB signaling pathway under LPS simulation in HaCaT cells by inhibiting TLR4 expression, on the other hand, Cyclosporine A could inhibit HaCaT cell proliferation by the induction of the apoptosis of HaCaT cells to protect OLP from the destruction of epidermal cells effectively.     

Ginkgetin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in a rat model via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Ginkgo biloba, a natural biflavonoid isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves, is reported to have strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ginkgo flavonoids on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Inflammatory-associated cytokines in cerebral ischemic hemispheres were determined by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot and enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results indicated that treatment with Ginkgetin significantly restored rat brain I/R-induced neurological deficit scores. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in Ginkgetin treatment group (100 mg/kg) also significantly reduced. The expression inflammation-related protein prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was also decreased in Ginkgetin treatment group. However, the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) was remarkably increased. Thus, this study demonstrates that Ginkgetin protects neurons from I/R-induced rat injury by down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and blocking the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.     

Renoprotective mechanisms of Astragaloside IV in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury

Nephrotoxicity remains a serious adverse effect of cisplatin chemotherapy, limiting its clinical usage. Numerous studies show that oxidative stress and inflammation are closely associated with cisplatin-induced renal damage. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammation functions. Therefore, we investigated the potential curative effects of AS-IV against cisplatin-induced renal injury and the possible cellular mechanism for activity, both in vitro and in vivo. We found that pretreatment of HK-2 cells with AS-IV could mitigate cisplatin-induced cell damage caused by oxygen-free radicals and the inflammatory response, as evidenced by reduced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines. AS-IV improved cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction and histopathological injury in mice. Additionally, AS-IV enhanced the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT). It also inhibited cisplatin-induced overproduction of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF???α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in kidney tissues. We found that the protective effects of AS-IV occurred via activation of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins and inhibition of nuclear factor-κappaB (NF-κB) activation. Further, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of Nrf2 abrogated the protective effects of AS-IV against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and blocked the inhibitory effects of AS-IV on cisplatin-induced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production. In conclusion, our data suggested that AS-IV attenuated cisplatin-mediated renal injury, and these protective effects might be due to inhibition of both oxidative damage and inflammatory response via activation of Nrf2 system and suppression of NF-κB activation.     

西比灵干预对沙鼠脑缺血再灌注后核因子-κB、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1表达的影响

目的：研究西比灵对沙鼠脑缺血再灌注后核因子-κB、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1表达的影响。方法：52只健康蒙古沙鼠随机分为正常对照组、假手术组、脑缺血再灌注（I/R）组、西比灵干预组,I/R组及西比灵干预组再分为6h、1d、3d、7d四个亚组。通过夹闭双侧颈总动脉10 min后松夹,建立沙鼠全脑缺血再灌注模型。采用免疫组化的实验方法检测各组脑组织中NF-κBp65、MCP-1的表达。结果：缺血再灌注后各时间点I/R组及西比灵干预组,NF-κBp65的表达量显著高于正常对照组及假手术组（均P〈0.01）,且出现MCP-1阳性表达。与I/R组比较,西比灵干预组在I/R后6h、1d,NF-κBp65、MCP-1表达下调（均P〈0.05）。结论：在脑缺血再灌注早期,西比灵能够下调NF-κBp65、MCP-1的表达,减轻局部炎症反应及脑缺血再灌注损伤。     

Quercetin postconditioning attenuates gastrocnemius muscle ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Quercetin, an antioxidant derived from plants, can play a beneficial role in the protection of various tissues against ischemia-reperfusion injuries (IRI). The purpose of the present research was to investigate the protective effects of quercetin on gastrocnemius muscle ischemia-reperfusion. A total of 80 adult male Wistar rats (weights: 250–300 g) were divided into ten groups (n = 8 per group). We used silk 6.0 surgical thread to create a knit to occlude the femoral artery and vein for 3 hr. The treated groups, which comprised half of each experimental group, received intraperitoneal injections of 150 mg/kg quercetin after the ischemia. Blood flow was subsequently reestablished in the reperfusion phase. The rats were kept in reperfusion for 3, 7, 14, or 28 days after which they were killed with high doses of anesthetic drugs, and the gastrocnemius muscles were removed and fixed. Tissue processing, hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) levels. A comparison between treated and untreated ischemic sites showed that on the third day of reperfusion, the severity of edema and NF-κB level decreased significantly; on the 7th day of reperfusion, the severity of edema and the levels of TNF-α and NF-κB decreased significantly; and on the 14th day of reperfusion, all of the parameters showed significant decreases. On the 28th day of reperfusion, there were significantly decreased levels of TNF-α and NF-κB, and decreased mast cell infiltration when compared with the untreated groups. According to the results, administration of quercetin after ischemia could significantly prevent gastrocnemius muscle IRI.