齐墩果酸抑制肿瘤坏死因子-α诱导的成纤维细胞样滑膜细胞炎症因子表达及其机制研究

探讨齐墩果酸(Oleanolic acid,OA)对肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)诱导成纤维细胞样滑膜细胞的炎症因子表达的影响及其机制。首先复苏培养人成纤维细胞样滑膜细胞(FLS),通过RT-PCR检测细胞IL-6及IL-1βmRNA表达,采用Western blot方法检测p38MAPK及NF-κB蛋白表达变化,通过ELISA法检测细胞上清液中IL-6及IL-1β浓度。与对照组比较,TNF-α明显诱导FLS细胞IL-6及IL-1βmRNA的表达及上清液中IL-6及IL-1β的分泌(P0.05),同时磷酸化p38蛋白和核NF-κB明显增加(P0.05),且p38MAPK阻断剂SB203580能抑制TNF-α诱导的核NF-κB增加。OA呈浓度依赖性抑制TNF-α诱导的FLS细胞p38蛋白磷酸化和核NF-κB增加(P0.05)。且OA、p38MAPK通路抑制剂SB203580或NF-κB阻断剂BAY 11-7082均能抑制TNF-α诱导的IL-6及IL-1β分泌增加(P0.05)。综上所述,OA能抑制TNF-α诱导的FLS细胞炎症因子IL-6及IL-1β的产生,其机制可能与抑制p38MAPK/NF-κB信号通路有关。     

乙型肝炎病毒表面抗原抑制TLR2 和TLR4的激活

目的　研究乙型肝炎病毒表面抗原(HBsAg) 在乙型肝炎病毒逃逸机体天然免疫中的作用。方法　 PMA诱导THP-1分化成巨噬样细胞,并与乙肝表面抗原（HBsAg）共培养作比较,在LPS （TLR4配体）和pam3csk4（TLR1,2配体）的刺激下,检测细胞上清液中细胞因子IL-10,IL-12的表达及胞内IL-10,IL-12 mRNA 的含量,并利用免疫荧光观察NF-κB p65入核和Western blotting检测IκB-α蛋白降解与ERK蛋白磷酸化水平来判定TLR信号通路活化程度。结果　HBsAg的胞外处理能以剂量依赖的方式干扰pam3csk4和LPS诱导的IL-10和IL-12的产生,同时HBsAg的存在明显干扰pam3csk4和LPS诱导的NF-κB p65入核和IκB-α降解及ERK蛋白磷酸化水平。结论　HBsAg抑制TLR2和TLR4的激活。     

幽门螺杆菌感染激活NF-κB信号通路促进胃癌SGC-7901细胞炎症因子释放

为了探讨幽门螺杆菌对胃癌SGC-7901细胞炎症因子释放的影响,本研究将幽门螺杆菌感染SGC-7901细胞后,采用细胞计数盒(CCK-8)检测SGC-7901细胞活力,酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)检测炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8的水平,Real-time PCR检测细胞TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8 m RNA的表达,蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blotting)检测NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白NF-κB p65蛋白表达以及IκBα磷酸化水平。研究结果表明,幽门螺杆菌感染后,SGC-7901细胞活力显著增加;幽门螺杆菌感染明显上调SGC-7901细胞TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8 mRNA的表达;本研究还进一步发现幽门螺杆菌感染显著增加SGC-7901细胞TNF-α、IL-1β以及IL-8的水平;此外,幽门螺杆菌处理的SGC-7901细胞,其NF-κB p65的蛋白表达以及IκBα磷酸化水平均显著上调。本研究的结论初步表明,幽门螺杆菌感染促进胃癌SGC-7901细胞炎症因子的释放,其机制可能涉及激活NF-κB信号通路。     

rVvhA作用于THP-1细胞NF-κB信号通路的研究

研究重组创伤弧菌溶细胞素（rVvhA）对人单核细胞系（THP-1）NF-κB信号通路的影响。应用CCK-8法检测rVvhA对THP-1细胞增殖的抑制作用;倒置显微镜和激光共聚焦显微镜观察rVvhA作用后细胞的形态学变化和细胞内NF-κB p65的核转移情况;应用流式细胞仪和Westernblot检测rVvhA作用后细胞浆内和细胞核内NF-κB p65的表达情况;ELISA检测rVvhA作用于细胞后TNF-α、IL-6表达含量的变化。试验结果显示：rVvhA能够呈时间–剂量依赖性地抑制THP-1细胞的生长,且镜下可见明显的细胞形态学变化。激光共聚焦显示0.4 HU/mL rVvhA作用6 h后,THP-1细胞内NF-κB p65的核转移现象最明显;流式细胞仪结果显示0.6 HU/mL rVvhA作用2 h后,细胞内总的NF-κB p65表达量达到高峰;Western blot检测显示0.6 HU/mL rVvhA作用4 h时细胞核内NF-κBp65蛋白含量最高;ELISA显示TNF-α的表达在rVvhA作用的适当范围内呈时间–剂量依赖性变化;IL-6在0.6 HU/mL rVvhA作用时表达量最高,随后随着浓度的增加反而下降;NF-κB抑制剂能使IL-6表达量下调。实验证明rVvhA作用于THP-1细胞后能激活NF-κB信号通路,上调TNF-α、IL-6的表达,而NF-κB抑制剂能够下调IL-6的表达。     

黄芩苷对脂多糖诱导的巨噬细胞NF-κB活化和炎症因子表达的影响

目的:研究黄芩苷对脂多糖(LPS)诱导小鼠巨噬细胞核因子κB(NF-κB)及肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白介素6(IL-6)表达的影响.方法:分别用LPS(终浓度1μgomL-1)和LPs+黄芩苷(终浓度10,50,100μmol moloL-1)处理生长良好的小鼠巨噬细胞RAW264.7,用RT-PCR法和Elisa法检测细胞及其上清液中TNF-α、IL-6 mRNA和蛋白的表达变化,用Western Blot法检测细胞核内NF-κB p65蛋白含量变化.结果:LPS刺激RAW264.7细胞可导致NF-κB激活,上调TNF-α、IL-6表达;黄芩苷预处理能降低LPS诱导的NF-κB出活化和TNF-α、IL-6表达.结论:黄芩苷可通过抑制NF-κB活化,下调LPS诱导的巨噬细胞TNF-α、IL-6的生成,发挥抗炎作用.这可能是其抗动脉粥样硬化的作用机制之一.     

银杏叶提取物对内毒素诱导巨噬细胞核因子-κB活化及炎性细胞因子表达的调节

探讨银杏叶提取物（EGb761）对内毒素（LPS）诱导RAW264．7细胞核因子-κB（NF-κB）活化及炎性细胞因子基因表达的调节,为银杏叶提取物的临床运用提供理论依据．分别用LPS或EGb761＋LPS处理体外培养的小鼠巨噬细胞系RAW264．7细胞,采用蛋白质印迹分析检测细胞中NF-κB活性,用逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测细胞中TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6 mRNA和蛋白的表达．研究结果表明LPS组NF-κB活性和TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量在刺激后2～12h明显高于正常对照组,而EGb761＋LPS组NF-κB活性和TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量均显著低于LPS组．结果提示LPS可诱导RAW264．7细胞NF-κB活化,导致TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6基因表达增强,而EGb761能抑制NF-κB活化而调节TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6基因的表达．     

银杏叶提取物对COPD大鼠p38MAPK/NF-κB信号通路的影响

摘要 目的：观察银杏叶提取物（Ginkgo biloba extract, GBE）对慢性阻塞性肺疾病( COPD) 大鼠肺p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）/ 核转录因子-κB（NF-κB）信号通路的影响,探讨GBE对COPD抗炎作用的分子机制。方法：将90只雄性Wistar 大鼠随机分为空白对照组、COPD 模型组、GBE高剂量组、GBE中剂量组、GBE低剂量组、SB203580(p38MAPK抑制剂)组,共计6组,每组15只。采用香烟烟雾熏吸联合气道内注入脂多糖（LPS）的方法建立COPD大鼠模型。造模结束后分组给药,空白对照组与COPD 模型组给予生理盐水腹腔注射,GBE高、中、低剂量组 (14, 7, 3.5 mg?kg^-1?d^-1)分别给予不同浓度的GBE腹腔注射,SB203580组予5 mg?kg^-1?d^-1腹腔注射,每天给药1次,连续给药14 d。通过HE染色法观察大鼠肺泡和气道的病理变化,酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）测定大鼠肺泡灌洗液（BALF）和血清中IL-6、IL-8与IL-10水平,蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot) 检测大鼠肺组织p38MAPK、NF-κB p65、NF-κB抑制蛋白α（IκBα）蛋白含量,采取实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(Real-time qPCR) 法检测大鼠肺组织中p38MAPK、NF-κB p65、IκBα mRNA表达。结果：与COPD模型组相比,各用药组均能抑制肺泡破坏与气道重塑,减轻肺泡与支气管周围炎症浸润;与空白对照组相比,COPD 模型组BALF与血清中IL-6、IL-8含量明显升高（P<0.05）,IL-10含量明显降低（P<0.05）,肺组织中p38MAPK、NF-κB p65蛋白与p38MAPK、NF-κB p65 mRNA表达量明显升高（P<0.05）,IκBα蛋白与IκBα mRNA表达量明显下降（P<0.05）;与COPD模型组相比,各药物组均能明显降低大鼠BALF与血清中IL-8含量、提高IL-10含量（P<0.05）,而GBE高剂量组与SB203580组效果更明显;GBE高剂量组与SB203580组BALF中IL-6含量较GBE低剂量组与COPD模型组明显降低（P<0.05）;与COPD模型组相比,各药物组均能明显降低大鼠肺组织中p38MAPK、NF-κB p65蛋白与p38MAPK、NF-κB p65 mRNA表达量（P<0.05）,GBE高、中剂量组与SB203580组能明显提高IκBα蛋白与IκBα mRNA表达量（P<0.05）。结论：GBE能抑制COPD大鼠炎症反应与气道重塑,其机制可能与调控p38MAPK/NF-κB信号通路有关。     

姜黄素通过NF-κB/miR33a通路对ox-LDL刺激THP-1巨噬细胞分泌的影响及机制

为研究姜黄素对ox-LDL刺激的THP-1巨噬细胞炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α的分泌及相关机制。本实验分别予姜黄素、miR33a inhibitor、吡咯烷二硫代甲酸铵(ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate,PDTC)处理氧化型低密度脂蛋白(oxidized lowdensity lipoprotein,ox-LDL)刺激的人单核细胞白血病细胞(human acute monocytic leukemia cell line,THP-1)型巨噬细胞,RT-qPCR测定微型RNA33a(MicroRNA33a,miR33a)的表达,Western blot检测胞核内NF-κB p65的表达、IκBα和p-IκBα的表达,ELISA测定IL-6、TNF-α的浓度。结果显示与空白对照组相比,ox-LDL组miR33a、NF-κB p65、p-IκBα的表达及p-IκBα/IκBα的比值及IL-6、TNF-α的浓度增加(P 0. 05),IκBα的表达减少(P 0. 05);而与ox-LDL组相比,ox-LDL+姜黄素组miR33a、NF-κB p65、p-IκBα的表达及p-IκBα/IκBα的比值及IL-6、TNF-α的浓度减少(P 0. 05),IκBα的表达增加(P 0. 05)。姜黄素可能抑制ox-LDL刺激的THP-1巨噬细胞IL-6、TNF-α的分泌,其机制可能是通过下调NF-κB/miR33a信号通路。     

柯萨奇病毒B组5型非结构蛋白抑制NF-κB信号通路的作用机制研究

目的 柯萨奇病毒B组5型（CVB5）是手足口病的重要病原体之一,可导致发热、皮疹或疱疹等临床症状,重症者出现神经系统疾病,甚至死亡。天然免疫应答是机体抗病毒入侵的第一道防线,其中核因子κB (NF-κB)是宿主天然免疫反应中的重要蛋白质,然而关于CVB5感染后调控NF-κB介导信号通路的研究尚鲜有报道。方法 本研究通过检测启动子活性、促炎因子水平以及通路中关键蛋白表达等,阐明CVB5对NF-κB信号通路的调控作用机制。结果 CVB5感染可抑制促炎因子表达和p65的磷酸化。CVB5非结构蛋白（NSP）可抑制促炎因子表达以及重要蛋白p65和IκBα的磷酸化。经STRING11.1数据库预测表明,CVB5 3CD蛋白与宿主多聚胞嘧啶结合蛋白1 (PCBP1)具有相互作用,且PCBP1可促进IκBα和p65的磷酸化,抑制病毒复制。结论 CVB5 NSP可负调控NF-κB信号通路,且与3CD相互作用的PCBP1蛋白可通过调控NF-κB通路抑制CVB5复制。本研究探索病毒与宿主天然免疫应答的调控作用,从而为研制抗CVB5感染的药物提供作用靶点。     

L-精氨酸对脂多糖诱导大鼠肺损伤的保护作用及其机制的研究

目的：观察一氧化氮供体L-精氨酸（L-Arg）对脂多糖诱导大鼠肺损伤炎症反应和核因子-κB（NF-κB）信号通路的影响,探讨L-Arg对肺损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法：健康雄性SD大鼠采用舌下静脉注射脂多糖（LPS）复制肺损伤模型,分别于给予LPS3h和6h后给予生理盐水（对照组及LPS组,ip）和L-Arg（500mg/kgip）（L-Arg治疗组）,治疗3h。每组8只动物。免疫组化染色分析肺组织中NF-κB的核移位;逆转录多聚酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测肺组织细胞间粘附分子-1（ICAM-1）基因表达;放射免疫法分别测定肺组织中肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）和白介素6（IL-6）的含量;光镜观察肺组织病理变化。结果：与对照组比较,大鼠肺损伤后NF-κB活化,明显从细胞浆移位于细胞核,表达量也显著增加;ICAM-1基因表达上调;肺组织中TNF-α、IL-6含量明显升高。肺损伤3h用L-Arg治疗3h后,NF-κB从细胞浆向细胞核的移位被明显限制,NF-κB的表达量、肺组织中TNF-α、IL-6含量明显低于相应的LPS组,肺组织病理改变减轻;肺损伤6h用L-Arg治疗3h对LPS引起的以上变化没有明显影响。结论：LPS3h后给予L-Arg可减轻内毒素性肺损伤,抑制核因子的活化,在一定程度上阻断NF-κB相关信号通路的传导,减轻炎症反应是其机制之一。     

美洛昔康对Aβ诱导Alzheimer’s disease大鼠脑内炎症损伤的影响

目的：研究美洛昔康对β-淀粉样蛋白（Aβ）诱导的阿尔茨海默病（AD）模型大鼠脑内炎症损伤的保护作用,并探讨其抑制炎症作用的机制。方法：Aβ1-40海马注射建立AD大鼠模型。免疫组化法观察大鼠海马核因子κBp65（NF-κBp65）和星形胶质细胞（AS）胶质纤维酸性蛋白（GFAP）表达变化;Western-blot法测定大鼠皮层组织GFAP的表达;ELISA法检测大鼠皮层组织肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）水平变化;RT-PCR法检测大鼠海马组织白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）mRNA的表达情况。结果：美洛昔康能抑制AD大鼠海马NF-κBp65和GFAP的表达;降低大鼠皮层TNF-α的含量;抑制AD大鼠海马IL-1βmRNA的表达。结论：美洛昔康通过减少AD模型大鼠海马、皮层组织GFAP表达,抑制AS的增生,降低NF-κBp65的活性,减少炎症因子TNF-α和IL-1β的水平,减轻脑内炎症反应。     

β-淀粉样蛋白对BV2小胶质细胞促炎作用的研究

目的探讨β-淀粉样蛋白(β-amyloid,Aβ)促进BV2小胶质细胞产生炎性因子IL-1β和TNFα的作用机制。方法体外培养BV2小胶质细胞,应用Aβ1-42作用于BV2小胶质细胞,或用吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(PDTC)预孵育再给予Aβ1-42刺激,实时荧光定量反转录聚合酶链反应法(RT–PCR)检测IL-1β和TNFαmRNA表达;免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测胞核中NF-κB p65及其抑制蛋白胞浆中IkBα的表达。结果 Aβ1-42作用于BV2小胶质细胞后,Westernblot显示胞浆内IkBα表达下降,胞核内NF-κB p65表达明显增加,RT-PCR测定IL-1β和TNFαmRNA的表达增加;给予NF-κB信号通路特异阻断剂PDTC后,胞浆IkBα的下降和胞核内NF-κB p65的增加均被抑制,同时IL-1β和TNFαmRNA的表达亦受到抑制,PDTC的抑制效果呈剂量依赖性。结论 Aβ可通过激活小胶质细胞NF-κB信号通路促进IL-1β和TNFα的表达。     

Enalapril inhibits nuclear factor-κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells and peritoneal macrophages and attenuates experimental colitis in mice

Aims

Enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, has pleiotropic effects such as anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effect of enalapril on the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and on experimental colitis.

Main methods

The human intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line COLO 205 and peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 wild-type mice and IL-10-deficient (IL-10^−/−) mice were prepared and subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alone or LPS plus enalapril. The effect of enalapril on NF-κB signaling was examined by western blotting to detect IκBα phosphorylation/degradation; an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) to assess the DNA binding activity of NF-κB; and ELISAs to qualify IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 production. In in vivo studies, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in wild-type mice and chronic colitis in IL-10^−/− mice were treated with or without enalapril. Colitis was quantified by histologic scoring, and the phosphorylation of IκBα in the colonic mucosa was assessed using immunohistochemistry.

Key findings

Enalapril significantly inhibited LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation, NF-κB binding activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in both IEC and peritoneal macrophages. The administration of enalapril significantly reduced the severity of colitis, as assessed based on histology in both murine colitis models. Furthermore, in colon tissue, the up-regulation of IκBα phosphorylation with colitis induction was attenuated in enalapril-treated mice.

Significance

Enalapril may block the NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibit the activation of IECs and macrophages, and attenuate experimental murine colitis by down-regulating IκBα phosphorylation. These findings suggest that enalapril is a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease.     

NF-κ B激活在兔急性心肌梗死再灌注后无复流中的意义

目的：观察心肌核因子-κB（NF-κB）在急性心肌梗死（AMI）再灌注后无复流的活化情况,探讨NF-κB促进无复流发生发展的作用机制。方法：24只新西兰大白兔随机分为假手术组（冠状动脉只穿线不结扎）和缺血再灌注组（结扎冠状动脉2小时,再灌注1小时）,每组12只。采用凝胶阻滞迁移分析方法（EMSA）检测正常区、缺血区和无复流区心肌组织中NF-κB活性;ELISA法测定不同时点血浆中白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、超敏C反应蛋白（CRP）以及肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）的含量;光镜、电镜观察心肌组织病理变化。结果：（1）与正常区相比,缺血区和无复流区心肌组织中NF-κB活性异常升高（P〈0.01）。（2）与结扎前相比结扎后2h、再灌注后1h血浆IL-6、CRP、TNF-α水平呈进行性升高（P均〈0.05）。（3）NF-κB的活性与无复流面积、血浆IL-6、CRP以及TNF-α水平呈正相关（分别为r=0.844,P〈0.01;r=0.682,P〈0.05;r=0.687,P〈0.05;r=0.893,P〈0.01）。（4）无复流面积与血浆IL-6、CRP以及TNF-α水平呈正相关（分别为r=0.861,P〈0.01;r=0.806,P〈0.01;r=0.877,P〈0.01）。（5）光镜及电镜结果显示无复流区的心肌组织损伤较缺血区更为严重。结论：急性心肌梗死再灌注后无复流现象的发生可能与局部心肌组织中NF-κB的过度活化有关,活化的NF-κB通过促进IL-6、TNF-α等炎症因子的表达,参与无复流的发生发展过程。     

Sophocarpine exert protective effect against ox-LDL-induced endothelial damage via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway

ABSTRACT

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was known to induce endothelial cell injury to the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Sophocarpine (SPC), a compound of sophora alkaloids isolated from the plant Sophora alopecuroides, has been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of SPC on ox-LDL-induced endothelial cells and explored its underlying mechanism. Our results show that SPC pre-incubation ameliorated ox-LDL-mediated HAECs cytotoxicity, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SPC significantly downregulated the mRNA or protein expression level of pro-inflammatory mediators (TGF-β, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and pro-inflammatory vascular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin). Mechanistically, SPC pre-treatment downregulated IκBα expression and inhibited translocation of NF-κB in ox-LDL-mediated HAECs, overexpression of NF-κB p65 counteracted the cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effect of SPC, suggesting that its action is dependent on NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, SPC suppresses ox-LDL-induced HAECs injury by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Picroside II Attenuates CCI-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats by Inhibiting Spinal Reactive Astrocyte-Mediated Neuroinflammation Through the NF-κB Pathway

Reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammatory responses in the spinal dorsal horn have been reported to play a pivotal role in pathological pain. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) enhances the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which is involved in neuropathic pain (NP). Picroside II (PII), a major active component of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, has been investigated for its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Here, we explored the analgesic effects of PII on a model of CCI-induced NP and investigated the levels of the GFAP protein and the mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). CCI significantly induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Intraperitoneal administration of PII remarkably reversed the CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and reduced the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the spinal cord. Additionally, according to the in vitro data, the PII treatment inhibited LPS-induced increases in the mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and suppressed the NF-κB pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65 and the degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) in astrocytes without toxicity to astrocytes. Overall, the analgesic effect of PII correlated with the inhibition of spinal reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway in rats with NP.     

Ursolic acid inhibits nuclear factor-κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages,and attenuates experimental colitis in mice

Aims

Ursolic acid (UA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid acid, has been reported to show immunomodulatory activity. This study investigated the effects of UA on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling in cells and experimental murine colitis.

Main methods

Human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) COLO 205 and peritoneal macrophages from IL-10-deficient (IL-10^−/−) mice were pretreated with UA and then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. The effect of UA on NF-κB signaling was examined by immunoblot analysis to detect IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay to assess the DNA binding activity of NF-κB. For in vivo studies, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in C57BL/6 wild-type mice and chronic colitis in IL-10^−/− mice were treated with or without UA. Colitis was quantified by histopathologic evaluation. Immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated IκBα was performed in the colonic tissue.

Key findings

UA significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and NF-κB DNA binding activity in both IEC and IL-10^−/− peritoneal macrophages stimulated with TNF-α and LPS, respectively. UA significantly reduced the severity of DSS-induced murine colitis, as assessed by the disease activity index, colon length, and histopathology. UA also significantly ameliorated the severity of colitis in IL-10^−/− mice. Furthermore, UA suppressed IκBα phosphorylation in the colonic tissue.

Significance

UA inhibits NF-κB activation in both IECs and macrophages, and attenuates experimental murine colitis. These results suggest that UA is a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease.