黄芪甲苷对马兜铃酸诱导的巨噬细胞M1型极化的作用及机制研究

目的:探讨黄芪甲苷对马兜铃酸诱导的RAW264.7细胞向M1型极化的影响,并初步探索其可能的作用机制.方法:分别采用马兜铃酸和脂多糖(LPS)刺激RAW264.7细胞24h,伴或不伴黄芪甲苷进行药物干预处理.采用细胞计数检测试剂盒-8(CCK8)检测细胞活性变化,流式细胞仪检测巨噬细胞分型,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA...     

EGFR inhibitors from cancer to inflammation: Discovery of 4-fluoro-N-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)pyrimidin-5-yl)benzamide as a novel anti-inflammatory EGFR inhibitor

EGFR inhibitors are well-known as anticancer agents. Quite differently, we report our effort to develop EGFR inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents. Pyrimidinamide EGFR inhibitors eliciting low micromolar IC₅₀ and the structurally close non-EGFR inhibitor urea analog were synthesized. Comparing their nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activity in peritoneal macrophages and RAW 246.7 macrophages indicated that their anti-inflammatory activity in peritoneal macrophages might be a sequence of EGFR inhibition. Further evaluations proved that compound 4d significantly and dose-dependently inhibits LPS-induced iNOS expression and IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α production via NF-κB inactivation in peritoneal macrophages. Compound 4d might serve as a lead compound for development of a novel class of anti-inflammatory EGFR inhibitors.     

脓肿分枝杆菌经Toll样受体2介导的JNK/ERK信号通路诱导巨噬细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子α和白细胞介素8

为探讨脓肿分枝杆菌脓肿亚种和马赛亚种经Toll样受体2(Toll-like receptor 2,TLR2)介导的c-Jun氨基末端激酶(c-Jun N-terminal kinase,JNK)和细胞外信号调节激酶(extracellular signal-regulated kinase,ERK)诱导THP-1巨噬细胞内肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素8(interleukin 8,IL-8)表达的相关分子机制,本研究将脓肿分枝杆菌脓肿亚种和马赛亚种感染THP-1巨噬细胞,细菌与巨噬细胞最佳感染之比为感染复数(multiplicity of infection,MOI)＝3,用荧光定量聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)检测THP-1巨噬细胞感染两细菌亚种6 h后的胞内TNF-α和IL-8 mRNA水平,以及分别阻断TLR2、JNK 和ERK信号蛋白后TNF-α和IL-8 mRNA水平的变化。结果显示,脓肿分枝杆菌脓肿亚种和马赛亚种作用于THP-1巨噬细胞6 h后,均可诱导细胞内TNF-α和IL-8 mRNA水平显著上调,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);分别阻断TLR2、JNK和ERK信号蛋白,脓肿亚种感染THP-1巨噬细胞后胞内TNF-α和IL-8 mRNA上调水平出现明显抑制,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);分别阻断TLR2和JNK信号蛋白,马赛亚种感染THP-1巨噬细胞后胞内TNF-α和IL-8 mRNA上调水平均出现明显抑制,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);而阻断ERK信号蛋白后,马赛亚种组仅见IL-8 mRNA水平明显抑制,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),而TNF-α mRNA水平未见明显变化,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。本研究提示,脓肿分枝杆菌脓肿亚种和马赛亚种均可作用于TLR2,诱导THP-1细胞内TNF-α和IL-8 mRNA水平上调,脓肿亚种可经JNK和ERK信号蛋白诱导TNF-α mRNA上调,马赛亚种可经JNK信号蛋白诱导TNF-α mRNA上调;脓肿亚种和马赛亚种诱导IL-8 mRNA上调可能与JNK和ERK信号蛋白相关。     

Exopolysaccharide-overproducing Lactobacillus paracasei KB28 induces cytokines in mouse peritoneal macrophages via modulation of NF-κβ and MAPKs

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are microbial polysaccharides that are released outside of the bacterial cell wall. There have been few studies on EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria that can enhance macrophage activity and the underlying signaling mechanism for cytokine expression. In the current study, EPS-overproducing Lactobacillus (L.) paracasei KB28 was isolated from kimchi and cultivated in conditioned media containing glucose, sucrose, and lactose. The whole bacterial cells were obtained with their EPS being attached, and the cytokine-inducing activities of these cells were investigated. Gas chromatography analysis showed the presence of glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, and rhamnose in EPS composition. EPS-producing L. paracasei KB28 induced the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12 in mouse macrophages. This strain also caused the degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of the major MAPKs: Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. The use of pharmacological inhibitors showed that different signaling pathways were involved in the induction of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12 by L. paracasei KB28. Our results provide information for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulatory effect of food-derived EPS-producing lactic acid bacteria.     

Gingipain of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porphyromonas gingivalis</Emphasis> manipulates M1 macrophage polarization through C5a pathway

Gingipains secreted by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, Pg) play an important role in maintaining macrophage infiltrating. And, this study is to evaluate effects of gingipain on M1 macrophage polarization after exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, Pg) and if these effects are through complement component 5a (C5a) pathway. Mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to gingipain extracts, Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (Ec-LPS), Pg-LPS with or without the C5aR antagonist: PMX-53 for 24 h. Then, gene expressions and protein of IL-12, IL-23, iNOS, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA assays. Surface markers CD86 for M1 and CD206 for M2 were also evaluated by flow cytometry. The results show that gingipain extracts alone increased expressions of IL-12, IL-23, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, but not IL-10. Gingipain extracts plus Ec-LPS decreased expressions of IL-12, IL-23, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in which Ec-LPS induced increase. For gingipain extracts plus Pg-LPS-treated RAW264.7, macrophages, gingipain extracts enhanced expressions of IL-12 and IL-23 in which Pg-LPS induced increase, but not iNOS and IL-10 while gingipain extracts decreased expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in which Pg-LPS induced increase. Interestingly, PMX-53 increased expressions of IL-12, IL-23, and iNOS when RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with gingipain extracts plus Ec-LPS or Pg-LPS and PMX-53, while PMX-53 decreased expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Changes of CD86-positive macrophages were consistent with cytokine changes. Our data indicate that gingipain is a critical regulator, more like a promoter to manipulate M1 macrophage polarization in order to benefit P. gingivalis infection through the C5a pathway.     

Fisetin,a dietary flavonoid,ameliorates experimental colitis in mice: Relevance of NF-κB signaling

Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, is commonly found in many fruits and vegetables. Although studies indicate that fisetin has an anti-inflammatory property, little is known about its effects on intestinal inflammation. The present study investigated the effects of the fisetin on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis, an animal model that resembles human inflammatory bowel disease. Fisetin treatment to DSS-exposed mice significantly reduced the severity of colitis and alleviated the macroscopic and microscopic signs of the disease. Moreover, fisetin reduced the levels of myeloperoxidase activity, the production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the expressions of COX-2 and iNOS in the colon tissues. Further studies revealed that fisetin suppressed the activation of NF-κB (p65) by inhibiting IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB (p65)–DNA binding activity and attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt and the p38, but not ERK and JNK MAPKs in the colon tissues of DSS-exposed mice. In addition, DSS-induced decline in reduced glutathione (GSH) and the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly restored by oral fisetin. Furthermore, the results from in vitro studies showed that fisetin significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine and mediator release and suppressed the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα with subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that fisetin exerts anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of Akt, p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling in the colon tissues of DSS-exposed mice. Thus, fisetin may be a promising candidate as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.     

Minocycline reverses IL-17A/TRAF3IP2-mediated p38 MAPK/NF-κB/iNOS/NO-dependent cardiomyocyte contractile depression and death

Minocycline, an FDA-approved second-generation semisynthetic tetracycline, exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, independent of its antimicrobial properties. Interleukin (IL)-17A is an immune and inflammatory mediator, and its sustained induction is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Here we investigated (i) whether IL-17A induces cardiomyocyte contractile depression and death, (ii) whether minocycline reverses IL-17A's negative inotropic effects and (iii) investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, treatment with recombinant mouse IL-17A impaired adult cardiomyocyte contractility as evidenced by a 34% inhibition in maximal velocity of shortening and relengthening after 4 h (P < .01). Contractile depression followed iNOS induction at 2 h (2.13-fold, P < .01) and NO generation at 3 h (3.71-fold, P <.01). Further mechanistic investigations revealed that IL-17A-dependent induction of iNOS occurred via TRAF3IP2, TRAF6, TAK1, NF-κB, and p38MAPK signaling. 1400 W, a highly specific iNOS inhibitor, suppressed IL-17A-induced NO generation and contractile depression, where as the NO donors SNAP and PAPA-NONOate both suppressed cardiomyocyte contractility. IL-17A also stimulated cardiomyocyte IL-1β and TNF-α secretion, however, their neutralization failed to modulate IL-17A-mediated contractile depression or viability. Further increases of IL-17A concentration and the duration of exposure enhanced IL-1β and TNF-α secreted levels, buthad no impact on adult cardiomyocyte viability. However, when combined with pathophysiological concentrations of IL-1β or TNF-α, IL-17A promoted adult cardiomyocyte death. Importantly, minocycline blunted IL-17A-mediated deleterious effects, indicating its therapeutic potential in inflammatory cardiac diseases.     

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of New Naphthyridine from Sponge Aaptos suberitoides in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Regulation of MAPK and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways

Two new naphthyridine compounds, 4-methoxycarbonyl-5-oxo-1,6-naphthyridine ( 1 ) and 5-methoxycarbonyl-4-oxo-1,6-naphthyridine ( 2 ) were obtained from the MeOH extracts of sponge Aaptos suberitoides. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including HR-ESI-MS, 1D-NMR (¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR), 2D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC). The structure of compound 1 was further confirmed via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 was found to reduce NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC₅₀ value of 0.15 mM. In addition, it decreased the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) in LPS-induced macrophages. It also decreased the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-induced macrophages. Mechanistic studies further revealed that compound 1 inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.     

Suppression of iNOS expression by fucoidan is mediated by regulation of p38 MAPK,JAK/STAT,AP-1 and IRF-1, and depends on up-regulation of scavenger receptor B1 expression in TNF-α- and IFN-γ-stimulated C6 glioma cells

In neurodegenerative disorders, activated glial cells overproduce nitric oxide (NO), which causes neurotoxicity. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we examined the action of fucoidan, a high-molecular-weight sulfated polysaccharide, on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced NO production in C6 glioma cells. Fucoidan suppressed TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced NO production and iNOS expression. In addition, fucoidan inhibited TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced AP-1, IRF-1, JAK/STAT and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and induced scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) expression. Blocking of SR-B1 did not reverse the inhibitory effect of fucoidan on TNF-α- and IFN-γ- stimulated NO production. However, inhibition of SR-B1 expression by siRNA increased iNOS expression and p38 phosphorylation in TNF-α- and IFN-γ-stimulated C6 cells.Overall, p38 MAPK, AP-1, JAK/STAT and IRF-1 play an important role in the inhibitory effect of fucoidan on TNF-α- and IFN-γ-stimulated NO production, and intracellular SR-B1 expression may be related to the inhibition of iNOS expression by fucoidan via regulation of p38 phosphorylation. The present results also suggest that fucoidan could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory-related neuronal injury in neurological disorders.     

The regulation of Th1 responses by the p38 MAPK

IL-12 is a dimeric cytokine that is produced primarily by APCs. In this study we examined the role that the p38 MAPKs (MAPK/p38) play in regulating IL-12 production. We show that inhibition of p38 dramatically increased IL-12 production upon stimulation, while decreasing TNF-α. This reciprocal effect on these two cytokines following MAPK/p38 inhibition occurred in many different APCs, following a variety of different stimuli. IL-12 production was also increased in macrophages treated with small interfering RNA to limit p38α expression, and in macrophages deficient in MKK3, a kinase upstream of p38. The increase in IL-12 production following MAPK/p38 inhibition appears to be due to enhanced IL-12 (p40) mRNA stability. We show that MAPK/p38 inhibition can promote Th1 immune responses and thereby enhance vaccine efficacy against leishmaniasis. In a mouse model of Leishmania major infection, vaccination with heat-killed L. major plus CpG and SB203580 elicited complete protection against infection compared with heat-killed L. major plus CpG without SB203580. Thus, this work suggests that MAPK/p38 inhibitors may be applied as adjuvants to bias immune responses and improve vaccinations against intracellular pathogens.     

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate suppresses LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG), a novel molecular compound extracted from licorice root, has exhibited greater anti-inflammatory activity and hepatic protection than glycyrrhizin and β-glycyrrhizic acid. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and the potential mechanism of MgIG on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW264.7 cells. MgIG down-regulated LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators and enzymes in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, NO and iNOS. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells was also reduced. MgIG attenuated NF-κB translocation by inhibiting IKK phosphorylation and IκB-α degradation. Simultaneously, MgIG also inhibited LPS-induced activation of MAPKs, including p38, JNK and ERK1/2. Taken together, these results suggest that MgIG suppresses inflammation by blocking NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, and down-regulates ROS generation and inflammatory mediators.     

pORF5 plasmid protein of Chlamydia trachomatis induces MAPK-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines via TLR2 activation in THP-1 cells

Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis induces inflammatory pathologies in the urogenital tract that can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.Pathogenesis of infection has been mostly attributed to excessive cytokine production.However,precise mechanisms on how C.trachomatis triggers this production,and which protein(s) stimulate inflammatory cytokines remains unknown.In the present study,the C.trachomatis pORF5 protein induced tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β) and interleukin-8(IL-8) in dose-and time-dependent manners in the THP-1 human monocyte cell line.We found that intracellular p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/MAPK signaling pathways were required for the induction of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-8.Blockade of toll-like receptor 2(TLR2) signaling reduced induction levels of TNF-α,IL-8 and IL-1β.We concluded that the C.trachomatis pORF5 protein might contribute to the inflammatory processes associated with chlamydial infections.     

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition in macrophages of asymptomatic HIV+ persons reverses the decrease in TLR-4-mediated TNF-α release through prolongation of MAPK pathway activation

TLR-4-mediated signaling is significantly impaired in macrophages from HIV(+) persons, predominantly owing to altered MyD88-dependent pathway signaling caused in part by constitutive activation of PI3K. In this study we assessed in these macrophages if the blunted increase in TLR-4-mediated TNF-α release induced by lipid A (LA) is associated with PI3K-induced upregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. mTOR inhibition with rapamycin enhanced TLR-4-mediated TNF-α release, but suppressed anti-inflammatory IL-10 release. Targeted gene silencing of mTOR in macrophages resulted in LA-induced TNF-α and IL-10 release patterns similar to those induced by rapamycin. Rapamycin restored MyD88/IL-1R-associated kinase interaction in a dose-dependent manner. Targeted gene silencing of MyD88 (short hairpin RNA) and mTOR (RNA interference) inhibition resulted in TLR-4-mediated 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase activation and enhanced TNF-α release, whereas IL-10 release was inhibited in both silenced and nonsilenced HIV(+) macrophages. Furthermore, mTOR inhibition augmented LA-induced TNF-α release through enhanced and prolonged phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 MAPK, which was associated with time-dependent MKP-1 destabilization. Taken together, impaired TLR-4-mediated TNF-α release in HIV(+) macrophages is attributable in part to mTOR activation by constitutive PI3K expression in a MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. These changes result in MAPK phosphatase 1 stabilization, which shortens and blunts MAPK activation. mTOR inhibition may serve as a potential therapeutic target to upregulate macrophage innate immune host defense responsiveness in HIV(+) persons.