Inhibitory effects of theophylline on the peroxynitrite-augmented release of matrix metalloproteinases by lung fibroblasts

The anti-inflammatory effects of theophylline have been reported to include inhibition of the release of proinflammatory mediators from macrophages and neutrophils. Overproduction of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) has been reported in the airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and this causes tissue inflammation and injury. We investigated whether peroxynitrite stimulated the release of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and -9; gelatinases) from human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1 cell line) and whether theophylline inhibited the peroxynitrite-augmented release of MMPs. HFL-1 cells and primary lung fibroblasts were treated with peroxynitrite (an RNS), and gelatinases levels were evaluated by gelatin zymography. The inhibitory effect of theophylline on the peroxynitrite-augmented release of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was also investigated. To explore the cell signaling pathways involved in the peroxynitrite-induced gelatinases release and the inhibitory effect of theophylline, transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and histone deacetylase (HDAC) were measured. Peroxynitrite significantly augmented the release of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by fibroblasts (P < 0.01), as well as TGF-β(1) release (P < 0.01), NF-κB activation (P < 0.01), and HDAC2 inactivation (P < 0.01). An NF-κB inhibitor diminished the RNS-augmented release of MMPs and TGF-β(1) (P < 0.01), and a neutralizing TGF-β antibody also diminished MMP release (P < 0.01). Theophylline significantly inhibited the peroxynitrite-augmented release of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HFL-1 cells and normal adult lung fibroblasts, and it also inhibited the peroxynitrite-mediated HDAC2 inactivation, NF-κB activation, and TGF-β(1) release in HFL-1 cells (all P < 0.01). These results suggest that peroxynitrite can influence tissue remodeling by promoting gelatinases release, while theophylline suppresses peroxynitrite-induced tissue remodeling via pathways involving NF-κB/TGF-β(1) and/or HDAC in the HFL-1 cell line.     

Interleukin-2 induces extracellular matrix synthesis and TGF-β2 expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells

Macular fibrosis is a vital obstacle of vision acuity improvement of age-related macular degeneration patients. This study was to investigate the effects of interleukin 2 (IL-2) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2) expression in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. 10 μg/L IL-2 was used to induce fibrosis in RPE cells for various times. Western blot was used to detect the EMT marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), ECM markers fibronectin (Fn) and type 1 collagen (COL-1), TGF-β2, and the activation of the JAK/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, JAK/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways were specifically blocked by WP1066 or BAY11-7082, respectively, and the expression of α-SMA, COL-1, Fn and TGF-β2 protein were detected. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to measure cell migration ability of IL-2 with or without WP1066 or BAY11-7082. After induction of IL-2, the expressions of Fn, COL-1, TGF-β2 protein were significantly increased, and this effect was correlated with IL-2 treatment duration, while α-SMA protein expression did not change significantly. Both WP1066 and BAY11-7082 could effectively downregulate the expression of Fn, COL-1 and TGF-β2 induced by IL-2. What's more, both NF-κB and JAK/STAT3 inhibitors could suppress the activation of the other signaling pathway. Additionally, JAK/STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 and NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 could obviously decrease RPE cells migration capability induced by IL-2. IL-2 promotes cell migration, ECM synthesis and TGF-β2 expression in RPE cells via JAK/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways, which may play an important role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.     

Effect of galangin supplementation on oxidative damage and inflammatory changes in fructose-fed rat liver

The study examined the effects of galangin (GA) on oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine levels and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation in fructose-fed rat liver. Adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups 1 and 4 received the control diet containing starch as the source of carbohydrate while groups 2 and 3 were fed a diet containing fructose. Groups 3 and 4 additionally received GA (100 μg/kg, p.o) from the 15th day. At the end of 60 days, the levels of plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides, insulin sensitivity indices and oxidative stress markers in the liver were determined. Cytokines of interest were assayed by ELISA and RT-PCR and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation by Western blot and RT-PCR. Compared to control diet-fed animals, fructose-fed animals developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance (IR) (all p < 0.01). GA prevented the rise in plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides and improved insulin sensitivity. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in plasma and the mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β₁) in liver were significantly higher in fructose-fed rats than control rats. However, treatment with GA downregulated the expression of these cytokines. Translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus was also increased in fructose diet-fed animals, which was prevented by GA. These results suggest that GA prevents oxidative damage and has a downregulatory effect on the inflammatory pathway in liver of fructose-fed rats.     

丁基苯酞对心力衰竭大鼠心房颤动的影响及作用机制

为探讨丁基苯酞(DL-3-N-butylphthalide,NBP)对心肌梗死诱导的心力衰竭(heart failure,HF)大鼠心房结构重塑和心房颤动形成的影响,本研究将心力衰竭模型大鼠随机分为丁基苯酞组(NBP)、模型组(Model)和假手术组(Sham)。将丁基苯酞用大豆油溶解,制成10 mg/mL的丁基苯酞溶液。丁基苯酞组按照80 mg/kg体重对SD大鼠进行灌胃,模型组和假手术组用等量的大豆油灌胃。假手术组大鼠接受相同手术但未结扎左前降支冠状动脉。分别检测大鼠的超声心动图、心房颤动诱导性试验及心房纤维化,并检测TNF-α、TGF-β1、NF-κB、Nrf2和HO-1的蛋白表达。研究显示,应用丁基苯酞治疗4周后,NBP组大鼠心功能显著改善(p<0.05);NBP组大鼠心房颤动诱导能力和持续时间显著降低(p<0.05);NBP组大鼠心房纤维化程度显著减轻(p<0.05)。丁基苯酞显著抑制TNF-α,NF-κB和TGF-β1的蛋白表达,并上调Nrf2和HO-1的蛋白表达。并且,NBP对TNF-α/NF-κB/TGF-β1和纤维化的抑制作用可能与Nrf2/HO-1信号通路的激活有关。因此,丁基苯酞有望成为预防房颤的上游治疗中的有效药物。     

Selective activation of Toll-like receptor 7 in activated hepatic stellate cells may modulate their profibrogenic phenotype

Cholestatic liver injury may activate HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) to a profibrogenic phenotype, contributing to liver fibrogenesis. We have previously demonstrated the involvement of TLR (Toll-like receptor) 7?in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia. In the present study we investigated the ability of TLR7 to modulate the profibrogenic phenotype in HSCs. Obstructive jaundice was associated with significant down-regulation of TLR7. Primary HSCs isolated from BDL (bile duct ligation) rats with obstructive jaundice exhibited reduced expression of TLR7 and increased expression of α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) and collagen-α1 compared with sham rats, reflecting HSC-mediated changes. Treatment of primary activated rat HSCs and rat T6 cells with CL075, a TLR7 and TLR8 ligand, significantly decreased expression of MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein-1), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1), collagen-α1 and MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2), and inhibited cell proliferation and migration. In contrast, silencing TLR7 expression with shRNA (short hairpin RNA) in T6 cells effectively blocked the effects of CL075 stimulation, reversing the changes in MCP-1, TGF-β1 and collagen-α1 expression and accelerating cell migration. Our results indicate that obstructive jaundice is associated with down-regulation of TLR7 and up-regulation of profibrogenic gene expression in HSCs. Selective activation of TLR7 may modulate the profibrogenic phenotype in activated HSCs associated with cholestatic liver injury.     

肝组织中NF-κB、TGF-β1及其Ⅰ型受体mRNA和HSC在肝纤维化中的改变及护肝片对其的影响

目的探讨中、晚期纤维化大鼠肝组织中肝星状细胞(HSC)的活化与增殖、核转录因子-κB(NF-κB)及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)及其Ⅰ型受体(TβRⅠ)表达的改变及护肝片对其的影响。方法采用12.5%CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型,自造模之日起,大鼠分组灌胃给药(护肝片921mg/kg)或溶媒,每日一次,直至8或13周末,分别处死动物,取左叶肝组织石蜡包埋,制作组织芯片。免疫组化S-P法检测大鼠肝组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(-αSMA)和NF-κB p65蛋白的表达,原位杂交检测TGF-β1及TβRⅠmRNA的表达;并用MetaMorph图像分析系统计数-αSMA阳性细胞数,对NF-κB p65蛋白、TGF-β1及TβRⅠmRNA的表达量进行定量分析。结果 1.模型复制8周和13周,模型组的肝损伤及其纤维化分级均明显高于正常组(P<0.01),护肝片组的肝损伤及其纤维化分级均轻于模型组。2.模型复制8周和13周,模型组活化的HSC(即-αSMA阳性细胞)数量较正常组明显增多,NF-κB p65蛋白、TGF-β1及TβRⅠmRNA的表达均较正常组明显增强(P<0.01);3.护肝片显著抑制8、13周纤维化肝组织HSC的活化与增殖和NF-κB p65蛋白、TGF-β1及TβRⅠmRNA的表达(P<0.01)。结论抑制HSC的活化与增殖和NF-κB p65蛋白与TGF-β1及TβRⅠmRNA的表达可能是护肝片抗肝纤维化作用的靶点之一。     

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) deficiency confers resistance to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced suppressor effects in hepatocytes

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a dual role in hepatocytes, mediating both tumor suppressor and promoter effects. The suppressor effects of the cytokine can be negatively regulated by activation of survival signals, mostly dependent on tyrosine kinase activity. The aim of our work was to study the role of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) on the cellular responses to TGF-β, using for this purpose immortalized neonatal hepatocytes isolated from both PTP1B(+/+) and PTP1B(-/-) mice. We have found that PTP1B deficiency conferred resistance to TGF-β suppressor effects, such as apoptosis and growth inhibition, correlating with lower Smad2/Smad3 activation. Both responses were recovered in the presence of the general tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. PTP1B(-/-) cells showed elevated NF-κB activation in response to TGF-β. Knockdown of the NF-κB p65 subunit increased cell response in terms of Smads phosphorylation and apoptosis. Interestingly, these effects were accompanied by inhibition of Smad7 up-regulation. In addition, lack of PTP1B promoted an altered NADPH oxidase (NOX) expression pattern in response to TGF-β, strongly increasing the NOX1/NOX4 ratio, which was reverted by genistein and p65 knockdown. Importantly, NOX1 knockdown inhibited nuclear translocation of p65, promoted Smad phosphorylation, and decreased Smad7 levels. In summary, our results suggest that PTP1B deficiency confers resistance to TGF-β through Smad inhibition, an effect that is mediated by NOX1-dependent NF-κB activation, which in turn, increases the level of the Smad inhibitor Smad7 and participates in a positive feedback loop on NOX1 up-regulation.     

The effects of resveratrol on cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, nuclear factor kappa beta, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and sirtuin 1 mRNA expression in hearts of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Resveratrol (RSV) has a beneficial role in the prevention of diabetes and alleviates some diabetic complications, such as cardiomyopathy. We investigated cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), COX-2, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA expression levels in heart tissue after RSV treatment in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. After induction of chronic diabetes with STZ, 10 mg RSV/kg per day was administered to DM and DM+RSV groups for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and heart tissues were stored at -80°C; mRNA expression levels of COX-1, COX-2, NF-κB, MMP-9, and SIRT1 genes were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR. We did not find any significant effect of RSV on MMP-9, COX-1, COX-2, or NF-κB mRNA levels among the groups. However, SIRT1 mRNA levels decreased in the DM group compared to controls and increased in the DM+RSV group when compared to the DM group. SIRT1 is activated by RSV treatment in diabetic heart tissue. Activation of SIRT1 by RSV may lead to a new therapeutic approach for diabetic heart tissue. We conclude that RSV treatment can alleviate heart dysfunction by inhibiton of inflammatory gene expression such as SIRT1.     

Mechanism of thymosin β4 in ameliorating liver fibrosis via the MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Liver fibrosis is a grievous global challenge, where hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is a paramount step. This study analyzed the mechanism of Tβ4 in ameliorating liver fibrosis via the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. The liver fibrosis mouse models were established via bile duct ligation (BDL) and verified by HE and Masson staining. TGF-β1-induced activated LX-2 cells were employed in vitro experiments. Tβ4 expression was determined using RT-qPCR, HSC activation markers were examined using Western blot analysis, and ROS levels were tested via DCFH-DA kits. Cell proliferation, cycle, and migration were examined by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and Transwell assays, respectively. Effects of Tβ4 on liver fibrosis, HSC activation, ROS production, and HSC growth were analyzed after transfection of constructed Tβ4-overexpressing lentiviral vectors. MAPK/NF-κB-related protein levels were tested using Western blotting and p65 expression in the nucleus was detected through immunofluorescence. Regulation of MAPK/NF-κB pathway in TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells was explored by adding MAPK activator U-46619 or inhibitor SB203580. Furthermore, its regulating in liver fibrosis was verified by treating BDL mice overexpressing Tβ4 with MAPK inhibitor or activator. Tβ4 was downregulated in BDL mice. Tβ4 overexpression inhibited liver fibrosis. In TGF-β1-induced fibrotic LX-2 cells, Tβ4 was reduced and cell migration and proliferation were enhanced with elevated ROS levels, while Tβ4 overexpression suppressed cell migration and proliferation. Tβ4 overexpression blocked the MAPK/NF-κB pathway activation by reducing ROS production, thus inhibiting liver fibrosis in TGF-β1 induced LX-2 cells and BDL mice. Tβ4 ameliorates liver fibrosis by impeding the MAPK/NF-κB pathway activation.     

Impaired TGF-β signaling and a defect in resolution of inflammation contribute to delayed wound healing in a female rat model of type 2 diabetes

Wound healing (WH) impairment is a well-documented phenomenon in clinical and experimental diabetes. Sex hormones, in addition to a number of signaling pathways including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads and TNF-α/NF-κB in macrophages and fibroblasts, appear to play a cardinal role in determining the rate and nature of WH. We hypothesized that a defect in resolution of inflammation and an enhancement in TNF-α/NF-κB activity induced by estrogen deficiency contribute to the impairment of TGF-β signaling and delayed WH in diabetes models. Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and full thickness excisional wounds were used as models for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and WH, respectively. Parameters related to the various stages of WH were assessed using histomorphometry, western blotting, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence microscopy and ELISA-based assays. Retarded re-epithelialization, suppressed angiogenesis, delayed wound closure, reduced estrogen level and heightened states of oxidative stress were characteristic features of T2D wounds. These abnormalities were associated with a defect in resolution of inflammation, shifts in macrophage phenotypes, increased β3-integrin expression, impaired wound TGF-β1 signaling (↓p-Smad2/↑Smad7) and enhanced TNF-α/NFκB activity. Human/rat dermal fibroblasts of T2D, compared to corresponding control values, displayed resistance to TGF-β-mediated responses including cell migration, myofibroblast formation and p-Smad2 generation. A pegylated form of soluble TNF receptor-1 (PEG-sTNF-RI) or estrogen replacement therapy significantly improved re-epithelialization and wound contraction, enhanced TGFβ/Smad signaling, and polarized the differentiation of macrophages toward an M2 or "alternatively" activated phenotype, while limiting secondary inflammatory-mediated injury. Our data suggest that reduced estrogen levels and enhanced TNF-α/NF-κB activity delayed WH in T2D by attenuating TGFβ/Smad signaling and impairing the resolution of inflammation; most of these defects were ameliorated with estrogen and/or PEG-sTNF-RI therapy.     

Curcumin reverses diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats by inhibition of PKCβ/p66Shc axis and activation of FOXO-3a

This study investigated if the nephroprotective effect of Curcumin in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats involves downregulation/inhibition of p⁶⁶Shc and examined the underlying mechanisms. Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12/group) as control, control + Curcumin (100 mg/kg), T1DM, and T1DM + Curcumin. Curcumin was administered orally to control or diabetic rats for 12 weeks daily. As compared to diabetic rats, Curcumin didn't affect either plasma glucose or insulin levels but significantly reduced serum levels of urea, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, and concurrently reduced albumin/protein urea and increased creatinine clearance. It also prevented the damage in renal tubules and mitochondria, mesangial cell expansion, the thickness of the basement membrane. Mechanistically, Curcumin reduced mRNA and protein levels of collagen I/III and transforming growth factor- β-1 (TGF-β1), reduced inflammatory cytokines levels, improved markers of mitochondrial function, and suppressed the release of cytochrome-c and the activation of caspase-3. In the kidneys of both control and diabetic rats, Curcumin reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased mRNA levels of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and gamma-glutamyl ligase, increased glutathione (GSH) and protein levels of Bcl-2 and MnSOD, and increased the nuclear levels of nuclear factor2 (Nrf2) and FOXO-3a. Besides, Curcumin reduced the nuclear activity of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), downregulated protein kinase CβII (PKCβII), NADPH oxidase, and p⁶⁶Shc, and decreased the activation of p⁶⁶Shc. In conclusion, Curcumin prevents kidney damage in diabetic rats by activating Nrf2, inhibiting Nf-κB, suppressing NADPH oxidase, and downregulating/inhibiting PKCβII/p⁶⁶Shc axis.     

Therapeutic effect of artemisinin on lupus nephritis mice and its mechanisms

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of artemisinin (Art) on lupus nephritis mice and its mechanisms by comparing the differences between lupus nephritis (LN) mice given Art and control mice in molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology. The results showed that Art could remarkably relieve the symptoms, decrease the level of urine protein/24 h, and alleviate pathological renal lesions. The differences among the four groups in the expression of the NF-κBp65 protein, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, and the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA in renal tissue suggested that Art can lower the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inhibit the expression of the NF-κBp65 protein and NF-κB and TGF-β1 mRNA in the renal tissues of LN mice. These results proved that it is reliable and effective to use Art to treat LN mice, and its therapeutic mechanisms should closely be related to the fact that Art can obviously decrease the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and down-regulate the expression of the NF-κBp65 protein and NF-κB and TGF-β1 mRNA in renal tissues.     

The effects of nuclear factor-kappa B in pancreatic stellate cells on inflammation and fibrosis of chronic pancreatitis

The activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) plays a critical role in the progression of pancreatic fibrosis. Nuclear factor-kappa B ( NF-κB) is associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Previous evidence indicated that NF-κB in acinar cells played a double-edged role upon pancreatic injury, whereas NF-κB in inflammatory cells promoted the progression of CP. However, the effects of NF-κB in PSCs have not been studied. In the present study, using two CP models and RNAi strategy of p65 in cultured PSCs, we found that the macrophage infiltration and MCP-1 expression were increased, and the NF-κBp65 protein level was elevated. NF-κBp65 was co-expressed with PSCs. In vitro, TGF-β1 induced overexpression of the TGF-β receptor 1, phosphorylated TGF-β1–activated kinase 1 (p-TAK1) and NF-κB in the PSCs. Moreover, the concentration of MCP-1 in the supernatant of activated PSCs was elevated. The migration of BMDMs was promoted by the supernatant of activated PSCs. Further knockdown of NF-κBp65 in PSCs resulted in a decline of BMDM migration, accompanied by a lower production of MCP-1. These findings indicate that TGF-β1 can induce the activation of NF-κB pathway in PSCs by regulating p-TAK1, and the NF-κB pathway in PSCs may be a target of chronic inflammation and fibrosis.