槲皮素对自发性高血压大鼠血压、肠道菌群及心室重构的影响及机制研究

为了探讨槲皮素对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)血压、肠道菌群及心室重构的影响及机制,本实验设8只Wistar Kyoto大鼠为对照组(WKY),将24只SHR随机分为模型组(SHR)、贝那普利组(Ben)、槲皮素组(Que),予以灌胃,测血压,8周后,用ELISA检测血清Toll样受体4(TLR4)、NF-κB p65浓度,用16S-V4区测序检测肠道菌群;计算心脏质量指数、左心室质量指数,用苦味酸-酸性品红法染色观察心肌纤维化,计算CVF;用Western blot和RT-PCR检测心肌组织TLR4蛋白和mRNA含量。结果显示:与WKY比较,SHR收缩压、心脏质量指数、左心室质量指数、CVF、血清TLR4、NF-κB p65以及心肌组织TLR4蛋白和mRNA、F/B值均增高,菌群丰富度下降;与SHR比较,Ben、Que均能显著降低血压,改善心肌纤维化程度,降低血清TLR4、NF-κB p65以及心肌组织TLR4蛋白和mRNA的表达,改善肠道菌群丰度。研究结果提示槲皮素可能通过调节肠道菌群,下调TLR4/NF-κB途径,进而降低SHR血压及改善心室重构。     

高脂高糖饮食对自发性高血压大鼠腹主动脉舒张功能及VCAM-1和ICAM-1mRNA表达的影响

目的:探讨高脂高糖饮食对自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneously hypertensive rats,SHR)腹主动脉血管舒张功能及血管间粘附分子-1 (vascular adhesion molecule-1,VCAM-1)和细胞间粘附分子-1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)mRNA表达的影响.方法:将24只6周龄雄性SHR大鼠随机分成高脂高糖饲料组(实验组,n=12)和普通饲料组(对照组,n=12).每3周测量其空腹体重,12周后处死大鼠,分别取两组动物的腹主动脉做离体血管环对乙酰胆碱(Acetylcholine,Ach)的舒张功能实验,并提取主动脉总RNA,通过实时定量RT-PCR实验检测其VCAM-1和ICAM-1 mRNA的表达.结果:从第6周开始,实验组SHR的体重较对照组明显增加(P＜0.01).12周时,实验组血管环对Ach的最大舒张率较对照组明显降低(69.20± 5.25 vs.79.10± 3.84,P＜0.01);实验组动脉VCAM-1 mRNA的相对表达量是对照组的1.97倍,差异有统计学意义(197.91±22.16 vs.100.33±11.44,P＜0.01),而两组ICAM-1mRNA表达的比较差异无统计学意义(97.75±8.05 vs.100.25±10.83,P＞0.05).结论:高脂高糖饮食能致SHR腹主动脉血管舒张功能明显降低,可能与其显著增加其主动脉VCAM-1 mRNA的表达有关.     

NF-κB介导非对称性二甲基精氨酸上调大鼠主动脉诱导型一氧化氮合酶的表达

目的探讨非对称性二甲基精氨酸(ADMA)上调大鼠主动脉诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)的表达是否是通过激活NF-κB实现的。方法 Wistar大鼠50只随机分为四组:①对照组(n=10):标准饲料喂养。②H组(n=12):高脂饲料喂养。③A+H组(n=14):予ADMA[0.2mg/kgd]灌胃,高脂饲料喂养。④P+A+H组(n=14):予吡咯烷二硫代氨基甲酸盐(pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate,PDTC)[40mg/kgd]腹腔注射、ADMA[0.2mg/kgd]灌胃、高脂饲料喂养。对照组、H组予等体积的生理盐水灌胃及腹腔注射、A+H组给予等体积的生理盐水腹腔注射。18周后麻醉大鼠、取主动脉。以实时荧光定量PCR和Westen blotting分别检测iNOS mRNA和蛋白表达,以电泳迁移率变动分析(EMSA)和增强化学发光法(ECL)检测NF-κB活性。结果①A+H组iNOS mRNA和蛋白表达量较对照组和H组增加(P<0.05),P+A+H组较A+H组iNOSmRNA和蛋白表达量降低(P<0.05)。②A+H组NF-κB活性较对照组和H组显著升高(P<0.05),P+A+H组NF-κB活性较A+H组明显降低(P<0.05)③相关分析:NF-κB活性与iNOS mRNA和蛋白表达量呈正相关(相关系数r分别为0.854、0.876,P<0.05)。结论 ADMA可能通过激活NF-κB途径上调iNOS表达,从而促进动脉粥样硬化的发生发展。     

NF-κB在粪肠球菌感染慢性根尖周炎中的作用

目的 检测NF-κB在粪肠球菌感染的慢性根尖周炎中的作用。方法 比对10例临床再治疗慢性根尖周炎组织和10例健康根尖周组织,通过real-time PCR对NF-κB的表达情况进行比较。建立粪肠球菌感染的大鼠根尖周炎动物模型。右下颌第一磨牙开髓,随机分为两组,A组20只,为未封菌组;B组20只,为封菌组,两组动物按照处理时间(周)分为4个亚组。对照组为对侧第一磨牙。采用免疫组化和real-time PCR检测NF-κB的表达情况。结果 慢性根尖周炎组织NF-κB水平显著高于健康组织(t=6.123,P<0.001)。HE染色确认A组及B组大鼠根尖周炎模型建立成功。real-time PCR结果显示A组及B组NF-κB的基因表达水平趋势一致,2周时表达量最高(F=37.824,P<0.001;F=39.094,P<0.001)。免疫组化结果显示两组NF-κB蛋白表达水平在2周时最高(F=357.031,P<0.001;F=398.243,P<0.001)。B组NF-κB基因在2周及3周时表达量高于A组(t=10.464,P=0.002;t=12.093,P=...     

腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶活化对单核细胞-内皮细胞黏附的影响及其机制

本研究旨在探讨腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(AMP-activated protein kinase,AMPK)活化对单核细胞与内皮细胞黏附的影响及其分子机制。用不同剂量的AMPK激动剂5-氨基咪唑-4-甲酰胺核糖核苷酸(AICAR,0~2 mmol/L)或AMPK抑制剂compound C(10 mmol/L)处理肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factorα,TNFα,10 ng/m L)诱导的人主动脉内皮细胞(human aortic endothelial cells,HAECs),用TNFα诱导过表达活性型或显性抑制型AMPK蛋白的HAECs。用荧光染色法观察AMPK对荧光标记的单核THP-1细胞与HAECs黏附的影响。用荧光定量PCR检测血管细胞黏附分子1(vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,VCAM-1)和细胞间黏附分子1(intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)m RNA表达水平,用ELISA法检测二者的蛋白分泌量;用Western blot检测核因子-kappa B(nuclear factor-kappa B,NF-κB)p65的211位点赖氨酸乙酰化水平,用ELISA法检测NF-κB p65DNA结合活性,并用试剂盒检测p300乙酰转移酶活性。通过小干扰RNA抑制HAECs组蛋白乙酰转移酶p300蛋白表达后,检测TNFα对NF-κB p65 DNA结合活性、黏附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1的表达及单核细胞黏附率的影响。结果显示,AICAR显著抑制TNFα诱导的单核细胞与HAECs的黏附,在HAECs中下调TNFα诱导的ICAM-1、VCAM-1的m RNA水平上调和蛋白分泌。AICAR的效应可以被AMPK抑制剂compound C完全阻断。转染活性型AMPKα显著抑制TNFα诱导的ICAM-1、VCAM-1m RNA表达和分泌,以及单核细胞-内皮细胞黏附,而转染显性抑制型AMPKα则无明显影响。RNAi干预抑制p300活性显著抑制TNFα诱导的黏附分子表达和单核-内皮细胞黏附。AMPK激活可抑制TNFα诱导的p300乙酰转移酶活性,抑制NF-κB p65的211位赖氨酸的乙酰化,降低NF-κB p65 DNA结合活性。以上结果提示,AMPK激活抑制单核细胞-内皮细胞黏附,作用机制可能与其降低p300酶活性,下调NF-κB p65转录活性密切相关。     

胆红素对急性肺损伤大鼠肺血管内皮细胞核因子κB,细胞间粘附分子1表达的影响

目的探讨胆红素对急性肺损伤(ALI)的对抗作用及其对肺血管内皮细胞核因子-κB和细胞间粘附分子1表达的影响.方法用雄性Wistar大鼠(200-250g)30只,随机分为正常对照组、ALI动物模型组(用内毒素制造模型)、胆红素干预组.采用原位杂交技术半定量法和免疫组织化学染色测定肺血管内皮细胞中细胞间粘附分子-1(ICAM-1)mRNA和核因子κB (NF-κB)蛋白的表达.结果 (1)ALI模型组肺血管内皮细胞ICAM-1mRNA表达和NF-κB核染色阳性细胞百分比与正常对照组比较显著升高,(P<0.001);(2)胆红素干预组ICAM-1mRNA表达和NF-κB染色阳性细胞百分比与模型组相比明显减低,(P<0.001、P<0.01),但与正常对照组比较仍较高(P<0.05).结论 ICAM-1和NF-κB在ALI显著增加,胆红素可以抑制ALI动物NF-κB和ICAM-1mRNA的表达,可能是其对抗急性肺损伤的作用机制之一.     

腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶活化对单核细胞-内皮细胞黏附的影响及其机制北大核心CSCD

本研究旨在探讨腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶（AMP-activated protein kinase,AMPK）活化对单核细胞与内皮细胞黏附的影响及其分子机制。用不同剂量的AMPK激动剂5-氨基咪唑-4-甲酰胺核糖核苷酸（AICAR,0~2 mmol/L）或AMPK抑制剂compound C（10 mmol/L）处理肿瘤坏死因子α（tumor necrosis factorα,TNFα,10 ng/m L）诱导的人主动脉内皮细胞（human aortic endothelial cells,HAECs）,用TNFα诱导过表达活性型或显性抑制型AMPK蛋白的HAECs。用荧光染色法观察AMPK对荧光标记的单核THP-1细胞与HAECs黏附的影响。用荧光定量PCR检测血管细胞黏附分子1（vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,VCAM-1）和细胞间黏附分子1（intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1）m RNA表达水平,用ELISA法检测二者的蛋白分泌量;用Western blot检测核因子-kappa B（nuclear factor-kappa B,NF-κB）p65的211位点赖氨酸乙酰化水平,用ELISA法检测NF-κB p65DNA结合活性,并用试剂盒检测p300乙酰转移酶活性。通过小干扰RNA抑制HAECs组蛋白乙酰转移酶p300蛋白表达后,检测TNFα对NF-κB p65 DNA结合活性、黏附分子ICAM-1、VCAM-1的表达及单核细胞黏附率的影响。结果显示,AICAR显著抑制TNFα诱导的单核细胞与HAECs的黏附,在HAECs中下调TNFα诱导的ICAM-1、VCAM-1的m RNA水平上调和蛋白分泌。AICAR的效应可以被AMPK抑制剂compound C完全阻断。转染活性型AMPKα显著抑制TNFα诱导的ICAM-1、VCAM-1m RNA表达和分泌,以及单核细胞-内皮细胞黏附,而转染显性抑制型AMPKα则无明显影响。RNAi干预抑制p300活性显著抑制TNFα诱导的黏附分子表达和单核-内皮细胞黏附。AMPK激活可抑制TNFα诱导的p300乙酰转移酶活性,抑制NF-κB p65的211位赖氨酸的乙酰化,降低NF-κB p65 DNA结合活性。以上结果提示,AMPK激活抑制单核细胞-内皮细胞黏附,作用机制可能与其降低p300酶活性,下调NF-κB p65转录活性密切相关。     

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。     

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。     

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts prevent high glucose-induced endothelia dysfunction via PKC and NF-κB inhibition

In our study, it has been detected in vivo and in vitro that GSPE reversed high glucose-induced the increase of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. It is shown that by western blotting detection, GSPE significantly inhibited the activation of NF-κB induced by high glucose while there was significant decrease of the expression of PKC with GSPE intervention. By adding the NF-κB blocker PDTC and the PKC inhibitor peptide 19–31(10^?6 M), no significant difference was found in the levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 among GSPE group, the PKC inhibitor peptide 19–31-added GSPE group and the PDTC-added GSPE group. So the conclusion could be drawn that PKC inhibition must be involved in GSPE decreasing the level of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.We proved for the first time that GSPE prevented high glucose-induced the increase of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by PKC and NF-κB inhibition. These findings show a novel mechanism of the action GSPE preventing endothelial dysfunction, which may have clinical application values.     

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.     

Aspirin prevents adhesion of T lymphoblasts to vascular smooth muscle cells

In the development of atherosclerosis, inflammatory cells adhere to and migrate into the vascular walls by interacting with vascular smooth muscle cells. To investigate the mechanism of aspirin’s anti-atherogenic activity, we examined whether aspirin inhibits the adhesion of lymphocytes to human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMC). Aspirin inhibited T-cell adhesion to AoSMC activated by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Antibodies to the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 or VCAM-1, but not to E-selectin, prevented T-cell adhesion. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression stimulated by IL-1β was reduced by the treatment with aspirin, whereas the expression of E-selectin was unaffected. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity was enhanced by IL-1β and reduced by aspirin, indicating that decreased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression was due to reduced NF-κB activity.Thus, aspirin inhibits the adhesion of Jurkat T cells to IL-1β-activated AoSMC by reducing NF-κB activity and decreasing expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and may prevent the development of atherosclerosis.     

Flavonoids of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosa roxburghii</Emphasis> Tratt offers protection against radiation induced apoptosis and inflammation in mouse thymus

The present study evaluated the protective effect of the natural compound flavonoids of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (FRT) against γ-radiation-induced apoptosis and inflammation in mouse thymus cells in vivo and in vitro. Thymus cells and mice were exposed to ⁶⁰Co γ-ray at a dose of 6 Gy. The radiation treatment induced significant cell apoptosis and inflammation. Radiation increased the expressions of cleaved caspase 3/8–10, AIF, and PARP-1, and FRT could mitigate their activation and inhibit subsequent apoptosis in the thymus both in vitro or in vivo. Irradiation increased the mRNA expression of ICAM-1/VCAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-κB. Our results also indicated that FRT alleviated gene expression of some inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1/VCAM-1, TNF-α/NF-κB, but not IL-1α/IL-6. Irradiation increased the protein expression levels of ICAM-1/VCAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-Κb, and our results also indicated that FRT alleviated protein level expression of certain inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6, TNF-α/NF-κB, but not VCAM-1. Our results suggested that FRT enhanced radioprotection at least partially by regulating caspase 3/8–10, AIF, and PARP-1 to reduce apoptosis and by regulating ICAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6, TNF-α/NF-κB to reduce inflammation.     

Cryptotanshinone inhibits oxidized LDL-induced adhesion molecule expression via ROS dependent NF-κB pathways

Adhesion molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin, play important roles in the initial stage of atherosclerosis. Cryptotanshinone (CPT), a natural compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, exhibits anti-atherosclerotic activity although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the protective effect of CPT against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced adhesion molecule expression was investigated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Ox-LDL significantly induced ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin expression at the mRNA and protein levels but reduced eNOS phosphorylation and NO generation, which were reversed by CPT pretreatment. Sodium nitroprusside, a NO donor, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, and BAY117082, a NF-κB inhibitor, inhibited ox-LDL-induced ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin expression. Ox-LDL-induced ROS production was significantly inhibited by CPT and NAC. Furthermore, ox-LDL activated the NF-κB signaling pathway by inducing phosphorylation of IKKβ and IκBα, promoting the interaction of IKKβ and IκBα, and increasing p65 nuclear translocation, which were significantly inhibited by CPT. In addition, CPT, NAC, and BAY117082 inhibited ox-LDL-induced membrane expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and endothelial–monocyte adhesion and restored eNOS phosphorylation and NO generation. Results suggested that CPT inhibited ox-LDL-induced adhesion molecule expression by decreasing ROS and inhibiting the NF-κB pathways, which provides new insight into the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of CPT.     

Induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression by IL-4 in human aortic smooth muscle cells is not associated with increased nuclear NF-κB levels

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are upregulated in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells by cytokines produced at sites of inflammation. The cytokine profile for induction of VCAM-1, however, is different for the two cell types. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced both VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs; ED₅₀ ∼ 300 and 30 U/ml, respectively). TNF-α and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) stimulated cell surface ICAM-1 expression, but not VCAM-1 expression, in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Conversely, IL-4 was a potent VCAM-1 inducer in HASMCs (ED₅₀ ∼ 100 pg/ml) but did not induce ICAM-1 expression. Nuclear extracts from IL-4-treated cells were compared with untreated cells for relative nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) levels by using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and surface plasmon resonance techniques. No significant increase in nuclear NF-κB DNA binding activity was detected in IL-4-treated HASMCs by either method of analysis. IL-1β and TNF-α stimulated nuclear NF-κB levels by about fourfold and fivefold, respectively, in HASMCs. The antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) similarly inhibited VCAM-1 upregulation in HASMCs incubated with IL-4 and in HUVECs incubated with TNF-α (IC₅₀s of 25 and 40 μM, respectively). These data suggest that a significant increase in nuclear NF-κB levels is not necessary or sufficient for VCAM-1 upregulation in HASMCs and does not determine the relative sensitivity to inhibition of gene expression by PDTC. J. Cell. Physiol. 180:381–389, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Docosahexaenoic acid attenuates VCAM-1 expression and NF-κB activation in TNF-α-treated human aortic endothelial cells

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are able to down-regulate expression of adhesion molecules and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in vascular endothelial cells, in addition to reducing atherosclerotic lesions in vivo. We report here that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reduces atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arteries of apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE^-/-) mice. Consistent with the observation in animal study, DHA inhibited THP-1 cell adhesion to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-activated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on the cell surface of HAECs was determined by cell-surface enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid decreased VCAM-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in TNF-α treated HAECs, while cis-linoleic acid and arachidonic acid did not have any significant effect on either VCAM-1 or ICAM-1 expression. Moreover, DHA significantly reduced VCAM-1 protein expression in the cell lysates of TNF-α-treated HAECs, as determined by Western blot analysis. In line with NF-κB signaling pathway, DHA suppressed the TNF-α-activated IκBα phosphorylation and degradation as well as IκB kinase-β phosphorylation. Subsequently, translocation of the NF-κB (p50/p65) and AP-1 (c-Fos/c-Jun) subunits was down-regulated by DHA in the nucleus of HAECs. These results suggest that DHA negatively regulates TNF-α-induced VCAM-1 expression through attenuation of NF-κB signaling pathway and AP-1 activation. This study provides evidence that DHA may contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases in vivo.     

Preconditioning with endoplasmic reticulum stress mitigates retinal endothelial inflammation via activation of X-box binding protein 1

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is widely implicated in various pathological conditions such as diabetes. Previously, we reported that enhanced ER stress contributes to inflammation and vascular damage in diabetic and ischemia-induced retinopathy. However, the exact role of the signaling pathways activated by ER stress in vascular inflammation remains poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in retinal adhesion molecule expression, leukostasis, and vascular leakage. Exposure of human retinal endothelial cells to low dose ER stress inducers resulted in a robust activation of XBP1 but did not affect inflammatory gene expression. However, ER stress preconditioning almost completely abolished TNF-α-elicited NF-κB activation and adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Pharmaceutical inhibition of XBP1 activation or knockdown of XBP1 by siRNA markedly attenuated the effects of preconditioning on inflammation. Moreover, loss of XBP1 led to an increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Conversely, overexpression of spliced XBP1 attenuated TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of IKK, IκBα, and NF-κB p65, accompanied by decreased NF-κB activity and reduced adhesion molecule expression. Finally, in vivo studies show that activation of XBP1 by ER stress preconditioning prevents TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, leukostasis, and vascular leakage in mouse retinas. These results collectively indicate a protective effect of ER stress preconditioning against retinal endothelial inflammation, which is likely through activation of XBP1-mediated unfolded protein response (UPR) and inhibition of NF-κB activation.