The Role of HMGB1 in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a highly abundant protein that can promote the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases once it is in an extracellular location. This translocation can occur with immune cell activation as well as cell death, with the conditions for release associated with the expression of different isoforms. These isoforms result from post-translational modifications, with the redox states of three cysteines at positions 23, 45 and 106 critical for activity. Depending on the redox states of these residues, HMGB1 can induce cytokine production via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) or promote chemotaxis by binding the chemokine CXCL12 for stimulation via CXCR4. Fully oxidized HMGB1 is inactive. During the course of inflammatory disease, HMGB1 can therefore play a dynamic role depending on its redox state. As a mechanism to generate alarmins, cell death is an important source of HMGB1, although each major cell death form (necrosis, apoptosis, pyroptosis and NETosis) can lead to different isoforms of HMGB1 and variable levels of association of HMGB1 with nucleosomes. The association of HMGB1 with nucleosomes may contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus by producing nuclear material whose immunological properties are enhanced by the presence of an alarmin. Since HMGB1 levels in blood or tissue are elevated in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, this molecule can serve as a unique biomarker as well as represent a target of novel therapies to block its various activities.     

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) IV mediates nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and release of HMGB1 during lipopolysaccharide stimulation of macrophages

The chromatin-binding factor high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) functions as a proinflammatory cytokine and late mediator of mortality in murine endotoxemia. Although serine phosphorylation of HMGB1 is necessary for nucleocytoplasmic shuttling before its cellular release, the protein kinases involved have not been identified. To investigate if calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) IV serine phosphorylates and mediates the release of HMGB1 from macrophages (Mphi) stimulated with LPS, RAW 264.7 cells or murine primary peritoneal Mphi were incubated with either STO609 (a CaMKIV kinase inhibitor), KN93 (a CaMKIV inhibitor), or we utilized cells from which CaMKIV was depleted by RNA interference (RNAi) before stimulation with LPS. We also compared the LPS response of primary Mphi isolated from CaMKIV(+/+) and CaMKIV(-/-) mice. In both cell types LPS induced activation and nuclear translocation of CaMKIV, which preceded HMGB1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. However, Mphi treated with KN93, STO609, or CaMKIV RNAi before LPS showed reduced nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HMGB1 and release of HMGB1 into the supernatant. Additionally, LPS induced serine phosphorylation of HMGB1, which correlated with an interaction between CaMKIV and HMGB1 and with CaMKIV phosphorylation of HMGB1 in vitro. In cells, both HMGB1 phosphorylation and interaction with CaMKIV were inhibited by STO609 or CaMKIV RNAi. Similarly, whereas CaMKIV(+/+) Mphi showed serine phosphorylation of HMGB1 in response to LPS, this phosphorylation was attenuated in CaMKIV(-/-) Mphi. Collectively, our results demonstrate that CaMKIV promotes the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HMGB1 and suggest that the process may be mediated through CaMKIV-dependent serine phosphorylation of HMGB1.     

Anti‐inflammatory activities of isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐galactoside against HMGB1‐induced inflammatory responses in both HUVECs and CLP‐induced septic mice

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a crucial nuclear cytokine that elicits severe vascular inflammatory diseases. Oenanthe javanica (water dropwort) extract has anti‐arrhythmic, neuroprotective and anti‐diabetic activity. However, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐galactoside (I3G), an active compound from O. javanica, is not researched well for its biological activity. Here, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory activities of I3G by monitoring the effects of I3G on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1 or CLP‐mediated modulation of inflammatory responses. I3G potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 and down‐regulated HMGB1‐dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells. I3G also inhibited HMGB1‐mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. Further studies revealed that I3G suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α and activation of nuclear factor‐κB by HMGB1. In addition, I3G reduced CLP‐induced HMGB1 release and sepsis‐related mortality. Given these results, I3G should be viewed as a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of severe vascular inflammatory diseases such as sepsis or septic shock via inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 336–345, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Luteolin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the activity of heat shock protein 90 in macrophages

Septic diseases represent the prevalent complications in intensive care units. Luteolin, a plant flavonoid, has potent anti-inflammatory properties; however, the molecular mechanism beneath luteolin mediated immune modulation remains unclear. Here in vitro investigations showed that luteolin dose-dependently inhibited LPS-triggered secretion and relocation of high mobility group B-1 (HMGB1) and LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages. The mechanism analysis demonstrated that luteolin reduced the release of HMGB1 through destabilizing c-Jun and suppressed HMGB1-induced aggravation of inflammatory cascade through reducing Akt protein level. As an inhibitor of Hsp90, luteolin destabilized Hsp90 client protein c-Jun and Akt. In vivo investigations showed that luteolin effectively protected mice from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethality. In conclusion, the present study suggested that luteolin may act as a potential therapeutic reagent for treating septic diseases.     

Inhibitory functions of maslinic acid,a natural triterpene,on HMGB1-mediated septic responses

BackgroundMaslinic acid (MA), a natural triterpenoid from Olea europaea, prevents oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine generation. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been recognized as a late mediator of sepsis, and the inhibition of the release of HMGB1 and the recovery of vascular barrier integrity have emerged as attractive therapeutic strategies for the management of sepsis.MethodsWe tested the hypothesis that MA induces sirtuin 1 and heme oxygenase-1, which inhibit the release of HMGB1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cells, thus inhibiting HMGB1-induced hyperpermeability and increasing the survival of septic mice. MA was administered after LPS or HMGB1 challenge, and the antiseptic activity of MA was determined based on permeability, the activation of pro-inflammatory proteins, and the production of markers for tissue injury in HMGB1-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis mouse model.ResultsMA significantly reduced the release of HMGB1 in LPS-activated HUVECs and attenuated the CLP-induced release of HMGB1. Additionally, MA alleviated HMGB1-mediated vascular disruption and inhibited hyperpermeability in mice, and in vivo analysis revealed that MA reduced sepsis-related mortality and tissue injury.ConclusionTaken together, the present results suggest that MA reduced HMGB1 release and septic mortality and thus may be useful in the treatment of sepsis.     

Persicarin is anti‐inflammatory mediator against HMGB1‐induced inflammatory responses in HUVECs and in CLP‐induced sepsis mice

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a crucial nuclear cytokine that mediates inflammatory responses, whereas persicarin is an active compound from Oenanthe javanica that has been widely researched for its neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. However, little is known of the effects of persicarin on HMGB1‐mediated inflammatory response. Here, we investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of persicarin on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and on the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐mediated releases of HMGB1 and the effects of persicarin on the HMGB1‐mediated modulation of inflammatory response. Persicarin potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 and down‐regulated HMGB1‐dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells, and inhibited HMGB1‐mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. Furthermore, persicarin reduced CLP‐induced HMGB1 release and sepsis‐related mortality. Given these results, persicarin should be viewed as a candidate therapeutic for the treatment of severe vascular inflammatory diseases, such as, sepsis or septic shock. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 696–703, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Barrier protective effects of rosmarinic acid on HMGB1‐induced inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a crucial cytokine that mediates response to infection, injury, and inflammation. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an important component of the leaves of Perilla frutescens and has neuroprotective, anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐cancer effects but little is known of its effects on HMGB1‐mediated inflammatory response. Here, we investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of RA on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐mediated release of HMGB1 and HMGB1‐mediated modulation of inflammatory responses. RA potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 and down‐regulated HMGB1‐dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells. RA also inhibited HMGB1‐mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. Furthermore, RA reduced CLP‐induced HMGB1 release and sepsis‐related mortality. Given these results, RA should be viewed as a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases via inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Paeonol attenuates inflammation by confining HMGB1 to the nucleus

Inflammation is a biological process that exists in a large number of diseases. If the magnitude or duration of inflammation becomes uncontrolled, inflammation may cause pathological damage to the host. HMGB1 and NF-κB have been shown to play pivotal roles in inflammation-related diseases. New drugs aimed at inhibiting HMGB1 expression have become a key research focus. In the present study, we showed that paeonol (Pae), the main active component of Paeonia suffruticosa, decreases the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the translocation of HMGB1 induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). By constructing HMGB1-overexpressing (HMGB1⁺) and HMGB1-mutant (HMGB1^m) RAW264.7 cells, we found that the nuclear HMGB1 could induce an LPS-tolerant state in RAW264.7 cells and that paeonol had no influence on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in HMGB1^m RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the anti-inflammatory property of paeonol was lost in HMGB1 conditional knockout mice, indicating that HMGB1 is a target of paeonol and a mediator through which paeonol exerts its anti-inflammatory function. Additionally, we also found that HMGB1 and P50 competitively bound with P65, thus inactivating the NF-κB pathway. Our research confirmed the anti-inflammation property of paeonol and suggests that inhibiting the translocation of HMGB1 could be a new strategy for treating inflammation.     

Shizukaol A exerts anti-inflammatory effect by regulating HMGB1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

BackgroundSarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Makino (Chloranthaceae) has a long history of being used in Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to treat painful joints, fractures, arthritis, and other diseases caused by inflammation. It has been reported that lindenane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers are main anti-inflammatory ingredient of S. glabra. Meanwhile, shizukaol A, the precursor of these sesquiterpene dimers, possesses a good inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (NO) in our previous study. But its anti-inflammatory mechanism is still unclear.PurposeThis study aimed to explore the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism and potential targets of shizukaol A in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells.MethodsThe release of NO and inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were measured by Griess reagent and ELISA, respectively. The relevant proteins including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were detected by western blot. Nuclear translocation of p65, HMGB1 and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were examined by immunofluorescence. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was tested by flow cytometry. The target of shizukaol A was investigated by molecular docking and Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS).ResultsShizukaol A had a good inhibitory effect on NO with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 13.79 ± 1.11 μM. Shizukaol A could down-regulate the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Further studies demonstrated that shizukaol A can significantly inhibit phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Meanwhile, shizukaol A decreased the level of ROS and enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Furthermore, shizukaol A up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and its nuclear translocation. More importantly, shizukaol A could inhibit activation of HMGB1 by targeting HMGB1.ConclusionShizukaol A inhibited inflammation by targeting HMGB1 to regulate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Thus, shizukaol A may be an attractive therapeutic candidate for inflammatory diseases.     

Shiga Toxin and Lipopolysaccharide Induce Platelet-Leukocyte Aggregates and Tissue Factor Release,a Thrombotic Mechanism in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Background

Aggregates formed between leukocytes and platelets in the circulation lead to release of tissue factor (TF)–bearing microparticles contributing to a prothrombotic state. As enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) may cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), in which microthrombi cause tissue damage, this study investigated whether the interaction between blood cells and EHEC virulence factors Shiga toxin (Stx) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to release of TF.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The interaction between Stx or LPS and blood cells induced platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation and tissue factor (TF) release, as detected by flow cytometry in whole blood. O157LPS was more potent than other LPS serotypes. Aggregates formed mainly between monocytes and platelets and less so between neutrophils and platelets. Stimulated blood cells in complex expressed activation markers, and microparticles were released. Microparticles originated mainly from platelets and monocytes and expressed TF. TF–expressing microparticles, and functional TF in plasma, increased when blood cells were simultaneously exposed to the EHEC virulence factors and high shear stress. Stx and LPS in combination had a more pronounced effect on platelet-monocyte aggregate formation, and TF expression on these aggregates, than each virulence factor alone. Whole blood and plasma from HUS patients (n = 4) were analyzed. All patients had an increase in leukocyte-platelet aggregates, mainly between monocytes and platelets, on which TF was expressed during the acute phase of disease. Patients also exhibited an increase in microparticles, mainly originating from platelets and monocytes, bearing surface-bound TF, and functional TF was detected in their plasma. Blood cell aggregates, microparticles, and TF decreased upon recovery.

Conclusions/Significance

By triggering TF release in the circulation, Stx and LPS can induce a prothrombotic state contributing to the pathogenesis of HUS.     

HMGB1: a smoking gun in lupus nephritis?

High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a prototypic alarmin that is released from activated and dying cells. Because of its proinflammatory activities, HMGB1 could mediate key events in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, a possibility supported by elevations of HMGB1 in patient blood and increased expression in renal biopsies. The biology of HMGB1 is complicated, however, and its activity is dependent on redox state as well as binding to other molecules such as cytokines. Defining more precisely the role of HMGB1 in lupus will require treatment studies to block the activity of this alarmin in animal models and ultimately patients.A smoking gun is probably the most dramatic and iconic evidence of a crime. The concept of the smoking gun originated in a Sherlock Holmes story and then languished until it exploded into awareness during the impeachment hearings of Richard Nixon. As now understood, a smoking gun is an incontrovertible piece of evidence to establish a crime and even identify the perpetrator. This is especially true if the gun, sulfurous fumes streaming from the barrel, resides in the hand of a suspect, the murder victim bleeding nearby.In rheumatology as in all of medicine, investigators are forever searching for the smoking guns of pathogenesis. The identification of such guns, especially when found at the crime scene (such as a kidney biopsy), can delineate the mechanism of tissue injury as well as suggest new targets of therapy. Smoking guns in medicine can be very elusive, however, and cold cases abound. Assembling a case beyond a reasonable doubt can require a multitude of in vitro and in vivo studies, including treatment trials in animal models as well as patients.In the previous issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy, Zickert and colleagues [1] provided important new evidence implicating high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) as a mediator of lupus nephritis, and the enhanced expression of HMGB1 is perhaps a smoking gun in the pathogenesis of a very complicated disease. As the data presented indicate, levels of HMGB1 are elevated in the blood of patients with lupus nephritis; furthermore, renal biopsies showed increased HMGB1 expression in the mesangium and endothelium. The elevations of HMGB1 in blood occurred in patients with different histopathological forms of lupus nephritis but, interestingly, did not vary much over time or with treatment [1].These observations are important in view of the biological properties of HMGB1. HMGB1 is a prototype alarmin and, indeed, the prime example of this class of immune mediator. In other terminology, HMGB1 is a DAMP (damage-associated molecular pattern). The immune activities of HMGB1 are perhaps surprising since HMGB1 is a nuclear molecule ubiquitously expressed in cells. In its usual location, HMGB1 can bind DNA as an architectural element for chromatin structure; once released from cells, however, HMGB1 acquires a new identity and displays potent and varied immunological activities. This release can occur during immune cell activation as well as cell death, whether apoptosis or necrosis [2].Along with other studies on systemic lupus erythematosus [3-5], the evidence for a central role of HMGB1 in lupus pathogenesis is strong but nevertheless circumstantial. One of the difficulties in making the case watertight concerns the complex biology of HMGB1. While HMGB1 has immunological activity, the extent of such activity varies significantly depending on its structure, including the redox state of cysteine (C) residues at positions 23, 45, and 106. With pure HMGB1, activity requires a C106 thiol and a C23-45 disulfide bond to induce activation of nuclear factor-kappa-B. With these modifications, HMGB1 can bind to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to stimulate responses but the oxidized form lacks such activity [6,7]. Thus, the finding of HMGB1 in the blood or tissue does not prove that it is functionally active.A further complexity concerns the manner in which HMGB1 stimulates inflammation. While active by itself depending on redox state, HMGB1 can also function in concert with cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1). These complexes can stimulate responses through the cytokine receptor to dramatically boost immunostimulatory activity [8,9]. Similarly, HMGB1 can form complexes with PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) such as lipopolysaccharide or CpG DNA to act via a TLR. Thus, the finding of high levels of HMGB1 in the blood or tissue is the beginning, not the end, of the story. In the absence of a partner in crime such as IL-1 or lipopolysaccharide, the effect of this molecule may be limited depending on the status of the cysteines [10].As is now recognized, HMGB1 emanates from cells during activation, necrosis, and apoptosis. Whereas HMGB1 from activated and necrotic cells has alarmin activity, HMGB1 released during apoptosis may lack such activity because of oxidation [7]. Since tissue injury (for example, ischemia) can lead to apoptosis and therefore HMGB1 release, the presence of extracellular HMGB1 may denote the effects of injury rather than establish the cause. In this regard, HMGB1 can be a component of immune complexes in lupus, likely reflecting its interaction with DNA that emerges from dead or dying cells [4,5]. The role of HMGB1 in nephritis as opposed to dendritic cell activation is not yet clear, although, as shown in the current study, the finding of HMGB1 in the mesangium may signify immune deposition; in this case, the activation of the complement system, rather than any direct effect of HMGB1 itself, may be the key event in inciting nephritis.HMGB1 has generated great interest as a new target of immununosuppressive therapy since, in animal models of shock and arthritis, blocking the action of HMGB1 can be strikingly beneficial [2]. Such studies are awaited in lupus. Only then will it be possible to know whether the HMGB1 gun in lupus nephritis is smoking or just smoldering.     

A major ingredient of green tea rescues mice from lethal sepsis partly by inhibiting HMGB1

Background

The pathogenesis of sepsis is mediated in part by bacterial endotoxin, which stimulates macrophages/monocytes to sequentially release early (e.g., TNF, IL-1, and IFN-γ) and late (e.g., HMGB1) pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our recent discovery of HMGB1 as a late mediator of lethal sepsis has prompted investigation for development of new experimental therapeutics. We previously reported that green tea brewed from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis is effective in inhibiting endotoxin-induced HMGB1 release.

Methods and Findings

Here we demonstrate that its major component, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), but not catechin or ethyl gallate, dose-dependently abrogated HMGB1 release in macrophage/monocyte cultures, even when given 2–6 hours post LPS stimulation. Intraperitoneal administration of EGCG protected mice against lethal endotoxemia, and rescued mice from lethal sepsis even when the first dose was given 24 hours after cecal ligation and puncture. The therapeutic effects were partly attributable to: 1) attenuation of systemic accumulation of proinflammatory mediator (e.g., HMGB1) and surrogate marker (e.g., IL-6 and KC) of lethal sepsis; and 2) suppression of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory responses by preventing clustering of exogenous HMGB1 on macrophage cell surface.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest a novel mechanism by which the major green tea component, EGCG, protects against lethal endotoxemia and sepsis.     

Acteoside improves survival in cecal ligation and puncture-induced septic mice via blocking of high mobility group box 1 release

Acteoside, an active phenylethanoid glycoside, has been used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory agent. The molecular mechanism by which acteoside reduces inflammation was investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Raw264.7 cells and in a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. In vitro, acteoside inhibits high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release and iNOS/NO production and induces heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in a concentration-dependent manner, while HO-1 siRNA antagonizes the inhibition of HMGB1 and NO. The effect of acteoside is inhibited by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 and Nfr2 siRNA, indicating that acteoside induces HO-1 via p38 MAPK and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In vivo, acteoside increases survival and decreases serum and lung HMGB1 levels in CLP-induced sepsis. Overall, these results that acteoside reduces HMGB1 release and may be beneficial for the treatment of sepsis.     

Essential roles of high-mobility group box 1 in the development of murine colitis and colitis-associated cancer

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear factor released extracellularly as a proinflammatory cytokine. We measured the HMGB1 concentration in the sera of mice with chemically induced colitis (DSS; dextran sulfate sodium salt) and found a marked increase. Inhibition of HMGB1 by neutralizing anti-HMGB1 antibody resulted in reduced inflammation in DSS-treated colons. In macrophages, HMGB1 induces several proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, which are regulated by NF-kappaB activation. Two putative sources of HMGB1 were explored: in one, bacterial factors induce HMGB1 secretion from macrophages and in the other, necrotic epithelial cells directly release HMGB1. LPS induced a small amount of HMGB1 in macrophages, but macrophages incubated with supernatant prepared from necrotic cells and containing large amounts of HMGB1 activated NF-kappaB and induced IL-6. Using the colitis-associated cancer model, we demonstrated that neutralizing anti-HMGB1 antibody decreases tumor incidence and size. These observations suggest that HMGB1 is a potentially useful target for IBD treatment and the prevention of colitis-associated cancer.     

Further characterization of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a proinflammatory cytokine: central nervous system effects

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an abundant, highly conserved cellular protein, is widely known as a nuclear DNA-binding protein. HMGB1 has been recently implicated as a proinflammatory cytokine because of its role as a late mediator of endotoxin lethality and ability to stimulate release of proinflammatory cytokines from monocytes. Production of central cytokines is a critical step in the pathway by which endotoxin and peripheral proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1beta (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), produce sickness behaviors and fever. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of HMGB1 has been shown to increase TNF expression in mouse brain and induce aphagia and taste aversion. Here we show that ICV injections of HMGB1 induce fever and hypothalamic IL-1 in rats. Furthermore, we show that intrathecal administration of HMGB1 produces mechanical allodynia (lowering of the response threshold to calibrated stimuli). Finally, while endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) administration elevates IL-1 and TNF mRNA in various brain regions, HMGB1 mRNA is unchanged. It remains possible that HMGB1 protein is released in brain in response to LPS. Nonetheless, these data suggest that HMGB1 may play a role as an endogenous pyrogen and support the concept that HMGB1 has proinflammatory characteristics within the central nervous system.     

EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白表达的调节

目的:探讨EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白表达的调节,为EGb761的临床运用提供可行的依据。方法:LPS(1μg/m L)诱导不同时间后,western blotting检测THP-1细胞上清液中HMGB1蛋白含量变化及不同浓度EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白的表达和NF-κB的活性;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测细胞中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量。共聚焦显微镜观察EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白核转位变化。结果:(1)LPS组IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量在刺激6-12 h后明显高于空白对照组,而EGb761+LPS组IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量均显著低于LPS组(P0.05)。(2)EGb761处理LPS诱导THP-1细胞6 h后细胞上清液NF-κB活性表达量较空白对照组低,随着处理时间延长至12 h,NF-κB的活性表达量呈明显下降趋势(P0.05)。(3)LPS诱导THP-1细胞18 h后,细胞上清液中HMGB1蛋白含量呈明显升高趋势(P0.05)。(4)不同浓度EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞18 h后,HMGB1蛋白含量较空白对照组有下降趋势,HMGB1蛋白含量随着EGB761浓度增加至100μg/m L呈下降趋势并呈浓度依赖效应(P0.05)。(5)LPS诱导THP-1细胞后,在共聚焦显微镜下可见胞浆中大量HMGB1蛋白标记分布,而EGb761+LPS共同诱导THP-1细胞后胞浆中可见少量HMGB1蛋白分布。结论:LPS可诱导THP-1细胞IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α表达增多及NF-κB活化,导致HMGB1蛋白表达增多及核转位,而EGB761能抑制THP-1细胞IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α表达及NF-κB活化,调节HMGB1蛋白的表达及核转位。