Expression Of Interleukin-1beta Research Articles

Deficiency of TREK-1 potassium channel exacerbates secondary injury following spinal cord injury in mice.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves complex pathological process which can be complicated by secondary injury. TREK-1 is a member of the two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel family, which can be modulated by a number of physiological and pathological stimuli. Recent studies suggest that TREK-1 plays an active role in depression, pain and neuroprotection. However, its role in the pathological process after SCI remains unclear. In this study, we tested the expression and function of TREK-1 in spinal cord of mice after traumatic SCI. TREK-1 was widely expressed in mice spinal cord, including astrocytes and neurons. Deficiency of TREK-1 significantly exacerbated focal inflammatory responses as indicated by the increased accumulation of microglia/macrophage as well as pro-inflammatory factor interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha expression. Meanwhile, TREK-1 knockout mice showed enhanced reactive astrogliosis, chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) production and decreased glutamate transporter-1 expression compared to the wide-type mice after SCI. Furthermore, TREK-1 deficiency promoted neurons and oligodendrocytes apoptosis, aggravated demyelination, cavity formation and retarded motor recovery. In summary, our findings provide the first invivo evidence suggesting that TREK-1 may thereby constitute a promising therapeutic target to treat acute SCI.

Prevention of infertility induced by ovarian ischemia reperfusion injury by benidipine in rats: Biochemical, gene expression, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation

IntroductionBenidipine has been reported to prevent the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage in heart tissue and to suppress oxidant and proinflammatory cytokine production, increased by I/R. However, There was no information about the effects of benidipine on I/R injury in the ovary and the damage of I/R-induced infertility. ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of benidipine on bilateral ovarian I/R injury and whether or not effective in the treatment of I/R-induced infertility in rats. MethodForty-eight females, albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: IRC group (ovarian I/R group, n=12), IRB-2 group (ovarian I/R+2mg/kg benidipine group, n=12), IRB-4 group (ovarian I/R+4mg/kg benidipine group, n=12) and HG group (healthy group with sham operation, n=12). In IRB-2 and IRB-4 groups, two hours ischemia and two hours reperfusion was performed following orally benidipine administration. After this I/R procedure, 6 rats from each group performed bilateral overectomy. Ovarian levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH), ovarian gene expressions of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and also apoptosis were evaluated. The other 6 rats from each group were put in together with six male rats in separated cages for 2 months in order to reproduce. During this period, rats which did not become pregnant were accepted as infertile. ResultsMDA levels, expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in IRC group were significantly higher than in the SGA group and tGSH was decreased. In total, 4mg/kg benidipine has better prevented ovaries from the increase of oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines, the decrease of antioxidants than 2mg/kg benedipine. In the histopathological examination hemorrhage, congestion, follicle degeneration, neutrophil infiltration and necrosis were seen in ovarian tissue of IRC group. Only dilated and congested blood vessels were found in the IRB-2 group. No histopathological finding was encountered in the IRB-4 group. I/R caused infertility in rats. In total, 4mg/kg benidipine prevented from infertility better than the dose of 2mg/kg benedipine. ConclusionIn total, 4mg/kg benidipine reduced I/R injury and I/R-related infertility more significantly compared to 2mg/kg benedipine in rat ovaries.

Osteoprotegerin mediates tumor-promoting effects of Interleukin-1beta in breast cancer cells

BackgroundIt is widely recognized that inflammation promotes breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Given the complex nature of the breast tumor inflammatory microenvironment, much remains to be understood of the molecular mechanisms that govern these effects. We have previously shown that osteoprotegerin knockdown in breast cancer cells resulted in reduced invasion and metastasis. Here we present novel insight into the role of osteoprotegerin in inflammation-driven tumor progression in breast cancer by investigating the link between osteoprotegerin, macrophages and the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1beta.MethodsWe used human breast cancer cell lines to investigate the effects of Interleukin-1beta treatment on osteoprotegerin secretion as measured by ELISA. We analyzed public datasets containing human breast cancer genome-wide mRNA expression data to reveal a significant and positive correlation between osteoprotegerin mRNA expression and the mRNA expression of Interleukin-1beta and of monocyte chemoattractant protein CC-chemokine ligand 2. Osteoprotegerin, Interleukin-1beta and CC-chemokine ligand 2 mRNA levels were also examined by qPCR on cDNA from normal and cancerous human breast tissue. We determined the effect of Interleukin-1beta–producing macrophages on osteoprotegerin expression by co-culturing breast cancer cells and differentiated THP-1 macrophages. Immunohistochemistry was performed on human breast tumor tissue microarrays to assess macrophage infiltration and osteoprotegerin expression. To demonstrate that osteoprotegerin mediated functional effects of Interleukin-1beta we performed cell invasion studies with control and OPG siRNA knockdown on Interleukin-1beta-treated breast cancer cells.ResultsWe report that Interleukin-1beta induces osteoprotegerin secretion, independent of breast cancer subtype and basal osteoprotegerin levels. Co-culture of breast cancer cells with Interleukin-1beta-secreting macrophages resulted in a similar increase in osteoprotegerin secretion in breast cancer cells as Interleukin-1beta treatment. Macrophage infiltration correlates with osteoprotegerin secretion in human breast tumor tissue samples. We show that osteoprotegerin secretion is regulated by Interleukin-1beta in a p38- and p42/44-dependent manner. We also demonstrate that osteoprotegerin knockdown represses Interleukin-1beta expression, Interleukin-1beta-mediated breast cancer cell invasion and MMP3 expression.ConclusionsThese data indicate a novel role for osteoprotegerin as a mediator of inflammation- promoted breast cancer progression.

Combined effect of substance P and curcumin on cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats

BackgroundOur earlier studies demonstrated that topically applied substance P (SP) or curcumin on excision skin wound accelerated the wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the wound healing potential of combination of SP and curcumin in diabetic rats. Materials and methodsOpen cutaneous excision wound was created on the back of each of the 60 diabetic rats. Wound-inflicted rats were equally divided into three groups namely, control, gel treated, and SP + curcumin treated. Normal saline, pluronic gel, and SP (0.5 × 10−6M) + curcumin (0.15%) were topically applied once daily for 19 d to these control, gel-treated, and SP + curcumin groups, respectively. ResultsSP + curcumin combination significantly accelerated wound closure and decreased messenger RNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, whereas the combination markedly increased the expressions of interleukin-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, stromal cell–derived factors-1alpha, heme oxygenase-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in granulation–healing tissue, compared with control and gel-treated groups. In combination group, granulation tissue was better, as was evidenced by improved fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, microvessel density, growth-associated protein 43–positive nerve fibers, and thick regenerated epithelial layer. ConclusionsThe combination of SP and curcumin accelerated wound healing in diabetic rats and both the drugs were compatible at the doses used in this study.

Anti-arthritic activity of ethanol extract of Claoxylon indicum on Freund\u2019s complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice

BackgroundClaoxylon indicum Hassk. (Euphorbiaceae), named Diu Le Bang, have functions of dehumidification and relieving swelling pain, and is used as a folk medicine to treat Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lumbocrural pain and foot edema in the south of China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-arthritic activity of the ethanol extract of Claoxylon indicum (CIE) on mice with adjuvant induced joint arthritis.MethodsAdjuvant arthritis was induced in mice by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant into the plantar surface of right hind paw. Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritic score, hind paws oedema and spleen index, and histological examinations. Serum samples were collected for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. The expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the specimens of knee joints was determined by standard immunohistochemical techniques.ResultsCIE administration (0.4 and 0.8 g/kg) suppressed the inflammatory responses in the joints of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) mice, suggested by the modulatory effects on paw swelling, hyperplasia of lymphatic tissues and synovial membrane. It also decreased the levels of MDA and ALP in serum and downregulated the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the arthritic joints of AIA mice.ConclusionThese results suggested that CIE possessed substantial anti-arthritic activity due to immumodepression and regulation of cytokines. CIE may be a potential candidate for the treatment of RA.

Autophagy Inhibition Contributes to ROS-Producing NLRP3-Dependent Inflammasome Activation and Cytokine Secretion in High Glucose-Induced Macrophages

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a persistent inflammatory response that impairs the healing process. We hypothesized that stimulation with high glucose following a pro-inflammatory signal would lead to autophagy inhibition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and eventually to the activation of the Nod-like receptor protein (NLRP) -3. Methods: Macrophages were isolated from human diabetic wound. We measured the expression of NLRP3, caspase1 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) by western blot and real-time PCR, and the surface markers on cells by flow cytometry. THP-1-derived macrophages exposed to high glucose were applied to study the link between autophagy, ROS and NLRP3 activation. LC3-II, P62, NLRP3 inflammation and IL-1β expression were measured by western blot and real-time PCR. ROS production was measured with a Cellular Reactive Oxygen Species Detection Assay Kit. Results: Macrophages isolated from diabetic wounds exhibited a pro-inflammatory phenotype, including sustained NLRP3 inflammasome activity associated with IL-1β secretion. Our data showed that high glucose inhibited autophagy, induced ROS production, and activated NLRP3 inflammasome and cytokine secretion in THP-1-derived macrophages. To study high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome signalling, we performed studies using an autophagy inducer, a ROS inhibitor and a NLRP3 inhibitor and found that all reduced the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cytokine secretion. Conclusion: Sustained NLRP3 inflammasome activity in wound-derived macrophages contributes to the hyper-inflammation in human diabetic wounds. Autophagy inhibition and ROS generation play an essential role in high glucose-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cytokine secretion in macrophages.

Effects of humanin on experimental colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid in rats.

Background/Aim:The excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) partly accounts for the development of colonic inflammation and eventually results in ulcerative colitis (UC). Humanin, an endogenous anti-apoptotic peptide, has previously been shown to protect against Alzheimer's disease and a variety of cellular insults. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glysin variant of humanin (HNG) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats.Materials and Methods:Rats were divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (n = 8): control; isotonic saline solution 0.1 ml/rat rectally, Group 2 (n = 8): TNBS colitis; 0.1 ml of a 2.5% (w/v) TNBS solution in 50% ethanol rectally, Group 3 (n = 8): 10 μM HNG, and Group 4 (n = 8): 20 μM HNG intraperitoneal (ip) on day 2 and 6 after rectal TNBS administration. Rats were sacrificed 7 days after the induction of colitis. Blood and tissue samples were harvested for biochemical and histopathological analysis.Results:HNG treatment significantly ameliorated weight loss and macroscopic and microscopic scores. TNBS-induced colitis significantly increased the colonic mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and caspase-3 activities in group II in comparison to the group I. HNG treatment was associated with an inhibition of mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, and a decrease in caspase-3 activities in colon tissues in group III and IV when compared to group II.Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that HNG treatment may exert beneficial effects in UC by decreasing inflammatory reactions and apoptosis.

Time-dependent proteomic and genomic alterations in Toll-like receptor-4-activated human chondrocytes: increased expression of lamin A/C and annexins.

Activation of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) in articular chondrocytes increases the catabolic compartment and leads to matrix degradation during the development of osteoarthritis. In this study, we determined the proteomic and genomic alterations in human chondrocytes during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and consequences of TLR-4 activation. Human chondrocytes were cultured with LPS for 12, 24, and 36 h to induce TLR-4 activation. The TLR-4-induced inflammatory response was confirmed by real-time PCR analysis of increased interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression levels. In TLR-4-activated chondrocytes, proteomic changes were determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectroscopy analysis, and genomic changes were determined by microarray and gene ontology analyses. Proteomics analysis identified 26 proteins with significantly altered expression levels; these proteins were related to the cytoskeleton and oxidative stress responses. Gene ontology analysis indicated that LPS treatment altered specific functional pathways including ‘chemotaxis’, ‘hematopoietic organ development’, ‘positive regulation of cell proliferation’, and ‘regulation of cytokine biosynthetic process’. Nine of the 26 identified proteins displayed the same increased expression patterns in both proteomics and genomics analyses. Western blot analysis confirmed the LPS-induced increases in expression levels of lamin A/C and annexins 4/5/6. In conclusion, this study identified the time-dependent genomic, proteomic, and functional pathway alterations that occur in chondrocytes during LPS-induced TLR-4 activation. These results provide valuable new insights into the underlying mechanisms that control the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

Berberine mitigates methotrexate-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the cerebrum of rats

Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple beneficial therapeutic effects. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of berberine against methotrexate (MTX)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain of rats. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of MTX (20 mg/kg) and orally administered 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight berberine for 7 days. MTX-induced rats showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in the cerebrum. Treatment of the MTXinduced rats with berberine produced a significant decrease in cerebral levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide. In addition, berberine induced a significant increase in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase in the cerebrum of MTX-induced rats. Rats received MTX showed a significant up-regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) expression in the cerebrum, an effect that was significantly reversed following treatment with berberine. In conclusion, berberine protects against MTXinduced neurotoxicity through attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation, and boosting the antioxidant defenses.

Soft corals collected from Jeju Island; a potential source of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals

Soft corals are a remarkable group of marine organisms, containing diverse array of secondary metabolites with biofunctional properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential theraputic properties of the ethanol extracts of soft coral collected from the Jeju Island against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophage inflammation. The ethanol extracts of the soft corals Dendronephthya gigantea, Dendronephthya puetteri, Dendronephthya aurea, Scleronephthya gracillimum, and Chromonephthea hirotai exhibited more significantly inhibitory effects against nitric oxide (NO) generation stimulated by LPS in macrophages compared to the others. Moreover, these extracts significantly decrease the expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Moreover, they also suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) could be observed. With further investigation, these soft corals could potentially provide the insight to develop anti-inflammatory compounds with clinical applications.

Rapid Fermentable Substance Modulates Interactions between Ruminal Commensals and Toll-Like Receptors in Promotion of Immune Tolerance of Goat Rumen.

Whether dietary non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), a rapid fermentable substance, affects immune homeostasis of rumen through the modulation of interactions of ruminal microbiota and epithelial toll-like receptors (TLRs) remains unclear. A combination of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCRs was applied to study the synergetic responses of ruminal microbiota and epithelial TLRs to the dietary NFC switch from 15 to 31% in the goat model. The results showed that the 31% NFC diet caused the radical increases on the richness and diversity of rumen microbiota. The phylum Verrucomicrobia was most significantly expanded, whereas opportunistic pathogens, namely Rikenella, Anaeroplasma, and Olsenella, were significantly decreased. In rumen epithelium, the significantly increased expressions of TLR1, 6, 10 were associated with the significantly decreased expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), IL-6, and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Constrained correlation analysis indicated that the increased abundance of commensal bacteria in Verrucomicrobia subdivision 5 contributed to the upregulation of TLR10 expression. Finally, the significantly increased concentrations of rumen short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), coupled with the significantly upregulated expressions of epithelial genes related to SCFA absorption were observed in goats fed with 31% NFC diet. Thus, the NFC-induced expansion of rumen microbiota promoted epithelium tolerance by enhancement of the intensity of TLR10 signaling. The newly established equilibrium benefited to the transport of ruminal energy substances into the blood.

Interleukin-1 blockade overcomes erlotinib resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Erlotinib has demonstrated poor clinical response rates for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to date and the majority of respondents acquire resistance to erlotinib relatively quickly. To elucidate novel pathways involved in erlotinib resistance, we compared the gene expression profiles of erlotinib-resistant (ER) vs. erlotinib-sensitive (ES) HNSCC cell lines. Enrichment analysis of microarray data revealed a deregulation of the IL-1 signaling pathway in ER versus ES-HNSCC cells. Gene expression of interleukin-1 alpha (IL1A) and interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) were significantly upregulated by > 2 fold in ER-SQ20B and ER-CAL 27 cells compared to their respective ES-cells. Secretion of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) was significantly reduced in ER-cells compared to ES-cells. Blockade of IL-1 signaling using a recombinant IL-1R antagonist (anakinra) was able to inhibit the growth of ER-SQ20B and ER-CAL 27 but not ES-SQ20B and ES-CAL 27 xenografts as a single agent and in combination with erlotinib. ER-SQ20B xenografts treated with anakinra ± erlotinib were found to be less vascularized than ER-SQ20B xenografts treated with water or erlotinib. Mice bearing ER-SQ20B xenografts had significantly lesser circulating levels of G-CSF and IL-1β when treated with anakinra ± erlotinib compared to those treated with water or erlotinib alone. Furthermore, augmented mRNA levels of IL1A or interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) were associated with shortened survival in HNSCC patients. Altogether, blockade of the IL-1 pathway using anakinra overcame erlotinib resistance in HNSCC xenografts and may represent a novel strategy to overcome EGFR inhibitor resistance for treatment of HNSCC patients.

Elevated IL-1β expression induces invasiveness of triple negative breast cancer cells and is suppressed by zerumbone

Aberrant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) expression is associated with cancer development, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Here, we have investigated the regulatory mechanism of IL-1β expression, and the inhibitory effect of zerumbone (ZER) on IL-1β expression and IL-1β-induced signatures, including cell invasion and signaling activation in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The basal IL-1β and cell invasiveness levels were significantly higher in TNBC cells, compared with non-TNBC cells. The invasiveness of TNBC cells was also increased following IL-1β treatment. In contrast, the invasiveness of TNBC cells was decreased following IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) treatment. Additionally, the basal IL-1β level and the invasiveness of TNBC cells were decreased by Bay11-7085. In contrast, overexpression of NF-κB (p65) caused an increase in IL-1β expression in TNBC cells. Our results showed that treatment with ZER decreased the basal IL-1β expression level, and the phosphorylation level of NF-κB, in TNBC cells. Furthermore, we found that ZER completely suppressed IL-1β-induced NF-κB phosphorylation, but did not suppress IL-1β-induced Akt phosphorylation, in TNBC cells. Our results also demonstrate that IL-1β-induced cell invasion is suppressed by ZER in TNBC cells. Taken together, we demonstrated that IL-1β expression is regulated by the NF-κB-dependent pathway, and that elevated IL-1β is directly influencing the invasiveness of TNBC cells. ZER down-regulates IL-1β expression through the inhibition of NF-κB activity, and then suppresses cell invasiveness of TNBC.

Spermidine alleviates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through inducing inhibitory macrophages.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and debilitating autoimmune disease, characterized by chronic inflammatory demyelination in the nervous tissue and subsequent neurological dysfunction. Spermidine, a natural polyamine, has been shown to affect inflammation in some experimental models. We show here that spermidine could alleviate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for MS, through regulating the infiltration of CD4+ T cells and macrophages in central nervous system. Unexpectedly, we found that spermidine treatment of MOG-specific T cells did not affect their pathogenic potency upon adaptive transfer; however, spermidine diminished the ability of macrophages in activating MOG-specific T cells ex vivo. Depletion of macrophages in diseased mice completely abolished the therapeutic effect of spermidine, indicating a critical role of spermidine-activated macrophages. Mechanistically, spermidine was found to specifically suppress the expression of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-12 and CD80 while enhance the expression of arginase 1 in macrophages. Interestingly, macrophages from spermidine-treated mice could also reverse EAE progression, while pretreatment of those macrophages with the arginase 1 inhibitor abrogated the therapeutic effect. Therefore, our studies revealed a critical role of macrophages in spermidine-mediated treatment on EAE and provided novel information for better management of MS.

Terminalia bellirica Extract Inhibits Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Macrophage Inflammatory Response in Vitro.

The deciduous tree Terminalia bellirica found in Southeast Asia is extensively used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of hypertension, rheumatism, and diabetes. The anti-atherogenic effect of Terminalia bellirica fruit has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effect of Terminalia bellirica extract (TBE) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and inflammation in macrophages. TBE showed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (EC50: 7.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL) and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. TBE also significantly inhibited free radical-induced LDL oxidation compared to the solvent control in vitro. In THP-1 macrophages, TBE treatment resulted in significant decreases of the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). TBE also reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 secretion and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in THP-1 macrophages. These results show that TBE has the inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and macrophage inflammatory response in vitro, suggesting that its in vivo use might inhibit atherosclerosis plaque progression.

Sodium Selenite Protects Against Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Testicular Toxicity and Inflammation.

Metal nanomaterials hold great potential and play an important role in consumer products. However, the increasing use of nanomaterials has raised concern over inadvertent exposure and potential risks for human health and the environment. Henceforth, in vivo testing of nanoparticles and protection against its toxicity is required. Using rat as an animal model, effect of sodium selenite (Se), an essential trace element, on rat testes exposed to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was evaluated. Male rats were treated with AgNPs (5mg/kg/b.w) i/p or Se (0.2mg/kg/b.w) by gavage. AgNP administration decreased Glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). However, treatment with Se increased GSH levels and activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx compared with AgNP-treated group and decreased the level of MDA and inflammatory biomarkers significantly (p<0.05) as compared with AgNP-treated group. Light microscopic analyses also revealed that AgNP induced histopathological changes in testes tissue. Further, protection by Se on biochemical results was confirmed by alleviation of the histopathological changes in the tissue. Results show the adverse effects of AgNPs on the male reproductive tract, particularly spermatogenesis, and suggest that Se possesses significant potential in reducing AgNP-induced testicular toxicity.

Effect of High Glucose Concentration on Human Preadipocytes and Their Response to Macrophage-Conditioned Medium.

Adipose tissue expands via differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes (adipogenesis) and/or hypertrophy of existing adipocytes. A low adipogenic capacity promotes adipocyte hypertrophy, causing inflammatory macrophage accumulation and insulin resistance. Macrophage-conditioned medium (MacCM) inhibits adipogenesis and promotes adipocyte inflammation, but it is unknown whether these effects are altered by high glucose (HG) versus normal glucose (NG) concentrations. Our aim was to compare the effect of HG-MacCM versus NG-MacCM on human adipogenesis and adipocyte inflammation. Human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were placed in 5 mmol/L (NG) or 25 mmol/L (HG) glucose for 24 hours. MacCM was collected and its effect on differentiation of human subcutaneous abdominal preadipocytes and adipocyte inflammation was evaluated. HG-MacCM, but not NG-MacCM, inhibited triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARgamma) during human adipogenesis. Preadipocytes differentiated in HG-MacCM displayed a more pro-inflammatory phenotype, as assessed by increased interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), as well as reduced adiponectin mRNA expression. In MDMs, HG increased phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK)-beta and decreased protein expression of inhibitor of kappaB alpha. HG also reduced protein expression of PPARgamma in MDMs. However, no MDM changes in mRNA expression of MCP-1, interleukin-1beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha were detected. The stimulatory effect of HG-MacCM on MCP-1 expression in adipocytes was partially inhibited when MDMs were treated with sc-514 (IKKbeta inhibitor). High glucose concentration accentuates the anti-adipogenic and pro-inflammatory effects of MacCM on human preadipocytes.

Anti-proliferative effect of RCE-4 from Reineckia carnea on human cervical cancer HeLa cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and NF-κB activation.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. In recent years, the studies find that inflammation is a critical component of tumor progression, and the ideal therapeutic methods should be aimed at the inflammation reaction triggers. (1β,3β,5β,25S)-spirostan-1,3-diol1-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-xylopyranoside] (RCE-4) was the main active composition of Reineckia carnea (Andr.) Kunth. It significantly induced apoptosis in cervical cancer Caski cells through the mitochondrial pathway in our previous studies; however, its underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. This study aimed to further evaluate the effect of RCE-4 on human cervical cancer HeLa cells. Based on this observation, we investigated the anti-cervical cancer effect of RCE-4 by modulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, and inflammation-related key factors in HeLa cells. The results indicated that the HeLa cell was the most sensitive with an IC50 of 7.01μM; RCE-4 significantly promoted the release of cellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); increased DNA fragmentation and apoptosis; reduced PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and NF-κBp65 phosphorylation levels; increased the Bax and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein levels; suppressed Bcl-2 protein expression; elevated the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio; and decreased the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expressions in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that RCE-4 exerted beneficially anti-cervical cancer effect on HeLa cells, mainly inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway phosphorylation and NF-κB activation, promoting HeLa cell apoptosis. Graphical abstract Anti-tumor effect of RCE-4 on HeLa cells.

Tetrachlorobenzoquinone Stimulates NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Post-Translational Activation and Secretion of IL-1β in the HUVEC Endothelial Cell Line

Our previous studies suggested that tetrachlorobenzoquinone (TCBQ) elicits pro-inflammatory activities; however, the mechanism of its toxicity toward vascular endothelial cell has not been characterized. Although TCBQ has been shown to stimulate interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) expression, it is unknown whether TCBQ regulates post-translational IL-1β activation. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells, we discovered that TCBQ not only promotes the expression of NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) components [composed of NLRP3, adaptor molecule apoptosis-associated speck like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase 1] but also participates in priming the NLRP3 inflammasome. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in the maturation and release of IL-1β. Further experiments showed that K(+) efflux, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial DNA damage may be involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediated by TCBQ. Moreover, TCBQ downregulates the ubiquitination of NLRP3, further facilitating the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These results suggest that the NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway plays an important role in TCBQ-induced endothelial cell pro-inflammatory responses, which may point to potential therapeutic approaches against TCBQ-mediated toxicity.

Postconditioning with inhaled hydrogen promotes survival of retinal ganglion cells in a rat model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of various ocular diseases. Intraperitoneal injection or ocular instillation with hydrogen (H2)-rich saline was recently shown to be neuroprotective in the retina due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Our study aims to explore whether postconditioning with inhaled H2 can protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a rat model of retinal I/R injury. Retinal I/R injury was performed on the right eyes of rats and was followed by inhalation of 67% H2 mixed with 33% oxygen immediately after ischemia for 1h daily for one week. RGC density was counted using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and retrograde labeling with cholera toxin beta (CTB). Visual function was assessed using flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP) and pupillary light reflex (PLR). Potential biomarkers of retinal oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were measured, including the expression of 4-Hydroxynonenalv (4-HNE), interleukin-1 beta (IL1-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). HE and CTB tracing showed that the survival rate of RGCs in the H2-treated group was significantly higher than the rate in the I/R group. Rats with H2 inhalation showed better visual function in assessments of FVEP and PLR. Moreover, H2 treatment significantly decreased the number of 4-HNE-stained cells in the ganglion cell layer and inhibited the retinal overexpression of IL1-β and TNF-α that was induced by retinal I/R injury. Our results demonstrate that postconditioning with inhaled high-dose H2 appears to confer neuroprotection against retinal I/R injury via anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis pathways.