Levels Of Nuclear Factor Research Articles

The stiffness response of type IIa fibres after eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage is dependent on ACTN3 r577X polymorphism

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) deficiency (XX) on muscle damage induced by an eccentric exercise bout. In this purpose, 4 RR and 4 XX individuals performed an intensive eccentric knee flexion exercise on an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle biopsies, blood and pain scores were taken before and after the exercise to determine the extent of the exercise-induced damage and the effect of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism. Maximal isometric strength of the quadriceps and single fibre properties were compared before and after the exercise. The drop in maximal isometric strength of the quadriceps at 45° knee flexion following the eccentric exercise bout was on average 37% 24 h post-exercise. The decrease in force was also apparent in isolated type IIa fibres (8%; P = 0.02), but not in type I fibres (P = 0.88). Creatine kinase and myoglobin plasma levels increased in all participants at least by 55% and 87%, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, mRNA levels of markers for muscle regeneration and muscle remodelling increased after the eccentric exercise (P < 0.05), however, independently from ACTN3 R577X genotype. The mRNA level of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1) decreased after the eccentric exercise only in XX genotypes (P < 0.05). The stiffness of type IIa, but not type I muscle fibres increased only in RR individuals after the eccentric exercise (P < 0.05). While no major effect of α-actinin-3 deficiency on susceptibility to muscle damage was found acutely, the increased stiffness response in fast RR fibres might be a protection mechanism from muscle damage during a subsequent eccentric exercise bout.

The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 play a role in thyroid carcinoma malignancy in vivo.

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between the levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 and tumour characteristics in patients with thyroid carcinoma.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma. Tumour samples were collected and the levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 protein and mRNA were measured using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR).ResultsA total of 73 patients with thyroid carcinoma were included in the study (20 males; 53 females; mean ± SD age, 44.8 ± 12.7 years, range, 18–76 years). There were no significant differences in sex, age and pathological type between the NF-κB p50 positive group and the NF-κB p50 negative group, but tumour diameter and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in the NF-κB p50 positive group compared with the NF-κB p50 negative group. Similar findings were observed for NF-κB p65. The levels of NF-κB p50 were positively correlated with NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma (rs = 0.653).ConclusionThe levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma were positively associated with tumour diameter and the presence of lymph node metastasis.

Desflurane Attenuates Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury in Rats with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Ventilator-induced lung injury aggravates the existing lung injury. This study investigated the effect of desflurane on VILI in a rat model of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Forty-eight rats were randomized into a sham (S) group, control (C) group, lipopolysaccharide/ventilation (LV) group, lipopolysaccharide/ventilation/desflurane (LVD) group, or lipopolysaccharide/low ventilation with and without desflurane (LLV and LLVD) groups. Rats in the S group received anesthesia only. Rats in the LV and LVD groups received lipopolysaccharide and were ventilated with a high tidal volume. Rats in LLV and LLVD groups were treated as the LV and LVD groups and ventilated with a low tidal volume. PaO2/FiO2, lung wet-to-dry weight ratios, concentrations of inflammatory factors in serum and BALF, histopathologic analysis of lung tissue, and levels of nuclear factor- (NF-) κB protein in lung tissue were investigated. PaO2/FiO2 was significantly increased by desflurane. Total cell count, macrophages, and neutrophils in BALF and proinflammatory factors in BALF and serum were significantly decreased by desflurane, while IL-10 was increased. The histopathological changes and levels of NF-κB protein in lung tissue were decreased by desflurane. The results indicated that desflurane ameliorated VILI in a rat model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Carnosine ameliorates cognitive deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Possible involved mechanisms

Diabetic patients are at increased risk to develop cognitive deficit and senile dementia. This study was planned to assess the benefits of chronic carnosine administration on prevention of learning and memory deterioration in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats and to explore some of the involved mechanisms. Rats were divided into 5 groups: i.e., control, carnosine100-treated control, diabetic, and carnosine-treated diabetics (50 and 100mg/kg). Carnosine was injected i.p. at doses of 50 or 100mg/kg for 7 weeks, started 1 week after induction of diabetes using streptozotocin. Treatment of diabetic rats with carnosine at a dose of 100mg/kg at the end of the study lowered serum glucose, improved spatial recognition memory in Y maze, improved retention and recall in elevated plus maze, and prevented reduction of step-through latency in passive avoidance task. Furthermore, carnosine at a dose of 100mg/kg reduced hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lowered lipid peroxidation, and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense element glutathione (GSH), but not activity of catalase. Meanwhile, hippocampal level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) decreased and level of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) increased upon treatment of diabetic group with carnosine at a dose of 100mg/kg. Taken together, chronic carnosine treatment could ameliorate learning and memory disturbances in STZ-diabetic rats through intonation of NF-κB/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling cascade, attenuation of astrogliosis, possible improvement of cholinergic function, and amelioration of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Effect of active factor on proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells after traumatic brain injury in rats

Objective To investigate the effect of active factor on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells(NSCs)in the hippocampal subgranular zone after traumatic brain injury(TBI)in rats. Methods SD rats were divided into sham-injured group (only left dura mater exposed), active factor group (sham injury+ active factor therapy), TBI group (unilateral fluid percussion was used to generate severe TBI), and TBI+ active factor group (TBI+ active factor therapy) according to the random number table (n=10 in each group). Hippocampal homogenates or brain tissues were harvested at 7 d postinjury. Expressions of BrdU and NeuN in the hippocampal subgranular zone were detected by immunofluorescence staining, and five consecutive sections were used to count BrdU and NeuN positive cells. Level of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 in hippocampus was detected by Western blot. Results Number of BrdU and NeuN positive cells in TBI group were greatly higher than that in sham-injured group (P 0.05). NF-κBp65 presented over-expression in TBI group (0.81±0.09) while reversed in TBI+ active factor group (1.46±0.13), when compared to sham-injured group (P 0.05). Conclusion Active factor therapy can promote proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs in the hippocampal subgranular zone after TBI in rats and the possible mechanism may relate to activation of the NSCs and inhibition of over-expression of NF-κBp65. Key words: Craniocerebral trauma; Neural stem cells; Active factor

Characterization of transcription factor response kinetics in parallel.

BackgroundTranscription factors (TFs) are effectors of cell signaling pathways that regulate gene expression. TF networks are highly interconnected; one signal can lead to changes in many TF levels, and one TF level can be changed by many different signals. TF regulation is central to normal cell function, with altered TF function being implicated in many disease conditions. Thus, measuring TF levels in parallel, and over time, is crucial for understanding the impact of stimuli on regulatory networks and on diseases.ResultsHere, we report the parallel analysis of temporal TF level changes due to multiple stimuli in distinct cell types. We have analyzed short-term dynamic changes in the levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and TATA binding protein (TBP), in breast and liver cancer cells after tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and palmitic acid (PA) exposure. In response to both stimuli, NF-kB and CREB levels were increased, Stat3 decreased, and TBP was constant. GR levels were unchanged in response to TNF-α stimulation and increased in response to PA treatment.ConclusionsOur results show significant overlap in signaling initiated by TNF-α and by PA, with the exception that the events leading to PA-mediated cytotoxicity likely also include induction of GR signaling. These results further illuminate the dynamics of TF responses to cytokine and fatty acid exposure, while concomitantly demonstrating the utility of parallel TF measurement approaches in the analysis of biological phenomena.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12896-016-0293-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of the oral iron chelator deferiprone in diabetic nephropathy rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the iron chelator deferiprone in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats and the mechanisms involved. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (180-220 g, 6 weeks old) were randomly divided into a control group, a DN group and two DN groups treated with either 50 or 100 mg/kg per day deferiprone. The DN group was established by feeding of a high-carbohydrate-fat diet and injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin into the vena caudalis. The duration of deferiprone treatment was 20 weeks. Histopathological changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining, as well as transmission electron microscopy. Levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue-specific inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, and nitrotyrosine were determined in kidney tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological observations showed that deferiprone treatment alleviated inflammation infiltrates and collagenous fibrosis in DN rats. Results from RT-PCR and western blotting indicated that deferiprone inhibited the expression of NF-κB, MCP-1, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine, which were overexpressed in DN rats. Immunohistochemistry showed that the mechanism of deferiprone action may involve regulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Decreased MMP-9 expression and increased TIMP-1 expression in DN rats were significantly promoted and inhibited by deferiprone, respectively. Iron chelation by oral deferiprone has a renoprotective effect in DN rats by relieving oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, which is related to the cytokines NF-κB, MCP-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine.

Dietary Foeniculum vulgare Mill extract attenuated UVB irradiation-induced skin photoaging by activating of Nrf2 and inhibiting MAPK pathways

BackgroundFoeniculum vulgare Mill (FV) has long been prescribed in traditional medicine due to its antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties. However, little research has been done on the use of FV to alleviate changes in UVB-induced photoaging PurposeThis study was to investigate the photoprotective effects and mechanism of FV in vitro and in vivo. MethodsThe anti-photoaging effect of FV was assessed in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) in vitro. The secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), GSH, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), procollagen type I, IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by kits. Additionally, the level of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), p-ERK and p38 were evaluated by western blotting. In vivo, H&E and Masson's trichrome staining were employed. The expression of MMP-1, procollagen type I, TGF-β1 and elastin were measured by western blot. ResultsFV significantly increased the production of collagen, elastin and TGF-β1 levels, while blocked matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production in UVB irradiation induced hairless mice, which were consistent with the result in NHDFs. Furthermore, FV dose-dependently decreased the production of ROS and LDH by promoting the nuclear amount of Nrf2 and enhancing the expression of cytoprotective antioxidants such as GSH. FV also significantly quenched UVB-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38 in NHDFs. ConclusionOur results indicate that FV is a potential botanical agent for the treatment of skin damage induced by UV irradiation.

Ursolic acid protects against ulcerative colitis via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in mice.

Ursolic acid (UA) has been reported to have a protective effect in colitis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, experimental ulcerative colitis was induced in male BALB/c mice by the administration of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7days, followed by treatment with UA for another 7days. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was performed to evaluate colon tissue damage, and enzyme assays were used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in colon homogenate. In addition, serum levels of interleukin (IL)‑1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α were measured using an ELISA, and the level of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65 in the colonic tissues was assessed by western blotting. The 7‑day DSS administration induced marked colon damage, increased the serum levels of IL‑1β and TNF‑α, increased MDA content and decreased SOD activity in the colon homogenate. These changes were significantly improved by treatment with UA. UA also reduced the DSS‑stimulated high nuclear level of NF‑κB p65 in the colon tissues. These results demonstrate a protective role of UA in ulcerative colitis, and suggest that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are involved in the underlying mechanisms.

Thromboelastography evaluation for hemostatic dysfunction in severe sepsis and septic shock: An experience from tertiary care center in North India

The roles of the ACE inhibitor captopril on inflammatory response in septic human neutrophil and mortality in endotoxemic mice SanghyeonKwak, Taehee Pyeon, Jia Song, Euna Jang, Hyeonjeong Lee, Jeongmin Kim Chonnam National University Medical School, Republic of Korea Chonnam National University Hospital, Republic of Korea Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Republic of Korea Background/Purpose: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) mediates inflammatory response in healthy lungs via angiotensin II and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. Neutrophils play an important role in the development of acute lung injury associated with severe sepsis. However, the ability of ACE directly participating in LPSinduced neutrophil activation has not been fully examined. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the ACE inhibitor captopril on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced neutrophil activation and mortality in LPS-induced endotoxemic mice. Methods: To assess possible interactions between captopril and LPS on neutrophil activation, neutrophils from human blood were incubated with various concentrations of captopril (0, 1, 10, 50, and 100 nM) and LPS (100 ng/mL). The protein levels for interleukins (ILs) 6 and 8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 4 hours after incubation period. To elucidate the intracellular signaling pathway, we measured the levels of phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK) with Western blot analysis and nuclear levels of nuclear factor (NF) κB with electrophoretic mobility shift assays 0.5 hours after incubation period. We also examined the effect of captopril (30 mg/kg, IP) on mortality of mice treated with LPS (20 mg/kg, IP) to determine whether these effects of captopril also have in vivo significance. Results: Captopril attenuated LPS-induced neutrophils activation including expression of p38, JNK, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Captopril also attenuated mortality in LPS-induced endotoxemic mice. Conclusions: Captopril can attenuate mortality in LPS-induced endotoxemic mice via the attenuation of neutrophil activation caused by LPS.

Protective effects of hydrogen sulfide inhalation on oxidative stress in rats with cotton smoke inhalation-induced lung injury.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which hydrogen sulfide (H2S) inhalation protects against oxidative stress in rats with cotton smoke inhalation-induced lung injury. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated randomly into four groups, which included the control, H2S, smoke and smoke + H2S groups. A rat model of cotton smoke inhalation-induced lung injury was established following inhalation of 30% oxygen for 6 h. In addition, H2S (80 ppm) was inhaled by the rats in the H2S and smoke + H2S groups for 6 h following smoke or sham-smoke inhalation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure various indices in the rat lung homogenate, while the levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κBp65 in the lung tissue of the rats were determined and semiquantitatively analyzed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the rat lung tissue. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), inducible iNOS and NF-κBp65, as well as the sum-integrated optical density of NF-κBp65 and the relative mRNA expression of iNOS, in the rat lung tissue from the smoke + H2S group were significantly lower when compared with the smoke group. The concentrations of MDA, NO, iNOS and NF-κBp65 in the H2S group were comparable to that of the control group. Therefore, inhalation of 80 ppm H2S may reduce iNOS mRNA transcription and the production of iNOS and NO in rats by inhibiting NF-κBp65 activation, subsequently decreasing oxidative stress and cotton smoke inhalation-induced lung injury.

Effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ ligand on hyperlipidemic rats with severe acute pancreatitis

Objective To explore the effects of rosiglitazone (ROSI),a PPAR-γ ligand,on hyperlipidemia with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in the rat model induced by sodium taurocholate injected into intra-bile-pancreatic duct and explore their underlying mechanism.Methods A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups,and eighty rats were fed with high fat diet for two weeks to induce experimental hyperlipemia and the rest received normal diet.The rats fed with normal diet were divided into two groups:sham operation group (SO group,n =20) and SAP group (n =20).The hyperlipidemic rats were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation hyperlipidemia rats group (HL group,n =20),hyperlipidemia with acute pancreatitis group (HAP group,n =20),ROSI prevention group (HR group,n =20) and antagonist group (HRI group,n =20).Rats of SAP group and HAP group were induced by a retrograde infusion of 5％ sodium tauroholate into bile-pancreatic duct,whereas the rats in SO group and HL group were induced by saline instead; rats in HR group were administered ROSI (10 mg/kg) intra-peritoneally 1 hour prior to sodium taurocholate; rats in HRI group were administered GW9662 (0.3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally 30 min prior to ROSI.Rats from each group were sacrificed by exsanguination 12 h after the induction of pancreatitis.Blood samples were taken from all animals to measure serum amylase (AMY),total cholesterol (TC),triglycerides (TG).The severity of pancreatitis was evaluated by histological score of pancreatic injury.The level of nuclear factor (NF)-KB p65 protein in pancreas was measured by immunohistochemistry.The levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) protein and tumor necrosisfactor-α (TNF-α) protein were detected by using Western blot analysis.Results The serum levels of TC and TG in HL group and HAP group were significantly higher than those in SO group and SAP group (10.86 ± 1.47,10.42±0.95vs.1.72±0.13; 1.24±0.28,1.36±0.13 vs.0.61 ±0.12,0.54±0.08; all P＜ O.05).Compared with SAP group,the levels of serum AMY,the pancreas pathological score,the levels of NF-KB p65,ICAM-1 and TNF-α in pancreas in the HAP group were significantly higher in HAP group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with the HAP group and HRI group,HR group significantly decreased the levels of serum AMY,TC and TG; pancreas pathological score; the levels of NF-KB p65,ICAM-1 and TNF-α in pancreas significantly decreased in HR group (2006.9 ± 331.9 vs.6501.9 ± 3771.0,5892.2 ± 474.3 ; 4.36 ± 0.99 vs.10.42 ±0.95,11.08 ± 1.05; 0.58 ±0.12 vs.1.36 ±0.13,1.58 ±0.12; all P ＜0.05),but there were no statistically significant differences in those biomarkers between HAP group and HRI (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Our study demonstrated that hyperlipidemia aggravated the severity of sodium taurocholateinduced severe acute pancreatitis and ROSI exerted anti-hyperlipidemic effect and anti-inflanmatory effect against hyperlipidemia rats with sodium taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis. Key words: Peroxisomeproliferator-activated receptors-γ; Rosiglitazone ; Severe acute pancreatitis; Cytokine

Behavioral, legal, medical and welfare implications of the DDA in UK – a case history

Diabetic patients are at increased risk to develop cognitive deficit and senile dementia. This study was planned to assess the benefits of chronic carnosine administration on prevention of learning and memory deterioration in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats and to explore some of the involved mechanisms. Rats were divided into 5 groups: i.e., control, carnosine100-treated control, diabetic, and carnosine-treated diabetics (50 and 100 mg/kg). Carnosine was injected i.p. at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg for 7 weeks, started 1 week after induction of diabetes using streptozotocin. Treatment of diabetic rats with carnosine at a dose of 100 mg/kg at the end of the study lowered serum glucose, improved spatial recognition memory in Y maze, improved retention and recall in elevated plus maze, and prevented reduction of step-through latency in passive avoidance task. Furthermore, carnosine at a dose of 100 mg/kg reduced hippocampal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lowered lipid peroxidation, and improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense element glutathione (GSH), but not activity of catalase. Meanwhile, hippocampal level of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) decreased and level of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) increased upon treatment of diabetic group with carnosine at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Taken together, chronic carnosine treatment could ameliorate learning and memory disturbances in STZ-diabetic rats through intonation of NF-κB/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling cascade, attenuation of astrogliosis, possible improvement of cholinergic function, and amelioration of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Aspirin induces lytic cytotoxicity in Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive cells

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in tumor cells is generally restricted to the latent forms of viral infection. Switching the latent form of viral infection into the lytic form may induce tumor cell death. High levels of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB can inhibit EBV lytic replication, and aspirin has the ability to inhibit NF-kappaB activity. The aims of the current study were to determine the effects of aspirin on inducing EBV lytic infection, and thus to reveal the possibility of targeting EBV-positive cancer cells by aspirin. Our results showed that aspirin depleted NF-kappaB (p65) in the nucleus and reactivated EBV into lytic replication. Cells exhibited decreased viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner when incubated with aspirin. When ganciclovir was used in combination with aspirin to treat EBV-positive B95.8 cells and Raji cells, the cytotoxic effect of aspirin was amplified. We demonstrated that aspirin reduced the viability of EBV-positive B lymphocytes due to its ability to induce EBV lytic replication.

3,4-Dichloropropionanilide (DCPA) Inhibits T-Cell Activation by Altering the Intracellular Calcium Concentration following Store Depletion

Stimulation of T cells through the T-cell receptor results in the activation of a series of signaling pathways that leads to the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2 and cell proliferation. Influx of calcium (Ca(2+)) from the extracellular environment, following internal Ca(2+) store depletion, provides the elevated and sustained intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) critical for optimal T-cell activation. Our laboratory has documented that exposure to the herbicide 3,4-dichloropropionanilide (DCPA) inhibits intracellular signaling events that have one or more Ca(2+) dependent steps. Herein we report that DCPA attenuates the normal elevated and sustained [Ca(2+)](i) that follows internal store depletion in the human leukemic Jurkat T cell line and primary mouse T cells. DCPA did not alter the depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores when stimulated by anti-CD3 or thapsigargin demonstrating that early inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-mediated signaling and depletion of Ca(2+) stores were unaffected. 2-Aminoethyldiphenol borate (2-APB) is known to alter the store-operated Ca(2+) (SOC) influx that follows Ca(2+) store depletion. Exposure of Jurkat cells to either DCPA or 50 microM 2-APB attenuated the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) following thapsigargin or anti-CD3 induced store depletion in a similar manner. At low concentrations, 2-APB enhances SOC influx but this enhancement is abrogated in the presence of DCPA. This alteration in [Ca(2+)](i), when exposed to DCPA, significantly reduces nuclear levels of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and IL-2 secretion. The plasma membrane polarization profile is not altered by DCPA exposure. Taken together, these data indicate that DCPA inhibits T-cell activation by altering Ca(2+) homeostasis following store depletion.

Use of Electroacupuncture at ST36 to Inhibit Anaphylactic and Inflammatory Reaction in Mice

Objective: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat myalgia, allergy and gastroenteropathy in Korea. To determine whether EA can treat anaphylactic and inflammatory reactions, the effect of EA was investigated in a murine model. Methods: EA stimulation of the ST36 acupoint was performed for 10 min. Using a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model, the antianaphylactic effects of EA were examined. Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured using the ELISA method. The level of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB/RelA protein and NF-ĸB DNA-binding activity was determined using the Western blot analysis and the transcription factor enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Results: EA inhibits PCA and β-hexosaminidase release, IL-6 secretion on the PCA, and in addition, EA reduces NF-ĸB DNA-binding activity. Conclusion: These results indicate that EA may possess antianaphylactic and antiinflammatory properties.

LPS-INDUCED INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE PRODUCTION WAS INHIBITED BY HYUNGBANGJIHWANGTANG THROUGH BLOCKADE OF NF-κB IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS

Hyungbangjihwangtang (HJT), a prescription of Sasang Constitutional Medicine, has been commonly used to treat diarrhea and edema of Soyangin in Korea. This study investigated the effect of HJT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cytokine production using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the Soyangin. The inhibitory effect of HJT on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production was investigated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA expression. The expression level of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was examined by Western blot. HJT significantly inhibited the IL-1β, IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. The maximal inhibition rate of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α production by HJT was 240.0 ± 48.8%, 78.4 ± 24.7%, 27.6 ± 10.6%, 20.7 ± 59.8%, and 113.0 ± 5.2%, respectively. HJT decreased the IL-1β mRNA expression. HJT also inhibited the activation of NF-κB. These results suggest a potential role of HJT as a source of anti-inflammatory agent for inflammatory diseases.

An anti-ulcer drug, geranylgeranylacetone, suppresses inducible nitric oxide synthase in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) is commonly used as an anti-ulcer drug. If GGA affects inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the vascular tissue, it could influence disease progression in coronary arteries. We investigated the effects of the anti-ulcer drug GGA on iNOS activity in vascular smooth muscle cells. We measured the production of nitrite, a stable metabolite of nitric oxide, in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells with the Griess reagent. iNOS protein and mRNA expressions were assayed by western blotting and northern blotting, respectively. The levels of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB proteins in nuclear extracts were analyzed by gel retardation assay. Heat shock protein 70, a cytoprotective molecule, was evaluated by western blotting. Incubation of cultures with interleukin-1beta for 24 h caused a significant increase in nitrite generation. Interleukin-1beta-induced nitrite production by vascular smooth muscle cells was significantly suppressed by GGA in a dose-dependent manner. GGA-suppressed nitrite production was accompanied by decreased iNOS mRNA and protein accumulations. GGA by itself did not modulate the basal level of nitrite production. Interleukin-1beta induced NF-kappaB activation in vascular smooth muscle cells, and the addition of GGA further inhibited this NF-kappaB activation. GGA itself induced heat shock protein 70 expression in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrated that GGA suppresses iNOS expression in cytokine-stimulated cultured vascular smooth muscle cells partially through the suppression of NF-kappaB activation, suggesting that GGA may modulate the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. In addition, this effect may be associated with heat shock protein 70 production by GGA.

P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition attenuates burn-induced liver injury in rats

This study was made to evaluate the effect of SB203580, a specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, on burn-induced hepatic injury as well as the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in severely burned rats. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: (1) sham group, rats underwent sham burn; (2) burn group, rats given third-degree burns over 30% total body surface area (TBSA) and treated with vehicle plus lactated Ringer solution for resuscitation 4 ml/(kg % TBSA); and (3) burn plus SB203580 group, rats given burn injury and fluid resuscitation plus SB203580 (10 mg/kg i.v., 15 min and 12 h after burn). Hepatocellular injury (measured by serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) and hepatocellular function (determined by the indocyanine green dye retention rate (ICG R15)) were assessed at 24 h post-burn. Liver histologic changes were also analyzed. Burn trauma resulted in increased serum aminotransferases concentrations, decreased ICG R15, elevated serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels and hepatic TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expressions, and worsen histologic condition. The level of Nuclear Factor (κ) inhibitor (IκBα) in liver was decreased and DNA-binding activity of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) was increased after thermal injury. p38 MAP kinase was more significantly activated in liver harvested from burn rats than from shams. SB203580 inhibited the activation of p38 MAP kinase, reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and prevented burn-mediated liver injury. Both the IκBα level and NF-κB activity in the liver following burns was not affected by administration with SB203580. These findings suggest that (1) p38 MAP kinase activation is one important aspect of the signaling event that may mediate the release of TNF-α and IL-1β and contributes to burn-induced liver injury and (2) p38 MAP kinase does not influence the activation of NF-κB directly in the liver of severely burned rats.

C-Reactive protein augments inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in cytokine-stimulated cardiac myocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO) production by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) can exert negative inotropic and cytotoxic effects on cardiac myocytes and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. An elevated serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important predictive factor for cardiac disorders including acute myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy. The basic mechanisms responsible for this association are not clear; CRP may merely be a marker of inflammation with no specific role in the pathogenesis of cardiac disease or may directly modulate the disease process. We investigated the effects of CRP on iNOS expression and subsequent NO synthesis in rat cardiac myocytes, and the mechanism by which CRP exerts its effects. NO production by culture neonatal rat cardiac myocytes was determined by measurement of nitrite contents in the culture medium. The expression of iNOS mRNA and protein were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The levels of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB proteins were analyzed by a gel retardation assay. Incubation of cardiac myocytes with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta; 10 ng/ml) caused a significant increase in nitrite production. CRP significantly increased the IL-1beta-induced nitrite production in a dose-dependent manner (10-100 microg/ml). Incubation with IL-1beta induced the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in cardiac myocytes, and CRP enhanced their expression. Addition of IL-1beta activated NF-kappaB in cardiac myocytes, while CRP did not affect IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB activation. These results indicated that CRP directly enhances NO synthesis in IL-1beta-stimulated cardiac myocytes through an NF-kappaB-independent mechanism.