Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 mRNA Research Articles

Activation of α7nAChR Protects Against Gastric Inflammation and Dysmotility in Parkinson's Disease Rats.

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP) has been proposed to regulate gastrointestinal inflammation via acetylcholine released from the vagus nerve activating α7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR) on macrophages. Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and PD rats with substantia nigra (SN) lesions exhibit gastroparesis and a decayed vagal pathway. To investigate whether activating α7nAChR could ameliorate inflammation and gastric dysmotility in PD rats, ELISA, western blot analysis, and real-time PCR were used to detect gastric inflammation. In vitro and in vivo gastric motility was investigated. Proinflammatory mediator levels and macrophage numbers were increased in the gastric muscularis of PD rats. α7nAChR was located on the gastric muscular macrophages of PD rats. The α7nAChR agonists PNU-282987 and GTS-21 decreased nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA expression in the ex vivo gastric muscularis of PD rats, and these effects were abolished by an α7nAChR antagonist. After treatment with PNU-282987 in vivo, the PD rats showed decreased NF-κB activation, inflammatory mediator production, and contractile protein expression and improved gastric motility. The present study reveals that α7nAChR is involved in the development of gastroparesis in PD rats and provides novel insight for the treatment of gastric dysmotility in PD patients.

Orange peel extract reduces the inflammatory state of skeletal muscle after downhill running via an increase in IL-1RA.

It has been reported that orange peel extract (OPE) and the 4 major polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) in OPE have a protective effect against downhill running (DR)-induced skeletal muscle inflammation. However, the mechanism is not well understood. We investigated the potential of OPE and PMF compounds for increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. The plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) level was increased 1 and 8 h after OPE administration in rats. Nobiletin induced the secretion of IL-1RA from C2C12 myotubes. In the inflammatory state of skeletal muscle after DR, OPE administration reduced nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) expression, NF-κB-DNA binding, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA levels, but these effects were all abrogated by the intravenous administration of IL-1RA neutralizing antibody. These results indicated that OPE reduces skeletal muscle inflammatory state after DR via an increase in IL-1RA, and that IL-1 receptor signaling is important for skeletal muscle inflammation after DR.

Baicalin Ameliorates Pancreatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Mice with Chronic Pancreatitis.

Pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis are typical pathological features in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been regarded as the core event in the development of pancreatic fibrosis and are considered to be the key target for treatment of CP. Baicalin (C21H18O11), the main chemical composition of Baikal skullcap in the traditional Chinese medicines Dachaihu decoction (DCHD) and Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD), has shown significant effects in the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis in CP mice; however, whether baicalin can inhibit the activation of PSCs and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, the influence of baicalin on activated PSCs in vitro and in vivo was investigated, and the results showed that Baicalin could significantly ameliorate the degree of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, while decreasing the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), F4/80 (surface markers of mouse macrophages), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)in the pancreas. Moreover, NF-κB and α-SMA were co-expressed in the pancreas of CP mice. Baicalin treatment markedly reduced the expression of co-location of α-SMA and NF-κB. In vitro, the protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1), phosphorylated TGF-β activated kinase 1 p-TAK 1, and NF-κBp65 in PSCs were all remarkably reduced after treatment with baicalin. In addition, baicalin could inhibit MCP-1 mRNA expression in supernatant of activated PSCs, as well as the excessive migration of macrophages. Taken together, our findings indicated that baicalin could inhibit the TGF-β1/TGF-βR1/TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway of activated PSCs, reduce the secretion of MCP-1, and further decrease the infiltration of macrophages and inflammation cells of the local microenvironment of the pancreas. Thus, this study provides a reliable experimental basis for baicalin in the prevention and treatment of CP.

Testosterone aggravates cerebral vascular injury by reducing plasma HDL levels.

Testosterone is often used to improve the physiological function. But increased testosterone levels affect blood lipids and cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which are risk factors for vascular diseases. This study aimed at investigating the effects of testosterone on cerebral vascular injury using an established intracranial aneurysm (IA) model. Sixteen-week-old female C57Bl/6 mice were subcutaneously infused with testosterone propionate (TP; 5 mg/kg day) or plain soybean oil (controls) for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of treatment, mice were given angiotensin II-elastase for another 4 weeks. The results showed that TP significantly increased cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in cerebral artery, together with increases in plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and in urinary 8-isoprostane levels. Plasma assays showed that 2 weeks after TP or soybean oil administration, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was higher in the TP group than in controls. In vitro studies showed that testosterone increased TNF-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA and protein expression levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages. In summary, by reducing the HDL level, TP aggravates cerebral artery injury by increasing cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Modulation of methotrexate efficacy by green tea polyphenols in rat adjuvant arthritis

BackgroundGreen tea catechins are widely employed as dietary supplements to restore the oxidative state in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, a model for human rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate is the first line antirheumatic drug. The present study aimed to investigate if a decaffeinated extract (GreenSelect®, GS) of tea polyphenols can ameliorate methotrexate treatment in rat adjuvant arthritis. MethodsThe study lasted 28 days and included healthy animals administered with GS (daily dose of 200 mg/kg), untreated arthritic rats and arthritic rats treated with: GS, methotrexate in single treatment or in combination with GS. Arthritic score and changes in body weigh were measured during the treatment while inflammatory markers (monocyte chemotactic protein-1, IL-17 and inducible NO-synthase mRNA) and biochemical parameters (gamma-glutamyltransferase and heme oxygenase-1) at the end of the treatment. ResultsThe association between GS and methotrexate was less efficient in ameliorating the arthritic score compared to methotrexate alone. GS did not improve the inflammatory and biochemical markers except for monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and negatively affected the body weight. GS did not increase the plasma antioxidant capacity, suggesting a pro-oxidant effect. ConclusionsThe results suggest that long-term administration of GS may inhibit the therapeutic action of methotrexate in arthritic rats.

Effect of complement C5a on the expression of MCP-1 and NGAL in immune kidney injury of trichloroethylene sensitized mice

Objective: To explore the possible role of C5a in the pathogenesis of renal injury in TCE- sensitized mice, to analyze the impact of expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the presence or absence of C5a receptor antagonist (C5aRA) pretreatment. Methods: A total of 50 female specific pathogens free(SPF) BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank control group (n=5) , solvent control group (n=5) , TCE group (n=20) , and TCE+C5aRA group (n= 20) . After one week for adaptive feeding, a mouse model of TCE-induced skin sensitization was established by treating with 50% TCE and 30% TCE in turn. The mice in solvent control group accept same reagents without TCE and the mice in blank control group underwent nothing. In TCE +C5aRA group, except for the TCE solution treatment, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mg/kg C5aRA solution at the time of challenge. And the skin erythema and edema reaction were scored 24 h after the last challenge. The mice were divided into sensitization positive group and sensitization negative group according to the scoring result. The mice were aseptically sacrificed 72 h after the last challenge to obtain the kidneys. The structural damage of kidney was observed after histopathological staining. The levels of NGAL and MCP-1 mRNA and proteins were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) , respectively. Results: The sensitization rate of mice in TCE group and TCE+C5aRA group was 45.0% (9/20) and 40.0% (8/20) , respectively. No skin lesions was found in the mice of blank control group and solvent control group. The results of histopathological staining showed that the TCE sensitization positive mice showed renal tubular dilatation, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, and infiltration of interstitial cells. The pathological damage of the kidney in TCE sensitization positive group was mild, and no inflammatory cell infiltration was seen. The data of qRT-PCR showed that the expression levels of NGAL and MCP-1 mRNA in the TCE sensitization positive group were significantly increased than in solvent control group and TCE sensitization negative group (P<0.05) , while the levels of NGAL and MCP-1 mRNA in TCE+C5aRA sensitization positive group were decreased than TCE sensitization positive group (P <0.05) . The results of IHC showed that the expression levels of NGAL and MCP-1 in TCE protein sensitization positive group were significantly higher than those in solvent control group and TCE sensitization negative group (P<0.05) . After C5aRA pretreatment, the expression levels of NGAL and MCP-1 protein were decreased than the mice in TCE sensitization positive group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The regulation of C5a on the expression of MCP-1 and NGAL may participate in TCE- induced mice kidney damage, and pharmacological inhibition of C5a seems to be an effective way to protect the kidney injury in TCE-sensitized mice.

Heparin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells

To investigate the effects of heparin on the secretion of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). HUVEC were cultured in vitro, and the cells between generation 4 and 5 were used for the experiments. The cells were divided into phosphate buffer saline (PBS) control group, heparin control group, LPS group, and heparin+LPS group. The LPS group was challenged with LPS 10 mg/L; the PBS control group was added with the same amount of PBS; the heparin group was added with 10 kU/L unfractionated heparin; the heparin+LPS group was treated with 10 kU/L unfractionated heparin 15 minutes before LPS stimulation. The cells were harvested at 6 hours and 12 hours after LPS stimulation in each group, and the MCP-1 mRNA expression was determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After incubation with each group, the fluorescent dyelabeled human monocyte cell line THP-1 was cultured with each group for 1 hour in the dark, and the adhesion density of THP-1 and HUVEC was observed under fluorescence microscope. Compared with the PBS control group, the MCP-1 mRNA expression significantly increased at 6 hours and 12 hours after LPS stimulation and peaked at 6 hours, then decreased gradually, but remained significantly higher than the PBS control group at 12 hours [2-ΔΔCt: 16.41 (15.03, 18.00) vs. 1.00 (0.80, 1.26) at 6 hours, 9.27 (8.11, 9.85) vs. 1.00 (0.84, 1.20) at 12 hours, both P < 0.05]. Heparin preconditioning significantly reduced LPS-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression [2-ΔΔCt: 2.06 (1.72, 2.46) vs. 16.41 (15.03, 18.00) at 6 hours, 2.46 (2.19, 4.56) vs. 9.27 (8.11, 9.85) at 12 hours, both P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in MCP-1 mRNA expression between the heparin control group and the PBS control group [2-ΔΔCt: 1.47 (1.29, 1.65) vs. 1.00 (0.80, 1.26) at 6 hours, 2.69 (2.58, 2.77) vs. 1.00 (0.84, 1.20) at 12 hours, both P > 0.05]. Fluorescence microscopy observation showed that LPS stimulation could promote the adhesion of THP-1 to HUVEC; heparin preconditioning could inhibit the adhesion of THP-1 to HUVEC stimulated by LPS. Heparin preconditioning could inhibit the MCP-1 mRNA expression , thereby reduce the adhesion of THP-1 to HUVEC, thus play a protective role in sepsis.

FNDC5 inhibits foam cell formation and monocyte adhesion in vascular smooth muscle cells via suppressing NFκB-mediated NLRP3 upregulation

Foam cell formation and monocytes adhesion are key events in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are an important origin of foam cells besides macrophages. Fibronectin type III domain containing protein 5 (FNDC5) is a protein, which induces browning of fat and attenuates glucose/lipid metabolic derangements in obese mice. The present study was designed to determine the roles of FNDC5 in inhibiting foam cell formation and monocyte adhesion in VSMCs and its underlying mechanisms. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) was used to induce foam cell formation and monocyte adhesion in human aortic VSMCs. Foam cell formation was evaluated by intracellular lipid droplets, cholesterol contents, and mRNA levels of acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT-1) and ATP binding cassette transporter A-1 (ABCA-1). Monocyte adhesion was evaluated by the number of monocytes adhered to VSMCs and mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). FNDC5 inhibited oxLDL-induced foam cell formation, monocyte adhesion, ABCA-1 mRNA downregulation, and ACAT-1, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA upregulation in VSMCs. It inhibited oxLDL-induced p65-NFκB nuclear translocation, NLRP3 upregulation, caspase-1 and IL-1β production. Inhibition of NFκB with BMS-345541 or inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 showed similar effects to FNDC5 in attenuating the oxLDL-induced foam cell formation, monocyte adhesion, and caspase-1 and IL-1β production. The oxLDL-induced NLRP3 upregulation was prevented by BMS-345541 rather than MCC950. These results indicate that FNDC5 inhibits oxLDL-induced foam cell formation and monocyte adhesion in VSMCs via suppressing NFκB-mediated NLRP3 upregulation and IL-1β production.

Abstract 661: Adipose specific monocyte chemotactic protein-1 knockdown reduces pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice

Abstract Adipose accumulation is a strong indicator of detrimental health outcomes because adipose tissue produces pro-inflammatory adipokines that participate in many pathological processes including cancer. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent adipokine and body adiposity is positively correlated with adipose MCP-1 expression. This study tested the hypothesis that adipose-produced MCP-1 contributes to metastasis. In a metastasis model of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), male adipose MCP-1 knockdown (MCP-1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed the standard AIN93G diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 16% or 45% of energy from soybean oil. The duration of experimental feeding was 11 weeks. The expression of MCP-1 in epididymal adipose tissue was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Pulmonary metastases from a primary tumor, established by subcutaneous injection of LLC cells, were the primary endpoints. There was no significant difference in fat body mass between MCP-1-/- and WT mice fed the same diet. There were no differences in energy intake among the four groups. The HFD increased and adipose MCP-1 knockdown decreased MCP-1 mRNA and protein in adipose tissue compared to their respective controls. The HFD increased the number of metastases formed in the lungs in WT mice. The number of metastasis was lower in MCP-1-/- mice fed the HFD than in WT mice fed the HFD but was higher compared to WT mice fed the AIN93G diet. The volume of metastases was smaller in MCP-1-/- mice than in WT mice, regardless of diet. Adipose MCP-1-/- mice, compared to WT mice, exhibited lower concentrations of insulin, pro-inflammatory adipokines (leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and resistin), and angiogenic markers (vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatic growth factor, and angiopoietin-2) in plasma. These results indicate that adipose MCP-1 knockdown may lead to the down-regulation of inflammatory and angiogenic pathways during malignant spread. We conclude that adipose MCP-1 deficiency attenuates HFD-enhanced pulmonary metastasis of LLC and supports our hypothesis that adipose-produced MCP-1 contributes to malignant spread. Citation Format: Sneha Sundaram, Lin Yan. Adipose specific monocyte chemotactic protein-1 knockdown reduces pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 661.

Rapamycin liposome gutta inhibiting fungal keratitis of rats.

To study the therapeutic effect of rapamycin liposome eyedrops on fungal keratitis (FK) and its effect on the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). This study adopted the thin film dispersion method to prepare rapamycin liposomes eyedrops, as well as used the orthogonal design to analyze and study main influencing factors that affected the quality of liposomes. Totally 96 healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (A), FK blank control group (B), FK blank liposomes control group (C), and 30 FK rapamycin liposome treatment group (D). Groups B, C, and D were first prepared as FK animal models. The corneal response was recorded in details on day 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 after modeling. Six rats were obtained and immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of MCP-1 protein and mRNA, respectively. The severity of corneal lesions in the rapamycin treatment group was reduced, and the clinical score of the slit lamp examination was lower than that of Groups B and C (P<0.01). The expression of MCP-1 in rapamycin treatment group was significantly inhibited, comparing to that of groups B and C (P<0.01). Liposome is a good drug carrier for rapamycin. Rapamycin has a good therapeutic effect on FK. It can reduce FK fungal burden and significantly inhibit the expression of MCP-1 protein and mRNA.

Baicalein protects renal tubular epithelial cells againsthypoxia-reoxygenation injury

Background: To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of baicalein (BAI), a naturally occurring flavonoid, against hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) injury in renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). Methods: Cultured human renal proximal tubular cell line HK-2 was exposed to 24 h of hypoxia (5% CO2, 1% O2, and 94% N2), followed by 12 h of reoxygenation (5% CO2, 21% O2, and 74% N2). HK-2 cells were divided into three groups: control, HR, and HR-BAI (0.3 µg/ml). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured and cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and morphology. ELISAs were performed to determine the levels of IL-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). IL-1β, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: HK-2 cells that underwent HR exhibited increases in IL-1β expression by 0.94%, ROS by 0.59%, ICAM-1 expression by 0.8%, and MCP-1 expression by 1.2%. Moreover, HK-2 cell apoptosis was increased after HR (p < .05). Compared with the HR group, BAI treatment reduced the elevation of oxidative stress (ROS) by 0.76%, as well as HR-mediated induction of IL-1β and apoptosis of HK2 cells. Protein and mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 were also reduced. Conclusions: BAI protects renal tubular epithelial cells from HR injury by reducing inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress.

Mechanism of MCP-1 in Acute Lung Injury and Advanced Therapy by Drug-Loaded Dextrin Nanoparticle

Objective. To observe the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in acute lung injury (ALI) rat model, to characterize its effect on the development and progression of ALI, and to identify the potential new drug delivery approach during in vivo experiment. Method. The effects of different doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) were tested. For the animal experiments, thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into physiological saline control group (NC group), the LPS model group (L group), the antagonist RS102895 combined with LPS group (R + L group), and the antagonist RS102895-loaded polyaldehyde dextran nanoparticles combined with LPS group (DNPR + L group). The blood gas analysis and dry/wet weight ratio were detected 24 hours after interventions. The levels of inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were tested by ELISA. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in lung tissues was examined through Western blot, and the change of MCP-1 mRNA expression level was detected by performing RT-PCR. Result. LPS was responsible for inducing ALI in rats, and the degree of cell damage was dose-dependent. Blood gas analysis of L group showed that PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 levels were significantly lower than those of the NC group (P&lt;0.05), while the dry/wet weight ratio of lung tissues in L group increased (P&lt;0.05). Inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-1β and the expression of MCP-1 in both protein and mRNA levels were higher in L group than in the NC group (P&lt;0.05). The inhibition of the interaction between MCP-1 and chemokines receptor 2 (CCR2) by antagonist RS102895 can significantly alleviate the ALI in rats, which is accompanied by a significant decrease of inflammatory factors and MCP-1 expression (P&lt;0.05). Compared with R + L group, treatment with DNPR and LPS combination significantly improved the condition of rats and decreased the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 expression (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion. In ALI, RS102895 can inhibit the MCP-1/CCR2 interaction, therefore, retarding the progress of ALI. Because of the high transfection efficiency of inhibitor RS102895packgaed by polyaldehyde dextran nanoparticles, this phenomenon particularly reached a significant level. The results imply new insights for the treatment of ALI.

Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate Amadori-glycated albumin-induced MCP-1 expression in retinal microglia by a microRNA-124-dependent mechanism.

To determine whether the long noncoding RNA MALAT1 may be involved in the inflammatory effect of Amadori-glycated albumin (AGA) in retinal microglia via a microRNA-124 (miR-124)-dependent mechanism. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the retinas of rats was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect the levels of MCP-1 mRNA and soluble MCP-1 protein in the primary rat retinal microglia treated with AGA. The regulation of a putative target of miR-124 was validated by luciferase reporter assays. MALAT1 knockdown ameliorated diabetic retinopathy (DR) and inhibited MCP-1 release in the retinas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The cultured retinal microglial cells treated with AGA-released MCP-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, AGA consistently induced MALAT1 expression in the retinal microglial cells. Next, we demonstrated that the expression of MCP-1 is controlled by miR-124, which binds to the 3'-UTR of MCP-1 in microglial cells. Luciferase reporter assays and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assays showed that MALAT1 targets miR-124. Finally, we demonstrated that MALAT1 acts as a competing endogenous RNA by directly binding to miR-124 to regulate AGA-induced MCP-1 expression in microglial cells. MALAT1-miR-124-MCP-1 signaling pathway may be involved in AGA-induced MCP-1 expression in microglial cells, which may provide a new approach for the treatment of DR.

Therapeutic effects of Chai Qin Cheng Qi decoction on severe acute pancreatitis complicated liver damage in rats and its mechanisms

To study the effects of Chai Qin Cheng Qi Decoction(CQCQD)(Traditional Chinese Medicine)on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)complicated liver damage in rats. Seventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=24):Sham group, SAP group and CQCQD treatment group. SAP model was induced by retrograde injection with sodium taurocholate. The rats in CQCQD group received treatment with CQCQD. After modeling 1 h, 5 h, 10 h, pancreas and liver histopathological changes were observed. The serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6), amylase(AMS), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate transaminase(AST) were detected. IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1)mRNA in pancreas and liver were assayed. Compared with sham group, the activities of AMS,ALT and AST and the serum level of IL-6 in SAP group were increased significantly. The levels of MCP-1 and IL-6 mRNA in pancreas and liver tissue were increased (P<0.05). Compared with SAP group, the activities of AMS,ALT and AST and the level of IL-6 in CQCQD group were reduced significantly (P<0.05). The pancreas and liver tissue pathological damage alleviated. The levels of IL-6 and MCP-1mRNA in pancreas and liver were decreased significantly(P<0.05). MCP-1 takes part in the progression of SAP complicated liver damage; CQCQD can significantly inhibit the expression of pancreas and liver MCP-1, alleviate pathological damage of pancreas and liver in SAP and play a therapeutic role in SAP complicated liver damage.

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in peritoneal mesothelial cells

Peritoneal fibrosis (PS) determines the long-term outcome of peritoneal dialysis (PD). We previous confirmed that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) inhibited PS, but its cellular mechanism was not fully elucidated. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of mesothelial cells (MCs) is an important cellular event of PS, we therefore investigated whether EMT can be affected by H2S in MCs. Rats were treated with 4.25% -glucose PD fluids plus lipopolysaccharide for 28 days to produce PS, and NaHS (56 μg/kg.d) was given simultaneously. NaHS (56 μg/kg.d) reduced the deposition of collagen in the submesothelial zone compared with the PS group. In primarily cultured rat MCs, 4.25% -glucose PD fluid induced EMT in MCs featured as loss of ZO-1 and Cytokeratin, and increase of α-SMA, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, fibronectin and TGF-β1 proteins. PD fluid also increased IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA expressions as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Smad3. NaHS (50–300 μmol/L) reversed the above alterations with the optimal dose at 100 μmol/L. Thus, exogenous H2S improves PS by inhibiting EMT in MCs. The anti-EMT effect of H2S is associated with the inhibition of inflammation and TGF-β1-Smad signal pathway.

Effects of Porphyromonas endodontalis lipopolysaccharides on the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in mouse osteoblasts

To investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from Porphyromonas endodontalis (P.endodontalis) on expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA and protein in MC3T3-E1 cells and the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kB(NF-kB）in the process. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with different concentrations of P.endodontalis LPS(0-50mg/L) and 20 mg/L P.endodontalis LPS for different hours (0-48 h). The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was detected by real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR) and protein was detected by enzyme-1inked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MC3T3-E1 cells were pretreated with SB203580 (inhibitor of p38MAPK) and BAY11-7082 (inhibitor of NF-kB) for 1h, and then were treated with 20 mg/L P.endodontalis LPS for 24 h, the expression of MCP-1 mRNA was also detected by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett t test with SPSS 13.0 software package. The level of MCP-1 mRNA and protein increased significantly after treatment with different concentrations of P.endodontalis LPS (0-50 mg/L), which indicated that P.endodontalis LPS induced osteoblasts to express MCP-1 in a dose dependent manners. During the observation time (0-48 h), the impact of 20 mg/L P.endodontalis LPS on induction of MCP-1 in MC3T3-E1 cells exhibited a time-dependent manner. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA decreased significantly after pretreated with 10 mol/L SB203580 and BAY11-7082 for 1 h,and the inhibitory effect of SB203580 was stronger than BAY11-7082. P.endodontalis LPS may induce the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein in MC3T3-E1 cells through the signaling pathway of p38MAPK and NF-kB.

Preliminary investigation of the vitamin D pathway in periodontal connective tissue cells.

The vitamin D pathway, from toll-like receptor activation to human cationic antimicrobial protein (hCAP-18/LL-37) generation, has been identified in monocytes and keratinocytes. This study aimed to investigate the vitamin D pathway in human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and to provide preliminary evidence of its role in periodontal immune defense. Primary cultures of hGFs and hPDLCs were stimulated with 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 , with or without Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide. CYP27B1 RNA interference and vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonism were also used for reverse proof. The mRNA expression of hCAP-18/LL-37, VDR, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The LL-37 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In hGFs and hPDLCs, 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 induced hCAP-18/LL-37 expression, which was further increased by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide. If the function of CYP27B1 or VDR was blocked, the induction was significantly weakened. IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA expression could be suppressed by the vitamin D pathway. These findings suggest that the vitamin D pathway exists in hGFs and hPDLCs and plays an important role in immune defense in periodontal soft tissues.

Angiotensin receptor-binding molecule in leukocytes in association with the systemic and leukocyte inflammatory profile

Background and aimsThe components of the renin-angiotensin system in leukocytes is involved in the pathophysiology of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-associated protein (ATRAP) is an AT1R-specific binding protein, and is able to inhibit the pathological activation of AT1R signaling in certain animal models of NCDs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and regulation of ATRAP in leukocytes. MethodsHuman leukocyte ATRAP mRNA was measured with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction system, and analyzed in relation to the clinical variables. We also examined the leukocyte cytokines mRNA in bone-marrow ATRAP-deficient and wild-type chimeric mice after injection of low-dose lipopolysaccharide. ResultsThe ATRAP mRNA was abundantly expressed in leukocytes, predominantly granulocytes and monocytes, of healthy subjects. In 86 outpatients with NCDs, leukocyte ATRAP mRNA levels correlated positively with granulocyte and monocyte counts and serum C-reactive protein levels. These positive relationships remained significant even after adjustment. Furthermore, the leukocyte ATRAP mRNA was significantly associated with the interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA levels in leukocytes of NCDs patients. In addition, the leukocyte interleukin-1β mRNA level was significantly upregulated in bone marrow ATRAP-deficient chimeric mice in comparison to wild-type chimeric mice after injection of lipopolysaccharide. ConclusionsThese results suggest that leukocyte ATRAP is an emerging marker capable of reflecting the systemic and leukocyte inflammatory profile, and plays a role as an anti-inflammatory factor in the pathophysiology of NCDs.

Effect of berberine on lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-8 expression in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line

PurposeIn this study, we elucidated the effects of berberine, a major alkaloid component contained in medicinal herbs, such as Phellodendri Cortex and Coptidis Rhizoma, on expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation.MethodsARPE-19 cells were cultured to confluence. Berberine and LPS were added to the medium. MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. MCP-1 and IL-8 protein concentrations in the media were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAfter stimulation with LPS, MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA in ARPE-19 cells reached maximum levels at 3 h, and MCP-1 and IL-8 protein in the culture media reached maximum levels at 24 h. Berberine dose-dependently inhibited MCP-1 and IL-8 mRNA expression of the cells and protein levels in the media stimulated with LPS.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that berberine inhibited the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 induced by LPS.

Expression of optineurin isolated from rat-injured dental pulp and the effects on inflammatory signals in normal rat kidney cells.

We previously isolated rat 14.7K-interacting protein-2 (rFIP-2) from the rat-wounded pulp. The protein, homologous to human FIP-2, is known as optineurin and was initially identified as a novel tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-inducible protein, and more recently, as an autophagy receptor. However, the biological role of optineurin in dental pulp remains elusive. We hypothesized that optineurin has a crucial role in regulating molecular processes during pulp inflammatory responses induced by TNF-α. We examined the kinetics of optineurin expression in pulp inflammation. Optineurin localization and expression were examined using rat pulp fibroblasts. The cells were treated with pharmacological inhibitors for TNF-α-induced inflammatory signals or with hydrogen peroxide as apoptotic stimuli. Stable optineurin-knockdown cells (OPTN-KD cells) were established by transfecting normal rat kidney cells with a vector expressing optineurin-specific small interfering RNA. Cell proliferation and the profiles of cytokines and intracellular signaling molecules were examined using OPTN-KD cells stimulated by TNF-α. Optineurin was localized in the cytoplasm and then translocated into the nucleus upon apoptotic stimuli. Optineurin expression was increased by TNF-α and decreased by a specific inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. The OPTN-KD cells secreted smaller amounts of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and intracellular MCP-1 mRNA, and cell proliferation was significantly increased. Apoptosis-related signaling molecules were downregulated in OPTN-KD cells. These results demonstrated that optineurin is a crucial molecule mediated by TNF-α, which induces the production of inflammatory factors and apoptosis signaling, suggesting the presence of signaling interactions between optineurin and a transcription factor for MCP-1.