Nuclear Factor kappa-B Inhibitor Alpha Research Articles

Short-term feeding of high-fat diet induces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in arcuate nucleus in rats

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of high-fat diet-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of obese-prone and obese-resistant rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into obese-prone and obese-resistant groups based on their initial body weight. They were then fed either a 5% or 60% fat-containing diet. In the ARC, the expression of inflammatory markers [Interleukin (IL-6); Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Inhibitor Alpha (NFKBIA); Cluster of Differentiation (CD)-66; and mucin-like hormone receptor-like 1 (EMR-1)], as well as levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), was assessed along with body weight, blood glucose, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance, plasma insulin and plasma leptin levels after ten days of intervention. Results: The results showed a significantly higher expression of inflammatory markers in the ARC of high-fat diet-induced obese rats after ten days. Body weight, plasma insulin, plasma leptin and hydrogen peroxide production were also significantly higher in obese-prone rats fed a high-fat diet. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that short-term consumption of a high-fat diet can lead to hypothalamic inflammation and ROS production in the ARC of rats. Obese-prone rats exhibited hyperinsulinaemia and hyperleptinaemia after short-term high-fat diet consumption.

DNA Methylation, Inflammation, and Neurobehavior in Preterm Infants.

Objectives: Inflammation contributes to disparate neurodevelopmental outcomes between preterm and term-born infants. In this context, DNA methylation may contribute to inflammation by affecting gene expression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nuclear factor-kappa-B-inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) are important genes for targeted DNA methylation analysis. The aims of this study were to (1) identify associations between inflammatory factors and BDNF and NFKBIA methylation, and (2) identify associations between BDNF and NFKBIA methylation and early neurobehavior in preterm infants. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study of preterm infants born 28-31weeks gestational age, blood samples were collected weekly for the quantification of inflammatory factors. We extracted DNA from saliva samples and quantified methylation of six BDNF cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and five NFKBIA CpG sites. Neurobehavior was assessed using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant. Results: Sixty-five infants were included in the analysis. In females, inflammatory factors were positively associated with BDNF methylation of most CpG sites. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was negatively associated with NFKBIA methylation at two CpG sites. In males, interleukin-6 was negatively associated with BDNF and NFKBIA methylation at most CpG sites. In females, BDNF methylation at two sites was inversely associated with motor performance. In males, NFKBIA methylation at one site was inversely associated with motor performance. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the relationship between inflammation and neurobehavior in preterm infants, working mechanistically through DNA methylation. The finding of a difference between males and females suggests that female infants are potentially more vulnerable to inflammation and warrants future study.

Development and validation of biomarkers related to PANoptosis in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a high-incidence disease of the orthopedic system. However, studies on the molecular mechanisms of OA and pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis (PANoptosis) at the transcriptome level remain scarce. Therefore, this study purposed to detect biomarkers in OA and explore their relationship to the immune microenvironment. OA-related expression data was sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently, differentially expressed analysis and a Venn diagram were performed to obtain differentially expressed PANoptosis-related genes (DEPGs). Furthermore, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE), and random forest (RF) were implemented to screen diagnostic genes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to verify the diagnostic ability of the diagnostic genes. Next, immune infiltration analysis was performed to find the relationships between differential immune cells (OA vs. normal) and diagnostic genes. Finally, drug prediction analysis was also carried out, and the expression of diagnostic genes was verified in external datasets. A total of 62 DEPGs were identified, which were enriched for regulating apoptotic signaling pathways, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways, and other related pathways. Three feature genes, nuclear factor-kappa-B inhibitor-alpha (NFKBIA), RING finger protein 34 (RNF34), and serine incorporator 3 (SERINC3) were obtained by intersecting genes obtained by the LASSO regression algorithm, SVM algorithm, and RF algorithm and showed excellent diagnostic efficacy with the Area under the curve (AUC) values of individual genes were all greater than 0.7, indicating that the model was more effective. Immuno-infiltration analysis showed that RNF34 was positively correlated with CD56dim natural killer cells, type 17 helper T cells, and NFKBIA was positively correlated with plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Additionally, 12 drugs were predicted by NFKBIA, such as gambogic acid and dioscin. In addition, NFKBIA and SERINC3 were significantly downregulated, and RNF34 was upregulated in OA samples. Three genes (NFKBIA, RNF34, and SERINC3) related to PANoptosis, were obtained by bioinformatics analysis, which would provide a new direction for the diagnosis and treatment of OA.

Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of 6,7-Dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene from Chinese Yam Modulating NF-κB/COX-2 Signaling Pathway: The Application of Molecular Docking and Gene Silencing

Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) tuber has a significant effect of invigorating the intestine and improving the symptoms of long-term diarrhea according to the records of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Phenanthrene polyphenols from Chinese yam, with higher inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) than anti-inflammatory drugs, are an important material basis in alleviating ulcerative colitis via nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/COX-2 pathway, based on our previous research. The present study further explored the target and molecular mechanisms of phenanthrenes' modulation of the NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway by means of molecular docking and gene silencing. Firstly, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression of 6-hydroxy-2,4,7-trimethoxyphenanthrene (PC2)/6,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphe-nanthrene (PC4) were compared on TNF-α induced human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Secondly, molecular docking and dynamics simulation were implemented for PC2/PC4 and COX-2. Finally, COX-2 silencing was performed on TNF-α induced Caco-2 cells to confirm the target of PC4 on NF-κB/COX-2 pathway. Lower expression of IL-8 and TNF-α in PC4 treated Caco-2 cells indicated that PC4 had stronger anti-inflammatory activity than PC2. The binding of PC4 and COX-2 was stronger due to the hydrogen bond between hydroxyl group and Tyr385. No significant differences were found in phosphorylation nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor alpha (pIkBα), phosphorylation NF-κB (pNF-κB) and phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) expression between control and PC4 group after silencing, while these protein expressions significantly decreased in PC4 group without silencing, which confirmed that COX-2 was the important target for PC4 in alleviating ulcerative colitis. These findings indicate that PC4 was supposed to have inhibited NF-κB pathway mediated inflammation via suppression of positive feedback targeting COX-2.

Long Noncoding RNA MALAT1 Regulates the Progression of Atherosclerosis by miR-330-5p/NF-κB Signal Pathway.

Long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was reported to be related to atherosclerosis (AS) progression. However, the underlying mechanism of MALAT1 in AS remains unknown. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression of MALAT1 and miR-330-5p. Western blot was applied to assess the protein levels of cluster of differentiation 36, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor alpha and phosphorylation of p65. Flow cytometry assay, cell counting kit 8 assay, triglyceride, and total cholesterol detection assays were used to detect the apoptosis, viability, and lipid indexes of THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells. Online database starbasev2.0 was used to predict the binding sequences between MALAT1 and miR-330-5p and it was verified by dual-luciferase reporter system and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Besides, an AS mice model was used to evaluate the effect of MALAT1 in vivo. As a result, MALAT1 was overexpressed, whereas miR-330-5p was downregulated in THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells. MiR-330-5p was a target of MALAT1. MALAT1 depletion inhibited cell formation, apoptosis, and inflammation in THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells. Besides, MALAT1 overexpression promoted the inflammation in AS mice model, which promoted the pathogenesis of AS. Furthermore, miR-330-5p regulated the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway in THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells. Moreover, MALAT1 regulated NF-κB signal pathway to mediate the pathogenesis of AS by sponging miR-330-5p. MALAT1 sponges miR-330-5p to activate NF-κB signal pathway in THP-1 macrophages-derived foam cells. This finding may provide a novel biomarker for AS diagnosis.

Pharmacological Effects of Agastache rugosa against Gastritis Using a Network Pharmacology Approach.

Agastache rugosa is used as a Korean traditional medicine to treat gastric diseases. However, the active ingredients and pharmacological targets of A. rugosa are unknown. In this study, we aimed to reveal the pharmacological effects of A. rugosa on gastritis by combining a mice model and a network pharmacology method. The macrophage and gastritis-induced models were used to evaluate the pharmacological effects of A. rugosa. The results show that A. rugosa relieved mucosal damage induced by HCl/EtOH in vivo. Network analysis identified 99 components in A. rugosa; six components were selected through systematic screening, and five components were linked to 45 gastritis-related genes. The main components were acacetin and luteolin, and the identified core genes were AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA), and mitogen-activated protein kinase-3 (MAPK3) etc. in this network. The network of components, target genes, protein–protein interactions, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway was closely connected with chemokines and with phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt (PI3K/AKT), tumor-necrosis-factor alpha (TNFα), mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. In conclusion, A. rugosa exerts gastro-protective effects through a multi-compound and multi-pathway regulatory network and holds potential for treating inflammatory gastric diseases.

Fungal Dysbiosis Aggravates Pouchitis in a Rat Model of Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis.

Although the interaction between gut microbiota and pouchitis after ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) has been confirmed, evidence of commensal mycobiota in the etiology of pouchitis is still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the role of fungi in the pathogenesis of pouchitis. Fecal samples were collected from UC patients with or without pouchitis after IPAA. Experimental pouchitis was induced by 5% dextran sulfate sodium for 7 consecutive days in a rat model of IPAA. Fungal dysbiosis was induced by 0.5% fluconazole (Flu), and commensal fungal recognition through dectin-1 was blocked by 5% laminarin. Fecal fungal composition was analyzed using internal transcribed spacer 2 sequencing. Severity of pouchitis and activation of the CARD9-nuclear factor kappa-B pathway was determined among different groups. Patients with pouchitis had a lower alpha (α) diversity in mycobiota composition and a higher abundance of Saccharomyces at the genus level compared with those with a normal pouch. In the rat model of pouchitis, Flu treatment decreased fungal burden but induced fungal dysbiosis, characterized by increased α diversity, a decreased relative abundance of Kazachstania, and increased Polythrincium and Saccharomyces. In addition, Flu treatment worsened dextran sulfate sodium pouchitis, as indicated by increased mortality, weight loss, higher histological score, and CD4+ cell infiltration. Laminarin also increased the severity of pouchitis. In the Flu and laminarin groups, the expression of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, CARD9, and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor alpha was decreased. Patients with pouchitis had altered fungal composition. Fungal dysbiosis or recognition deficiency by the host may exacerbate experimental pouchitis. Strategies targeting commensal mycobiota may provide therapeutic potential against pouchitis, especially for antibiotic-refractory patients.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytokines Might Affect Postoperative Sufentanil Dosage for Analgesia in Patients.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of genetic polymorphisms of cytokines on the dosage of sufentanil for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after radical lung cancer surgery.MethodsA total of 100 patients, aged 18 years and above, with ASA grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ and body mass index (BMI) 18.5 to 30, and who were scheduled for radical lung cancer surgery under total intravenous anaesthesia with PCIA of sufentanil from September 2015 to March 2016, were selected. DNA was collected from peripheral blood samples before surgery, and the iMLDRTM multiple single-nucleotide polymorphism typing kit was used to detect 16 related single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites of interleukin-1A (IL-1A), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1RN (IL-1RN), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor kappa-B1 (NFκB1), REL (REL proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit), and nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFκBIA). The general characteristics of patients, surgery and anaesthesia data, postoperative resting VAS pain scores, postoperative opioid dosages of sufentanil for PCIA and opioid-related adverse events were recorded. The effects of the examined genetic polymorphisms of the cytokines on the dosage of sufentanil were analysed.ResultsEight of 100 patients withdrew for various reasons, and, eventually, 92 patients were included. The patients’ resting visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after surgery were 2.3 ± 1.2, 2.0 ± 0.9, and 1.9 ± 1.0, respectively. The total amounts of sufentanil used were 34.7 ± 10.5 μg, 65.2 ± 13.7 μg, and 94.7 ± 11.6 μg, respectively. We found that the TT genotype of NFκBIA rs696 had higher PCIA sufentanil dosages than the CC genotype and the CT genotype at 48–72 h postoperation (p=0.023, p=0.025, respectively).ConclusionThe genetic polymorphisms of the cytokine NFκBIA rs696 might affect the dosage of sufentanil for PCIA after radical lung cancer surgery. The specific mechanism needs further study.

Silencing of ATP2B1-AS1 contributes to protection against myocardial infarction in mouse via blocking NFKBIA-mediated NF-κB signalling pathway.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an acute coronary syndrome that refers to tissue infarction of the myocardium. This study aimed to investigate the effect of long intergenic non‐protein‐coding RNA (lincRNA) ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 1 antisense RNA 1 (ATP2B1‐AS1) against MI by targeting nuclear factor‐kappa‐B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) and mediating the nuclear factor‐kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway. An MI mouse model was established and idenepsied by cardiac function evaluation. It was determined that ATP2B1‐AS1 was highly expressed, while NFKBIA was poorly expressed and NF‐κB signalling pathway was activated in MI mice. Cardiomyocytes were extracted from mice and introduced with a series of mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 vector, NFKBIA vector, siRNA‐mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 and siRNA‐NFKBIA. The expression of NF‐κBp50, NF‐κBp65 and IKKβ was determined to idenepsy whether ATP2B1‐AS1 and NFKBIA affect the NF‐κB signalling pathway, the results of which suggested that ATP2B1‐AS1 down‐regulated the expression of NFKBIA and activated the NF‐κB signalling pathway in MI mice. Based on the data from assessment of cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and levels of inflammatory cytokines, either silencing of mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 or overexpression of NFKBIA was suggested to result in reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and expression of inflammatory cytokines, as well as enhanced cardiomyocyte viability. Our study provided evidence that mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 silencing may have the potency to protect against MI in mice through inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation, highlighting a great promise as a novel therapeutic target for MI.

Renin-angiotensin system inhibition ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through the inactivation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B.

Therapeutic interventions for liver fibrosis are still limited due to the complicated molecular pathogenesis. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) seems to contribute to the development of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of RAS inhibition on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Mice were treated with silymarin (30 mg·kg-1), perindopril (1 mg·kg-1), fosinopril (2 mg·kg-1), or losartan (10 mg·kg-1). The administration of RAS inhibitors improved liver histology and decreased protein expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hepatic content of hydroxyproline. These effects found to be mediated via inactivation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway by the inhibition of NFκB p65 phosphorylation at the Ser536 residue and phosphorylation-induced degradation of nuclear factor kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFκBia) subsequently inhibited NFκB-induced TNF-α and TGF-β1, leading to lower levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We concluded that the tissue affinity of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) has no impact on its antifibrotic activity and that interfering the RAS either through the inhibition of ACE or the blockade of AT1R has the same therapeutic benefit. These results suggest RAS inhibitors as promising candidates for further clinical trials in the management of hepatic fibrosis.

Genetic Association Between NFKBIA -881A>G Polymorphism and Cancer Susceptibility.

Several epidemiological studies have focused on the role of nuclear factor-kappa-B inhibitor-alpha (NFKBIA) -881 A>G polymorphism in cancer susceptibility. However, the published data have led to contentious results. This study was designed to examine the association between -881 A>G polymorphism and cancer risk.Comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of science and Embase, identified a total of 5 case-control studies. To assess the association, comparison among all subjects plus subgroup analysis by ethnicity was performed and odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated with the fixed-effect model or the random-effects model dependent on the heterogeneity.The pooling data consisting of 1965 cancer cases and 2717 cancer-free controls demonstrated no significant association with overall cancer risk. However, the subgroup of Asian populations showed statistical evidence for an increase in risk of cancer (GG vs. AA, OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.03–4.46; GG + GA vs. AA, OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01–1.47; GG vs. GA + AA, OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.01–4.34).This investigation on the association of -881 A>G polymorphism and cancer susceptibility reveals that -881 A>G polymorphism may act as a candidate for cancer development in Asian populations.

Bifidobacterium species lower serum glucose, increase expressions of insulin signaling proteins, and improve adipokine profile in diabetic mice.

This study, using C57BL/6J mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, aimed to determine whether Bifidobacterium species (spp.) both induces the expressions of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and enhances the expressions of certain adipocytokines. The protein expressions of IκB kinase alpha (IKKα), IκB kinase beta (IKKβ), nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor alpha (IκBα), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were also investigated. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium spp. reduced blood glucose levels significantly and increased the protein expressions of insulin receptor beta, insulin receptor substrate 1, protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), IKKα, and IκBα. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) showed increased expression. Bifidobacterium spp. also induced the adiponectin expression and decreased both macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. In addition, IKKβ, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAP kinase expressions showed no significant changes in both groups. In conclusion, Bifidobacterium spp. may be the promising bacteria for treating diabetes.

MiR-196a Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression by Targeting Nuclear Factor Kappa-B-Inhibitor Alpha

Aberrant expression of miR-196a has been frequently reported in different cancers including pancreatic cancer. However, its function in pancreatic cancer has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the expression pattern and the biological role of miR-196a in pancreatic cancer cell lines, as well as its interaction with a metastasis-related gene, nuclear factor-kappa-B-inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA). We demonstrated that miR-196a was up-regulated in human pancreatic cancer cell lines compared with immortalized pancreatic ductal epithelial cells by means of microRNAs microarray and qRT-PCR. Furthermore, down-regulation of miR-196a in PANC-1 suppressed its proliferation and migration with an increase in G0/G1 transition and decreased expression of Cyclin D1 and CDK4/6. Meanwhile, an increased expression in E-cadherin and decreased expression in N-cadherin and Vimentin were also observed. We identified a novel miR-196a target, NFKBIA, and down-regulation of miR-196a enhanced the expression of NFKBIA protein. Luciferase assay confirmed that NFKBIA was a direct and specific target of miR-196a. Silencing NFKBIA in PANC-1 cells enhanced its proliferation and migration. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR-196a is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cell lines, and may play a crucial role in pancreatic cancer proliferation and migration, possibly through its downstream target, NFKBIA. Thus, miR-196a may serve as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.

Nuclear factor-kappa-B-inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) is a developmental marker of NF- B/p65 activation during in vitro oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis

The oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET) requires a co-ordinated transcriptional programme acting through evolutionarily conserved events, and transcription factors (TFs) are known to control these processes. Here, we focus on nuclear factor (NF)-κB, a TF involved in several cellular processes, studying NFκB-inhibitor (NFKBIA) mRNA and its protein product, IκBα, during OET. NFKBIA and IκBα are part of a regulatory loop, as IκBα is the major down-regulator of NF-κB activation while NFKBIA transcription is activated by NF-κB. We found a dynamic correlation between NFKBIA transcript, expression of IκBα-protein and activation of NF-κB/p65 in bovine oocyte and embryo. During the transition from immature to in vitro matured bovine oocyte, we observed a decrease in maternal NFKBIA mRNA and a parallel increase of the IκBα-protein (both P < 0.05). In the embryo, NFKBIA neo-synthesis is activated as a consequence of embryo genome activation (EGA), and IκBα decreases. NF-κB/p65-binding activity was detectable at low levels in immature oocyte, disappeared in dormant metaphase II oocyte and was strong in the embryo, during embryonic NFKBIA synthesis. The level of NF-κB/p65 DNA binding correlates with the timing of meiotic silencing during bovine oocyte maturation and embryonic transcription reprogramming. The IκBα/NF-κB circuit appears to be a tightly stage-controlled mechanism that could govern OET, being activated at EGA. Our findings represent the first characterization of NFKBIA and IκBα as maternal effectors in both the bovine oocyte and embryo. We suggest a role for NFKBIA as a marker of NF-κB/p65 activation in the human oocyte and early embryo.

Cleaved caspase-3 and nuclear factor- κB p65 are prognostic factors in metastatic serous ovarian carcinoma

Tumor progression and treatment failure in ovarian carcinoma are frequently associated with metastasis to effusions. The present study analyzed the expression and clinical role of nuclear factor-kappaB p65, nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor alpha, and parameters of apoptosis in serous carcinoma. Cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-8 levels and deoxyuridine triphosphate incorporation were measured in 65 effusions using flow cytometry. Effusions (n = 209) and corresponding primary carcinomas and solid metastases (n = 114) were immunohistochemically analyzed for nuclear factor-kappaB p65 and nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor alpha expression. Effusions (n = 75) were further analyzed for nuclear factor-kappaB phospho-p65 (Ser536) levels using immunoblotting. Results were analyzed for association with anatomic site, clinicopathologic parameters, and survival. Caspase cleavage and deoxyuridine triphosphate incorporation were limited to less than 10% of cells in most effusions. Nuclear factor-kappaB p65 expression was frequently detected at all anatomic sites, with less frequent cytoplasmic nuclear factor-kappaB p65 and nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor alpha expressions. Immunoblotting showed nuclear factor-kappaB p65 phosphorylation in 72 (96%) of 75 effusions. Higher than median cleaved caspase-3 levels correlated with improved overall and progression-free survival in univariate analysis of all patients (P = .024 and P = .046, respectively) and of those with postchemotherapy effusions (P = .042 and P = .036, respectively). Cleaved caspase-3 expression was an independent predictor of longer progression-free survival for patients with postchemotherapy effusions (P = .029). Nuclear factor-kappaB p65 expression correlated with poor progression-free survival for all patients (P = .048) and for those with postchemotherapy effusions (P = .025). Ovarian carcinoma cells in effusions undergo little apoptosis, but high levels of cleaved caspase-3 are associated with improved survival. Nuclear factor-kappaB p65 is frequently expressed in advanced-stage serous ovarian carcinoma, and its nuclear localization is associated with poor progression-free survival.

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation reduces tumor growth and tumor cell proliferation ex vivo and prevents cachexia in Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats by modifying nuclear factor-κB expression

Cancer cachexia syndrome contributes to wasting and weight loss leading to inefficacy of anticancer therapy. In this study, the anticatabolic agent beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) was supplemented to adult Walker 256 tumor-bearing rats during 8 weeks aiming to determine if tumor burden could be reduced. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to nontumor and tumor-bearing groups and fed regular chow or regular chow plus HMB supplemented (76 mg/kg body weight). Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation induced a lower tumor weight and tumor cell proliferation ex vivo, totally prevented glycemia reduction, as well as blunted the increase in the serum lactate concentrations and also preserved glycogen stores in tumor-bearing rats. Reduction in tumor cell proliferation ex vivo was accompanied by increased nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor-alpha content by more than 100%. In contrast, nuclear factor-kappaB p65 subunit content was suppressed by 17% with HMB supplementation. In conclusion, HMB supplementation, at a similar dose used in humans to increase muscle mass, caused antitumor and anticachectic effects, with tumor-cell nuclear factor-kappaB pathway participation, which might be a potential nutritional strategy in cancer therapy.

NFκB and Its Inhibitor IκB in Relation to Type 2 Diabetes and Its Microvascular and Atherosclerotic Complications

Nuclear factor κ B (NFκB) is an important transcription factor that together with its inhibitor (IκB) participates in the activation of genes involved in immune responses. We examined the CA repeat polymorphism of the NFKB1 gene (encoding for NFκB) and A/G point variation in the 3′UTR region of the nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) gene (encoding for IκB) in Czech and German patients with type 2 diabetes. The sample consisted of 211 patients, both with and without kidney complications, and 159 controls. Additionally, 152 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were genotyped for NFKBIA polymorphism. We observed a significant increase in the homozygous AA genotype of the NFKBIA gene when compared with the control group (the highest value was in diabetics without diabetic nephropathy [p c* = 0.0015, odds ratio = 3.59]). No differences were seen between the SLE and control groups. With regard to the polymorphism of the NFKB1 gene, we did not observe any significant differences between the groups. Since the AA genotype of the NFKBIA gene presents a risk for type 2 diabetes development but not for diabetic nephropathy alone, we believe that the NFκB gene polymorphism can influence the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and affect its complications. Negative findings relative to other inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, suggest a specific relationship between NFκB and type 2 diabetes mellitus.