Nuclear NF-κB P65 Levels Research Articles

Increase in P-glycoprotein accompanied by activation of protein kinase Cα and NF-κB p65 in the livers of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

It is known that protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction is enhanced in a diabetic state, and that PKC activator phorbol esters increase the gene expression of MDR1 in human tumor cells. To clarify the expression of the liver transporters under diabetic conditions and the roles of PKCα and the transcription factor NF-κB, we investigated the expression levels of Mdr1a, Mdr1b, Mdr2, Mrp2, Bcrp, Bsep, Oct1, Oat2, and Oat3 transporters, PKCα, IκB, and NF-κB in the liver of rats with STZ-induced hyperglycemia. A selective increase in the gene expression of Mdr1b was detected by RT-PCR. Western blotting with C219 antibody revealed an increase in P-glycoprotein. Although the mRNA level of PKCα was not affected, translocation of PKCα to the microsomal fraction was detected. NF-κB p65, IκBα and IκBβ mRNA levels were increased as was the level of nuclear NF-κB p65. From these findings, it was suggested that STZ-induced hyperglycemia caused the upregulation of Mdr1b P-gp expression through the activation of PKCα and NF-κB.

Progesterone is involved in the maturation of murine spleen CD11c-positive dendritic cells

Progesterone (Prog), a female sex steroid hormone, not only plays an important role in the female mammary pregnancy but also influences the immune response. In the present study, murine spleen CD11c-positive dendritic cells (SDCs) were treated with various concentrations of Prog for 24 h, and their viability, phenotype, nuclear factor kappa B P65 (NF-κB P65), endocytosis, stimulatory capacity, and cytokine expression were analyzed. The results showed that Prog increased the expressions of MHC-II and CD40, stimulatory capacity and intracellular levels of IL-6 and IL-10, while decreased the expressions of CD54 and IL-12, endocytosis and nuclear level of NF-κB P65 of SDCs. These data suggested that Prog may promote the maturation of SDCs and enhance their ability to interact with T cells so as to change the course of autoimmune diseases.

Activation of nuclear factor κB in inflammatory bowel disease

Background—Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines is increased in the intestinal lamina propria of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nuclear factor κB (NFκB) controls transcription of inflammation genes. On activation, NFκB...