Role of NF-kappaB in immune and inflammatory responses in the gut

The inhibitory effects of Qingchang Wenzhong granule on the interactive network of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a kind of complex immune disease, the pathogenesis of which remains elusive. Destruction of the intestinal barrier, extreme inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis might play key roles in the development of UC. In previous studies, we observed that Qingchang Wenzhong granule (QCWZG) had the exact effect on the remission of UC in the clinic; however, the underlying mechanism has not been identified. This study aimed to reveal the effects of QCWZG on the intestinal physical barrier and the interactive network of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.

METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, high/mild/low-dose QCWZG groups, and mesalazine group. The rats in the experimental group drank 4% DSS for 7 days and 1% DSS for the subsequent 7 days. Different medications or distilled water was supplied by intragastric administration for 7 days. The levels of colitis and indices related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the QCWZG group (P < 0.05) demonstrated attenuated disease activity index, colonic mucosa disease index, histological lesions, and colonic weights; lower levels of inflammatory substances, such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase; lower levels of malondialdehyde; and increased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. The QCWZG group also demonstrated elevated expression of Bcl-2 and occluding but downregulated db expression of Bax and caspase 3 in the colon.

CONCLUSION

QCWZG could relieve rats with DSS-induced colitis from UC symptoms by improving the intestinal physical barrier, which resists the interactive network of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and their overactivated interactions.

Effect of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α on intestinal riboflavin uptake: inhibition mediated via transcriptional mechanism(s)

Riboflavin (RF), is essential for normal cellular metabolism/function. Intestinal RF absorption occurs via a specific carrier-mediated process that involves the apical transporter RFVT-3 ( SLC52A3) and the basolateral RFVT-1 (SLC52A1). Previously, we characterized different cellular/molecular aspects of the intestinal RF uptake process, but nothing is known about the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on the uptake event. We addressed this issue using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. First, we determined the level of mRNA expression of the human (h)RFVT-3 and hRFVT-1 in intestinal tissue of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and observed a markedly lower level compared with controls. In the in vitro model, exposing Caco-2 cells to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) led to a significant inhibition in RF uptake, an effect that was abrogated upon knocking down TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1). The inhibition in RF uptake was associated with a significant reduction in the expression of hRFVT-3 and -1 protein and mRNA levels, as well as in the activity of the SLC52A3 and SLC52A1 promoters. The latter effects appear to involve Sp1 and NF-κB sites in these promoters. Similarly, exposure of mouse small intestinal enteroids and wild-type mice to TNF-α led to a significant inhibition in physiological and molecular parameters of intestinal RF uptake. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exposure of intestinal epithelial cells to TNF-α leads to inhibition in RF uptake and that this effect is mediated, at least in part, via transcriptional mechanism(s). These findings may explain the significantly low RF levels observed in patients with IBD.

Protective effect of asiatic acid in an experimental cerulein-induced model of acute pancreatitis in mice

Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpenoid derived from the medicinal plant Centella asiatica, is considered to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-tumor effects, but its effects in acute pancreatitis (AP) are unknown. Our purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of AA in a mouse model of cerulein-induced pancreatitis. We evaluated AA in an experimental model of AP induced in mice by six hourly intraperitoneal injections of cerulein 50 µg/kg. Mice were pretreated with vehicle or AA 50 mg/kg 2 h before the first cerulein injection. The severity of AP was evaluated histologically and by biochemistry, myeloperoxidase activity, proinflammatory cytokine production, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity. Administration of AA significantly reduced the severity of AP, and was associated with reduction of serum amylase and lipase levels, decreased pancreatic histological damage, and decreased myeloperoxidase activity. The serum levels and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and NF-κB activity were reduced. AA also significantly improved the in vitro viability of pancreatic acinar cells induced by cholecystokinin (CCK) and suppressed NF-κB activity. AA protected against experimental AP, possibly by reducing production of proinflammatory cytokines via suppression NF-κB activation.

Sivelestat sodium hydrate improves post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis through nuclear factor-κB in a rat model

As a specific inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, sivelestat sodium hydrate has primarily been used in the treatment of acute lung injury caused by various factors since its approval in 2002. Sivelestat sodium hydrate also improves post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA), although its underlying mechanisms of action have yet to be elucidated. The aim of the current study was to determine if sivelestat sodium hydrate improves post-traumatic KOA through nuclear factor (NF)-κB in a rat model. Treatment with sivelestat sodium hydrate significantly inhibited the induction of structural changes and significantly increased the vertical episode count and ipsilateral static weight bearing of the joint in KOA rats (all P<0.01). Sivelestat sodium hydrate significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 production, serum nitrite levels, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) secretion in KOA rats compared with the model group (all P<0.01). Sivelestat sodium hydrate also significantly suppressed p50/p65 DNA binding activity and NF-κB and phosphorylated inhibitor of κB protein expression in the joints of KOA rats compared with the model group (all P<0.01). These results suggest that sivelestat sodium hydrate improves post-traumatic KOA through HMGB1 and NF-κB in rats.

Catechol Groups Enable Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging-Mediated Suppression of PKD-NFkappaB-IL-8 Signaling Pathway by Chlorogenic and Caffeic Acids in Human Intestinal Cells

Chlorogenic acid (CHA) and caffeic acid (CA) are phenolic compounds found in coffee, which inhibit oxidative stress-induced interleukin (IL)-8 production in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby suppressing serious cellular injury and inflammatory intestinal diseases. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of CHA and CA, both of which inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced IL-8 transcriptional activity. They also significantly suppressed nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) transcriptional activity, nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit, and phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK). Additionally, upstream of IKK, protein kinase D (PKD) was also suppressed. Finally, we found that they scavenged H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the functional moiety responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of CHA and CA was the catechol group. Therefore, we conclude that the presence of catechol groups in CHA and CA allows scavenging of intracellular ROS, thereby inhibiting H₂O₂-induced IL-8 production via suppression of PKD-NF-κB signaling in human intestinal epithelial cells.

Identification of potential therapeutic target genes, key miRNAs and mechanisms in oral lichen planus by bioinformatics analysis

The study aimed to identify the potential target genes and key miRNAs as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) by bioinformatics analysis. The microarray data of GSE38617 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 7 OLP and 7 normal samples were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs. The DEGs were then performed functional enrichment analyses. Furthermore, DEG-miRNA network and miRNA-function network were constructed by Cytoscape software. Total 1758 DEGs (598 up- and 1160 down-regulated genes) and 40 miRNAs (17 up- and 23 down-regulated miRNAs) were selected. The up-regulated genes were related to nuclear factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, while down-regulated genes were mainly enriched in the function of ribosome. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), caspase recruitment domain family, member 11 (CARD11) and mitochondrial ribosomal protein (MRP) genes were identified in these functions. In addition, miR-302 was a hub node in DEG-miRNA network and regulated cyclin D1 (CCND1). MiR-548a-2 was the key miRNA in miRNA-function network by regulating multiple functions including ribosomal function. The NF-κB signaling pathway and ribosome function may be the pathogenic mechanisms of OLP. The genes such as TNF, CARD11, MRP genes and CCND1 may be potential therapeutic target genes in OLP. MiR-548a-2 and miR-302 may play important roles in OLP development.

Role of Microvesicles From Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown an obvious protective effect on acute pancreatitis (AP). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of bone marrow MSC-derived microvesicles (bmMSC-MVs) on AP and explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Bone marrow MSCs and bmMSC-MVs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. Cerulein-induced mild AP (MAP) and sodium taurocholate-induced severe AP (SAP) were used as AP models in vivo and in vitro. Pancreatic injury was evaluated by measuring serum levels of amylase, lipase, chemokines, and interleukins, and by pancreatic histology, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The effects of bmMSC-MVs on the survival rates of pancreatic acinar cells in vitro were also assessed.

RESULTS

Bone marrow MSC-MVs attenuated acute pancreatic injury in MAP and SAP by regulating IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α, and dramatically attenuated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in MAP and SAP. Bone marrow MSC-MVs improved the survival rates of pancreatic acinar cells in MAP and SAP models in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone marrow MSC-MVs played a protective role in AP by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and regulating the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Bone marrow MSC-MVs could be developed as a strategy for the clinical treatment of SAP.

Viral IL-10 down-regulates the "MHC-I antigen processing operon" through the NF-κB signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

The HLA-I antigen processing machinery (APM) plays a crucial role in the anticancer immune response. The loss of surface expression of HLA-I molecules is particularly important as this enables tumor cells to evade recognition and lysis by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Transcriptional control of the APM genes is regulated by the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). BCRFl is an Epstein-Barr virus homologue of human IL-10 (hIL-10) and is known as viral IL-10 (vIL-10). vIL-10 shares many immunosuppressive effects with hIL-10 but lacks the immunostimulatory effect of hIL-10. The aim of this study was to assess whether vIL-10 inhibits APM components (TAP-1, TAP-2, LMP-2, LMP-7 and HLA-I) through the NF-κB signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This work demonstrated that vIL-10 inhibited NF-κB activation by blocking IKK phosphorylation and promoting the expression of IKB. TNF-α treatment led to a strong translocation of NF-κB p65, whereas pretreatment with vIL-10 before TNF-α treatment blocked NF-κB p65 translocation. vIL-10 also inhibited TNF-α-induced DNA-binding of NF-κB p65 in the nucleus. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that NF-κB p65 could bind to the TAP-1, TAP-2, LMP-2, LMP-7 and HLA-I gene promoters, and after TNF-α stimulation, the down-regulation of TAP-1, TAP-2, LMP-2, LMP-7 and HLA-I transcription by vIL-10 correlated with the suppression of NF-κB in CNE-2 cells. Surprisingly, vIL-10 inhibits only TAP-1 and LMP-7 transcription in CNE-1 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the inhibition of NF-κB activity may be an important mechanism for vIL-10 suppression of APM (TAP-1, TAP-2, LMP-2, LMP-7 and HLA-I) gene transcription in CNE-2 cells.

β-Carotene Inhibits Tumor-Specific Angiogenesis by Altering the Cytokine Profile and Inhibits the Nuclear Translocation of Transcription Factors in B16F-10 Melanoma Cells

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels out of the preexisting vascular network and involves a sequence of events that are of key importance in a broad array of physiological and pathological processes. The growth of tumor and metastasis are dependent on the formation of new blood vessels. The present study therefore aims at evaluating the antiangiogenic effect of β-carotene using in vivo and in vitro models. Male C57BL/6 mice as well as B16F-10 cells were used for the experimental study. The in vivo study includes the inhibitory effect of β-carotene on the formation of tumor-directed capillaries. Rat aortic ring assay, human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation are used for assessing the in vitro antiangiogenic effect of β-carotene. The differential regulation of proinflammatory cytokines as well as the inhibitory effect of β-carotene on the activation and nuclear translocation of transcription factors are also assessed. β-Carotene treatment significantly reduces the number of tumor-directed capillaries accompanied by altered serum cytokine levels. β-Carotene is able to inhibit proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. β-Carotene treatment downregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)—2, MMP-9, prolyl hydroxylase, and lysyl oxidase gene expression and upregulates the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)—1 and TIMP-2. The study reveals that β-carotene treatment could alter proinflammatory cytokine production and could inhibit the activation and nuclear translocation of p65, p50, c-Rel subunits of nuclear factor-κ B, and other transcription factors such as c-fos, activated transcription factor-2, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element—binding protein in B16F-10 melanoma cells. These observations show that β -carotene exerts its antiangiogenic effect by altering the cytokine profile and could inhibit the activation and nuclear translocation of transcription factors.

Effect of Amentoflavone on the Inhibition of Pulmonary Metastasis Induced by B16F-10 Melanoma Cells in C57BL/6 Mice

This study was an investigation of the antimetastatic activity of amentoflavone using B16F-10 melanoma—induced experimental lung metastasis in C57BL/6 mice. Amentoflavone treatment significantly reduced tumor nodule formation accompanied by reduced lung collagen hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and uronic acid levels. Serum sialic acid and γglutamyl transpeptidase levels were also significantly inhibited after amentoflavone treatment. Amentoflavone treatment up-regulated the lung tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2 expression. The cytokine profile and growth factors such as interleukin-1β , interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, granulocyte monocyte— colony stimulating factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 in the serum of these animals were markedly altered after amentoflavone treatment. This altered level of cytokines after amentoflavone treatment was also accompanied by enhanced natural killer cell antibody—dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The study reveals that amentoflavone treatment could alter proinflammatory cytokine production and could inhibit the activation and nuclear translocation of p65, p50, c-Rel subunits of nuclear factor—κB, and other transcription factors such as c-fos, activated transcription factor—2, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element—binding protein in B16F-10 melanoma cells.

Modified Pulsatilla decoction attenuates oxazolone-induced colitis in mice through suppression of inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders caused by a dysregulated mucosal immune response and epithelial barrier disruption. Conventional treatment of IBD is currently limited to overcoming patient symptoms and is often associated with severe adverse effects from the drugs used. Modified Pulsatilla decoction has been used previously to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice in China, however, the underlying mechanism in the treatment of UC remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the efficiency and mechanisms of modified Pulsatilla decoction in the treatment of oxazolone-induced colitis were investigated. Assessment of clinical colitis and histological examination found that the administration of modified Pulsatilla decoction attenuated the severity of oxazolone-induced colitis in mice. Measurement of cytokine concentration, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated modified Pulsatilla decoction treatment significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restored alterations in tight junction proteins in the colon tissues. In addition, modified Pulsatilla decoction suppressed the activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. Thus, the findings of the present study demonstrated that modified Pulsatilla decoction offers an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of IBD and revealed the underlying mechanisms of action offered by modified Pulsatilla decoction.

5-Aminosalicylic Acid Azo-Linked to Procainamide Acts as an Anticolitic Mutual Prodrug via Additive Inhibition of Nuclear Factor kappaB

To improve the anticolitic efficacy of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), a colon-specific mutual prodrug of 5-ASA was designed. 5-ASA was coupled to procainamide (PA), a local anesthetic, via an azo bond to prepare 5-(4-{[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]carbamoyl}phenylazo)salicylic acid (5-ASA-azo-PA). 5-ASA-azo-PA was cleaved to 5-ASA and PA up to about 76% at 10 h in the cecal contents while remaining stable in the small intestinal contents. Oral gavage of 5-ASA-azo-PA and sulfasalazine, a colon-specific prodrug currently used in clinic, to rats showed similar efficiency in delivery of 5-ASA to the large intestine, and PA was not detectable in the blood after 5-ASA-azo-PA administration. Oral gavage of 5-ASA-azo-PA alleviated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced rat colitis. Moreover, combined intracolonic treatment with 5-ASA and PA elicited an additive ameliorative effect. Furthermore, combined treatment with 5-ASA and PA additively inhibited nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB) activity in human colon carcinoma cells and inflamed colonic tissues. Finally, 5-ASA-azo-PA administered orally was able to reduce inflammatory mediators, NFκB target gene products, in the inflamed colon. 5-ASA-azo-PA may be a colon-specific mutual prodrug acting against colitis, and the mutual anticolitic effects occurred at least partly through the cooperative inhibition of NFκB activity.

The Role of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Inflammatory Responses

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) mediate the methylation of a number of protein substrates of arginine residues and serve critical functions in many cellular responses, including cancer development, progression, and aggressiveness, T-lymphocyte activation, and hepatic gluconeogenesis. There are nine members of the PRMT family, which are divided into 4 types (types I–IV). Although most PRMTs do not require posttranslational modification (PTM) to be activated, fine-tuning modifications, such as interactions between cofactor proteins, subcellular compartmentalization, and regulation of RNA, via micro-RNAs, seem to be required. Inflammation is an essential defense reaction of the body to eliminate harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens. However, chronic inflammation can eventually cause several types of diseases, including some cancers, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis. Therefore, inflammation responses should be well modulated. In this review, we briefly discuss the role of PRMTs in the control of inflammation. More specifically, we review the roles of four PRMTs (CARM1, PRMT1, PRMT5, and PRMT6) in modulating inflammation responses, particularly in terms of modulating the transcriptional factors or cofactors related to inflammation. Based on the regulatory roles known so far, we propose that PRMTs should be considered one of the target molecule groups that modulate inflammatory responses.

The diverse roles of the TNF axis in cancer progression and metastasis

Metastasis is a multi-step process that ultimately depends on the ability of disseminating cancer cells to establish favorable communications with their microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment consists of multiple and continuously changing cellular and molecular components. One of the factors regulating the tumor microenvironment is TNF-α, a pleiotropic cytokine that plays key roles in apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation and immunity. TNF-α can have both pro- and anti-tumoral effects and these are transmitted via two major receptors, the 55 kDa TNFR1 and the 75 kDa TNFR2 that have distinct, as well as overlapping functions. TNFR1 is ubiquitously expressed while the expression of TNFR2 is more restricted, mainly to immune cells. While TNFR1 can transmit pro-apoptotic or pro-survival signals through a complex network of downstream mediators, the role of TNFR2 is less well understood. One of its main functions is to act as a survival factor and moderate the pro-apoptotic effects of TNFR1, particularly in immune cells. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the involvement of the TNF system in the progression of the metastatic process from its contribution to the early steps of tumor cell invasion to its role in the colonization of distant sites, particularly the liver. We show how the TNF receptors each contribute to these processes by regulating and shaping the tumor microenvironment. Current evidence and concepts on the potential use of TNF targeting agents for cancer prevention and therapy are discussed.

Intestinal immune function, antioxidant status and tight junction proteins mRNA expression in young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed riboflavin deficient diet

This study investigated the effects of riboflavin on intestinal immunity, tight junctions and antioxidant status of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were fed diets containing graded levels of riboflavin (0.63-10.04 mg/kg diet) for 8 weeks. The study indicated that riboflavin deficiency decreased lysozyme, acid phosphatase, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and contents of complement component 3 and reduced glutathione in the intestine of fish (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, riboflavin deficiency increased reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents and catalase activity (P < 0.05) in the intestine of fish. Furthermore, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to investigate mRNA expression patterns and found that the mRNA levels of interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β1, Occludin, zonula occludens 1, Claudin-b and Claudin-c, inhibitor protein κBα, target of rapamycin, ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 and NF-E2-related factor 2, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were decreased (P < 0.05) in the intestine of fish fed riboflavin-deficient diet. Conversely, the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, interleukin 8, nuclear factor kappa B p65, Ikappa B kinase β, Ikappa B kinase γ, Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1b, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, myosin light chain kinase and Claudin-12 were increased (P < 0.05) in the intestine of fish fed riboflavin-deficient diet. In conclusion, riboflavin deficiency decreased immunity and structural integrity of fish intestine. The optimum riboflavin level for intestinal acid phosphatase activity of young grass carp was estimated to be 6.65 mg/kg diet.

Evaluation of glycine-bearing celecoxib derivatives as a colon-specific mutual prodrug acting on nuclear factor-κB, an anti-inflammatory target

In an inflammatory state where HOCl is generated, glycine readily reacts with HOCl to produce glycine chloramine, an anti-inflammatory oxidant. Colonic delivery of celecoxib elicits anticolitic effects in a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced rat colitis model. Glycine-bearing celecoxib derivatives were prepared and evaluated as a colon-specific mutual prodrug acting on nuclear factor-κB (NFκB), an anticolitic target. Glycylcelecoxib (GC), N-glycylaspart-1-ylcelecoxib (N-GA1C), and C-glycylaspart-1-ylcelecoxib (C-GA1C) were synthesized and their structures identified using infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The celecoxib derivatives were chemically stable in pH 6.8 and 1.2 buffers. GC and C-GA1C were resistant to degradation in the small intestinal contents, while N-GA1C was substantially cleaved to release celecoxib. In contrast, all the celecoxib derivatives were degraded to liberate celecoxib in the cecal content. These results suggest that GC and C-GA1C could be delivered to and liberate celecoxib and glycine in the large intestine. In human colon carcinoma HCT116 and murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells, combined celecoxib–glycine chloramine treatment additively suppressed the production of proinflammatory NFκB target gene products. Collectively, our data suggest that C-GA1C is a potential colon-specific mutual prodrug acting against NFκB.

Expressions of E-cadherin, p120ctn, β-catenin and NF-κB in ulcerative colitis

This study was aimed to investigate the expressions of E-cadherin, p120ctn, β-catenin and NF-κB in ulcerative colitis (UC) tissues and the implications of their expressions in the pathogenesis of UC. The expressions of E-cadherin, p120ctn, β-catenin and NF-κB were detected by immunohistochemistry, and those of p120ctn and NF-κB by Western blotting in 23 cases of UC and 17 cases of normal colonic tissues. The relationship between the expression of E-cadherin or NF-κB and that of p120ctn was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. The results showed that in UC and normal colonic groups, the abnormal expression rate of E-cadherin, p120ctn, β-catenin, and NF-κB was 52.2% vs. 0 (P<0.05), 73.9% vs. 23.5% (P<0.05), 65.2% vs. 17.6% (P<0.05) and 78.4% vs. 23.5% (P<0.05), respectively. p120ctn expression was positively correlated with E-cadherin expression (r=0.404, P<0.05), but negatively with nuclear NF-κB expression (r= - 0.347, P<0.05). Western blotting showed that as compared with the normal controls, the p120ctn protein level was significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas the NF-κB protein level was increased (P<0.05) in UC tissues. It was concluded that in the colonic tissues of UC patients, the expressions of E-cadherin, p120ctn and β-catenin are decreased, suggesting the mucosal barrier is impaired in UC. Moreover, NF-κB is increased and activated in the UC tissues, resulting in the inflammation in UC. p120ctn may influence the UC development through modulating intercellular adhesion and inflammatory response.

Role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in L-arg-induced acute pancreatitis: effects and possible mechanisms

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown an obvious protective effect on systemic inflammation. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect and possible mechanism of bone marrow MSCs (bmMSCs) on acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS

BmMSCs of SD rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. L-Arginine-induced acute pancreatitis was used as AP model in vivo. Pancreatic injury was assessed by serum amylase, lipase, cytokines and pancreatic histology. RT-PCR was applied to investigate mRNA expression of pancreas tissue. Western-blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to test the role of NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. Tracking and Positioning of CM-Dil labeled bmMSCs in vivo was further studied.

RESULTS

Treatment with bmMSCs attenuated acute pancreatic injury and AP-associated lung injury obviously, with decreased serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, down-regulated expressions of IL-1α, IL-6, TNFα in pancreas tissue and reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in AP. Localization of bmMSCs in vivo was due to being passively trapped in related organs, but not actively homing to inflammatory sites of pancreas during the early phase of AP.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results showed that bmMSCs played a protective role in AP in many aspects, which might protect against experimental pancreatitis partly by regulating release of inflammatory cytokines by an exocrine secretion.

Transcription factor c-Rel plays a crucial role in driving anti-CD40-mediated innate colitis

Genetic and environmental factors, including the commensal microbiota, have a crucial role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Aberrant activation of the transcription factor NF-κB is associated with chronic intestinal inflammation in mice and humans. Recently, an emerging family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has been identified at mucosal sites contributing to the maintenance of gut homeostasis and intestinal immunopathology. Here, we show that the NF-κB protein c-Rel regulates the inflammatory potential of colonic IFN-γ(+)Thy1(+) ILCs to induce anti-CD40-mediated colitis in rag1(-/-) mice. Stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs) with anti-CD40 or CD40L led to translocation of c-Rel into the nucleus resulting in induction of expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23, key regulators of innate cell-induced colitis. While c-Rel deficiency completely abrogated anti-CD40-induced colitis, adoptively transferred wild-type DCs were able to induce pronounced colonic inflammation in rag1(-/-)rel(-/-) mice. In summary, these results suggest that the expression of c-Rel in DCs is essential for initiating anti-CD40-mediated intestinal pathogenesis.

Bringing down the host: enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli effector-mediated subversion of host innate immune pathways

Enteric bacterial pathogens commonly use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to successfully infect intestinal epithelial cells and survive and proliferate in the host. Enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC; EHEC) colonize the human intestinal mucosa, form characteristic histological lesions on the infected epithelium and require the T3SS for full virulence. T3SS effectors injected into host cells subvert cellular pathways to execute a variety of functions within infected host cells. The EPEC and EHEC effectors that subvert innate immune pathways--specifically those involved in phagocytosis, host cell survival, apoptotic cell death and inflammatory signalling--are all required to cause disease. These processes are reviewed within, with a focus on recent work that has provided insights into the functions and host cell targets of these effectors.

A diet with lactosucrose supplementation ameliorates trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats

Chronic intestinal inflammation contributes to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Zeyheria montana Mart. (Bignoniaceae) as source of antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds with beneficial effects on intestinal inflammation

OBJECTIVES

Zeyheria montana is a medicinal plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for treating skin affections, ulcers, inflammation and diarrhoea, and as an antisyphilitic and antiblenorrhagic agent, but little is known about its mechanisms of action. Herein, a bio-guided assay was carried out to further evaluate its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, and the possible benefits on experimental intestinal inflammation.

METHODS

Extracts, partitions, fractions and isolated compounds were tested for inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Isolated compounds were tested in vitro for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory action prior to in-vivo evaluation in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced rat colitis.

KEY FINDINGS

Two major compounds were identified in the leaf dichloromethane extract: 3'-hydroxy-5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone and 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavone, which exhibited an antioxidant activity. The compounds protected the colonic glutathione levels in more than 90% despite the absence of protection against the gross macroscopic colonic damage. In addition, the compounds inhibited IL-1ß secretion by macrophages in 91.5% and 72.7% respectively, whereas both reduced IL-6 secretion in about 44.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The major active compounds from Z. montana leaves exerted antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, endorsing the use of Z. montana in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, further investigation is still needed regarding medicinal plants and the identification of candidate compounds for the treatment of the inflammatory bowel diseases.

Colon-targeted celecoxib ameliorates TNBS-induced rat colitis: a potential pharmacologic mechanism and therapeutic advantages

The clinical usefulness of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is controversial in terms of efficacy and toxicity. To overcome these problems, colon-specific drug delivery was adopted, which generally confers therapeutic and toxicological advantages of drugs for treatment of colonic diseases. N-succinylaspart-1-yl celecoxib (SA1C), a colon-specific prodrug of celecoxib, was administered orally to rats with experimental colitis, and the anti-colitic effects and a molecular mechanism were investigated and compared to those of conventional celecoxib. SA1C, which delivered a much greater amount of celecoxib to the inflamed colon, alleviated the colonic injury, lowered myeloperoxidase activity in the inflamed colonic tissues and was much more effective than conventional celecoxib. SA1C but not conventional celecoxib significantly attenuated expression of NFκB target gene products in the inflamed tissues. Consistent with this, SA1C effectively prevented nuclear accumulation of p65 in the inflamed tissues. Moreover, while conventional celecoxib lowered the serum level of 6-keto-PGF1α, an inverse indicator of cardiovascular toxicity, SA1C did not change its serum level. Our data suggest that colonic delivery of celecoxib is a feasible strategy for treatment of IBD with improved therapeutic and toxicological properties.

Central muscarinic cholinergic activation alters interaction between splenic dendritic cell and CD4+CD25- T cells in experimental colitis

BACKGROUND

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is based on vagus nerve (VN) activity that regulates macrophage and dendritic cell responses in the spleen through alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (a7nAChR) signaling. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients present dysautonomia with decreased vagus nerve activity, dendritic cell and T cell over-activation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether central activation of the CAP alters the function of dendritic cells (DCs) and sequential CD4+/CD25-T cell activation in the context of experimental colitis.

METHODS

The dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid model of experimental colitis in C57BL/6 mice was used. Central, intracerebroventricular infusion of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist McN-A-343 was used to activate CAP and vagus nerve and/or splenic nerve transection were performed. In addition, the role of α7nAChR signaling and the NF-kB pathway was studied. Serum amyloid protein (SAP)-A, colonic tissue cytokines, IL-12p70 and IL-23 in isolated splenic DCs, and cytokines levels in DC-CD4+CD25-T cell co-culture were determined.

RESULTS

McN-A-343 treatment reduced colonic inflammation associated with decreased pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 colonic and splenic cytokine secretion. Splenic DCs cytokine release was modulated through α7nAChR and the NF-kB signaling pathways. Cholinergic activation resulted in decreased CD4+CD25-T cell priming. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of central cholinergic activation was abolished in mice with vagotomy or splenic neurectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of splenic immune cell activation and altered interaction between DCs and T cells are important aspects of the beneficial effect of brain activation of the CAP in experimental colitis. These findings may lead to improved therapeutic strategies in the treatment of IBD.

Catalpol ameliorates sodium taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis in rats via inhibiting activation of nuclear factor kappa B

Catalpol, an iridoid glucoside extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Rehmannia glutinosa, is reported to exert neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-apoptotic effects. The main aim of the present study was to investigate whether catalpol ameliorates experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) induced by sodium taurocholate (STC). AP was induced in rats via retrograde injection of 4% STC (0.1 mL/100 g) into the biliopancreatic duct. Rats were pre-treated with saline or catalpol (50 mg/kg) 2 h before STC injection. At 12, 24 and 48 h after injection, the severity of AP was evaluated using biochemical and morphological analyses. Pretreatment with catalpol led to a significant reduction in serum amylase and lipase activities, pancreatic histological damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, administration of catalpol increased the viability of pancreatic acinar cells and inhibited NF-κB expression in vitro. Our results collectively support the potential of catalpol as a highly effective therapeutic agent for treatment of AP.

Dead bacteria reverse antibiotic-induced host defense impairment in burns

BACKGROUND

Burn patients can incur high rates of hospital-acquired infections. The mechanism of antibiotic exposure on inducing infection vulnerability has not been determined. This study aimed to examine the effects of antibiotic treatment on host defense mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

First we treated C57/BL6 mice with combined antibiotic treatment after 30% to 35% total body surface area burn. Animals were sacrificed at 48 hours after sham or thermal injury treatment. Bacterial counts in intestinal lumen and mucosa were measured. Next, we treated animals with or without oral dead Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus supplementation to stimulate Toll-like receptor in the intestinal mucosa. Toll-like receptor 4, antibacterial protein expression, nuclear factor (NF)-κB DNA-binding activity, and bacteria-killing activity in the intestinal mucosa; intestinal permeability; bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes; Klebsiella pneumoniae translocation; interleukin-6 in the blood; and phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages, were assessed.

RESULTS

Thermal injury increased microflora and NF-κB DNA-binding activity of the intestine. Systemic antibiotic treatment decreased gut microflora and increased bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, intestinal permeability, and interleukin-6 levels in the blood. Antibiotic treatment also decreased bacteria-killing activity in intestinal mucosa and phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages. Oral dead E coli and S aureus supplementation induced NF-κB DNA-binding activity, Toll-like receptor 4, and antibacterial protein expression of the intestinal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together with the fact that dead bacteria reversed antibiotic-induced K pneumoniae translocation and intestinal and pulmonary defense impairment, we conclude that combined antibiotic treatment results in systemic host defense impairment in burns through the decrease in intestinal flora. We suggest that dead bacteria supplementation could induce nondefensin protein expression and reverse antibiotic-induced gut and lung defense impairment in burn patients.

Cryptosporidium parvum induces SIRT1 expression in host epithelial cells through downregulating let-7i

Epithelial cells along human gastrointestinal mucosal surface express pathogen-recognizing receptors and actively participate in the regulation of inflammatory reactions in response to microbial infection. The NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), one member of the sirtuin family of proteins and an NAD-dependent deacetylase has been implicated in the regulation of multiple cellular processes, including inflammation, longevity, and metabolism. In this study, we demonstrated that infection of cultured human biliary epithelial cells (H69 cholangiocytes) with a parasitic protozoan, Cryptosporidium parvum, induced SIRT1 expression at the protein level without a change in SIRT1 mRNA content. Using real-time PCR and Northern blot analyses, we found that C. parvum infection decreased the expression of let-7i in infected H69 cells. Down-regulation of let-7i caused relief of miRNA-mediated translational suppression of SIRT1 and consequently, resulted in an increased SIRT1 protein level in infected H69 cell cultures. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function studies revealed that let-7i could modulate NF-κB activation through modification of SIRT1 protein expression. Thus, our data suggest that let-7i regulates SIRT1 expression in human biliary epithelial cells in response to microbial challenge, suggesting a new role of let-7i in the regulation of NF-κB-mediated epithelial innate immune response.

Decalepis hamiltonii inhibits tumor progression and metastasis by regulating the inflammatory mediators and nuclear factor κB subunits

Metastasis is an extremely complex process that is a major problem in the management of cancer. In the present study, we had evaluated the antimetastatic activity of DECALEPIS HAMILTONI: using B16F-10 melanoma-induced experimental lung metastasis in a C57BL/6 mice model.

D HAMILTONI

treatment significantly ( : < .01) inhibited lung tumor nodule formation and reduced the lung collagen hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and uronic acid levels. Similarly serum sialic acid and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were also significantly inhibited after

D HAMILTONI

treatment. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor, and IL-2 in the serum of these animals were significantly altered after

D HAMILTONI

treatment. The serum NO level was also found to be significantly decreased after

D HAMILTONI

treatment. This decreased NO level after

D HAMILTONI

treatment was also accompanied by decreased inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. The study reveals that

D HAMILTONI

treatment could alter proinflammatory cytokine production and could inhibit the activation and nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 subunits of nuclear factor κB in B16F-10 cells.

Emerging neuropeptide targets in inflammation: NPY and VIP

The enteric nervous system (ENS), referred to as the "second brain," comprises a vast number of neurons that form an elegant network throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Neuropeptides produced by the ENS play a crucial role in the regulation of inflammatory processes via cross talk with the enteric immune system. In addition, neuropeptides have paracrine effects on epithelial secretion, thus regulating epithelial barrier functions and thereby susceptibility to inflammation. Ultimately the inflammatory response damages the enteric neurons themselves, resulting in deregulations in circuitry and gut motility. In this review, we have emphasized the concept of neurogenic inflammation and the interaction between the enteric immune system and enteric nervous system, focusing on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The alterations in the expression of NPY and VIP in inflammation and their significant roles in immunomodulation are discussed. We highlight the mechanism of action of these neuropeptides on immune cells, focusing on the key receptors as well as the intracellular signaling pathways that are activated to regulate the release of cytokines. In addition, we also examine the direct and indirect mechanisms of neuropeptide regulation of epithelial tight junctions and permeability, which are a crucial determinant of susceptibility to inflammation. Finally, we also discuss the potential of emerging neuropeptide-based therapies that utilize peptide agonists, antagonists, siRNA, oligonucleotides, and lentiviral vectors.

Complete artificial saliva alters expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human dermal fibroblasts

Complete artificial saliva (CAS) is a saliva substitute often used as a vehicle for test articles, including smokeless tobacco products. In the course of a study employing normal adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) as a model in vitro, we discovered that CAS as a vehicle introduced a significant change in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. To determine the effects of CAS on gene expression, real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR gene array analysis was used. Results indicate that robust changes in the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 (IL8) and the vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) occur within 5h of exposure to CAS. To determine whether CAS also alters cytokine release into the culture media, cytometric bead array assays for human inflammatory cytokines were performed. Analysis shows that CAS induced the release of IL8 and IL6. This study focused on determining which components in CAS were responsible for the proinflammatory response in HDFa. The following components were investigated: α-amylase, lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and urea. Results demonstrated that enzymatically active α-amylase induced gene expression for proinflammatory cytokines IL8, IL6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL1α and for VCAM1. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate the "vehicle effects" of CAS and its components in in vitro toxicology research.

Evidence of functional cross talk between the Notch and NF-κB pathways in nonneoplastic hyperproliferating colonic epithelium

The Notch and NF-κB signaling pathways regulate stem cell function and inflammation in the gut, respectively. We investigate whether a functional cross talk exists between the two pathways during transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia (TMCH) caused by Citrobacter rodentium (CR). During TMCH, NF-κB activity and subunit phosphorylation in colonic crypts of NIH Swiss mice at days 6 and 12 were associated with increases in downstream target CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)-1/keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) expression. Blocking Notch signaling acutely for 5 days with the Notch blocker dibenzazepine (DBZ) failed to inhibit crypt NF-κB activity or CXCL-1/KC expression. Chronic DBZ administration for 10 days, however, blocked Notch and NF-κB signaling in the crypts and abrogated hyperplasia. Intriguingly, chronic Notch inhibition was associated with significant increases in IL-1α, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and KC in the crypt-denuded lamina propria or whole distal colon, with concomitant increases in myeloperoxidase activity. In core-3(-/-) mice, which are defective in intestinal mucin, DBZ administration replicated the results of NIH Swiss mice; in Apc(Min/+) mice, which are associated with CR-induced elevation of NF-κB-p65(276) expression, DBZ reversed the increase in NF-κB-p65(276), which may have blocked rapid proliferation of the mutated crypts. DBZ further blocked reporter activities involving the NF-κB-luciferase reporter plasmid or the Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB/SEAPorter HEK-293 reporter cell line, while ectopic expression of Notch-N(ICD) reversed the inhibitory effect. Dietary bael (Aegle marmelos) extract (4%) and curcumin (4%) restored Notch and NF-κB cross talk in NIH Swiss mice, inhibited CR/DBZ-induced apoptosis in the crypts, and promoted crypt regeneration. Thus functional cross talk between the Notch and NF-κB pathways during TMCH regulates hyperplasia and/or inflammation in response to CR infection.

-449 C>G polymorphism of NFKB1 gene, coding nuclear factor-kappa-B, is associated with the susceptibility to ulcerative colitis

AIM: To clarify the association between a polymorphism -449 C>G (rs72696119) in 5’-UTR of NFKB1 with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: The studied population comprised 639 subjects, including patients with UC (UC cases, n = 174) and subjects without UC (controls, n = 465). We employed polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism to detect the gene polymorphism.

RESULTS: The rs72696119 G allele frequencies in controls and UC cases were 33.4% and 38.5%, respectively (P = 0.10). Genotype frequency of the GG homozygote in UC cases was significantly higher than that in controls (P = 0.017), and the GG homozygote was significantly associated with susceptibility to UC [odds ratio (OR), 1.88; 95%CI, 1.13-3.14]. In male subjects, the GG homozygote was associated with an increased risk for UC (OR, 3.10; 95%CI, 1.47-6.54; P = 0.0053), whereas this association was not found in female subjects. In addition, the GG homozygote was significantly associated with the risk of non-continuous disease (OR, 2.06; 95%CI, 1.12-3.79; P = 0.029), not having total colitis (OR, 2.40; 95%CI, 1.09-3.80, P = 0.040), disease which developed before 20 years of age (OR, 2.80; 95%CI, 1.07-7.32, P = 0.041), no hospitalization (OR, 2.28; 95%CI, 1.29-4.05; P = 0.0090) and with a maximum of 8 or less on the UCDAI score (OR, 2.45; 95%CI, 1.23-4.93; P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that NFKB1 polymorphism rs72696119 was significantly associated with the development of UC. This polymorphism influences the susceptibility to and pathophysiological features of UC.

Carboxyamidotriazole ameliorates experimental colitis by inhibition of cytokine production, nuclear factor-κB activation, and colonic fibrosis

Carboxyamidotrizole (CAI) has been reported to suppress the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β and be effective in rats with adjuvant arthritis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CAI in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We assessed the effect of CAI in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Inflammation was scored histologically, and potential mediators of IBD were assessed by immunohistochemical and molecular biochemical approaches. CAI-treated colitis animals revealed much fewer signs of colitis with significantly decreased macroscopic and microscopic scores than vehicle-treated animals. CAI inhibited the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, supernatant of peritoneal macrophages, and lamina propria. CAI also decreased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in colonic tissues. Furthermore, CAI prevented nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and inhibitor of nuclear factor-κBα phosphorylation and degradation. In addition, CAI showed a beneficial effect on colonic fibrosis, possibly by reducing the production of the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-β. The results support that CAI administration is effective in ameliorating experimental colitis and preventing colonic fibrosis. The inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules and suppression of NF-κB activation seem to contribute to this effect.

Constitutive over expression of IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and Stat3 is a potential cause of lung tumorgenesis in urethane (ethyl carbamate) induced Balb/c mice

Background:

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death. There has been found a substantial gap in the understanding of lung cancer genesis at the molecular level. We developed urethane (ethyl carbamate) induced lung tumor mice model to understand the mechanism and molecules involved in the cancer genesis. There might be many molecules involved, but we subsequently emphasized here the study of alternation in the expression of NF-κB, Stat3, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 to hypothesize that the microenvironment created by these molecules is promoting tumor formation.

Materials and Methods:

7–8 week old Balb/c mice of either sex were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of urethane (1g/kgbw) for eight consecutive weeks. Histopathological analysis was done to detect abnormality or invasions occurred in the lung tissues. Automated cell counter was used to count the number of inflammatory cells. The expression of NF-κB, Stat3, and IL-1β was observed at translational level by western blot, while the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was observed at transcriptional level by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 in the blood was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method at different time intervals.

Results:

Histopathological analysis showed various lung cancer stages hyperplasia, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma. Increased population of inflammatory cells, persistant expression of NF-κB, Stat3, pStat3, and IL-1β at translational level, while at transcriptional level constitutive enhanced expression of IL-1β and IL-6 followed by increased secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 in the blood were observed in urethane-injected mice in comparison to phosphate buffer saline (PBS) injected mice at 12, 24, and 36 weeks

Conclusions:

Overexpression of key molecules such as NF-κB, Stat3, pStat3, IL-1β, and IL-6 might have caused chronic inflammation, leading to the progression of lung cancer.

Colon-targeted cell-permeable NFκB inhibitory peptide is orally active against experimental colitis

For the purpose of development of orally active peptide therapeutics targeting NFκB for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), two major barriers in oral delivery of therapeutic peptides, metabolic lability and tissue impermeability, were circumvented by introduction of a colon-targeted delivery system and cell permeable peptides (CPP) to NFκB inhibitory peptides (NIP). Suppression of NFκB activation was compared following treatment with various CPP conjugated NIPs (CPP-NIP). The most potent CPP-NIP was loaded in a capsule coated with a colon specific polymer, which was administered orally to colitic rats. The anti-inflammatory activity of the colon-targeted CPP-NIP was evaluated by measuring inflammatory indices in the inflamed colonic tissue. For confirmation of the local action of the CPP-NIP, the same experiment was done after rectal administration. Tissue permeability of the CPP-NIP was examined microscopically and spectrophotometrically using FITC-labeled CPP-NIP (CPP-NIP-FITC). NEMO binding domain peptide (NBD, TALDWSWLQTE) fused with a cell permeable peptide CTP (YGRRARRRARR), CTP-NBD, was most potent in inhibiting NFκB activity in cells. Colon-targeted CTP-NBD, but not colon-targeted NBD and CTP-NBD in an enteric capsule, ameliorated the colonic injury, which was in parallel with decrease in MPO activity and the levels of inflammatory mediators. Intracolonic treatment with CTP-NBD alleviated rat colitis and improved all the inflammatory indicators. CTP-NBD-FITC was detected at much greater level in the inflamed tissue than was NBD-FITC. Taken together, introduction of cell permeability and colon targetability to NIP may be a feasible strategy for an orally active peptide therapy for treatment of IBD.

β-Carotene and lutein inhibit hydrogen peroxide-induced activation of NF-κB and IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial AGS cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) are involved in the pathogenesis of gastric inflammation. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent mediator of the inflammatory response by activating and recruiting neutrophils to the site of infection. Oxidant-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB regulates the expression of IL-8 in the immune and inflammatory events. Carotenoids (carotenes and oxygenated carotenoids) show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Low intake of β-carotene leads to high risk of gastric cancer. Oxygenated carotenoid lutein inhibited NF-κB activation in experimental uveitis. The present study aims to investigate whether β-carotene and lutein inhibit H(2)O(2)-induced activation of NF-κB and expression of IL-8 in gastric epithelial AGS cells. The cells were treated with carotenoids 2 h prior to the treatment of H(2)O(2). mRNA expression was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real time RT-PCR analyses. IL-8 level in the medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-κB activation was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. ROS levels of the cells were detected by confocal microscopic analysis for fluorescent dichlorofluorescein. As a result, H(2)O(2 )induced the activation of NF-κB and expression of IL-8 in AGS cells time-dependently. β-Carotene and lutein showed inhibitory effects on H(2)O(2)-induced increase in intracellular ROS levels, activation of NF-κB, and IL-8 expression in AGS cells. In conclusion, supplementation of carotenoids such as β-carotene and lutein may be beneficial for the treatment of oxidative stress-mediated gastric inflammation.