The contribution of particles to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has been enlightened by epidemiologic and experimental studies. However, adverse biological effects of the particles with different sizes on cardiovascular cells have not been well recognized. In this study, sub-cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to increasing concentrations of pure quartz particles (DQ) of three sizes (DQPM1, <1 μm; DQPM3-5, 3-5 μm; DQPM5, 5 μm) and carbon black particles of two sizes (CB0.1, <0.1 μm; CB1, <1 μm) for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was estimated by measuring the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell viability. Nitric oxide (NO) generation and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) releases were analyzed by using NO assay and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. It was found that both particles induced adverse biological effects on HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. The size of particle directly influenced the biological activity. For quartz, the smaller particles induced stronger cytotoxicity and higher levels of cytokine responses than those particles of big size. For carbon black particles, CB0.1 was more capable of inducing adverse responses on HUVECs than CB1 only at lower particle concentrations, in contrast to those at higher concentrations. Meanwhile, our data also revealed that quartz particles performed stronger cell damage and produced higher levels of TNF-α than carbon black particles, even if particles size was similar. In conclusion, particle size as well as particle composition should be both considered in assessing vascular endothelial cells injury and inflammation responses induced by particles.
Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; secretion ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Particle Size ; Particulate Matter ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Quartz ; chemistry ; Soot ; chemistry ; Time Factors ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; secretion

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key components of the innate immune system which trigger antimicrobial host defense responses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) on the expression of TLR4 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the colon mucosa of rat experimental ulcerative colitis model induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)/ethanol and immune complexes. The gross and histological changes of the colonic mucosa were observed and assessed by the means-standard deviation and independent samples t-test. The protein expression levels of TLR4 and TNF-α were detected by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively. It was revealed that there was visible infiltration of inflammatory cells, formation of crypt abscess, and the reduction of goblet cells in the colon tissue of experimental models. As compared with the control group, the levels of TLR4 and TNF-α protein were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01 for both). No significant difference was found in the expression of TLR4 and TNF-α between the two-week probiotics treatment group and the model group (P>0.05), whereas significant reductions were shown in rats which were treated with probiotics for four weeks as compared with the model group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between two probiotics-treated groups. Our results implied that probiotics were likely to play a key role in protecting ulcerative colitis by reducing the inflammatory factor TNF-α expression through inhibiting the TLR4 expression in the colon tissue of experimental models.
Animals ; Bifidobacterium ; physiology ; Blotting, Western ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Colon ; drug effects ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Lactobacillus ; physiology ; Male ; Probiotics ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Time Factors ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; biosynthesis ; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-related 2 (TR2, HVEM or TNFRSF-14) plays an important role in immune responses, however, the mechanisms regulating its expression are unclear. To understand the control of TR2 gene expression, we studied the upstream region of the gene. Gel supershift assays revealed inducible binding of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) to a putative NFAT site within the TR2 promoter. Furthermore, cotransfection of a dominant negative NFAT construct, or siRNA for NFAT, resulted in increased expression of a TR2 reporter gene. Our findings demonstrate that NFAT negatively regulates TR2 expression in activated T cells.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Down-Regulation ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Molecular Sequence Data ; NFATC Transcription Factors/*physiology ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14/*biosynthesis ; T-Lymphocytes/*metabolism

GITRL (Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor ligand) has been recently identified as a novel inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and hence called Osteostat. In this study, we expressed recombinant extracellular domain of GITRL protein in Escherichia coli and analyzed its bioactivity. Using an Eco31I enzyme-based restriction and ligation method, we obtained an E. coli-preferred DNA sequence coding for the extracellular domain of human GITRL. The DNA was cloned into expression vector pQE-30Xa that encodes a fusion tag of 6xHis before the insert. The resultant recombinant expression vector pQE/GITRL was subsequently transformed into E. coli strain M15[pREP4]. After induction with Isopropyl beta-D-Thiogalactoside (IPTG), the cells produced the fusion protein mainly in the form of inclusion bodies as identified by SDS-PAGE. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography through Ni-NTA column and recognized by anti-His polyclonal antibody using Western blotting analysis. Moreover, we established a simple, efficient and sensitive reporter gene-based method to detect the activity of the recombinant protein. The results showed that the target protein was biologically active.
Base Sequence ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Extracellular Space ; metabolism ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Recombinant Proteins ; analysis ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rosiglitazone on the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and coupling factor 6 (CF6) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

METHODSCultured HUVEC of passage 3-5 were stimulated with TNF-alpha and then cultured in the presence of rosiglitazone. The expression of CF6 and NF-kappaB subunit p65 were evaluated by immunocytochemistical method.

RESULTSPretreatment of HUVECs with rosiglitazone inhibited TNF-alpha-induced expression of CF6 in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of CF6 stimulated by TNF-alpha was suppressed by ROS in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONTNF-alpha-induced enhancement of the gene expression and release of CF6 is mediated by activation of NF-kappaB signaling pathway. ROS can inhibit the activation of IKK, block NF-kappaB signaling pathway and inhibit the expression of CF6, which may be the mechanism underlying the action of TZDs on hypertension.

Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mitochondrial Proton-Translocating ATPases ; biosynthesis ; NF-kappa B ; biosynthesis ; Oxidative Phosphorylation Coupling Factors ; biosynthesis ; Thiazolidinediones ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

In order to study the relation of antitumour mechanisms of triptolide with neovascularization, the effect of triptolide and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Raji cell lines and their effect on angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)-derived cell line ECV304 were investigated. The inhibitory rate of cells treated by triptolide detected by MTT; the ELISA was employed to study the VEGF content secreted by Raji cell lines; angiogenesis was tested by network formation of endothelial cells on Matrigel, and the mRNA level of VEGF was measured by RT-PCR. The results showed that treatment of Raji cells with triptolide resulted in significantly enhanced antiproliferative effects in dose- and time-dependent manner. The content of VEGF secreted by Raji cells was increased by TNF-alpha and was suppressed by triptolide (P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of VEGF(165) and VEGF(121) (containing 165 and 121 amino acid residues, respectively) could be detected in all fractions. TNF-alpha augmented the expression of VEGF(165) and VEGF(121) mRNA when triptolide reduced the expression (P < 0.01). No network and cord were formed in control and triptolide group. There was tube formation on matrigel in the supernatants of Raji culture group and the supernatants groups treated by VEGF and TNF-alpha in Raji cell. It is concluded that the expressions of VEGF in Raji cells are increased by TNF-alpha and suppressed by triptolide. VEGF and TNF-alpha induce angiogenesis and triptolide inhibits angiogenesis in ECV304 cells.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Diterpenes ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Epoxy Compounds ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; pathology ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; drug effects ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics

AIMTo explore the relations between anti-apoptotic role of dipfluzine (DIP) and the death signaling transduction pathway initiated by CD95 molecules, and the transcription factor involved in the transcription regulation of CD95 molecules in the hippocampal CA1 region after transient forebrain ischemia.

METHODSThe rat forebrain transient ischemia model was established through 15 min ischemia followed by 3 days reperfusion by using the four-vessel method. The rats were divided randomly into five groups: sham control group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, DIP treated groups (20, 40 and 80 mg x kg(-1) body weight, ig, separately). Western blotting and RT-PCR were performed to detect the expression changes of Fas, FasL, caspase 10 p20, caspase 8, I-kappaB-alpha, and p-I-kappaB-alpha molecules in protein and mRNA levels, separately, and immunohistochemistry for molecular localization of Fas and FasL in rat hippocampus.

RESULTSThe expression of Fas, FasL, and caspase 10 p20 in protein and mRNA levels increased after I/R, which was inhibited significantly after treatment with 20 and 40 mg x kg(-1) of DIP (P < 0.01). In 80 mg x kg(-1) of DIP group, the expression of Fas and FasL protein was not significantly different from that of I/R group (P > 0.05). The expression of caspase 8 and I-kappaB-alpha showed no significant differences in all groups (P > 0.05), and no gene expression was observed for p-I-kappaB-alpha protein in the study. DIP significantly affected molecular distribution of Fas and FasL protein in CA1 subregion of hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONDIP inhibits the death signaling transduction pathway initiated by CD95 molecules in rat hippocampal CA1 subregion, and NF-kappaB transcription factor may not be involved in the transcription regulation of CD95 molecules after transient forebrain ischemia.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Brain Ischemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; pharmacology ; Cinnarizine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Fas Ligand Protein ; Female ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Neurons ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; pathology ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; fas Receptor ; biosynthesis ; genetics

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Bazhen decoction on bone marrow depression induced by cyclophosphamide (CY) in mice. An experimental model of mouse bone marrow injury was established through cyclophosphamide induced and the following phenomena were observed. The techniques of culture of hematopoietic progenitor cell and hematopoietic growth factor assay were used. Bazhen decoction could obviously promote the proliferation of bone marrow cells of anaemic mice. The culture media of spleen cell, macrophage, lung and skeletal muscle treated with Bazhen decoction had much stronger stimulating effects on hematopoietic cells. The bone marrow cells of the anaemic mice could yield TNF through Bazhen decoction treatment. It was suggested that Bazhen decoction is clinically a hopeful drug used to cure bone marrow depression and attenuate the side effects of CY.
Anemia ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Animals ; Cyclophosphamide ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hematopoiesis ; drug effects ; Hematopoietic System ; drug effects ; Mice ; Phytotherapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factors ; biosynthesis

OBJECTIVETo compare the expressions of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) between pheochromocytoma (PHEO) tissues and normal adrenal medulla tissues.

METHODSThe mRNA expressions of TGFalpha, TNFalpha, and VEGF detected by RT-PCR, were compared between 22 PHEO tissues and 18 normal adrenal medulla tissues (according with the principle of medical ethnics). Immunohistochemistry staining was performed on 27 PHEO tissues and 14 normal adrenal medulla tissues. The comparisons of the protein expression of TGFalpha, TNFalpha, and VEGF were analyzed in both of PHEO tissues and normal adrenal medulla tissues.

RESULTSCompared with normal adrenal medulla tissues, the expressions of TGFalpha and TNFalpha mRNA and protein were higher in PHEO tissues, and VEGF145 mRNA expression was also higher in PHEO tissues, while there was no significant difference of the mRNA expression of VEGF121 and VEGF165 between these two tissues. Positive staining rates for VEGF of endothelial cells and tumor cells were higher in PHEO tissues than in normal adrenal medulla tissues. Expressions of the TGFalpha, TNFalpha, and VEGF protein were higher in extra-adrenal PHEO than in adrenal PHEO. The TNFalpha immunohistochemistry staining rate was higher in the malignant or multiple PHEO than in the benign or single PHEO.

CONCLUSIONSThe mRNA and protein expressions of TGFalpha, TNFalpha, and VEGF are higher in PHEO tissues than those in normal adrenal medulla tissues. Expressions of these cytokines vary in PHEO with different characteristic.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms ; metabolism ; Adrenal Medulla ; metabolism ; Humans ; Pheochromocytoma ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transforming Growth Factor alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics

The effects of the combined use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) benazepril and angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1RA) valsartan on apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Fas and FasL in the kidney of rats with adriamycin-induced nephritic glomerulosclerosis was investigated. Uninephrectomy and the injection of adriamycin induced the rat model of glomerulosclerosis. Benazepril (6 mg/kg), valsantan (20 mg/kg), or benazepril (3 mg/kg) plus valsantan (20 mg/kg) was respectively delivered daily by gavage to the rats in three treatment groups for 12 weeks. Apoptosis was examined by means of terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated d-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect the expression of Fas and FasL. Software of pathological analysis quantitated the levels of Fas and FasL. The results showed that as compared with those in the control group, the kidneys in the model group had more severe glomerulosclerosis, much more apoptotic cells and higher levels of expression of Fas and FasL. The degree of glomerulosclerosis, the number of apoptotic cells and the levels of expression of Fas and FasL were reduced by benazepril and valsartan. The combined use of benazepril and valsartan had the best therapeutic effect. It was concluded that benazepril and valsartan could suppress the excessive apoptosis of kidney cells by lowering the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins Fas and FasL, so as to postpone the process of glomerulosclerosis. The combined use of benazepril and valsartan has better therapeutic effect.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers ; administration & dosage ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Benzazepines ; administration & dosage ; Doxorubicin ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Fas Ligand Protein ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Kidney ; pathology ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tetrazoles ; administration & dosage ; Tumor Necrosis Factors ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Valine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Valsartan ; fas Receptor ; biosynthesis ; genetics