scholarly journals Quercetin Protects RIMVECs From Inflammatory Damage, Pyroptosis and Cell Migration by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huixin Zhang ◽  
Yeye Li ◽  
Zhongjie Liu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Inflammatory Damage

Abstract Background: Intestinal mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (MEC) have multiple functions and play an important role in intestinal bowel diseases (IBD). Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many plants and fruits. It was reported that quercetin can treat several gastrointestinal cancers, but its effect on bacterial enteritis and pyroptosis-related diseases has been rarely studied. This article aims to explore the effect and mechanism of quercetin on inflammatory injury and pyroptosis of RIMVECs.Methods: The inflammatory damage and pyroptosis in RIMVECs were induced by LPS and ATP. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence methods were used to detect TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18) and pyroptosis-related proteins (Caspase-1 and GSDMD). The expression and distribution of ZO-1 were detected by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence method. The late apoptosis and necrosis of cells were measured by cell flow cytometry. Results: The results showed that different concentrations (5, 10, 20μM) of quercetin not only significantly reduced the protein and mRNA levels of TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD, but also down-regulated the protein expression, mRNA and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Quercetin also inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the degradation of IκB. At the same time, quercetin increased the cell migration rate and the expression level of ZO-1, and reduced the number of late apoptotic cells (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our data indicated that Quercetin reduced the inflammatory response and pyroptosis induced by LPS/ATP through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, and protected the migration and tight junctions of RIMVECs.

scholarly journals Effect of Sox9 on TGF-β1-mediated atrial fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hechuan Wang ◽  
Yiqi Chen ◽  
Shuting Zhao ◽  
Xiaowen Wang ◽  
Kai Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Atrial Fibrosis ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Atrial fibrosis is a crucial mechanism responsible for atrial fibrillation (AF). Sex-determining region Y-box containing gene 9 (Sox9) plays a pivotal role in fibrosis of many organs such as the skin, kidney, and liver. However, there are few studies about the occurrence and maintenance of Sox9 in atrial fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Sox9 in the fibrotic phenotype of human atrial tissues and rat atrial fibroblasts in vitro. In the human right atrial tissue, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were carried out to explore the relationship between Sox9 and atrial fibrosis at the morphological, functional, and molecular levels. In cultured atrial fibroblasts, Sox9 was overexpressed by adenovirus or depleted by siRNA, and then, recombinant human transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was added. Immunofluorescence analysis, western blot analysis, Transwell assay, and scratch assay were used to analyze the cells. In patient atrial tissues, Sox9 was increased with worsened atrial fibrosis, and this increase was related to AF severity. In rat atrial fibroblasts, Sox9 was promoted by TGF-β1, and the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein level and the ability of cell migration were increased after Sox9 overexpression by adenovirus, while the α-SMA protein level and the cell migration ability were decreased after Sox9 depletion by siRNA. In conclusion, Sox9 is involved in the regulation of fibrosis in the atria and may be located downstream of TGF-β1. Our findings may provide a new perspective to treat atrial fibrosis during AF.

Abstract 447: Activation of IL-1β-Producing Inflammasomes Triggered by RNA Receptor RIG-I in Mouse Endothelial Cells

Hypertension ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhang ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Xiao-Xue Li ◽  
Ashley L Pitzer ◽  
Pin-Lan Li
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Cholesterol Crystals ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
Caspase 1

Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a putative RNA helicase and recently identified as a cytosolic RNA receptor in mammalian cells. The role of RIG-I in the regulation of vascular function under physiological and pathological conditions is unknown. The present study tested whether RIG-I activation triggers inflammasome formation, turning on inflammation in mouse endothelial cells (EOMA cell line). By real time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, transfection of mouse ECs with RIG-I specific agonist, 5’-triphosphate double-stranded RNA (3pRNA, 0.5 mg/L) increased RIG-I mRNA level by 106% and protein level by 81% compared to those in control double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) transfected ECs. ELISA analyses showed that 3pRNA significantly increased release of type I IFN alpha by 31 folds and IL-1 beta (a prototype cytokine from inflammasome activation) by 8 folds in these ECs. Proatherogenic stimulation of mouse ECs with cholesterol crystals or 7-ketocholesterol also markedly increased protein expression of RIG-I, but had no effect on RIG-I mRNA levels. Measurements of active caspase-1, an inflammasome activation marker using FLICA fluorescent probe that specifically binds to cleaved caspase-1, demonstrated that 3pRNA doubled FLICA positive cells compared to that in control dsRNA transfected ECs. Interestingly, cholesterol crystals significantly increased FLICA positive cells by 3 folds. This activation of caspase-1 in ECs by cholesterol crystals was further confirmed by increase in cleaved caspase-1 (p10) using Western blot analysis and by enhanced IL-1 beta release as detected by ELISA. In the presence of 3pRNA, cholesterol crystal-induced inflammasome activation was not further augmented. These data indicate that increased expression and activity of RIG-I activate IL-1 beta producing inflammasomes in ECs, which may represent an early molecular mechanism mediating vascular inflammation or injury upon atherogenic stimulations.

scholarly journals Effects of Electroacupuncture on Ovarian Expression of the Androgen Receptor and Connexin 43 in Rats with Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovaries

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ge Xu ◽  
Andong Zhang ◽  
Jiandang Liu ◽  
Xi Wang ◽  
Jiwei Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Connexin 43 ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Endocrine Dysfunction ◽  
Rt Pcr

Background. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in women of reproductive age and is often characterized by reproductive and endocrine dysfunction. Androgens play a major role in PCOS, and previous studies reported abnormal expression of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in animal models of PCOS, suggesting an association of Cx43 with PCOS pathogenesis. Experimental and clinical evidence indicated that acupuncture may be a safe and effective approach for treating reproductive and endocrine disorders in women with PCOS. This study aimed to determine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on PCOS and its relationship with the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and Cx43. Methods. In total, 30 female Sprague Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, letrozole (LE) group, and LE + EA group. Rats were administered LE solution (1.0 mg/kg) for 21 consecutive days to induce PCOS. For the LE + EA group, additional EA treatment was conducted (2 Hz, 20 min/d) with “Guanyuan” (CV3) for 14 consecutive days. After hematoxylin-eosin staining, the ovarian structure was observed with an optical microscope, and serum levels of the following hormones were examined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin (INS), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B (INHB). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were evaluated using glucose oxidase-peroxidase. Ovarian mRNA and protein expressions of AR and Cx43 were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Results. EA was found to restore the cyclicity and ovarian morphology in the PCOS rat model. Serum derived from the LE + EA group showed significant decreases in the levels of T, free androgen index (FAI), LH, LH/FSH ratio, AMH, INHB, and fasting serum insulin (FINS), and significant increases in the levels of E2, FSH, and SHBG. Western blot analysis showed a decreased protein expression of ovarian AR and Cx43; real-time RT-PCR showed reduced expression of ovarian mRNA levels of AR and Cx43. Conclusions. In conclusion, our results showed that EA can ease hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary morphology in PCOS rats. Furthermore, EA counteracted the letrozole-induced upregulation of AR and Cx43. These results suggested that acupuncture can break the vicious cycle initiated by excessive androgen secretion and may be an effective treatment method for improving the reproductive and endocrine dysfunction caused by PCOS.

scholarly journals Pyroptosis in pterygium pathogenesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naiyu Sun ◽  
Hong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Pathological Process ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Human Pterygium Fibroblasts ◽  
Programed Cell Death ◽  
E Cadherin

Pterygium is a common ocular disease characterized by proliferating fibrovascular tissue. Pyroptosis, a recently discovered programed cell death, is known to be associated with oxidative stress, one of the main causes of pterygia. Here, we aimed to study the role of pyroptosis in pterygium pathogenesis. The expression of nod-like receptor pyrins-3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β was analyzed in 60 human pterygium tissues and 60 human conjunctival epithelium tissues using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Human conjunctival epithelial cells (HConECs) and human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs) were primary cultured and the level of pyroptosis-associated factors was detected. Both cells were treated with H2O2, and cell lysis was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, the expression of the factors by qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunostaining. The downstream factors IL-18 and IL-1β were measured after inhibition of caspase-1 to confirm the caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. α-SMA and E-cadherin were detected as indicators of pyroptosis-induced myofibroblast activation in HPFs. We discovered that the expression of the factors was significantly increased in pterygium and that caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis presents in both H2O2-treated HPFs and HConECs during which the expression of these factors was significantly elevated and the elevation of downstream factors IL-18 and IL-1β was restrained after caspase-1 inhibition. α-SMA increase and E-cadherin down-regulation were detected in H2O2-treated HPFs and the changes were reversed by caspase-1 inhibition. Pyroptosis displays a role in the pathological process of pterygium formation and progression. Pyroptosis appears to be an intriguing target to prevent pterygium pathogenesis.

Visfatin facilitates gastric cancer malignancy by targeting snai1 via the NF-κB signaling

2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712110061
Author(s):  
D Cao ◽  
L Chu ◽  
Z Xu ◽  
J Gong ◽  
R Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Migration And Invasion ◽  
Protein Levels

Background: Visfatin acts as an oncogenic factor in numerous tumors through a variety of cellular processes. Visfatin has been revealed to promote cell migration and invasion in gastric cancer (GC). Snai1 is a well-known regulator of EMT process in cancers. However, the relationship between visfatin and snai1 in GC remains unclear. The current study aimed to explore the role of visfatin in GC. Methods: The RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to measure RNA and protein levels, respectively. The cell migration and invasion were tested by Trans-well assays and western blot analysis. Results: Visfatin showed upregulation in GC cells. Additionally, Visfatin with increasing concentration facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by increasing E-cadherin and reducing N-cadherin and Vimentin protein levels in GC cells. Moreover, endogenous overexpression and knockdown of visfatin promoted and inhibited migratory and invasive abilities of GC cells, respectively. Then, we found that snai1 protein level was positively regulated by visfatin in GC cells. In addition, visfatin activated the NF-κB signaling to modulate snai1 protein expression. Furthermore, the silencing of snai1 counteracted the promotive impact of visfatin on cell migration, invasion and EMT process in GC. Conclusion: Visfatin facilitates cell migration, invasion and EMT process by targeting snai1 via the NF-κB signaling, which provides a potential insight for the treatment of GC.

scholarly journals Ticagrelor and clopidogrel suppress NF-κB to treat acute coronary syndrome

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhuyin Jia ◽  
Yiwei Huang ◽  
Xiaojun Ji ◽  
Jiaju Sun ◽  
Guosheng Fu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background: Inflammatory cytokines are involved in acute coronary syndrome (ACS),and NF-kB is the central regulator of inflammation. Moreover, ticagrelor and clopidogrelcan prevent thrombotic events and improve the care of patients with ACS. Thus, we speculated that ticagrelor and clopidogrel relieve ACS by regulating NF-kB pathway. Methods: After human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with ticagrelor or clopidogrel and given lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CD14, the mRNA levels of related inflammatory factors, the protein level changes of molecules in the NF-kB pathway, and the changes in cell viability, apoptosis and the cell cycle, cell migration, vascular formation and other vital activities were detected using quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay, CCK8， flow cytometry, transwell assay, matrigel, respectively. All data was expressed as the mean ± S.D. The statistical significance of data was assessedby an unpaired two-tailed t-test. Results: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel can suppress the NF-kB pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation and entry into the nucleus of p65, restraining the degradation of IKBa, improving cell viability, restoring the cell cycle, cell migration and angiogenic ability, and inhibiting apoptosis. Conclusions: Ticagrelor and clopidogrel alleviate cellular dysfunction through suppressing NF-kB signaling to treat acute coronary syndrome.

scholarly journals Investigation into imbalance of Th1/Th2 cells in cirrhotic, hypersplenic rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006051988944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfu Lv ◽  
Yejuan Li ◽  
Ning Liu ◽  
Yonghong Dong ◽  
Jie Deng
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Chemokine Receptors ◽  
Immunohistochemical Staining ◽  
Th2 Cells ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chemokine Receptor Ccr3

Objectives To evaluate the Th1/Th2 cell profile in spleens of cirrhotic and hypersplenic rats by investigating the expression of Th1-associated chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR5 and Th2-associated chemokine receptor CCR3. Methods Experimental liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism were induced in rats by the intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 40% solution [0.3 ml/100g, twice/week for 8 weeks]) and confirmed by pathology and hemogram. Presence of the three chemokine receptors was investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining, and western blot analysis. Results By comparison with control animals (n=10), RT-PCR demonstrated that CXCR3 and CCR5-mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the hypersplenic rats (n=26) and CCR3-mRNA levels were lower. Immunohistochemical staining showed that by comparison with controls, the mean density of the Th1-associated CXCR3 and CCR5 receptors was significantly increased but there was no difference between groups in Th2-associated CCR3 receptors. Western blot analysis showed that by comparison with controls, hypersplenic rats had higher levels of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein but lower levels of CCR3 protein. Conclusions The abnormal expression of Th1-associated chemokine receptors in spleens of rats with cirrhosis and hypersplenism induced by CCL4 suggests that a functional imbalance between Th1/Th2 cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypersplenism.

scholarly journals Investigations on ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in broiler flocks in elazig province located in the east of turkey

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 305-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Ozbey ◽  
H. Ongor ◽  
D. T Balik ◽  
V. Celik ◽  
A. Kilic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Major Band ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
Ornithobacterium Rhinotracheale

In the present study, lung, trachea and serum samples from broiler flocks slaughtered at an abattoir in Elazig province located in the East of Turkey were examined for the presence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale using culture and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The identity was latter proved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. A total of 324 serum and 250 lung and trachea samples were collected from 10 commercially reared chicken flocks showing respiratory manifestations. The samples were obtained from different flocks. The causative agent (ORT) was isolated from trachea (1.5%) of five chickens and from both lung and trachea (0.4%) of only one chicken in the bacteriological examination of tissues. The presence of antibodies against ORT was detected in 33 (10.2%) of the 324 sera by ELISA. A 784 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using specific primers in the PCR. All ORT isolates that were positive by culture were also detected to be positive by the PCR. SDS-PAGE protein profiles of whole cell extracts showed a high similarity for all the isolates with a major band of the molecular weight of 33&nbsp;kDa (kiloDalton). Results of Western blot analysis indicate four antigenic fractions predominantly with molecular weights of 33, 42, 52 and 66 kDa.

The N-Terminally Truncated p53 Isoform Δ40p53 Influences Prognosis in Mucinous Ovarian Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerda Hofstetter ◽  
Astrid Berger ◽  
Regina Berger ◽  
Arijana Zorić ◽  
Elena I. Braicu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Histological Subtypes ◽  
Mutational Status

ObjectiveThe tumor suppressor p53 generates the N-terminally truncated isoforms Δ40p53 and Δ133p53 that possess the ability to modulate p53 function in vitro. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of p53 isoforms in the main histological subtypes of ovarian cancer.MethodsΔ40p53, Δ133p53, and full-length p53 (FLp53) expression was determined in 45 mucinous, 30 endometrioid, and 91 serous ovarian cancer specimens as well as 42 normal ovarian tissues using reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In a subgroup of mucinous ovarian cancer cases, Δ40p53 expression was examined using Western blot analysis. A functional yeast-based assay and subsequent sequencing were performed to analyze the p53 mutational status.ResultsIn endometrioid cancer specimens, Δ133p53 expression was significantly lower than in mucinous and serous cases (P = 0.016) or in normal tissues (P = 0.004). Mucinous cancer samples showed elevated Δ40p53 expression as compared with normal ovarian tissues (P = 0.003). In addition, high Δ40p53 expression constituted an independent prognostic marker for recurrence-free but not for overall survival in patients with mucinous ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 0.267; 95% confidence interval, 0.094–0.756 [P = 0.013]; hazard ratio, 0.453, 95% confidence interval, 0.193–1.064 [P = 0.069]). Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of p53β and Δ40p53α in a subset of patients with mucinous ovarian cancer. Expression of p53 isoforms was not associated with p53 mutational status or clinicopathologic parameters.ConclusionsWe show that expression of p53 isoforms differs in histological subtypes, thus supporting the hypothesis that histological subtypes represent distinct disease entities. In addition, we provide first evidence for a favorable role of Δ40p53 in patients with mucinous ovarian cancer.

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