桦褐孔菌多糖通过PI3K/Akt/NF-κB/MMP-9抑制哮喘小鼠气道重构

目的：探讨桦褐孔菌多糖（PIO）对哮喘气道重构的作用以及可能的作用机制。方法：40只雌性BALB/c小鼠随机分成对照组、模型组、桦褐孔菌多糖低剂量组（PIO-100）、桦褐孔菌多糖高剂量组（PIO-200）。体外卵清蛋白(OVA)诱导建立哮喘小鼠模型,支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)内细胞Diff-quik染色后观察细胞总数和各分类细胞数。肺组织切片HE染色和Masson染色观察肺部炎症情况。末次激发后检测小鼠气道高反应性,ELISA方法检测PIO对BALF中白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、IL-5、IL-13和MMP-9表达的影响。Western blot方法检测PI3K、Akt、NF-κB以及MMP-9表达水平的变化。结果：与对照组相比,模型组中炎症细胞计数、IL-4、IL-5和IL-13表达升高,p-PI3K、p-Akt和MMP-9的表达以及NF-κB p65核转位增高(P<0.05);PIO干预后,炎症细胞数、IL-4、IL-5和IL-13的表达明显下降,p-PI3K、p-Akt和MMP-9的表达以及NF-κB p65核转位明显降低(P<0.05)。结论：PIO通过调控PI3K/Akt/NF-κB/MMP-9信号通路发挥对哮喘小鼠气道重构的抑制作用。     

PI3K/Akt信号通路上调急性肺损伤大鼠肺泡上皮钠通道表达

目的 探讨PI3K/Akt信号通路对急性肺损伤(ALI)大鼠肺泡上皮钠通道(ENaC)α、β和γ亚基表达的影响.方法 成年SD大鼠随机分为对照组、ALI组(脂多糖)、胰岛素组及渥曼青霉素组,每组5只.观察肺组织病理改变,收集支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF),测量总肺水含量,RT-PCR和Western blot测定ENaC mRNA和蛋白、p-Akt表达.结果 胰岛素组BALF蛋白含量、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性、总肺水含量较ALI组显著减少(P＜0.05),渥曼青霉素组BALF蛋白含量、MPO活性及总肺水含量较胰岛素组显著增加(P＜0.05).ALI组α-、β-和γ-ENaC蛋白表达显著低于对照组(0.33 ±0.06 vs 1.27 ±0.07,0.18±0.04 vs 0.72±0.04,0.37±0.04 vs0.69±0.05)(P＜0.05).胰岛素组蛋白表达α-ENaC(2.19 ±0.04)、β-ENaC(1.18 ±0.07)和γ-ENaC(1.18 ±0.08)显著高于ALI组(P＜0.05).渥曼青霉素组蛋白表达α-ENaC(0.86 ±0.09)、β-ENaC (0.58±0.05)和γ-ENaC (0.59±0.02)显著低于胰岛素组(P＜ 0.05).胰岛素组ENaC mRNA和p-Akt较ALI组显著升高(P＜0.05).渥曼青霉素组ENaC mRNA和p-Akt较胰岛素组显著降低(P＜0.05).结论 激活H3K/Akt通路上调3种ENaC亚基表达,从而清除肺水肿液.     

Functional Effects of WNT1-Inducible Signaling Pathway Protein-1 on Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Proliferation in OVA-Induced Airway Remodeling

Upregulation of WISP1 has been demonstrated in lung remodeling. Moreover, it has been recently found that some signaling components of WNT pathway can activate GSK3β signaling to mediate remodeling of airway smooth muscle (ASM) in asthma. Therefore, we hypothesized that WISP1, a signaling molecule downstream of the WNT signaling pathway, is involved in PI3K/GSK3β signaling to mediate ASM remodeling in asthma. Our results showed that WISP1 depletion partly suppressed OVA-induced ASM hypertrophy in vivo. In vitro, WISP1 could induce hBSMC hypertrophy and proliferation, accompanied by upregulation of levels of PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3β, and its own expression. TGF-β treatment could increase expression of PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK3β, and WISP1. SH-5 treatment could partly suppress TGF-β-induced hypertrophy and proliferation of hBSMC, and depress expression of p-GSK3β and WISP1. In conclusion, WISP1 may be a potential inducer of ASM proliferation and hypertrophy in asthma. The pro-remodeling effect of WISP1 is likely due to be involved in PI3K-GSK3β-dependent noncanonical TGF-β signaling.     

二甲双胍抑制慢性哮喘小鼠气道炎症、重塑及新生血管形成

目的:探讨二甲双胍对慢性哮喘气道炎症、重塑及新生血管形成的影响及可能机制。方法:采用卵白蛋白(OVA)致敏并激发制备慢性哮喘小鼠模型,给予二甲双胍干预,与生理盐水对照组和慢性哮喘模型组相比,观察支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)细胞计数、外周血免疫球蛋白、气道重塑及磷酸化腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(pAMPK)蛋白水平的变化。结果:慢性哮喘小鼠BALF细胞总数及嗜酸性粒细胞百分比较对照组升高(P0.01),血清OVA特异性IgE明显升高(P0.01),给药组可降低上述指标(P0.05)。肺组织HE染色可见气道壁炎症细胞浸润、杯状细胞增生、上皮下胶原沉积等病理改变,免疫组化CD31染色观察到气道上皮下新生血管数目和面积增加;二甲双胍部分抑制了上述病理过程。肺组织免疫组化p-AMPK染色观察到其在模型组气道壁的表达较对照组下降(P0.05),给药组升高明显(P0.01)。结论:慢性哮喘中AMPK磷酸化表达水平受抑制。二甲双胍可能通过激活AMPK来抑制慢性哮喘气道炎症、重塑及新生血管的形成。     

钙调神经磷酸酶在哮喘豚鼠气道重塑中的作用

目的:观察钙调神经磷酸酶(CaN)在哮喘豚鼠气道重塑中的作用。方法:实验分3组:对照组、哮喘组及CaN抑制剂环孢霉素(CsA)组,测定指标包括:①支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)蛋白含量、细胞计数及分类;②大气道平滑肌[³H]-TdR掺入量;③肺组织切片中小气道壁厚度及气道平滑肌厚度;④气管和肺组织CaN活性。结果:①BALF:CsA组蛋白含量、细胞计数及嗜酸粒细胞分别较哮喘组少46%、51%及60%(P＜0.01);②大气道平滑肌[³H]-TdR掺入量:CsA组较哮喘组低22%(P＜0.05);③小气道壁厚度:CsA组较哮喘组少34%(P＜0.01);气道平滑肌厚度:CsA组较哮喘组少37%(P＜0.01);④肺组织CaN活性:CsA组较哮喘组低52%(P＜0.01);气管CaN活性:CsA组较哮喘组低44%(P＜0.01)。结论:CsA可减轻哮喘豚鼠气道重塑,推测CaN参与气道重塑过程。     

骨髓间充质干细胞对慢性哮喘小鼠血清白细胞介素12和白细胞介素4水平的影响

背景：研究显示,骨髓间充质干细胞移植通过减轻炎症程度来改善急性肺损伤的病情,而骨髓间充质干细胞移植对哮喘疾病的研究甚少。 目的：观察慢性哮喘小鼠移植同种异体骨髓间充质干细胞后,其血清白细胞介素12和白细胞介素4水平的变化。 方法：取40只雌性BALB/c小鼠,随机分为4组,正常对照组和骨髓间充质干细胞对照组以PBS致敏及激发小鼠,于第21天激发前气管内注射PBS或骨髓间充质干细胞 30 μL。哮喘模型组和骨髓间充质干细胞治疗组用鸡卵白蛋白制备慢性哮喘模型,于第21天激发前气管内注射PBS或骨髓间充质干细胞 30 μL。采用ELISA法检测各组小鼠血清炎症因子水平。 结果与结论：病理提示哮喘模型组支气管上皮黏膜脱落,同时上皮黏膜有杯状细胞增生,部分管腔内大量黏液栓塞;气道、血管旁有大量炎性细胞浸润以及气道平滑肌细胞增生和肥大。正常对照组及骨髓间充质干细胞对照组无气道炎症及气道重塑的表现,而骨髓间充质干细胞治疗组气道炎症及气道重塑明显减轻。对比骨髓间充质干细胞对照组及正常对照组,哮喘模型组白细胞介素12明显减低,白细胞介素13 和白细胞介素4明显增高;而骨髓间充质干细胞治疗组较哮喘模型组白细胞介素12明显升高,白细胞介素4明显降低。结果表明骨髓间充质干细胞治疗哮喘可能通过降低白细胞介素4水平,提高体内白细胞介素12水平,从而改善气道炎症及气道重塑的程度。     

磷脂酰肌醇3激酶对哮喘大鼠气道上皮细胞诱导型一氧化氮合酶表达的调控作用

目的： 探讨磷脂酰肌醇3激酶（PI3K）抑制剂wortmannin对哮喘大鼠支气管上皮细胞诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS）表达的影响。方法: 24只成年哮喘大鼠随机分成对照组、哮喘组以及PI3K抑制剂wortmannin干预组。对支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）细胞总数及嗜酸性粒细胞进行计数,免疫组织化学检测大鼠支气管上皮细胞iNOS蛋白的表达,RT-PCR检测肺组织iNOS mRNA的表达,分光光度计检测肺组织PI3K活性、iNOS活性及NO含量。结果: 哮喘组大鼠BALF细胞总数计数及嗜酸性粒细胞分类均高于对照组;PI3K抑制剂wortmannin干预组BALF嗜酸性粒细胞计数及分类明显低于哮喘组,差异显著。哮喘组肺组织PI3K活性、iNOS活性及NO含量高于对照组,PI3K抑制剂wortmannin干预组肺组织PI3K活性、iNOS活性及NO含量低于哮喘组。哮喘组大鼠支气管上皮细胞iNOS蛋白及肺组织iNOS mRNA表达较对照组明显增强,但PI3K抑制剂wortmannin组iNOS蛋白及mRNA表达均明显弱于哮喘组。结论: PI3K可调节哮喘大鼠气道iNOS表达,影响哮喘气道炎症反应。     

Effects of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor,Trichostatin A,in a Chronic Allergic Airways Disease Model in Mice

There is a need for new asthma therapies that can concurrently address airway remodeling, airway hyperresponsiveness and progressive irreversible loss of lung function, in addition to inhibiting inflammation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) alter gene expression by interfering with the removal of acetyl groups from histones. The HDACi trichostatin A (TSA) has pleiotropic effects targeting key pathological processes in asthma including inflammation, proliferation, angiogenesis and fibrosis. The aim was to evaluate the effects of TSA treatment in a mouse model of chronic allergic airways disease (AAD). Wild-type BALB/c mice with AAD were treated intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg TSA or vehicle control. Airway inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts and histological examination of lung tissue sections. Remodeling was assessed by morphometric analysis and airway hyperresponsiveness was assessed by invasive plethysmography. TSA-treated mice had a reduced number of total inflammatory cells and eosinophils within the BALF as compared to vehicle-treated mice (both p < 0.05). Furthermore, airway remodeling changes were significantly reduced with TSA compared to vehicle-treated mice, with fewer goblet cells (p < 0.05), less subepithelial collagen deposition (p < 0.05) and attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness at the highest methacholine dose. These findings demonstrate that treatment with an HDACi can concurrently reduce structural airway remodeling changes and airway hyperresponsiveness, in addition to attenuating airway inflammation in a chronic AAD model. This has important implications for the development of novel treatments for severe asthma.     

糖皮质激素调节JAK2/STAT5信号抑制小鼠气道重塑平滑肌细胞的增殖作用

目的 观察糖皮质激素(glucocorticoid, GCS)通过调节JAK2/STAT5信号通路,抑制小鼠气道重塑气道平滑肌细胞增殖的作用.方法 以卵白蛋白致敏和雾化激发制备慢性小鼠哮喘气道重塑模型,计数支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, BALF)中嗜酸性粒细胞(eosinophil, EOS)占白细胞总数的百分比;肺组织切片HE染色观察小鼠气道平滑肌厚度的病理改变;Western Blot检测肺组织中磷酸化p-JAK2和p-STAT5的蛋白表达.结果 糖皮质激素能显著降低哮喘模型小鼠BALF中EOS的百分比(P<0.05);糖皮质激素组小鼠气道平滑肌厚度低于模型组(P<0.05);糖皮质激素能显著降低p-JAK2和p-STAT5的蛋白表达(P<0.05).结论 糖皮质激素能通过调节JAK2/STAT5信号通路够有效缓解小鼠气道重塑气道平滑肌细胞增殖的作用,具有一定的气道保护作用.     

miR-135a inhibits airway inflammatory response in asthmatic mice via regulating JAK/STAT signaling pathway

The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of miR-135a in regulating JAK/STAT signaling pathway on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. An asthma model was established by sensitization and stimulation with ovalbumin (OVA), and the corresponding drug intervention was given from the day of stimulation by means of nasal drops. Airway hyperresponsiveness was tested. The content of miR-135a in the lung tissue of mice was detected by RT-PCR. The pathological changes of lung tissue were evaluated by HE staining. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-5, and eotaxin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were detected by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The expression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway-related protein in lung tissue was detected by western blot. To further validate the effect of miR-135a overexpression on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, pathway activators and inhibitors were added. Compared with the OVA group, the airway hyperresponsiveness of the mice was significantly decreased after treatment with the miR-135a agonist. The expression of miR-135a was significantly increased in the lung tissue and the pathological changes of the lung tissue were alleviated. The contents of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-5, and eotaxin in BALF and lung tissues were decreased. The expression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway-related proteins p-JAK3/JAK3, p-STAT1/STAT1, and p-STAT3/STAT3 were significantly reduced in lung tissue (P<0.05). Addition of JAK inhibitor AG490 reduced airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. miR-135a agonists inhibit airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.     

Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG immunopathologic changes in chronic mouse asthma model

BackgroundAsthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disorder of the airway. A Th2 response usually contributes to high levels of allergen-specific IgE and eosinophilic airway inflammation. Several findings have demonstrated that neutrophils, not eosinophils, are the major inflammatory cells in chronic asthma patients with steroid-resistance. Lactobacillus rhammosus GG (LGG) exhibits anti-inflammatory properties on OVA-induced acute airway inflammation.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that orally administrated LGG should reduce airway remodeling in chronic experimental models.MethodsFemale Balb/c mice were sensitized with OVA. LGG was used to investigate whether oral administrations of LGG inhibited OVA-induced airway inflammation in a chronic asthma model and the different intervention times between LGG pre-treatment and post-treatment groups. BALF was analyzed with Liu's stain and ELISA assay. Lung histopathology was assayed with HE, IHC and Masson's trichrome staining. Lung tissues were assayed with PCR (T-bet, GATA3, RORrt and Foxp3). Many cytokines were detected in the serum and BALF.ResultsLGG significantly decreased the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells. We also found that the oral LGG group suppressed not only Th2 cytokine, but also IL-17, TNF-α and HMGB1 in the BALF levels. However, GATA3 and RORrt decreased significantly in the RNA level in the LGG groups, but the T-bet and Foxp3 increased in the RNA level.ConclusionsLGG not only had anti-inflammatory effects on OVA-induced airway inflammation, but also improved airway remodeling and collagen expression in the chronic asthma mouse model. Moreover, LGG might be an additional or supplementary therapy for allergic airway diseases.     

大气颗粒物急性暴露对C57BL/6小鼠肺脏病理改变和气道上皮细胞IL-6和IL-8表达的影响

目的:探讨大气颗粒物(PM)急性暴露下C57BL/6小鼠肺脏的病理改变和气道上皮细胞炎症介质白细胞介素6(IL-6)和白细胞介素8(IL-8)分泌的分子机制。方法:选取雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为空白对照组和PM实验组,每组10只:PM实验组连续2 d经气管滴注PM悬浮液,建立PM短期暴露的小鼠模型;空白对照组连续2 d经气管滴注PBS。获取肺组织进行HE染色和PAS染色以评估组织病理变化;获取支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF),检测IL-6和IL-8的表达。建立PM刺激人气道上皮细胞的体外细胞模型:200 mg/L的PM刺激BEAS-2B细胞,于3、6、12和24 h时点检测IL-6和IL-8的mRNA表达;25、50、100、200和400 mg/L的PM刺激BEAS-2B细胞24 h,检测IL-6和IL-8蛋白的分泌;200 mg/L的PM刺激BESA-2B细胞5、10和15 min,检测PI3K信号通路相关蛋白的变化;预先给予5μmol/L PI3K抑制剂LY294002干预0.5 h,再用200 mg/L的PM刺激BESA-2B细胞15 min,检测PI3K信号通路相关蛋白的变化。结果:在体内动物模型中,与空白对照组相比,PM组小鼠气道周围可见炎症细胞浸润,气道上皮细胞变厚,BALF中IL-6和IL-8显著升高(P<0.01)。在体外细胞模型中,与空白对照组相比,PM刺激可引起BEAS-2B细胞中IL-6和IL-8的mRNA表达和蛋白分泌(P<0.01),同时能显著提高PI3K信号通路的磷酸化水平(P<0.01),PI3K抑制剂LY294002能部分逆转PM诱导的PI3K信号通路的磷酸化(P<0.05),同时显著逆转PM诱导的IL-6和IL-8蛋白分泌(P<0.01)。结论:本研究的动物实验揭示了PM急性暴露下C57BL/6小鼠肺脏以气道炎症为主的病理改变,体外细胞实验揭示PI3K信号通路介导了PM诱导的气道上皮细胞IL-6和IL-8分泌。     

The effect of allergen-induced airway inflammation on airway remodeling in a murine model of allergic asthma

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: We examined the effect of airway inflammation on airway remodeling and bronchial responsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OA), and exposed to aerosolized OA (0.01, 0.1 and 1%). Twenty-four hours after the final antigen challenge, bronchial responsiveness was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histological examinations were carried out. RESULTS: Repeated antigen exposure induced airway inflammation, IgE/IgG1 responses, epithelial changes, collagen deposition in the lungs, subepithelial fibrosis associated with increases in the amount of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 in BAL fluid (BALF), and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to acetylcholine. The number of eosinophils in BALF was significantly correlated with TGF-beta1 production in BALF and the amount of hydroxyproline. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between these fibrogenic parameters and the bronchial responsiveness. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that in this murine model airway eosinophilic inflammation is responsible for the development of airway remodeling as well as bronchial hyperresponsiveness in allergic bronchial asthma.     

Role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway in the process of thrombin-promoting airway remodeling in ovalbumin-allergic rats

Abstract

Context: Although it is recognized that thrombin plays a key role in airway remodeling during chronic asthma. In a previous study, we have proved that thrombin promotes airway remodeling via PAR-1 in OVA-allergic rats, but little is known about intracellular signaling pathway involved in the event.

Objective: In this study, we intend to explore the impact of pERK1/2 signaling pathway on the process of thrombin-induced airway remodeling in OVA-allergic rats.

Materials and methods: A rat model of chronic asthma was set up by systemic sensitization and repeated challenge to OVA. The doses of thrombin, recombinant hirudin, PAR-1 inhibitor ER-112780-06, and pERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 varied for different groups. The expression of pERK1/2 was analyzed by western blot and RT-PCR. Secretion of TGF-β1 and IL-6 was detected by ELISA.

Results: The expression of pERK1/2 was higher in the airway of asthmatic rats than those of normal rats, and was significantly increased by thrombin treatment but decreased by thrombin-inhibitor treatment. Airway remodeling was enhanced by thrombin but weakened by pERK1/2 inhibitor. Expression of growth factors and IL-6 in asthmatic rats was significantly increased by thrombin treatment and decreased by thrombin-inhibitor treatment and pERK1/2 inhibitor treatment.

Conclusion: These results suggest that ERK1/2 signaling pathway may play an important role in the process of thrombin-promoting airway remodeling in OVA-allergic rats, and pERK1/2 inhibitor effectively inhibits the process.     

信号转导子和转录激活子6及其mRNA在哮喘大鼠气道炎症中的作用

目的：探讨信号转导子和转录激活子6(STAT6)及其mRNA在哮喘大鼠气道炎症中的作用。 方法： 20只二级雄性SD大鼠随机分为2组, 对照组和哮喘组。以卵清白蛋白(OVA) 致敏激发法复制大鼠哮喘模型，每只大鼠左肺留取肺组织，右肺进行支气管肺泡灌洗并留取支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)。对BALF进行细胞总数、嗜酸性粒细胞(EOS)计数和分类计数；应用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验（Sandwich ELISA）法测定BALF和血清中IL-4浓度；采用免疫组化法和原位杂交法测定STAT6蛋白和STAT6 mRNA的表达情况。 结果： (1) BALF和血清中白细胞介素4(IL-4)的浓度哮喘组均显著高于对照组(均P<0.01)；(2)免疫组化和原位杂交显示，哮喘组支气管STAT6蛋白和STAT6 mRNA的表达均显著高于对照组(均P<0.01)，其主要表达细胞是上皮细胞；(3)支气管上皮细胞STAT6蛋白及其mRNA含量分别与BALF中的IL-4浓度、EOS绝对值呈非常显著正相关。 结论： 哮喘大鼠STAT6蛋白和mRNA高表达，上皮细胞是其主要表达细胞，并与IL-4浓度、EOS募集密切相关。     

Wnt/β-catenin信号通路调控哮喘气道重塑的机制研究

目的:探讨Wnt/β-catenin信号通路调控哮喘气道平滑肌细胞(ASMC)的功能和参与哮喘气道重塑的机制。方法:建立大鼠哮喘模型,提取大鼠ASMC。Western blot法检测哮喘组和正常组大鼠ASMC中β-连环蛋白(β-catenin)、糖原合成酶激酶-3β(GSK-3β)、原癌基因c-Myc和细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)的蛋白表达。抑制哮喘组和对照组ASMC中β-catenin和转录辅助因子p300/CBP间的相互作用后,采用CCK-8法和流式细胞术检测ASMC的细胞活力和周期变化。抑制P38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)活性后,采用Western blot法检测c-Myc和cyclin D1的蛋白表达变化。结果:Western blot法显示哮喘组ASMC中β-catenin、c-Myc和cyclin D1的蛋白表达水平均明显高于对照组(P0.05),同时GSK-3β的蛋白表达水平则低于对照组(P0.05)。抑制β-catenin和p300/CBP间相互作用后,哮喘组ASMC的细胞活力下降幅度和细胞周期改变程度均较对照组更为明显(P0.05)。抑制P38 MAPK活性后,哮喘模型大鼠及对照大鼠ASMC中Wnt/β-catenin信号通路的靶蛋白c-Myc和cyclin D1的表达均下调,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:Wnt/β-catenin信号通路可能通过上调c-Myc和cyclin D1的表达、与P38 MAPK信号通路相互作用以及调控ASMC的生长和分化等途径,影响ASMC的功能,参与哮喘气道重塑。     

Doxycycline reduces airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma

BACKGROUND: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a leading cause of occupational asthma. Although considerable controversy remains regarding its pathogenesis, TDI-induced asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by airway remodeling caused, at least in part, by an excess of extracellular matrix deposition in the airway wall. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are major proteolytic enzymes that are involved in extracellular matrix turnover because of their ability to cleave all proteins constituting extracellular matrix. Previous studies have reported that MMP-9 might play a role in chronic airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. OBJECTIVE: An aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of MMP-inhibiting antibiotic, doxycycline, and MMP inhibitors on hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of the airways in TDI-induced asthma. METHODS: We used a murine model for TDI-induced asthma to examine the effect of doxycycline or MMP inhibitors on bronchial inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. RESULTS: The following typical pathophysiologic features are observed in the lungs of the mice: airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein. Administration of doxycycline and MMP inhibitors reduced all of these pathophysiologic findings. In addition, the increased phosphorylated Akt but not Akt protein levels in lung tissues after TDI inhalation were significantly reduced by the administration of doxycycline and MMP inhibitors. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that doxycycline may reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in a murine model of TDI-induced asthma.     

ERK在慢性哮喘大鼠气道平滑肌细胞增殖中的作用

目的：观察细胞外信号调节蛋白激酶(ERK)在慢性哮喘大鼠气道平滑肌细胞的表达，以探讨ERK信号通路在气道平滑肌增殖中的作用。方法：病理图像分析慢性哮喘大鼠气道重塑，免疫组化法检测ERK和PCNA在肺内表达，激光共聚焦显微镜分析ERK1/2、磷酸化ERK1/2和PCNA在气道平滑肌的共表达，免疫印迹和原位杂交检测气道平滑肌中ERK和PCNA蛋白以及mRNA的表达。结果：慢性哮喘大鼠有气道平滑肌层增厚，出现结构重塑。ERK和PCNA在肺内表达增强，同时在气道平滑肌上有ERK和PCNA蛋白与mRNA表达增加。结论：ERK可能是介导慢性哮喘气道重建中平滑肌增殖的重要信号通路之一。     

Propofol Attenuates Airway Inflammation in a Mast Cell-Dependent Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma by Inhibiting the Toll-like Receptor 4/Reactive Oxygen Species/Nuclear Factor κB Signaling Pathway

Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic agent widely used in clinical practice, is the preferred anesthetic for asthmatic patients. This study was designed to determine the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of propofol on airway inflammation in a mast cell-dependent mouse model of allergic asthma. Mice were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA) without alum and challenged with OVA three times. Propofol was given intraperitoneally 0.5 h prior to OVA challenge. The inflammatory cell count and production of cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected. The changes of lung histology and key molecules of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NF-κB signaling pathway were also measured. The results showed that propofol significantly decreased the number of eosinophils and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α in BALF. Furthermore, propofol significantly attenuated airway inflammation, as characterized by fewer infiltrating inflammatory cells and decreased mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia. Meanwhile, the expression of TLR4, and its downstream signaling adaptor molecules—–myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and NF-κB, were inhibited by propofol. The hydrogen peroxide and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde levels were decreased by propofol, and the superoxide dismutase activity was increased in propofol treatment group. These findings indicate that propofol may attenuate airway inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway in a mast cell-dependent mouse model of allergic asthma.     

机动车尾气诱发大鼠慢性阻塞性肺疾病并上调气道上皮细胞COX-2/PGE2/EP受体信号通路

目的：探究机动车尾气(MVE)长期暴露引起大鼠慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)发生时,气道上皮细胞中环加氧酶2(COX-2)/前列腺素E₂(PGE₂)/E-前列腺素类激素(EP)受体信号通路成员的表达变化。方法：(1)动物实验：健康雄性SD纯系大鼠(SPF级)16只,随机分为2组：MVE暴露组(n=8)和空白对照(CTL)组(n=8)。采用MVE暴露6个月的方法建立COPD大鼠模型。造模结束后,使用Buxco小动物有创肺功能仪检测大鼠肺功能;肺组织切片行HE染色并评估肺组织病理变化;ELISA法检测大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中炎症因子白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和PGE₂的水平,评估大鼠肺部炎症情况;采用免疫荧光及Western blot法检测肺组织COX-2及EP受体蛋白水平;提取肺组织核蛋白,Western blot检测MVE对肺组织NF-κB核转位的影响。(2)细胞实验：采用MVE细颗粒物(PM2.5)标准品刺激人正常支气管上皮细胞BEAS-2B。ELISA法检测细胞培养液中PGE