类风湿关节炎基因差异谱的生物信息学分析

目的通过生物信息学方法探究类风湿关节炎患者的滑膜成纤维细胞差异表达基因及相关信号通路,寻找潜在的类风湿关节炎特异性分子标志物。方法利用R语言limma包等程序方法分析基因芯片GSE21959并筛选差异基因(differentially expressed genes,DEGs),利用DAVID数据库分析DEGs获得其GO富集分析和KEGG信号通路分析的结果。利用STRING数据库构建蛋白互作网络,再将结果导入Cytoscape软件中模块化核心基因并绘制蛋白互作网络图。结果筛选获得了123个差异基因,其中表达上调的基因38个,表达下调的基因85个。GO富集分析表明DEGs主要参与了趋化因子调节、CXCR趋化因子受体结合和血管生成正向调控等生物学过程,KEGG信号通路富集分析主要包括了趋化因子信号通路、Rap1信号通路和血管平滑肌收缩等信号通路。模块化分析获得了7个核心基因分别为:CXCL1、CXCL8、CXCL6、ADRA2A、ADCY8、S1PR1和SAA1。结论通过生物信息学分析获得类风湿关节炎的DEGs、核心基因、生物学过程和信号通路等信息,为探究类风湿关节炎的发病机制、发现诊断标志物和探索新治疗靶点提供理论依据与新的方向。     

糖尿病肾病肾小管病变关键基因的预测北大核心CSCD

目的:基于生物信息学探索糖尿病肾病(DKD)肾小管差异表达基因(DEGs)与相关信号通路,结合蛋白互作(PPI)网络分析与比较毒理基因组学数据库(CTD)筛选在DKD肾小管病变中发挥关键作用的基因。方法:选取基因表达公共数据库(GEO)中芯片数据集GSE30529与Karolinska肾脏研究中心RNA-seq数据集,采用R4.03软件的“limma”和“DESeq2”包分析两个数据集共有的DEGs,设定筛选阈值为差异倍数≥2,P<0.05。应用clusterProfiler包进行GO分析和KEGG信号通路富集分析,STRING数据库建立PPI网络,Cytoscape和CTD筛选DKD核心基因。结果:共得到277个DEGs,DEGs的GO分析主要表现于细胞外基质组织,涉及免疫反应、中性粒细胞激活、免疫效应调节等生物学过程。KEGG信号通路分析结果表明,吞噬小体、补体及凝血级联反应、趋化因子信号通路、糖尿病并发症AGE-RAGE信号通路及NF-κB信号通路参与DKD肾小管病变的发生、发展。通过PPI网络及CTD数据库联合分析筛选出CXCL1、CXCL8、CCL5、FN1及EGF共5个关键基因。结论:本研究从转录组水平对两个不同来源数据集进行联合分析,有利于了解DKD肾小管病变发生的潜在分子机制,为进一步研究提供了有意义的线索。     

枇杷清肺饮基于 MAPK/NF-κB 信号通路调控 HaCaT 细胞炎性损伤机制研究

目的：采用网络药理学和体外细胞实验研究枇杷清肺饮通过MAPK/NF-κB信号通路调控LPS诱导的HaCaT细胞炎性损伤机制。方法：通过TCMSP数据库、GeneCards、OMIM和TTD数据库,取枇杷清肺饮和痤疮交集靶点,使用STRING数据库建立PPI网络,DAVID数据库筛选靶点GO功能并进行KEGG通路富集分析,Cytoscape软件构建“活性成分-靶点-KEGG-痤疮”网络,预测其作用机制。进一步采用细胞实验验证预测靶点的准确性,采用LPS诱导HaCaT细胞炎症模型,CCK-8检测不同浓度枇杷清肺饮含药血清对细胞活力的影响,qPCR和ELISA检测HaCaT细胞IL-1β、AKR1B1、IL-4、TNF-α的mRNA及蛋白表达水平,Western blot检测NF-κBp65、P38-MAPK和JNK-MAPK蛋白的表达水平。结果：通过网络分析可知,6种中药包含153个活性成分共304个靶标,与痤疮共有靶标基因118个,关键靶点涉及IL-1β、IL-4、TNF-α、AKR1B1等;GO功能富集分析得到条目1 922个（P<0.05）;KEGG通路富集分析筛选到131条信...     

LPS通过TLR4信号通路诱导人肾小管上皮细胞株(HK-2)表达hBD-2

目的研究LPS体外刺激人肾小管上皮细胞株(HK-2)是否诱导表达hBD-2,并进一步探讨该表达与TLR4/NF-κB信号传导通路的关系。方法给予不同质量浓度的LPS(0.01、0.1、1、10μg/ml)刺激HK-2细胞12 h,再应用TLR4及NF-κB阻断剂预处理HK-2细胞1 h后,给予质量浓度为1μg/ml的LPS作用12 h,采用实时荧光定量PCR检测HK-2细胞hBD-2 mRNA的表达,ELISA检测细胞上清中hBD-2的表达。结果 1)LPS能诱导HK-2细胞hBD-2 mRNA及蛋白的表达,且这种表达具有质量浓度依赖性;2)TLR4阻断剂能抑制LPS对HK-2细胞表达hBD-2的诱导作用,与未阻断之前相比差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01);3)NF-κB阻断剂能抑制LPS对HK-2细胞表达hBD-2的诱导作用,与未阻断之前相比差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 LPS可能通过TLR4/NF-κB信号传导通路诱导HK-2细胞表达hBD-2,将为泌尿系统感染防治提供新靶点。     

TLR4/MD2/NF-κB信号通路与疾病的研究进展

TLR4/MD2/NF-κB是细胞内一条重要的信号通路,该通路主要参与脂多糖和软脂酸等刺激信号的识别及转导,既往认为该通路主要与感染性炎症有关;近年研究表明,它与肿瘤、自身免疫性疾病、代谢性疾病等密切相关,靶向TLR4/MD2成为治疗这些疾病的新策略。本文就TLR4/MD2/NF-κB信号通路转导及相关疾病研究进展进行阐述。     

大蒜素对心肌纤维化的影响及对TLR4/NF-κB信号通路的作用

目的:研究大蒜素对AngⅡ诱导心肌成纤维细胞增殖和胶原蛋白分泌的作用,并探讨其对TLR4/NF-κB信号通路的影响。方法:采用体外AngⅡ诱导心肌成纤维细胞增殖模型,用MTT法检测细胞增殖能力,采用ELISA法观察细胞Ⅰ型和Ⅲ型胶原蛋白的分泌,采用RT-PCR技术测定TLR4和NF-κB mRNA的表达,采用Western blot法检测TLR4和NF-κB蛋白的表达。结果:(1)大蒜素可以抑制AngⅡ诱导CF增殖,并且具有剂量依赖性(P0.01);(2)大蒜素可以抑制AngⅡ诱导CF分泌Ⅰ型和Ⅲ型胶原蛋白,并且具有剂量依赖性(P0.01);(3)大蒜素可以抑制AngⅡ诱导CF表达TLR4和NF-κB mRNA;(4)大蒜素可以抑制AngⅡ诱导CF表达TLR4和NF-κB蛋白。结论:大蒜素可通过抑制心肌成纤维细胞增殖和减少胶原蛋白分泌而具有潜在的抗心肌纤维化作用,其作用可能与抑制TLR4/NF-κB信号通路有关。     

肺炎支原体感染对BALB/c小鼠TLR4/NF-κB信号通路表达的影响

目的探讨肺炎支原体(MP)感染对BALB/c小鼠TLR4/NF-κB信号通路表达的影响。方法BALB/c小鼠80只,随机分成肺炎支原体感染组和对照组,每组40只,分别于接种后3d、7d、14d、21d,,用ELISA试剂盒检测肺泡灌流液(BALF)IL-4和IL-6含量;HE染色观察肺脏病理组织学变化;用Western blot实验检测肺组织TLR4、Myd88与NF-κB表达变化。结果肺泡灌流液中IL-4和IL-6含量于感染后7 d时达到高峰,而后呈下降趋势;感染MP 3d后,BALB/c小鼠肺组织即出现间质性炎症改变,7d时炎症最明显,14d时炎症逐渐减轻;感染MP后,BALB/c小鼠肺组织TLR4、Myd88与NF-κB表达水平显著升高。结论肺炎支原体感染激活TLR4/NF-κB信号通路。     

S100A9激活NF-кB促进小胶质细胞TLR7表达和炎症因子释放

目的:S100钙结合蛋白A9(S100A9)激活核因子κB(NF-κB)促进小胶质细胞toll样受体7(TLR7)的表达和炎症因子释放的作用及其机制研究。方法:CCK-8实验检测BV2小胶质细胞的增殖率;转录组测序并结合GO分析、KEGG富集分析和STRING数据库对差异基因(DEGs)进行比对并从差异表达基因中筛选出目标基因;Real time RT-PCR验证TLR7的表达;免疫荧光染色检测CD68、CD206的表达;Western Blot检测CD68、CD206、TLR7、p65、p-p65的表达;ELISA检测白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的表达。结果:中等浓度的S100A9对小胶质细胞无增殖抑制效应;实验组CD68蛋白的表达水平较对照组明显增加,而CD206蛋白的表达水平明显下降,提示S100A9促进BV2小胶质细胞向促炎型激活;Toll样受体4(TLR4)的抑制剂TAK-242明显抑制S100A9刺激BV2小胶质细胞后TNF-α和IL-6的表达水平;TLR4/NF-κB通路激活促进TLR7蛋白表达。结论:中等浓度的S100A9可以促进小胶质细胞...     

基于网络药理学分析冬虫夏草防治急性肾损伤的分子机制北大核心CSCD

目的：基于网络药理学分析冬虫夏草（CS）防治急性肾损伤（AKI）的分子作用机制。方法：应用中药系统药理学数据库（TCMSP）筛选CS的有效成分和作用靶点,从DisGeNET、GeneCards、OMIM、TTD数据库筛选AKI的疾病靶点,运用Cytoscape 3.8.0软件构建“药物-成分-疾病-靶点”可视化调控网络,采用String在线数据库构建CS与AKI共同靶点的蛋白互作网络,DAVID数据库和KEGG数据库对共同靶点进行GO功能富集分析和KEGG通路富集分析,探讨其潜在分子机制。结果：CS中筛选得到有效成分9种,防治AKI的作用靶点63个。GO功能富集分析主要包括对药物的反应、信号转导、衰老、细胞增殖调控、细胞凋亡调控等。CS防治AKI的主要富集通路有PI3K-Akt信号通路、MAPK信号通路、细胞凋亡通路、TNF信号通路、P53信号通路等。结论：通过网络药理学研究方法预测了CS防治AKI的有效活性成分及作用靶点,并通过PPI网络和KEGG富集分析推测了CS通过多条信号通路调节防治AKI,涉及细胞自噬、凋亡及炎症反应等多环节生物学过程。     

胃相关性疾病伴肠上皮化生差异表达基因及中药预测的生物信息学分析

目的：通过生物信息学方法筛选胃相关性疾病伴肠上皮化生（IM）的关键基因与通路,探讨其发病机制及潜在治疗靶点,进而预测治疗IM的中药。方法：从公共基因芯片数据库（GEO）数据库中下载包含IM患者的胃黏膜基因表达谱数据,利用Rstudio3.5.2筛选出IM组织与正常胃黏膜组织的差异表达基因（DEGs）;使用DAVID 6.8数据库对DEGs进行GO和KEGG富集分析;基于STRING数据库和Cytoscape 3.6.1软件构建蛋白相互作用（PPI）网络,明确关键基因及核心功能模块;通过将关键基因与医学本体信息检索平台（Coremine Medical）相对应,筛选治疗IM的中药。结果：纳入2个包含IM的基因芯片数据集GSE78523和GSE60427,将2个数据集中IM相关的DEGs取交集获得135个基因,其中上调基因90个、下调基因45个。GO分析结果显示,DEGs主要涉及消化、细胞增殖的调控、细胞间黏附、钠离子跨膜转运、钾离子转运、胆囊收缩素信号通路、单核细胞趋化性、白细胞迁移、细胞外泌体等功能。KEGG通路富集结果显示DEGs显著富集于胃酸分泌、氮代谢、肾素-血管紧张素系统、蛋白...     

Potential autocrine regulation of interleukin-33/ST2 signaling of dendritic cells in allergic inflammation

This study identified a novel phenomenon that dendritic cells (DCs) produced interleukin (IL)-33 via Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate pathway. Mouse bone marrow–derived DCs were treated with or without microbial pathogens or recombinant murine IL-33. IL-33 mRNA and protein were found to be expressed by DCs and largely induced by several microbial pathogens, highly by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and flagellin. Using two mouse models of topical challenge by LPS and flagellin and experimental allergic conjunctivitis, IL-33-producing DCs were observed in ocular mucosal surface and the draining cervical lymph nodes in vivo. The increased expression levels of myeloid differentiation primary-response protein 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor (NF)-κB1, NF-κB2, and RelA accompanied by NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation were observed in DCs exposed to flagellin. IL-33 induction by flagellin was significantly blocked by TLR5 antibody or NF-κB inhibitor quinazoline and diminished in DCs from MyD88 knockout mice. IL-33 stimulated the expression of DC maturation markers, CD40 and CD80, and proallergic cytokines and chemokines, OX40L, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, CCL17 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 17), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), and IL-1β. This stimulatory effect of IL-33 in DCs was significantly blocked by ST2 antibody or soluble ST2. Our findings demonstrate that DCs produce IL-33 via TLR/NF-κB signaling pathways, suggesting a molecular mechanism by which local allergic inflammatory response may be amplified by DC-produced IL-33 through potential autocrine regulation.     

The different mechanisms of peripheral and central TLR4 on chronic postsurgical pain in rats

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a common complication after surgery; however, the underlying mechanisms of CPSP are poorly understood. As one of the most important inflammatory pathways, the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway plays an important role in chronic pain. However, the precise role of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in CPSP remains unclear. In the present study, we established a rat model of CPSP induced by skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) and verified the effects and mechanisms of central and peripheral TLR4 and NF-κB on hyperalgesia in SMIR rats. The results showed that TLR4 expression was increased in both the spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of SMIR rats. However, the TLR4 expression pattern in the spinal cord was different from that in DRGs. In the spinal cord, TLR4 was expressed in both neurons and microglia, whereas it was expressed in neurons but not in satellite glial cells in DRGs. Further results demonstrate that the central and peripheral TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in the SMIR-induced CPSP by different mechanisms. In the peripheral nervous system, we revealed that the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway induced upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) in DRGs, triggering peripheral hyperalgesia in SMIR-induced CPSP. In the central nervous system, the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway participated in SMIR-induced CPSP by activating microglia in the spinal cord. Ultimately, our findings demonstrated that activation of the peripheral and central TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway involved in the development of SMIR-induced CPSP.     

Echinacea pupurea extracts promote murine dendritic cell maturation by activation of JNK,p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways

Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise a system of highly professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) which connect innate and adaptive immunity by undergoing dramatic shift in their maturation state. Phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea extracts (EE) could modulate murine dendritic cell fate and function. However, the underlying mechanism of EE on DCs development and maturation remains limited. In this study, immature DCs were induced phenotypic maturation with up-regulated expression of key accessory molecules and the phagocytic activity was decreased after being treated with EE (400 μg/ml) for 48 h. We found that TLR1/2, JNK, p38-MAPK and NF-κB pathways were activated following EE exposure. Notably, JNK activation was demonstrated to be associated with increased IFN-γ response while p38-MAPK pathway exhibited immuno-regulatory effects via induction of IL-10 and TGF-β1. Furthermore, it was verified that NF-κB signaling was responsible for EE-induced synthesis of IFN-γ, IL-12 and TGF-β1, but not for IL-10 induction. These results indicate that EE have the immunomodulatory potency to promote both phenotypic and functional maturation of BMDCs via modulating the activation of JNK, p38-MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Our findings contributed to the current understanding of the immunoregulatory function of EE and the mechanism of DCs maturation.     

Baicalin suppresses expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB in chlamydia trachomatis-infected mice

Our previous studies have shown that the baicalin could blocked infection of chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis)-infected cells in vitro. Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) and the downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which mediate the inflammatory reaction, are involved in the pathophysiological processes of inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether baicalin inhibits TLR2/4 signaling pathway in gential tract chlamydia-infected mice. The progesterone-treated animals were given intravaginally 200?mg/kg baicalin administered. Nineteen days after infection, cervical tissue were taken and expression of TLR2/4, NF-κB were determined by RT-PCR or westernblot. Nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production in cervical tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was demonstrated that baicalin significantly reduced C. trachomatis loading in BALB/c mice that were vaginally infected with the pathogen. Meanwhile, baicalin also reduced the expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB, decreased activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxgenase-2 in cervical tissue. Our results suggest that baicalin inhibits the TLR2/4 signaling pathway in cervical tissue of gential tract chlamydia-infected mice. On the basis of these data and our previous observations, we conclude that further evaluation of baicalin for prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted chlamydial infection is warranted.     

GEF-H1-RhoA signaling pathway mediates LPS-induced NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis in endothelial cells

Secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by LPS activated endothelial cells contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, the mechanism involved in this process is not well understood. In the present study, we determined the roles of GEF-H1 (guanine-nucleotide exchange factor-H1)-RhoA signaling in LPS-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) production in endothelial cells. First, we observed that GEF-H1 expression was upregulated in a dose- and time-dependent manner as consistent with TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) expression after LPS stimulation. Afterwards, Clostridium difficile toxin B-10463 (TcdB-10463), an inhibitor of Rho activities, reduced LPS-induced NF-κB phosphorylation. Inhibition of GEF-H1 and RhoA expression reduced LPS-induced NF-κB and p38 phosphorylation. TLR4 knockout blocked LPS-induced activity of RhoA, however, MyD88 knockout did not impair the LPS-induced activity of RhoA. Nevertheless, TLR4 and MyD88 knockout both significantly inhibited transactivation of NF-κB. GEF-H1-RhoA and MyD88 both induced significant changes in NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis. Co-inhibition of GEF-H1-RhoA and p38 expression produced similar inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis as inhibition of p38 expression alone, thus confirming that activation of p38 was essential for the GEF-H1-RhoA signaling pathway to induce NF-κB transactivation and IL-8 synthesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LPS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 synthesis in endothelial cells are regulated by the MyD88 pathway and GEF-H1-RhoA pathway.     

Baicalin suppresses expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB in chlamydia trachomatis–infected mice

Our previous studies have shown that the baicalin could blocked infection of chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis)–infected cells in vitro. Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2/4) and the downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which mediate the inflammatory reaction, are involved in the pathophysiological processes of inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether baicalin inhibits TLR2/4 signaling pathway in gential tract chlamydia–infected mice. The progesterone-treated animals were given intravaginally 200?mg/kg baicalin administered. Nineteen days after infection, cervical tissue were taken and expression of TLR2/4, NF-κB were determined by RT-PCR or westernblot. Nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production in cervical tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was demonstrated that baicalin significantly reduced C. trachomatis loading in BALB/c mice that were vaginally infected with the pathogen. Meanwhile, baicalin also reduced the expression of TLR2/4 and NF-κB, decreased activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxgenase-2 in cervical tissue. Our results suggest that baicalin inhibits the TLR2/4 signaling pathway in cervical tissue of gential tract chlamydia–infected mice. On the basis of these data and our previous observations, we conclude that further evaluation of baicalin for prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted chlamydial infection is warranted.     

Bioinformatics analysis of gene expression profiles of Inclusion body myositis

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a disease with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. This study aimed at exploring gene expression profile alterations, investigating the underlying mechanisms and identifying novel targets for IBM. We analysed two microarray datasets (GSE39454 and GSE128470) derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GEO2R tool was used to screen out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between IBM and normal samples. Gene Ontology（GO）function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG）pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery to identify the pathways and functional annotation of DEGs. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape, in order to identify hub genes. A total of 144 upregulated DEGs and one downregulated DEG were identified. The GO enrichment analysis revealed that the immune response was the most significantly enriched term within the DEGs. The KEGG pathway analysis identified 22 significant pathways, the majority of which could be divided into the immune and infectious diseases. Following the construction of PPI networks, ten hub genes with high degrees of connectivity were picked out, namely PTPRC, IRF8, CCR5, VCAM1, HLA-DRA, TYROBP, C1QB, HLA-DRB1, CD74 and CXCL9. Our research hypothesizes that autoimmunity plays an irreplaceable role in the pathogenesis of IBM. The novel DEGs and pathways identified in this study may provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms of IBM at the molecular level.     

创伤愈合及压力治疗过程中瘢痕动物模型转录组水平的变化研究

目的利用RNA测序技术(RNA-seq)研究创伤愈合及压力治疗过程中巴马小型猪瘢痕动物模型转录组水平的变化。方法通过背部取皮建立巴马小型猪瘢痕模型,取皮第60 d开始加压(3.4 kPa)治疗,在取皮第0、14、30、60和90 d分别提取瘢痕组织总RNA进行测序。将所得序列映射到猪参考基因组并进行转录组重建,寻找差异表达基因(DEGs),利用生物信息学方法进一步对所得DEGs进行GO分析和KEGG通路富集性分析,同时挑选部分基因用qRT-PCR进行验证。结果测序数据经过预处理,各组均有78%以上的读段能准确比对到参考序列。DEGs鉴定结果表明,压力治疗前后有568个基因差异表达,其中上调289个,下调279个。GO富集分析发现,各组DEGs主要与细胞外基质、组织发展和皮肤发展相关。KEGG富集分析表明,创伤愈合过程中各组DEGs主要富集于细胞外基质-受体相互作用、黏着斑和凋亡通路;压力治疗前后的DEGs除了富集于以上通路,还富集于MAPK和PI3K信号通路。qRT-PCR检测表明,6个DEGs的表达模式与RNA-Seq分析结果一致,证实RNA-seq结果的可靠性。结论 RNA-seq分析鉴定出创伤愈合及压力治疗过程中瘢痕动物模型的差异表达基因,为临床瘢痕的治疗研究提供实验依据。     

Erythropoietin Protects Rat Brain Injury from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning by Inhibiting Toll-Like Receptor 4/NF-kappa B-Dependent Inflammatory Responses

Inflammatory responses play critical roles in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning-induced cerebral injury. The present study investigated whether erythropoietin (EPO) modulates the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways in brain injury after acute CO poisoning. EPO (2500 and 5000 U/kg) was injected subcutaneously twice a day after acute CO poisoning for 2 days. At 48 h after treatment, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB as well as the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampal tissues were measured. Our results showed that CO poisoning induced a significant upregulation of TLR4, NF-κB, and inflammatory cytokines in the injured rat hippocampal tissues. Treatment with EPO remarkably suppressed the gene and protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, as well as the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the hippocampal tissues. EPO treatment ameliorated CO poisoning-induced histological edema and neuronal necrosis. These results suggested that EPO protected against CO poisoning-induced brain damage by inhibiting the TLR4–NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.