Objective To investigate the mechanism of dexamethasone in the treatment of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). Methods The ANP of 48 SD rats were induced by retrograde infusion of sodium taurocholate through biliopancreatic duct.After 30 minutes,the therapy group was administrated with dexamethasone at a dose of 0.2 mg/100 g alone. The control group was administrated with the same amount of 0.9% saline solution.At fourth hour and twelfth hour,8 rats of each group were sacrificed to examine the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNFα) and serum amylase,to score the degree of pancreatic necrosis and to evaluate acinar cell apoptosis by in situ hybridization by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL). The survial period of 8 rats in each group were observed. Results In therapy group, the level of TNFα was (17.8±2.7) pg/ml and (8.5±1.6) pg/ml,the apoptosis index was （36.94±4.12）% and （ 32.79±3.31）%,the survival period was (33.4±21.5) h.While the control group with the indexes mentioned above were as follows: (53.6±18.7) pg/ml and (37.2±11.1) pg/ml ( P＜0.01),（4.37±1.24）% and （5.12±2.11）% （P＜0.01）,(14.6±5.7) h (P＜0.01) ,the histologic scoring for ANP between therapy group and control group was a significantly distinct (P＜0.01). Conclusion Dexamethasone can induce pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis in this model. Proper leves of TNFα may play an important role in regulating the apoptosis.Apoptosis can protect pancreas from necrosis in ANP.
Objective To investigate the protective effects of endotoxin pretreatment on lung injury of rats with endotoxemia. Methods The rat model of acute endotoxemia was established by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneally. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups, ie. a saline control group (N, n=24) , a LPS-treated group (L, n=24) , and a LPS pretreated group ( P, n=24) . Each group was divided into 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 12 h subgroups. The rats in group P were firstly administered with introperitoneal injection of 0.25 mg/kg LPS. After 24 hours, they were subjected to the injection of 0.5 mg/kg LPS. The rats in group N and L received injection of equivalent amount of saline. After 72 hours, the rats in group L and P were challenged with intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg LPS, otherwise saline in group N. Six rats were killed at 2, 4, 6 and 12 hours respectively after injection of LPS in group L and P. The lungs were removed for detecting intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1) , superoxide dismutase ( SOD) , and malondialdehyde (MDA) . Meanwhile the level of tumor necrosis factoralpha ( TNF-α) in serum was measured, and the pathological changes of lung were also examined. Results The contents of ICAM-1, MDA and TNF-α in the LPS-treated 4 h group were 75.07 ±0. 53, ( 3.93 ± 0.42) μmol/g, and (478.62 ±45.58) pg/mL respectively, significantly higher than those in the saline control group. The endotoxin pretreatment reduced the above indexes to 42.40 ±0.44, ( 2.89 ±0.49) μmol / g and ( 376.76 ±43.67) pg/mL respectively (Plt;0.05) . The content of SOD in the LPS-treated 4 h group was ( 6.26 ±0.31) U/mg, significantly lower than that in the saline control group. The endotoxin pretreatment increased SOD to ( 8.79 ±0.35) U/mg. Conclusion Endotoxin pretreatment can suppress the progress of lung injury in rats with endotoxemia and protect the lung tissue by down-regulating the inflammatory response and oxygen free radical production.
ObjectiveTo observe the expression of vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI, TL1A), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in diabetes rats' serum, vitreous and retina, and discuss the role of VEGI in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsA total of p70 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, the control group (10 rats), the diabetes mellitus (DM) 1 month group (20 rats), the DM 3 month group (20 rats) and the DM 6 month group (20 rats). Cytokines of serum and vitreous were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the concentrations of the cytokines in the retina were determined by immunohistochemistry on paraffin retinal sections. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of retina was used to estimate the pathological change of DR. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variances, independent samples t-test and LSD test. ResultsThe serum TL1A levels of the control group, the DM 1 month group, the DM 3 month group and the DM 6 month group rats were (92.09±2.05), (118.36±8.30), (85.90±7.51) and (78.90±4.88) ng/L respectively, the level of TL1A in serum of the DM 1 month group, the DM 3 month group and the DM 6 month group were significantly lower than that of the control group (F=77.405, P < 0.05). The concentration of serum TNF-α and IL-1β increased after DM model was established (F=3.508, 15.416; P < 0.05); the VEGF level in serum showed no difference between the groups (F=1.242, P > 0.05). The vitreous TL1A levels of the control group, the DM 1 month group, the DM 3 month group and the DM 6 month group were (91.50±8.18), (67.03±6.74), (47.44±4.92) and (46.01±4.62) ng/L respectively, every DM groups showed significant difference with the control group (F=114.777, P < 0.05); VEGF level in vitreous increased from 1 month after DM model was established (F=8.816, P < 0.05); TNF-α and IL-1β level in vitreous also showed an upward tendency (F=4.392, 3.635; P < 0.05). Paraffin section immunohistochemistry showed that the absorbance (also called optical density) of TL1A of the DM 1 month group and the DM 3 month group were significantly lower than that of the control group (t=6.851, 6.066; P < 0.05), but the DM 6 month group showed no difference with the control group (t=1.401, P > 0.05); the level of VEGF and TNF-α in DM groups were higher than that of the control group (tVEGF=-4.709, -16.406, -9.228; tTNF-α=-4.703, -6.583, -17.762; P < 0.05); the level of IL-1β were significantly higher in the DM 1 month group and the DM 6 month group (t=-4.108, -3.495; P > 0.05); but the DM 3 month showed no difference with the control group (t=-0.997, P > 0.05). HE staining of retina showed that the retina of the control group and the DM 1 month group had normal retinal structures, the DM 3 month group had retinal edema and disorganization, the DM 6 month group had severe retinal edema, deep stain of ganglion cells, and more neovascularization in inner plexiform layer. ConclusionVEGI is involved in the pathogenesis of DR, and it might interacts with VEGF, TNF-α and IL-1β to affect the development of DR.
Objective To investigate the effect of aerosolized perfluorocarbon (PFC) (FC77) on gas exchange，histopathological changes of lung in acute lung injury and pulmonary expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA.Methods After acute lung injury (ALI) was induced by oleic acid (OA)，16 rabbits were assigned randomly into 2 groups,ie.aerosolized perfluorocarbon group (PFC group) and conventional mechanical ventilation group (CMV group).Gas exchange parameters were measured before and after ALI，at 1，2，3，4 h after treatment.Histological sections taken from 6 different parts of lung were stained by hematoxylin and eosion.The express of TNF-α mRNA in the 2 different parts of lung were detected by in situ hybridization (ISH).Results Compared with CMV group，the PaO2 and static lung compliance (CLst) were significantly increased (Plt;0.05)，the histopathological lesions of lung were attenuated，and the TNF-α mRNA expression was decreased significantly in PFC group (all Plt;0.05).There was more expression of TNF-α mRNA in backside than that in foreside of lung in two groups (Plt;0.05).Conclusion Aerosolized perfluorocarbon (PFC) can decrease expression of tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA in the lung，and improve the CLst and oxygenation during acute lung injury.
【Abstract】Objective To investigate the potential role of tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNFα) in apoptosis after combined liver and kidney transplantation in rats. MethodsEighty rats which had combined liver and kidney transplantation were randomly paired, were divided into study group (n=20) and control group (n=20). 40 ml of 4 ℃ sodium chloride and antiTNFα monoclonal antibody (30 ml was infused from portal veins to donated livers and 10 ml from renal arteries to donated kidneys) were infused to the study group (0.1 mg/kg weight),and the same quantity of 4 ℃ sodium chloride was infused the control group. Venous blood was drew at different phases after the transplantations to detect the function of kidney and liver. The level of TNFα and the cell apoptosis were detected in the transplanted tissues of liver and kidney by ELISA and terminal deoxynucleotidy transferase mediated dTUPbiotin nickend labeling (TUNEL). ResultsThe levels of AST, ACT, Cr and BUN in the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group at the same phases (P＜0.05). The level of TNFα in the transplanted tissues of kidney and liver was also significantly lower as compared with those of control group. The cell apoptosis index of the transplanted tissues of kidney and liver was significantly smaller in the study group （P＜0.05）. There was no dramatically pathological change in the tissues of transplanted kidney and liver, which were treated with antiTNFα monoclonal antibody, and the structures are almost normal. ConclusionAntiTNFα monoclonal antibody may reduce cell apoptosis and accelerate the restoration of function of liver and kidney after combined liver and kidney transplantation.
Objective To examine the levels of interferon-gamma; (INF-gamma;), tumor necrosis factor-alpha; (TNF-alpha;) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in serum of patients with acute uveitis before and after treatment, and to explore the possible roles of those cytokines in the initiation and progression of the uveitis. Methods A series of 75 patients with acute uveitis,and 30 healthy persons from our hospital were investigated. The levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in acute phase and convalescent phase were measured by the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Result The serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in acute phase were significantly higher than that of the convalescent phase and the healthy controls (F=65.805/50.418/155.381, P=0.000). A significant negative correlation was found between the serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in acute phase with their initial visual acuity(r=-0.656, -0.592 and -0.653, Plt;0.01). There was also a positive correlation among the serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6(r=0.340, 0.467 and 0.338, Plt;0.05). Conclusions There are high serum levels of INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 in patients with acute uveitis, and the cytokines levels were decreased after the treatment. The results suggested that the INF-gamma;, TNF-alpha; and IL-6 involved in initiation and progression of uveitis.
Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) is an autoimmune disorder primarily characterized by bilateral granulomatous uveitis, which can lead to severe visual impairment and related complications. Traditional treatment typically involves glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressants, but these therapies are associated with significant side effects, limited efficacy, and poor long-term prognosis. In recent years, biologic agents have emerged as a promising treatment for refractory VKH due to their targeted action, high efficacy, and low toxicity. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, such as infliximab and adalimumab, have shown significant benefits in controlling inflammation, improving vision, and reducing steroid dependence, making them a key option for difficult-to-treat VKH. Among interleukin (IL) blockers, tocilizumab has demonstrated potential in patients who do not respond to traditional treatments. Rituximab, a B-cell targeting agent, has shown good efficacy and safety in patients resistant to TNF-α inhibitors. Additionally, research into novel biologics targeting the IL-23/IL-17 axis and IL-33 offers new directions for VKH therapy. While biologics provide clear advantages in VKH treatment, further research is needed to explore their long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and optimal treatment regimens. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to validate their efficacy and identify personalized treatment strategies to improve long-term patient outcomes.
ObjectiveTo dynamically observe the effect of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein in retina of retinal ischemia reperfusion injury (RIRI) rats, and to explore the mechanism.MethodsBy using random number table method, 90 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham operation group (n=10), RIRI group (n=40), and NAS group (n=40). The right eye was as the experimental eye. In the RIRI group and NAS group, the anterior chamber high intraocular pressure method was used to establish the RIRI model. In the NAS group, 10 mg/kg NAS was injected intraperitoneally before modeling and 30 minutes after modeling. At 6, 12, 24, 72 h after modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the retina, and the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were counted. Each group was detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot about the relative expression of TNF-α, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein in the rat retina. One-way analysis of variance was used for differences between groups. The general linear regression method was used to analyze the correlation between the relative expression changes of TNF-α protein and the changes of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression after NAS intervention.ResultsOptical microscope observation revealed that the retinal edema of rats in the RIRI group was observed at 6, 12, and 24 h after modeling; the thickness of the retina in the NAS group was significantly thinner than that in the RIRI group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=9.645, 477.150, 2.432; P＜0.01). At 6, 12, 24, and 72 h after modeling, the retinal RGC counts in the NAS group were significantly higher than those in the RIRI group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=12.225, 12.848, 117.655, 306.394; P＜0.05). The results of immunohistochemical staining and Western blot showed that 6 h after modeling, the relative expression of TNF-α protein in the retina of the RIRI group increased significantly compared with that in the sham operation group, reaching a higher level at 12 h, and decreased at 24 and 72 h. But all were significantly higher than the sham operation group, the difference was statistically significant (immunohistochemical staining: F=105.893, 1 356.076, 434.026, 337.351; P＜0.01; Western blot: F=92.906, 534.948, 327.600, 385.324; P＜0.01). At different time points after modeling, the relative expression of TNF-α protein in the retina of the NAS group was significantly lower than that of the RIRI group (immunohistochemical staining: F=15.408, 570.482, 21.070, 13.767; P＜0.05; Western blot: F=12.618, 115.735, 13.176, 111.108; P＜0.05), but still higher than the sham operation group (immunohistochemical staining: F=40.709, 151.032, 156.321, 216.035; P＜0.01; Western blot: F=33.943, 79.729, 74.057, 64.488; P＜0.01), the difference was statistically significant; 12 h after modeling, Nrf2 in the retina of the NAS group (immunohistochemical staining: F=51.122, P＜0.05; Western blot: F=33.972, P＜0.05), HO-1 (immunohistochemical staining: F=30.750, P＜0.05; Western blot: F=18.283, P＜0.05) protein relative expression was significantly higher than that of RIRI group, and the differences were statistically significant. The results of linear regression analysis showed that the difference in the number of TNF-α+ cells in the RIRI group and the NAS group was negatively correlated with the difference in the number of Nrf2+ and HO-1+ cells (r2=0.923, 0.936; P＜0.01).ConclusionsNAS can inhibit the expression of TNF-α protein in the retina of RIRI rats and reduce RIRI. The mechanism may be related to the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Purpose To investigate the expression of the interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-alpha;) in epiretinal membranes(ERM) of eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR). Methods Nineteen epiretinal membranes were obtained form eyes undergoing vitrectomy for retinal detachment complicated with PVR and observed by immunohistochemical methods. Results Expression of IL-6 and TNF-alpha; were observed in 12 and 15 membranes respectively with positive staining mostly in extracellular matrix of epiretinal membranes.Only one membrane showed positive to IL-6 intracellularly,and expression for IL-6 and TNF-alpha; simultaneously in membranes. Conclusion The findings indicate that IL-6、and TNF-alpha;might be involved in the development of PVR. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1998,14:219-221)