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Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) is thought to negatively regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The aim of this study was to identify the inhibitory effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) on monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the regulation of PPAR-γ in THP-1 cells. The expression of PPAR-γ, NLRP3, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in human monocytic THP-1 cells transfected with PPAR-γ siRNA or not and stimulated with MSU crystals was assessed using quantitative a real time-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The expression of those markers in THP-1 cells pretreated with statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin, and mevastatin) was also evaluated. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H2DCF-DA and flow cytometry analyses. THP-1 cells treated with MSU crystals (0.3 mg/mL) inhibited PARR-γ and increased NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression, and all those changes were significantly reversed by treatment with atorvastatin, simvastatin, or mevastatin. PPAR-γ activity revealed that MSU crystals suppressed PPAR-γ activity, which was markedly augmented by atorvastatin, simvastatin, and mevastatin. Transfecting cells with PPAR-γ siRNA attenuated the inhibitory effect of statins on MSU crystal-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Statins also significantly reduced the intracellular ROS generation caused by stimulation with MSU crystals. The inhibitory effects of atorvastatin and simvastatin on intracellular ROS generation were reduced in THP-1 cells transfected with PPAR-γ siRNA. This study demonstrates that PPAR-γ is responsible for suppressing MSU-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The inhibitory effect of statins on MSU-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation depends on PPAR-γ activity and production and the inhibition of ROS generation.

Objective. Activation of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) has been proposed to play an inhibitory role in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. A20 deubiquitinase has been found to be related to bone loss. This study investigated the role of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) through regulation of A20 deubiquitinase in RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. Methods. RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocyte-macrophage cell line, were incubated with or without CpG-ODN in the presence of RANKL. Osteoclast-specific genes and their related signaling molecules were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. Morphological assessment for osteoclast formation was performed using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and F-actin ring formation staining. Results. RANKL-induced osteoclast-related genes and proteins, c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP, cathepsin K, and carbonic anhydrase II were significantly inhibited in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with CpG-ODN. CpG-ODN attenuated TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), p-IκBα, and p-NF-κB expression in RAW 264 cells mediated by RANKL. CpG-ODN increased A20 gene and proteins in time-dependent manner. A20 expression under costimulation with CpG-ODN and RANKL was more decreased than under stimulation with RANKL alone. Cells transfected with A20 siRNA augmented expression of osteoclast-related genes and proteins. Number of TRAP-positive cells transfected with A20 siRNA was higher than those transfected with NC siRNA. A20 expression in cells transfected with IL-1β siRNA in the presence of both RANKL and CpG-ODN was more decreased than those with NC siRNA. Conclusion. This study showed that CpG-ODN suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast formation through regulation of the A20-TRAF6 axis in RAW 264.7 cells.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) has been found to play a crucial role in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation and formation. This study was designed to identify the effect of the HDAC6 inhibitor CKD-WID on the receptor for the activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation in the presence of monosodium urate (MSU) in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The expression of osteoclast-specific target genes, calcineurin, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) was evaluated in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages treated with MSU, RANKL, or CKD-WID by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. The effect of CKD-WID on osteoclast formation was measured by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, F-actin ring formation staining, and assays for bone resorption activity. RANKL in the presence of MSU significantly induced HDAC6 gene and protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells. CKD-WID markedly suppressed the expression of osteoclast-related markers such as c-Fos, TRAP, cathepsin K, and carbonic anhydrase II induced by co-stimulation with RANKL and MSU in RAW 264.7 cells. Transcription factor NFATc1 mRNA expression and nuclear NFATc1 protein expression induced by co-stimulation with RANKL and MSU were significantly inhibited by CKD-WID treatment. CKD-WID also decreased the number of TRAP-positive multinuclear cells and F-actin ring-positive cells and attenuated bone resorption activity. Co-stimulation with RANKL and MSU increased calcineurin gene and protein expression, which was significantly blocked by CKD-WID treatment. The HDAC6 inhibitor CKD-WID suppressed MSU-induced osteoclast formation through blocking the calcineurin-NFAT pathway in RAW 264.7 cells. This suggests that HDAC6 is considered a therapeutic target in uric acid-mediated osteoclastogenesis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 in patients with gout and uric acid-induced inflammation. A total of 40 patients with intercritical gout and 27 controls were consecutively enrolled. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, CXCL12, and CXCR4 were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene and protein expressions for these target molecules were measured in human U937 cells incubated with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals using a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Patients with intercritical gout showed higher serum IL-1β, IL-18, and CXCL12 levels, but not the serum CXCR4 level, than in the controls.The serum CXCR4 level in gout patients was associated with the serum IL-18 level, uric acid level, and uric acid/creatinine ratio (r = 0.331, p = 0.037; r = 0.346, p = 0.028; and r = 0.361, p = 0.022, respectively). U937 cells treated with MSU crystals significantly induced the CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression in addition to IL-1β and IL-18. In cells transfected with IL-1β siRNA or IL-18 siRNA, the CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression was downregulated compared with the non-transfected cells in MSU crystal-induced inflammation. In this study, we revealed that CXCL12 and CXCR4 were involved in the pathogenesis of uric acid-induced inflammation and gouty arthritis.

The NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a cytoplasmic multimolecular complex that generates interleukin (IL)-1β and is considered a main pathogenic mechanism for uric acid-induced inflammation. Whether toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is responsible for uric acid-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the role of TLR9 in NLRP3 inflammasome activation through monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced mitochondrial DNA. RAW 264.7 cells treated with MSU crystals, CpG oligonucleotides (ODNs), or a combination of both were used to assess nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling, NLRP3 inflammasome components such as NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, and IL-1β. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, DNA fragmentation assay, mitochondrial DNA copy number assay, and immunofluorescence were used in the in vitro study. RAW 264.7 cells treated with CpG-ODN stimulated the activation of NF-κB signaling, the NLRP3 inflammasome components NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1, and IL-1β gene and protein expression. DNA fragmentation assay showed that MSU crystals induced cellular apoptosis. Fragmented DNA prompted by MSU crystals induced TLR9 expression. RAW 264.7 cells treated with CpG-ODN or MSU crystals and both increased expression of mitochondrial DNA relative to nuclear DNA. CpG-ODN and MSU crystals augmented the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β expression, which was significantly suppressed in RAW 264.7 cells transfected with TLR9 siRNA. This study suggests that TLR9 activated by MSU crystal-mediated mitochondrial DNA contributes to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and IL-1β production.

Objective Artemisinin is a potent anti-malarial agent that plays a potent role in regulating inflammatory disorders. NEK7 is a major interacting partner with NLRP3 in NLRP3 inflammasome. The aim of this study was to clarify the anti-inflammatory effect of artemisinin on activation of uric acid-induced NLRP3 inflammasome through regulation of NEK7. Methods Human macrophage U937 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, or artemisinin were used in in vitro study. Intracellular potassium (K+) level was measured in U937 cells treated with and without artemisinin. Expression of target genes or proteins NEK7, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and NF-κB signaling molecules was measured. MSU crystal-induced arthritis model was used for in vivo study. Results Gout patients showed higher NLRP3 and NEK7 mRNA expression, compared to controls. Enhanced expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β was noted in macrophages treated with LPS (10 ng/ml) and MSU crystals (0.1 mg/ml), which was markedly suppressed by treatment with artemisinin (1, 10, and 100 μM). Artemisinin significantly inhibited interaction between NLRP3 and NEK7 in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Artemisinin (10 and 100 μM) attenuated intracellular K+ efflux in macrophages stimulated with LPS and MSU crystals. Artemisinin suppressed foot and ankle swelling in MSU crystal-induced arthritis mice. Conclusion This study revealed that artemisinin inhibited activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by suppressing interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3 in uric acid-induced inflammation.

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of p62-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in the initiation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation in macrophages. The induction of mitochondrial apoptosis in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages by MSU crystals was measured using western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, or PARP1, and by flow cytometric analysis. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting was applied to detect ubiquitination of p62, TRAF6, and caspase-9. Mitochondrial apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell proliferation were assessed in cells transfected with p62 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with MSU crystals induced activation of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP1 at the early phase, in addition to enhancing IL-1β expression, but these findings were attenuated at the late phase. MSU crystals induced ubiquitination of p62, followed by ubiquitination of TRAF6 and caspase-9, which were significantly reversed by ascorbic acid. RAW 264.7 cells transfected with p62 siRNA showed attenuated expression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP1, decreased ROS and IL-1β production, and increased cell proliferation, compared to controls. The antioxidant ascorbic acid inhibited p62, caspase-9, and IL-1β expression increased by MSU crystals. p62 may be a crucial mediator for the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in MSU crystal-induced inflammation, which is linked to the acute inflammatory response during the early phase of gout.

Purpose Ethanol elicits several inflammatory responses and affects the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism by which ethanol affects uric acid-induced NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation by regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). Materials and Methods Human myeloid leukemia cells (U937 cells) were used to assess the role of ethanol in NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals. Expression of target molecules, such as NLRP3 inflammasome components, AhR, and TXNIP, were measured using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. The effect of ethanol-induced TXNIP on the NLRP3 inflammasome was assessed in human macrophages transfected with TXNIP siRNA. Results U937 cells treated with 100 mM ethanol for 24 h induced NLRP3 and interleukin (IL)-1β expression. Ethanol increased reactive oxygen species generation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. AhR mRNA expression was downregulated in U937 cells treated with 100 mM ethanol, whereas CYP1A1 mRNA expression increased. Treatment with ethanol increased NLRP3 and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression in U937 cells exposed to 1.0 mg/mL of MSU crystals for 24 h. TXNIP expression in U937 cells incubated with both 100 mM ethanol and 1.0 mg/mL of MSU crystals was significantly higher than in cells incubated with MSU crystals alone. Treatment with 100mM ethanol for 24 h downregulated NLRP3 and IL-1β expression in MSU crystal-activated U937 cells transfected with TXNIP siRNA, compared to those with scramble siRNA. Conclusion Ethanol stimulates uric acid-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through regression of AhR and upregulation of TXNIP.

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and integrin-related focal adhesion kinase (FAK) by TNF-α on the migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in RA. Methods Wound scratch assays were performed to assess FLS migration. Western blotting was used to measure the levels of DKK-1, Wnt signalling molecules and FAK signalling molecules. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression levels of DKK-1, integrin αv, laminin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, MMP-8 and MMP-13. The concentrations of DKK-1, TNF-α and GSK-3β were measured by ELISA. Genetic silencing of TNF-α was achieved by the transfection of small interfering RNA into cells. Results Migrating RA FLSs exhibited higher levels of DKK-1 and TNF-α expression compared with those in OA FLSs and/or stationary RA FLSs. Moreover, migrating FLSs exhibited significantly higher levels of FAK, p-JNK, paxillin and cdc42 expression, whereas the level of cytosolic β-catenin was lower. WAY-262611, Wnt pathway agonist via inhibition of DKK-1, markedly inhibited cell migration of RA FLSs through the accumulation of cytosolic β-catenin and suppression of FAK-related signalling pathways. TNF-α treatment to RA FLSs up-regulated expression of DKK-1, integrin αv, fibronectin, laminin and MMP-13. TNF-α stimulation also suppressed cytosolic β-catenin and E-cadherin expression in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, TNF-α small interfering RNA-transfected migrating FLSs exhibited decreased activation of integrin-related FAK, paxillin, p-JNK and cdc42 signalling pathways. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the activation of DKK-1 and the integrin-related FAK signalling pathway stimulated by TNF-α induces the dissociation of β-catenin/E-cadherin, thus promoting RA FLS migration.

This study investigated the effect of rebamipide on activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production. Human monocyte cell line THP-1 and human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to assess the inflammatory response to MSU crystals. NADP/NADPH activity assays were used as a marker of ROS generation. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were performed to evaluate levels of IL-1β, caspase-1, NLRP3, associated speck-like protein (ASC), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p65, IκBα, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Experimental pharmaceuticals included rebamipide, colchicine, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid. In THP-1 cells, treatment with MSU crystals increased NADP/NADPH ratios and IL-1β expression, and both of these responses were potently inhibited by addition of rebamipide. Rebamipide also attenuated enhanced expression of caspase-1 gene by MSU crystals (p

The aim of this study is to clarify the effect of oxidative stress on monosodium urate (MSU)-mediated apoptosis of renal cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting for Bcl-2, caspase-9, caspase-3, iNOS, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, TNF receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF-6), and mitogen-activated protein kinases were performed on human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, which were stimulated by MSU crystals. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting was performed using annexin V for assessment of apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. IL-1β siRNA was used for blocking IL-1β expression. MSU crystals promoted ROS, iNOS, and COX-2 expression and also increased TRAF-6 and IL-1β expression in HEK293 cells, which was inhibited by an antioxidant ascorbic acid. Caspase-dependent renal cell apoptosis was induced through attenuation of Bcl-2 and enhanced caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression by MSU crystals, which was significantly reversed by ascorbic acid and transfection of IL-1β siRNA to HEK293 cells. Ascorbic acid inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Jun N-terminal protein kinase stimulated by MSU crystals. ROS accumulation and iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression by MSU crystals was also suppressed by transfection with IL-1β siRNA. Oxidative stress generated by MSU crystals promotes renal apoptosis through the mitochondrial caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway.

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of p62-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in the initiation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation in macrophages. The induction of mitochondrial apoptosis in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages by MSU crystals was measured using western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, or PARP1, and by flow cytometric analysis. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting was applied to detect ubiquitination of p62, TRAF6, and caspase-9. Mitochondrial apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell proliferation were assessed in cells transfected with p62 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with MSU crystals induced activation of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP1 at the early phase, in addition to enhancing IL-1β expression, but these findings were attenuated at the late phase. MSU crystals induced ubiquitination of p62, followed by ubiquitination of TRAF6 and caspase-9, which were significantly reversed by ascorbic acid. RAW 264.7 cells transfected with p62 siRNA showed attenuated expression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP1, decreased ROS and IL-1β production, and increased cell proliferation, compared to controls. The antioxidant ascorbic acid inhibited p62, caspase-9, and IL-1β expression increased by MSU crystals. p62 may be a crucial mediator for the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in MSU crystal-induced inflammation, which is linked to the acute inflammatory response during the early phase of gout.

This study is designed to confirm the anti-fibrotic effect of thalidomide on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in a mouse model and to identify whether this anti-fibrotic effect is associated with inhibition of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2).C57BL/6 female mice were administered blomycin sulfate. In cultured human lung fibroblasts, expressions of type I collagen, fibronectin, and either TGF-beta or IL-6 were measured after thalidomide treatment by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expressions of ERK1/2, type I collagen, fibronectin, and TGF-beta1 from lung tissues of blomycin-induced mice and from mouse lung fibroblasts were evaluated using RT-PCR and western blotting.Thalidomide administration significantly inhibits TGF-beta1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependant manner following administration of IL-6 and IL-6R. In the analysis of BAL fluids, total BAL inflammatory cell counts, TGF-beta1, and IL-6 levels in thalidomide-treated mice were significantly reduced when compared with bleomycin-treated mice (p0.01, p0.01, and p0.001, respectively). Thalidomide inhibited total ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 expression after TGF-beta1 stimulation in the RT-PCR and western blotting.The results of our study suggest that the anti-fibrotic effect of thalidomide on lung fibrosis may be related to suppression of the TGF-beta1-induced ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand- (RANKL-) RANK-induced osteoclast formation. RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were incubated with MSU crystals or RANKL and differentiated into osteoclast-like cells as confirmed by staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and actin ring, pit formation assay, and TRAP activity assay. MSU crystals in the presence of RANKL augmented osteoclast differentiation, with enhanced mRNA expression of NFATc1, cathepsin K, carbonic anhydrase II, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), in comparison to RAW 264.7 macrophages incubated in the presence of RANKL alone. Treatment with both MSU crystals and RANKL induced osteoclast differentiation by activating downstream molecules in the RANKL-RANK pathway including tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6), JNK, c-Jun, and NFATc1. IL-1b produced in response to treatment with both MSU and RANKL is involved in osteoclast differentiation in part through the induction of TRAF-6 downstream of the IL-1b pathway. This study revealed that MSU crystals contribute to enhanced osteoclast formation through activation of RANKL-mediated pathways and recruitment of IL-1b. These findings suggest that MSU crystals might be a pathologic causative agent of bone destruction in gout.

Objective. Evidence for the role of autophagy in the regulation of inflammation, especially IL-1b expression in response to monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, is presented. This study investigated the role of p62, a selective autophagy receptor in autophagy, in IL-1b production in MSU crystal-induced inflammation. Methods. IL-1b, TNF-a and IL-6 mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRTPCR). Autophagy-related molecules such as p62, Cullin-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light-chain 3 (LC3) I/II, ubiquitin, caspase-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-related proteins were measured by immunoblotting. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for Atg16L1, IL-1b and p62 were used to silence each target gene. Results. MSU crystals accelerate the process of autophagosome formation and also induce impairment of proteasomal degradation, resulting in p62 accumulation in autophagy. Enhanced p62 accumulation by MSU crystals leads to IL-1b expression through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not p38, of the MAPK pathway and is also involved in activation of caspase-1 in inflammasomes. Impaired autophagosome formation by Atg16L1 siRNA significantly amplified p62 levels, thereby producing enhanced inflammatory responses, including overexpression of IL-1b under stimulation of MSU crystals. IL-1b also induces p62 protein, and blocking IL-1b under stimulation of MSU crystals greatly reduced p62 levels. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that enhanced p62 expression through impaired proteasomal degradation by MSU crystals plays a crucial role in caspase-1 activation in MSU crystal-induced IL-1b production. p62 is required for activation of inflammasomes during acute inflammation in gout.

Objective Resistance to apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is considered as a major characteristic in RA. This study was designed to identify whether melittin has a pro-apoptotic effect in IL-6/sIL6R-stimulated human FLS by investigating the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) activation. Methods Cell viability was determined using a MTT assay after melittin treatment. Expressions of STAT3 and mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes induced by the IL-6/sIL-6R complex were determined by real time-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The expression of NF-κB p65 following IL-6 stimulation was determined by western blot analysis. The effects of melittin on the expression of apoptosis-related genes and the transcription factors NF-κB p65 and STAT3 were assessed in FLS. Apoptosis of FLS was determined by TUNEL-labeling to detect DNA strand breaks and DNA fragmentation assays. Caspase-3 activity was determined by a colorimetric assay. Results IL-6/sIL-6R induced the activation of the transcription factors, STAT3, NF-κB p65 (nucleus), and Bcl-2. Melittin increased the expression of pro-apoptosis-related molecules, namely caspase-3, caspase-9, Apaf-1, and cytosolic cytochrome c, in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with IL-6/sIL-6R. Melittin inhibited STAT3 activation, translocation of NF-κB p65 into the nucleus, and expression of anti-apoptotic genes such as Bcl-2 and mitochondrial cytochrome c. Conclusions The pro-apoptotic effects of melittin likely result from inhibition of the activation of the transcription factors, STAT3 and NF-κB p65, and regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis-related genes. Melittin is thus a promising therapeutic option for RA as it induces apoptosis in apoptosis-resistant synoviocytes.

This study was designed to identify the inhibitory effect of rebamipide on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) production and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). After stimulation with TNF-α, HUVECs were treated with rebamipide in a dose-dependent manner. The viability of HUVECs was assessed using methylthiazol tetrazolium assay after 24 h incubation with rebamipide. TNF-α-induced IL-8 expression was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). TNF-α-induced IκB-α phosphorylation and translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit into nucleus in endothelial cells were assessed using immunoblot analysis. We found that rebamipide decreased the expression of IL-8 in the dose-dependent manner under the treatment with TNF-α 10 ng/ml. TNF-α-induced degradation of IκB-α at 15 min was maximally observed and rebamipide (2 mM) inhibited TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of IκB-α in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells by western blot analysis. Rebamipide also suppressed TNF-α-stimulated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Rebamipide suppresses TNF-α-induced IL-8 production through (1) inhibition of IκB-α phosphorylation in the cytoplasm and (2) blockage of NF-κB p65 protein transport into the nucleus. We suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of rebamipide is related to the down-regulation of IL-8 expression that is important in endothelial inflammation.

Introduction This study investigated whether the calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, suppresses receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) through regulation of IL-6/Janus activated kinase (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS3) signaling. Methods The expression of RANKL, JAK2, STAT3, and SOCS3 proteins was assessed by western blot analysis, real-time PCR and ELISA in IL-6 combined with soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R)-stimulated rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-FLS with or without tacrolimus treatment. The effects of tacrolimus on synovial inflammation and bone erosion were assessed using mice with arthritis induced by K/BxN serum. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to identify the effect of tacrolimus on RANKL and SOCS3. The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining assay was performed to assess the effect of tacrolimus on osteoclast differentiation. Results We found that RANKL expression in RA FLS is regulated by the IL-6/sIL-6R/JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 pathway. Inhibitory effects of tacrolimus on RANKL expression in a serum-induced arthritis mice model were identified. Tacrolimus inhibits RANKL expression in IL-6/sIL-6R-stimulated FLS by suppressing STAT3. Among negative regulators of the JAK/STAT pathway, such as CIS1, SOCS1, and SOCS3, only SOCS3 is significantly induced by tacrolimus. As compared to dexamethasone and methotrexate, tacrolimus more potently suppresses RANKL expression in FLS. By up-regulating SOCS3, tacrolimus down-regulates activation of the JAK-STAT pathway by IL-6/sIL-6R trans-signaling, thus decreasing RANKL expression in FLS. Conclusions These data suggest that tacrolimus might affect the RANKL expression in IL-6 stimulated FLS through STAT3 suppression, together with up-regulation of SOCS3.