• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

Objective: The DNA integrity of spermatozoa that attach to fallopian tube (FT) cells is higher than spermatozoa that do not attach. FT epithelial cells can distinguish normal and abnormal sperm chromatin. This study investigated the effects of sperm with a high-DNA fragmentation index (DFI) from men with unexplained repeated implantation failure (RIF) on the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway in human FT cells in vitro. Methods: Ten men with a RIF history and high-DFI and 10 healthy donors with low-DFI comprised the high-DFI (>30%) and control (<30%) groups, respectively. After fresh semen preparation, sperm were co-cultured with a human FT epithelial cell line (OE-E6/E7) for 24 hours. RNA was extracted from the cell line and the human innate and adaptive immune responses were tested using an RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array. Results: The PCR array data showed significantly higher TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-6, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, interferon α (IFN-α), IFN-β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), CXCL8, GM-CSF, G-CSF, CD14, ELK1, IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK4, IRF1, IRF3, LY96, MAP2K3, MAP2K4, MAP3K7, MAP4K4, MAPK8, MAPK8IP3, MYD88, NFKB1, NFKB2, REL, TIRAP, and TRAF6 expression in the high-DFI group than in the control group. These factors are all involved in the TLR-MyD88 signaling pathway. Conclusion: The MyD88-dependent pathway through TLR-1, TLR-2, and TLR-6 activation may be one of the main inflammatory pathways activated by high-DFI sperm from men with RIF. Following activation of this pathway, epithelial cells produce inflammatory cytokines, resulting in neutrophil infiltration, activation, phagocytosis, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and apoptosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5867-5872
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• 2014

Background: Cervical cancer is listed as one of high-incidence endemic diseases in Xinjiang. Our study aimed to evaluate the expression of TLR9 in uterine cervical tissues of Uyghur women and examine associations with clinicopathological variables. We further characterized the direct effects of TLR9 upon the selective silencing of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncoprotein expression in HPV 16-positive human cervical carcinoma cells treated with siRNA in vitro. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry was applied to evaluate TLR9 expression in 97 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cervical samples from Uyghur women; 32 diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC), 14 with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINI), 10 medium-grade (CINII), 24 high-grade (CINIII), and 17 chronic cervicitis. $BLOCK-iT^{TM}$ U6 RNAi Entry Vector $pENTR^{TM}$/U6-E6 and E7 was constructed and transfected the entry clone directly into the mammalian cell line 293FT. Then the HPV 16-positive SiHa human cervical carcinoma cell line was infected with RNAi recombinant lentivirus. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of TLR9 in both SiHa and HPV 16 E6 and E7 silenced SiHa cells. Results: Immunohistochemical staining showed that TLR9 expression was undetectable (88.2%) or weak (11.8%) in chronic cervicitis tissues. However, variable staining was observed in the basal layer of all normal endocervical glands. TLR9 expression, which was mainly observed as cytoplasmic staining, gradually increased in accordance with the histopathological grade in the following order: chronic cervicitis (2/17, 11.8%)

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1259-1265
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single bout of aerobic exercise affects the expression level of toll-like receptor4 (TLR4), IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) expression in rat hindlimb muscles depending on fiber types. To accomplish this, thirteen 7-wk Balb/c male mice were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The exercise protocol consisted of a single bout of treadmill exercise (inclination $10^{\circ}$, speed 17 cm/sec 10 min, 33 cm/sec 10 min, 50 cm/sec) and the animals were killed 24 hr after the exhaustion protocol. The level of TLR4, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and SOCS-3 mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in soleus and plantaris muscles. A single bout of aerobic treadmill exercise increased TLR4 mRNA expression in the soleus muscle (p<0.05), whereas plantaris TLR4 mRNA expression did not change. Additionally, acute exercise led to a significant increase in IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and SOCS-33 mRNA in the soleus muscle, while transcripts of these genes were not affected by exercise in the plantaris muscle. In conclusion, expression level of several immune-related genes such as TLR4, cytokines, and SOCS-3 is regulated by acute exercise in a fiber type specific manner.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.211-215
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• 2009

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in sensing microbial components and inducing innate immune and inflammatory responses by recognizing invading microbial pathogens. Lipopolysaccharide-induced dimerization of TLR4 is required for the activation of downstream signaling pathways including nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$). Therefore, TLR4 dimerization may be an early regulatory event in activating ligand-induced signaling pathways and induction of subsequent immune responses. Here, we report biochemical evidence that 6-shogaol, the most bioactive component of ginger, inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced dimerization of TLR4 resulting in the inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that 6-shogaol can directly inhibit TLR-mediated signaling pathways at the receptor level. These results suggest that 6-shogaol can modulate TLR-mediated inflammatory responses, which may influence the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.305-310
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• 2016

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in the innate immune response against pathogens. Each TLR recognizes specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns, after which they activate the adaptor protein MyD88 or TRIF-assembled signaling complex to produce immune mediators, including inflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs. Although the activation of TLR is important for host defense, its uncontrolled activation can damage the host. During the past decade, numerous studies have demonstrated that GSK3β is a key regulator of inflammatory cytokine production in MyD88-mediated TLR signaling via TLR2 and TLR4. Recently, GSK3β has also been implicated in the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway via TLR3. In this review, we describe current advances on the regulatory role of GSK3β in immune responses associated with various TLRs. A better understanding of the role of GSK3β in TLR signaling might lead to more effective anti-inflammatory interventions.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.477-482
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• 2009

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a critical role in the induction of innate immune responses that are essential for host defense against invading microbial pathogens. In general, TLRs have two major downstream signaling pathways, namely MyD88- and TRIF-dependent pathways, leading to the activation of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the expression of inflammatory mediators. TLR4 dimerization is required for the activation of downstream signaling pathways and may be one of the first lines of regulation in activating TLR-mediated signaling pathways. In this paper, the molecular targets of curcumin, 6-shogaol, and cinnamaldehyde in TLR signaling pathways will be discussed. Curcumin, 6-shogaol, and cinnamaldehyde with ${\alpha},{\beta}$-unsaturated carbonyl groups inhibit the dimerization of TLR4 induced by lipopolysaccharide, resulting in the downregulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRF3. These results suggest that phytochemicals with the structural motif conferring Michael addition inhibit TLR4 dimerization, suggesting a novel mechanism for the anti-inflammatory activity of phytochemicals.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.520-523
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• 2009

The purporse of this study was to evaluate the quantitative differences in mRNA expression of TLR-2, -4, and -9 in normal equine eyes and eyes with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). Normal equine eyes (n = 6) and eyes with naturally-occurring ERU (n = 6) were collected. Real time PCR assay was performed to compare mRNA expression of TLR-2, -4, and -9 between normal and ERU eyes. A significant up-regulation of TLR-2 and -9 mRNA in the ciliary body and TLR-2 mRNA in the iris was found in eyes with ERU compared to the mRNA levels in these same tissues of normal equine eyes. There were no remarkable differences observed in TLR-4 mRNA expression between normal eyes and eyes with ERU. The current data suggest the potential involvement of TLR-2 and -9 in the pathogenesis of ERU. However, further study is required to determine the role of TLRs in ERU.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2018

Objective: To determine the localization, expression, and function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in fallopian tube epithelial cells. Methods: The localization of TLRs in fallopian tube epithelial cells was investigated by immunostaining. Surprisingly, the intensity of staining was not equal in the secretory and ciliated cells. After primary cell culture of fallopian tube epithelial cells, ring cloning was used to isolate colonies of ciliated epithelial cells, distinct from non-ciliated epithelial cells. The expression of TLRs 1-10 was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein localization was confirmed by immunostaining. The function of the TLRs was determined by interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production in response to TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 ligands. Results: Fallopian tube epithelial cells expressed TLRs 1-10 in a cell-type-specific manner. Exposing fallopian tube epithelial cells to TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 agonists induced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that TLR expression in the fallopian tubes is cell-type-specific. According to our results, ciliated cells may play more effective role than non-ciliated cells in the innate immune defense of the fallopian tubes, and in interactions with gametes and embryos.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.481-489
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• 2010

Introduction: TLR-5, a member of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family, is a element of the type I transmembrane receptors, which are characterized by an intracellular signaling domain homolog to the interleukin-1 receptor. These receptors recognize microbial components, particularly bacterial flagellin. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA, tretinoin), a natural metabolite of vitamin A, acts as a growth and differentiation factor in many tissues, and is also needed for immune functions. In this study, THP-1 human macrophage-monocytes were used to examine the mechanisms by which atRA regulated the expression of TLR-5. Because the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation at the transcriptional level is also unclear, this study examined which putative transcription factors are responsible for TLR-5 expression by atRA in immune cells. Materials and Methods: This study examined whether atRA induces the expression of TLR-5 in THP-1 cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and which transcription factors are involved in regulating the TLR-5 promoter in RAW264.7 cells using a reporter assay system. Western blot analysis was used to determine which signal pathway is involved in the expression of TLR-5 in atRA-treated THP-1 cells. Results: atRA at a concentration of 10 nM greatly induced the expression of TLR-5 in THP-1 cells. Human TLR-5 promoter contains three Sp-1/GC binding sites around -50 bp and two NF-kB binding sites at -380 bp and -160 bp from the transcriptional start site of the TLR-5 gene. Sp-1/GC is primarily responsible for the constitutive TLR-5 expression, and may also contribute to NF-kB at -160 bp to induce TLR-5 after atRA stimulation in THP-1 cells. The role of NF-kB in TLR-5 expression was further confirmed by inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) experiments, which greatly reduced the TLR-5 transcription by 70-80%. Conclusion: atRA induces the expression of the human TLR-5 gene and NF-kB is a critical transcription factor for the atRA-induced expression of TLR-5. Accordingly, it is conceivable that retinoids are required for adequate innate and adaptive immune responses to agents of infectious diseases. atRA and various synthetic retinoids have been used therapeutically in human diseases, such as leukemia and other cancers due to the antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effects of retinoids. Therefore, understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of TLR-5 may assist in the design of alternative strategies for the treatment of infectious diseases, leukemia and cancers.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.312-318
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• 2017

Aloe-emodin (AE) is the major bioactive component in aloe and known to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. However, it has not been elucidated whether its anti-inflammatory potency can contribute to the elimination of obesity. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of AE on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with AE ($0-20{\mu}M$) for one hour, followed by LPS treatment for 30 min and then, adipokine mRNA expression levels were measured. Next, TLR4-related molecules were measured in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. AE significantly decreased the mRNA expression of the tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AE suppressed TLR4 mRNA expression. Further study showed that AE could suppress the nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and phosphorylation of extracellular receptor-activated kinase (pERK). The results of this study suggest that AE directly inhibits $TLR4/NF-{\kappa}B/ERK$ signaling pathways and decreases the inflammatory response in adipocytes.