CpG-ODN activation of TLR9 signaling pathways and NF-κB in STZ-induced diabetic rats

To observe the mRNA and protein expression of TLR9, NF-κB and serum level of Th1/Th2 cytokines when stimulated with different concentration of CpG-ODN in STZ-induced diabetic rats. 40 SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups:normal control group (Group I), type 1 diabetes control group (Group II), low-dose CpG-ODN treated type 1 diabetes group (Group III), high dose CpG-ODN treated type 1 diabetes group (Group IV). 60 µg /kg and 120 µg /kg CpG-ODN were injected to rats of Group III and IV when inducing type 1 diabetes model.mRNA and protein levels of TLR9 and NF-κB in spleen and pancreas were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting.Serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ were measured by ELISA. TLR9 protein expression levels were much higher in spleen than in the pancreas among these four groups. In spleen, TLR9 and NF-κB mRNA and protein level were significantly higher in Group III and IV than those in Group I and II, and the expression level was higher in Group IV than in Group III. In