ABSTRACT
Pairwise interactions between species can be modified by other community members, leading to emergent dynamics contingent on community composition. Despite the prevalence of such higher-order interactions, little is known about how they are linked to the timing and order of species' arrival. We generate population dynamics from a mechanistic plant-soil feedback model, then apply a general theoretical framework to show that the modification of a pairwise interaction by a third plant depends on its germination phenology. These time-dependent interaction modifications emerge from concurrent changes in plant and microbe populations and are strengthened by higher overlap between plants' associated microbiomes. The interaction between this overlap and the specificity of microbiomes further determines plant coexistence. Our framework is widely applicable to mechanisms in other systems from which similar time-dependent interaction modifications can emerge, highlighting the need to integrate temporal shifts of species interactions to predict the emergent dynamics of natural communities.
Subject(s)
Microbiota , Models, Biological , Soil Microbiology , Population Dynamics , Plants/microbiology , Soil/chemistry , Time Factors , GerminationABSTRACT
The relative arrival time of species can affect their interactions and thus determine which species persist in a community. Although this phenomenon, called priority effect, is widespread in natural communities, it is unclear how it depends on the length of growing season. Using a seasonal stage-structured model, we show that differences in stages of interacting species could generate priority effects by altering the strength of stabilizing and equalizing coexistence mechanisms, changing outcomes between exclusion, coexistence and positive frequency dependence. However, these priority effects are strongest in systems with just one or a few generations per season and diminish in systems where many overlapping generations per season dilute the importance of stage-specific interactions. Our model reveals a novel link between the number of generations in a season and the consequences of priority effects, suggesting that consequences of phenological shifts driven by climate change should depend on specific life histories of organisms.
Subject(s)
Climate Change , SeasonsABSTRACT
Priority effects play a key role in structuring natural communities, but considerable confusion remains about how they affect different ecological systems. Synthesizing previous studies, we show that this confusion arises because the mechanisms driving priority and the temporal scale at which they operate differ among studies, leading to divergent outcomes in species interactions and biodiversity patterns. We suggest grouping priority effects into two functional categories based on their mechanisms: frequency-dependent priority effects that arise from positive frequency dependence, and trait-dependent priority effects that arise from time-dependent changes in interacting traits. Through easy quantification of these categories from experiments, we can construct community models representing diverse biological mechanisms and interactions with priority effects, therefore better predicting their consequences across ecosystems.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Ecosystem , PhenotypeABSTRACT
AbstractThe arrival order of species frequently determines the outcome of their interactions. This phenomenon, called the priority effect, is ubiquitous in nature and determines local community structure, but we know surprisingly little about how it influences biodiversity across different spatial scales. Here, we use a seasonal metacommunity model to show that biodiversity patterns and the homogenizing effect of high dispersal depend on the specific mechanisms underlying priority effects. When priority effects are driven only by positive frequency dependence, dispersal-diversity relationships are sensitive to initial conditions but generally show a hump-shaped relationship: biodiversity declines when dispersal rates become high and allow the dominant competitor to exclude other species across patches. When spatiotemporal variation in phenological differences alters species' interaction strengths (trait-dependent priority effects), local, regional, and temporal diversity are surprisingly insensitive to variation in dispersal, regardless of the initial numeric advantage. Thus, trait-dependent priority effects can strongly reduce the effect of dispersal on biodiversity, preventing the homogenization of metacommunities. Our results suggest an alternative mechanism that maintains local and regional diversity without environmental heterogeneity, highlighting that accounting for the mechanisms underlying priority effects is fundamental to understanding patterns of biodiversity.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Ecosystem , SeasonsABSTRACT
Chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis is one of the major toxic side effects in the treatment of cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to screen lactic acid bacteria which could alleviate intestinal inflammation and damage induced by chemotherapeutic agents and explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Lactobacillus salivarius CPU-01 was selected from traditional Chinese fermented foods due to its protective effects on the toxicity of temozolomide in Caenorhabditis elegans. Eighteen ICR mice were randomly divided into 3 groups including control group, temozolomide-induced intestinal mucositis group, and temozolomide + L. salivarius CPU-01 group, and were used to investigate the effect of L. salivarius CPU-01 on chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. It has been demonstrated that the administration of L. salivarius CPU-01 can prevent colon shortening and alleviate colon tissue damage caused by temozolomide-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. L. salivarius CPU-01 relieved the intestinal microbiota disorders caused by temozolomide and contributed to the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Clostridia UCG - 014_norank, and Akkermansia. In vivo experiments also indicated that L. salivarius CPU-01 can suppress the level of temozolomide-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum and mRNA expression in the small intestine tissues. It was also found that L. salivarius CPU-01 significantly increased the expressions of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins, ZO-1, and Occludin proteins in mice treated with temozolomide. These findings suggest that L. salivarius CPU-01 can ameliorate temozolomide-induced intestinal mucositis by modulating gut microbiota, blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines, and repairing the intestinal barrier. These findings suggest probiotics may serve as a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis in the future.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Ligilactobacillus salivarius , Mucositis , Mice , Animals , Mucositis/chemically induced , Mucositis/metabolism , Mucositis/microbiology , Cytokines/metabolism , Temozolomide/adverse effects , Temozolomide/metabolism , Mice, Inbred ICR , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Intestinal Mucosa/microbiologyABSTRACT
A high-fat choline diet (HFCD)-induced atherosclerosis model in ApoE-/- mice was established to explore the anti-atherosclerotic effects of gypenoside XLIX (GPE). It was found that HFCD-induced atherosclerotic index such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerotic plaque, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysfunction could be reduced by GPE treatment. GPE treatment could decrease Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria abundance, and increase Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes population. Moreover, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased significantly after treatment with GPE. After treatment with GPE, the relative abundance of trimethylamine-producing intestinal bacteria Clostridioides and Desulfovibrionaceae decreased while butyrate-producing bacteria such as Eubacterium, Roseburia, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella increased significantly. The GPE group demonstrated higher SCFAs concentrations in the fecal sample, such as Acetic Acid, Propionic Acid, and Butyric Acid. Further pathway analysis showed that 29 metabolic pathways were appreciably disturbed during GPE treatment, including citrate cycle (TCA cycle); galactose and glycero-lipid-metabolism biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid biosynthesis. This study suggests that the anti-atherosclerotic effect of GPE is related to the substantial changes in intestinal microbiota and anti-inflammatory activity.
ABSTRACT
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by sacroiliac joint lesions and spinal ascending involvement. The aim of this work was at investigating the gut microbiota profile and proinflammatory cytokines in AS patients. Gut microbiota of AS patients was clearly different from that of healthy human controls. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated a changed microbial diversity in the AS patients, and there was a significant increase in the abundance of Cyanobacteria, Deinococcota, Patescibacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Synergistota at a phyla level increased in AS, while the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Bdellovibrionota, Campylobacterota, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota, Myxococcota, Nitrospirota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota declined in AS patients. ELISA results for the markers of inflammation in the AS patients revealed increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-23, IL-17, and IFN-γ. Our findings support the fact that the intestinal microbiota are altered in AS with an inflammatory status, which indicates that gut microbiota should be a potential target for ankylosing spondylitis therapy.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Spondylitis, Ankylosing , Bacteria , Cytokines , Humans , RNA, Ribosomal, 16SABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of disc perforation (DP) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) at different ages. METHODSï¼Patients with TMJ disc perforation admitted to the Department of Trauma and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery Stomatological Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2012 to May 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into 6 groups according to different ages. Clinical and CBCT radiographic features were analyzed. Clinical features included maximal interincisal opening, pain, clickingï¼and occlusal changes. Imaging features included condylar absorption flattening, hyperplasia or osteophyte formation, sclerosis, subchondral cysts, depression defects, and blurred anterior slope. The clinical and imaging characteristics of patients in different age groups were statistically analyzed. SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and Chi-square test was used to compare the distribution of clinical symptoms and imaging features in patients of different ages. RESULTS: A total of 368 patients were collected, including 24 males, with an average age of 27.63±15.90 years. There were 344 females with an average age of 32.61±15.61 years. The incidence of pain was 21.31%, occlusal change was 50.82%, and condylar absorption flat was 50.82% in the 10-19 age group. The incidence of pain in 20-29 age group was 31.06%, occlusal change was 53.42%, and condylar absorption flattening was 45.34%. In 50-59 age group, the incidence of pain was 83.33%, occlusal changes were 2.38%, and hyperplasia or osteophyte formation was 47.62%. In age group ≥60 years old, the incidence of pain was 82.86%, occlusal changes were 2.86%, and hyperplasia or osteophyte formation was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of clinical features, patients under 40 years old are more likely to have occlusal changes, while patients over 40 years old are most likely to have joint pain. Radiographically, patients under 40 years old are mainly characterized by bone loss in the condyle, while patients over 40 years old are mainly characterized by condylar hyperplasia.
Subject(s)
Osteophyte , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Female , Humans , Hyperplasia , Male , Mandibular Condyle , Middle Aged , Osteophyte/pathology , Pain , Temporomandibular Joint/diagnostic imaging , Temporomandibular Joint Disc/pathology , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Young AdultABSTRACT
The toxicity of polystyrene nano/microplastics with diameter sizes of 50um and 100 nm and concentrations of 100 and 1000 µg/mL on gut microbiota, antioxidant activity and innate immune response in zebrafish was investigated. After exposure to polystyrene plastics particle, the pathological morphological changes of intestine and gills were observed, and the injury severity was related to the concentration and particle size of plastics. Significant changes in the richness and diversity of gut microbiota were observed after polystyrene plastics-exposed in zebrafish. The plastics-treated groups exhibited more substantial oxidative stress than the control group. In addition, the mRNA expression level of most pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, including IL-8, NF-κb, and IL-10, increased while the mRNA expression of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory factor, decreased. Our results suggest that polystyrene nano/microplastics may represent a potential threat to the gut microbiota, oxidative status, and innate immunity. These results indicated that polystyrene nano/microplastics exerted size and concentration-dependent toxicity on zebrafish. The findings provide new evidence for the toxicity of polystyrene plastics on zebrafish.
Subject(s)
Microbiota , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Animals , Dysbiosis/chemically induced , Immunity, Innate , Microplastics , Oxidative Stress , Plastics , Polystyrenes , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , ZebrafishABSTRACT
To evaluate the effects of dietary short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on the intestinal health and innate immunity in crucian carp, a six-week feeding trial was carried out with following treatments: basal diet (BD), basal diet supplementation with 1% sodium acetate (BDSA), basal diet supplementation with 1% sodium propionate (BDSP) and basal diet supplementation with 1% sodium butyrate (BDSB). The results showed dietary BDSA, BDSP and BDSB could protect the host against oxidative stress by improving the activity of certain antioxidative enzymes (T-SOD, GSH-Px and CAT). Additionally, dietary SCFAs could enhance mucosal and humoral immune responses by improving certain innate immune parameters in serum and skin mucus productions (IgM, ACH50 and T-SOD). Furthermore, dietary BDSA and BDSP could up-regulate the expression of immune related genes (TNF-α, TGF-ß and IL-8) and tight junction protein genes (occludin and ZO-1). Dietary BDSB could also elevate the expression of IL-8, TGF-ß, ZO-1 and Occludin in the midgut. Although dietary differences of SCFAs didn't alter the α-diversity of the intestinal flora, they altered the core microbiota. Finally, the challenge trial showed that dietary basal diet supplementation with SCFAs could protect zebrafish against Aeromonas hydrophila. These results suggest that dietary SCFAs could improve innate immunity, modulate gut microbiota and increase disease resistance in the host, which indicated the potential of SCFAs as immunostimulants in aquaculture.
Subject(s)
Diet , Disease Resistance , Fatty Acids, Volatile , Fish Diseases , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Zebrafish , Aeromonas hydrophila , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Antioxidants , Diet/veterinary , Dietary Supplements/analysis , Fatty Acids, Volatile/administration & dosage , Fish Diseases/immunology , Fish Diseases/microbiology , Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/immunology , Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/veterinary , Interleukin-8 , Occludin , Superoxide Dismutase , Transforming Growth Factor beta , Zebrafish/immunology , Zebrafish/microbiologyABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of Weissella confusa CGMCC 19,308 and its influence on longevity and host defense against Salmonella Typhimurium of Caenorhabditis elegans. The CFCS (cell-free culture supernatant) of W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 possessed DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion scavenging activity. The lifespan of the C. elegans fed W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 was significantly (p < 0.001) longer than that of worms fed Escherichia coli OP50. Moreover, worms fed W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 were more resistant to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and S. Typhimurium infection. RNA-seq analysis showed that the most significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in C. elegans fed with W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 were mainly col genes (col-43, col-2, col-40, col-155, col-37), glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-related genes (gst-44, gst-9, gst-17, gst-18, gstk-2), cnc-9 (immune-related gene), and sod-5 (superoxide dismutase). These results indicated that cuticle collagen synthesis, immunity, and antioxidant defense (AOD) system of C. elegans were affected after being fed with W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 instead of E. coli OP50. Our study suggested W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 had the antioxidant activity and could prolong lifespan and enhance the host defense against S. Typhimurium of C. elegans. This study provided new evidences for the W. confusa CGMCC 19,308 as a potential probiotic candidate for anti-aging and anti-bacterial infection.
Subject(s)
Caenorhabditis elegans , Longevity , Animals , Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans/microbiology , Disease Resistance , Escherichia coli/genetics , Oxidative Stress , WeissellaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Excessive autophagic activity in alveolar epithelial cells is one of the main causes of acute lung injury (ALI), but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in regulating autophagy in several diseases. This study aimed to determine the role of miR-223 in excessive autophagic activity in alveolar epithelial cells and the underlying mechanism to identify a novel therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: A549 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an ALI in vitro model. The expression of miR-223 and its role of miR-223 in regulating oxidative stress and autophagy in the LPS-treated A549 cells, were examined using RT-PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the interaction between miR-223 and the high-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) protein. RESULTS: The results showed that the LPS treatment downregulated miR-223 expression in alveolar epithelial cells. We further proved that miR-223 directly targeted the 3-untranslated region of the HMGB2 gene and the downregulation of miR-223 increased HMGB2 protein level, which activated the JNK signalling pathway and thus induced oxidative stress and autophagy in LPS-treated alveolar epithelial cells. Knockdown of HMGB2 protein deactivated the JNK signalling pathway and inhibited autophagy and oxidative stress in alveolar epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that miR-223 regulates oxidative stress and autophagy in alveolar epithelial cells by targeting HMGB2 via the JNK signalling pathway.
ABSTRACT
We present a proposal to enhance the cross-Kerr coupling between the cavity and the mechanical oscillator significantly. Specifically, the periodic modulation of the mechanical spring constant induces strong mechanical parametric amplification, which leads to the cross-Kerr nonlinear enhancement. Also, we discuss its application in photon-phonon blockade and phonon-number measurement. We find that under the strong cross-Kerr coupling condition, not only the photon-phonon blockade effect is dramatically enhanced but also different phonon number is clearly distinguished. Our results offer an alternative approach to perform quantum manipulation between photon and phonon.
ABSTRACT
Subalpine vegetation across the Tibetan Plateau is globally one of the most sensitive to climate change. However, the potential landscape-scale effects of climate change on subalpine forest dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we used a forest landscape model (LANDIS-II) coupled with a forest ecosystem process model (PnET-II) to simulate forest dynamics under future climate change in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve in the eastern subalpine region of the Tibetan Plateau. We examined changes in the composition, distribution and aboveground biomass of cold temperate coniferous forests, temperate coniferous forests, deciduous broad-leaved forests and redwood forest under four climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5 and the current climate) from 2016 to 2096. Our model predicts that by 2096, (i) cold temperate coniferous forests will expand and increase by 7.92%, 8.18%, 8.65% and 7.02% under current climate, RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively; (ii) distribution of forests as a whole shows upward elevational range shift, especially under RCP8.5 scenario and (iii) total aboveground biomass slowly increases at first and then decreases to 12%-16% of current distribution under RCPs. These results show that climate change can be expected to significantly influence forest composition, distribution and aboveground biomass in the subalpine forests of eastern Tibetan Plateau. This study is the first to simulate forest dynamics at the landscape scale in subalpine areas of the Tibetan Plateau, which provides an important step in developing more effective strategies of forest management for expected climate change, not only in China but also around the world.
Subject(s)
Climate Change , Ecosystem , Biomass , Forests , TibetABSTRACT
Deer family is one of the most abundant mammalian families in the world. Deer species are distributed in wide geographic ranges including the North Pole, tropical regions and high-altitude mountains. Of these deer species, China accounts for more than 40% of them and is the main site for deer evolution. Besides the common phenotypical attributes for ruminants, deer family is evolved to possess the unique head gears with periodic regeneration, i.e. antlers. It is currently well accepted that deer is a very valuable model for the studies of ecology, behavior, evolution and biology, especially for the study of mammalian organ regeneration. Reference deer genome is the basis for systematically illustrating deer evolution, deciphering unique biological attributes of deer species, and is significant in protection and utilization of deer genetic resources. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the field of deer genome research, including data of deer genetic variation, molecular basis of adaptive evolution, and key genes and functional genomics involved in deer antler origin and evolution. The overall aim of the paper is to provide the reference neccessary for in depth investigation of deer species.
Subject(s)
Antlers , Deer , Animals , China , Deer/genetics , Humans , Organogenesis , RegenerationABSTRACT
Antibiotics that can treat or prevent infectious diseases play an important role in medical therapy. However, the use of antibiotics has potentially negative effects on the health of the host. For example, antibiotics use may affect the host's immune system by altering the gut microbiota. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the influence of antifungal (fluconazole) treatment on the gut microbiota and immune system of mice. Results showed that the gut microbial composition of mice receiving fluconazole treatment was significantly changed after the trial. Fluconazole did not affect the relative abundance of bacteria but significantly reduced the diversity of bacterial flora. In the bacteriome, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria significantly increased, while Bacteroidetes, Deferribacteres, Patescibacteria, and Tenericutes showed a remarkable reduction in the fluconazole-treated group compared with the control group. In the mycobiome, the relative abundance of Ascomycota was significantly decreased and Mucoromycota was significantly increased in the intestine of mice treated with fluconazole compared to the control group. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results showed that the relative gene expression of ZO-1, occludin, MyD88, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6 was decreased in the fluconazole-treated group compared to the control. Serum levels of IL-2, LZM, and IgM were significantly increased, while the IgG level was considerably downregulated in the fluconazole-treated compared to the control group. These results suggest that the administration of fluconazole can influence the gut microbiota and that a healthy gut microbiome is important for the regulation of the host immune responses.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Bacteria , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Immunity , MiceABSTRACT
Gut microbiota-based choline metabolism produces trimethylamine (TMA), which is then further converted to the atherosclerosis-promoting metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) by hepatic flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) and TMAO plays an essential role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many Chinese herbal medicines had been used for the treatment of CVD. This study aimed to screen choline-degrading bacteria from healthy human feces and establish a platform in silico and in vitro approaches for screening TMA-lyase inhibitors from Chinese herbal medicines. Choline-degrading bacteria were screened from healthy human feces in basic salt medium using culture method. The isolated strains were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae based on 16S rRNA and the presence of CutC gene. Structure of CutC choline lyase was obtained from the RCSB Protein Data Bank database, and the modeled structure was docked with natural compounds of Chinese herbal medicines origin using MOE. Further, we investigated the inhibitory effects of selected compounds by picric acid-toluene method using K. pneumoniae as bioassay indicator. We found that TMA level was significantly decreased when treated with ß-sitosterol and resveratrol. This study initially demonstrates the inhibitory effect of ß-sitosterol and resveratrol on the gut microbiota responsible for choline metabolism to TMA and sets up an inhibitor-screening platform for further experiments. It can be used as a model to evaluate herbal drug sources and their effects on the gut microbiota for cardiovascular disease.
Subject(s)
Choline , Lyases , Bacteria/genetics , Feces , Humans , Methylamines , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/geneticsABSTRACT
Aim To study the combination of lysinespecifc demethylase 1 (lysine-specifc demethylase 1, LSD1) inhibitor pargyline and the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin on the proliferation, migration and invasion of murine triple negative breast cancer 4T-1 cells. Methods In vitro, the effect on the proliferation, invasion and migration of 4T-1 cells of the combination of these two drugs were detected with CCK-8 method, lactate dehydrogenase release test, Chou-Talay method, Scratch test, Transwell assay, Western blot and etc. Tumor-bearing mice were used to investigate the combined effect of these two drugs on the proliferation of 4T-1 cells in vivo. Results The combination of pargyline and doxorubicin effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of 4T-1 cells. Compared with single drug group, the combination of these two drugs could significantly inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and prolong the survival time of mice with triple negative breast cancer. Conclusions The combined application of pargyline and doxorubicin has a synergistic inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration and invasion of mouse breast cancer 4T-1 cells, and has potential value for clinical treatment on triplenegative breast cancer.
ABSTRACT
The abundance of inflammatory mediators in injured joint indicates innate immune reactions activated during temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) progression. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can mediate innate immune reaction. Herein, we aimed to investigate the expression profile and effect of TLR4 in the cartilage and subchondral bone of the discectomy-induced TMJOA mice. The expression of TLR4 and NFκB p65 in the synovium of TMJOA patients was measured by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and RT-PCR. H&E and Masson staining were utilized to assess the damage of cartilage and subchondral bone of the discectomy-induced TMJOA mice. A TLR4 inhibitor, TAK-242, was used to assess the effect of TLR4 in the cartilage and subchondral bone of the discectomy-induced TMJOA mice by Safranin O, micro-CT, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to quantify the expression and effect of TLR4 in IL-1ß-induced chondrocytes. The expression of TLR4 and NFκB p65 was elevated in the synovium of TMJOA patients, compared with the normal synovium. TLR4 elevated in the damaged cartilage and subchondral bone of discectomy-induced TMJOA mice, and the rate of TLR4 expressing chondrocytes positively correlated with OA score. Intraperitoneal injections of TAK-242 ameliorate the extent of TMJOA. Furthermore, TLR4 promotes the expression of MyD88/NFκB, pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators in cartilage of discectomy-induced TMJOA. Besides, TLR4 participates in the production of MyD88/NFκB, pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators in IL-1ß-induced chondrocytes. TLR4 contributes to the damage of cartilage and subchondral bone in discectomy-induced TMJOA mice through activation of MyD88/NFκB and release of pro-inflammatory and catabolic mediators.