Screening of genes differentiating transcriptional profiles of CIA rats at different NAMPT expression statuses. Screening of genes differentiating transcriptional profiles of CIA rats at different NAMPT expression statuses

We screened out differentially expressed genes between CIA rats and healthy controls at both NAMPT++ (CIA1) and NAMPT+ (CIA2) statuses.It was obvious that that high expression of NAMPT is linked to acute inflammation, as TLRs and its downstream MAPKs and NF-κB were identified as the most affected pathways in NAMPT++ samples compared with normal control. However, by the decrease of NAMPT expression, the pathological situation was not eased but became even more complicated. Energy metabolism (mainly lipid metabolism) was significantly altered at this status. Interestingly, many RA-related pathways emerged, such as TGF-β, IL-17, PI3K-AKT and osteoclast differentiation pathways. These results solidly support the hypothesis that NAMPT overexpression is an early event in CIA and directly affects the innate rather than adaptive immunity. Overall design: Screened out differentially expressed genes between CIA rats and healthy controls at both NAMPT++ and NAMPT+ statuses