Investigation of the causal relationship between Interleukin-6 signaling and gastrointestinal tract cancers: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies indicate that interleukin-6(IL-6) has been associated with gastrointestinal tract cancers. However, the causal association is still confusing. Thus, we aimed to putative the causality between IL-6 signaling and gastrointestinal tract cancers.

METHODS

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal effects. Two groups of IL-6 signaling-related single nucleotide polymorphisms were chosen from two Genome-wide association studies. Summary-level data for gastrointestinal tract cancers including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, were obtained from the FinnGen consortium and UK Biobank study. We also performed survival analysis to explore the prognostic value of IL-6 in gastrointestinal tract cancers.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted plasma sIL6R level, which inhibits IL-6 Signaling, was associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer in FinnGen. In the combined analysis of the two sources, genetically predicted sIL6R was associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer (OR = 0.943, 95%CI: 0.904,0.983, p = 0.006). Survival analysis results indicated the prognostic value of IL-6 in gastric cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These results present evidence indicating that genetically-determined reduced IL-6 signaling lowers the risk of gastric cancer, which may provide potential prevention and therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer. Additionally, IL-6 may be a prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.

Effect of diesel exhaust particles on RANK/RANKL expression in in vivo and in vitro models of middle ear inflammation

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence suggests a link between middle ear inflammation and the development of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). Chronic middle ear inflammation can lead to bone damage and remodeling. This study aimed to explore the impact of DEPs on the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and RANKL under conditions of middle ear inflammation.

METHODS

DEPs were collected by burning fuel in a diesel engine at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Human middle ear epithelial cells were cultured to 70-80% confluence in culture plates and then treated with DEPs at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed manually. B6.SJL mice, aged 9 weeks, were exposed to DEPs at a concentration of 200 μg/m3 for 1 h daily over a period of 28 days. The expression levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, RANKL, and RANK were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and western blot analysis of the harvested middle ear samples.

RESULTS

The viability of human middle ear epithelial cells was found to decrease in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h. The mRNA expression level of IL-6 exhibited the most significant increase at the 48-h mark. In contrast, the mRNA expression levels of RANKL and RANK showed a marked increase as early as 6 h post-exposure, with both genes subsequently displaying a time-dependent decrease. Histological analysis revealed that the middle ear mucosa was thicker in the group exposed to DEPs compared to the control group. Additionally, the protein expression levels of IL-6 and RANKL were elevated in the DEP-exposed group relative to the normal control group.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the expression of osteoclast-related proteins in the mouse middle ear. These results imply that air pollutants might affect RANKL/RANK signaling, which is associated with bone remodeling.

Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Promote the Accumulation of Browning-Related Myokines via Calcium Signaling in Insulin-Resistant Mice

BACKGROUND

Myokines have a prominent effect on improving insulin resistance (IR) by inducing browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). Although docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA) play roles in improving IR and stimulating browning, whether they mediate myokines directly remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effects of DHA and EPA on browning-related myokines under IR and clarify the mechanism via Ca2+ signaling.

METHODS

The expression and secretion levels of myokines in IR mice and IR myotubes were detected after DHA/EPA treatment. The crosstalk between myotubes and adipocytes was evaluated through a method in which IR adipocytes were treated with the culture medium supernatant of myotubes treated with DHA/EPA. The expression of browning markers in the WAT of IR mice and adipocytes was determined. A calcium chelator was used to determine whether DHA and EPA regulate myokine production through a calcium ion-dependent pathway.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments: 3:1 and 1:3 DHA/EPA promoted the mRNA levels of Irisin, IL-6, IL-15, and FGF21 in skeletal muscle, stimulated WAT browning, reduced lipid accumulation; 3:1 DHA/EPA upregulated the serum concentration of Irisin; 1:3 DHA/EPA upregulated the serum concentrations of Irisin, IL-6, and FGF21. In vitro experiments: the levels of Irisin and IL-6 in C2C12 myotubes and their medium supernatant were significantly elevated in the 3:1 and 1:3 groups and the upregulation of browning markers and reduction in fat accumulation were observed in adipocytes treated with the medium supernatant of C2C12 myotubes in the 3:1 and 1:3 groups. However, the above phenomena disappeared when Ca2+ signaling was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with DHA and EPA at composition ratios of 3:1 and 1:3 induces browning of WAT in IR mice, which is likely related to the promotion of the accumulation of myokines, especially Irisin and IL-6, via Ca2+ signaling.

Tumor cell-derived LC3B+extracellular vesicles mediate the crosstalk between tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma via the HSP90α-IL-6/IL-8 signaling axis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory factors are being recognized as critical modulators of host antitumor immunity in liver cancer. We have previously shown that tumor cell-released LC3B positive extracellular vesicles (LC3B+ EVs) are responsible for malignant progression by dampening antitumor immunity. However, the relationship between LC3B+ EVs and inflammatory factors in the regulation of the liver cancer microenvironment remains unclear.

METHODS

Flow cytometry analyses were performed to examine the panel of 12 cytokines, the main source of positive cytokines, and plasma LC3B+ EVs carrying HSP90α in peripheral blood of liver cancer patients. We correlated the levels of plasma IL-6, IL-8 with LC3B+ EVs carrying HSP90α and with prognosis. In vitro culture of healthy donor leukocytes with liver cancer-derived LC3B+ EVs was performed to evaluate the potential effect of blocking HSP90α, IL-6 or IL-8 alone or in combination with PD-1 inhibitor on CD8+ T cell function. We also investigated the potential associations of MAP1LC3B, HSP90AA1, IL6 or IL8 with immunotherapy efficacy using the TCGA databases.

RESULTS

In liver cancer patients, plasma IL-6 and IL-8 levels were significantly higher than in healthy controls and associated with poor clinical outcome. In peripheral blood, levels of plasma LC3B+ EVs carrying HSP90α were significantly elevated in HCC patients and positively associated with IL-6 and IL-8 levels, which are predominantly secreted by monocytes and neutrophils. Moreover, LC3B+ EVs from human liver cancer cells promoted the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by leukocytes through HSP90α. Besides, we show that the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 secreted by LC3B+ EVs-induced leukocytes were involved in the inhibition of CD8+ T-cell function, while blockade of the HSP90α on the LC3B+ EVs, IL-6, or IL-8 could enhance anti-PD-1-induced T cell reinvigoration. Finally, patients who received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy with high MAP1LC3B, HSP90AA1, IL6, or IL8 expression had a lower immunotherapy efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that liver cancer-derived LC3B+ EVs promote a pro-oncogenic inflammatory microenvironment by carrying membrane-bound HSP90α. Targeting HSP90α on the LC3B+ EVs, IL-6, or IL-8 may synergize with anti-PD-1 treatment to enhance the CD8+ T-cell functions, which may provide novel combination strategies in the clinic for the treatment of liver cancer.

Th17/IL-17A axis is critical for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in systemic sclerosis (SSc): SSc patients with high levels of serum IL-17A exhibit reduced lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH

BACKGROUND

It is thought that systemic sclerosis (SSc) might be a T helper 17 (Th17) cell-driven autoimmune disease. Noticeably, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a leading cause of death in patients with SSc. Here, we investigated the association between serum Th17-related cytokines and prevalence of PAH in SSc patients.

METHODS

This study included 72 SSc patients and 51 healthy controls (HC). We determined clinical manifestations, immunophenotypes including Th subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17A/F, IL-17B. IL-17C, IL-17D. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23.

RESULTS

The frequency of Th17 cells was significantly increased in SSc patients compared to HC and was positively correlated with the modified Rodnan skin scores. Furthermore, the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-17D, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased in SSc patients compared to HC. SSc patients with detected IL-17A showed high levels of IL-17A/F, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-22, and high frequency of Th17 cells. Interestingly, these patients exhibited the reduced lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH significantly compared to patients with undetected IL-17A. Similarly, SSc patients with detected IL-17A and high IL-6 (≥1.2 pg/mL) exhibited the decreased lung functions and increased prevalence of PAH compared to patients with undetected IL-17A and low IL-6.

CONCLUSION

We found that SSc patients with high levels of serum IL-17A or both IL-17A and IL-6 show reduced lung functions and high prevalence of PAH. Consequently, it is highly probable that Th17/IL-17A axis is critical for the prevalence of PAH in SSc patients.

Soluble TNFR1 has greater reproducibility than IL-6 for the assessment of chronic inflammation in older adults: the case for a new inflammatory marker in aging

Chronic inflammatory pathway activation, commonly referred to as "Inflammaging" or chronic inflammation (CI), is associated with frailty, cognitive and functional decline, and other causes of health span decline in older adults. We investigated the variability of candidate serum measures of CI among community-dwelling older adults selected for mild low-grade inflammation. We focused on serum cytokines known to be highly predictive of adverse health outcomes in older adults (sTNFR1, IL-6) during a short-term (weeks) and medium-term (months) follow-up, as well as immune markers that are less studied in aging but reflect other potentially relevant domains such as adaptive immune activation (sCD25), innate immune activation (sCD14 and sCD163), and the inflammation-metabolism interface (adiponectin/Acrp30) during short-term (weeks) follow up. We found that sTNFR1 was more reproducible than IL-6 over a period of weeks and months short-term and medium-term. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for sTNFR1 was 0.95 on repeated measures over 6 weeks, and 0.79 on repeated measures with mean interval of 14 weeks, while the ICC for IL-6 was 0.52 over corresponding short-term and 0.67 over corresponding medium-term follow-up. This suggests that sTNFR1 is a more reliable marker of CI than IL-6. This study provides new insights into the reproducibility of serum markers of CI in older adults. The findings suggest that sTNFR1 may be a better marker of CI than IL-6 in this population. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the clinical utility of sTNFR1 in older adults.

Tocilizumab attenuates choroidal neovascularization by regulating macrophage polarization through the IL-6R/STAT3/VEGF pathway

Globally, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment. Up to 80% of severe vision loss is caused by AMD, which is characterized by the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Uncertainty exists regarding the precise pathophysiological mechanisms of CNV. It has been suggested that the interleukin (IL) IL-6/IL-6R signaling pathway is crucial in the progression of CNV. Tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody, binds to soluble and membrane-bound IL-6R and competitively inhibits IL-6 downstream signaling. Previous research has demonstrated that TCZ promotes several roles related to inflammation and neovascularization. However, the effects of TCZ on CNV and the underlying mechanism are still unknown. This study found that TCZ administration decreased the area and leakage of CNV lesions in the mice model of laser-induced CNV. Additionally, results demonstrated that TCZ promotes the expression of iNOS, CCL-3, CCL-5, TNF-α and inhibits the expression of Arg-1, IL-10, YM-1 and CD206. Furthermore, TCZ treatment inhibited the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) STAT3/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, which was activated after CNV formation. Colivelin, a STAT3 agonist, reversed the inhibitory effects of TCZ on CNV formation and macrophage polarization. In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, our findings demonstrated that TCZ attenuated CNV formation and inhibited the leakage of CNV lesions by regulating macrophage polarization via inhibiting the STAT3/VEGF axis. TCZ is the potential therapeutic strategy for CNV.

Regulation of Dihydroartemisinin on the pathological progression of laryngeal carcinoma through the periostin/YAP/IL-6 pathway

Objective

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is one of the most common squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck in clinical practice, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years, but the prognosis of the patients is not favorable. Hence, it is critical to re-understand and deeply study the causes and mechanisms of LC and explore new effective treatment methods and strategies. In this study, we analyzed the effect of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the pathological progression of LC through the periostin (POSTN)/Yes-associated protein (YAP)/interleukin (IL)-6 pathway, which can provide new clinical references and guidelines.

Methods

POSTN, YAP, and IL-6 levels in 18 pairs of fresh LC tissues and adjacent counterparts in our hospital were detected. Additionally, LC TU686 cell line was purchased for DHA treatment of various concentrations to detect changes in cell biological behavior. Finally, we built a tumor-bearing mouse model with C57BL/6 mice and intragastrically administrated DHA to the animals to observe the growth of living tumors and to measure POSTN, YAP, and IL-6 expression in tumor tissues.

Results

As indicated by PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, POSTN, YAP, and IL-6 presented higher expression in LC tissues than in adjacent counterparts. In cell experiments, the cloning rate of LC cells decreased and the apoptosis rate increased after DHA intervention, with 160 μmol/L DHA contributing to the most significant effect on LC activity inhibition. Furthermore, DHA-intervened cells exhibited markedly reduced POSTN, YAP, and IL-6 levels. Finally, the tumorigenesis experiment in nude mice showed inhibited tumor growth after DHA administration. And consistently, the expressions of POSTN, YAP, and IL-6 in living tumors decreased.

Conclusions

DHA can inhibit POSTN/YAP/IL-6 transduction, accelerate LC cell apoptosis, and alleviate the malignant progression of LC.

The role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and miR-196a2 in bronchial asthma pathogenesis and diagnosis

Background

Bronchial asthma is a persistent inflammatory respiratory condition that restricts the passage of air and causes hyperresponsiveness. Chronic asthma can be classified into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. Remodeling took place as the extracellular matrix accumulated in the walls of the airways. Inflammation occurs as a result of the damage caused by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) to basement membrane type IV collagen. The severity of asthma may be associated with miR-196a2. The objective of our study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of miR-196a2 and MMP-2 serum levels in relation to the severity of asthma.

Methods

This study recruited 85 controls and 95 asthmatics classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Expression of miR-196a2 was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), MMP-2, IL-6, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in the serum of asthmatics of various grades were compared to a control group. MMP-2's diagnostic and prognostic potential was determined using ROC curve analysis. This study also measured blood Eosinophils and PFTs. We examined MMP-2's connections with IgE, blood Eosinophils, and PFTs.

Results

The current investigation found that miR-196a2 expression was significantly higher in the control group than in asthmatic patients as a whole. The study found that severe asthmatics had higher MMP-2, IL-6, and IgE serum levels than healthy controls. We identified the MMP-2 serum concentration cutoff with great sensitivity and specificity. Significant relationships between MMP-2 serum level and miR-196a2 expression in the patient group with severe asthmatics were found. The MMP-2, IL-6, and IgE serum levels were considerably higher in mild, moderate, and severe asthmatics than controls. The miR-196a2 expression and MMP-2 serum concentration correlated positively with IgE and blood eosinophils % and negatively with all lung function tests in the asthmatic patient group.Conclusion: the study revealed that the elevated miR-196a2 expression and serum concentration of MMP-2, IL-6, and IgE associated with elevated blood eosinophils % is associated with pathophysiology and degree of asthma severity. The miR-196a2 expression and MMP-2 serum concentration have a promising diagnostic and prognostic ability in bronchial asthma.

Analysis of the Level of Adiponectin and Selected Cytokines in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background and Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease that is continuously targeting people of different ages, but especially the elderly population, the number of which tends to increase continuously at the global level. Apart from age, excess weight can influence the evolution of the disease, with obesity being associated with a weak inflammation stage and an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The present work aimed to analyze specific biomarkers, namely ACRP-30, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6, in knee synovial fluid, and correlate them with KOA patients' clinical data, radiographic changes, and functional and pain scores. Materials and Methods: 24 subjects with KOA and over 50 years of age participate in the present study. Synovial fluid was harvested using ultrasound guidance from the target knees of the enrolled KOA patients, and the levels of ACRP-30, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). All patients underwent a supine X-ray at the target knee and were classified using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess self-reported physical function, pain, and stiffness. Results: The obtained results highlighted a significant correlation between age and adiponectin level (p = 0.0451, r = -0.412). Also, the IL-10 values are lower in cases where the intensity of the pain is more pronounced (p = 0.0405, r = -0.421). In addition, analyzing the data by gender, it was observed that in the case of males, stiffness is more related to age (p = 0.0079, r = 0.7993), compared to women (p = 0.0203, r = 0.6223). In the case of women, the progression of the disease tends to increase more intensively the WOMAC score's total values (p = 0.00031, r = 0.8342), compared with men (p = 0.0289, r = 7013). Regarding interleukins and BMI, significant correlations were observed only in the case of men. Conclusions: A significant correlation between age and adiponectin, and adiponectin and IL-6, suggests that advanced age may contribute to adiponectin reduction. Comparing men with women, it was observed that men's age is more related to rigidity, and IL-6 and IL-10 are directly correlated to BMI; in addition, women seem to be more sensitive to pain and stiffness.

Propionate functions as a feeding state-dependent regulatory metabolite to counter proinflammatory signaling linked to nutrient load and obesity

Generally, fasting and refeeding confer anti- and proinflammatory effects, respectively. In humans, these caloric-load interventions function, in part, via regulation of CD4+ T cell biology. However, mechanisms orchestrating this regulation remain incomplete. We employed integrative bioinformatics of RNA sequencing and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data to measure serum metabolites and gene expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from fasting and refeeding in volunteers to identify nutrient-load metabolite-driven immunoregulation. Propionate, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA), and the SCFA-sensing G protein-coupled receptor 43 (ffar2) were coordinately and inversely regulated by fasting and refeeding. Propionate and free fatty acid receptor agonists decreased interferon-γ and interleukin-17 and significantly blunted histone deacetylase activity in CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, propionate blunted nuclear factor κB activity and diminished interleukin-6 release. In parallel, propionate reduced phosphorylation of canonical T helper 1 (TH1) and TH17 regulators, STAT1 and STAT3, respectively. Conversely, knockdown of free fatty acid receptors significantly attenuated the anti-inflammatory role of propionate. Interestingly, propionate recapitulated the blunting of CD4+ TH cell activation in primary cells from obese individuals, extending the role of this metabolite to a disease associated with low-grade inflammation. Together, these data identify a nutrient-load responsive SCFA-G protein-coupled receptor linked pathway to regulate CD4+ TH cell immune responsiveness.

The Effects of Budesonide Inhalation Treatment on the Expression Levels of Serum IL-6, TGF-β1, and IgE and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Cough Variant Asthma and an Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy

Objective

To retrospectively study the effects of budesonide inhalation combined with conventional symptomatic treatment on serum inflammatory factor expression levels and pulmonary function in patients with cough variant asthma (CVA) and to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 200 patients diagnosed with CVA at the Second Hospital of Jiaxing between January 2022 and June 2023 and given conventional symptomatic treatment plus budesonide inhalation were included in this study. Patients were divided into a no remission group, a partial remission group and a complete remission group based on treatment effect. The expression levels of serum inflammatory factors, cough symptom scores, and small airway function indicators in the three groups of patients at different time points were compared.

Results

In the three groups of CVA patients, after receiving budesonide inhalation combined with conventional symptomatic treatment, the expression levels of serum IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IgE and number of eosinophils significantly decreased (P <0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels among the three groups of CVA patients at T1, T2 and T3. There were statistically significant differences in IgE levels, number of eosinophils, cough symptom scores, and small airway function indicators between T2 and T3 (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve prediction analysis revealed significant differences in the expression of IL-6 and TGF-β1 at T1, T2, and T3.

Conclusion

Budesonide inhalation combined with conventional symptomatic treatment can significantly reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors in patients with CVA to reduce inflammation and the allergic response, thereby reducing the cough symptom score, improving pulmonary function, and improving therapeutic efficacy. In addition, IL-6 and TGF-β1 can be used as early predictors of budesonide inhalation efficacy.

Sulforaphane Inhibits IL-1β-Induced IL-6 by Suppressing ROS Production, AP-1, and STAT3 in Colorectal Cancer HT-29 Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as a major cause of cancer-related mortality globally, accounting for approximately 881,000 deaths each year. Traditional approaches such as chemotherapy and surgery have been the primary treatment modalities, yet the outcomes for patients with metastatic CRC are often unsatisfactory. Recent research has focused on targeting the pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and metastasis to enhance the survival of CRC patients. Within this context, sulforaphane (SFN), a notable phytochemical found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables, has been recognized as a potential anticancer agent. However, the specific mechanisms through which SFN may exert its chemopreventive effects in CRC remain unclear. This study explores the impact of SFN on IL-1β-induced IL-6 activation and MAPK and AP-1 signaling in HT-29 cells. Our findings reveal that SFN treatment not only diminishes IL-1β-stimulated IL-6 expression but also reduces oxidative stress by curtailing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, it hinders the proliferation and invasiveness of HT-29 cells through the modulation of MAPK/AP-1 and STAT3 signaling pathways. These results indicate that SFN mitigates IL-1β-induced IL-6 expression in CRC cells by attenuating ROS production and disrupting MAPK/AP-1 signaling. This suggests that SFN holds significant potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for both treating and preventing CRC.

IL-6 Enhances the Activation of PI3K-AKT/mTOR-GSK-3β by Upregulating GRPR in Hippocampal Neurons of Autistic Mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder associated with brain inflammation. The underlying mechanisms could be attributed to the activation of PI3K signaling in the inflamed brain of ASD. Multiple studies highlight the role of GRPR in regulating ASD like abnormal behavior and enhancing the PI3K signaling. However, the molecular mechanism by which GRPR regulates PI3K signaling in neurons of individuals with ASD is still unclear. In this study, we utilized a maternal immune activation model to investigate the effects of GRPR on PI3K signaling in the inflamed brain of ASD mice. We used HT22 cells with and without GRPR to examine the impact of GRP-GRPR on the PI3K-AKT pathway with IL-6 treatment. We analyzed a dataset of hippocampus samples from ASD mice to identify hub genes. Our results demonstrated increased expression of IL-6, GRPR, and PI3K-AKT signaling in the hippocampus of ASD mice. Additionally, we observed increased GRPR expression and PI3K-AKT/mTOR activation in HT22 cells after IL-6 treatment, but decreased expression in HT22 cells with GRPR knockdown. NetworkAnalyst identified GSK-3β as the most crucial gene in the PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway in the hippocampus of ASD. Furthermore, we found that IL-6 upregulated the expression of GSK-3β in HT22 cells by upregulating GRP-GRPR. Our findings suggest that IL-6 can enhance the activation of PI3K-AKT/mTOR-GSK-3β in hippocampal neurons of ASD mice by upregulating GRPR.

Linker-Based Pharmacophoric Design and Semisynthesis of Labdane Conjugates Active against Multi-Faceted Inflammatory Targets

Prolonged inflammation leads to the genesis of various inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer's, etc. The uncontrolled inflammatory response is characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α), and inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Hence, the downregulation of these inflammatory mediators is an active therapy to control aberrant inflammation and tissue damage. To address this, herein, we present the rational design and synthesis of novel phytochemical entities (NPCEs) through strategic linker-based molecular hybridization of aromatic/heteroaromatic fragments with the labdane dialdehyde, isolated from the medicinally and nutritionally significant rhizomes of the plant Curcuma amada. To validate the anti-inflammatory potential, we employed a comprehensive in vitro study assessing its inhibitory effect on the COX-2 enzyme and other inflammatory mediators, viz., NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1α, in bacterial lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, as well as in-silico molecular modeling studies targeting the inflammation regulator COX-2 enzyme. Among the synthesized novel compounds, 5f exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme (IC50 = 17.67 ± 0.89 μM), with a 4-fold increased activity relative to the standard drug indomethacin (IC50 = 67.16 ± 0.17 μM). 5f also significantly reduced the levels of LPS-induced NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1α, much better than the positive control. Molecular mechanistic studies revealed that 5f suppressed the expression of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine release dose-dependently, which was associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. This infers that the labdane derivative 5f is a promising lead candidate as an anti-inflammatory agent to further explore its therapeutic landscape.

Hypervolemia in Dialysis Patients Impairs STAT3 Signaling and Upregulates miR-142-3p: Effects on IL-10 and IL-6

Fluid overload in hemodialysis patients (HD) has been proven to be associated with inflammation. Elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) appear to be inadequately counterbalanced by the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). We initiated a cross-sectional study enrolling 40 HD patients who were categorized by a bioimpedance measurement in normovolemic (N; 23) and hypervolemic (H; 17) groups to test whether IL-10- and IL-6-related signal transduction pathways (signal transducer of transcript 3: STAT3) and/or a post-transcriptional regulating mechanism (miR-142) are impaired by hypervolemia. IL-10/IL-6 transcript and protein production by PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) were determined. Phospho-flow cytometry was used to detect the phosphorylated forms of STAT3 (pY705 and pS727). miR-142-3p/5p levels were detected by qPCR. Hypervolemic patients were older, more frequently had diabetes, and showed higher CRP levels. IL-10 transcripts were elevated in H patients but not IL-10 protein levels. In spite of the elevated mRNA expression of the suppressor of cytokine expression 3 (SOCS3), IL-6 mRNA and protein expression were increased in immune cells of H patients. The percentage of cells staining positive for STAT3 (pY705) were comparable in both groups; in STAT3 (pS727), however, the signal needed for full transactivation was decreased in H patients. miR-142-3p, a proven target of IL-10 and IL-6, was significantly elevated in H patients. Insufficient phosphorylation of STAT3 may impair inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine signaling. How far degradative mechanisms induced by elevated miR-142-3p levels contribute to an inefficient anti-inflammatory IL-10 signaling remains elusive.

Risk factors for hypoactive delirium in patients with nontraumatic ARDS: a prospective observational study

To investigate the incidence, characteristics and risk factors for hypoactive delirium in patients with nontraumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to explore the independent risk factors associated with hypoactive delirium and provide new ideas for early prediction and treatment. Hypoactive delirium is a known serious complication in ARDS patients, and currently, there are no effective early detection models or clinical prediction tools, and there is a lack of clinical treatment. This study included nontraumatic ARDS patients who stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU) for more than 24 h and were older than 18 years. A total of 205 ARDS patients admitted to the ICU of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital between December 2021 and February 2023 were selected. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and laboratory test results were collected within 24 h after the patients entered the ICU. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors, evaluate the clinical prediction effect of the model and construct a nomogram for visual display. The incidence of hypoactive delirium among the patients included in the study was 41%. Patients with hypoactive delirium had hypertension; diabetes mellitus; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores ≥ 15; and increased procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactic dehydrogenase and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels compared with those without hypoactive delirium. Logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus (OR 3.305, 95% CI: 1.866-12.616; p = 0.047), CRP level (OR 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.023; p = 0.044), and IL-6 level (OR 1.045, 95% CI: 1.017-1.063; p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for hypoactive delirium. After receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed that the clinical prediction ability of this study model was satisfactory, and a nomogram was drawn for visual display. Hypoactive delirium is a common serious complication in nontraumatic ARDS patients. Our logistic regression model not only effectively predicts hypoactive delirium early but also reveals potential clinical therapeutic targets.

Sports and Immunity, from the recreational to the elite athlete

The pivotal role of the immune system in physical activity is well-established. While interactions are complex, they tend to constitute discrete immune responses. Moderate intensity exercise causes leukocytosis with a mild anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and immunoenhancement. Above a threshold of intensity, lactate-mediated IL-6 release causes a proinflammatory state followed by a depressed inflammatory state, which stimulates immune adaptation and longer term cardiometabolic enhancement. Exercise-related immune responses are modulated by sex, age and immunonutrition. At all ability levels, these factors collectively affect the immune balance between enhancement or overload and dysfunction. Excessive training, mental stress or insufficient recovery risks immune cell exhaustion and hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) stress responses causing immunodepression with negative impacts on performance or general health. Participation in sport provides additional immune benefits in terms of ensuring regularity, social inclusion, mental well-being and healthier life choices in terms of diet and reduced smoking and alcohol, thereby consolidating healthy lifestyles and longer term health. Significant differences exist between recreational and professional athletes in terms of inherent characteristics, training resilience and additional stresses arising from competition schedules, travel-related infections and stress. Exercise immunology examines the central role of immunity in exercise physiology and straddles multiple disciplines ranging from neuroendocrinology to nutrition and genetics, with the aim of guiding athletes to train optimally and safely. This review provides a brief outline of the main interactions of immunity and exercise, some influencing factors, and current guidance on maintaining immune health.

The Glycan Ectodomain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Modulates Cytokine Production and Expression of CD206 Mannose Receptor in PBMC Cultures of Pre-COVID-19 Healthy Subjects

The ability of recombinant, SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein to modulate the production of two COVID-19 relevant, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IFN-γ) in PBMC cultures of healthy, pre-COVID-19 subjects was investigated. We observed that cytokine production was largely and diversely modulated by the S protein depending on antigen or mitogen stimulation, as well as on the protein source, insect (S-in) or human (S-hu) cells. While both proteins co-stimulated cytokine production by polyclonally CD3-activated T cells, PBMC activation by the mitogenic lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) was up-modulated by S-hu protein and down-modulated by S-in protein. These modulatory effects were likely mediated by the S glycans, as demonstrated by direct Con A-S binding experiments and use of yeast mannan as Con A binder. While being ineffective in modulating memory antigenic T cell responses, the S proteins and mannan were able to induce IL-6 production in unstimulated PBMC cultures and upregulate the expression of the mannose receptor (CD206), a marker of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage. Our data point to a relevant role of N-glycans, particularly N-mannosidic chains, decorating the S protein in the immunomodulatory effects here reported. These novel biological activities of the S glycan ectodomain may add to the comprehension of COVID-19 pathology and immunity to SARS-CoV-2.

Chemerin promotes invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma by stimulating IL-6 and TNF-α production via STAT3 activation

AIMS

Elevated levels of adipokine chemerin have been identified in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and found to be associated with metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes. The underlying mechanism through which chemerin affects OSCC progression is unclear. The aims of this study were firstly to determine chemerin levels and cytokine concentrations in serum from patients with OSCC and in OSCC cell cultures, and secondly to observe chemerin effects on OSCC cell cytokine secretion, migration, and invasion in vitro.

METHODS

Serum samples were collected from 20 patients diagnosed with OSCC, including groups with (LN+) and without (LN-) cervical lymph node metastasis. A Luminex liquid suspension assay was used to quantify serum concentrations of 27 types of cytokines. Correlations between chemerin and cytokines (i.e., IL-6, IL-15, GM-CSF, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF) were analyzed. ELISAs (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) were used to determine concentrations of chemerin and selected cytokines in serum and in supernatants of OSCC cell cultures (SCC9 and SCC25 cell lines). OSCC cells were stimulated with human recombinant chemerin, STAT3 inhibitor, or IL-6 together with TNF-α neutralizing antibodies. Phosphorylated STAT3 protein levels were measured with western blot analysis. OSCC cell migration and invasion were investigated with Transwell assays.

RESULTS

Compared to the LN- group, OSCC patients with cervical lymph node metastasis had higher levels of IL-6 (P = 0.006), IL-15 (P = 0.020), GM-CSF (P = 0.036), RANTES (P = 0.032), TNF-α (P = 0.005), VEGF (P = 0.006), and chemerin (P = 0.001). Patients' serum chemerin levels correlated directly with IL-6, GM-CSF, TNF-α, and VEGF levels in OSCC patients. Exogenous recombinant chemerin treatment promoted secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α via activation of STAT3 in OSCC cells. Chemerin induced OSCC-cell migration and invasion, and these effects were reduced by IL-6 and TNF-α neutralizing antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that chemerin may play a role in advancing OSCC progression by increasing production of IL-6 and TNF-α, perhaps via a mechanism involving STAT3 signaling.

Identification of β-cycloidal-derived mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs as potential interleukin-6 inhibitor to treat wound healing through QSAR, molecular docking, MD simulation, MM-GBSA calculation

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that involved in the different phases of wound healing. It is responsible for promoting inflammation, regulating tissue repair scar formation, stimulating the production of extracellular matrix components and recruiting immune cells to the wound site. Therefore, suppressing IL-6 is beneficial for wound healing. However, no small molecules are currently available in the market against the IL-6. As a result, this research gap motivates us to find a potential inhibitor. This study aimed to investigate the wound healing potential of novel β-cycloidal-derived mono-carbonyl curcumin analogs reported in the literature through screening a series of computational studies. The calculated pIC50 value of 18 compounds (below 10) showed that all compounds may have potential therapeutic efficacy. Molecular docking studies revealed that compound C12 (-45.6044 kcal/mol) bound most strongly in the active site of IL-6 compared to the FDA-approved drug clindamycin (-42.3223). The Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation displayed that lead compound C12 had the highest stability in the active site of IL-6 compared to the reference drug clindamycin. Furthermore, MMGBSA results indicated that C12 (-20.28 kcal/mol) had the highest binding energy compared to clindamycin (-8.36 kcal/mol). The ADMET analysis predicted that C12 are favourable for drug candidates. This study recommended compound C12 as a lead IL-6 inhibitor for future testing and development as therapeutics for wound healing.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Activated fibroblasts modify keratinocyte stem niche through TET1 and IL-6 to promote their rapid transformation in a mouse model of prenatal arsenic exposure

Early life exposure to environmental pollutants such as arsenic (As) can increase the risk of cancers in the offspring. In an earlier study, we showed that only prenatal As exposure significantly increases epidermal stem cell proliferation and accelerates skin tumorigenesis in BALB/c mouse offspring. In the present work, we have examined the role of As-conditioned dermal fibroblasts (DFs) in creating pro-tumorigenic niches for Keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) in the offspring. DFs isolated from prenatally exposed animals showed increased levels of activation markers (α-SMA, Fibronectin, Collagen IV), induction of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1(TET1), and secreted high levels of niche modifying IL-6. This led to enhanced proliferation, migration, and survival of KSCs. Increased IL-6 production in As-conditioned fibroblast was driven through TET1 mediated 5-mC to 5-hmC conversion at -698/-526 and -856/-679 region on its promoter. IL-6 further acted through downstream activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in KSCs. Inhibition of pSTAT3 induced by IL-6 reduced the EMT process in KSCs resulting in a significant decrease in their proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Our results indicate that IL-6 produced by prenatally conditioned fibroblasts plays a major role in regulating the KSC niche and promoting skin tumor development in As-exposed offspring.

Deciphering the Association of Epstein-Barr Virus and Its Glycoprotein M Peptide with Neuropathologies in Mice

The reactivation of ubiquitously present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to be involved with numerous diseases, including neurological ailments. A recent in vitro study from our group unveiled the association of EBV and its 12-amino acid peptide glycoprotein M146-157 (gM146-157) with neurodegenerative diseases, viz., Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis. In this study, we have further validated this association at the in vivo level. The exposure of EBV/gM146-157 to mice causes a decline in the cognitive ability with a concomitant increase in anxiety-like symptoms through behavioral assays. Disorganization of hippocampal neurons, cell shrinkage, pyknosis, and apoptotic appendages were observed in the brains of infected mice. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were found to be elevated in infected mouse brain tissue samples, whereas TNF-α exhibited a decline in the serum of these mice. Further, the altered levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and neurotensin receptor 2 affirmed neuroinflammation in infected mouse brain samples. Similarly, the risk factor of AD, apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4), was also found to be elevated at the protein level in EBV/gM146-157 challenged mice. Furthermore, we also observed an increased level of myelin basic protein in the brain cortex. Altogether, our results suggested an integral connection of EBV and its gM146-157 peptide to the neuropathologies.

Role of interleukin 6 signaling pathway in the anti-inflammatory effects of statins on coronary artery disease: Evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Statins are currently widely used in the prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) primarily for lipid-lowering with a potential anti-inflammatory effect. However, it is not clear if their potential anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the interleukin 6 (IL-6) signaling pathway.

METHODS

Using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach followed by multivariable MR analyses, we examined the extent to which the effects of statins on CAD might be mediated through the IL-6 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Our observations showed that HMG-CoA reductase, using LDL levels as a proxy, had a significant effect on upstream IL-6 (βMR = 0.47, P-IVW = 0.01) and nominally significant effects on IL-6RA (βMR = 0.22, P-IVW = 0.047) and APOB (βMR = 0.82, P-IVW = 1.8 × 10-33). While the IL-6 signaling cascade (IL-6RA βMR = -0.06, P-IVW = 3.45 × 10-20 and IL-6 βMR = -0.03, P-IVW = 0.09) and the anti-inflammatory effect of HMG-CoA reductase (βMR = -0.31, P-IVW = 0.01) was found to influence the risk of CAD, the multivariable MR (MVMR) model indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of HMG-CoA reductase is not likely to be mediated through the IL-6 signaling cascade, including APOB and IL-6RA (MVMRβ = 0.23, P = 0.688).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that statins may use inflammatory mechanisms independent of the IL-6 signaling pathway to prevent CAD. This result could potentially affect the definition of the target population for statin use.

ART1 knockdown decreases the IL-6-induced proliferation of colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a worldwide health concern. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for CRC, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a pivotal role in this process. Arginine-specific mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase-1 (ART1) positively regulates inflammatory cytokines. ART1 knockdown reduces the level of glycoprotein 130 (gp130), a key transducer in the IL-6 signalling pathway. However, the relationship between ART1 and IL-6 and the resulting effects on IL-6-induced proliferation in CRC cells remain unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of ART1 knockdown on IL-6-induced cell proliferation in vitro and use an in vivo murine model to observe the growth of transplanted tumours. The results showed that compared with the control, ART1-sh cancer cells induced by IL-6 exhibited reduced viability, a lower rate of colony formation, less DNA synthesis, decreased protein levels of gp130, c-Myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-xL, and a reduced p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio (P < 0.05). Moreover, mice transplanted with ART1-sh CT26 cells that had high levels of IL-6 displayed tumours with smaller volumes (P < 0.05). ART1 and gp130 were colocalized in CT26, LoVo and HCT116 cells, and their expression was positively correlated in human CRC tissues. Overall, ART1 may serve as a promising regulatory factor for IL-6 signalling and a potential therapeutic target for human CRC.

Naturally occurring small molecules with dual effect upon inflammatory signaling pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress response

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is determinant to maintain cellular proteostasis. Upon unresolved ER stress, this organelle activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). Sustained UPR activates is known to occur in inflammatory processes, deeming the ER a potential molecular target for the treatment of inflammation. This work characterizes the inflammatory/UPR-related molecular machinery modulated by an in-house library of natural products, aiming to pave the way for the development of new selective drugs that act upon the ER to counter inflammation-related chronic diseases. Starting from a library of 134 compounds of natural occurrence, mostly occurring in medicinal plants, nontoxic molecules were screened for their inhibitory capacity against LPS-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in a luciferase-based reporter gene assay. Since several natural products inhibited NF-κB expression in THP-1 macrophages, their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammasome activation was assessed, as well as their transcriptional outcome regarding ER stress. The bioactivities of several natural products are described herein for the first time. We report the anti-inflammatory potential of guaiazulene and describe 5-deoxykaempferol as a novel inhibitor of inflammasome activation. Furthermore, we describe the dual potential of 5-deoxykaempferol, berberine, guaiazulene, luteolin-4'-O-glucoside, myricetin, quercetagetin and sennoside B to modulate inflammatory signaling ER stress. Our results show that natural products are promising molecules for the discovery and pharmaceutical development of chemical entities able to modulate the inflammatory response, as well as proteostasis and the UPR.

Association of interleukin-6, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase with venous thromboembolism in COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequntly accompanied by venous thromboembolism (VTE), and its mechanism may be related to the abnormal inflammation and immune status of COVID-19 patients. It has been proved that interleukin-6 (IL-6), ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may play an important role in the occurrence of VTE in COVID-19 infection. But whether they can server as predictors for VTE in COVID-19 is still unclear. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare IL-6, ferritin and LDH in VTE and non-VTE COVID-19 patients in order to shed light on the prevention and treatment of VTE.

METHODS

Related literatures were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANGFANG. COVID-19 patients were divided into VTE group and non-VTE group. Meta-analysis was then conducted to compare levels of IL-6, ferritin and LDH between the two groups.

RESULTS

We finally included and analyzed 17 literatures from January 2019 to October 2022. There was a total of 7,035 COVID-19 patients, with a weighted mean age of 60.01 years. Males accounted for 62.64% and 61.34% patients were in intensive care unit (ICU). Weighted mean difference (WMD) of IL-6, ferritin and LDH was 31.15 (95% CI: 9.82, 52.49), 257.02 (95% CI: 51.70, 462.33) and 41.79 (95% CI: -19.38, 102.96), respectively. The above results indicated that than compared with non-VTE group, VTE group had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and ferritin but similar LDH.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis pointed out that elevated levels of IL-6 and ferritin were significantly possitive associated with VTE, thus could be used as biological predictive indicators of VTE among COVID-19 patients. However, no association was found between level of LDH and VTE. Therefore, close monitoring of changes in IL-6 and ferritin concentrations is of great value in assisting clinicans to rapidly identify thrombotic complications among COVID-19 patients, hence facilitating the timely effective managment. Further studies are required in terms of the clinical role of cytokines in the occurrence of VTE among COVID-19 infection, with more reliable systematic controls and interventional trials.

Discovery of novel osthole derivatives exerting anti-inflammatory effect on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice

The modification based on natural products is a practical way to find anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, 26 osthole derivatives were synthesized, and their anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated. The preliminary activity study revealed that most osthole derivatives could effectively inhibit inflammatory cytokines IL-6 secretion in LPS stimulated mouse macrophages J774A.1. Compound 7m exhibited the most effective anti-inflammatory activity (RAW264.7 IL-6 IC50: 4.57 μM, 32 times more active than osthole) in vitro with no significant influence on cell proliferation. Additionally, the mechanistic analysis demonstrated that compound 7m could block MAPK signal transduction by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK and p38, thereby inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, in vivo functional investigations revealed that 7m could substantially reduce DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and LPS-induced acute lung injury, with good therapeutic effects. The pharmacokinetics and acute toxicity experiments proved the safety and reliability of 7min vivo. Overall, Compound 7m could further be studied as potential anti-inflammatory candidate.

Stress inoculation during adolescence attenuates social stress-induced increase in ethanol intake in adult male mice

Social stress exposure heightens the risk of substance abuse disorder development, especially when endured during adolescence, influencing long-term mental health. This study investigates early-life stress's potential to confer resilience against later-life stressors. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined the impact of a single social defeat (SD) incident during adolescent mice's lives on subsequent voluntary ethanol consumption following repeated adult social stress exposure. Half of the adolescent mice experienced SD at postnatal day 28. Three weeks later (postnatal day 49), defeated groups encountered four confrontations with aggressive residents every 72 h, while control groups were exposed to non-resident exploration. A day after the last SD, defeated mice were classified as resilient or susceptible based on their response to a social interaction test (SIT), a model for depressive behavior. To assess ethanol consumption during young adulthood, researchers used the 'drinking in the dark' and oral ethanol self-administration paradigms. Stress inoculation (IS) slightly increased resilient animals in the SIT. In mice without IS exposure during adolescence, susceptible defeated mice displayed higher ethanol consumption and motivation than control and resilient mice. IS in adolescence effectively counteracted this effect, as IS-SD groups, whether resilient or susceptible, showed no increase in ethanol intake. These groups also exhibited similar motivation to control, measured by the progressive ratio. Notably, elevated IL-6 levels seen in SD-S mice were absent in IS-exposed mice. Additionally, IS-exposed groups had lower prefrontal cortex IL-6 and CX3CL1 levels. These findings support the hypothesis that IS, induced by moderate-intensity stress during adolescence, can enhance resilience to more severe stressors in adulthood.

Plasma from patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation promotes NETOSIS in vitro and correlates with inflammatory parameters and clinical severity

Introduction

NETosis, the mechanism by which neutrophils release extracellular traps (NETs), is closely related to inflammation. During the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), different stimuli can induce NETs formation. Inflammation and endothelial injury have been associated with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and complications after allo-HSCT. We focus on the study of NETosis and its relation with cytokines, hematological and biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes before, during and after allo-HSCT.

Methods

We evaluate the capacity of plasma samples from allo-HSCT patients to induce NETosis, in a cell culture model. Plasma samples from patients undergoing allo-HSCT had a stronger higher NETs induction capacity (NETsIC) than plasma from healthy donors throughout the transplantation process. An optimal cut-off value by ROC analysis was established to discriminate between patients whose plasma triggered NETosis (NETs+IC group) and those who did not (NETs-IC group).

Results

Prior to conditioning treatment, the capacity of plasma samples to trigger NETosis was significantly correlated with the Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) score. At day 5 after transplant, patients with a positive NETsIC had higher interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and also a higher Modified EASIX score (M-EASIX) than patients with a negative NETsIC. EASIX and M-EASIX scores seek to determine inflammation and endothelium damage, therefore it could indicate a heightened immune response and inflammation in the group of patients with a positive NETsIC. Cytokine levels, specifically IL-8 and IL-6, significantly increased after allo-HSCT with peak levels reached on day 10 after graft infusion. Only, IL-10 and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with a positive NETsIC. In our small cohort, higher IL-6 and IL-8 levels were related to early severe complications (before day 15 after transplant).

Discussion

Although early complications were not related to NETosis by itself, NETosis could predict overall non-specific but clinically significant complications during the full patient admission. In summary, NETosis can be directly induced by plasma from allo-HSCT patients and NETsIC was associated with clinical indicators of disease severity, cytokines levels and inflammatory markers.

Cytokine and Chemokine Receptor Profiles in Adipose Tissue Vasculature Unravel Endothelial Cell Responses in HIV

Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to a substantially elevated risk of myocardial infarction in people living with HIV (PLWH). Endothelial cell dysfunction disrupts vascular homeostasis regulation, increasing the risk of vasoconstriction, inflammation, and thrombosis that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to study the effects of plasma from PLWH on endothelial cell (EC) function, with the hypothesis that cytokines and chemokines are major drivers of EC activation. We first broadly phenotyped chemokine and cytokine receptor expression on arterial ECs, capillary ECs, venous ECs, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in adipose tissue in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of 59 PLWH using single cell transcriptomic analysis. We used CellChat to predict cell-cell interactions between ECs and other cells in the adipose tissue and Spearman correlation to measure the association between ECs and plasma cytokines. Finally, we cultured human arterial ECs (HAECs) in plasma-conditioned media from PLWH and performed bulk sequencing to study the direct effects ex-vivo. We observed that arterial and capillary ECs expressed higher interferon and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors. Venous ECs had more interleukin (IL)-1R1 and ACKR1 receptors, and VSMCs had high significant IL-6R expression. CellChat predicted ligand-receptor interactions between adipose tissue immune cells as senders and capillary ECs as recipients in TNF-TNFRSF1A/B interactions. Chemokines expressed largely by capillary ECs were predicted to bind ACKR1 receptors on venous ECs. Beyond the adipose tissue, the proportion of venous ECs and VSMCs were positively plasma IL-6. In ex-vivo experiments, HAECs cultured with plasma-conditioned media from PLWH expressed transcripts that enriched for the TNF-α and reactive oxidative phosphorylation pathways. In conclusion, ECs demonstrate heterogeneity in cytokine and chemokine receptor expression. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of cytokines and chemokines in EC dysfunction and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.

Marine sponge-derived alkaloid ameliorates DSS-induced IBD via inhibiting IL-6 expression through modulating JAK2-STAT3-SOCS3 pathway

Cyanogramide (AC14), a novel alkaloid, isolated from the fermentation broth of the marine-derived Actinoalloteichus cyanogriseus. However, the exact role of AC14 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is poorly understood. Our results demonstrated that AC14 exhibited significant inhibition of IL-6 release in THP-1 cells and a "Caco-2/THP-1" coculture system after stimulation with LPS for 24 h. However, no significant effect on TNF-α production was observed. Furthermore, in 2.5 % DSS-induced colitis mice, AC14 treatment led to improvement in body weight, colon length, and intestine mucosal barrier integrity. AC14 also suppressed serum IL-6 production and modulated dysregulated microbiota in the mice. Mechanistically, AC14 was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK) 2 and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 3, while simultaneously elevating the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3, both in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that AC14 exerts its suppressive effects on IL-6 production in DSS-induced IBD mice through the JAK2-STAT3-SOCS3 signaling pathway. Our study highlights the potential of AC14 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of IBD.

circNOX4 activates an inflammatory fibroblast niche to promote tumor growth and metastasis in NSCLC via FAP/IL-6 axis

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) orchestrate a supportive niche that fuels cancer metastatic development in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Due to the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs, manipulating the activated phenotype of fibroblasts is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast activation and phenotype switching that drive metastasis remain elusive.

METHODS

The clinical implications of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-positive CAFs (FAP+CAFs) were evaluated based on tumor specimens from NSCLC patients and bioinformatic analysis of online databases. CAF-specific circular RNAs (circRNAs) were screened by circRNA microarrays of primary human CAFs and matched normal fibroblasts (NFs). Survival analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of circNOX4 in NSCLC clinical samples. The biological effects of circNOX4 were investigated by gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and miRNA rescue experiments were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast activation. Cytokine antibody array, transwell coculture system, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to investigate the downstream effectors that promote cancer metastasis.

RESULTS

FAP+CAFs were significantly enriched in metastatic cancer samples, and their higher abundance was correlated with the worse overall survival in NSCLC patients. A novel CAF-specific circRNA, circNOX4 (hsa_circ_0023988), evoked the phenotypic transition from NFs into CAFs and promoted the migration and invasion of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, circNOX4 correlated with the poor prognosis of advanced NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, circNOX4 upregulated FAP by sponging miR-329-5p, which led to fibroblast activation. Furthermore, the circNOX4/miR-329-5p/FAP axis activated an inflammatory fibroblast niche by preferentially inducing interleukin-6 (IL-6) and eventually promoting NSCLC progression. Disruption of the intercellular circNOX4/IL-6 axis significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastatic colonization in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals a role of the circRNA-induced fibroblast niche in tumor metastasis and highlights that targeting the circNOX4/FAP/IL-6 axis is a promising strategy for the intervention of NSCLC metastasis.

Ophiocephalus striatus Extract Supplementation Decreases Serum IL-6 Levels in Older People with Sarcopenia-A Single-Center Experience

Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss and decreased function in older adults, is a growing public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ophiocephalus striatus extract on insulin-like growth factor-1 serum, interleukin-6 serum levels, and sarcopenia-related parameters in older adults with sarcopenia. This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 80 older adults with sarcopenia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive Ophiocephalus striatus extract or a placebo for two weeks. The IGF-1 serum and IL-6 serum levels were assessed as primary outcomes. The Ophiocephalus striatus extract intervention resulted in a significant reduction in serum IL-6 levels. Although the IGF-1 levels did not show significant changes, there was an increase for the intervention group. This study demonstrated that a 2-week intervention with Ophiocephalus striatus extract positively impacted the serum IL-6 levels in older adults with sarcopenia. While the IGF-1 levels did not change significantly in this short intervention period, the observed improvements in IGF-1, calf circumference, muscle mass, and muscle strength are promising. The findings suggest that Ophiocephalus striatus extract may offer a valuable intervention for managing sarcopenia, particularly in regions with abundant Ophiocephalus striatus production, such as South Sumatera. This study was registered with trial number NCT05869383.

The potential impact and diagnostic value of inflammatory markers on diabetic foot progression in type II diabetes mellitus: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The wound-healing process in diabetic foot is affected by pro and anti-inflammatory markers, and any disruption in the inflammatory reaction interferes with tissue homeostasis, leading to chronic non-wound healing.

AIM

This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value and effect of CRP, IL-6, TNF, and HbA1c on initiation the and progression of diabetic foot ulcers.

METHOD

ELISA was used to quantify IL-6, TNF, CRP, and HbA1c in 205 patients with diabetes, and 105 were diabetic foot free. The prevalence and progression of diabetic foot were also evaluated. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to analyze the predictive values. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to compute the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

CRP, IL-6, and FBS were found to be significant predictors of diabetic foot (OR=1.717, 95% CI=1.250-2.358, P=0.001; OR=1.434, 95% CI=1.142-1.802, P=0.002; and OR=1.040, 95% CI=1.002-1.080, P=0.037), respectively. The AUCs for CRP, IL-6, and HbA1c in predicting diabetic foot were 0.839, 0.728, and 0.834, respectively, demonstrating a good predictive value for each diagnostic marker.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated that IL-6, CRP, and HbA1c may be useful biomarkers to indicate diabetic foot progression. Furthermore, our findings showed a substantial relationship between CRP and HbA1c in individuals with diabetic foot conditions.

N-glycosylation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at Asn331 and Asn343 is involved in spike-ACE2 binding, virus entry, and regulation of IL-6

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing global public health crisis. The causative agent, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, enters host cells via molecular interactions between the viral spike protein and the host cell ACE2 surface protein. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is extensively decorated with up to 66 N-linked glycans. Glycosylation of viral proteins is known to function in immune evasion strategies but may also function in the molecular events of viral entry into host cells. Here, we show that N-glycosylation at Asn331 and Asn343 of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is required for it to bind to ACE2 and for the entry of pseudovirus harboring the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells. Interestingly, high-content glycan binding screening data have shown that N-glycosylation of Asn331 and Asn343 of the RBD is important for binding to the specific glycan molecule G4GN (Galβ-1,4 GlcNAc), which is critical for spike-RBD-ACE2 binding. Furthermore, IL-6 was identified through antibody array analysis of conditioned media of the corresponding pseudovirus assay. Mutation of N-glycosylation of Asn331 and Asn343 sites of the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) significantly reduced the transcriptional upregulation of pro-inflammatory signaling molecule IL-6. In addition, IL-6 levels correlated with spike protein levels in COVID-19 patients' serum. These findings establish the importance of RBD glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, which can be exploited for the development of novel therapeutics for COVID-19.

Cognitive functioning of adolescents using Methamphetamine: The impact of inflammatory and oxidative processes

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine is a substance that causes neurotoxicity and its use is increasing in recent years. Literature highlights cognitive impairment resulting from Methamphetamine use. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between cognitive impairment and inflammatory processes in adolescents with Methamphetamine use disorder.

METHODS

The study included 69 adolescents aged 15-19 years, comprising 37 participants with Methamphetamine Use Disorder and 32 healthy controls. Central Nervous System Vital Signs was used to detect cognitive impairment. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-33 and The Children's Depression Inventory scales were used. In addition, venous blood was collected from the volunteers. Biochemical parameters (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-a, BDNF, FAM19A5, TAS, TOS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Our study showed that (I) IL-6 and TNF-a levels of Methamphetamine users were lower than the healthy group; (II) BDNF levels of Methamphetamine users were higher than the healthy group; (III) mean Neurocognitive Index in cognitive tests of Methamphetamine using adolescents was negatively correlated with duration of Methamphetamine use and BDNF levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that Methamphetamine use may have a negative effect on cognitive functions.

Th17/1 and ex-Th17 cells are detected in patients with polyarticular juvenile arthritis and increase following treatment

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of the pathogenesis of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyJIA) is needed to aide in the development of data-driven approaches to guide selection between therapeutic options. One inflammatory pathway of interest is JAK-STAT signaling. STAT3 is a transcription factor critical to the differentiation of inflammatory T helper 17 cells (Th17s). Previous studies have demonstrated increased STAT3 activation in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but less is known about STAT3 activation in polyJIA. We hypothesized that Th17 cells and STAT3 activation would be increased in treatment-naïve polyJIA patients compared to pediatric controls.

METHODS

Blood from 17 patients with polyJIA was collected at initial diagnosis and again if remission was achieved (post-treatment). Pediatric healthy controls were also collected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and CD4 + T cell subsets and STAT activation (phosphorylation) were evaluated using flow cytometry. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests.

RESULTS

Treatment-naïve polyJIA patients had increased Th17 cells (CD3 + CD4 + interleukin(IL)-17 +) compared to controls (0.15% v 0.44%, p < 0.05), but Tregs (CD3 + CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 +) from patients did not differ from controls. Changes in STAT3 phosphorylation in CD4 + T cells following ex vivo stimulation were not significantly different in patients compared to controls. We identified dual IL-17 + and interferon (IFN)γ + expressing CD4 + T cells in patients, but not controls. Further, both Th17/1 s (CCR6 + CD161 + IFNγ + IL-17 +) and ex-Th17s (CCR6 + CD161 + IFNγ + IL-17neg) were increased in patients' post-treatment (Th17/1: 0.3% v 0.07%, p < 0.05 and ex-Th17s: 2.3% v 1.4%, p < 0.05). The patients with the highest IL-17 expressing cells post-treatment remained therapy-bound.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with polyJIA have increased baseline Th17 cells, potentially reflecting higher tonic STAT3 activation in vivo. These quantifiable immune markers may identify patients that would benefit upfront from pathway-focused biologic therapies. Our data also suggest that inflammatory CD4 + T cell subsets not detected in controls but increased in post-treatment samples should be further evaluated as a tool to stratify patients in remission on medication. Future work will explore these proposed diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Acute ketamine induces neuronal hyperexcitability and deficits in prepulse inhibition by upregulating IL-6

Acute ketamine administration results in psychotic symptoms similar to those observed in schizophrenia and is regarded as a pharmacological model of schizophrenia. Accumulating evidence suggests that patients with schizophrenia show increased IL-6 levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid and that IL-6 levels are associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms. In the present study, we found that a single ketamine exposure led to increased expression of IL-6 and IL-6Rα, decreased dendritic spine density, increased expression and currents of T-type calcium channels, and increased neuron excitability in the hippocampal CA1 area 12 h after exposure. Acute ketamine administration also led to impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI) 12 h after administration. Additionally, we found that the expression of signaling molecules IKKα/β, NF-κB, JAK2, and STAT3 was upregulated 12 h after a single ketamine injection. The decreases in dendritic spine density, the increases in calcium currents and neuron excitability, and the impairments in PPI were ameliorated by blocking IL-6 or IL-6Rα. Our findings show that blocking IL-6 or its receptor may protect hippocampal neurons from hyperexcitability, thereby ameliorating ketamine-induced psychotic effects. Our study provides additional evidence that targeting IL-6 and its receptor is a potential strategy for treating psychotic symptoms in acute ketamine-induced psychosis and schizophrenia.

Mutual Regulation of Transcriptomes between Murine Pneumocytes and Fibroblasts Mediates Alveolar Regeneration in Air-Liquid Interface Cultures

Alveolar type 2 and club cells are part of the stem cell niche of the lung and their differentiation is required for pulmonary homeostasis and tissue regeneration. A disturbed crosstalk between fibroblasts and epithelial cells contributes to the loss of lung structure in chronic lung diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand how fibroblasts and lung epithelial cells interact during regeneration. Here, we analyzed the interaction of fibroblasts and the alveolar epithelium modeled in air-liquid interface cultures. Single-cell transcriptomics showed that cocultivation with fibroblasts leads to increased expression of type 2 markers in pneumocytes, activation of regulons associated with the maintenance of alveolar type 2 cells (e.g., Etv5), and transdifferentiation of club cells toward pneumocytes. This was accompanied by an intensified transepithelial barrier. Vice versa, the activation of NF-κB pathways and the CEBPB regulon and the expression of IL-6 and other differentiation factors (e.g., fibroblast growth factors) were increased in fibroblasts cocultured with epithelial cells. Recombinant IL-6 enhanced epithelial barrier formation. Therefore, in our coculture model, regulatory loops were identified by which lung epithelial cells mediate regeneration and differentiation of the alveolar epithelium in a cooperative manner with the mesenchymal compartment.

Exploring the effect of butyric acid, a metabolite from periodontopathic bacteria, on primary human melanocytes: An in vitro study

Effects of butyric acid, a bacterial metabolite implicated in periodontitis progression, have never been examined on oral melanocytes. Herein, primary human epidermal melanocytes were used as a model for oral melanocytes. Results show the adverse effects of butyric acid (sodium butyrate; NaB) on them, which comprise marked cytotoxicity at higher concentrations (>1 mM) and robust differentiation at lower nontoxic concentrations. NaB did not alter MITF protein levels; however, it stimulated tyrosinase protein synthesis and inhibited tyrosinase activity, with no changes in cellular melanin. NaB did not affect oxidative stress, although it induced significant levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6.

Elevated expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in the skin and the serum of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: Skin as a possible source of IL-6 through Toll-like receptor ligands and SAA

The effect of persistent skin inflammation on extracutaneous organs and blood is not well studied. Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a severe form of the inherited blistering skin disorder, have widespread and persistent skin ulcers, and they develop various complications including anaemia, hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and secondary amyloidosis. These complications are associated with the bioactivities of IL-6, and the development of secondary amyloidosis requires the persistent elevation of serum amyloid A (SAA) level. We found that patients with RDEB had significantly higher serum levels of IL-6 and SAA compared to healthy volunteers and patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Both IL-6 and SAA were highly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts of the skin ulcer lesions. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts surrounding the ulcer lesions are continuously exposed to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, pathogen-associated and damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. In vitro, TLR ligands induced IL-6 expression via NF-κB in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). SAA further induced the expression of IL-6 via TLR1/2 and NF-κB in NHEKs and NHDFs. The limitation of this study is that NHEKs and NHDFs were not derived from RDEB patients. These observations suggest that TLR-mediated persistent skin inflammation might increase the risk of IL-6-related systemic complications, including RDEB.

Circulating levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TGF- β) and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+Treg cell population in recurrent pregnancy loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), a serious reproductive health issue, characterized by two or more pregnancy losses before 20th week of gestation. Globally, it affects 2-5% couples and the basis of the crisis is still unknown in 50% cases. Successful pregnancy is associated with pro and anti-inflammatory gestational phases that tolerate the semi-allogenic foetus, and disturbance leads to pregnancy complications like RPL. This case-control study aimed to assess the inflammatory status in the mid-gestation of ongoing pregnancy of women with (RPL) and without (NRPL) the history of RPL. Blood samples were processed for PBMC isolation, subjected to Flow-cytometry for CD4+CD25+FOXP3+Treg-cell population count and serum samples for IL-6, TGF-β, IL-10 cytokine levels (ELISA). Significant reduction in the percentage of Treg cells, and elevated values for IL-6/TGF-β and IL-6/IL-10 ratios were observed in RPL over NRPL group (p = 0.0001). Opposing results were seen with respect to the magnitude of history of RPL (2 vs. >2 losses). ROC curve analysis showed the superior discriminatory ability of cytokine ratios (IL-6/TGF-β > IL-6/IL-10) for RPL over Treg cells. Our findings are suggestive of pro-inflammatory dominance in mid-gestation of pregnant women with a history of RPL in general and greater than normal anti-inflammatory milieu in cases with > 2 pregnancy loss. As both sterile and infection related inflammation plays a role in pregnancy loss, studies enrolling women with favourable and unfavourable ongoing pregnancies may shed light on the importance of the present study for developing better management/therapeutic strategies.

Clostridium botulinum C3bot mediated effects on cytokine-induced psoriasis-like phenotype in full-thickness skin model

Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme (C3bot) exclusively inhibits RhoA, B and C by ADP-ribosylation and is therefore used as a cell-permeable tool for investigating the cellular role of these Rho-GTPases. Rho-GTPases represent a molecular switch integrating different receptor signalling to downstream cascades including transcriptional cascades that regulate various cellular processes, such as regulation of actin cytoskeleton and cell proliferation. C3bot-induced inhibition of RhoA leads to reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, morphological changes, and inhibition of cell proliferation as well as modulation of inflammatory response. In this study, we characterized the C3bot-mediated effects on a full-thickness skin model exhibiting a psoriasis-like phenotype through the addition of cytokines. Indeed, after the addition of cytokines, a decrease in epidermal thickness, parakeratosis, and induction of IL-6 was detected. In the next step, it was studied whether C3bot caused a reduction in the cytokine-induced psoriasis-like phenotypes. Basal addition of C3bot after cytokine induction of the full-thickness skin models caused less epidermal thinning and reduced IL-6 abundance. Simultaneous basal incubation with cytokines and C3bot, IL-6 abundance was inhibited, but epidermal thickness was only moderately affected. When C3bot was added apically to the skin model, IL-6 abundance was reduced, but no further effects on the psoriasis-like phenotype of the epidermis were observed. In summary, C3bot inhibits the cytokine-induced expression of IL-6 and thus may have an impact on the pro-inflammatory immune response in the psoriasis-like phenotype.

Expression of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 before and after adjunctive treatment with a bioactive antimicrobial peptide periodontal gel

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression levels of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 in periodontitis patients before and after treatment with biological antimicrobial peptide (AMP) periodontal gel.

METHODS

There involved 86 periodontitis patients admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to March 2021. They were equally and randomly distributed into the study group and the control group. The efficacy and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups after treatment, Additionally, the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depth (PD), and levels of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05), while the scores of four indicators (SBI, PLI, GI, and PD) and the levels of TNF-α, omentin-1, and IL-6 in the study group were evidently lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The study group had 1 case of mild irritant reaction, with an adverse reaction rate of 2.33% (1/43). And the control group had 1 case of nausea and 1 case of allergy, with an adverse reaction rate of 4.65% (2/43). The adverse reactions demonstrated no statistical difference between the two groups (χ2  = 0.345, p = 0.557).

CONCLUSIONS

The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were highly expressed before the auxiliary therapy of biological AMP periodontal gel for periodontitis, alongside low expression of omentin-1. Subsequently, the biological antibacterial polypeptide periodontal gel demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of periodontitis.

Interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 production in human immune cells is stimulated by the antibacterial compound Triclosan

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial compound widely used in personal hygiene products such as mouthwash and toothpaste; and has been found in human blood, breast milk, and urine. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 beta (IL-1β) are pro-inflammatory cytokines regulating cell growth, tissue repair, and immune function; increased levels of each have been associated with many diseases, including cancer. Previous studies showed that TCS at concentrations between 0.05 and 5 µM consistently increased the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 from human immune cells within 24 h of exposure. The current study demonstrates that this increase in secretion was not due simply to release of existing stores but was due to an increase in cellular production/levels (both secreted and intracellular levels) of each of these cytokines. Production of IL-1β and IL-6 was increased by exposure to one or more concentration of TCS at each length of exposure (10 min, 30 min, 6 h, and 24 h). TCS-induced stimulation of cytokine production was shown to be dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p44/42 (ERK 1/2). It was also shown that these TCS-induced increases in IL-1β and IL6 production were accompanied by increased mRNA for IL-1β and IL-6. The ability of TCS to increase production indicates that rather than activating a self-limiting process of depleting cells of already existing stores of IL-1β or IL-6, TCS can stimulate a process that has the capacity to provide sustained production of these cytokines and thus may lead to chronic inflammation and its pathological consequences.

Biopsychosocial contexts influence adult cognitive function concurrently and longitudinally

Background

Cognitive aging is a complex process that impacts human behavior. Identifying the factors that preserve cognitive functioning is a public health priority, given that 20% of the US population will be at least 65 years old in the next decade. Biopsychosocial determinants of cognitive decline across the lifespan are often examined as ecological factors that independently moderate cognitive aging, despite the known complexity surrounding these relationships.

Objective

We aimed to address this gap by exploring the synergistic and simultaneous relationship between risk and protective factors on cognitive functioning.

Method

Using the MIDUS study datasets, we examined the relationships among physiological markers, friendship quality, and global cognition functioning, concurrently and longitudinally over ten years. Our participants included 929 healthy (417 men, 512 women) adults (average age at Time 1: 54.6 ± 11.6 years). Exploratory analyses examining the effects of racial minority status were also conducted.

Results

Cross-sectionally, age, and friendship quality moderated the relationship between vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vm-HRV) and cognition such that younger adults with greater friendship quality had a negative relationship between vm-HRV and cognitive performance; our unexpected finding suggests the heart-brain relationship is sensitive to the biopsychosocial environment. Longitudinally, higher IL-6 levels at Time 1 predicted poorer cognitive performance a decade later, but only among those with greater levels of friendship quality, especially for white-identifying individuals.

Conclusions

The relationships among physiological risk factors, social protective factors and cognitive functioning appear to be temporally different during mid-adulthood. Given many of the whole sample findings were not replicated within the racial minority subgroup, we suggest that these relationships should be examined in a larger and more diverse racial minority sample to determine whether this study lacked the power necessary to detect a relationship or if the relationships are in fact different by racial minority sub-group. In addition, future research should overcome the study's reliance on healthy adults and self-report measures of friendship quality by including adults with pre-existing cognitive impairments, and employing more real-time measures of friendship quality, such as daily diary or ecological momentary assessment.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: An update in diagnosis and treatment advances

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare disease, and it is likely underdiagnosed because of the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. While the disease leads to significant morbidity and mortality, its causes are not yet fully elucidated. There have been significant advances in diagnosis and treatment of iMCD in the past decade, including the approval of the anti-IL-6 antibody siltuximab. In this review, we provide an update of the many new developments and publications surrounding iMCD.

The predictive value of miR-377 and phospholipase A2 in the early diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease and their relationship with inflammatory factors

OBJECTIVE

The value of novel biomarkers for DKD has received increasing attention, and there is an urgent need for novel biomarkers with sensitivity, specificity and ability to detect kidney damage.miR-377 regulates many basic biological processes, plays a key role in tumor cell proliferation, migration and inflammation, and can also increase the expression of matrix proteins and fibronectin, leading to renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and renal fibrosis. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, as an inflammatory marker, is involved in the pathological process of microalbuminuria production and renal function decline, and is a predictive factor of microalbuminuria production and renal function decline, and can be used as an indicator to evaluate the progression of DKD.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-377 and phospholipase A2 on the development of diabetic kidney disease through regulation of inflammatory factors and the mechanism of action.

METHODS

80 diabetic patients were divided into two groups according to urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): diabetic normal proteinuria group (n = 42) and diabetic proteinuria group (n = 38). Forty-three healthy people were selected as the normal control group. The serum levels of TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-18 were measured by ELISA, miR-377 was detected by qPCR, and the serum levels of phospholipase A2 were detected by electrochemiluminescence. Analyze the correlation of study group indicators, ROC curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of miR-377 and phospholipase A2 in diabetic kidney disease.

RESULTS

The average levels of serum TGF-β, IL-6, IL-18, miR-377 and phospholipase A2 in diabetic proteinuria group were significantly higher than those in normal control group and diabetic proteinuria normal group(P < 0.05). miR-377, phospholipase A2 were significantly correlated with inflammatory factors such as glomerular filtration rate and TGF-β. miR-377 and phospholipase A2 are independent predictors of diabetic kidney disease. The area under the curve of miR-377 and phospholipase A2 in the normal diabetic proteinuria group and the diabetic proteinuria group were 0.731 and 0.744, respectively.

CONCLUSION

miR-377 and phospholipase A2 have good diagnostic efficiency for the early diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease. They can be used as early biomarkers.miR-377 and phospholipase A2 were positively correlated with inflammatory factors and involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney disease.

Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Alleviates Th17-Mediated Inflammation via Eliminating Mechanical Stress-Induced Th17-Polarizing Cytokines in Crohn's-like Colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) with a liquid diet is the only established dietary treatment for Crohn's' disease (CD). However, the mechanism of action of EEN in CD is unclear. T helper 17 (Th17) immune response plays a critical role in CD. We hypothesized that EEN alleviates Th17 response by eliminating mechanical stress-induced expression of Th17-polarizing cytokines.

METHODS

A rat model of Crohn's-like colitis was established by intracolonic instillation of TNBS (65 mg/kg in 250 µL of 40% ethanol). Control rats were treated with saline. We characterized immunophenotypes and molecular changes of the colon in control and colitis rats with and without EEN treatment. Th17 differentiation was determined using coculture assays.

RESULTS

TNBS instillation induced transmural inflammation with stenosis in the inflammation site and a marked increase of Th17-polarizing cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and osteopontin and the Th17 cell population in the mechanically distended preinflammation site (P-site). EEN treatment eliminated mechanical distention and the increase of IL-6, osteopontin, and Th17 response in the P-site. IL-6 and osteopontin expression was found mainly in the muscularis externa. Mechanical stretch of colonic smooth muscle cells in vitro induced a robust increase of IL-6 and osteopontin. When naïve T cells were cultured with conditioned media from the P-site tissue or stretched cells, Th17 differentiation was significantly increased. Inhibition of IL-6, but not deletion of osteopontin, blocked the increase of Th17 differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical stress induces Th17-polarizing cytokines in the colon. EEN attenuates Th17 immune response by eliminating mechanical stress-induced IL-6 in Crohn's-like colitis.