The Biological Context of C-Reactive Protein as a Prognostic Marker in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Studies on the Acute Phase Cytokine Profile

High serum levels of the acute phase protein C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with an adverse prognosis in renal cancer. The acute phase reaction is cytokine-driven and includes a wide range of inflammatory mediators. This overall profile of the response depends on the inducing event and can also differ between patients. We investigated an extended acute phase cytokine profile for 97 renal cancer patients. Initial studies showed that the serum CRP levels had an expected prognostic association together with tumor size, stage, nuclear grading, and Leibovich score. Interleukin (IL)6 family cytokines, IL1 subfamily mediators, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α can all be drivers of the acute phase response. Initial studies suggested that serum IL33Rα (the soluble IL33 receptor α chain) levels were also associated with prognosis, although the impact of IL33Rα is dependent on the overall cytokine profile, including seven IL6 family members (IL6, IL6Rα, gp130, IL27, IL31, CNTF, and OSM), two IL1 subfamily members (IL1RA and IL33Rα), and TNFα. We identified a patient subset characterized by particularly high levels of IL6, IL33Rα, and TNFα alongside an adverse prognosis. Thus, the acute phase cytokine reaction differs between renal cancer patients, and differences in the acute phase cytokine profile are associated with prognosis.

[The balance of proinflammatory cytokines and Treg cells in chronic glomerulonephritis]

Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a disease with a steadily progressing course, which is based on inflammation with the activation of immune cells. The severity of the inflammatory reaction in the kidney tissue is determined by the balance of locally pro-inflammatory factors and protective mechanisms, which include anti-inflammatory cytokines and T-regulatory lymphocytes (Treg). The study of processes that can modulate the severity of inflammation in the kidney is of particular interest for understanding the basic patterns of CGN progression.

AIM

To determine the clinical significance of the Th17, Th1, and Treg cytokines in urine to assess the activity and progression of chronic glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome (NS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 98 patients with CGN 37 women and 61 men. Patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of CGN activity. Group I consisted of 51 patients with NS. In 21 subjects, a decrease in GFR60 ml/min was revealed. Group II included 47 patients with proteinuria from 1 to 3 g/day without NS. GFR60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was observed in 26 patients. A kidney biopsy was performed in 65 patients and the hystological diagnosis was verified: 20 had mesangioproliferative GN, 16 had membranous nephropathy, 18 had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and 11 had membranoproliferative GN. The control group consisted of 15 healthy people. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) in the urine were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The number of FoxP3-positive cells in the inflammatory interstitial infiltrate of the cortical layer was determined in 39 patients (in a biopsy sample in a 1.5 mm2 area).

RESULTS

In group of patients with CGN, there was an increase in the levels of Th17, Th1, and Treg cytokines in urine TNF-a and IL-10 compared with healthy individuals. An increase in the levels of IL-6 in the urine of patients with high clinical activity of CGN (with NS and renal dysfunction) was more pronounced than in patients with NS and normal renal function. There was a decrease in the number of Treg cells in the interstitium of the kidney and a decrease in the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in CGN patients with NS, compared with patients without NS. The most pronounced changes in the cytokine profile were observed in patients with FSGS with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in Treg in the kidney tissue/anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the urine.

CONCLUSION

An imbalance of cytokines characterized by an increased levels of pro-inflammatory IL-17, IL-6, TNF-a, and a reduced levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and T-regulatory cells in the kidney tissue is noted in patients with NS, especially with FSGS. Imbalance of cytokines reflects the high activity of CGN and the risk of the progression of the disease.

The Deubiquitinating Enzyme USP20 Regulates the TNFα-Induced NF-κB Signaling Pathway through Stabilization of p62

p62/sequestosome-1 is a scaffolding protein involved in diverse cellular processes such as autophagy, oxidative stress, cell survival and death. It has been identified to interact with atypical protein kinase Cs (aPKCs), linking these kinases to NF-κB activation by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The diverse functions of p62 are regulated through post-translational modifications of several domains within p62. Among the enzymes that mediate these post-translational modifications, little is known about the deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that remove ubiquitin chains from p62, compared to the E3 ligases involved in p62 ubiquitination. In this study, we first demonstrate a role of ubiquitin-specific protease USP20 in regulating p62 stability in TNFα-mediated NF-κB activation. USP20 specifically binds to p62 and acts as a positive regulator for NF-κB activation by TNFα through deubiquitinating lysine 48 (K48)-linked polyubiquitination, eventually contributing to cell survival. Furthermore, depletion of USP20 disrupts formation of the atypical PKCζ-RIPK1-p62 complex required for TNFα-mediated NF-κB activation and significantly increases the apoptosis induced by TNFα plus cycloheximide or TNFα plus TAK1 inhibitor. These findings strongly suggest that the USP20-p62 axis plays an essential role in NF-κB-mediated cell survival induced by the TNFα-atypical PKCζ signaling pathway.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 Alleviates Obesity Associated with Promoting Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function of Adipose Tissue in Mice

Probiotics are widely known for their health benefits. Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to obesity. The aim of this study was to illuminate whether Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 (BAA6) could improve obesity due to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and function of adipose tissues. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 17 weeks. For the final eight weeks, the HFD group was divided into three groups including HFD, HFD with BAA6 (HFD + BAA6 group), and HFD with Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) (HFD + AKK group as positive control). The composition of the microbiota, serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and mitochondrial biosynthesis and function of epididymal adipose tissues were measured. Compared with the HFD group, body weight, relative fat weight, the relative abundance of Oscillibacter and Bilophila, and serum LPS were significantly decreased in the HFD + BAA6 and HFD + AKK groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of BAA6 and AKK increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) (by 21.53- and 18.51-fold), estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) (by 2.83- and 1.24-fold), and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) (by 1.51- and 0.60-fold) in epididymal adipose tissues. Our results suggest that BAA6 could improve obesity associated with promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function of adipose tissues in mice.

Deficiency in the DNA repair protein ERCC1 triggers a link between senescence and apoptosis in human fibroblasts and mouse skin

ERCC1 (excision repair cross complementing‐group 1) is a mammalian endonuclease that incises the damaged strand of DNA during nucleotide excision repair and interstrand cross‐link repair. Ercc1^−/Δ mice, carrying one null and one hypomorphic Ercc1 allele, have been widely used to study aging due to accelerated aging phenotypes in numerous organs and their shortened lifespan. Ercc1^−/Δ mice display combined features of human progeroid and cancer‐prone syndromes. Although several studies report cellular senescence and apoptosis associated with the premature aging of Ercc1^−/Δ mice, the link between these two processes and their physiological relevance in the phenotypes of Ercc1^−/Δ mice are incompletely understood. Here, we show that ERCC1 depletion, both in cultured human fibroblasts and the skin of Ercc1^−/Δ mice, initially induces cellular senescence and, importantly, increased expression of several SASP (senescence‐associated secretory phenotype) factors. Cellular senescence induced by ERCC1 deficiency was dependent on activity of the p53 tumor‐suppressor protein. In turn, TNFα secreted by senescent cells induced apoptosis, not only in neighboring ERCC1‐deficient nonsenescent cells, but also cell autonomously in the senescent cells themselves. In addition, expression of the stem cell markers p63 and Lgr6 was significantly decreased in Ercc1^−/Δ mouse skin, where the apoptotic cells are localized, compared to age‐matched wild‐type skin, possibly due to the apoptosis of stem cells. These data suggest that ERCC1‐depleted cells become susceptible to apoptosis via TNFα secreted from neighboring senescent cells. We speculate that parts of the premature aging phenotypes and shortened health‐ or lifespan may be due to stem cell depletion through apoptosis promoted by senescent cells.

Methylglyoxal, Glycated Albumin, PAF, and TNF-α: Possible Inflammatory and Metabolic Biomarkers for Management of Gestational Diabetes

Background: In gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pancreatic β-cell breakdown can result from a proinflammatory imbalance created by a sustained level of cytokines. In this study, we investigated the role of specific cytokines, such as B-cell activating factor (BAFF), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and platelet-activating factor (PAF), together with methylglyoxal (MGO) and glycated albumin (GA) in pregnant women affected by GDM. Methods: We enrolled 30 women whose inflammation and metabolic markers were measured at recruitment and after 12 weeks of strict dietetic therapy. We compared these data to the data obtained from 53 randomly selected healthy nonpregnant subjects without diabetes, hyperglycemia, or any condition that can affect glycemic metabolism. Results: In pregnant women affected by GDM, PAF levels increased from 26.3 (17.4–47.5) ng/mL to 40.1 (30.5–80.5) ng/mL (p < 0.001). Their TNF-α levels increased from 3.0 (2.8–3.5) pg/mL to 3.4 (3.1–5.8) pg/mL (p < 0.001). The levels of methylglyoxal were significantly higher in the women with GDM (p < 0.001), both at diagnosis and after 12 weeks (0.64 (0.46–0.90) μg/mL; 0.71 (0.47–0.93) μg/mL, respectively) compared to general population (0.25 (0.19–0.28) μg/mL). Levels of glycated albumin were significantly higher in women with GDM (p < 0.001) only after 12 weeks from diagnosis (1.51 (0.88–2.03) nmol/mL) compared to general population (0.95 (0.63–1.4) nmol/mL). Conclusion: These findings support the involvement of new inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in the mechanisms related to GDM complications and prompt deeper exploration into the vicious cycle connecting inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic results.

Abnormal Cannabidiol Affects Production of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Astrocyte Wound Closure in Primary Astrocytic-Microglial Cocultures

Abnormal cannabidiol (abn-CBD) exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the impact of abn-CBD on the glial production of proinflammatory mediators and scar formation within in vitro models. Primary astrocytic-microglial cocultures and astrocytic cultures from neonatal C57BL/6 mice and CB2 receptor knockout mice were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrite were determined. Furthermore, we performed a live cell microscopy-based scratch-wound assay. After LPS stimulation, TNFα, IL-6 and nitrite production was more strongly increased in cocultures than in isolated astrocytes. Abn-CBD treatment attenuated the LPS-induced production of TNFα and nitrite in cocultures, while IL-6 production remained unaltered. In isolated astrocytes, only LPS-induced TNFα production was reduced by abn-CBD. Similar effects were observed after abn-CBD application in cocultures of CB2 knockout mice. Interestingly, LPS-induced TNFα and nitrite levels were far lower in CB2 knockout cultures compared to wildtypes, while IL-6 levels did not differ. In the scratch-wound assay, treatment with abn-CBD decelerated wound closure when microglial cells were present. Our data shows a differential role of abn-CBD for modulation of glial inflammation and astrocytic scar formation. These findings provide new explanations for mechanisms behind the neuroprotective potential of abn-CBD.

Sulforaphane enhances apoptosis induced by Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 via the TNFα pathway in human colon cancer cells

Sulforaphane and Lactobacilli induce apoptosis in several cancer cells. Sulforaphane, a dietary isothiocyanate, is an attractive agent due to its potent anticancer effects. Sulforaphane suppresses the proliferation of various cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The present study investigated the effect of sulforaphane and a co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in human colon cancer cells. The combination markedly induced apoptosis in human colon cancer HCT116 and SW480 cells. A pan-caspase inhibitor markedly inhibited apoptosis, and a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor/Fc chimera partially inhibited apoptosis in both cells. The amount of TNFα secretion in the culture supernatant was significantly increased by co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated normal human PBMCs. On the other hand, the expression of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-2 (cIAP-2), an anti-apoptotic protein, was increased by co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated PBMCs in colon cancer cells, but sulforaphane treatment significantly suppressed the induction of cIAP-2. The present results revealed that sulforaphane enhances apoptosis in human colon cancer cells under co-culture with Lactobacillus-treated PBMCs via the TNFα signaling pathway.

Effects of ubiquitin-proteasome inhibitor on the expression levels of TNF-α and TGF-β1 in mice with viral myocarditis

Effects of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) inhibitor MG-132 on the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in mice with viral myocarditis were investigated to analyze the correlation of myocardial tissue score of mice between TNF-α and TGF-β1. Eighty healthy male SPF mice aged 6 weeks were selected and 20 mice were randomly selected as the blank group. The blank group did not receive any intervention. Mortality rates of each group were recorded and compared on day 8 of modeling, and heart specimens from the remaining mice were histopathologically examined and the expression of mRNA and protein of TNF-α and TGF-β1 in myocardial tissues were detected by western blot analysis. Correlation between mouse myocardial histopathologic scores and expression of protein of TNF-α and TGF-β1 in myocardial tissues, as well as the expression of TNF-α and TGF-β1 in myocardial tissue in VMC mice was analyzed. The expression levels of myocardial histopathological scores, mRNA and protein of TNF-α and TGF-β1 in the blank and control group were significantly lower than those in the VMC and the MG-132 group. The myocardial histopathological scores, mRNA and TNF-α and TGF-β1 protein in the MG-132 group were significantly lower than those in the VMC group (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α and TGF-β1 protein in myocardial tissues was positively correlated with the pathological score in myocardial tissue of mice (r=0.843, P<0.05; r=0.763, P<0.05), and there was a positive correlation between the expression of TNF-α and TGF-β1 protein in myocardial tissues of VMC mice (r=0.672, P<0.05). UPS inhibitor MG-132, which can significantly alleviate the myocardial injury of VMC mice, reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in myocardial tissues, and improved the survival rate of mice, thus it is a potential new treatment for VMC.

Insulin Resistance Predicts Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Gastrointestinal Patients

Background

Members of the aging population who undergo surgery are at risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Exploring an effective and reliable early predictor of POCD is essential to the identification of high-risk patients and to making prospective decisions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether preoperative insulin resistance is an independent predictor of POCD.

Methods

A total of 124 patients aged 60 years and older and who were scheduled for gastrointestinal surgery were enrolled in a prospective observational clinical study. All participants completed a battery of neuropsychological tests before surgery and 7 days later. POCD was defined as a decline of at least 1.5 SD on two or more of neuropsychological tests. Plasma concentration of the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and S-100β protein were measured. The status of insulin resistance was assessed by Homeostasis Model Assessment–Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). The relationship between HOMA-IR and POCD was assessed by Multivariable logistic regression models and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Fifty one patients (41.1%) were diagnosed with POCD at 7 days after surgery. Preoperative HOMA-IR values of the POCD group were significantly higher than the non-POCD group. Furthermore, CRP and TNF-α levels of the POCD group were significantly higher at each postoperative time point (P < 0.05). The preoperative HOMA-IR value was an independent predictor of POCD (adjusted OR 1.88, 95% CI, 1.18–2.99) even after adjust for confounding variables, and when dichotomized, individuals above the HOMA-IR threshold (HOMA-IR > 2.6) had a three-times higher risk of POCD (OR 3.26; 95% CI, 1.07–9.91) compared to individuals below the threshold. The areas under the ROC curve of HOMA-IR was 0.804 (95% CI, 0.725–0.883; P < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value was found to be 0.583, with a sensitivity of 84.3% and specificity of 74%. The HOMA-IR value was positively associated with the TNF-α concentration at baseline (R² = 0.43, P < 0.01) and 1 day after surgery (R² = 0.3861, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Preoperative insulin resistance is an effective predictor for the occurrence of POCD. Targeted prevention and treatment strategies of insulin resistance may be effective interventions of patients at risk for POCD.

Melanocyte Activation Mechanisms and Rational Therapeutic Treatments of Solar Lentigos

To characterize the pathobiology of solar lentigos (SLs), analyses by semiquantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry revealed the upregulated expression of endothelin (EDN)-1/endothelin B receptors (EDNBRs), stem cell factor (SCF)/c-KIT, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α in the lesional epidermis, which contrasted with the downregulated expression of interleukin (IL) 1α. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that previous repeated UVB exposure triggers keratinocytes to continuously produce TNFα. TNFα then stimulates the secretion of EDNs and the production of SCF in an autocrine fashion, leading to the continuous melanogenic activation of neighboring melanocytes, which causes SLs. A clinical study of 36 patients with SLs for six months treated with an M. Chamomilla extract with a potent ability to abrogate the EDN1-induced increase in DNA synthesis and melanization of human melanocytes in culture revealed a significant improvement in pigment scores and color differences expressed as L values. Another clinical study using a tyrosinase inhibitor L-ascorbate-2-phosphate 3 Na (ASP) demonstrated that L values of test lotion (6% APS)-treated skin significantly increased in SLs and in non-lesional skin with a significantly higher ΔL value in SLs when compared with non-lesional skin. The sum of these findings strongly suggests that combined topical treatment with EDN signaling blockers and tyrosinase inhibitors is a desirable therapeutic choice for SLs.

Notch-Mediated Tumor-Stroma-Inflammation Networks Promote Invasive Properties and CXCL8 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Stromal cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines play key roles in promoting the aggressiveness of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC; Basal/Basal-like). In our previous study we demonstrated that stimulation of TNBC and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) co-cultures by the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has led to increased metastasis-related properties in vitro and in vivo. In this context, elevated release of the pro-metastatic chemokines CXCL8 (IL-8) and CCL5 (RANTES) was noted in TNFα- and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated TNBC:MSC co-cultures; the process was partly (CXCL8) and entirely (CCL5) dependent on physical contacts between the two cell types. Here, we demonstrate that DAPT, inhibitor of γ-secretase that participates in activation of Notch receptors, inhibited the migration and invasion of TNBC cells that were grown in “Contact” co-cultures with MSCs or with patient-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), in the presence of TNFα. DAPT also inhibited the contact-dependent induction of CXCL8, but not of CCL5, in TNFα- and IL-1β-stimulated TNBC:MSC/CAF co-cultures; some level of heterogeneity between the responses of different TNBC cell lines was noted, with MDA-MB-231:MSC/CAF co-cultures being the most sensitive to DAPT. Patient dataset studies comparing basal tumors to luminal-A tumors, and mRNA analyses of Notch receptors in TNBC and luminal-A cells pointed at Notch1 as possible mediator of CXCL8 increase in TNFα-stimulated TNBC:stroma “Contact” co-cultures. Accordingly, down-regulation of Notch1 in TNBC cells by siRNA has substantially reduced the contact-dependent elevation in CXCL8 in TNFα- and also in IL-1β-stimulated TNBC:MSC “Contact” co-cultures. Then, studies in which CXCL8 or p65 (NF-κB pathway) were down-regulated (siRNAs; CRISPR/Cas9) in TNBC cells and/or MSCs, indicated that upon TNFα stimulation of “Contact” co-cultures, p65 was activated and led to CXCL8 production mainly in TNBC cells. Moreover, our findings indicated that when tumor cells interacted with stromal cells in the presence of pro-inflammatory stimuli, TNFα-induced p65 activation has led to elevated Notch1 expression and activation, which then gave rise to elevated production of CXCL8. Overall, tumor:stroma interactions set the stage for Notch1 activation by pro-inflammatory signals, leading to CXCL8 induction and consequently to pro-metastatic activities. These observations may have important clinical implications in designing novel therapy combinations in TNBC.

Tumor-Stroma-Inflammation Networks Promote Pro-metastatic Chemokines and Aggressiveness Characteristics in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays key roles in promoting disease progression in the aggressive triple-negative subtype of breast cancer (TNBC; Basal/Basal-like). Here, we took an integrative approach and determined the impact of tumor-stroma-inflammation networks on pro-metastatic phenotypes in TNBC. With the TCGA dataset we found that the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), as well as their target pro-metastatic chemokines CXCL8 (IL-8), CCL2 (MCP-1), and CCL5 (RANTES) were expressed at significantly higher levels in basal patients than luminal-A patients. Then, we found that TNFα- or IL-1β-stimulated co-cultures of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, BT-549) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressed significantly higher levels of CXCL8 compared to non-stimulated co-cultures or each cell type alone, with or without cytokine stimulation. CXCL8 was also up-regulated in TNBC co-cultures with breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from patients. CCL2 and CCL5 also reached the highest expression levels in TNFα/IL-1β-stimulated TNBC:MSC/CAF co-cultures. The elevations in CXCL8 and CCL2 expression partly depended on direct physical contacts between the tumor cells and the MSCs/CAFs, whereas CCL5 up-regulation was entirely dependent on cell-to-cell contacts. Supernatants of TNFα-stimulated TNBC:MSC "Contact" co-cultures induced robust endothelial cell migration and sprouting. TNBC cells co-cultured with MSCs and TNFα gained migration-related morphology and potent migratory properties; they also became more invasive when co-cultured with MSCs/CAFs in the presence of TNFα. Using siRNA to CXCL8, we found that CXCL8 was significantly involved in mediating the pro-metastatic activities gained by TNFα-stimulated TNBC:MSC "Contact" co-cultures: angiogenesis, migration-related morphology of the tumor cells, as well as cancer cell migration and invasion. Importantly, TNFα stimulation of TNBC:MSC "Contact" co-cultures in vitro has increased the aggressiveness of the tumor cells in vivo, leading to higher incidence of mice with lung metastases than non-stimulated TNBC:MSC co-cultures. Similar tumor-stromal-inflammation networks established in-culture with luminal-A cells demonstrated less effective or differently-active pro-metastatic functions than those of TNBC cells. Overall, our studies identify novel tumor-stroma-inflammation networks that may promote TNBC aggressiveness by increasing the pro-malignancy potential of the TME and of the tumor cells themselves, and reveal key roles for CXCL8 in mediating these metastasis-promoting activities.

Seleno-L-Methionine Suppresses Immunoglobulin E-Mediated Allergic Response in RBL-2H3 Cells

The effect of seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) on immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergic responses were investigated using rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. Cells were first treated with or without SeMet, sensitized with anti-dinitrophenyl IgE and stimulated with the antigen dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin, before the measurement of degranulation, calcium mobilization, mRNA expression and protein secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The antigen-induced β-hexosaminidase release, a degranulation marker, was significantly inhibited by SeMet treatment. SeMet also significantly suppressed antigen-induced calcium mobilization. Antigen-induced increases in the mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-α were both significantly attenuated by SeMet treatment. In addition, SeMet significantly suppressed antigen-induced phosphorylation of Syk, Akt, and MAPKs. These results demonstrate that SeMet suppresses antigen-induced degranulation, and mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-α, and inhibits antigen-induced mobilization of calcium and activation of Syk, Akt, and MAPKs. Our study provides valuable information that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

Tumor necrosis factor α knockout impaired tumorigenesis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells partly by metabolism modification and miRNA regulation

Purpose

Half of the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with sustained deep molecular response suffer from relapse after discontinuation mainly because tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) cannot eradicate leukemia stem cells (LSCs). In addition, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is highly detected in CML patients. Our aim was to explore whether TNF-α is a potential target for LSC elimination.

Materials and methods

We applied a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique, colony-forming cell assay, subcutaneous tumor models, miRNA-seq and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) on metabonomics to explore the feasibility and mechanism of TNF-α as a new therapeutic target for CML.

Results

We demonstrated that TNF-α knockout remarkably decreased the proliferative, colony-forming and in vivo tumorigenesis capacities of the CML K562 cell line. The apoptosis was increased when TNF-α knockout cells were cultured with imatinib. The mechanisms involved in the abovementioned phenomena were that TNF-α knockout inhibited the citrate cycle and increased starch, sucrose, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. In addition, differentially expressed miRNAs between TNF-α knockout and control cells were involved in the cell cycle, CML, P13K-Akt and pathways in cancer.

Conclusion

We identified that TNF-α may serve as a new target therapy for CML and described the metabolic pathways associated with TNF-α in CML cells for the first time.

Integrated analysis of gene expression profiles identifies transcription factors potentially involved in psoriasis pathogenesis

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease mediated by cells and molecules in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Recently, gene expression profile analysis revealed a large set of immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in psoriasis. However, the associations between these DEGs and their transcriptional regulation mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. In this study, several psoriasis Gene Expression Omnibus data sets were systematically analyzed using bioinformatics tools to uncover important transcription factors (TFs) that regulate the expression of immune-related DEGs and further enhance our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis. Common DEGs encoding chemokines, cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and keratins were identified in psoriasis, and extensive correlations existed among these DEGs. Several common TFs that bind the promoters of the DEGs, including the well-known signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3, and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) as well as ETS homologous factor (EHF), Fos-like antigen 1 (FOSL1), and Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1), which are rarely studied in psoriasis, were also identified. STAT1, EHF, FOSL1, STAT3, and NFKB1 were positively correlated with these DEGs in psoriasis lesions, whereas FOXC1 was negatively correlated with most DEGs. The decreased expression of the DEGs was accompanied by the downregulation of STAT1, EHF, FOSL1, STAT3, and NFKB1 and the upregulation of FOXC1 upon blocking interleukin 17 (IL-17) or tumor necrosis factor α signaling in psoriasis. Additionally, the downregulation of IL37 in psoriasis was negatively correlated with STAT1 and CXCL10, which are associated with Th1 responses. These results suggest that TFs play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and interfering with the activity of key TFs may be a promising therapeutic strategy for psoriasis.

The level of TGF-β in sera of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Objectives

Tumor growth factor β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine which controls autoimmune reactions, cell proliferation, and the organ accumulation of lymphocytes. This cytokine has a protective and anti-inflammatory effect in autoimmune processes, but also has a pro-fibrinous activity. Therefore, its importance in the development of systemic sclerosis has been proven. The role of TGF-β in Sjögren’s syndrome is also a valid direction of research. The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the level of TGF-β in sera of primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients and to investigate possible correlations with autoantibodies, cytokines, and cells in biopsy of minor salivary glands active in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Material and methods

Thirty-three primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients were included. Routine laboratory tests and immunological assessment (ANA, anti SS-A, anti SS-B antibodies, rheumatoid factor), ophthalmological assessment with ocular staining scoring, chest X-ray, and high-resolution computed tomography (if necessary) were performed. Serum concentrations of cytokines such as TGF-β, BAFF, APRIL, FLT-3L, LT-α, IL-21, and TNF-α were evaluated using standard ELISA assays. The histopathological evaluation (focus score) and the determination of CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, CD21+, CD35+ cells was performed.

Results

There was no significant correlation between TGF-β and other tested cytokines or autoantibodies, other than TNF-α. A negative correlation (ρ = –0.472) between TGF-β and TNF-α was found. There were no correlations between TGF-β and: results of ocular examinations, elements of histopathological variables, or lungs changes.

Conclusions

The authors state that: 1) the results may indicate that TGF-β influences the serum TNF-α activity in pSS patients, 2) our findings suggest that TGF-β may be the strongest inhibitor of TNF-α among cytokines involved in pSS pathogenesis, and 3) the results may explain the ineffectiveness of anti-TNF drugs in the treatment of pSS.

TNFα mediated ceramide generation triggers cisplatin induced apoptosis in B16F10 melanoma in a PKCδ independent manner

Ceramide is one of the important cellular components involved in cancer regulation and exerts its pleiotropic role in the protective immune response without exhibiting any adverse effects during malignant neoplasm. Although, the PKCδ-ceramide axis in cancer cells has been an effective target in reduction of cancer, involvement of PKCδ in inducing nephrotoxicity have become a major questionnaire. In the present study, we have elucidated the mechanism by which cisplatin exploits the ceramide to render cancer cell apoptosis leading to the abrogation of malignancy in a PKCδ independent pathway with lesser toxicity. Our study revealed that cisplatin treatment in PKCδ silenced melanoma cells induces ceramide mediated apoptosis. Moreover, cisplatin induced upregulation of the transcription factor IRF1 leading to the induction of the transcriptional activity of the TNFα promoter was evident from the pharmacological inhibition and RNA interference studies. Increased cellular expression of TNFα resulted in an elevated ceramide generation by stimulating acid-sphingomyelinase and cPLA₂. Furthermore, reciprocity in the regulation of sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) and sphingosine kinase 2 (Sphk2) during PKCδ independent ceramide generation was also observed during cisplatin treatment. PKCδ inhibited murine melanoma model showed reduction in nephrotoxicity along with tumor regression by ceramide generation. Altogether, the current study emphasized the unexplored signaling cascade of ceramide generation by cisplatin during PKCδ silenced condition, which is associated with increased TNFα generation. Our findings enlightened the detailed mechanistic insight of ceramide mediated signaling by chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy exploring a new range of targets for cancer treatment strategies.

Can serum progranulin levels be a biomarker following gastric ulcer therapy?

Introduction

Progranulin is a novel growth factor that has several physiological and pathological roles such as cell growth, tumourigenesis, embryogenesis, wound healing, and inflammation.

Aim

To compare the pre-treatment and post-treatment serum levels of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and progranulin in peptic ulcer (PU) patients with a healthy control group.

Material and methods

Serum VEGF, TNF-α, and progranulin levels were studied with ELISA in 42 PU patients (antral ulcer (AU): 22, duodenal ulcer (DU): 20) and 15 healthy controls.

Results

The serum progranulin levels before treatment were 4237.35 ±1091.30 pg/ml in the patients with AU, 4682.64 ±1501.46 pg/ml in the patients with DU, 3055.66 ±626.88 pg/ml in the control group, and 4460 ±1315 pg/ml in the ulcer (AU and DU) group. The serum progranulin levels were 3607.7 ±869.4 pg/ml in the AU group, 4286.5 ±1208.78 pg/ml in the DU group, and 3947.1 ±1094.64 pg/ml in the ulcer group after the treatment. When comparing pre-treatment serum progranulin levels of the AU group, DU group, and ulcer group with the control group there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

The disappearance of the difference in terms of post-treatment serum levels of progranulin between the AU group and the control group suggests that serum levels of progranulin can be used as a biomarker of gastric ulcer healing.

Low-Dose Aspirin May Prevent Trophoblast Dysfunction in Women With Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection

OBJECTIVE

Previously, we demonstrated that live Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) impaired extravillous trophoblast (EVT) viability and invasion and that Cp DNA was detected in placentas from cases with preeclampsia. We sought to elucidate whether (1) inactive forms of Cp also affect EVT function; (2) potential therapeutic interventions protect against the effects of Cp; and (3) anti-Cp antibodies are associated with preeclampsia.

METHODS

Human first-trimester EVTs were infected with ultraviolet light-inactivated Cp. Subgroups of EVTs were pretreated with low-dose acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA), dexamethasone, heparin, and indomethacin. We conducted functional assays after infection with inactivated Cp and measured interleukin 8 (IL8), C-reactive protein (CRP), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in culture media. We measured anti-Cp IgG serum levels from women who developed preeclampsia (N = 105) and controls (N = 121).

RESULTS

Inactivated Cp reduced EVT invasion when compared to noninfected cells (P < .00001) without adversely affecting cell viability. Increased levels of IL8, CRP, HSP60, and TNFα were detected in EVTs infected with inactivated Cp compared to noninfected cells (P < .0001). Only pretreatment with low-dose ASA prevented reduced EVT invasion and decreased release of inflammatory mediators (P < .01). Elevated anti-Cp IgG antibodies were more prevalent in serum from cases with preeclampsia compared to controls (67/105 vs 53/121; adjusted P = .013); elevated IgG correlated significantly with elevated serum CRP and elevated soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-placental growth factor ratio.

CONCLUSION

Inactivated Cp induces decreased EVT invasion and a proinflammatory response; these effects were abrogated by pretreatment with low-dose ASA. Our results suggest an association between Cp infection, trophoblast dysfunction, and preeclampsia.

Upregulation of DNA Sensors in B16.F10 Melanoma Spheroid Cells After Electrotransfer of pDNA

Increased expression of cytosolic DNA sensors, a category of pattern recognition receptor, after control plasmid DNA electrotransfer was observed in our previous studies on B16.F10 murine melanoma cells. This expression was correlated with the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and was associated with cell death. Here, we expanded our research to include the influence of features of cells in a 3-dimensional environment, which better represents the tumors' organization in vivo. Our results show that lower number of cells were transfected in spheroids compared to 2-dimensional cultures, that growth was delayed after electroporation alone or after electrotransfer of plasmid DNA, and that DNA sensors DDX60, DAI/ZBP1, and p204 were upregulated 4 hours and 24 hours after electrotransfer of plasmid DNA. Moreover, the cytokines interferon β and tumor necrosis factor α were also upregulated but only 4 hours after electrotransfer of plasmid DNA. Thus, our results confirm the results obtained in 2-dimensional cell cultures demonstrating that electrotransfer of plasmid DNA to tumor cells in spheroids also upregulated cytosolic DNA sensors and cytokines.

The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor α in the Biology of Uterine Fibroids and the Related Symptoms

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. The incidence of UFs has been estimated at 25⁻80% depending on selected population. The pathophysiology of UFs remains poorly understood. The transformation of smooth muscle cells of the uterus into abnormal, immortal cells, capable of clonal division, is the main component of all pathways leading to UF tumor formation and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is believed to be one of the key factors in this field. TNF-α is a cell signaling protein involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines responsible for the acute phase reaction. This publication presents current data about the role of tumor necrosis factor α in the biology of UFs and the related symptoms. TNF-α is an extremely important cytokine associated with the biology of UFs, UF-related symptoms and complaints. Its concentration has been proven to be elevated in women with clinically symptomatic UFs. The presented data suggest the presence of an "inflammation-like" state in women with UFs where TNF-α is a potent inflammation inducer. The origin of numerous symptoms reported by women with UFs can be traced back to the TNF-α influence. Nevertheless, our knowledge on this subject remains limited and TNF-α dependent pathways in UF pathophysiology should be investigated further.

Effects of Oxytocin on Fear Memory and Neuroinflammation in a Rodent Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-induced mental disorder characterized by fear extinction abnormalities, which involve biological dysfunctions among fear circuit areas in the brain. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that regulates sexual reproduction and social interaction and has recently earned specific attention due to its role in adjusting neurobiological and behavioral correlates of PTSD; however, the mechanism by which this is achieved remains unclear. The present study aimed to examine whether the effects of OXT on traumatic stress-induced abnormalities of fear extinction (specifically induced by single prolonged stress (SPS), an animal model of PTSD) are associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. Seven days after SPS, rats received intranasal OXT 40 min before a cue-dependent Pavlovian fear conditioning-extinction test in which rats' freezing degree was used to reflect the outcome of fear extinction. We also measured mRNA expression of IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus, and amygdala at the end of the study, together with plasma oxytocin, corticosterone, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, to reflect the central and peripheral changes of stress-related hormones and cytokines after SPS. Our results suggested that intranasal OXT effectively amends the SPS-impaired behavior of fear extinction retrieval. Moreover, it neurochemically reverses the SPS increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines; thus, IL-1β and IFN-γ can be further blocked by the OXT antagonist atosiban (ASB) in the hippocampus. Peripheral profiles revealed a similar response pattern to SPS of OXT and corticosterone (CORT), and the SPS-induced increase in plasma levels of IL-1β and TNF-α could be reduced by OXT. The present study suggests potential therapeutic effects of OXT in both behavioral and neuroinflammatory profiles of PTSD.

TNF-α increases the expression of inflammatory factors in synovial fibroblasts by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that often causes patients to experience joint pain and deformity. It has been demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is associated with the progression of osteoarthritis; however, to the best of our knowledge, the mechanisms by which TNF-α simulates the progression of osteoarthritis and the signaling pathway(s) it influences remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of TNF-α inhibitor in an iodoacetate-induced rat model of osteoarthritis and identify its potential mechanisms of action. Western blotting, ELISA and histological analyses were performed to assess the effects of the TNF-α inhibitor on osteoarthritis. The effects of TNF-α and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition on synovial fibroblasts isolated from rats with osteoarthritis were tested in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of various inflammatory cytokines and the PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway were assessed in vitro. The results indicated that the inflammatory factors TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17a and IL-8 were upregulated in synovial fibroblasts taken from rats with osteoarthritis compared with normal rats. By contrast, TNF-α inhibition downregulated IL-1β, IL-17a and IL-8 expression in synovial fibroblasts in vitro. The PI3K/AKT pathway was also upregulated in synovial fibroblasts harvested from rats with osteoarthritis compared with that in normal rats. It was demonstrated that treatment with the TNF-α inhibitor downregulated the serum and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-17a and IL-8 in rats with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, treatment with the TNF-α inhibitor also decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor and ADAMTS4 expression in synovial fibroblasts isolated from rats with osteoarthritis. Treatment with the TNF-α inhibitor also inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway in synovial fibroblasts isolated from rats with osteoarthritis. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor ameliorated TNF-α-induced increases in IL-1β, IL-17a and IL-8 expression in synovial fibroblasts isolated from rats with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, treatment with the TNF-α inhibitor decreased inflammation, as well as joint and cartilage destruction in vivo. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that TNF-α inhibition may downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors in synovial fibroblasts, suggesting that TNF-α inhibition may be a novel method for treating osteoarthritis by downregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

IL‑1β and TNF‑α suppress TGF‑β‑promoted NGF expression in periodontal ligament‑derived fibroblasts through inactivation of TGF‑β‑induced Smad2/3‑ and p38 MAPK‑mediated signals

Mechanosensitive (MS) neurons in the periodontal ligament (PDL) pass information to the trigeminal ganglion when excited by mechanical stimulation of the tooth. During occlusal tooth trauma of PDL tissues, MS neurons are injured, resulting in atrophic neurites and eventual degeneration of MS neurons. Nerve growth factor (NGF), a neurotrophic factor, serves important roles in the regeneration of injured sensory neurons. In the present study, the effect of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL‑1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‑α), on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‑β1)‑induced NGF expression was evaluated in rat PDL‑derived SCDC2 cells. It was observed that TGF‑β1 promoted NGF expression via Smad2/3 and p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. IL‑1β and TNF‑α suppressed the TGF‑β1‑induced activation of Smad2/3 and p38 MAPK, resulting in the abrogation of NGF expression. NGF secreted by TGF‑β1‑treated SCDC2 cells promoted neurite extension and the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, a rate‑limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. These results suggested that pro‑inflammatory cytokines suppressed the TGF‑β‑mediated expression of NGF in PDL‑derived fibroblasts through the inactivation of TGF‑β‑induced Smad2/3 and p38 MAPK signaling, possibly resulting in the disturbance of the regeneration of injured PDL neurons.