Purification and characterization of a novel monocyte chemotactic and activating factor produced by a human myelomonocytic cell line

Cytotrophoblast extracellular vesicles enhance decidual cell secretion of immune modulators via TNFα

The placenta releases large quantities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that likely facilitate communication between the embryo/fetus and the mother. We isolated EVs from second trimester human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) by differential ultracentrifugation and characterized them using transmission electron microscopy, immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. The 100,000  g pellet was enriched for vesicles with a cup-like morphology typical of exosomes. They expressed markers specific to this vesicle type, CD9 and HRS, and the trophoblast proteins placental alkaline phosphatase and HLA-G. Global profiling by mass spectrometry showed that placental EVs were enriched for proteins that function in transport and viral processes. A cytokine array revealed that the CTB 100,000  g pellet contained a significant amount of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). CTB EVs increased decidual stromal cell (dESF) transcription and secretion of NF-κB targets, including IL8, as measured by qRT-PCR and cytokine array. A soluble form of the TNFα receptor inhibited the ability of CTB 100,000  g EVs to increase dESF secretion of IL8. Overall, the data suggest that CTB EVs enhance decidual cell release of inflammatory cytokines, which we theorize is an important component of successful pregnancy.

Relationship between the Monocyte Chemo-attractant Protein-1 gene rs1024611 A>G Polymorphism and Cancer Susceptibility: A Meta-analysis Involving 14,617 Subjects

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory and inducible chemokines are the hallmarks of malignancy. Monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a crucial chemokine implicated in infection and inflammation. Methods: We performed an updated meta-analysis of thirty independent case-control studies with 6,777 cancer cases and 7,840 controls to determine if the MCP-1 gene rs1024611 A > G variant is associated with the risk of cancer. Results: The G allele carriers of rs1024611 in the MCP-1 gene might have a null association with cancer risk in overall comparison. In a subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we identified a marked association between the MCP-1 G allele rs1024611 polymorphism and cancer risk in the Caucasian populations (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.72, 95% CI, 1.12-2.64, P = .013, and GG vs. AG/AA: OR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.19-2.78, P = .006). The potential bias in literature selection was witnessed in this meta-analysis (G vs. A: P _Begg's =  0.187, P_Egger's =  0.049; and GG/GA vs. AA: P _Begg's =  0.069, P_Egger's =  0.024). The adjusted ORs and CIs of the nonparametric "trim-and-fill" method demonstrated the reliability of these findings. The outcome of heterogeneity analysis indicated that heterogeneity might be due to small sample sizes (<1000 subjects), cancer types (bladder cancer, other cancers), ethnicity (Asians), and population-based studies. However, the sensitivity analysis validated the reliability of the findings. Conclusion: In conclusion, this updated meta-analysis showed that the G carrier of the MCP-1 gene rs1024611 is associated with susceptibility to cancer in Caucasian.

Molecular mechanism of gossypol mediating CCL2 and IL‑8 attenuation in triple‑negative breast cancer cells

Chronic inflammation associated with cancer is characterized by the production of different types of chemokines and cytokines. In cancer, numerous signaling pathways upregulate the expression levels of several cytokines and evolve cells to the neoplastic state. Therefore, targeting these signaling pathways through the inhibition of distinctive gene expression is a primary target for cancer therapy. The present study investigated the anticancer effects of the natural polyphenol gossypol (GOSS) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, the most aggressive breast cancer type with poor prognosis. GOSS effects were examined in two TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (MM-231) and MDA-MB-468 (MM-468), representing Caucasian Americans (CA) and African Americans (AA), respectively. The obtained IC₅₀s revealed no significant difference between the two cell lines' response to the compound. However, the use of microarray assays for cytokine determination indicated the ability of GOSS to attenuate the expression levels of cancer-related cytokines in the two cell lines. Although GOSS did not alter CCL2 expression in MM-468 cells, it was able to cause 30% inhibition in TNF-α-stimulated MM-231 cells. Additionally, IL-8 was not altered by GOSS treatment in MM-231 cells, while its expression was inhibited by 60% in TNF-α-activated MM-468 cells. ELISA assays supported the microarray data and indicated that CCL2 expression was inhibited by 40% in MM-231 cells, and IL-8 expression was inhibited by 50% in MM-468 cells. Furthermore, in MM-231 cells, GOSS inhibited CCL2 release via the repression of IKBKE, CCL2 and MAPK1 gene expression. Additionally, in MM-468 cells, the compound downregulated the release of IL-8 through repressing IL-8, MAPK1, MAPK3, CCDC88A, STAT3 and PIK3CD gene expression. In conclusion, the data obtained in the present study indicate that the polyphenol compound GOSS may provide a valuable tool in TNBC therapy.

Nanomedicine-mediated prevention of inflammatory monocytes infiltration ameliorate ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mouse model

Th2 immune cells infiltration into nasal mucosa is one of the characters of allergic rhinitis (AR). We aimed to explore whether inhibition of Th2 immune cells infiltration would attenuate AR progression. AR mouse model was established by i.p. injection of ovalbumin (OVA). The infiltrated immune cells into nasal lavage fluid were detected by flow cytometry. Cytokine concentration in serum was determined by ELISA. AR mice symptoms were indicated by the number of sneezing and nasal rubbing events. In AR mice, CCL2 expression levels and CD45⁺CD11b⁺Ly6C^hi inflammatory monocytes cells significantly increased as compared with control mice. CCL2 siRNA encapsulated nanoparticles (NP_siCCL2) prevent CCL2 expression and inflammatory monocytes infiltration in AR mice. NP_siCCL2 treatment dramatically decreased the number of sneezing and nasal rubbing events in AR mice. Moreover, NP_siCCL2 treatment attenuated serum OVA-specific IgE, OVA-specific IgG1 and histamine levels. Mechanically, NP_siCCL2 treatment attenuates AR symptoms via inhibiting Th2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) production. Nanomedicine-mediated prevention of inflammatory monocytes infiltration ameliorates ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mouse model.

Targeting FROUNT with disulfiram suppresses macrophage accumulation and its tumor-promoting properties

Tumor-associated macrophages affect tumor progression and resistance to immune checkpoint therapy. Here, we identify the chemokine signal regulator FROUNT as a target to control tumor-associated macrophages. The low level FROUNT expression in patients with cancer correlates with better clinical outcomes. Frount-deficiency markedly reduces tumor progression and decreases macrophage tumor-promoting activity. FROUNT is highly expressed in macrophages, and its myeloid-specific deletion impairs tumor growth. Further, the anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram (DSF) acts as a potent inhibitor of FROUNT. DSF interferes with FROUNT-chemokine receptor interactions via direct binding to a specific site of the chemokine receptor-binding domain of FROUNT, leading to inhibition of macrophage responses. DSF monotherapy reduces tumor progression and decreases macrophage tumor-promoting activity, as seen in the case of Frount-deficiency. Moreover, co-treatment with DSF and an immune checkpoint antibody synergistically inhibits tumor growth. Thus, inhibition of FROUNT by DSF represents a promising strategy for macrophage-targeted cancer therapy.

The cytoplasmic protein FROUNT can bind to chemokine receptors and enhance chemokine signalling. Here, the authors show that inhibiting FROUNT in macrophages either by knockdown of the gene or using the anti-alcoholism drug disulfiram, results in a reduction in tumour growth.

More Than Just Attractive: How CCL2 Influences Myeloid Cell Behavior Beyond Chemotaxis

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) is renowned for its ability to drive the chemotaxis of myeloid and lymphoid cells. It orchestrates the migration of these cell types both during physiological immune defense and in pathological circumstances, such as autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, as well as infectious diseases, obesity, diabetes, and various types of cancer. However, new data suggest that the scope of CCL2's functions may extend beyond its original characterization as a chemoattractant. Emerging evidence shows that it can impact leukocyte behavior, influencing adhesion, polarization, effector molecule secretion, autophagy, killing, and survival. The direction of these CCL2-induced responses is context dependent and, in some cases, synergistic with other inflammatory stimuli. The involvement of CCL2 signaling in multiple diseases renders it an interesting therapeutic target, although current targeting strategies have not met early expectations in the clinic. A better understanding of how CCL2 affects immune cells will be pivotal to the improvement of existing therapeutic approaches and the development of new drugs. Here, we provide an overview of the pleiotropic effects of CCL2 signaling on cells of the myeloid lineage, beyond chemotaxis, and highlight how these actions might help to shape immune cell behavior and tumor immunity.

Aqueous Humor Mediator and Cytokine Aberrations in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between the aqueous humor levels of VEGF, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1, and IP-10 with DR/DME.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases were searched up to October 2018. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Results

18 studies comprising 362 cases with DR (100 with DME) and 620 controls without DR were included in this meta-analysis. There was a significant association between VEGF levels in the aqueous humor and DR (standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.94 (95% CI 1.05-2.83)) and DME (1.07 (0.71, 1.42)). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between levels of IL-6 and DR (3.53 (0.37, 6.69)), and similarly correlation with DME (1.26 (0.30, 2.21)). The relationship between MCP-1 and DR and DME was significant, in which the SMD was (0.49 (0.09, 0.89)) and (1.49 (0.78, 2.20)), respectively. However, IL-12, IP-10, and TNF-α had no correlation with DR and DME, whereas there was a significant relationship between IL-8 and DME (1.68 (0.97, 2.40)).

Conclusion

Elevated levels of VEGF, IL-6, and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor were associated with the risk for the presence of DR, and levels of VEGF, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 were associated with the risk of DME. Furthermore, these biomarkers may be used as potential predictors or therapeutic targets for DR/DME.

Oral exposure to low dose bisphenol A aggravates allergic airway inflammation in mice

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Oral exposure to BPA relevant to human exposure aggravated allergic asthma.

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Low dose BPA with allergen reduced lung mRNA levels of hormone receptors.

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Low dose BPA with allergen altered lymph node and bone marrow microenvironments.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in many consumer products and has adverse effects on human health including allergic diseases. We investigated the effects of low dose BPA, comparable to actual human oral exposure, on allergic asthma in mice. C3H/HeJ male mice were fed a chow diet containing BPA (equivalent to 0.09, 0.90, or 9.01 μg/kg/day) and were intratracheally administered ovalbumin (OVA, 1 μg/animal) every two weeks from 5–11 weeks of age. All doses of BPA plus OVA enhanced pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased lung mRNA levels of Th2 cytokine/chemokine, and serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG₁ compared to OVA alone, with greater effects observed in the middle- and high-dose BPA plus OVA groups. Furthermore, high-dose BPA with OVA decreased lung mRNA levels of ERβ and AR compared with OVA. Furthermore, BPA enhanced OVA-restimulated cell proliferation and protein levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in mediastinal lymph node (MLN) cells in OVA-sensitized mice. In bone marrow (BM) cells, middle-dose BPA with OVA increased Gr-1 expression. In conclusion, oral exposure to low-dose BPA at levels equivalent to human exposure can aggravate allergic asthmatic responses through enhancement of Th2-skewed responses, lung hormone receptor downregulation, and MLN and BM microenvironment change.

Clinical prospects of biomarkers for the early detection and/or prediction of organ injury associated with pharmacotherapy

Several biomarkers are used to monitor organ damage caused by drug toxicity. Traditional markers of kidney function, such as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are commonly used to estimate glomerular filtration rate. However, these markers have several limitations including poor specificity and sensitivity. A number of serum and urine biomarkers have recently been described to detect kidney damage caused by drugs such as cisplatin, gentamicin, vancomycin, and tacrolimus. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and cystatin C have been identified as biomarkers for early kidney damage. Hy's Law is widely used as to predict a high risk of severe drug-induced liver injury caused by drugs such as acetaminophen. Recent reports have indicated that glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1), Keratin-18 (k18), MicroRNA-122 and ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCT) are more sensitive markers of hepatotoxicity compared to the traditional markers including the blood levels of amiotransferases and total bilirubin. Additionally, the rapid development of proteomic technologies in biofluids and tissue provides a new multi-marker panel, leading to the discovery of more sensitive biomarkers. In this review, an update topics of biomarkers for the detection of kidney or liver injury associated with pharmacotherapy.

ADAM17-Mediated Reduction in CD14++CD16+ Monocytes ex vivo and Reduction in Intermediate Monocytes With Immune Paresis in Acute Pancreatitis and Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis

Impaired immune responses and increased susceptibility to infection characterize acute inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis and alcoholic hepatitis and are major causes of morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanisms that drive this apparent immune paresis remain poorly understood. Monocytes mediate host responses to damage and pathogens in health and disease, and three subsets of monocytes have been defined based on CD14 and CD16 expression. We sought to determine the changes in monocyte subsets in acute pancreatitis (AP) and acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), together with functional consequences and mechanisms that underlie this change. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with AP or AAH were compared with healthy controls. Monocyte subsets were defined by HLA-DR, CD14, and CD16 expression. Changes in surface and intracellular protein expression and phosphorylation were determined by flow cytometry. Phenotype and function were assessed following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or other agonists in the presence of specific inhibitors of TNFα and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). Patients with AP and AAH had reduced CD14⁺⁺CD16⁺ intermediate monocytes compared to controls. Reduction of intermediate monocytes was recapitulated ex vivo by stimulating healthy control PBMCs with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists LPS, flagellin or polyinosilic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). Stimulation caused shedding of CD14 and CD16, which could be reversed using the ADAM17 inhibitor, TMI005 but not direct inhibitors of TNFα, a known ADAM17-target. Culturing PBMCs from healthy controls resulted in expansion of intermediate monocytes, which did not occur when LPS was in the culture medium. Cultured intermediate monocytes showed reduced expression of CX₃CR1, CCR2, TLR4, and TLR5. We found reduced migratory responses, intracellular signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and increased expression of IL-10. Stimulation with TLR agonists results in ADAM17-mediated shedding of phenotypic markers from CD16⁺ monocytes, leading to apparent “loss” of intermediate monocytes. Reduction in CD14⁺⁺CD16⁻ monocytes and increased CD14⁺⁺CD16⁺ is associated with altered responses in functional assays ex vivo. Patients with AP and AAH had reduced proportions of CD14⁺⁺CD16⁺ monocytes and reduced phosphorylation of NFκB and IL-6 production in response to bacterial LPS. Together, these processes may contribute to the susceptibility to infection observed in AP and AAH.

Potentials of C-C motif chemokine 2-C-C chemokine receptor type 2 blockers including propagermanium as anticancer agents

Inflammation plays an essential role in the development and progression of most cancers. Chemokine C‐C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) and its receptor C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) constitute a key signaling axis in inflammation that has recently attracted much interest on the basis of evidence showing its association with cancer progression. Propagermanium (3‐oxygermylpropionic acid polymer) is an organogermanium compound that is given for the treatment of hepatitis B in Japan and which inhibits the CCL2‐CCR2 signaling pathway. Herein, we review the importance of the CCL2‐CCR2 axis as a target in cancer treatment as shown by studies in mice and humans with pharmacological agents including propagermanium.

Suppressive Role of Androgen/Androgen Receptor Signaling via Chemokines on Prostate Cancer Cells

Androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a significant driver of prostate cancer progression, therefore androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is often used as a standard form of treatment for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer patients. However, after several years of ADT, prostate cancer progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Androgen/AR signaling is still considered an important factor for prostate cancer cell survival following CRPC progression, while recent studies have reported dichotomic roles for androgen/AR signaling. Androgen/AR signaling increases prostate cancer cell proliferation, while simultaneously inhibiting migration. As a result, ADT can induce prostate cancer metastasis. Several C-C motif ligand (CCL)-receptor (CCR) axes are involved in cancer cell migration related to blockade of androgen/AR signaling. The CCL2-CCR2 axis is negatively regulated by androgen/AR signaling, with the CCL22-CCR4 axis acting as a further downstream mediator, both of which promote prostate cancer cell migration. Furthermore, the CCL5-CCR5 axis inhibits androgen/AR signaling as an upstream mediator. CCL4 is involved in prostate carcinogenesis through macrophage AR signaling, while the CCL21-CCR7 axis in prostate cancer cells is activated by tumor necrotic factor, which is secreted when androgen/AR signaling is inhibited. Finally, the CCL2-CCR2 axis has recently been demonstrated to be a key contributor to cabazitaxel resistance in CRPC.

Mechanisms Involved in Childhood Obesity-Related Bone Fragility

Childhood obesity is one of the major health problems in western countries. The excessive accumulation of adipose tissue causes inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Thus, obesity leads to the development of severe co-morbidities including type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver steatosis, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases which can develop early in life. Furthermore, obese children have low bone mineral density and a greater risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The knowledge about the interplay bone tissue and between adipose is still growing, although recent findings suggest that adipose tissue activity on bone can be fat-depot specific. Obesity is associated to a low-grade inflammation that alters the expression of adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 (MCP1), TRAIL, LIGHT/TNFSF14, OPG, and TNFα. These molecules can affect bone metabolism, thus resulting in osteoporosis. The purpose of this review was to deepen the cellular mechanisms by which obesity may facilitate osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Effects of co-exposure of lipopolysaccharide and β-glucan (Zymosan A) in exacerbating murine allergic asthma associated with Asian sand dust

During the 2000s, Asian sand dust (ASD) was implicated in the increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders, including asthma. We previously demonstrated that a fungus from ASD aerosol exacerbated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airways inflammation. Exposure to heat-inactivated ASD (H-ASD) and either Zymosan A (ZymA, containing β-glucan) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exacerbated allergic airways inflammation in a mouse model, but the effects of co-exposure of LPS and β-glucan are unclear. We investigated the effects of co-exposure of LPS and ZymA in OVA-induced allergic airways inflammation with ASD using BALB/c mice. Exposure to OVA + LPS enhanced the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lungs, particularly neutrophils; exposure to OVA + LPS + H-ASD potentiated this effect. Exposure to OVA + ZymA + H-ASD stimulated the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lungs, particularly eosinophils, and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 antibodies, whereas exposure to OVA + ZymA did not affect most indicators of lung inflammation. Although exposure to OVA + LPS + ZymA + H-ASD affected a few allergic parameters additively or synergistically, most allergic parameters in this group indicated the same level of exposure to OVA + LPS + H-ASD or OVA + ZymA + H-ASD. These results suggest that LPS and ZymA play different roles in allergic airways inflammation with ASD; LPS mainly enhances neutrophil recruitment through H-ASD, and ZymA enhances eosinophil recruitment through H-ASD.

The chemokine system and its role in obesity

The chemokine system is a complex arrangement of molecules that attract leukocytes to the site of injury or inflammation. This chemotactic behavior gives the system the name "Chemokine." The intricate and redundant nature of the chemokine system has made it a subject of ongoing scientific investigation. Obesity is characterized as low-grade systemic or chronic inflammation that is responsible for the release of cytokines, adipokines, and chemokines. Excessive tissue fat expansion triggers the release of chemokines, which in turn attract various leukocytes and activate the resident immune surveillance system, eventually leading to worsening of obesity and other related comorbidities. To date, 50 chemokines and 20 chemokine receptors that belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor family have been discovered, and over the past two decades, the physiological and pathological roles of many of these chemokines and their receptors have been elucidated. The objective of this review is to present an update on the link between chemokines and obesity under the light of recent knowledge.

Prognostic significance of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and CC chemokine receptor 2 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Aberrant monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) expression in malignant tissues have been reported; however, their role in hematological malignancies prognosis remains little known. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of MCP-1 and CCR2 expression in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The study included 221 patients with DLBCL. MCP-1 and CCR2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and its correlations with clinicopathologic features and prognosis were evaluated. High expression of MCP-1 or CCR2 was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, and an adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of DLBCL patients. Also, significant positive correlation between MCP-1 and CCR2 expression was revealed (r = 0.545, P < 0.001). Patients with high MCP-1 or high CCR2 expression had significantly poorer OS and PFS than those with low MCP-1 or low CCR2 expression (OS: P < 0.001, P < 0.001; PFS: P < 0.001, P < 0.001), respectively, even in the rituximab era, and MCP-1 or CCR2 expression could further identify high-risk patients otherwise classified as low/intermediate risk by the International Prognostic Index (IPI) alone. Furthermore, incorporation of MCP-1 or CCR2 expression into the IPI score could improve prognostic value for OS. This is the first report describing the clinicopathological features and survival outcome according to expression of MCP-1 and CCR2 in DLBCL.

Chemokine-Induced Macrophage Polarization in Inflammatory Conditions

Macrophages represent a heterogeneous cell population and are known to display a remarkable plasticity. In response to distinct micro-environmental stimuli, e.g., tumor stroma vs. infected tissue, they polarize into different cell subtypes. Originally, two subpopulations were defined: classically activated macrophages or M1, and alternatively activated macrophages or M2. Nowadays, the M1/M2 classification is considered as an oversimplified approach that does not adequately cover the total spectrum of macrophage phenotypes observed in vivo. Especially in pathological circumstances, macrophages behave as plastic cells modifying their expression and transcription profile along a continuous spectrum with M1 and M2 phenotypes as extremes. Here, we focus on the effect of chemokines on macrophage differentiation and polarization in physiological and pathological conditions. In particular, we discuss chemokine-induced macrophage polarization in inflammatory diseases, including obesity, cancer, and atherosclerosis.

The inhibitory effects of plumbagin on the NF-қB pathway and CCL2 release in racially different triple-negative breast cancer cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of death among women in the US, and its subtype triple-negative BC (TNBC) is the most aggressive BC with poor prognosis. In the current study, we investigated the anticancer effects of the natural product plumbagin (PL) on racially different TNBC cells. The PL effects were examined in two TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (MM-231) and MDA-MB-468 (MM-468), representing Caucasian Americans and African Americans, respectively. The results obtained indicate that PL inhibited cell viability and cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both cell lines. Notably, MM-468 cells were 5-fold more sensitive to PL than MM-231 cells were. Testing PL and Taxol® showed the superiority of PL over Taxol® as an antiproliferative agent in MM-468 cells. PL treatment resulted in an approximately 20-fold increase in caspase-3 activity with 3 μM PL in MM-468 cells compared with an approximately 3-fold activity increase in MM-231 cells with 8 μM PL. Moreover, the results indicate a higher sensitivity to PL in MM-468 cells than in MM-231 cells. The results also show that PL downregulated CCL2 cytokine expression in MM-468 cells by 30% compared to a 90% downregulation in MM-231 cells. The ELISA results confirmed the array data (35% vs. 75% downregulation in MM-468 and MM-231 cells, respectively). Moreover, PL significantly downregulated IL-6 and GM-CSF in the MM-231 cells. Indeed, PL repressed many NF-қB-regulated genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The compound significantly downregulated the same genes (BIRC3, CCL2, TLR2, and TNF) in both types of cells. However, PL impacted five more genes in MM-231 cells, including BCL2A1, ICAM1, IKBKE, IL1β, and LTA. In conclusion, the data obtained in this study indicate that the quinone compound PL could be a novel cancer treatment for TNBC in African American women.

Association between IL-35 and coronary arterial lesions in children with Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) arises due to the acute inflammation and immune system dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between the serum level of IL-35 and coronary artery lesions (CALs) in patients with KD. We obtained blood samples from 90 children with KD before intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Levels of IL-35, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-10, MCP-1 and VEGF were measured in 190 cases, including 4 groups: KD with coronary arterial lesions (n = 46), KD without coronary arteries lesions (n = 44), febrile control group (FC, n = 40) and the normal control group (NC, n = 60). White blood cell counts (WBC), red blood cell counts (RBC), hemoglobin, platelet, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and procalcitonin were tested in all subjects. Levels of IL-35, RBC and hemoglobin significantly decreased, and IL-6, IL-17A, IL-10, MCP-1 and VEGF were significantly elevated in the KD group compared with febrile and control groups. IL-35 serum level even decreased, and ESR, IL-6, MCP-1 and VEGF increased in the KD patients with CALs. Serum levels of IL-35 in KD patients were negatively associated with WBC, CRP, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-10, MCP-1 and VEGF in children with KD. IL-35 may have the effect on inhibiting inflammatory process in KD and further preventing KD patients from coronary artery lesion.

Noncanonical Pathway for Regulation of CCL2 Expression by an mTORC1-FOXK1 Axis Promotes Recruitment of Tumor-Associated Macrophages

C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) plays pivotal roles in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis. Although CCL2 expression has been found to be dependent on the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, the regulation of CCL2 production in tumor cells has remained unclear. We have identified a noncanonical pathway for regulation of CCL2 production that is mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) but independent of NF-κB. Multiple phosphoproteomics approaches identified the transcription factor forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) as a downstream target of mTORC1. Activation of mTORC1 induces dephosphorylation of FOXK1, resulting in transactivation of the CCL2 gene. Inhibition of the mTORC1-FOXK1 axis attenuated insulin-induced CCL2 production as well as the accumulation of tumor-associated monocytes-macrophages and tumor progression in mice. Our results suggest that FOXK1 directly links mTORC1 signaling and CCL2 expression in a manner independent of NF-κB and that CCL2 produced by this pathway contributes to tumor progression.

Estrogen promotes progression of hormone-dependent breast cancer through CCL2-CCR2 axis by upregulation of Twist via PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling

The chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) with its cognate receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) plays important roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms and mediators for autocrine CCL2 and CCL2-CCR2 axis remain elusive in breast cancer. Here we examined the levels of CCL2 in 4 breast cancer cell lines along with 57 human breast cancer specimens and found them significantly increased with presence of 17β-estradiol (E2) in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells, while anti-estrogen treatment weakened this enhancement. CCL2 expression positively correlated with Twist staining and aggressiveness of breast cancer. Estrogen exposure facilitated the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of hormone-dependent breast cancer and promoted angiogenesis via the increased secretion of CCL2 in vitro and in vivo, which could be suppressed by disruption of CCL2-CCR2 axis with CCR2 antagonist RS102895. Knockdown of Twist in MCF-7 cells significantly inhibited E2-induced CCL2 production, indicating an essential role of Twist in CCL2 regulation under estrogenic condition. Our data show the hormonal regulation on CCL2-CCR2 axis is associated with enhanced Twist expression via activation of ERα and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling. Thus, CCL2-CCR2 axis may represent as a novel therapeutic target eagerly needed for hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Primary cilia disruption differentially affects the infiltrating and resident macrophage compartment in the liver

Hepatorenal fibrocystic disease (HRFCD) is characterized by cysts in the kidney and liver with associated fibrosis and is the result of defects in proteins required for cilia function or assembly. Previous reports indicate that macrophages, mainly M2-like macrophages, contribute to HRFCD, although the origin of these cells (yolk sac-derived resident macrophages vs. bone marrow-derived infiltrating macrophages) and their contribution to the observed phenotypes are unknown. We utilize a congenital model of cilia dysfunction (IFT88^Orpk) to study the importance of macrophages in HRFCD. Our data show a rapid expansion of the bile duct region and development of fibrosis between 2 and 4 wk of age. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis reveals an accumulation of F4/80⁺ macrophages in regions exhibiting biliary hyperplasia in IFT88^Orpk mice. Flow cytometry data show that cilia dysfunction leads to an accumulation of infiltrating macrophages (CD11b^hi, F4/80^lo) and a reduction of resident macrophage (CD11b^lo, F4/80^hi) number. A majority of the infiltrating macrophages are Ly6c^hi profibrogenic macrophages. Along with the accumulation of immune cells, expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic transcripts, including TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2, is increased. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of flow-sorted cells shows enhanced expression of CCL2 in cholangiocytes and enhanced expression of VEGF-A and IL-6 in Ly6c^hi macrophages. Genetic inhibition of Ly6c^hi macrophage accumulation in IFT88^Orpk FVB CCR2^-/- mice reduced biliary fibrosis but did not affect epithelial expansion. Collectively, these studies suggest that biliary epithelium with defects in primary cilia preferentially recruits Ly6c^hi infiltrating macrophages, which promote fibrotic progression in HRFCD pathogenesis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY These studies are the first to address the contribution of the infiltrating and resident macrophage niche during progression of hepatorenal fibrocystic disease (HRFCD). We show that the number of infiltrating macrophages is significantly upregulated in HRFCD mouse models. Finally, we show that prevention of Ly6c^hi infiltrating macrophage accumulation significantly reduces biliary fibrosis, but not biliary hyperplasia, suggesting that this population may be responsible for the fibrotic progression of the disease in HRFCD patients.

Nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling protein PP2AB56 contributes to mTORC1-dependent dephosphorylation of FOXK1

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase is a master regulator of the cellular response to nutrition-related signals such as insulin and amino acids. mTORC1 is activated on the lysosomal membrane and induces phosphorylation of a variety of downstream molecules. We previously showed that activated mTORC1 induces protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-mediated dephosphorylation of the transcription factor forkhead box K1 (FOXK1). The mechanism underlying the signal transduction from the cytoplasmic mTORC1 to the nuclear FOXK1 has remained unclear, however, we now show that a nuclear-cytoplasmic transport system is necessary for the mTORC1-FOXK1 signal transduction. This reaction is mediated by a shuttling protein B56, which is a regulatory subunit of PP2A and plays an essential role in the mTORC1-dependent dephosphorylation of FOXK1. These results suggest that PP2A^B56 phosphatase contributes to the signaling for mTORC1-dependent transcriptional regulation.

TLR4/MyD88 -mediated CCL2 production by lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin): Implications for metabolic inflammation

Background

Obese human and mice were reported to have higher circularity endotoxin (LPS) levels as compared to their lean counter parts. The current study was aimed to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the LPS mediated induction of CCL2 in human monocytes/macrophages.

Methods

Human monocytic cell line THP-1, THP-1 cells derived macrophages and primary macrophages were treated with LPS and TNF-α (positive control). CCL2 expression was determined with real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. THP-1-XBlue™ cells, THP-1-XBlue™-defMyD cells, TLR4 neutralization antibody, TLR4 siRNA and inhibitors for NF-kB and MAPK were used to study the signaling pathways. Phosphorylation of NF-kB and c-Jun was analyzed by ELISA.

Results

LPS upregulates CCL2 expression at both mRNA (THP-1: 23.40 ± .071 Fold, P < 0.0001; THP-1-derived macrophages: 103 ± 0.56 Fold, < 0.0001; Primary macrophages: 48 ± 1.41 Fold, P < 0.0005) and protein (THP1 monocytes:1048 ± 5.67 pg/ml, P < 0.0001; THP-1-derived macrophages; 2014 ± 2.12, P = 0.0001; Primary macrophages: 859.5 ± 3.54, P < 0.0001) levels in human monocytic cells/macrophages. Neutralization of TLR4 blocked LPS-induced CCL-2 secretion (P < 0.0001). Silencing of TLR4 by siRNA also significantly reduced LPS-induced CCL-2 production. Furthermore, MyD88-Knockout cells treated with LPS did not produce CCL-2. NF-kB and c-Jun phosphorylation was noted in LPS treated cells.

Conclusion

Overall, our data reveal that LPS induces CCL-2 in monocytes/macrophages via TLR4/MyD88 signaling which leads to the activation of NF-kB/AP-1 transcription factors.

Diabetic macular oedema: under-represented in the genetic analysis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a complex disease and is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults worldwide. It can be divided into distinct subclasses, one of which is diabetic macular oedema. Diabetic macular oedema can occur at any time in diabetic retinopathy and is the most common cause of vision loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the large number of genetic association studies that have been performed in cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes and published in English-language journals up to February 2017. Many of these studies have produced positive associations with gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy. However, this review highlights that within this large body of work, studies specifically addressing a genetic association with diabetic macular oedema, although present, are vastly under-represented. We also highlight that many of the studies have small patient numbers and that meta-analyses often inappropriately combine patient data sets. We conclude that there will continue to be conflicting results and no meaningful findings will be achieved if the historical approach of combining all diabetic retinopathy disease states within patient cohorts continues in future studies. This review also identifies several genes that would be interesting to analyse in large, well-defined cohorts of patients with diabetic macular oedema in future candidate gene association studies.

Induction of extracranial arteriogenesis by an arteriovenous fistula in a pig model

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Arteriogenesis, the positive outward remodeling and growth of pre-existent collateral vessels, holds potential as a novel treatment for ischemic vascular disease. An extracranial arteriogenesis model in a pig will allow us to study molecular changes in a complex arteriolar network in a more clinically relevant large-animal model. To increase fluid shear stress in the brain, an experimental carotid arteriovenous fistula (AVF model) in minipigs was established, providing high flow through the extracranial rete mirabile. The aim of the study was to examine whether creation of a carotid AVF can induce extracranial arteriogenesis in the pig.

METHODS

Angiography was performed to demonstrate blood flow diversion. Animals were sacrificed after 0, 3 and 14 days post-surgery and both retia mirabilia were removed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to analyze cell proliferation and accumulation of mononuclear cells in the vessel wall.

RESULTS

After 3 days of high-flow conditions, increases in vascular cell proliferation (approximately 1.5-fold; p = 0.143) and monocyte invasion (approximately 6-fold; p = 0.057) were observed when compared to animals sacrificed immediately after AVF formation. Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis from rete mirabile tissue samples 3 days post-surgery revealed that monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 were highly upregulated. Expression of the pro-arteriogenic marker, CD44, reached maximum expression level 14 days post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In response to high levels of shear stress produced in the pig AVF model, the onset of the arteriogenic process can be induced. This was demonstrated by enhanced cell proliferation, monocyte invasion and vascular remodeling.

670nm light treatment following retinal injury modulates Müller cell gliosis: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro stress models

Photobiomodulation (PBM) with 670 nm light has been shown to accelerate wound healing in soft tissue injuries, and also to protect neuronal tissues. However, little data exist on its effects on the non-neuronal components of the retina, such as Müller cells (MCs), which are the principal macroglia of the retina that play a role in maintaining retinal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of 670 nm light on activated MCs using in vivo and in vitro stress models. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to photo-oxidative damage (PD) for 24 h and treated with 670 nm light at 0, 3 and 14 days after PD. Tissue was collected at 30 days post-PD for analysis. Using the in vitro scratch model with a human MC line (MIO-M1), area coverage and cellular stress were analysed following treatment with 670 nm light. We showed that early treatment with 670 nm light after PD reduced MC activation, lowering the retinal expression of GFAP and FGF-2. 670 nm light treatment mitigated the production of MC-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β), and reduced microglia/macrophage (MG/MΦ) recruitment into the outer retina following PD. This subsequently decreased photoreceptor loss, slowing the progression of retinal degeneration. In vitro, we showed that 670 nm light directly modulated MC activation, reducing rates of area coverage by suppressing cellular proliferation and spreading. This study indicates that 670 nm light treatment post-injury may have therapeutic benefit when administered shortly after retinal damage, and could be useful for retinal degenerations where MC gliosis is a feature of disease progression.

The chemokine MCP-1 (CCL2) in the host interaction with cancer: a foe or ally?

Macrophages are one of the most abundant leukocyte populations infiltrating tumor tissues and can exhibit both tumoricidal and tumor-promoting activities. In 1989, we reported the purification of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from culture supernatants of mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor cells. MCP-1 is a potent monocyte-attracting chemokine, identical to the previously described lymphocyte-derived chemotactic factor or tumor-derived chemotactic factor, and greatly contributes to the recruitment of blood monocytes into sites of inflammatory responses and tumors. Because in vitro-cultured tumor cells often produce significant amounts of MCP-1, tumor cells are considered to be the main source of MCP-1. However, various non-tumor cells in the tumor stroma also produce MCP-1 in response to stimuli. Studies performed in vitro and in vivo have provided evidence that MCP-1 production in tumors is a consequence of complex interactions between tumor cells and non-tumor cells and that both tumor cells and non-tumor cells contribute to the production of MCP-1. Although MCP-1 production was once considered to be a part of host defense against tumors, it is now believed to regulate the vicious cycle between tumor cells and macrophages that promotes the progression of tumors.

Aptamers Against Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Review

Inflammatory disorders result from continuous inflammation in injured sites. Many molecules are involved in this process; the inhibition of which could prevent the inflammation. Chemokines are a group of these biological mediators which are categorized into pro-, anti-, and pro-/anti-inflammatory. Thus, targeting these essential molecules can be an effective way for prevention and control of inflammatory diseases. Various therapeutic agents have been developed for primary and secondary prevention of these disorders, but each of them has its own limitations. Aptamers, as novel therapeutic agents, are a new generation of drugs which could replace other medications even antibodies. Aptamer can bind to its target molecule to trap it and prohibit its function. Among large group of inflammatory cytokines, only 11 aptamers have been selected either against cytokines or their related receptors. These cytokines include interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-11, IL-17, IL-32, TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL2, and IP-10. Most of the isolated aptamers are against pro-inflammatory or dual function cytokines, and it seems that they could be used for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the related inflammatory diseases. Most of the aptamers have been tested in vitro, but so far, none of them has been approved for in vivo use. Given a vast number of inflammatory cytokines, more aptamers against this group of biological molecules will be selected in the near future. The available aptamers will also be tested in clinical trials. Therefore, a significant improvement is expected for the prevention and control of inflammatory disorders.

Systemic effects of ionizing radiation at the proteome and metabolome levels in the blood of cancer patients treated with radiotherapy: the influence of inflammation and radiation toxicity

PURPOSE

Blood is the most common replacement tissue used to study systemic responses of organisms to different types of pathological conditions and environmental insults. Local irradiation during cancer radiotherapy induces whole body responses that can be observed at the blood proteome and metabolome levels. Hence, comparative blood proteomics and metabolomics are emerging approaches used in the discovery of radiation biomarkers. These techniques enable the simultaneous measurement of hundreds of molecules and the identification of sets of components that can discriminate different physiological states of the human body. Radiation-induced changes are affected by the dose and volume of irradiated tissues; hence, the molecular composition of blood is a hypothetical source of biomarkers for dose assessment and the prediction and monitoring of systemic responses to radiation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the available evidence regarding molecular responses to ionizing radiation detected at the level of the human blood proteome and metabolome. It focuses on patients exposed to radiation during cancer radiotherapy and emphasizes effects related to radiation-induced toxicity and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic responses to radiation detected at the blood proteome and metabolome levels are primarily related to the intensity of radiation-induced toxicity, including inflammatory responses. Thus, several inflammation-associated molecules can be used to monitor or even predict radiation-induced toxicity. However, these abundant molecular features have a rather limited applicability as universal biomarkers for dose assessment, reflecting the individual predisposition of the immune system and tissue-specific mechanisms involved in radiation-induced damage.

CCL2 expression correlates with Snail expression and affects the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer

We aim to explore the associations of CCL2 and Snail in gastric cancer to the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). In our study, the expression of CCL2 and Snail in clinical specimens of 178 GC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry. High expression of CCL2 and Snail were closely related to the clinicopathologic features. The results showed there is a link between CCL2 and Snail expression at protein levels (Pearson Χ2=40.751, P<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that CCL2 or Snail expression was correlated with 5-year survival rate (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that CCL2, Snail, pTNM stage, depth of invasion, nodal involvement, metastasis and tumor diameter were significantly associated with 5-year survival rate respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the CCL2, Snail and nodal involvement were independent prognostic factor for patients with GC. In conclusion, the expression of CCL2 is significantly correlated with Snail expression and may be used as a predictive co-biomarker for patient prognosis and tumor aggressiveness in GC. The exactly mechanism between CCL2 and Snail in the process of EMT in GC need further investigation.

Chemokine Receptor Signaling and the Hallmarks of Cancer

The chemokines are a family of chemotactic cytokines that mediate their activity by acting on seven-transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptors. Both the ability of the chemokines and their receptors to form homo- and heterodimers and the promiscuity of the chemokine-chemokine receptor interaction endow this protein family with enormous signaling plasticity and complexity that are not fully understood at present. Chemokines were initially identified as essential regulators of homeostatic and inflammatory trafficking of innate and adaptive leucocytes from lymphoid organs to tissues. Chemokines also mediate the host response to cancer. Nevertheless, chemokine function in this response is not limited to regulating leucocyte infiltration into the tumor microenvironment. It is now known that chemokines and their receptors influence most-if not all-hallmark processes of cancer; they act on both neoplastic and untransformed cells in the tumor microenvironment, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells (blood and lymphatic), bone marrow-derived stem cells, and, obviously, infiltrating leucocytes. This review begins with an overview of chemokine and chemokine receptor structure, to better define how chemokines affect the proliferation, survival, stemness, and metastatic potential of neoplastic cells. We also examine the main mechanisms by which chemokines regulate tumor angiogenesis and immune cell infiltration, emphasizing the pro- and antitumorigenic activity of this protein superfamily in these interrelated processes.

Absence of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase reduces mortality of acute viral myocarditis in mice

Infection of the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) in mice is an established model for viral myocarditis. Previously, we have demonstrated that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an L-tryptophan - kynurenine pathway (KP) enzyme, affects acute viral myocarditis. However, the roles of KP metabolites in EMCV infection remain unclear. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) is one of the key regulatory enzymes, which metabolizes kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine in the KP. Therefore, we examined the role of KMO in acute viral infection by comparing between KMO^-/- mice and KMO^+/+ mice. KMO deficiency resulted in suppressed mortality after EMCV infection. The number of infiltrating cells and F4/80⁺ cells in KMO^-/- mice was suppressed compared with those in KMO^+/+ mice. KMO^-/- mice showed significantly increased levels of serum KP metabolites, and induction of KMO expression upon EMCV infection was involved in its effect on mortality through EMCV suppression. Furthermore, KMO^-/- mice showed significantly suppression of CCL2, CCL3 and CCL4 on day 2 and CXCL1 on day 4 after infection. These results suggest that increased KP metabolites reduced chemokine production, resulting in suppressed mortality upon KMO knockdown in EMCV infection. KP metabolites may thus provide an effective strategy for treating acute viral myocarditis.

CCL2 is a KIT D816V-dependent modulator of the bone marrow microenvironment in systemic mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of neoplastic mast cells harboring the activating KIT mutation D816V in the bone marrow and other internal organs. As found in other myeloproliferative neoplasms, increased production of profibrogenic and angiogenic cytokines and related alterations of the bone marrow microenvironment are commonly found in SM. However, little is known about mechanisms and effector molecules triggering fibrosis and angiogenesis in SM. Here we show that KIT D816V promotes expression of the proangiogenic cytokine CCL2 in neoplastic mast cells. Correspondingly, the KIT-targeting drug midostaurin and RNA interference-mediated knockdown of KIT reduced expression of CCL2. We also found that nuclear factor κB contributes to KIT-dependent upregulation of CCL2 in mast cells. In addition, CCL2 secreted by KIT D816V⁺ mast cells was found to promote the migration of human endothelial cells in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown of CCL2 in neoplastic mast cells resulted in reduced microvessel density and reduced tumor growth in vivo compared with CCL2-expressing cells. Finally, we measured CCL2 serum concentrations in patients with SM and found that CCL2 levels were significantly increased in mastocytosis patients compared with controls. CCL2 serum levels were higher in patients with advanced SM and were found to correlate with poor survival. In summary, we have identified CCL2 as a novel KIT D816V-dependent key regulator of vascular cell migration and angiogenesis in SM. CCL2 expression correlates with disease severity and prognosis. Whether CCL2 may serve as a therapeutic target in advanced SM remains to be determined in forthcoming studies.

Murine macrophage response from peritoneal cavity requires signals mediated by chemokine receptor CCR-2 during Staphylococcus aureus infection

C-C chemokine receptor-2 (CCR-2) is a cognate receptor for monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and recent studies revealed that MCP-1-CCR-2 signaling is involved in several inflammatory diseases characterized by macrophage infiltration. Currently, there is no study on the involvement of CCR-2 in the killing of S. aureus by macrophages of Swiss albino mice, and its substantial role in host defense against S. aureus infection in murine macrophages is still unclear. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the functional and interactive role of CCR-2 and MCP-1 in regulating peritoneal macrophage responses with respect to acute S. aureus infection. We found that phagocytosis of S. aureus can serve as an important stimulus for MCP-1 production by peritoneal macrophages, which is dependent directly or indirectly on cytokines, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Neutralization of CCR-2 in macrophages leads to increased production of IL-10 and decreased production of IFN-γ and IL-6. In CCR-2 blocked macrophages, pretreatment with specific blocker of NF-κB or p38-MAPK causes elevation in MCP-1 level and subsequent downregulation of CCR-2 itself. We speculate that CCR-2 is involved in S. aureus-induced MCP-1 production via NF-κB or p38-MAPK signaling. We also hypothesized that unnaturally high level of MCP-1 that build up upon CCR-2 neutralization might allow promiscuous binding to one or more other chemokine receptors, a situation that would not occur in CCR-2 non-neutralized condition. This may be the plausible explanation for such observed Th-2 response in CCR-2 blocked macrophages infected with S. aureus in the present study.

CCL2/CCR2 Regulates the Tumor Microenvironment in HER-2/neu-Driven Mammary Carcinomas in Mice

Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of cancer. Inflammatory chemokines, such as C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), are often present in tumors but their roles in cancer initiation and maintenance are not clear. Here we report that CCL2 promotes mammary carcinoma development in a clinically relevant murine model of breast cancer. Targeted disruption of Ccl2 slowed the growth of activated Her2/neu-driven mammary tumors and prolonged host survival. Disruption of Ccl2 was associated with a decrease in the development and mobilization of endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) which can contribute to tumor neovascularization. In contrast, disruption of Ccr2, which encodes CCL2's sole signaling receptor, accelerated tumor development, shortened host survival, and mobilized EPCs. However, pharmacological inhibition of CCR2 phenocopied Ccl2 disruption rather than Ccr2 disruption, suggesting that the Ccr2-/- phenotype is a consequence of unanticipated alterations not linked to intact CCL2/CCR2 signaling. Consistent with this explanation, Ccr2-/- monocytes are more divergent from wild type monocytes than Ccl2-/- monocytes in their expression of genes involved in key developmental and functional pathways. Taken together, our data suggest a tumor-promoting role for CCL2 acting through CCR2 on the tumor microenvironment and support the targeting of this chemokine/receptor pair in breast cancer.

Developing Treatments for Chronic Kidney Disease in the 21st Century

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a lethal and rapidly increasing burden on society. Despite this, there are relatively few therapies in development for the treatment of CKD. Several recent costly phase 3 trials have failed to provide improved renal outcomes, diminishing interest in pharmaceutical investment. Furthermore, poor patient, physician, and payer awareness of CKD as a diagnosis has contributed to slow trial enrollment and successful implementation of these trials. Nevertheless, several therapeutics remain in development for the treatment of CKD, including mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists, sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, and drugs that mitigate oxidative injury. Success of future CKD therapeutic trials will depend not only on improved understanding of disease pathogenesis, but also on improved trial enrollment rates, through increasing awareness of this disease by the public, policy makers, and the greater medical community.

Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix in Advanced Lesions of Canine Distemper Demyelinating Encephalitis

In demyelinating diseases, changes in the quality and quantity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) may contribute to demyelination and failure of myelin repair and axonal sprouting, especially in chronic lesions. To characterize changes in the ECM in canine distemper demyelinating leukoencephalitis (DL), histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cerebella using azan, picrosirius red and Gomori`s silver stain as well as antibodies directed against aggrecan, type I and IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin and phosphacan showed alterations of the ECM in CDV-infected dogs. A significantly increased amount of aggrecan was detected in early and late white matter lesions. In addition, the positive signal for collagens I and IV as well as fibronectin was significantly increased in late lesions. Conversely, the expression of phosphacan was significantly decreased in early and more pronounced in late lesions compared to controls. Furthermore, a set of genes involved in ECM was extracted from a publically available microarray data set and was analyzed for differential gene expression. Gene expression of ECM molecules, their biosynthesis pathways, and pro-fibrotic factors was mildly up-regulated whereas expression of matrix remodeling enzymes was up-regulated to a relatively higher extent. Summarized, the observed findings indicate that changes in the quality and content of ECM molecules represent important, mainly post-transcriptional features in advanced canine distemper lesions. Considering the insufficiency of morphological regeneration in chronic distemper lesions, the accumulated ECM seems to play a crucial role upon regenerative processes and may explain the relatively small regenerative potential in late stages of this disease.

Elevation of Activated Platelet-Dependent Chemokines in Patients With Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody (Rituximab)−Treated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

.ocn.ne.jp. This study measured and compared levels of some chemokines in patients with rituximab-treated non-Hodgkin lymphoma because they may participate in the mechanism of efficacy of rituximab in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Monocytic chemotactant protein-1, RANTES (regulated on activation, normally T-cell expressed and secreted), eotaxin, interleukin-8, neutrophil-activating protein-78, stromal cell-derived factor-1, and growth-regulating oncogene-α in patients with rituximab-treated non-Hodgkin lymphoma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of RANTES were higher in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients than in controls. Levels of monocytic chemotactant protein-1, RANTES, and neutrophil-activating protein-78 were significantly elevated before and after chemotherapy with rituximab treatment. However, the level of stromal cell-derived factor-1 did not exhibit a significant change. Before to after chemotherapy without rituximab treatment, all chemokine levels did not exhibit significant changes. These findings suggest that activated platelet-dependent chemokines such as RANTES and neutrophil-activating protein-78 may modulate the efficacy of rituximab in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxity.

Ecto-ATPase CD39 Inactivates Isoprenoid-Derived Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell Phosphoantigens

In humans, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells respond to self and pathogen-associated, diphosphate-containing isoprenoids, also known as phosphoantigens (pAgs). However, activation and homeostasis of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that pAgs induced expression of the ecto-ATPase CD39, which, however, not only hydrolyzed ATP but also abrogated the γδ T cell receptor (TCR) agonistic activity of self and microbial pAgs (C5 to C15). Only mevalonate-derived geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP, C20) resisted CD39-mediated hydrolysis and acted as a regulator of CD39 expression and activity. GGPP enhanced macrophage differentiation in response to the tissue stress cytokine interleukin-15. In addition, GGPP-imprinted macrophage-like cells displayed increased capacity to produce IL-1β as well as the chemokine CCL2 and preferentially activated CD161-expressing CD4(+) T cells in an innate-like manner. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized immunoregulatory function of CD39 and highlight a particular role of GGPP among pAgs.

Baseline cytokine profiling identifies novel risk factors for invasive fungal disease among haematology patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a disease of immunocompromised hosts. Cytokines are important mediators of innate and adaptive immune system. The aim of this study was to identify cytokine profiles that correlate with increased risk of IFD.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 172 adult haematology patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy, and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Pro-inflammatory cytokine profiling using 30-plex Luminex assay was performed at baseline and during treatment. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4.1, TLR4.2, TLR6, CLEC7A, CARD9, and INFG) were investigated among transplant recipients and donors.

FINDINGS

The incidence of IFD in this cohort was 16.9% (29/172). Median baseline serum concentrations of IL-15, IL-2R, CCL2, and MIP-1α were significantly higher whilst IL-4 was lower in patients with proven/probable IFD compared to those with no evidence of IFD. Baseline high IL-2R and CCL2 were associated with increased risk of IFD in the multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 2.3 [95% CI 1.1-5.1; P = 0.037], and hazard ratio 2.7 [95% CI 1.2-6.1; P = 0.016], respectively). However, these differences were not significant in follow up measurements. Similarly, no significant independent prognostic value was associated with baseline cytokine profile.

INTERPRETATION

High baseline IL-2R and CCL2 concentrations were independent indicators of the risk of developing IFD and could be used to identify patients for enhanced prophylaxis and early antifungal therapy.

The next generation of therapeutics for chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure for this disease, with current treatment strategies relying on blood pressure control through blockade of the renin-angiotensin system. Such approaches only delay the development of end-stage kidney disease and can be associated with serious side effects. Recent identification of several novel mechanisms contributing to CKD development - including vascular changes, loss of podocytes and renal epithelial cells, matrix deposition, inflammation and metabolic dysregulation - has revealed new potential therapeutic approaches for CKD. This Review assesses emerging strategies and agents for CKD treatment, highlighting the associated challenges in their clinical development.

Role of Chemokines in Shaping Macrophage Activity in AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While the advent of anti-VEGF therapy has allowed for effective treatment of neovascular 'wet' AMD, no treatments are available to mitigate the more prevalent 'dry' forms of the disease. A role for inflammatory processes in the progression of AMD has emerged over a period of many years, particularly the characterisation of leukocyte infiltrates in AMD-affected eyes, as well as in animal models. This review focuses on the burgeoning understanding of chemokines in the retina, and their potential role in shaping the recruitment and activation of macrophages in AMD. Understanding the mechanisms which promote macrophage activity in the degenerating retina may be key to controlling the potentially devastating consequences of inflammation in diseases such as AMD.

Paracrine in vivo inhibitory effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in the early stages of the acute inflammatory response

BACKGROUND AIMS

Excessive or unresolved inflammation leads to tissue lesions. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs) have shown protective effects that may be dependent on the modulation of inflammation by secreted factors.

METHODS

We used the zymosan-induced mouse air pouch model at two time points (4 h and 18 h) to evaluate the in vivo effects of AMSCs and their conditioned medium (CM) on key steps of the early inflammatory response. We assessed the effects of AMSCs and CM on leukocyte migration and myeloperoxidase activity. The levels of chemokines, cytokines and eicosanoids in exudates were measured by use of enzyme-linked immunoassay or radio-immunoassay. In addition, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) was studied by use of Western blotting and the phosphorylation of p65 nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

All inflammatory parameters were significantly reduced by CM and AMSCs to a similar extent at 4 h after zymosan injection with lower effects at 18 h. The observed inhibition of leukocyte migration was associated with reduced levels of chemokines and leukotriene B4. Interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 levels were significantly decreased. The downregulation of mPGES-1 was associated with inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production. Our results suggest that these anti-inflammatory effects are related, in part, to the inhibition of NF-κB activation.

CONCLUSIONS

AMSCs dampen the early process of inflammation in the zymosan-induced mouse air pouch model through paracrine mechanisms. These results support the potential utility of these cells as a source of novel treatment approaches for inflammatory pathologies.

Prenatal fat-rich diet exposure alters responses of embryonic neurons to the chemokine, CCL2, in the hypothalamus

Maternal consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy is found to stimulate the genesis of hypothalamic orexigenic peptide neurons in the offspring, while HFD intake in adult animals produces a systemic low-grade inflammation which increases neuroimmune factors that may affect neurogenesis and neuronal migration. Building on this evidence and our recent study showing that the inflammatory chemokine, CCL2, stimulates the migration of hypothalamic neurons and expression of orexigenic neuropeptides, we tested here the possibility that prenatal exposure to a HFD in rats affects this chemokine system, both CCL2 and its receptors, CCR2 and CCR4, and alters its actions on hypothalamic neurons, specifically those expressing the neuropeptides, enkephalin (ENK) and galanin (GAL). Using primary dissociated hypothalamic neurons extracted from embryos on embryonic day 19, we found that prenatal HFD exposure compared to chow control actually reduces the expression of CCL2 in these hypothalamic neurons, while increasing CCR2 and CCR4 expression, and also reduces the sensitivity of hypothalamic neurons to CCL2. The HFD abolished the dose-dependent, stimulatory effect of CCL2 on the number of migrated neurons and even shifted its normal stimulatory effect on migrational velocity and distance traveled by control neurons to an inhibition of migration. Further, it abolished the dose-dependent, stimulatory effect of CCL2 on neuronal expression of ENK and GAL. These results demonstrate that prenatal HFD exposure greatly disturbs the functioning of the CCL2 chemokine system in embryonic hypothalamic neurons, reducing its endogenous levels and ability to promote the migration of neurons and their expression of orexigenic peptides.