Nonresolving inflammation

Non-Neuronal Acetylcholinesterase Activity Shows Limited Utility for Early Detection of Sepsis

(1) Background: Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory condition characterized by rapid clinical deterioration and organ dysfunction. The cholinergic system has been implicated in modulating the inflammatory response. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme primarily responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, has been proposed as a potential early indicator of sepsis onset. However, the exact role of non-neuronal AChE activity in sepsis and its correlation with disease severity and patient outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of AChE activity in sepsis and evaluate its association with disease severity and clinical outcomes. (2) Methods: A prospective study included 43 septic patients. AChE activity was measured at sepsis detection, as well as 7 and 28 days later. Inflammatory biomarkers, disease severity scores, and patient outcomes were evaluated. (3) Results: AChE activity remained stable for 7 days and decreased at 28 days. However, there was no correlation between initial AChE activity and inflammatory biomarkers, disease severity scores, ICU stay, or hospital stay. (4) Conclusions: Non-neuronal AChE activity may not reliably indicate early sepsis or predict disease severity.

HCK induces macrophage activation to promote renal inflammation and fibrosis via suppression of autophagy

Renal inflammation and fibrosis are the common pathways leading to progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). We previously identified hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) as upregulated in human chronic allograft injury promoting kidney fibrosis; however, the cellular source and molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here, using immunostaining and single cell sequencing data, we show that HCK expression is highly enriched in pro-inflammatory macrophages in diseased kidneys. HCK-knockout (KO) or HCK-inhibitor decreases macrophage M1-like pro-inflammatory polarization, proliferation, and migration in RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). We identify an interaction between HCK and ATG2A and CBL, two autophagy-related proteins, inhibiting autophagy flux in macrophages. In vivo, both global or myeloid cell specific HCK-KO attenuates renal inflammation and fibrosis with reduces macrophage numbers, pro-inflammatory polarization and migration into unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) kidneys and unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) models. Finally, we developed a selective boron containing HCK inhibitor which can reduce macrophage pro-inflammatory activity, proliferation, and migration in vitro, and attenuate kidney fibrosis in the UUO mice. The current study elucidates mechanisms downstream of HCK regulating macrophage activation and polarization via autophagy in CKD and identifies that selective HCK inhibitors could be potentially developed as a new therapy for renal fibrosis.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Embedded Hydrogels as a Promising Carrier for Retarding Irritation of Leflunomide

Leflunomide (LEF), a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, has been widely explored for its anti-inflammatory potential in skin disorders such as psoriasis and melanoma. However, its poor stability and skin irritation pose challenges for topical delivery. To surmount these issues, LEF-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) integrated with hydrogels have been developed in the present investigation. SLNs developed by microemulsion techniques were found ellipsoidal with 273.1 nm particle size and -0.15 mV zeta potential. Entrapment and total drug content of LEF-SLNs were obtained as 65.25 ± 0.95% and 93.12 ± 1.72%, respectively. FTIR and XRD validated the successful fabrication of LEF-SLNs. The higher stability of LEF-SLNs (p < 0.001) compared to pure drug solution was observed in photostability studies. Additionally, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of LEF-SLNs showed good potential in comparison to pure drugs. Further, prepared LEF-SLNs loaded hydrogel showed ideal rheology, texture, occlusion, and spreadability for topical drug delivery. In vitro release from LEF-SLN hydrogel was found to follow the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. To assess the skin safety of fabricated lipidic formulation, irritation potential was performed employing the HET-CAM technique. In conclusion, the findings of this investigation demonstrated that LEF-SLN hydrogel is capable of enhancing the photostability of the entrapped drug while reducing its skin irritation with improved topical delivery characteristics.

Role of phagocyte extracellular traps during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and tuberculosis disease processes

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infections remain one of the most significant causes of mortality worldwide. The current situation shows an emergence of new antibiotic-resistant strains making it difficult to control the tuberculosis (TB) disease. A large part of its success as a pathogen is due to its ability to persist for years or even decades without causing evident clinical manifestations. M.tb is highly successful in evading the host-defense by manipulating host-signalling pathways. Although macrophages are generally viewed as the key cell type involved in harboring M.tb, growing evidence shows that neutrophils also play a fundamental role. Both cells are known to act in multiple ways when encountering an invading pathogen, including phagocytosis, release of cytokines and chemokines, and oxidative burst. In addition, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and macrophage extracellular traps (METs) has been described to contribute to M.tb infections. NETs/METs are extracellular DNA fibers with associated granule components, which are released upon activation of the cells by the pathogen or by pro-inflammatory mediators. On one hand, they can lead to a protective immune response by entrapment and killing of pathogens. However, on the other hand, they can also play a severe pathological role by inducing tissue damage. Extracellular traps (ETs) produced in the pulmonary alveoli can expand easily and expose tissue-damaging factors with detrimental effects. Since host-directed therapies offer a complementary strategy in TB, the knowledge of NET/MET formation is important for understanding potential protective versus detrimental pathways during innate immune signaling. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the role of NETs/METs in the pathogenesis of TB.

Humanization of the Reaction Specificity of Mouse Alox15b Inversely Modified the Susceptibility of Corresponding Knock-In Mice in Two Different Animal Inflammation Models

Mammalian arachidonic acid lipoxygenases (ALOXs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, and its pro- and anti-inflammatory effects have been reported for different ALOX-isoforms. Human ALOX15B oxygenates arachidonic acid to its 15-hydroperoxy derivative, whereas the corresponding 8-hydroperoxide is formed by mouse Alox15b (Alox8). This functional difference impacts the biosynthetic capacity of the two enzymes for creating pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. To explore the functional consequences of the humanization of the reaction specificity of mouse Alox15b in vivo, we tested Alox15b knock-in mice that express the arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenating Tyr603Asp and His604Val double mutant of Alox15b, instead of the arachidonic acid 8-lipoxygenating wildtype enzyme, in two different animal inflammation models. In the dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model, female Alox15b-KI mice lost significantly more bodyweight during the acute phase of inflammation and recovered less rapidly during the resolution phase. Although we observed significant differences in the colonic levels of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids during the time-course of inflammation, there were no differences between the two genotypes at any time-point of the disease. In Freund's complete adjuvant-induced paw edema model, Alox15b-KI mice were less susceptible than outbred wildtype controls, though we did not observe significant differences in pain perception (Hargreaves-test, von Frey-test) when the two genotypes were compared. our data indicate that humanization of the reaction specificity of mouse Alox15b (Alox8) sensitizes mice for dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis, but partly protects the animals in the complete Freund's adjuvant-induced paw edema model.

Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators: Endogenous Roles and Pharmacological Activities in Infections

During an infection, inflammation mobilizes immune cells to eliminate the pathogen and protect the host. However, inflammation can be detrimental when exacerbated and/or chronic. The resolution phase of the inflammatory process is actively orchestrated by the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), generated from omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that bind to different G-protein coupled receptors to exert their activity. As immunoresolvents, SPMs regulate the influx of leukocytes to the inflammatory site, reduce cytokine and chemokine levels, promote bacterial clearance, inhibit the export of viral transcripts, enhance efferocytosis, stimulate tissue healing, and lower antibiotic requirements. Metabolomic studies have evaluated SPM levels in patients and animals during infection, and temporal regulation of SPMs seems to be essential to properly coordinate a response against the microorganism. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on SPM biosynthesis and classifications, endogenous production profiles and their effects in animal models of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.

Poly-ɛ-caprolactone nanocapsules loaded with copaiba essential oil reduce inflammation and pain in mice

Diverse drugs have been used for the management of inflammation disorders and pain. However, they present many side effects and stimulate the search for new pharmacotherapeutic alternatives. Plant-derived products such as copaiba essential oil (CO) offer beneficial pharmacological effects. On the other hand, essential oil's low water solubility and physical instability hinder itsin vivoapplication. Thus, poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL)-based nanocarriers have been used to increase their stability and efficacy. This work aimed to encapsulate CO in PCL nanocapsules and evaluate their effect on inflammation models and pain. The polymeric nanocapsules loading CO (CO-NC) were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique, characterized, and analyzed for their anti-inflammatory effectin vitroandin vivo. The results showed that CO-NC presented a spherical shape, 229.3 ± 1.5 nm diameter, and a negative zeta potential (approximately -23 mV). CO and CO-NC presented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by LPS-activated macrophages (J774 cells). In addition, CO-NC significantly reduced TNF-α secretion (3-fold) compared to CO.In vivo, pre-treatment with CO or CO-NC (50, 100, 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; i.p) reduced the mechanical allodynia, paw edema, and pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by intraplantar (i.pl) injection of carrageenan in mice. Specifically, CO-NC (200 mg/kg; i.p.) reduced the production of TNF-α similar to the control group. Our results support using polymeric nanocapsules for CO delivery in inflammatory conditions.

Formerly bile-farmed bears as a model of accelerated ageing

Bear bile-farming is common in East and Southeast Asia and this farming practice often results in irreversible health outcomes for the animals. We studied long-term effects of chronic bacterial and sterile hepatobiliary inflammation in 42 Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) rescued from Vietnamese bile farms. The bears were examined under anesthesia at least twice as part of essential medical interventions. All bears were diagnosed with chronic low-grade sterile or bacterial hepatobiliary inflammation along with pathologies from other systems. Our main finding was that the chronic low-grade inflammatory environment associated with bile extraction in conjunction with the suboptimal living conditions on the farms promoted and accelerated the development of age-related pathologies such as chronic kidney disease, obese sarcopenia, cardiovascular remodeling, and degenerative joint disease. Through a biomimetic approach, we identified similarities with inflammation related to premature aging in humans and found significant deviations from the healthy ursid phenotype. The pathological parallels with inflammageing and immuno-senescence induced conditions in humans suggest that bile-farmed bears may serve as animal models to investigate pathophysiology and deleterious effects of lifestyle-related diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities of Clerodane-Type Diterpenes

The secondary metabolites of clerodane diterpenoids have been found in several plant species from various families and in other organisms. In this review, we included articles on clerodanes and neo-clerodanes with cytotoxic or anti-inflammatory activity from 2015 to February 2023. A search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct, using the keywords clerodanes or neo-clerodanes with cytotoxicity or anti-inflammatory activity. In this work, we present studies on these diterpenes with anti-inflammatory effects from 18 species belonging to 7 families and those with cytotoxic activity from 25 species belonging to 9 families. These plants are mostly from the Lamiaceae, Salicaceae, Menispermaceae and Euphorbiaceae families. In summary, clerodane diterpenes have activity against different cell cancer lines. Specific antiproliferative mechanisms related to the wide range of clerodanes known today have been described, since many of these compounds have been identified, some of which we barely know their properties. It is very possible that there are even more compounds than those described today, in such a way that makes it an open field to discover. Furthermore, some diterpenes presented in this review have already-known therapeutic targets, and therefore, their potential adverse effects can be predicted in some way.

Inflammation and aging: signaling pathways and intervention therapies

Aging is characterized by systemic chronic inflammation, which is accompanied by cellular senescence, immunosenescence, organ dysfunction, and age-related diseases. Given the multidimensional complexity of aging, there is an urgent need for a systematic organization of inflammaging through dimensionality reduction. Factors secreted by senescent cells, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), promote chronic inflammation and can induce senescence in normal cells. At the same time, chronic inflammation accelerates the senescence of immune cells, resulting in weakened immune function and an inability to clear senescent cells and inflammatory factors, which creates a vicious cycle of inflammation and senescence. Persistently elevated inflammation levels in organs such as the bone marrow, liver, and lungs cannot be eliminated in time, leading to organ damage and aging-related diseases. Therefore, inflammation has been recognized as an endogenous factor in aging, and the elimination of inflammation could be a potential strategy for anti-aging. Here we discuss inflammaging at the molecular, cellular, organ, and disease levels, and review current aging models, the implications of cutting-edge single cell technologies, as well as anti-aging strategies. Since preventing and alleviating aging-related diseases and improving the overall quality of life are the ultimate goals of aging research, our review highlights the critical features and potential mechanisms of inflammation and aging, along with the latest developments and future directions in aging research, providing a theoretical foundation for novel and practical anti-aging strategies.

Elucidation of the binding mode of organic polysulfides on the human TRPA1 receptor

Introduction: Previous studies have established that endogenous inorganic polysulfides have significant biological actions activating the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) receptor. Organic polysulfides exert similar effects, but they are much more stable molecules, therefore these compounds are more suitable as drugs. In this study, we aimed to better understand the mechanism of action of organic polysulfides by identification of their binding site on the TRPA1 receptor. Methods: Polysulfides can readily interact with the thiol side chain of the cysteine residues of the protein. To investigate their role in the TRPA1 activation, we replaced several cysteine residues by alanine via site-directed mutagenesis. We searched for TRPA1 mutant variants with decreased or lost activating effect of the polysulfides, but with other functions remaining intact (such as the effects of non-electrophilic agonists and antagonists). The binding properties of the mutant receptors were analyzed by in silico molecular docking. Functional changes were tested by in vitro methods: calcium sensitive fluorescent flow cytometry, whole-cell patch-clamp and radioactive calcium-45 liquid scintillation counting. Results: The cysteines forming the conventional binding site of electrophilic agonists, namely C621, C641 and C665 also bind the organic polysulfides, with the key role of C621. However, only their combined mutation abolished completely the organic polysulfide-induced activation of the receptor. Discussion: Since previous papers provided evidence that organic polysulfides exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions in different in vivo animal models, we anticipate that the development of TRPA1-targeted, organic polysulfide-based drugs will be promoted by this identification of the binding site.

Extracellular vesicles from human plasma dampen inflammation and promote tissue repair functions in macrophages

Although inflammation is a vital defence response to infection, if left uncontrolled, it can lead to pathology. Macrophages are critical players both in driving the inflammatory response and in the subsequent events required for restoring tissue homeostasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed structures released by cells that mediate intercellular communication and are present in all biological fluids, including blood. Herein, we show that extracellular vesicles from plasma (pEVs) play a relevant role in the control of inflammation by counteracting PAMP-induced macrophage activation. Indeed, pEV-treatment of macrophages simultaneously with or prior to PAMP exposure reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α and increased IL-10 response. This anti-inflammatory activity was associated with the promotion of tissue-repair functions in macrophages, characterized by augmented efferocytosis and pro-angiogenic capacity, and increased expression of VEGFa, CD300e, RGS2 and CD93, genes involved in cell growth and tissue remodelling. We also show that simultaneous stimulation of macrophages with a PAMP and pEVs promoted COX2 expression and CREB phosphorylation as well as the accumulation of higher concentrations of PGE2 in cell culture supernatants. Remarkably, the anti-inflammatory activity of pEVs was abolished if cells were treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of COX2, indicating that pEV-mediated induction of COX2 is critical for the pEV-mediated inhibition of inflammation. Finally, we show that pEVs added to monocytes prior to their M-CSF-induced differentiation to macrophages increased efferocytosis and diminished pro-inflammatory cytokine responses to PAMP stimulation. In conclusion, our results suggest that pEVs are endogenous homeostatic modulators of macrophages, activating the PGE2/CREB pathway, decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines and promoting tissue repair functions.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio trend at admission predicts adverse outcome in hospitalized respiratory syncytial virus patients

Background and aims

Severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are relatively rare but may lead to serious clinical outcomes, including respiratory failure and death. These infections were shown to be accompanied by immune dysregulation. We aimed to test whether the admission neutrophil-to-leukocyte ratio, a marker of an aberrant immune response, can predict adverse outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of RSV patients admitted to the Tel Aviv Medical Center from January 2010 to October 2020d. Laboratory, demographic and clinical parameters were collected. Two-way analysis of variance was used to test the association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values and poor outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to test the discrimination ability of NLR.

Results

In total, 482 RSV patients (median age 79 years, 248 [51%] females) were enrolled. There was a significant interaction between a poor clinical outcome and a sequential rise in NLR levels (positive delta NLR). The ROC curve analysis revealed an area under curve (AUC) of poor outcomes for delta NLR of (0.58). Using a cut-off of delta = 0 (the second NLR is equal to the first NLR value), multivariate logistic regression identified a rise in NLR (delta NLR>0) as being a prognostic factor for poor clinical outcome, after adjusting for age, sex and Charlson comorbidity score, with an odds ratio of 1.914 (P = 0.014) and a total AUC of 0.63.

Conclusions

A rise in NLR levels within the first 48 h of hospital admission can serve as a prognostic marker for adverse outcome.

Transcriptional space-time mapping identifies concerted immune and stromal cell patterns and gene programs in wound healing and cancer

Tissue repair responses in metazoans are highly coordinated by different cell types over space and time. However, comprehensive single-cell-based characterization covering this coordination is lacking. Here, we captured transcriptional states of single cells over space and time during skin wound closure, revealing choreographed gene-expression profiles. We identified shared space-time patterns of cellular and gene program enrichment, which we call multicellular "movements" spanning multiple cell types. We validated some of the discovered space-time movements using large-volume imaging of cleared wounds and demonstrated the value of this analysis to predict "sender" and "receiver" gene programs in macrophages and fibroblasts. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that tumors are like "wounds that never heal" and found conserved wound healing movements in mouse melanoma and colorectal tumor models, as well as human tumor samples, revealing fundamental multicellular units of tissue biology for integrative studies.

The frequency and macromorphological classification of abnormal blood vessel impressions and periosteal appositions of the dura mater in an early modern osteological collection from Poland

OBJECTIVE

The macromorphological characteristics and frequency of endocranial abnormal blood vessel impressions (ABVI) and periosteal appositions of dura mater (PADM), and their association with sex, age-at-death and scurvy-like lesions were studied. The possible etiologies of these lesions were discussed.

MATERIALS

A total of 144 adult skulls excavated from an early modern (16th-19th c. CE) cemetery at the Czysty Square in Wrocław (Poland) were examined, most of which were intact.

METHODS

The endocranial surface was inspected with an endoscope for the presence, location, and severity of ABVI and PADM. Frequencies of ABVI and PADM were grouped by sex and age-at-death.

RESULTS

A little more than a half (53.5 %) of the examined skulls were affected by ABVI and/or PADM. PADM were more frequent in females. However, both alteration types occurred with similar frequencies across all age-at-death categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of ABVI and PADM suggests that meningeal infections and/or hemorrhage among inhabitants of early modern Wrocław, especially in females, were common.

SIGNIFICANCE

The paper emphasizes the need for using an endoscope in standard anthropological analysis of intact skulls, as it allows for a nondestructive inspection of the endocranial surface.

LIMITATIONS

The endoscope did not allow for an accurate examination of the middle cranial fossa.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Comparative studies with other historical populations are necessary to better understand the possible etiologies of macromorphological and demographic characteristics of ABVI and PADM.

Traumatic hemorrhage and chain of survival

Trauma is the number one cause of death among Americans between the ages of 1 and 46 years, costing more than $670 billion a year. Following death related to central nervous system injury, hemorrhage accounts for the majority of remaining traumatic fatalities. Among those with severe trauma that reach the hospital alive, many may survive if the hemorrhage and traumatic injuries are diagnosed and adequately treated in a timely fashion. This article aims to review the recent advances in pathophysiology management following a traumatic hemorrhage as well as the role of diagnostic imaging in identifying the source of hemorrhage. The principles of damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery are also discussed. The chain of survival for severe hemorrhage begins with primary prevention; however, once trauma has occurred, prehospital interventions and hospital care with early injury recognition, resuscitation, definitive hemostasis, and achieving endpoints of resuscitation become paramount. An algorithm is proposed for achieving these goals in a timely fashion as the median time from onset of hemorrhagic shock and death is 2 h.

Selenium supplementation decreases CRP and IL-6 and increases TNF-alpha: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Inflammation is an initiating cause of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Studies have shown that selenium (Se) has anti-inflammatory effects. However, its' effects on serum c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasma concentrations are equivocal. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), evaluating the effects of per oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) Se supplementation on CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. A systematic search was conducted using four databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to find randomized clinical trials, published up to April 2023. From 19476 papers, after screening and removing duplicate articles, 24 studies were analyzed in the present meta-analysis. In the pooled analysis, PO Se administration showed no significant effect on CRP (WMD: 0.12; 95 % CI -0.11, 0.38; P-value= 0.30). However, IV Se supplementation had a significant negative association with CRP concentration (-2.24; 95 % CI: -4.24, -0.24; p-value: 0.02). Se administration had no significant association with TNF-α plasma concentration (9.64, 95 % CI: -0.59, 19.88, p-value= 0.06; and heterogeneity: 98 %). However, a significant positive association was present between Se and plasma TNF-α concentrations (0.15, 95 % CI: 0.14, 0.17, P-value<0.0001). Moreover, Se supplementation had a significant negative correlation with IL-6 plasma concentration in PO (-0.54; 95 % CI: -1.61, 0.52; P-value = 0.31) and IV administrations (-4.77; 95 % CI: -7.61, -1.93; P-value<0.0001), respectively. This study demonstrated that IV Se administration reduced CRP and IL-6 plasma concentrations. Conversely, IV Se supplementation increased TNF-α plasma concentration. It is evident that further, well-controlled clinical trials are required.

The phagocytic role of macrophage following myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the cardiovascular diseases with high morbidity and mortality. MI causes large amounts of apoptotic and necrotic cells that need to be efficiently and instantly engulfed by macrophage to avoid second necrosis. Phagocytic macrophages can dampen or resolve inflammation to protect infarcted heart. Phagocytosis of macrophages is modulated by various factors including proteins, receptors, lncRNA and cytokines. A better understanding of mechanisms in phagocytosis will be beneficial to regulate macrophage phagocytosis capability towards a desired direction in cardioprotection after MI. In this review, we describe the phagocytosis effect of macrophages and summarize the latest reported signals regulating phagocytosis after MI, which will provide a new thinking about phagocytosis-dependent cardiac protection after MI.

AIF1: Function and Connection with Inflammatory Diseases

Macrophages are a type of immune cell distributed throughout all tissues of an organism. Allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1) is a calcium-binding protein linked to the activation of macrophages. AIF1 is a key intracellular signaling molecule that participates in phagocytosis, membrane ruffling and F-actin polymerization. Moreover, it has several cell type-specific functions. AIF1 plays important roles in the development of several diseases: kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and neurological disorders, and in transplants. In this review, we present a comprehensive review of the known structure, functions and role of AIF1 in inflammatory diseases.

A DUSP6 inhibitor suppresses inflammatory cardiac remodeling and improves heart function after myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) results in loss of cardiomyocytes and abnormal cardiac remodeling with severe inflammation and fibrosis. However, how cardiac repair can be achieved by timely resolution of inflammation and cardiac fibrosis remains incompletely understood. Our previous findings have shown that dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) is a regeneration repressor from zebrafish to rats. In this study, we found that intravenous administration of the DUSP6 inhibitor (E)-2-benzylidene-3-(cyclohexylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (BCI) improved heart function and reduced cardiac fibrosis in MI rats. Mechanistic analysis revealed that BCI attenuated macrophage inflammation through NF-κB and p38 signaling, independent of DUSP6 inhibition, leading to the downregulation of various cytokines and chemokines. In addition, BCI suppressed differentiation-related signaling pathways and decreased bone-marrow cell differentiation into macrophages through inhibiting DUSP6. Furthermore, intramyocardial injection of poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-loaded BCI after MI had a notable effect on cardiac repair. In summary, BCI improves heart function and reduces abnormal cardiac remodeling by inhibiting macrophage formation and inflammation post-MI, thus providing a promising pro-drug candidate for the treatment of MI and related heart diseases. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Evaluation of Biological Activity of New 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives Containing Propionic Acid Moiety

To this day, the quest to find new drugs is still a challenge due to the growing demands of patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases and the need for the individualization of therapy. The aim of this research was to synthesize new 1,2,4-triazole derivatives containing propanoic acid moiety and to investigate their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anthelmintic activity. Compounds 3a-3g were obtained in reactions of amidrazones 1a-1g with succinic anhydride. Several analyses of proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, respectively), as well as high-resolution mass spectra (HRMS), confirmed the structures of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives 3a-3g. Toxicity, antiproliferative activity and influence on cytokine release (TNF-α: Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, IL-6: Interleukin-6, IFN-γ: Interferon-γ, and IL-10: Interleukin-10) of the compounds 3a-3g were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells culture. Moreover, mitogen-stimulated cell culture was used for biological activity tests. The antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity of derivatives 3a-3g were studied against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and Rhabditis sp. culture. Despite the lack of toxicity, compounds 3a-3g significantly reduced the level of TNF-α. Derivatives 3a, 3c and 3e also decreased the release of IFN-γ. Taking all of the results into consideration, compounds 3a, 3c and 3e show the most beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.

Synthesis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Natural Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor Axinelline A and Its Analogues

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used medications to treat conditions such as arthritis, pain, and fever. They reduce inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that catalyze the committed step in prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis. Despite their significant therapeutic benefits, many NSAIDS have undesirable adverse effects. The aim of this study was to discover novel COX inhibitors from natural sources. Here, we describe the synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of the COX-2 inhibitor axinelline A (A1), which was isolated from Streptomyces axinellae SCSIO02208, and its analogues. Compared to the synthetic analogues, the natural product A1 has stronger COX inhibitory activity. Although A1 is more active against COX-2 than COX-1, its selectivity index is low; therefore, it may be classified as a nonselective COX inhibitor. Its overall activity is comparable to the clinically used drug diclofenac. In silico studies showed that A1 binds to COX-2 in a similar manner to diclofenac. Inhibition of COX enzymes by A1 in LPS-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages resulted in suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to reduced expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and reduced production of PGE₂, NO, and ROS. The potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of A1, together with its lack of cytotoxicity, makes it an attractive candidate for a new anti-inflammatory lead.

Dorzolamide suppresses PKCδ -TIRAP-p38 MAPK signaling axis to dampen the inflammatory response

Background: Sepsis is a syndrome due to microbial infection causing impaired multiorgan function. Its underlying cause is immune dysfunction and macrophages play an essential role. Methods: TIRAP interaction with PKCδ in macrophage was studied, revealing downstream signaling by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Dorzolamide (DZD) disrupting TIRAP-PKCδ interaction was identified by virtual screening and validated in vitro and in septic mice. Results: The study highlights the indispensable role of TIRAP-PKCδ in p38 MAPK-activation, NF-κB- and AP-1-mediated proinflammatory cytokines expression, whereas DZD significantly attenuated the signaling. Conclusion: Targeting TIRAP-PKCδ interaction by DZD is a novel therapeutic approach for treating sepsis.

Protein stabilization of ITF2 by NF-κB prevents colitis-associated cancer development

Chronic colonic inflammation is a feature of cancer and is strongly associated with tumorigenesis, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Inflammatory conditions increased ITF2 and p65 expression both ex vivo and in vivo, and ITF2 and p65 showed positive correlations. p65 overexpression stabilized ITF2 protein levels by interfering with the binding of Parkin to ITF2. More specifically, the C-terminus of p65 binds to the N-terminus of ITF2 and inhibits ubiquitination, thereby promoting ITF2 stabilization. Parkin acts as a E3 ubiquitin ligase for ITF2 ubiquitination. Intestinal epithelial-specific deletion of ITF2 facilitated nuclear translocation of p65 and thus increased colitis-associated cancer tumorigenesis, which was mediated by Azoxymethane/Dextran sulfate sodium or dextran sulfate sodium. Upregulated ITF2 expression was lost in carcinoma tissues of colitis-associated cancer patients, whereas p65 expression much more increased in both dysplastic and carcinoma regions. Therefore, these findings indicate a critical role for ITF2 in the repression of colitis-associated cancer progression and ITF2 would be an attractive target against inflammatory diseases including colitis-associated cancer.

Lung-gut axis of microbiome alterations following co-exposure to ultrafine carbon black and ozone

BACKGROUND

Microbial dysbiosis is a potential mediator of air pollution-induced adverse outcomes. However, a systemic comparison of the lung and gut microbiome alterations and lung-gut axis following air pollution exposure is scant. In this study, we exposed male C57BL/6J mice to inhaled air, CB (10 mg/m3), O3 (2 ppm) or CB + O3 mixture for 3 h/day for either one day or four consecutive days and were euthanized 24 h post last exposure. The lung and gut microbiome were quantified by 16 s sequencing.

RESULTS

Multiple CB + O3 exposures induced an increase in the lung inflammatory cells (neutrophils, eosinophils and B lymphocytes), reduced absolute bacterial load in the lungs and increased load in the gut. CB + O3 exposure was more potent as it decreased lung microbiome alpha diversity just after a single exposure. CB + O3 co-exposure uniquely increased Clostridiaceae and Prevotellaceae in the lungs. Serum short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (acetate and propionate) were increased significantly only after CB + O3 co-exposure. A significant increase in SCFA producing bacterial families (Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Eubacterium) were also observed in the gut after multiple exposures. Co-exposure induced significant alterations in the gut derived metabolite receptors/mediator (Gcg, Glp-1r, Cck) mRNA expression. Oxidative stress related mRNA expression in lungs, and oxidant levels in the BALF, serum and gut significantly increased after CB + O3 exposures.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms distinct gut and lung microbiome alterations after CB + O3 inhalation co-exposure and indicate a potential homeostatic shift in the gut microbiome to counter deleterious impacts of environmental exposures on metabolic system.

The Multifaceted Role of Annexin A1 in Viral Infections

Dysregulated inflammatory responses are often correlated with disease severity during viral infections. Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is an endogenous pro-resolving protein that timely regulates inflammation by activating signaling pathways that culminate with the termination of response, clearance of pathogen and restoration of tissue homeostasis. Harnessing the pro-resolution actions of AnxA1 holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to control the severity of the clinical presentation of viral infections. In contrast, AnxA1 signaling might also be hijacked by viruses to promote pathogen survival and replication. Therefore, the role of AnxA1 during viral infections is complex and dynamic. In this review, we provide an in-depth view of the role of AnxA1 during viral infections, from pre-clinical to clinical studies. In addition, this review discusses the therapeutic potential for AnxA1 and AnxA1 mimetics in treating viral infections.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity of olive leaf extract in rats

Inflammation is a complex and crucial process that protects the body against pathogens. Here in our study, we propose to scientifically justify the anti-inflammatory activity of olive leaf (OL). Initially, we ensured the safety of olive leaf extract (OLE) through acute oral administration of graded doses up to 4 g\kg in Wistar rats. Thus, the extract was considered generally safe. We also evaluated the ability of the extract to reduce carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Compared to diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg PO), OLE showed significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, showing the maximum inhibition percentage at the fifth hour of measurement at 42.31% and 46.99%, at doses of 200 and 400 m/kg, respectively, compared to 63.81% for the standard drug. To elucidate the potential mechanism, we measured TNF, IL-1, COX-2 and NO inside the paw tissue. Interestingly, OLE at all tested doses reduced the concentration of TNF and IL-1 to a level that was lower than that obtained by the standard drug. Additionally, OLE at the dose of 400 mg/kg reduced the levels of COX-2 and NO inside the paw tissue to a level that was statistically equivalent to the level observed in the normal control group. Finally, olive leaf extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the heat-induced hemolysis of RBCs membrane by 25.62, 57.40 and 73.88%, respectively, compared to 83.89% produced by aspirin. Consequently, we concluded that olive leaf extract has a significant anti-inflammatory activity through the reduction of TNF, IL-1, COX-2 and NO.

Sophora flavescens Aiton methanol extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via reduction of Src kinase phosphorylation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sophora flavescens Aiton (Family: Leguminosae), an herbal plant, has been used in East Asian home remedies for centuries for treating ulcers, skin burns, fevers, and inflammatory disorders. In addition, the dried root of S. flavescens was also applied for antipyretic, analgesic, antihelmintic, and stomachic uses.

AIM OF STUDY

Nonetheless, how this plant can show various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory responses was not fully elucidated. In this study, therefore, we aimed to investigate the curative effects of S. flavescens on inflammation and its molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For reaching this aim, various in vitro and in vivo experimental models with LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcer, and LPS-triggered lung injury conditions were employed and anti-inflammatory activity of S. flavescens methanol extract (Sf-ME) was also tested. Fingerprinting profile of Sf-ME was identified via LC-MS analysis. Its anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism was also examined by immunoblotting analysis.

RESULTS

Nitric oxide production and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased. Additionally, phosphorylation of Src in the signaling cascade was decreased, and activities of the transcriptional factor NF-κB were reduced as determined by a luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, in vivo, gastritis and lung injury lesions were attenuated by Sf-ME.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings suggest that Sf-ME could be a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent via suppression of Src kinase activity and regulation of IL-1β secretion.

Dietary fatty acids differentially affect secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human THP-1 monocytes

Monocytes are a major population of circulating immune cells that play a crucial role in producing pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. The actions of monocytes are known to be influenced by the combinations and concentrations of certain fatty acids (FAs) in blood and dietary fats. However, systemic comparisons of the effects of FAs on cytokine secretion by monocytes have not be performed. In this study, we compared how six saturated FAs (SFAs), two monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), and seven polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) modulate human THP-1 monocyte secretion of TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the absence or presence of lipopolysaccharide. SFAs generally stimulated resting THP-1 cells to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, with stearic acid being the most potent species. In contrast, MUFAs and PUFAs inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, the inhibitory potentials of MUFAs and PUFAs followed U-shaped (TNF and IL-1β) or inverted U-shaped (IL-6) dose-response curves. Among the MUFAs and PUFAs that were analyzed, docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3) exhibited the largest number of double bonds and was found to be the most potent anti-inflammatory compound. Together, our findings reveal that the chemical compositions and concentrations of dietary FAs are key factors in the intricate regulation of monocyte-mediated inflammation.

Emerging Advancements in Piezoelectric Nanomaterials for Dynamic Tumor Therapy

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases, having spurred researchers to explore effective therapeutic strategies for several centuries. Although efficacious, conventional chemotherapy usually introduces various side effects, such as cytotoxicity or multi−drug resistance. In recent decades, nanomaterials, possessing unique physical and chemical properties, have been used for the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Dynamic therapies, which can kill target cells using reactive oxygen species (ROS), are promising for tumor treatment, as they overcome the drawbacks of chemotherapy methods. Piezoelectric nanomaterials, featuring a unique property to convert ultrasound vibration energy into electrical energy, have also attracted increasing attention in biomedical research, as the piezoelectric effect can drive chemical reactions to generate ROS, leading to the newly emerging technique of ultrasound−driven tumor therapy. Piezoelectric materials are expected to bring a better solution for efficient and safe cancer treatment, as well as patient pain relief. In this review article, we highlight the most recent achievements of piezoelectric biomaterials for tumor therapy, including the mechanism of piezoelectric catalysis, conventional piezoelectric materials, modified piezoelectric materials and multifunctional piezoelectric materials for tumor treatment.

A cross-talk between sestrins, chronic inflammation and cellular senescence governs the development of age-associated sarcopenia and obesity

The rapid increase in both the lifespan and proportion of older adults is accompanied by the unprecedented rise in age-associated chronic diseases, including sarcopenia and obesity. Aging is also manifested by increased susceptibility to multiple endogenous and exogenous stresses enabling such chronic conditions to develop. Among the main physiological regulators of cellular adaption to various stress stimuli, such as DNA damage, hypoxia, and oxidative stress, are sestrins (Sesns), a family of three evolutionarily conserved proteins, Sesn1, 2, and 3. Age-associated sarcopenia and obesity are characterized by two key processes: (i) accumulation of senescent cells in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and (ii) creation of a systemic, chronic, low-grade inflammation (SCLGI). Presumably, failed SCLGI resolution governs the development of these chronic conditions. Noteworthy, Sesns activate senolytics, which are agents that selectively eliminate senescent cells, as well as specialized pro-resolving mediators, which are factors that physiologically provide inflammation resolution. Sesns reveal clear beneficial effects in pre-clinical models of sarcopenia and obesity. Based on these observations, we propose a novel treatment strategy for age-associated sarcopenia and obesity, complementary to the conventional therapeutic modalities: Sesn activation, SCLGI resolution, and senescent cell elimination.

Mutant p53 and NOX4 are modulators of a CCL5-driven pro-migratory secretome

Previously, we showed wild-type (WT) and mutant (mt) forms of p53 differentially regulate ROS generation by NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4). We found that WT-p53 suppresses TGF-β-induced NOX4, ROS production, and cell migration, whereas tumor-associated mt-p53 proteins enhance NOX4 expression and cell migration by TGF-β/SMAD3-dependent mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the role of mutant p53-induced NOX4 on the cancer cell secretome and the effects NOX4 signaling have on the tumor microenvironment (TME). We found conditioned media collected from H1299 lung epithelial cells stably expressing either mutant p53-R248Q or R273H promotes the migration and invasion of naïve H1299 cells and chemotactic recruitment of THP-1 monocytes. These effects were diminished with conditioned media from cells co-transfected with dominant negative NOX4 (P437H). We utilized immunoblot-based cytokine array analysis to identify factors in mutant p53 H1299 cell conditioned media that promote cell migration and invasion. We found CCL5 was significantly reduced in conditioned media from H1299 cells co-expressing p53-R248Q and dominant negative NOX4. Moreover, neutralization of CCL5 reduced autocrine-mediated H1299 cell mobility. Furthermore, CCL5 and TGF-beta from M2-polarized macrophages have a significant role in crosstalk and H1299 cell migration and invasion. Collectively, our findings provide further insight into NOX4-based communication in the tumor microenvironment and its potential as a therapeutic target affecting metastatic disease progression.

Acute pain management and long term outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The acute inflammatory reaction induced by tissue trauma causes pain but also promotes recovery. Recovery is highly variable among peoples. Effective acute pain (AP) management is very important but remains suboptimal what could affect long term outcomes. The review questions the impact of either failure or effectiveness of AP treatments and the choice of analgesic drugs on different long-term outcomes after tissue trauma.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pain control during mobilization is mandatory to reduce the risk of complications which exacerbate and prolong the inflammatory response to trauma, impairing physical recovery. Common analgesic treatments show considerable variability in effectiveness among peoples what argues for an urgent need to develop personalized AP management, that is, finding better responders to common analgesics and targeting challenging patients for more invasive procedures. Optimal multimodal analgesia to spare opioids administration remains a priority as opioids may enhance neuroinflammation, which underlies pain persistence and precipitates neurocognitive decline in frail patients. Finally, recent findings demonstrate that AP treatments which modulate nociceptive and inflammatory pain should be used with caution as drugs which inhibit inflammation like nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and corticoids might interfere with natural recovery processes.

SUMMARY

Effective and safe AP management is of far greater importance than previously realized. Evidence of suboptimal AP management in many patients and recent reports pointing out the impact of current treatments on long term outcomes argue for further research in the field.

Exploring the potential effect of phospholipase A2 antibody to extend beef shelf-life in a beef liposome model system

The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and a PLA2 antibody (aPLA2) on phospholipid (PL) hydrolysis in beef and to understand how the altered PL composition may affect lipid oxidation and antioxidant capacity of beef in an in vitro system. Various combinations of PLA2 and aPLA2 were introduced to a beef liposome model system and exposed to a retail display. The PL and free fatty acid (FFA) profiles, antioxidant capacity and lipid oxidation were measured for the liposome system. Key PL classes were reduced and the release of polyunsaturated FFAs was increased with the inclusion of PLA2 in the treatments (P < 0.05). There was no inhibition of PL hydrolysis with the addition of aPLA2. PLA2 showed strong antioxidant capacity in the liposome system (P < 0.01), but lipid oxidation still increased in samples treated with PLA2 throughout the retail display (P < 0.01). Finally, aPLA2 treatments demonstrated potential to decrease lipid oxidation (P < 0.01).

Controlling Inflammation Improves Aging Skeletal Muscle Health

Chronic inflammation is associated with a decline in aging skeletal muscle health. Inflammation also seems to interfere with the beneficial skeletal muscle adaptations conferred by exercise training in older individuals. We hypothesize that the cyclooxygenase pathway is partially responsible for this negative inflammatory influence on aging skeletal muscle health and plasticity.

Inflammation, Mitochondria and Natural Compounds Together in the Circle of Trust

Human diseases are characterized by the perpetuation of an inflammatory condition in which the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are quite high. Excessive ROS production leads to DNA damage, protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation, conditions that lead to a worsening of inflammatory disorders. In particular, compromised mitochondria sustain a stressful condition in the cell, such that mitochondrial dysfunctions become pathogenic, causing human disorders related to inflammatory reactions. Indeed, the triggered inflammation loses its beneficial properties and turns harmful if dysregulation and dysfunctions are not addressed. Thus, reducing oxidative stress with ROS scavenger compounds has proven to be a successful approach to reducing inflammation. Among these, natural compounds, in particular, polyphenols, alkaloids and coenzyme Q₁₀, thanks to their antioxidant properties, are capable of inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and the expression of target genes, including those involved in inflammation. Even more, clinical trials, and in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of phytosomes, which are capable of increasing the bioavailability and effectiveness of natural compounds, and have long been considered an effective non-pharmacological therapy. Therefore, in this review, we wanted to highlight the relationship between inflammation, altered mitochondrial oxidative activity in pathological conditions, and the beneficial effects of phytosomes. To this end, a PubMed literature search was conducted with a focus on various in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials from 2014 to 2022.

Cannabinoid WIN55,212-2 reprograms monocytes and macrophages to inhibit LPS-induced inflammation

Introduction

Chronic or uncontrolled activation of myeloid cells including monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) is a hallmark of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. There is an urgent need for the development of novel drugs with the capacity to impair innate immune cell overactivation under inflammatory conditions. Compelling evidence pointed out cannabinoids as potential therapeutic tools with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capacity. WIN55,212-2, a non-selective synthetic cannabinoid agonist, displays protective effects in several inflammatory conditions by mechanisms partially depending on the generation of tolerogenic DCs able to induce functional regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, its immunomodulatory capacity on other myeloid cells such as monocytes and macrophages remains incompletely understood.

Methods

Human monocyte-derived DCs (hmoDCs) were differentiated in the absence (conventional hmoDCs) or presence of WIN55,212-2 (WIN-hmoDCs). Cells were stimulated with LPS, cocultured with naive T lymphocytes and their cytokine production and ability to induce T cell responses were analysed by ELISA or flow cytometry. To evaluate the effect of WIN55,212-2 in macrophage polarization, human and murine macrophages were activated with LPS or LPS/IFNγ, in the presence or absence of the cannabinoid. Cytokine, costimulatory molecules and inflammasome markers were assayed. Metabolic and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were also performed. Finally, the protective capacity of WIN55,212-2 was studied in vivo in BALB/c mice after intraperitoneal injection with LPS.

Results

We show for the first time that the differentiation of hmoDCs in the presence of WIN55,212-2 generates tolerogenic WIN-hmoDCs that are less responsive to LPS stimulation and able to prime Tregs. WIN55,212-2 also impairs the pro-inflammatory polarization of human macrophages by inhibiting cytokine production, inflammasome activation and rescuing macrophages from pyroptotic cell death. Mechanistically, WIN55,212-2 induced a metabolic and epigenetic shift in macrophages by decreasing LPS-induced mTORC1 signaling, commitment to glycolysis and active histone marks in pro-inflammatory cytokine promoters. We confirmed these data in ex vivo LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages (PMΦs), which were also supported by the in vivo anti-inflammatory capacity of WIN55,212-2 in a LPS-induced sepsis mouse model.

Conclusion

Overall, we shed light into the molecular mechanisms by which cannabinoids exert anti-inflammatory properties in myeloid cells, which might well contribute to the future rational design of novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory disorders.

Polyunsaturated and Saturated Oxylipin Plasma Levels Allow Monitoring the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression to Severe Stages

Hepatic fat accumulation is the hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our aim was to determine the plasma levels of oxylipins, free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and markers of lipid peroxidation in patients with NAFLD in progressive stages of the pathology. Ninety 40–60-year-old adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were distributed in without, mild, moderate or severe NAFLD stages. The free PUFA and oxylipin plasma levels were determined by the UHPLC–MS/MS system. The plasma levels of oxylipins produced by cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450, such as prostaglandin 2α (PGF2α), lipoxinB4 and maresin-1, were higher in severe NAFLD patients, pointing to the coexistence of both inflammation and resolution processes. The plasma levels of the saturated oxylipins 16-hydroxyl-palmitate and 3-hydroxyl-myristate were also higher in the severe NAFLD patients, suggesting a dysregulation of oxidation of fatty acids. The plasma 12-hydroxyl-estearate (12HEST) levels in severe NAFLD were higher than in the other stages, indicating that the hydroxylation of saturated fatty acid produced by reactive oxygen species is more present in this severe stage of NAFLD. The plasma levels of 12HEST and PGF2α are potential candidate biomarkers for diagnosing NAFLD vs. non-NAFLD. In conclusion, the NAFLD progression can be monitored by measuring the plasma levels of free PUFA and oxylipins characterizing the different NAFLD stages or the absence of this disease in metabolic syndrome patients.

Aging-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice Experiment and Network Pharmacological Analysis of Aged Liupao Tea Aqueous Extract in Delaying the Decline Changes of the Body

Aging and metabolic disorders feedback and promote each other and are closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration and other degenerative diseases. Liupao tea is a geographical indication product of Chinese dark tea, with a “red, concentrated, aged and mellow” flavor quality. In this study, the aqueous extract of aged Liupao tea (ALPT) administered by continuous gavage significantly inhibited the increase of visceral fat and damage to the intestinal–liver–microbial axis in high-fat modeling of SAMP8 (P8+HFD) mice. Its potential mechanism is that ALPT significantly inhibited the inflammation and aggregation formation pathway caused by P8+HFD, increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria Alistipes, Alloprevotella and Bacteroides, and had a calorie restriction effect. The results of the whole target metabolome network pharmacological analysis showed that there were 139 potential active components in the ALPT aqueous extract, and the core targets of their actions were SRC, TP53, AKT1, MAPK3, VEGFA, EP300, EGFR, HSP90AA1, CASP3, etc. These target genes were mainly enriched in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, glucose and lipid metabolism and other pathways of degenerative changes. Molecular docking further verified the reliability of network pharmacology. The above results indicate that Liupao tea can effectively delay the body’s degenerative changes through various mechanisms and multi-target effects. This study revealed that dark tea such as Liupao tea has significant drinking value in a modern and aging society.

Novel NF-κB reporter mouse for the non-invasive monitoring of inflammatory diseases

Bioluminescence imaging is useful for non-invasively monitoring inflammatory reactions associated with disease progression, and since NF-κB is a pivotal transcription factor that alters expressions of inflammatory genes, we generated novel NF-κB luciferase reporter (NF-κB-Luc) mice to understand the dynamics of inflammatory responses in whole body, and also in various type of cells by crossing NF-κB-Luc mice with cell-type specific Cre expressing mice (NF-κB-Luc:[Cre]). Bioluminescence intensity was significantly increased in NF-κB-Luc (NKL) mice exposed to inflammatory stimuli (PMA or LPS). Crossing NF-κB-Luc mice with Alb-cre mice or Lyz-cre mice generated NF-κB-Luc:Alb (NKLA) and NF-κB-Luc:Lyz2 (NKLL) mice, respectively. NKLA and NKLL mice showed enhanced bioluminescence in liver and macrophages, respectively. To confirm that our reporter mice could be utilized for the non-invasive monitoring of inflammation in preclinical models, we conducted a DSS-induced colitis model and a CDAHFD-induced NASH model in our reporter mice. In both models, our reporter mice reflected the development of these diseases over time. In conclusion, we believe that our novel reporter mouse can be utilized as a non-invasive monitoring platform for inflammatory diseases.

Microbes and the fate of neutrophils

Neutrophils or polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are an important component of innate host defense. These phagocytic leukocytes are recruited to infected tissues and kill invading microbes. There are several general characteristics of neutrophils that make them highly effective as antimicrobial cells. First, there is tremendous daily production and turnover of granulocytes in healthy adults-typically 1011 per day. The vast majority (~95%) of these cells are neutrophils. In addition, neutrophils are mobilized rapidly in response to chemotactic factors and are among the first leukocytes recruited to infected tissues. Most notably, neutrophils contain and/or produce an abundance of antimicrobial molecules. Many of these antimicrobial molecules are toxic to host cells and can destroy host tissues. Thus, neutrophil activation and turnover are highly regulated processes. To that end, aged neutrophils undergo apoptosis constitutively, a process that contains antimicrobial function and proinflammatory capacity. Importantly, apoptosis facilitates nonphlogistic turnover of neutrophils and removal by macrophages. This homeostatic process is altered by interaction with microbes and their products, as well as host proinflammatory molecules. Microbial pathogens can delay neutrophil apoptosis, accelerate apoptosis following phagocytosis, or cause neutrophil cytolysis. Here, we review these processes and provide perspective on recent studies that have potential to impact this paradigm.

MYELIN, AGING, AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Myelin sheath is a structure in neurons fabricated by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells responsible for increasing the efficiency of neural synapsis, impulse transmission, and providing metabolic support to the axon. They present morpho-functional changes during health aging as deformities of the sheath and its fragmentation, causing an increased load on microglial phagocytosis, with Alzheimer's disease aggravating. Physical exercise has been studied as a possible protective agent for the nervous system, offering benefits to neuroplasticity. In this regard, studies in animal models for Alzheimer's and depression reported the efficiency of physical exercise in protecting against myelin degeneration. A reduction of myelin damage during aging has also been observed in healthy humans. Physical activity promotes oligodendrocyte proliferation and myelin preservation during old age, although some controversies remain. In this review, we will address how effective physical exercise can be as a protective agent of the myelin sheath against the effects of aging in physiological and pathological conditions.

Blockage of PPARγ T166 phosphorylation enhances the inducibility of beige adipocytes and improves metabolic dysfunctions

Beige adipocytes in mammalian white adipose tissue (WAT) can reinforce fat catabolism and energy expenditure. Promoting beige adipocyte biogenesis is a tantalizing tactic for combating obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Here, we report that a previously unidentified phosphorylation pattern (Thr166) in the DNA-binding domain of PPARγ regulates the inducibility of beige adipocytes. This unique posttranslational modification (PTM) pattern influences allosteric communication between PPARγ and DNA or coactivators, which impedes the PPARγ-mediated transactivation of beige cell-related gene expression in WAT. The genetic mutation mimicking T166 phosphorylation (p-T166) hinders the inducibility of beige adipocytes. In contrast, genetic or chemical intervention in this PTM pattern favors beige cell formation. Moreover, inhibition of p-T166 attenuates metabolic dysfunction in obese mice. Our results uncover a mechanism involved in beige cell fate determination. Moreover, our discoveries provide a promising strategy for guiding the development of novel PPARγ agonists for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Experimental venous thrombus resolution is driven by IL-6 mediated monocyte actions

Deep venous thrombosis and residual thrombus burden correlates with circulating IL-6 levels in humans. To investigate the cellular source and role of IL-6 in thrombus resolution, Wild type C57BL/6J (WT), and IL-6-/- mice underwent induction of VT via inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis or stasis. Vein wall (VW) and thrombus were analyzed by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Adoptive transfer of WT bone marrow derived monocytes was performed into IL6-/- mice to assess for rescue. Cultured BMDMs from WT and IL-6-/- mice underwent quantitative real time PCR and immunoblotting for fibrinolytic factors and matrix metalloproteinase activity. No differences in baseline coagulation function or platelet function were found between WT and IL-6-/- mice. VW and thrombus IL-6 and IL-6 leukocyte-specific receptor CD126 were elevated in a time-dependent fashion in both VT models. Ly6Clo Mo/MØ were the predominant leukocyte source of IL-6. IL-6-/- mice demonstrated larger, non-resolving stasis thrombi with less neovascularization, despite a similar number of monocytes/macrophages (Mo/MØ). Adoptive transfer of WT BMDM into IL-6-/- mice undergoing stasis VT resulted in phenotype rescue. Human specimens of endophlebectomized tissue showed co-staining of Monocyte and IL-6 receptor. Thrombosis matrix analysis revealed significantly increased thrombus fibronectin and collagen in IL-6-/- mice. MMP9 activity in vitro depended on endogenous IL-6 expression in Mo/MØ, and IL-6-/- mice exhibited stunted matrix metalloproteinase activity. Lack of IL-6 signaling impairs thrombus resolution potentially via dysregulation of MMP-9 leading to impaired thrombus recanalization and resolution. Restoring or augmenting monocyte-mediated IL-6 signaling in IL-6 deficient or normal subjects, respectively, may represent a non-anticoagulant target to improve thrombus resolution.

Inflammatory Responses Induced by the Monophasic Variant of Salmonella Typhimurium in Pigs Play a Role in the High Shedder Phenotype and Fecal Microbiota Composition

Pigs infected with Salmonella may excrete large amounts of Salmonella, increasing the risk of spread of this pathogen in the food chain. Identifying Salmonella high shedder pigs is therefore required to mitigate this risk. We analyzed immune-associated markers and composition of the gut microbiota in specific-pathogen-free pigs presenting different shedding levels after an oral infection with Salmonella. Immune response was studied through total blood cell counts, production of anti-Salmonella antibodies and cytokines, and gene expression quantification. Total Salmonella shedding for each pig was estimated and hierarchical clustering was used to cluster pigs into high, intermediate, and low shedders. Gut microbiota compositions were assessed using 16S rRNA microbial community profiling. Comparisons were made between control and inoculated pigs, then between high and low shedders pigs. Prior to infection, high shedders had similar immunological profiles compared to low shedders. As soon as 1 day postinoculation (dpi), significant differences on the cytokine production level and on the expression level of several host genes related to a proinflammatory response were observed between high and low shedders. Infection with Salmonella induced an early and profound remodeling of the immune response in all pigs, but the intensity of the response was stronger in high shedders. In contrast, low shedders seroconverted earlier than high shedders. Just after induction of the proinflammatory response (at 2 dpi), some taxa of the fecal microbiota were specific to the shedding phenotypes. This was related to the enrichment of several functional pathways related to anaerobic respiration in high shedders. In conclusion, our data show that the immune response to Salmonella modifies the fecal microbiota and subsequently could be responsible for shedding phenotypes. Influencing the gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation could be a strategy for preventing Salmonella high shedding in livestock. IMPORTANCE Salmonellosis remains the most frequent human foodborne zoonosis after campylobacteriosis and pork meat is considered one of the major sources of human foodborne infections. At the farm, host heterogeneity in pig infection is problematic. High Salmonella shedders contribute more significantly to the spread of this foodborne pathogen in the food chain. The identification of predictive biomarkers for high shedders could help to control Salmonella in pigs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate why some pigs become super shedders and others low shedders. We thus investigated the differences in the fecal microbial composition and the immune response in orally infected pigs presenting different Salmonella shedding patterns. Our data show that the proinflammatory response induced by S. Typhimurium at 1 dpi could be responsible for the modification of the fecal microbiota composition and functions observed mainly at 2 and 3 dpi and to the low and super shedder phenotypes.

Cell-Type-Specific Gene Regulatory Networks of Pro-Inflammatory and Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediator Biosynthesis in the Immune System

Lipid mediators are important regulators in inflammatory responses, and their biosynthetic pathways are targeted by commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs. Switching from pro-inflammatory lipid mediators (PIMs) to specialized pro-resolving (SPMs) is a critical step toward acute inflammation resolution and preventing chronic inflammation. Although the biosynthetic pathways and enzymes for PIMs and SPMs have now been largely identified, the actual transcriptional profiles underlying the immune cell type-specific transcriptional profiles of these mediators are still unknown. Using the Atlas of Inflammation Resolution, we created a large network of gene regulatory interactions linked to the biosynthesis of SPMs and PIMs. By mapping single-cell sequencing data, we identified cell type-specific gene regulatory networks of the lipid mediator biosynthesis. Using machine learning approaches combined with network features, we identified cell clusters of similar transcriptional regulation and demonstrated how specific immune cell activation affects PIM and SPM profiles. We found substantial differences in regulatory networks in related cells, accounting for network-based preprocessing in functional single-cell analyses. Our results not only provide further insight into the gene regulation of lipid mediators in the immune response but also shed light on the contribution of selected cell types in their biosynthesis.

Taurocholic Acid and Glycocholic Acid Inhibit Inflammation and Activate Farnesoid X Receptor Expression in LPS-Stimulated Zebrafish and Macrophages

A hyperactive immune response can be observed in patients with bacterial or viral infection, which may lead to the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, or "cytokine storm", and a poor clinical outcome. Extensive research efforts have been devoted to the discovery of effective immune modulators, yet the therapeutic options are still very limited. Here, we focused on the clinically indicated anti-inflammatory natural product Calculus bovis and its related patent drug Babaodan to investigate the major active molecules in the medicinal mixture. Combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry, transgenic zebrafish-based phenotypic screening, and mouse macrophage models, taurochiolic acid (TCA) and glycoholic acid (GCA) were identified as two naturally derived anti-inflammatory agents with high efficacy and safety. Both bile acids significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage recruitment and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in in vivo and in vitro models. Further studies identified strongly increased expression of the farnesoid X receptor at both the mRNA and protein levels upon the administration of TCA or GCA, which may be essential for mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of the two bile acids. In conclusion, we identified TCA and GCA as two major anti-inflammatory compounds in Calculus bovis and Babaodan, which could be important quality markers for the future development of Calculus bovis, as well as promising lead compounds in the treatment of overactive immune responses.

Effect of celecoxib plus standard chemotherapy on cancer prognosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is closely related to cancer prognosis. The effect of celecoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, on the prognosis of patients with cancer remains uncertain. To assess the association between celecoxib plus standard chemotherapy and cancer prognosis, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception until July 2022 for randomized controlled trials reporting the prognosis of patients with cancer treated with celecoxib plus standard chemotherapy. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software version 5.4. The following search terms were used in the databases: ((((celecoxib)) AND ((((((((cancer) OR (carcinoma)) OR (sarcoma)) OR (neoplasms)) OR (tumor)) OR (tumour)) OR (tumors)) OR (tumours))) AND ((survival) OR (mortality))) AND (((Clinical Trials, Randomized) OR (Trials, Randomized Clinical)) OR (Controlled Clinical Trials, Randomized)).

RESULTS

Overall, 13 randomized controlled trials, including 8957 patients with cancer, were included in the analysis. Compared to conventional chemotherapy alone, 1-year OS and 1-year PFS rates were not significantly improved with celecoxib adjuvant therapy (OS: p = .38; PFS: p = .65). In addition, no differences were observed between the celecoxib and placebo groups in 3-year overall (p = .98), 3-year progression-free (p = .40), 5-year overall (p = .59), or 5-year progression-free (p = .56) survival rates. An increase in the risk ratio of leukopenia (p = .02) and thrombocytopenia (p = .05) was also observed, suggesting that celecoxib promotes hematologic toxicity. No increased risk of cardiovascular (p = .96) and gastrointestinal (p = .10-.91) events was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of celecoxib to standard chemotherapy did not improve OS or PFS rates of patients with cancer. Additionally, celecoxib can increase hematologic toxicity without increasing the risk of gastrointestinal or cardiovascular reactions. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to clarify its effects and applications.