Role of sex in immune response and epigenetic mechanisms

The functioning of the human immune system is highly dependent on the sex of the individual, which comes by virtue of sex chromosomes and hormonal differences. Epigenetic mechanisms such as X chromosome inactivation, mosaicism, skewing, and dimorphism in X chromosome genes and Y chromosome regulatory genes create a sex-based variance in the immune response between males and females. This leads to differential susceptibility in immune-related disorders like infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. Various naturally available immunomodulators are also available which target immune pathways containing X chromosome genes.

Triglyceride glucose-body mass index as a novel predictor of slow coronary flow phenomenon in patients with ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA)

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI index) has been suggested as a novel predictor of insulin resistance. However, its predictive value for slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCFP) in patients with ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) remains unclear.

METHODS

We consecutively recruited 1625 patients with INOCA from February 2019 to February 2023 and divided them into two groups based on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts (TFCs): the SCFP group (n = 79) and the control group. A 1:2 age-matched case-control study was then performed. The TyG-BMI index was calculated as ln [plasma triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2] × BMI.

RESULTS

TyG-BMI index in the SCFP group (218.3 ± 25.2 vs 201.0 ± 26.5, P < .001) was significantly higher than in the normal controls. TyG-BMI index also increased with the number of coronary arteries involved in the SCFP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TyG-BMI, BMI, and TG were independent predictors for SCFP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that when the TyG-BMI index was above 206.7, the sensitivity and specificity were 88.6% and 68.5%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.809 (95% CI: 0.756-0.863, P = .027). Combined BMI with TG, the TyG-BMI index had a better predictive value for SCFP than BMI and TG (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The TyG-BMI index was an independent predictor for SCFP in INOCA patients, and it had a better predictive value than BMI and TG.

The role of IL-36 and 37 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has garnered considerable attention due to its morbidity and mortality. Although the precise mechanisms underlying HCC tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated, evidence suggests that host immunity plays a pivotal role in its development. IL-36 and IL-37 are important immunoregulatory cytokines classified as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory respectively. In the context of HCC, the downregulation of intrahepatic IL-36 is inversely correlated with cirrhosis, but positively correlated with 5-year survival rates, suggesting that IL-36 offers protection during HCC development. However, IL-36 may lose its hepatoprotective effects as the disease progresses to HCC in the context of dysregulated immunity in cirrhotic patients. Substantially increased circulating IL-36 in HCC patients is likely a systemic response to HCC stimulation, but is insufficient to suppress progression towards HCC. Intrahepatic IL-37 is suppressed in HCC patients, consistent with the inverse correlation between intrahepatic IL-37 and the level of AFP in HCC patients, suggesting IL-37 exerts hepatoprotection. There is no significant difference in IL-37 among differentiations of HCC or with respect to clinical BCLC stages or cirrhosis status in HCC patients. However, IL-37 protection is demonstrated in an IL-37 transfected HCC animal model, showing significantly reduced tumour size. IL-36/37 may inhibit HCC by enhancing M1 tumour-associated macrophages while not affecting M2 macrophages. The interplay between IL-36 (pro-inflammatory) and IL-37 (anti-inflammatory) is emerging as a crucial factor in host protection against the development of HCC. Further research is needed to investigate the complex mechanisms involved and the therapeutic potential of targeting these cytokines in HCC management.

Electroacupuncture prevents the development or establishment of chronic pain via IL-33/ST2 signaling in hyperalgesic priming model rats

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is acomplexhealth issue. Compared to acute pain, which has a protective value, chronic pain is defined as persistent pain after tissue injury. Few clinical advances have been made to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA), the most common form of acupuncture, is widely used in clinical practice to relieve pain.

METHODS

The hyperalgesic priming model, established via a carrageenan injection followed by a prostaglandin E2 injection, was used to investigate the development or establishment of chronic pain. We observed the hyperalgesic effect of EA on rats and investigated the expression p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and its receptor ST2 in astrocytes in the L4-L6 spinal cord dorsal horns (SDHs) after EA. The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in SDH is associated with the development of chronic pain.

RESULTS

EA can reverse the pain threshold in hyperalgesic priming model rats and regulates the expression of phosphorylated p38, IL-33, and ST2 in astrocytes in the L4-L6 SDHs. We discovered that EA raises the pain threshold. This suggests that EA can prevent the development or establishment of chronic pain by inhibiting IL-33/ST2 signaling in the lower central nervous system.

CONCLUSIONS

EA can alleviate the development or establishment of chronic pain by modulating IL-33/ST2 signaling in SDHs. Our findings will help clinicians understand the mechanisms of EA analgesia.

Exploring the mechanism of Celastrol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on systems pharmacology and multi-omics

To explore the molecular network mechanism of Celastrol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on a novel strategy (integrated systems pharmacology, proteomics, transcriptomics and single-cell transcriptomics). Firstly, the potential targets of Celastrol and RA genes were predicted through the database, and the Celastrol-RA targets were obtained by taking the intersection. Then, transcriptomic data and proteomic data of Celastrol treatment of RA were collected. Subsequently, Celastrol-RA targets, differentially expressed genes, and differentially expressed proteins were imported into Metascape for enrichment analysis, and related networks were constructed. Finally, the core targets of Celastrol-RA targets, differentially expressed genes, and differentially expressed proteins were mapped to synoviocytes of RA mice to find potential cell populations for Celastrol therapy. A total of 195 Celastrol-RA targets, 2068 differential genes, 294 differential proteins were obtained. The results of enrichment analysis showed that these targets, genes and proteins were mainly related to extracellular matrix organization, TGF-β signaling pathway, etc. The results of single cell sequencing showed that the main clusters of these targets, genes, and proteins could be mapped to RA synovial cells. For example, Mmp9 was mainly distributed in Hematopoietic cells, especially in Ptprn+fibroblast. The results of molecular docking also suggested that Celastrol could stably combine with molecules predicted by network pharmacology. In conclusion, this study used systems pharmacology, transcriptomics, proteomics, single-cell transcriptomics to reveal that Celastrol may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by regulating key targets such as TNF and IL6, and then play an immune regulatory role.

Inhibition of anti-tumor immunity by melanoma cell-derived Activin-A depends on STING

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family member activin A (hereafter Activin-A) is overexpressed in many cancer types, often correlating with cancer-associated cachexia and poor prognosis. Activin-A secretion by melanoma cells indirectly impedes CD8+ T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity and promotes resistance to immunotherapies, even though Activin-A can be proinflammatory in other contexts. To identify underlying mechanisms, we here analyzed the effect of Activin-A on syngeneic grafts of Braf mutant YUMM3.3 mouse melanoma cells and on their microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing. We found that the Activin-A-induced immune evasion was accompanied by a proinflammatory interferon signature across multiple cell types, and that the associated increase in tumor growth depended at least in part on pernicious STING activity within the melanoma cells. Besides corroborating a role for proinflammatory signals in facilitating immune evasion, our results suggest that STING holds considerable potential as a therapeutic target to mitigate tumor-promoting Activin-A signaling at least in melanoma.

Asthma Inflammatory Phenotypes: How Can We Distinguish Them?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

induced sputum is used to assess different inflammatory phenotypes in asthma, but is not used routinely. We aimed to determine the proportion of inflammatory asthma phenotypes based on induced sputum, to find biomarkers that can discriminate between phenotypes, and to evaluate biomarkers in patients with and without biological therapy in different inflammatory asthma phenotypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

this cross-sectional study investigated clinical characteristics, asthma control tests, skin prick test, impulse oscillometry (IOS), spirometry, induced sputum, biomarkers (IgE, eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), serum periostin, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-33) in 80 asthmatics. A total of 17/80 patients were treated with biologics (10 with omalizumab, 7 with benralizumab).

RESULTS

a total of 31% of patients had eosinophilic asthma (EA), 30% had mixed granulocytic asthma (MGA), 24% had paucigranulocytic asthma (PGA), and 15% had neutrophilic asthma (NA). The difference was found in blood eosinophils (p = 0.002), the highest observed in EA. The cut-off ≥ 240/μL eosinophils, with 64% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity, identified EA (AUC = 0.743, p = 0.001). A higher IL-8 level was associated with NA (p = 0.025). In 63 non-biologic asthma group, eosinophils were higher in EA than in NA, MGA, and PGA (p = 0.012, p = 0.028, and p = 0.049, respectively). A higher IL-17A was associated with EA without biologics (p = 0.004). A significantly higher IL-5 was found in EA treated with biologics, in comparison with EA without biologics (p = 0.043). The number of leucocytes and neutrophils was higher in MGA without biologics (p = 0.049, p = 0.019), while IL-5, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were higher in MGA treated with biologics (p = 0.012, p = 0.032, p = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

EA and MGA were the most prevalent asthma phenotypes. Blood eosinophils can identify EA, both in patients with and without biologics. Apart from the clinical profile, a broad spectrum of biomarkers for assessing inflammatory phenotypes is necessary for an adequate therapy approach to patients with asthma.

Diagnostic accuracy of the IFN-γ release assay using RD1 immunodominant T-cell antigens for diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis

The diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) poses a significant challenge, with controversies surrounding the accuracy of IFN-γ release assays (IGRAs). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of RD1 immunodominant T-cell antigens, including ESAT-6, CFP-10, PE35, and PPE68 proteins, for immunodiagnosis of EPTB. Twenty-nine patients with EPTB were enrolled, and recombinant PE35, PPE68, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 proteins were evaluated in a 3-day Whole Blood Assay. IFN-γ levels were measured using a Human IFN-γ ELISA kit, and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test was performed. Predominantly, the patients were of Afghan (62%, n = 18) and Iranian (38%, n = 11) nationalities. Eighteen individuals tested positive for QFT-Plus, accounting for 62% of the cases. The positivity rate for IGRA, using each distinct recombinant protein (ESAT-6, PPE68, PE35, and CFP-10), was 72% (n = 21) for every protein tested. Specifically, among Afghan patients, the positivity rates for QFT-Plus and IGRA using ESAT-6, PPE68, PE35, and CFP-10 were 66.7%, 83.3%, 83.3%, 77.8%, and 88.9%, respectively. In contrast, among Iranian patients, the positivity rates for the same antigens were 54.5%, 54.5%, 54.5%, 63.6%, and 45.5%, respectively. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of IGRA testing utilizing various proteins as a valuable diagnostic tool for EPTB. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying factors contributing to these disparities and to optimize diagnostic strategies for EPTB in diverse populations.

In Vitro Targeted Delivery of Simvastatin and Niacin to Macrophages Using Mannan-Grafted Magnetite Nanoparticles

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of mortality worldwide, involves various subsets of macrophages that contribute to its initiation and progression. Current treatment approaches focus on systemic, long-term administration of cholesterol-lowering antioxidants such as statins and certain vitamins, which unfortunately come with prolonged side effects. To overcome these drawbacks, a mannose-containing magnetic nanoparticle (NP) is introduced as a drug delivery system to specifically target macrophages in vitro using simvastatin or niacin and a combinational therapy approach that reduces local inflammation while avoiding unwanted side effects. The synthesized NPs exhibited superparamagnetic behavior, neutrally charged thin coating with a hydrodynamic size of 77.23 ± 13.90 nm, and a metallic core ranging from 15 to 25 nm. Efficient loading of niacin (87.21%) and simvastatin (75.36%) on the NPs was achieved at respective weights of 20.13 and 5.03 (w/w). In the presence of a mannan hydrolyzing enzyme, 79.51% of simvastatin and 67.23% of niacin were released from the NPs within 90 min, with a leakage rate below 19.22%. Additionally, the coated NPs showed no destructive effect on J774A macrophages up to a concentration of 200 μg/mL. Simvastatin-loaded NPs exhibited a minimal increase in IL-6 expression. The low dosage of simvastatin decreased both IL-6 and ARG1 expressions, while niacin and combined simvastatin/niacin increased the level of ARG1 expression significantly. Toxicity evaluations on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and murine liver cells revealed that free simvastatin administration caused significant toxicity, whereas the encapsulated forms of simvastatin, niacin, and a combination of simvastatin/niacin at equivalent concentrations exhibited no significant toxicity. Hence, the controlled release of the encapsulated form of simvastatin and niacin resulted in the effective modulation of macrophage polarization. The delivery system showed suitability for targeting macrophages to atherosclerotic plaque.

Tumor-derived GABA promotes lung cancer progression by influencing TAMs polarization and neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a common neurotransmitter, has been found in various cancers but its origin and its role in the tumor immune microenvironment remains unclear.

METHODS

Here, we reported the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1, converting glutamate into GABA) in lung cancer tissues based on the publicly available database, and explored the effects and underlying mechanism of GABA on lung cancer progression.

RESULTS

Compared with normal tissues, GAD1 was aberrantly overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on TCGA database. Furthermore, the LUAD patients' overall survival was negatively correlated with the GAD1 expression levels. Our work found that a GABAa receptor inhibitor had a therapeutic effect on mouse tumors and significantly reduced tumor size and weight. Further experiments showed that GABA derived from tumor cells promoted tumor progression not by directly affecting cancer cells but by affecting macrophages polarization in the tumor microenvironment. We found that GABA inhibited the NF-κB pathway and STAT3 pathway to prevent macrophages from polarizing towards M1 type, while promoting macrophage M2 polarization by activating the STAT6 pathway. GABA was also found to promote tumor neovascularization by increasing the expression of FGF2 in macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that GABA affects tumor progression by regulating macrophage polarization, and targeting GABA and its signaling pathway may represent a potential therapy for lung cancer.

Pro-Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Interleukins in Infectious Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Interleukins (ILs) are signaling molecules that are crucial in regulating immune responses during infectious diseases. Pro-inflammatory ILs contribute to the activation and recruitment of immune cells, whereas anti-inflammatory ILs help to suppress excessive inflammation and promote tissue repair. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory ILs in infectious diseases, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying their effects, their diagnostic and therapeutic potential, and emerging trends in IL-based therapies.

Multidrug-Resistant Sepsis: A Critical Healthcare Challenge

Sepsis globally accounts for an alarming annual toll of 48.9 million cases, resulting in 11 million deaths, and inflicts an economic burden of approximately USD 38 billion on the United States healthcare system. The rise of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has elevated the urgency surrounding the management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) sepsis, evolving into a critical global health concern. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current epidemiology of (MDR) sepsis and its associated healthcare challenges, particularly in critically ill hospitalized patients. Highlighted findings demonstrated the complex nature of (MDR) sepsis pathophysiology and the resulting immune responses, which significantly hinder sepsis treatment. Studies also revealed that aging, antibiotic overuse or abuse, inadequate empiric antibiotic therapy, and underlying comorbidities contribute significantly to recurrent sepsis, thereby leading to septic shock, multi-organ failure, and ultimately immune paralysis, which all contribute to high mortality rates among sepsis patients. Moreover, studies confirmed a correlation between elevated readmission rates and an increased risk of cognitive and organ dysfunction among sepsis patients, amplifying hospital-associated costs. To mitigate the impact of sepsis burden, researchers have directed their efforts towards innovative diagnostic methods like point-of-care testing (POCT) devices for rapid, accurate, and particularly bedside detection of sepsis; however, these methods are currently limited to detecting only a few resistance biomarkers, thus warranting further exploration. Numerous interventions have also been introduced to treat MDR sepsis, including combination therapy with antibiotics from two different classes and precision therapy, which involves personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. Finally, addressing MDR-associated healthcare challenges at regional levels based on local pathogen resistance patterns emerges as a critical strategy for effective sepsis treatment and minimizing adverse effects.

The Efficacy and Safety of Polyethylene Glycol Cholesterol- and Tocopherol Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate-Modified Transforming Growth Factor β1 Small Interfering RNA Lipid Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Paclitaxel-Resistant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of TGFβ1 siRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) modified with different PEG derivatives (PEG5000 cholesterol, abbreviated as CE; tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, abbreviated as TPGS) in the treatment of paclitaxel-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer. Three kinds of TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs were prepared via microfluidics technology, using different PEG derivatives and dosages (CE1.5, CE2.5, TPGS2.5) as variables. Their particle size, zeta potential, contents, and encapsulation efficiencies were determined. The inhibition of TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression and the effects of the three kinds of LNPs on the proliferation of paclitaxel-resistant non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549/T cell) were characterized. The distributions of the three siRNA LNPs in nude mice bearing A549/T tumors, especially at the tumor site, were observed using in vivo mouse imaging technology, and their corresponding efficacies were evaluated. The average particle size of the three kinds of TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs was about 70-80 nm, and they were capable of charge flipping. All three siRNA LNPs could effectively inhibit the expression of TGFβ1 mRNA and protein in A549/T cells and inhibit the proliferation of A549/T cells in vitro. The results of in vivo mice imaging showed that the three kinds of siRNA LNPs, when labeled with cypate, retain strong fluorescence in the tumor at 24 h. The pharmacodynamic results, such as for relative tumor volumes and tumor inhibition rates, reveal that TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs modified with CE1.5, CE2.5, or TPGS2.5 can be used to effectively treat paclitaxel-resistant lung adenocarcinoma. The histopathological results showed that the three kinds of LNPs have a certain toxicity but are relatively safe compared to common forms of chemotherapy such as cabazitaxel. TGFβ1 siRNA LNPs modified with CE1.5, CE2.5, and TPGS2.5 can inhibit TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression in A549/T cells in vitro and can accumulate and play a role in the tumor tissue of nude mice, features that can be exploited for treating paclitaxel-resistant lung adenocarcinoma.

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of C-reactive protein in patients with ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have explored the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and survival outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer (OC); however, consistent results have not been reported. As such, this meta-analysis was performed to accurately assess the prognostic and clinicopathological roles of CRP in OC.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception to April 7, 2023. The effect of CRP level(s) and OC prognostic outcomes was analyzed by computing the combined hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Thereafter, the association between CRP level(s) and clinicopathological factors was evaluated using a combined odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% CI.

RESULTS

The present meta-analysis included 15 studies comprising 3202 subjects. According to the combined data, higher CRP levels were markedly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR 1.23 [95% CI 1.11-1.37]; p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 1.55 [95% CI 1.30-1.84]; p < 0.001) in patients with OC. Furthermore, the results indicated that high CRP levels were significantly correlated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages III-IV (p < 0.001), residual tumor size ≥ 1 cm (p < 0.001), histological grade 3 (p = 0.040), and ascites volume ≥ 500 mL (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated that higher serum CRP levels were strongly associated with dismal OS and PFS in subjects with OC. High CRP levels were also significantly associated with clinical factors implicated in tumor aggressiveness and the development of OC.

ANMCO (Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists) scientific statement: obesity in adults-an approach for cardiologists

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach to its management. In clinical practice, body mass index and waist-related measurements can be used for obesity screening. The estimated prevalence of obesity among adults worldwide is 12%. With the expected further increase in overall obesity prevalence, clinicians will increasingly be managing patients with obesity. Energy balance is regulated by a complex neurohumoral system that involves the central nervous system and circulating mediators, among which leptin is the most studied. The functioning of these systems is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Obesity generally occurs when a genetically predisposed individual lives in an obesogenic environment for a long period. Cardiologists are deeply involved in evaluating patients with obesity. Cardiovascular risk profile is one of the most important items to be quantified to understand the health risk due to obesity and the clinical benefit that a single patient can obtain with weight loss. At the individual level, appropriate patient involvement, the detection of potential obesity causes, and a multidisciplinary approach are tools that can improve clinical outcomes. In the near future, we will probably have new pharmacological tools at our disposal that will facilitate achieving and maintaining weight loss. However, pharmacological treatment alone cannot cure such a complex disease. The aim of this paper is to summarize some key points of this field, such as obesity definition and measurement tools, its epidemiology, the main mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis, health consequences of obesity with a focus on cardiovascular diseases and the obesity paradox.Level of evidence V: report of expert committees.

Effect of rmEGF combined with ELF-EMF on promoting wound healing in rats

BACKGROUND

The process of wound healing is complex, and expediting it remains a challenge. The advantages of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are its non-invasive treatment, promotes healing and promotes myogenesis of C2C12 cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to play a vital role in promoting wound healing, so a combination of ELF-EMF and EGF can have far-reaching significance.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of recombinant murine epidermal growth factor (rmEGF) combined with ELF-EMF on wound healing.

METHODS

Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, EGF group, and ELF-EMF+EGF group, and a 20 mm × 20 mm dorsal wound was made. The wound healing rate of rats was calculated on the 3rd, 7th, 11th and 15th day. HE staining was used to observe the micro-morphological changes during the wound healing process.

RESULTS

The wound healing rate of EGF+ELF-EMF group was better than other groups. On the 15th day of wound healing, the wounds of each group were completely healed. On the 3rd, 7th, 11th and 15th day of HE staining, the early inflammatory cell infiltration, the arrangement of fibroblasts and the number of new capillaries in the wounds of EGF+ELF-EMF group were better than those of the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

rmEGF combined with ELF-EMF significantly promotes wound healing in SD rats.

Effects of Cycloastragenol on Alzheimer's Disease in Rats by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

BACKGROUND

As individuals age, they may develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by difficulties in speech, memory loss, and other issues related to neural function. Cycloastragenol is an active ingredient of Astragalus trojanus and has been used to treat inflammation, aging, heart disease, and cancer.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of cycloastragenol in rats with experimentally induced AD. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanisms were also evaluated by measuring Nrf2 and HO-1, which are involved in oxidative stress, NFκB and TNF-α, which are involved in inflammation, and BCL2, BAX, and caspase-3, which are involved in apoptosis.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were given 70 mg/kg of aluminum chloride intraperitoneally daily for six weeks to induce AD. Following AD induction, the rats were given 25 mg/kg of cycloastragenol daily by oral gavage for three weeks. Hippocampal sections were stained with hematoxylin/ eosin and with anti-caspase-3 antibodies. The Nrf2, HO-1, NFκB, TNF-α, BCL2, BAX, and caspase-3 gene expressions and protein levels in the samples were analyzed.

RESULTS

Cycloastragenol significantly improved rats' behavioral test performance. It also strengthened the organization of the hippocampus. Cycloastragenol significantly improved behavioral performance and improved hippocampal structure in rats. It caused a marked decrease in the expression of NFκB, TNF-α, BAX, and caspase-3, which was associated with an increase in the expression of BCL2, Nrf2, and HO-1.

CONCLUSION

Cycloastragenol improved the structure of the hippocampus in rats with AD. It enhanced the outcomes of behavioral tests, decreased the concentration of AChE in the brain, and exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antiapoptotic effects were also noted, leading to significant improvements in cognitive function, memory, and behavior in treated rats.

The role of the cytokine TNF-α in choroidal neovascularization: a systematic review

TNF-α is a multifunctional cytokine produced by macrophages and T cells. This proinflammatory substance is considered to play a crucial role in the inflammatory process associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The current review aimed to describe evidence for an association between TNF-α and AMD reported in various studies. The MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Global Health databases were systematically searched to identify studies that investigated the role of TNF-α in AMD. A total of 24 studies were deemed eligible for the review. To better understand and integrate the evidence, the studies were categorised into four major groups in relation to the role of TNF-α in AMD: (1) those examining biological signalling pathways through which TNF-α exerts its effect; (2) investigating levels of TNF-α; (3) exploring the genetics underlying the role of TNF-α; and (4) assessing anti-TNF-α agents as potential treatments for AMD. TNF-α is thought to directly contribute to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) enhancement and has been shown to exert its effect by augmenting the inflammatory response through other signalling pathways. Additionally, different genes have been found to be associated with activities linked to TNF-α in AMD. Overall, measurement of systemic and local levels of TNF-α has not yielded consistent findings, with variable conclusions for the role of anti-TNF-α agents in remission of AMD symptoms. The role of TNF-α in neovascular AMD is not clear, and not all anti-TNF-α agents are safe. The potential of this cytokine in atrophic AMD has not been examined. Future studies should address these unresolved questions.

The hepatotoxicity of γ-radiation synthesized 5-fluorouracil nanogel versus 5-fluorouracil in rats model

INTRODUCTION

The clinical use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a routinely used chemotherapy medication, has a deleterious impact on the liver. Therefore, it is necessary to find a less harmful alternative to minimize liver damage. This study was designed to see how 5-fluorouracil nanogel influenced 5-FU-induced liver damage in rats.

METHODS

To induce liver damage, male albino rats were injected intraperitoneally with 5-FU (12.5 mg/kg) three doses/week for 1 month. The histopathological examination together with measuring the activities of serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes (ALT and AST) were used to evaluate the severity of liver damage besides, hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant markers were also measured. The hepatic gene expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its inhibitor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1(Keap-1) in addition to hepatic inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) were detected.

RESULTS

5-Fu nanogel effectively attenuated 5-FU-induced liver injury by improving the hepatic structure and function (ALT and AST) besides the suppression of the hepatic inflammatory mediators (TNF- α, IL-1β and IL-6). Additionally, 5-FU nanogel alleviated the impaired redox status and restored the antioxidant system via maintaining the cellular homeostasis Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, 5-Fu nanogel exhibited lower liver toxicity compared to 5-FU, likely due to the alleviation of hepatic inflammation and the regulation of the cellular redox pathway.

Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on Intestinal Permeability in Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Animal Studies

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased intestinal permeability, characterized by loss of gut epithelial integrity, resulting in unregulated passage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other inflammatory triggers into circulation, i.e., metabolic endotoxemia. In obesity, shifts in the gut microbiome negatively impact intestinal permeability. Probiotics are an intervention that can target the gut microbiome by introducing beneficial microbial species, potentially restoring gut barrier integrity. Currently, the role of probiotic supplementation in ameliorating obesity- and overweight-associated increases in gut permeability has not been reviewed. This systematic review aimed to summarize findings from both animal and clinical studies that evaluated the effect of probiotic supplementation on obesity-induced impairment in intestinal permeability (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42022363538). A literature search was conducted using PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and CAB Direct from origin until August 2023 using keywords of intestinal permeability, overweight or obesity, and probiotic supplementation. Of 920 records, 26 eligible records were included, comprising 12 animal and 14 clinical studies. Clinical trials ranged from 3 to 26 wk and were mostly parallel-arm (n = 13) or crossover (n = 1) design. In both animal and clinical studies, plasma/serum LPS was the most common measure of intestinal permeability. Eleven of 12 animal studies reported a positive effect of probiotic supplementation in reducing intestinal permeability. However, results from clinical trials were inconsistent, with half reporting reductions in serum LPS and half reporting no differences after probiotic supplementation. Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia emerged as the most common genera in probiotic formulations among the animal and clinical studies that yielded positive results, suggesting that specific bacteria may be more effective at reducing intestinal permeability and improving gut barrier function. However, better standardization of strain use, dosage, duration, and the delivery matrix is needed to fully understand the probiotic impact on intestinal permeability in individuals with overweight and obesity.

Mental Healthcare in Pediatrics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call for International Public Health Action

Public health measures associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), such as lockdowns and quarantine of suspected cases, can negatively affect children's mental health status. Although the current crisis provides personal growth and family cohesion opportunities, pitfalls appear to outweigh the benefits. The magnitude and quality of its impact on children depend on several factors, including anxiety, lack of social contact, and a reduced opportunity for stress regulation, along with an increased risk for parental mental health issues, child maltreatment, and domestic violence. Children with special needs and social disadvantages like trauma experiences, disabilities, pre-existing mental illness, e.g., autism spectrum disorders and hyperactivity, and low socioeconomic status, may be at higher risk in this context. Here, the potentials social support can provide for pediatrics, both healthy children and children with special needs, are reviewed after an overview of quarantine's adverse effects on this special population during a pandemic. The most common psychological issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are sleep disorders, mood swings, depression, anxiety, decreased attention, stress, irritability, anger, and fear. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 on children's physical health includes weight gain, reduced physical activity, immune dysregulation, and cardiometabolic disorders. All support systems, involving parents, teachers/school counselors, pediatricians, mental healthcare workers, and Health and Art (HEART) groups, need to enter the scene and make their share of children's mental health care.

Fluoxetine attenuates stress-induced depression-like behavior due to decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines in male rats

Background: Pro-inflammatory cytokines are implicated in depression caused by both environmental- and alcohol-induced stress. The purpose of the study was to investigate the cytokine levels in serum and hippocampus following induction of depression-like behaviors (DLB) by either forced swimming test (FST) or ethanol-induced DLB (EID). We also investigated the effect of prior administration of antidepressant drug fluoxetine on cytokines in animals exposed to both models of DLB. Methods: Animals were pretreated with fluoxetine before inducing DLB, while DLB was induced in some animals using FST and ethanol in different groups of rats without fluoxetine pretreatment. The ELISA was used to detect changes in cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) levels in serum and hippocampus. Results: The mean levels of IL-1β and IL-6 measured in serum and hippocampus were significantly higher in FST and EID models when compared to the control group. The serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced in animals pre-treated with 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine in both FST and EID models when compared to the untreated FST and EID groups respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, both environment and alcohol can induce stress and DLB in rats with similar intensity, and their mechanisms of DLB induction involve activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, fluoxetine can prevent stress-induced inflammation in models of DLB.

Interleukin-37 relieves PM2.5-triggered lung injury by inhibiting autophagy through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro

Autophagy mediates PM2.5-related lung injury (LI) and is tightly linked to inflammation and apoptosis processes. IL-37 has been demonstrated to regulate autophagy. This research aimed to examine the involvement of IL-37 in the progression of PM2.5-related LI and assess whether autophagy serves as a mediator for its effects.To create a model of PM2.5-related LI, this research employed a nose-only PM2.5 exposure system and utilized both human IL-37 transgenic mice and wild-type mice. The hIL-37tg mice demonstrated remarkable reductions in pulmonary inflammation and pathological LI compared to the WT mice. Additionally, they exhibited activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which served to regulate the levels of autophagy and apoptosis.Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed a dose-dependent upregulation of autophagy and apoptotic proteins following exposure to PM2.5 DMSO extraction. Simultaneously, p-AKT and p-mTOR expression was found to decrease. However, pretreatment with IL-37 demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the levels of autophagy and apoptotic proteins, along with an elevation of p-AKT and p-mTOR. Interestingly, pretreatment with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, weakened the therapeutic impact of IL-37. Conversely, the therapeutic impact of IL-37 was enhanced when treated with 3-MA, a potent autophagy inhibitor. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of IL-37 on autophagy was successfully reversed by administering AKT inhibitor MK2206. The findings suggest that IL-37 can inhibit both the inflammatory response and autophagy, leading to the alleviation of PM2.5-related LI. At the molecular level, IL-37 may exert its anti autophagy and anti apoptosis effects by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Efficacy of one-hour negative pressure wound therapy and magnetic field energy in wound healing

OBJECTIVE

Wound healing is an important aspect of health but needs further research to identify the effects and interactions of different treatment approaches on healing. The aims of this study were to investigate the effectiveness of one-hour negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and compare histological differences between one-hour NPWT and magnetic field energy (MFE) in rats on early-stage wound healing, wound size and angiogenesis.

METHOD

Standardised wounds were created on Wistar rats that were allocated and divided into NPWT, MFE and control groups. Both treatments were applied for 1 hour/day for 10 days. Wound size, histological changes and wound area blood flow were assessed.

RESULTS

The wound size of all groups was similar on days 0, 2 and 10. The MFE group's wound size was smaller than the NPWT group on days 4, 6 and 8 (p<0.05). Development of the granulation tissue in both the one-hour NPWT and MFE groups was greater than in the control group. Additionally, the inflammatory phase was shorter, and wounds entered the proliferative stage faster in the MFE group than both of the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with MFE may be more effective in terms of early stage wound closure and angiogenesis. On the other hand, the NPWT group's wound area blood flow was significantly greater than the other two groups. MFE is superior to one-hour NPWT in terms of wound area and angiogenesis. Furthermore, it is worthwhile to note that one-hour NPWT increases bloodflow in the wound area, which stimulates healing.

The marine Penicillium sp. GGF16-1-2 metabolite dicitrinone G inhibits pancreatic angiogenesis by regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome

Citrinin derivatives have been found to have various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. Dicitrinone G (DG) was a new citrinin dimer isolated from marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. GGF 16-1-2 which has potential activity. Here, we aim to investigate whether DG has anti-pancreatic cancer activity. In xenograft tumor model, 2 × 106 BXPC-3 cells were injected into the hind flank of NU/NU nude mice by subcutaneously for 2 weeks followed by treating with DG (0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/kg) and 5-FU (30 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Tumor volume and weight were measured, and the expression of CD31, IL-18, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in tumor tissue were detected. In vitro, HUVECs were treated with conditioned medium (CM) derived from BXPC-3 cells, the effects of DG on angiogenesis were detected by tube formation and western blot analysis. In vivo studies showed that the tumor growth and angiogenesis were greatly suppressed. The tumor weight inhibition rates of DG and 5-FU groups were about 42.36%, 38.94%, 43.80%, and 31.88%. Furthermore, the expression of CD31 and Caspase-1 were decreased. In vitro, CM derived from BXPC-3 cells which treated with DG could inhibit the tube formation and expression of pro-angiogenic NICD in HUVECs. Our study suggests that DG could suppress angiogenesis via the NLRP3/IL-18 pathway and may have the potential to inhibit tumor development.

Summarizing Evidence of Associations of COVID-19 With a Future Diagnosis of Inflammatory Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases: A Rapid Review

OBJECTIVE

Musculoskeletal symptoms are commonly reported following acute COVID-19. It is unclear whether those with musculoskeletal symptoms subsequently develop inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal disease (iRMD). This review seeks to identify evidence for an association between acute COVID-19 and subsequent iRMD diagnosis.

METHODS

A rapid review of the literature using a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE and two COVID-19 databases was undertaken until August 2022. Case studies, case series, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies reporting patients with an incident iRMD following COVID-19 were included. Title and abstract screening were conducted by one reviewer and full text screening by two reviewers. Data extraction and quality appraisal were by one reviewer, with a second verifying. Study-type specific critical appraisal tools were used.

RESULTS

Results were narratively synthesized. A total of 80 studies were included (69 case reports, 10 case series and 1 cross-sectional study). Commonly reported iRMDs were "reactive arthropathies" (n = 47), "inflammatory arthropathies unspecified" (n = 18), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 12) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 11). The cross-sectional study reported 37% of those with COVID-19 developed "post COVID arthritis." Time from diagnosis of COVID-19 to iRMD presentation ranged from 0 to 120 days. Several mechanisms were proposed to explain the association between COVID-19 and iRMD development: autoimmune processes, aberrant inflammatory responses, colonization of joint spaces, direct damage from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus and genetic predisposition.

CONCLUSION

The level of evidence of the studies included in this review was low and the quality generally poor. Prospective observational studies are required to confirm associations and likely impact of post COVID-19 iRMDs at a population level.

Protective effect of Macleaya cordata isoquinoline alkaloids on lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in broilers

OBJECTIVE

This experiment aimed to explore the protective action of dietary supplementation with isoquinoline alkaloids (IA) from Macleaya cordata on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in broilers.

METHODS

Total 216 healthy broilers were selected in a 21-d trial and assigned randomly to the following 3 treatments: control (CON) group, LPS group, and LPS+IA group. The CON and LPS groups were provided with a basal diet, whereas the LPS+IA group received the basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mg/kg Macleaya cordata IA. Broilers in LPS and LPS+IA groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (1 mg/kg body weight) at 17, 19, and 21 days of age, while those in CON group were injected with equivalent amount of saline solution.

RESULTS

Results showed LPS injection caused systemic and liver inflammation in broilers, inhibited immune function, and ultimately lead to liver injury. By contrast, supplementation of IA ameliorated LPS-induced adverse change in serum parameters, boosted immunity in LPS+IA group. Furthermore, IA suppressed the elevation of hepatic inflammatory cytokines and caspases levels induced by LPS, as well as the expressions of genes related to the tolllike receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factorkappa B (NF-κB) pathway.

CONCLUSION

Dietary inclusion of 0.6 mg/kg Macleaya cordata IA could enhance immune function of body and inhibit liver damage via inactivating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in broilers.

Mechanism of IRF5-regulated CXCL13/CXCR5 Signaling Axis in CCI-induced Neuropathic Pain in Rats

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain is chronic and affects the patient's life. Studies have shown that IRF5 and CXCL13/CXCR5 are involved in neuropathic pain; however, their interactions are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, a rat neuropathic pain model was constructed by inducing chronic compression injury (CCI). IRF5 recombinant lentiviral vector and CXCL13 neutralizing antibody were administered to investigate their action mechanisms in neuropathic pain. Consequently, the new strategies for disease treatment could be evolved.

METHODS

The CCI rats were intrathecally injected with recombinant lentivirus plasmid LV-IRF5 (overexpression), LV-SH-IRF5 (silencing), and CXCL13 neutralizing antibody. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 levels were recorded via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The spinal cord was stained using hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The binding of IRF5 to CXCL13 was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assay. The IRF5, neuronal nuclei (NeuN), CXCL13, and CXCR5 expressions were detected through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

The MWT and TWL values in the CCI group were lower than in the Sham group. The expressions of CXCL13, CXCR5, and IRF5 in CCI rats were gradually increased with the modeling time. IRF5 silencing suppressed the expression of NeuN and lumbar enlargement in CCI rats and promoted MWT and TWL. Moreover, IRF5 silencing inhibited the expressions of CXCR5 and CXCL13 genes and down-regulated the expression levels of inflammatory factors. IRF5 was directly and specifically bound with the endogenous CXCL13 promoter and thus regulated it. IRF5 overexpression exacerbated the disease phenotype of CCI-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Administration of CXCL13 neutralizing antibodies reversed the IRF5 overexpression effects.

CONCLUSION

The IRF5 silencing alleviated neuropathic pain in CCI rats by downregulating the pain threshold, inflammatory cytokine levels, and CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling. IRF5 overexpression exacerbated the disease parameters of CCI-induced neuropathic pain in rats; however, they were reversed by neutralizing antibodies against CXCL13.

Role of Arctiin in Fibrosis and Apoptosis in Experimentally Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Background and objectives Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. It is currently the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Arctiin, a compound found in plants commonly used as a vegetable in Asian countries and as an ingredient in traditional European dishes, possesses various properties, including anti-proliferative, anti-senescence, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, toxic, anti-adipogenic, and anti-bacterial effects. Our study aims to investigate the potential antitumor activity of arctiin against HCC in rats by inhibiting cell fibrosis and apoptosis. Methods Rats were induced with HCC by administering thioacetamide. Arctiin was orally administered to some rats twice a week for 16 weeks at a dose of 30 mg/kg. The liver impairment was evaluated by measuring serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) and examining liver sections stained with Masson trichrome or anti-hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) antibodies. The hepatic expression of messenger RNA and protein levels of HIF-1α, protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), β-catenin, and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) were analyzed. Results Our study demonstrated that arctiin can potentially increase the survival rate of rats. This is achieved through a reduction in serum AFP levels and hepatic nodules. We also observed that arctiin has the ability to inhibit the formation of fibrotic tissues and necrotic nodules in HCC rats. Additionally, arctiin can significantly decrease the expression of HIF-1α, PKC, ERK, β-catenin, and SMAD4. Conclusion Arctiin has demonstrated potential anti-tumor properties that could ameliorate HCC. Studies have shown that it may increase survival rates and reduce the number of tumors and AFP levels. Arctiin works by inhibiting HCC-induced hypoxia, thus blocking the expression of HIF-1α. It also helps to slow down tumor fibrosis by decreasing the expression of β-catenin and SMAD4. Furthermore, arctiin has been found to downregulate PKC and ERK, reducing hepatic tissue apoptosis.

Consistency of inconsistency in long-COVID-19 pain symptoms persistency: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Individuals recovering from acute COVID-19 episodes may continue to suffer from various ongoing symptoms, collectively referred to as Long-COVID. Long-term pain symptoms are amongst the most common and clinically significant symptoms to be reported for this post-COVID-19 syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the proportions of persisting pain symptoms experienced by individuals past the acute phase of COVID-19 and to identify their associated functional consequences and inflammatory correlates.

METHODS

Two online databases were systematically searched from their inception until 31 March 2022. We searched primary research articles in English, which evaluated individuals after laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 acute phase resolution and specifically reported on pain symptoms and their inflammatory and/or functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 611 identified articles, 26 were included, used for data extraction, and assessed for their methodological quality and risk of bias by two independent reviewers. Pain symptoms were grouped under one of six major pain domains, serving as our primary co-outcomes. Proportional meta-analyses of pooled logit-transformed values of single proportions were performed using the random-effects-restricted maximum-likelihood model. An estimated 8%, 6%, 18%, 18%, 17%, and 12% of individuals continued to report the persistence of chest, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal joint, musculoskeletal muscle, general body, and nervous system-related pain symptoms, respectively, for up to one year after acute phase resolution of COVID-19. Considerable levels of heterogeneity were demonstrated across all results. Functional and quality-of-life impairments and some inflammatory biomarker elevations were associated with the persistence of long-COVID pain symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study's findings suggest that although not well characterized, long-COVID pain symptoms are being experienced by non-negligible proportions of those recovering from acute COVID-19 episodes, thus highlighting the importance of future research efforts to focus on this aspect.

Interleukin 6 Antagonists in Severe COVID-19 Disease: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Inhibitors of interleukin 6 [IL-6] have been utilized to treat severe COVID-19 disease. Their immunosuppressive or immunomodulating impact may be beneficial in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the role of IL-6 inhibitors and assess various trials conducted to evaluate the efficacy of IL-6 inhibitors in COVID-19 disease.

SUMMARY

Two of the most common causes of mortality in COVID-19-infected critically ill individuals are acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiorgan failure. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines suggest that a cytokine storm, also known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), is involved in the etiology of COVID-19. Most tissue damage, sepsis, and pulmonary and cardiovascular problems are caused mainly by the host defense system. Therefore, regulating this inflammatory cascade using immunomodulators is a prudent strategy. Although corticosteroids, as immunomodulators, are routinely used in COVID-19 management, interleukin (IL) inhibitors, especially IL-6 inhibitors, are also tested in many trials. Many studies have demonstrated that IL-6 inhibitors improve disease outcomes and decrease mortality, whereas others have shown that they are ineffective. In this paper, we briefly examined the role of IL-6 in COVID-19 pathogenesis and trials that support or refute the use of IL-6 inhibitors in treating COVID-19 disease.

RESULTS

Though mixed results are coming from trials regarding the adjuvant use of IL-6 inhibitors and standard anti-viral therapy with dexamethasone, a consensus favors using IL-6 inhibitors in severely ill COVID-19 patients regardless of the outcome.

Whether full-length IL-38 acts as a promoter or inhibitor in activating rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes depends on IL-1β

AIM

IL-38 is a recently discovered inflammatory factor that belongs to the IL-1 family and has full-length and truncated forms. Clinical findings demonstrated that serum IL-38 levels in people with infectious and autoimmune diseases are significantly different from those in healthy people, but the form remains unclear. We are keenly interested in learning more about the regulatory role of full-length IL-38 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a classic autoimmune disease.

METHODS

RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) were isolated from six RA patients and stimulated with full-length IL-38 to observe IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. Then, the migration and invasion functions of FLS were assessed. Next, the protein expressions of the MAPK, NF-κB, and JAK pathways were evaluated. In addition, we examined the effect of full-length IL-38 on FLS functions in the presence of IL-1β. The function of FLS affected by full-length IL-38 was also examined after blocking IL-1 and IL-36 receptors.

RESULTS

The functions of FLS were activated after the cells were stimulated with full-length IL-38. IL-6 and IL-8 levels increased with an increase in the full-length IL-38 concentration, and full-length IL-38 induced the acceleration of FLS migration and invasion functions. In addition, the levels of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway increased after stimulation with full-length IL-38 and depended on its concentration. However, when the FLS were stimulated by IL-38 and IL-1β simultaneously, all experiments generated opposite results. Full-length IL-38 inhibited FLS function in the presence of IL-1β. IL-1R and IL-36R blockers terminated all effects of full-length IL-38 on RA-FLS.

CONCLUSION

Full-length IL-38 activates FLS functions and acts as a promoter in RA, whereas it inhibits FLS functions and acts as an inhibitor of RA in the presence of IL-1β. The function of full-length IL-38 can be blocked by IL-1Ra and IL-36Ra.

Mouse models of sickle cell disease: Imperfect and yet very informative

The root cause of sickle cell disease (SCD) has been known for nearly a century, however, few therapies to treat the disease are available. Over several decades of work, with advances in gene editing technology and after several iterations of mice with differing genotype/phenotype relationships, researchers have developed humanized SCD mouse models. However, while a large body of preclinical studies has led to huge gains in basic science knowledge about SCD in mice, this knowledge has not led to the development of effective therapies to treat SCD-related complications in humans, thus leading to frustration with the paucity of translational progress in the SCD field. The use of mouse models to study human diseases is based on the genetic and phenotypic similarities between mouse and humans (face validity). The Berkeley and Townes SCD mice express only human globin chains and no mouse hemoglobin. With this genetic composition, these models present many phenotypic similarities, but also significant discrepancies that should be considered when interpreting preclinical studies results. Reviewing genetic and phenotypic similarities and discrepancies and examining studies that have translated to humans and those that have not, offer a better perspective of construct, face, and predictive validities of humanized SCD mouse models.

Neural sensitivity to translational self- and object-motion velocities

The ability to detect and assess world-relative object-motion is a critical computation performed by the visual system. This computation, however, is greatly complicated by the observer's movements, which generate a global pattern of motion on the observer's retina. How the visual system implements this computation is poorly understood. Since we are potentially able to detect a moving object if its motion differs in velocity (or direction) from the expected optic flow generated by our own motion, here we manipulated the relative motion velocity between the observer and the object within a stationary scene as a strategy to test how the brain accomplishes object-motion detection. Specifically, we tested the neural sensitivity of brain regions that are known to respond to egomotion-compatible visual motion (i.e., egomotion areas: cingulate sulcus visual area, posterior cingulate sulcus area, posterior insular cortex [PIC], V6+, V3A, IPSmot/VIP, and MT+) to a combination of different velocities of visually induced translational self- and object-motion within a virtual scene while participants were instructed to detect object-motion. To this aim, we combined individual surface-based brain mapping, task-evoked activity by functional magnetic resonance imaging, and parametric and representational similarity analyses. We found that all the egomotion regions (except area PIC) responded to all the possible combinations of self- and object-motion and were modulated by the self-motion velocity. Interestingly, we found that, among all the egomotion areas, only MT+, V6+, and V3A were further modulated by object-motion velocities, hence reflecting their possible role in discriminating between distinct velocities of self- and object-motion. We suggest that these egomotion regions may be involved in the complex computation required for detecting scene-relative object-motion during self-motion.

Herbal Substances with Antiviral Effects: Features and Prospects for the Treatment of Viral Diseases with Emphasis on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Viral diseases have a significant impact on human health, and three novel coronaviruses (CoV) have emerged during the 21st century. In this review, we have emphasized the potential of herbal substances with antiviral effects. Our investigation focused on the features and prospects of viral disease treatment, with a particular emphasis on proinflammatory cytokines. We conducted comprehensive searches of various databases, including Science Direct, CABI Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Cytokine storm mechanisms play a crucial role in inducing a pro-inflammatory response by triggering the expression of cytokines and chemokines. This response leads to the recruitment of leukocytes and promotes antiviral effects, forming the first line of defense against viruses. Numerous studies have investigated the use of herbal medicine candidates as immunomodulators or antivirals. However, cytokine-storm-targeted therapy is recommended for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by SARS-CoV to survive severe pulmonary failure. Our reviews have demonstrated that herbal formulations could serve as alternative medicines and significantly reduce complicated viral infections. Furthermore, they hold promising potential as specific antiviral agents in experimental animal models.

Advancing preclinical chronic stress models to promote therapeutic discovery for human stress disorders

There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatments for stress-related illnesses, which include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. We view animal models as playing an essential role in this effort, but to date, such approaches have generally not succeeded in developing therapeutics with new mechanisms of action. This is partly due to the complexity of the brain and its disorders, but also to inherent difficulties in modeling human disorders in rodents and to the incorrect use of animal models: namely, trying to recapitulate a human syndrome in a rodent which is likely not possible as opposed to using animals to understand underlying mechanisms and evaluating potential therapeutic paths. Recent transcriptomic research has established the ability of several different chronic stress procedures in rodents to recapitulate large portions of the molecular pathology seen in postmortem brain tissue of individuals with depression. These findings provide crucial validation for the clear relevance of rodent stress models to better understand the pathophysiology of human stress disorders and help guide therapeutic discovery. In this review, we first discuss the current limitations of preclinical chronic stress models as well as traditional behavioral phenotyping approaches. We then explore opportunities to dramatically enhance the translational use of rodent stress models through the application of new experimental technologies. The goal of this review is to promote the synthesis of these novel approaches in rodents with human cell-based approaches and ultimately with early-phase proof-of-concept studies in humans to develop more effective treatments for human stress disorders.

Inhibition of EphA2 protects against atherosclerosis by synergizing with statins to mitigate macrophage inflammation

Statins are highly prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease. Statins exert their anti-inflammatory effects on the vascular wall and circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, increasing attention revealed the exacerbation of macrophage inflammation induced by statins, and a clear mechanistic explanation of whether the detrimental effects of statins on macrophage inflammatory phenotypes outweigh the beneficial effects is has not yet been established. Here, RNA-sequencing and RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated that statins significantly upregulated EphA2, Nlrp3, IL-1β and TNF-α expression in macrophages. Mechanistically, we found that atorvastatin reduced KLF4 binding to the EphA2 promoter using KLF4-chromatin immunoprecipitation, suppressed HDAC11-mediated deacetylation and subsequently led to enhanced EphA2 transcription. The 4D-label-free proteomics analysis further confirmed the upregulated EphA2 and inflammatory signals. Furthermore, the proinflammatory effect of atorvastatin was neutralized by an addition of recombinant Fc-ephrinA1, a selective Eph receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALW-II-41-27) or EphA2-silencing adenovirus (siEphA2). In vivo, EphA2 was identified a proatherogenic factor and apoE-/- mice placed on a high-fat diet following gastric gavage with atorvastatin exhibited a consistent elevation in EphA2 expression. We further observed that the transfection with siEphA2 in atorvastatin-treated mice significantly attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation and abrogated statin-orchestrated macrophages proinflammatory genes expression as compared to that in atorvastatin alone. Increased plaque stability index was also observed following the addition of siEphA2, as evidenced by increased collagen and smooth muscle content and diminished lipid accumulation and macrophage infiltration. The data suggest that blockage of EphA2 provides an additional therapeutic benefit for further improving the anti-atherogenic effects of statins.

Study of the Effect of Wild-Type and Transiently Expressing CXCR4 and IL-10 Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in a Mouse Model of Peritonitis

Sepsis due to peritonitis is a process associated with an inflammatory state. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) modulate the immune system due to the paracrine factors released and may be a therapeutic alternative. Three treatment groups were developed in a murine model of peritonitis to verify the effect of human adipose mesenchymal stem cell (hASCs). Additionally, a temporary modification was carried out on them to improve their arrival in inflamed tissues (CXCR4), as well as their anti-inflammatory activity (IL-10). The capacity to reduce systemic inflammation was studied using a local application (peritoneal injection) as a treatment route. Comparisons involving the therapeutic effect of wild-type ASCs and ASCs transiently expressing CXCR4 and IL-10 were carried out with the aim of generating an improved anti-inflammatory response for sepsis in addition to standard antibiotic treatment. However, under the experimental conditions used in these studies, no differences were found between both groups with ASCs. The peritoneal administration of hASCs or genetically modified hASCs constitutes an efficient and safe therapy in our model of mouse peritonitis.

Increased Mortality Risk at Septic Condition in Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Effect of High-Fat Diet Consumption

In recent years, attention has increasingly focused on various infectious diseases. Although some fatalities are directly attributed to the causative virus, many result from complications and reactive inflammation. Patients with comorbidities are at a higher risk of mortality. Refractory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and epidermolysis bullosa, known for an elevated risk of sepsis, partly owe this to compromised surface barrier function. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. Conversely, although the detrimental effects of a high-fat diet on health, including the onset of metabolic syndrome, are widely recognized, the association between diet and susceptibility to sepsis has not been extensively explored. In this study, we examined the potential causes and pathogenesis of increased sepsis susceptibility in inflammatory skin diseases using a mouse dermatitis model: keratin 14-driven caspase-1 is overexpressed (KCASP1Tg) in mice on a high-fat diet. Our findings reveal that heightened mortality in the dermatitis mouse model is caused by the inflamed immune system due to the chronic inflammatory state of the local skin, and administration of LPS causes a rapid increase in inflammatory cytokine levels in the spleen. Intake of a high-fat diet exacerbates these cytokine levels. Interestingly, we also observed a reduced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in monocytes from KCASP1Tg mice, potentially predisposing these animals to heightened infection risks and associated complications. Histological analysis showed a clear decrease in T and B cells in the spleen of KCASP1Tg mice fed a high-fat diet. Thickening of the alveolar wall, inflammatory cell infiltration, and alveolar hemorrhage were more prominent in the lungs of KCASP1Tg and KCASP1Tg with fat mice. We postulate that the chronic, non-infectious inflammation induces a negative feedback loop within the inflammatory cascade, and the suppressed expression of TLR4 renders the mice more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is imperative for individuals with chronic skin inflammation to closely monitor disease progression upon infection and seek timely and appropriate treatment. Additionally, chronic inflammation of adipose tissue, induced by high-fat food intake, combined with dermatitis inflammation, may exacerbate infections, necessitating a review of dietary habits.

Ubiquinol attenuates γ-radiation induced coronary and aortic changes via PDGF/p38 MAPK/ICAM-1 related pathway

Endothelial vascular injury is one of the most pivotal disorders emerging during radiotherapy. It is crucial to rely on strong antioxidants to defend against vascular damage. The current study was carried out to investigate the ameliorative effect of ubiquinol (Ubq) against gamma (γ)-radiation induced aortic and coronary changes, with highlighting its role in suppression of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). Exposure to γ-radiation was adopted as a potent detrimental model that induces vascular tissue damage. Concisely, male albino rats were irradiated at a dose level of 7 Gy and treated daily with Ubq (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 7 days pre-and post-irradiation. At the end of the experiment, lipid profile, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), gene expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), p38 MAPK and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were estimated. Exposure to radiation significantly deteriorates aortic and coronary tissues. Conversely, administration of Ubq significantly reduced serum t-cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides (p = 0.001). In addition, Ubq prevented oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) (p = 0.1) and reduced serum MMP-9 (p = 0.001) which contributed to the endothelial cells damage. The positive impact of Ubq was more apparent in suppression of both PDGF (p = 0.001) and p38 MAPK (p = 0.1) protein concentrations, leading subsequently in reduction of ICAM-1 (p = 0.001) gene expression. As a conclusion, vascular endothelial damage brought on by γ-radiation is one of the leading causes of coronary and aortic deteriorations which could be successfully mitigated by Ubq.

Role of endothelin ETA receptors in the hypertension induced by the VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors axitinib and lenvatinib in conscious freely-moving rats

Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) suppress tumour growth by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) which is an important mediator of angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that two potent RTKIs, axitinib and lenvatinib, are associated with hypertensive side effects. Doppler flowmetry was used to evaluate regional haemodynamic profiles of axitinib and lenvatinib. Male Sprague Dawley rats (350-500 g) were instrumented with Doppler flow probes (renal and mesenteric arteries and descending abdominal aorta) and catheters (jugular vein and distal abdominal aorta, via the caudal artery). Rats were dosed daily with axitinib (3 or 6 mg.kg-1) or lenvatinib (1 or 3 mg.kg-1) and regional haemodynamics were recorded over a maximum of 4 days. Both RTKIs caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP), which was accompanied by significant (p < 0.05) vasoconstriction in both the mesenteric and hindquarters vascular beds. To gain insight into the involvement of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in RTKI-mediated hypertension, we also monitored heart rate (HR) and MAP in response to axitinib or lenvatinib in animals treated with the ETA receptor selective antagonist sitaxentan (5 mg.kg-1) or the mixed ETA/ETB receptor antagonist bosentan (15 mg.kg-1) over two days. Co-treatment with bosentan or sitaxentan markedly reduced the MAP effects mediated by both RTKIs (p < 0.05). Bosentan, but not sitaxentan, also attenuated ET-1 mediated increases in HR. These data suggest that selective antagonists of ETA receptors may be appropriate to alleviate the hypertensive effects of axitinib and lenvatinib.

Vitamin K3 promotes CCL5 expression to recruit preadipocytes deposition to skeletal muscle

Intramuscular fat (IMF), also known as ectopic fat deposits in skeletal muscle. Researches of IMF mainly focus on increasing the number and size of intramuscular adipocytes in situ. However, recent studies have shown that chemokines secreted by skeletal muscle recruit adipocytes to increase intramuscular fat content. Chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), a member of chemokine family, is involved in the regulation of cell migration, inflammatory responses, and energy metabolism. In this study, we determined Vitamin K3 (VK3) enhanced Ccl5 transcription and expression, thus resulting in increased preadipocyte migration. VK3-injected vastus lateralis (VL) was observed an increased CCL5 concentration and IMF deposition, whereas blockade of the CCL5/CCR5 axis decreased IMF deposition.VK3 treatment also increased the body weight and VL ratio in mice. In summary, VK3, which targets CCL5, is expected to be a novel pharmacological regulator for promoting IMF content.

Airway epithelial cells and macrophages trigger IL-6-CD95/CD95L axis and mediate initial immunopathology of COVID-19

Airway epithelial cells (AEC) infected with SARS-CoV-2 may drive the dysfunction of macrophages during COVID-19. We hypothesized that the direct interaction of AEC with macrophages mediated by CD95/CD95L or indirect interaction mediated by IL-6 signaling are key steps for the COVID-19 severe acute inflammation. The interaction of macrophages with apoptotic and infected AEC increased CD95 and CD163 expression, and induced macrophage death. Macrophages exposed to tracheal aspirate with high IL-6 levels from intubated patients with COVID-19 or to recombinant human IL-6 exhibited decreased HLA-DR expression, increased CD95 and CD163 expression and IL-1β production. IL-6 effects on macrophages were prevented by both CD95/CD95L antagonist and by IL-6 receptor antagonist and IL-6 or CD95 deficient mice showed significant reduction of acute pulmonary inflammation post-infection. Our findings show a non-canonical CD95L-CD95 pathway that simultaneously drives both macrophage activation and dysfunction and point to CD95/CD95L axis as therapeutic target.

Innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2

This chapter provides an overview of the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2, focusing on the recognition, activation, and evasion strategies employed by the virus. The innate immune system plays a crucial role in the early defense against viral infections, and understanding its response to SARS-CoV-2 is essential for developing effective therapeutic approaches. The chapter begins by explaining the basics of the innate immune system, including its components and salient features. It discusses the various pattern recognition receptors involved in recognizing SARS-CoV-2, such as toll-like receptors, RIG-I-like receptors, NOD-like receptors, and other cytosolic sensors. The binding and entry of the virus into host cells and subsequent activation of innate immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, and ILCs, are explored. Furthermore, the secretion of key cytokines and chemokines, including type I interferons, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-alpha, is discussed as part of the innate immune response. The concept of PANoptosis, involving programmed cell death mechanisms, is introduced as a significant aspect of the response to SARS-CoV-2. The chapter also addresses the innate immune evasion strategies employed by SARS-CoV-2, which allow the virus to evade or subvert the host immune response, contributing to viral persistence. Understanding these strategies is crucial for developing targeted therapies against the virus.

The Role of Pentraxin 3 in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers have become a huge problem worldwide as the number of new cases continues to increase. Due to the growing need to explore new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the detection and treatment of cancerous lesions, we sought to elucidate the role of Pentraxin-3 in the progression of cancerous lesions, as it is involved in the process of angiogenesis and inflammation. Statistically significant changes in the concentration of this parameter have emerged in many gastrointestinal cancer patients. Moreover, it is related to the advancement of cancer, as well as processes leading to the development of those changes. In the case of studies concerning tissue material, both increased and decreased tissue expression of the tested parameter were observed and were dependent on the type of cancer. In the case of cell lines, both human and animal, a significant increase in Pentraxin 3 gene expression was observed, which confirmed the changes observed at the protein level. In conclusion, it can be assumed that PTX3, both at the level of gene expression and protein concentrations, is highly useful in the detection of gastrointestinal cancers, and its use as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target may be useful in the future.

Comparative effects of acupuncture and metformin on insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese and lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance: a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial

Objective

This study explored the efficacy of acupuncture and metformin in enhancing insulin sensitivity among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance (IR), distinguishing between overweight/obese and lean groups.

Methods

A post-hoc analysis of a randomized trial (NCT02491333) was undertaken. Participants were women aged 18-40 with PCOS and IR. They were randomized to receive true acupuncture with a placebo, metformin with sham acupuncture, or sham acupuncture with a placebo for 4 months, with follow-up visits over 3 months. Our study, involving 339 women, assessed the differential impact of acupuncture and metformin on insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24] versus lean women (BMI < 24). Primary outcomes measured changes in the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) at 4 and 7 months. Secondary outcomes assessed changes in glucose area under the curve (glucoseAUC) during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and BMI changes at 4 months.

Results

Overweight/obese participants were generally older with higher measurements in various health metrics, but lower levels in specific hormonal metrics compared to lean women (p < 0.05). Among overweight/obese women, metformin outperformed acupuncture in reducing HOMA-IR levels (p = 0.004) and showed a significant drop from the baseline after 4 months (p < 0.05). In contrast, acupuncture's effect on HOMA-IR did not significantly differ from sham acupuncture at 4 and 7 months. For lean women, metformin and acupuncture showed comparable improvements in HOMA-IR, with notable declines at 4 and 7 months (p < 0.05). Acupuncture proved more beneficial for lean women than their overweight/obese counterparts after 4 months (p = 0.021).

Conclusion

In overweight/obese women with PCOS and IR, acupuncture was less effective than metformin in enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, in lean women, acupuncture's efficacy was comparable to metformin. Further studies are required to validate these observations.

Vinorelbine Alters lncRNA Expression in Association with EGFR Mutational Status and Potentiates Tumor Progression Depending on NSCLC Cell Lines' Genetic Profile

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as the most common type. In addition, NSCLC has a high mortality rate and an overall adverse patient outcome. Although significant improvements have been made in therapeutic options, effectiveness is still limited in late stages, so the need for a better understanding of the genomics events underlying the current therapies is crucial to aid future drug development. Vinorelbine (VRB) is an anti-mitotic chemotherapy drug (third-generation vinca alkaloid) used to treat several malignancies, including NSCLC. However, despite its widespread clinical use, very little is known about VRB-associated genomic alterations in different subtypes of NSCLC. This article is an in vitro investigation of the cytotoxic effects of VRB on three different types of NSCLC cell lines, A549, Calu-6, and H1792, with a closer focus on post-treatment genetic alterations. Based on the obtained results, VRB cytotoxicity produces modifications on a cellular level, altering biological processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, cellular motility, cellular adhesion, and cell cycle, but also at a genomic level, dysregulating the expression of some coding genes, such as EGFR, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including CCAT1, CCAT2, GAS5, MALAT1, NEAT1, NORAD, XIST, and HOTAIR, that are implicated in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Therefore, although extensive validation is required, these results pave the way towards a better understanding of the cellular and genomic alterations underlying the cytotoxicity of VRB.

The "StemDif Sensor Test": A Straightforward, Non-Invasive Assay to Characterize the Secreted Stemness and/or Differentiation Activities of Tumor-Derived Cancer Cell Lines

Cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of tumor cells characterized by their ability to self-renew, induce tumors upon engraftment in animals and exhibit strong resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These cells exhibit numerous characteristics in common with embryonic stem cells, expressing some of their markers, typically absent in non-pathological adult differentiated cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of conditioned media from cancer stem cells to modulate the fate of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF)-dependent murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) as a way to obtain a direct readout of the secretome of cancer cells. A functional assay, "the StemDif sensor test", was developed with two types of cancer stem cells derived from grade IV glioblastoma (adult and pediatric) or from gastric adenocarcinoma. We show that conditioned media from the selection of adult but not pediatric Glioma-Inducing Cells (GICs) maintain mESCs' pluripotency in correlation with LIF secretion and activation of STAT3 protein. In contrast, conditioned media from gastric adenocarcinoma cells display LIF-independent stemness and differentiation activities on mESC. Our test stands out for its user-friendly procedures, affordability and straightforward output, positioning it as a pioneering tool for in-depth exploration of cancer stem cell secretome characteristics.

Controllably Self-Assembled Antibacterial Nanofibrils Based on Insect Cuticle Protein for Infectious Wound Healing

Developing self-assembled biomedical materials based on insect proteins is highly desirable due to their advantages of green, rich, and sustainable characters as well as excellent biocompatibility, which has been rarely explored. Herein, salt-induced controllable self-assembly, antibacterial performance, and infectious wound healing performance of an insect cuticle protein (OfCPH-2) originating from the Ostrinia furnacalis larva head capsule are investigated. Interestingly, the addition of salts could trigger the formation of beaded nanofibrils with uniform diameter, whose length highly depends on the salt concentration. Surprisingly, the OfCPH-2 nanofibrils not only could form functional films with broad-spectrum antibacterial abilities but also could promote infectious wound healing. More importantly, a possible wound healing mechanism was proposed, and it is the strong abilities of OfCPH-2 nanofibrils in promoting vascular formation and antibacterial activity that facilitate the process of infectious wound healing. Our exciting findings put forward instructive thoughts for developing innovative bioinspired materials based on insect proteins for wound healing and related biomedical fields.