Regulation of Synovial Inflammation and Tissue Destruction by Guanylate Binding Protein 5 in Synovial Fibroblasts From Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rats With Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Cell-specific gene networks and drivers in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissues

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune and inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and hyperplasia of the synovial tissues. RA pathogenesis involves multiple cell types, genes, transcription factors (TFs) and networks. Yet, little is known about the TFs, and key drivers and networks regulating cell function and disease at the synovial tissue level, which is the site of disease. In the present study, we used available RNA-seq databases generated from synovial tissues and developed a novel approach to elucidate cell type-specific regulatory networks on synovial tissue genes in RA. We leverage established computational methodologies to infer sample-specific gene regulatory networks and applied statistical methods to compare network properties across phenotypic groups (RA versus osteoarthritis). We developed computational approaches to rank TFs based on their contribution to the observed phenotypic differences between RA and controls across different cell types. We identified 18 (fibroblast-like synoviocyte), 16 (T cells), 19 (B cells) and 11 (monocyte) key regulators in RA synovial tissues. Interestingly, fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) and B cells were driven by multiple independent co-regulatory TF clusters that included MITF, HLX, BACH1 (FLS) and KLF13, FOSB, FOSL1 (B cells). However, monocytes were collectively governed by a single cluster of TF drivers, responsible for the main phenotypic differences between RA and controls, which included RFX5, IRF9, CREB5. Among several cell subset and pathway changes, we also detected reduced presence of Natural killer T (NKT) cells and eosinophils in RA synovial tissues. Overall, our novel approach identified new and previously unsuspected Key driver genes (KDG), TF and networks and should help better understanding individual cell regulation and co-regulatory networks in RA pathogenesis, as well as potentially generate new targets for treatment.

Inhibition of GBP5 activates autophagy to alleviate inflammatory response in LPS-induced lung injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary emphysema is a condition that causes damage to the lung tissue over time. GBP5, as part of the guanylate-binding protein family, is dysregulated in mouse pulmonary emphysema. However, the role of GBP5 in lung inflammation in ARDS remains unveiled.

METHODS

To investigate whether GBP5 regulates lung inflammation and autophagy regulation, the study employed a mouse ARDS model and MLE-12 cell culture. Vector transfection was performed for the genetic manipulation of GBP5. Then, RT-qPCR, WB and IHC staining were conducted to assess its transcriptional and expression levels. Histological features of the lung tissue were observed through HE staining. Moreover, ELISA was conducted to evaluate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, autophagy was assessed by immunofluorescent staining, and MPO activity was determined using a commercial kit.

RESULTS

Our study revealed that GBP5 expression was altered in mouse ARDS and LPS-induced MLE-12 cell models. Moreover, the suppression of GBP5 reduced lung inflammation induced by LPS in mice. Conversely, overexpression of GBP5 diminished the inhibitory impact of LPS on ARDS during autophagy, leading to increased inflammation. In the cell line of MLE-12, GBP5 exacerbates LPS-induced inflammation by blocking autophagy.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that GBP5 facilitates lung inflammation and autophagy regulation. Thus, GBP5 could be a potential therapeutic approach for improving ARDS treatment outcomes, but further research is required to validate these findings.

Genetic and Epigenetic Associations with Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication of solid organ transplantation. PTDM prevalence varies due to different diabetes definitions. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis of PTDM have been published based on random blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The task of diagnosing PTDM continues to pose challenges, given the potential for diabetes to manifest at different time points after transplantation, thus demanding constant clinical vigilance and repeated testing. Interpreting HbA1c levels can be challenging after renal transplantation. Pre-transplant risk factors for PTDM include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes, ethnicity (e.g., African-Caribbean or South Asian ancestry), and genetic risk factors. Risk factors for PTDM include immunosuppressive drugs, weight gain, hepatitis C, and cytomegalovirus infection. There is also emerging evidence that genetic and epigenetic variation in the organ transplant recipient may influence the risk of developing PTDM. This review outlines many known risk factors for PTDM and details some of the pathways, genetic variants, and epigenetic features associated with PTDM. Improved understanding of established and emerging risk factors may help identify people at risk of developing PTDM and may reduce the risk of developing PTDM or improve the management of this complication of organ transplantation.

Guanylate-binding protein 5-mediated cell-autonomous immunity suppresses inflammation in dental pulpitis: An in vitro study

AIM

Guanylate-binding protein 5 (GBP5) is an interferon (IFN)-inducible GTPase that plays a crucial role in the cell-autonomous immune response against microbial infections. In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory role of GBP5 in the pathogenesis of dental pulpitis.

METHODOLOGY

Gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to evaluate the IFN-γ signalling pathway, and the differential expression of GBP mRNA in normal versus inflamed dental pulp tissues was screened, based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets associated with pulpitis. Both normal pulp tissues and inflamed pulp tissues were used for experiments. The expression of IFNs and GBPs was determined by qRT-PCR. Immunoblotting and double immunofluorescence were performed to examine the cellular localization of GBP5 in dental pulp tissues. For the functional studies, IFN-γ priming or lentivirus vector-delivered shRNA was used to, respectively, overexpress or knock down endogenous GBP5 expression in human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs). Subsequently, LPS was used to stimulate HDPSCs (overexpressing or with knocked-down GBP5) to establish an in vitro model of inflammation. qRT-PCR and ELISA were employed to examine the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). Every experiment has three times of biological replicates and three technical replicates, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA, and a p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

GSEA analysis based on the GEO dataset revealed a significant activation of the IFN-γ signalling pathway in the human pulpitis group. Among the human GBPs evaluated, GBP5 was selectively upregulated in inflamed dental pulp tissues and predominantly expressed in dental pulp cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that IFN-γ robustly induced the expression of GBP5 in HDPSCs. Knockdown of GBP5 expression in HDPSCs significantly amplified the LPS-induced upregulation of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and COX2) both with and without IFN-γ priming.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that GBP5 partook in the pathogenesis of dental pulpitis. The involvement of GBP5 in pulpitis appeared to coordinate the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Knockdown of GBP5 contributed to the exacerbation of LPS-mediated inflammation.

Cell-Specific Gene Networks and Drivers in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissues

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune and inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and hyperplasia of the synovial tissues. RA pathogenesis involves multiple cell types, genes, transcription factors (TFs) and networks. Yet, little is known about the TFs, and key drivers and networks regulating cell function and disease at the synovial tissue level, which is the site of disease. In the present study, we used available RNA-seq databases generated from synovial tissues and developed a novel approach to elucidate cell type-specific regulatory networks on synovial tissue genes in RA. We leverage established computational methodologies to infer sample-specific gene regulatory networks and applied statistical methods to compare network properties across phenotypic groups (RA versus osteoarthritis). We developed computational approaches to rank TFs based on their contribution to the observed phenotypic differences between RA and controls across different cell types. We identified 18,16,19,11 key regulators of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS), T cells, B cells, and monocyte signatures and networks, respectively, in RA synovial tissues. Interestingly, FLS and B cells were driven by multiple independent co-regulatory TF clusters that included MITF, HLX, BACH1 (FLS) and KLF13, FOSB, FOSL1 (synovial B cells). However, monocytes were collectively governed by a single cluster of TF drivers, responsible for the main phenotypic differences between RA and controls, which included RFX5, IRF9, CREB5. Among several cell subset and pathway changes, we also detected reduced presence of NKT cell and eosinophils in RA synovial tissues. Overall, our novel approach identified new and previously unsuspected KDG, TF and networks and should help better understanding individual cell regulation and co-regulatory networks in RA pathogenesis, as well as potentially generate new targets for treatment.

The IRF1/GBP5 axis promotes osteoarthritis progression by activating chondrocyte pyroptosis

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that primarily affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. The decline in chondrocyte function plays a crucial role in the development of OA. Inflammasome-mediated chondrocyte pyroptosis is implicated in matrix degradation and cartilage degeneration in OA patients. Guanylate binding protein 5 (GBP5), a member of the GTPase family induced by Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), significantly influences cellular inflammatory responses, including intracellular inflammasome activation and cytokine release. However, the role of GBP5 in chondrocyte pyroptosis and OA progression remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we used tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to induce inflammation and created an OA mouse model with surgically-induced destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). We isolated and cultured primary chondrocytes from the knee joints of suckling C57 mice. TNF-α-stimulated primary chondrocytes served as an in vitro model for OA and underwent RNA sequencing. Chondrocytes were transfected with GBP5-overexpression plasmids and small interfering RNA and were subsequently treated with TNF-α. We assessed the expression of cartilage matrix components (COL2A1 and aggrecan), catabolic factors (MMP9 and MMP13), and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway genes (NLRP3, Caspase1, GSDMD, Pro-IL-1β, and Pro-Caspase1) using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. We analyzed the expression of GBP5, NLRP3, and Caspase1 in the cartilage of DMM-induced post-traumatic OA mice and human OA patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of GBP5, NLRP3 and GSDMD in cartilage specimens from OA patients and mouse DMM models. Chondrocyte pyroptosis was assessed using flow cytometry, and the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured with ELISA. We conducted double luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to confirm the relationship between IRF1 and GBP5.

Results

GBP5 expression increased in TNF-α-induced chondrocytes, as revealed by RNA sequencing. GBP5 inhibited COL2A1 and aggrecan expression while promoting the expression of MMP9, MMP13, NLRP3, Caspase1, GSDMD, Pro-IL-1β, and Pro-Caspase1. GBP5 expression also increased in the cartilage of DMM-induced post-traumatic OA mice and human OA patients. Knockout of GBP5 reduced chondrocyte injury in OA mice. GBP5 promoted chondrocyte pyroptosis and the production of IL-1β and IL-18. Additionally, we found that IRF1 bound to the promoter region of GBP5, enhancing its expression. After co-transfected with ad-IRF1 and siGBP5, the expression of pyroptosis-related genes was significantly decreased compared with ad-IRF1 group.

Conclusions

The IRF1/GBP5 axis enhances extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and promotes pyroptosis during OA development, through the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

The translational potential of this article

This study underscores the significance of the IRF1/GBP5 axis in NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated chondrocyte pyroptosis and osteoarthritic chondrocyte injury. Modulating IRF1 and GBP5 expression could serve as a novel therapeutic target for OA.

Integrated analyses delineate distinctive immunological pathways and diagnostic signatures for Behcet's disease by leveraging gene microarray data

Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory vasculitis and clinically heterogeneous disorder caused by immunocyte aberrations. Comprehensive research on gene expression patterns in BD illuminating its aetiology is lacking. E-MTAB-2713 downloaded from ArrayExpress was analysed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using limma. Random forest (RF) and neural network (NN) classification models composed of gene signatures were established using the E-MTAB-2713 training set and subsequently verified using GSE17114. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to assess immunocyte infiltration. After identifying DEGs in E-MTAB-2713, pathogen-triggered, lymphocyte-mediated and angiogenesis- and glycosylation-related inflammatory pathways were discovered to be predominant in BD episodes. Gene signatures from the RF and NN diagnostic models, together with genes enriched in angiogenesis and glycosylation pathways, well discriminated the clinical subtypes of BD manifesting as mucocutaneous, ocular and large vein thrombosis involvement in GSE17114. Moreover, a distinctive immunocyte profile revealed T, NK and dendritic cell activation in BD compared to the findings in healthy controls. Our findings suggested that EPHX1, PKP2, EIF4B and HORMAD1 expression in CD14+ monocytes and CSTF3 and TCEANC2 expression in CD16+ neutrophils could serve as combined gene signatures for BD phenotype differentiation. Pathway genes comprising ATP2B4, MYOF and NRP1 for angiogenesis and GXYLT1, ENG, CD69, GAA, SIGLEC7, SIGLEC9 and SIGLEC16 for glycosylation also might be applicable diagnostic markers for subtype identification.

Sinomenine ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by targeting GBP5 and regulating the P2X7 receptor to suppress NLRP3-related signaling pathways

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Sinomenii Caulis, a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Clinical trials have shown that SIN has comparable efficacy to methotrexate in treating patients with RA but with fewer adverse effects. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic targets of SIN in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were pretreated with SIN (160, 320, 640 µM); and CIA mice were administered SIN (25, 50 and 100 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) for 30 days. We first conducted a solvent-induced protein precipitation (SIP) assay in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and found positive evidence for the direct binding of SIN to guanylate-binding protein 5 (GBP5), which was supported by molecular simulation docking, proteomics, and binding affinity assays (KD = 3.486 µM). More importantly, SIN treatment markedly decreased the expression levels of proteins involved in the GBP5/P2X7R-NLRP3 pathways in both LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and the paw tissue of CIA mice. Moreover, the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α in both the supernatant of inflammatory cells and the serum of CIA mice were significantly reduced. This study illustrates a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism of SIN; SIN suppresses the activity of NLRP3-related pathways by competitively binding GBP5 and downregulating P2X7R protein expression, which ultimately contributes to the reduction of IL-1β and IL-18 production. The binding specificity of SIN to GBP5 and its inhibitory effect on GBP5 activity suggest that SIN has great potential as a specific GBP5 antagonist.

Gbp3 is associated with the progression of lupus nephritis by regulating cell proliferation, inflammation and pyroptosis

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major cause death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We aimed to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LN and confirm the regulatory mechanism on LN. The mouse model of LN was constructed by subcutaneous injection of pristane. RNA-seq screened 392 up-regulated and 447 down-regulated DEGs in LN mouse model, and KEGG analysis found that the top 20 DEGs were enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, etc. The hub genes, Kynu, Spidr, Gbp3, Cbr1, Cyp4b1, and Cndp2 were identified, in which Gbp3 was selected for following study. Afterwards, the function of Gbp3 on the proliferation, inflammation, and pyroptosis of LN was verified by CCK-8, ELISA, and WB in vitro. The results demonstrated that si-Gbp3 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8) and pyroptosis-related proteins (GSDMD, Caspase-1 and NLRP3) in a cell model of LN. In constrast, Gbp3 overexpression played an opposite role. In summary, Gbp3 promoted the progression of LN via inhibiting cell proliferation and facilitating inflammation and pyroptosis.

The relationship between vaginal microenvironment and pelvic dysfunctional diseases in Chinese women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on the combined effects of the vaginal microenvironment on pelvic dysfunctional diseases.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China Knowledge Network (CNKI) databases were systematically searched up to January 2023 using the following MeSH terms: "pelvic organ prolapse", "stress urinary incontinence" and "vaginal microenvironment", "microenvironment", "vaginal cleanliness", "vaginitis", "lactobacillus" and other related keywords. Study methods were limited to case-control studies or cross-sectional studies. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of eight articles were included in this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA), which involved a total of 7298 study participants. The pooled results of this meta-analysis showed that the vaginal microenvironment (number of vaginal lactobacilli, leukorrhea cleanliness, and presence of vaginitis) were all statistically significantly associated with pelvic dysfunctional diseases in Chinese women.

CONCLUSION

This review indicates that the vaginal microenvironment has an impact on the development of PFD in Chinese women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol of this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) has been registered in PROSPERO databases with the Registration number of CRD42023407251.

Role of Ultrasonic Microbubbles in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: Enhancing the Efficacy of Tocilizumab via Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound-Monitored, Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to explore the feasibility of using ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to deliver tocilizumab and enhance its efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: group 1, tocilizumab + microbubbles (MBs) + UTMD; group 2, tocilizumab + MBs; group 3, tocilizumab + saline; group 4, MBs + UTMD; group 5, no treatment. We employed a commercially available ultrasound (US) machine capable of performing contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and UTMD simultaneously using a single probe. CEUS was performed to monitor the entry and collapse of MBs. After treatment, the rats' left hindlimb paws were harvested for immunohistochemical staining of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).

RESULTS

After injection of the mixture of drugs and MBs with UTMD, significant enhancement was seen in the inflamed hindlimb paw regions, which subsided immediately on exposure to low-frequency US beams and re-appeared in the intervals between beam exposures. IL-6 expression was significantly lower in groups 1, 2 and 3 than in groups 4 and 5 (p < 0.01). Group 1 had the lowest level of IL-6 expression (p [G1 vs. G2] < 0.01, p [G1 vs. G3] < 0.01). The levels of TNF-α expression in groups 1, 2, and 3 were significantly lower than those in groups 4 and 5, but no difference was observed in these levels between groups 1-3.

CONCLUSION

UTMD shows promise in enhancing the treatment efficacy of anti-IL-6 drugs for RA treatment.

Peripheral blood cellular dynamics of rheumatoid arthritis treatment informs about efficacy of response to disease modifying drugs

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation and is mediated by multiple immune cell types. In this work, we aimed to determine the relevance of changes in cell proportions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during the development of disease and following treatment. Samples from healthy blood donors, newly diagnosed RA patients, and established RA patients that had an inadequate response to MTX and were about to start tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) treatment were collected before and after 3 months of treatment. We used in parallel a computational deconvolution approach based on RNA expression and flow cytometry to determine the relative cell-type frequencies. Cell-type frequencies from deconvolution of gene expression indicate that monocytes (both classical and non-classical) and CD4⁺ cells (T_h1 and T_h2) were increased in RA patients compared to controls, while NK cells and B cells (naïve and mature) were significantly decreased in RA patients. Treatment with MTX caused a decrease in B cells (memory and plasma cell), and a decrease in CD4 T_h cells (T_h1 and T_h17), while treatment with TNFi resulted in a significant increase in the population of B cells. Characterization of the RNA expression patterns found that most of the differentially expressed genes in RA subjects after treatment can be explained by changes in cell frequencies (98% and 74% respectively for MTX and TNFi).

Chemotherapy-induced phlebitis via the GBP5/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and the therapeutic effect of aescin

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intravenous infusion of chemotherapy drugs can cause severe chemotherapy-induced phlebitis (CIP) in patients. However, the underlying mechanism of CIP development remains unclear.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

RNA-sequencing analysis was used to identify potential disease targets in CIP. Guanylate binding protein-5 (GBP5) genetic deletion approaches also were used to investigate the role of GBP5 in NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) primed murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) induced by vinorelbine (VIN) in vitro and in mouse models of VIN-induced CIP in vivo. The anti-CIP effect of aescin was evaluated, both in vivo and in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

Here, we show that the expression of GBP5 was upregulated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CIP patients. Genetic ablation of GBP5 in murine macrophages significantly alleviated VIN-induced CIP in the experimental mouse model. Mechanistically, GBP5 contributed to the inflammatory responses through activating NLRP3 inflammasome and driving the production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Moreover, aescin, a mixture of triterpene saponins extracted from horse chestnut seed, can alleviate CIP by inhibiting the GBP5/NLRP3 axis.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings suggest that GBP5 is an important regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome in CIP mouse model. Our work further reveals that aescin may serve as a promising candidate in the clinical treatment of CIP.

Resveratrol-Loaded Chia Seed Oil-Based Nanogel as an Anti-Inflammatory in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Natural anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals may be useful in preventing rheumatoid arthritis from worsening. Resveratrol (RV) and chia seed oil, having antioxidant potential, can assist in avoiding oxidative stress-related disorders. This investigation developed and evaluated resveratrol-loaded chia seed oil-based nanoemulsion (NE) gel formulations through in vitro and in vivo studies. The physical stability and in vitro drug permeability of the chosen formulations (NE1 to NE10) were studied. The optimized RV-loaded nanoemulsion (NE2) had droplets with an average size of 37.48 nm that were homogeneous in shape and had a zeta potential of -18 mV. RV-NE2, with a permeability of 98.21 ± 4.32 µg/cm²/h, was gelled with 1% carbopol-940P. A 28-day anti-arthritic assessment (body weight, paw edema, and levels of pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and COX-2) following topical administration of RV-NE2 gel showed significant reversal of arthritic symptoms in arthritic Wistar rats induced by Freund's complete adjuvant injection. Therefore, RV-NE2 gel demonstrated the potential to achieve local therapeutic benefits in inflammatory arthritic conditions due to its increased topical bioavailability and balancing of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Pyroptosis-Related Signature Predicts the Progression of Ulcerative Colitis and Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer as well as the Anti-TNF Therapeutic Response

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex intestinal inflammation with an increasing risk of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). However, the pathogenesis is still unclear between active UC and inactive UC. Recently, it has been reported that pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) are closely associated with inflammatory disease activity. Nevertheless, the specific roles of PRGs in the progression and treatment of UC and CAC remain unclear. In this study, we identified 30 differentially expressed PRGs based on the immune landscape of active and inactive UC samples. Meanwhile, weighted gene coexpression network analysis was applied to explore important genes associated with active UC. By intersecting with the differentially expressed PRGs, CASP5, GBP1, GZMB, IL1B, and IRF1 were selected as key PRGs to construct a pyroptosis-related signature (PR-signature). Then, logistic regression analysis was performed to validate the PR-signature and establish a pyroptosis-related score (PR-Score). We demonstrated that PR-Score had a powerful ability to distinguish active UC from inactive UC in multiple datasets. Besides, PR-Score was positively correlated with immune cell infiltration and inflammatory microenvironment in UC. Lower PR-Score was associated with a better response to anti-TNF therapy for patients with UC. Additionally, high-PR-Score was found to suppress CAC and improve the survival outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer. Finally, the levels of the PR-signature genes were validated both in vitro and in vivo. These findings can improve our understanding of PRGs in UC and provide new markers for predicting the occurrence of active UC or CAC and the treatment of UC.

Clinical effect and biological mechanism of exercise for rheumatoid arthritis: A mini review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systematic, chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and polyarticular disease, causing a range of clinical manifestations, including joint swelling, redness, pain, stiffness, fatigue, decreased quality of life, progressive disability, cardiovascular problems, and other comorbidities. Strong evidence has shown that exercise is effective for RA treatment in various clinical domains. Exercise training for relatively longer periods (e.g., ≥ 12 weeks) can decrease disease activity of RA. However, the mechanism underlying the effectiveness of exercise in reducing RA disease activity remains unclear. This review first summarizes and highlights the effectiveness of exercise in RA treatment. Then, we integrate current evidence and propose biological mechanisms responsible for the potential effects of exercise on immune cells and immunity, inflammatory response, matrix metalloproteinases, oxidative stress, and epigenetic regulation. However, a large body of evidence was obtained from the non-RA populations. Future studies are needed to further examine the proposed biological mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of exercise in decreasing disease activity in RA populations. Such knowledge will contribute to the basic science and strengthen the scientific basis of the prescription of exercise therapy for RA in the clinical routine.

Heilaohuacid G, a new triterpenoid from Kadsura coccinea inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and ameliorates inflammation in RA-FLS and RAW 264.7 cells via suppressing NF-𝜅B pathway

Heilaohu, the roots of Kadsura coccinea, has been used in Tujia ethnomedicine to treat rheumatic arthritis (RA). Heilaohuacid G (1), a new 3,4-seco-lanostane type triterpenoid isolated from the ethanol extract of Heilaohu, whose structure was determined using HR-ESI-MS data, NMR spectroscopic analyses, and ECD calculations. In this study, our purpose is to elucidate the mechanisms of Heilaohuacid G in the treatment of RA by inhibited proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis-fibroblastoid synovial (RA-FLS) cells and inhibited the inflammatory reactions in LPS-induced RA-FLS and RAW 264.7 cell lines via inhibiting NF-κB pathway. The biological activity screening experiments indicated that Heilaohuacid G significantly inhibited proliferation of RA-FLS cells with IC50 value of 8.16 ± 0.47 μM. CCK-8 assay, ELISA, flow cytometry assay, and Western blot were used to measure the changes of cell viability, apoptosis, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Heilaohuacid G was found not only induced RA-FLS cell apoptosis, but also inhibited the inflammatory reactions in LPS-induced RA-FLS and RAW 264.7 cell lines via inhibiting NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, Heilaohuacid G (p.o.) at doses of 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 mg/kg and the ethanol extracts of Heilaohu (p.o.) at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg both were confirmed antiinflammatory effects on xylene-induced ear mice edema model.

Extracellular sulfatase-2 is overexpressed in rheumatoid arthritis and mediates the TNF-α-induced inflammatory activation of synovial fibroblasts

Extracellular sulfatase-2 (Sulf-2) influences receptor-ligand binding and subsequent signaling by chemokines and growth factors, yet Sulf-2 remains unexplored in inflammatory cytokine signaling in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we characterized Sulf-2 expression in RA and investigated its potential role in TNF-α-induced synovial inflammation using primary human RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). Sulf-2 expression was significantly higher in serum and synovial tissues from patients with RA and in synovium and serum from hTNFtg mice. RNA sequencing analysis of TNF-α-stimulated RASFs showed that Sulf-2 siRNA modulated ~2500 genes compared to scrambled siRNA. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of RNA sequencing data identified Sulf-2 as a primary target in fibroblasts and macrophages in RA. Western blot, ELISA, and qRT‒PCR analyses confirmed that Sulf-2 knockdown reduced the TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM1, VCAM1, CAD11, PDPN, CCL5, CX3CL1, CXCL10, and CXCL11. Signaling studies identified the protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways as key in the TNF-α-mediated induction of proteins related to cellular adhesion and invasion. Knockdown of Sulf-2 abrogated TNF-α-induced RASF proliferation. Sulf-2 knockdown with siRNA and inhibition by OKN-007 suppressed the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of PKCδ and JNK, thereby suppressing the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of the transcription factors AP-1 and NF-κBp65 in human RASFs. Interestingly, Sulf-2 expression positively correlated with the expression of TNF receptor 1, and coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the binding of these two proteins, suggesting they exhibit crosstalk in TNF-α signaling. This study identified a novel role of Sulf-2 in TNF-α signaling and the activation of RA synoviocytes, providing the rationale for evaluating the therapeutic targeting of Sulf-2 in preclinical models of RA.

Emerging role of EZH2 in rheumatic diseases: A comprehensive review

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methylated enzyme. It trimethylates histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) to regulate epigenetic processes. Recently, studies showed excessive expression of EZH2 in rheumatic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and systemic sclerosis. Moreover, epigenetic modification of EZH2 regulates differentiation and proliferation of different immune cells. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively discuss the role of EZH2 in rheumatic diseases. Collection of the evidence may provide a basis for further understanding the role of EZH2 and give potential for targeting these diseases.

The Proinflammatory Role of Guanylate-Binding Protein 5 in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Since guanylate-binding protein 5 (GBP5) induces the NLRP3 inflammasome activity, we aim to investigate the potential role of GBP5 in IBD pathogenesis. The expression of GBP5, NLRP3 inflammasome, and related cytokines and chemokines was examined in two cohorts of IBD patients and healthy controls, by microarray transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time PCR. Cellular localization of GBP5 in colonic biopsies was examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with confocal microscopy. For functional studies, GBP5 was induced by interferon γ or silenced by siRNA or CRISPR/CAS9 technique, and inflammatory activities were evaluated at mRNA and protein levels. We found that the expression of GBP5 was elevated in colonic mucosa in two geographically and culturally distinct IBD cohorts. In colonic tissues of IBD patients, GBP5 expression was mainly confined to immune cells and the levels of GBP5 expression were correlated with those of the inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In cultured T and macrophage cells, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines was increased when GBP5 was induced, while GBP5 deficiency leads to decreased expression of proinflammatory mediators including gasdermin D, caspase 1, cytokines, and chemokines. We conclude that GBP5 is required in the expression of many proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in intestinal immune cells. In addition, GBP5 may upregulate inflammatory reactions through an inflammasome-mediated mechanism. Since GBP5 plays a proinflammatory role at the early steps of the inflammatory cascades of IBD pathogenesis, and is implicated in IBD patients of distinct genetic and environmental backgrounds, targeting GBP5 could be an effective strategy for the management of IBD.

Antioxidant glutathione inhibits inflammation in synovial fibroblasts via PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway: An in vitro study

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether glutathione (GSH) could decrease the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce inflammation, and modulate the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT (PTEN/PI3K/AKT) in synovial fibroblasts (SFs).

Patients and methods

A total of 30 DBA/1J female mice were used in this study. The release of ROS in MH7A cells was examined using a ROS assay kit. The effects of GSH on the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in mouse SFs and MH7A cells, respectively. The PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway was investigated via Western blotting. The effects of buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), as an inhibitor of GSH, on these molecules were examined.

Results

The ROS were decreased after GSH treatment, and the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, were also significantly inhibited after GSH stimulation. However, the IL-10 levels were enhanced, and GSH increased the expression of PTEN. The GSH suppressed the activation of phosphorylated (p)-PI3K and p-AKT. The supplementation of the BSO restored the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway with a high production of ROS. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were also elevated, when the BSO was added.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that GSH can act as an inflammatory suppressor by downregulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway in MH7A cells. These data indicated a novel function of GSH for improving the inflammation of RA SFs and may help to alleviate the pathological process of RA.

Targeting MyD88 Downregulates Inflammatory Mediators and Pathogenic Processes in PBMC From DMARDs-Naïve Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

MyD88-dependent intracellular signalling cascades and subsequently NF-kappaB-mediated transcription lead to the dynamic inflammatory processes underlying the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to identify the effect of the MyD88 dimerization inhibitor, ST2825, as a modulator of pathogenic gene expression signatures and systemic inflammation in disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)-naïve RA patients. We analyzed bulk RNA-seq from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in DMARDs-naïve RA patients after stimulation with LPS and IL-1β. The transcriptional profiles of ST2825-treated PBMC were analyzed to identify its therapeutic potential. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was implemented to identify downregulated pathogenic processes. Our analysis revealed 631 differentially expressed genes between DMARDs-naïve RA patients before and after ST2825 treatment. ST2825-treated RA PBMC exhibited a gene expression signature similar to that of healthy controls PBMC by downregulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteases. In addition, B cell receptor, IL-17 and IL-15 signalling were critically downregulated pathways by ST2825. Furthermore, we identified eight genes (MMP9, CXCL9, MZB1, FUT7, TGM2, IGLV1-51, LINC01010, and CDK1) involved in pathogenic processes that ST2825 can potentially inhibit in distinct cell types within the RA synovium. Overall, our findings indicate that targeting MyD88 effectively downregulates systemic inflammatory mediators and modulates the pathogenic processes in PBMC from DMARDs-naïve RA patients. ST2825 could also potentially inhibit upregulated genes in the RA synovium, preventing synovitis and joint degeneration.