Methods for Evaluation of TNF-α Inhibition Effect

Determination of Gingival Index and Salivary Proinflammatory Cytokines (Interleukin 6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor α) After Chemical-Mechanical Retraction Procedure

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the impact of the gingival chemical-mechanical retraction procedure on the value of the gingival index (GI) and salivary concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The importance of this clinical study is that it provides an exact conclusion regarding the behaviour of the gingival tissue after the application of an impregnated retraction cord in the gingival sulcus of the subjects. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted as a prospective clinical study. The study included 60 subjects divided into two experimental groups, i.e., with and without tooth preparation. Each group was divided into two subgroups according to the retraction agent used. The parameters were measured before, one day after, and three days after the retraction procedure. Results: One day after the application of both gingival retraction agents in both study groups, there was a statistically significant increase in the value of the GI and the salivary concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.001) compared to the values at the beginning of the study. After 72 h, the values decreased in comparison to those from the second observation period, but they remained statistically significantly higher than the initial values of the study (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study showed moderate inflammation of the gingival tissue one day after the retraction procedure, which decreased over time. Higher values of the studied parameters were observed with the application of the ferric sulphate-based retraction agent.

Role of Long Non-Coding RNA GUSBP11 in Chronic Periodontitis Through Regulation of miR-185-5p: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

Previous studies have shown that long non-coding RNA GUSBP11 is abnormally expressed in patients with periodontitis, but the specific mechanism remains to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of GUSBP11/miR-185-5p in chronic periodontitis (CP) and its potential mechanism, so as to provide a basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of CP.

Patients and Methods

The expression trends of GUSBP11 and miR-185-5p in gingival crevicular fluid of CP patients and control group were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) induced by 10μg/mL LPS were used to construct CP cell models in vitro. The level of intracellular gene expression is regulated by cell transfection. The cell viability of HGF was evaluated by CCK-8 method, and the expression of HGF inflammatory factors was evaluated by ELISA. The targeting relationship between GUSBP11 and miR-185-5p was confirmed by luciferase reporter gene. The target genes of miR-185-5p were predicted using an online database, and the intersection target genes were obtained by constructing Venn diagram. Then GO analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed.

Results

Compared with the control group, the expression levels of GUSBP11 and miR-185-5p in gingival crevicular fluid of CP patients were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.001). The levels of GUSBP11 and miR-185-5p increased and decreased with the severity of CP, respectively (P < 0.01). LPS induces the decrease of HGF activity and the activation of inflammatory response, and the decrease of GUSBP11 may prevent the adverse effect of LPS on HGF (P < 0.001). Dual luciferase reporter genes showed that miR-185-5p interacts with GUSBP11. The increase of miR-185-5p also significantly improved the negative effect of LPS induction on HGF (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

GUSBP11 promotes the inflammatory response and proliferation inhibition of human gingival fibroblasts induced by LPS by down-regulating miR-185-5p, thus promoting the development of CP.

Biocompatibility and expression of transcription factors of a type B gelatin-Extracellular Matrix of Porcin Urinary Blader scaffold

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate a membrane based on type B gelatin (G) and porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (PUB-EM), highlighting the potential effect of the combination evaluated by biocompatibility and regulation of the expression of transcription factors involved in tissue regeneration. G-PUB-EM membranes were prepared at 12.5, 25, and 50% w/v, and evaluated for biocompatibility with Fibroblast. Chemical characterization by FTIR-ATR showed complex spectra during crosslinking process with glutaraldehyde. Physical tests were performed in deionized water and PBS for 48 h. A significant increase in swelling was observed during the first 2 h. Biocompatibility testing (MTS) and evaluation of the expression profile of genes involved in the cell cycle (Cyclin-D1 VEGF, TNF and NF-κ-B) by PCR showed an increase in viability in a PUB-EM content-dependent way, except for 50% PUB-EM membrane which showed cytotoxic effects with a decrease in cell viability below 70%. The membranes showed an increase in the expression of some factors of cell cycle, as well as inflammatory processes that could promote tissue repair. 12.5 and 25% gelatin type B/porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (G/PUB-EM) based membranes have potential for tissue regeneration applications.

IMPACT STATEMENT

The use of membranes based on type B gelatin and porcine urinary bladder for tissue engineering represents a novel strategy. Biocompatibility and signaling pathways play a primary role in tissue repair and wound recovery. Transcription factors that mediate signaling, cell division and vascularization are part of molecules that intervene in the regenerative potential of cells. These techniques will have a significant impact on tissue repair and regeneration and thus stop depending on tissue donors or other surgical sites from the same patient, as is the case with burn patients.

Protective Responses of Green Yuja Peel Extracts to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in RAW264.7 Cells

This study assessed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of green yuja peel hot water extract (GYW) and ethanol extract (GYE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. GYW and GYE (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) significantly reduced the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and reactive oxygen species in a concentration-dependent manner, without cytotoxicity. Compared with control cells, GYW and GYE significantly downregulated the protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the gene expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Conversely, they upregulated the gene expression of IL-10. Moreover, GYW and GYE significantly suppressed NF-κB p65 and IκB-α phosphorylation and increased the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) compared with control cells. These results suggest that GYW and GYE exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties by downregulating the NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 system in LPS-activated macrophages.

Cancer marker TNFRSF1A: From single‑cell heterogeneity of renal cell carcinoma to functional validation

During the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), tumor growth, metastasis and treatment response heterogeneity are regulated by both the tumor itself and the tumor microenvironment (TME). The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the TME in RCC and construct a crosstalk network for clear cell RCC (ccRCC). An additional aim was to evaluate whether TNF receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A) is a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC. Single-cell data analysis of RCC was performed using the GSE152938 dataset, focusing on key cellular components and their involvement in the ccRCC TME. Additionally, cell-cell communication was analyzed to elucidate the complex network of the ccRCC microenvironment. Analyses of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium databases were performed to further mine the key TNF receptor genes, with a particular focus on the prediction and assessment of the cancer-associated features of TNFRSF1A. In addition, following the silencing of TNFRSF1A using small interfering RNA in the 786-O ccRCC cell line, a number of in vitro experiments were conducted to further investigate the cancer-promoting characteristics of TNFRSF1A. These included 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, Transwell, cell cycle and apoptosis assays. The TNF signaling pathway was found to have a critical role in the development of ccRCC. Based on the specific crosstalk identified between TNF and TNFRSF1A, the communication of this signaling pathway within the TME was elucidated. The results of the cellular phenotype experiments indicated that TNFRSF1A promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of ccRCC cells. Consequently, it is proposed that targeting TNFRSF1A may disrupt tumor progression and serve as a therapeutic strategy. In conclusion, by understanding the TME and identifying significant crosstalk within the TNF signaling pathway, the potential of TNFRSF1A as a therapeutic target is highlighted. This may facilitate an advance in precision medicine and improve the prognosis for patients with RCC.

Dahuang zhechong pill ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

DHZCP is a traditional Chinese medicinal formula in "The Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber" that has been often used in the treatment of hepatic disorders, gynecopathy and atherosclerosis. However, its underlying mechanisms in preventing hepatic fibrosis remain incompletely understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of DHZCP in a CCL4-induced experimental hepatic fibrosis rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DHZCP was orally administered at doses of 0.168, 0.084 and 0.042 g⋅kg-1⋅d-1 in a CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis model using SD rats. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis, ELISA, Flow cytometry, WB, RT-PCR, 16 S rRNA, and untargeted metabolomic analysis were used to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of DHZCP in the treatment of CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis.

RESULTS

Pharmacodynamically, DHZCP inhibited ALT and AST, improved liver function, decreased NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue, indicating its role in inhibiting CCL4-induced liver inflammation. Most importantly, it reduces the level of fibrosis in serum and liver tissue. Histological analysis also showed that DHZCP could effectively inhibit inflammatory cytokine infiltration and excessive collagen deposition. Mechanistically, DHZCP regulates gut microbiota, improves the proportion of firmicutes and bacteroidota at the phylum level, and increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria at the genus level, such as muribagulaceae unclassified, prevotella, alloprevotella, closteriales unclassified, lachnospiraceae unclassified and phascolarctobacterium. Instead, it reduced the abundance of two harmful bacteria, desulfovibrio and colidextribacter. Four types of metabolites such as hydrocarbons, organic nitrogen compounds, organic oxygen compounds, and organosulfur compounds were added. Furthermore, DHZCP was found to reduce the damage of intestinal barrier caused by changes in gut microbiota and metabolites.

CONCLUSION

DHZCP is an effective inhibitor of hepatic fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Risk factors and an early predictive model for Kawasaki disease shock syndrome in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS), though rare, has increased risk for cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve the prognosis of KDSS patients. Our study aimed to identify risk factors and construct a predictive model for KDSS.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted from June, 2015 to July, 2023 in two children's hospitals in China. Children initially diagnosed with KDSS and children with Kawasaki disease (KD) without shock were matched at a ratio of 1:4 by using the propensity score method. Laboratory results obtained prior to shock syndrome and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin were recorded to predict the onset of KDSS. Univariable logistic regression and forward stepwise logistic regression were used to select significant and independent risk factors associated with KDSS.

RESULTS

After matching by age and gender, 73 KDSS and 292 KD patients without shock formed the development dataset; 40 KDSS and 160 KD patients without shock formed the validation dataset. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) > reference value, platelet counts (PLT) < 260 × 109/L, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 80 mg/ml, procalcitonin (PCT) > 1ng/ml, and albumin (Alb) < 35 g/L were independent risk factors for KDSS. The nomogram model including the above five indicators had area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.91(95% CI: 0.87-0.94) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86) in the development and validation datasets, with a specificity and sensitivity of 80% and 86%, 66% and 77%, respectively. Calibration curves showed good predictive accuracy of the nomogram. Decision curve analyses revealed the predictive model has application value.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified IL-10, PLT, CRP, PCT and Alb as risk factors for KDSS. The nomogram model can effectively predict the occurrence of KDSS in Chinese children. It will facilitate pediatricians in early diagnosis, which is essential to the prevention of cardiovascular complications.

Biocompatibility of hydrogel derived from equine tendon extracellular matrix in horses subcutaneous tissue

Tendinopathies account for a substantial proportion of musculoskeletal injuries. To improve treatment outcomes for partial and total tendon ruptures, new therapies are under investigation. These include the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and biocompatible scaffolds derived from the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). Synthetic polymer hydrogels have not demonstrated results as promising as those achieved with ECM hydrogels sourced from the original tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of a hydrogel formulated from equine tendon ECM. Six horses were administered three subcutaneous doses of the hydrogel, with a saline solution serving as a control. Biopsies were conducted on days 7, 14, and 56 post-application to gauge the hydrogel's impact. Throughout the experiment, the horse's physical condition remained stable. Thermographic analyses revealed a temperature increase in the treated groups compared to the control group within the initial 12 h. The von Frey test, used to measure the mechanical nociceptive threshold, also showed significant differences between the treated group and the control group at 6 h, 21 days, and 28 days. Histopathological analyses identified an inflammatory response on day 7, which was absent on days 14 and 56. Transmission electron microscopy indicated a decrease in inflammatory cellularity, while immunohistochemistry staining suggested an increased presence of inflammatory factors on day 14. In summary, the hydrogel is easily injectable, triggers a temporary local inflammatory response, and integrates into the adjacent tissue from day 14 onwards.

A Narrative Review of Cytokine Networks: Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Implications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Pathogenesis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong inflammatory immune mediated disorder, encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC); however, the cause and specific pathogenesis of IBD is yet incompletely understood. Multiple cytokines produced by different immune cell types results in complex functional networks that constitute a highly regulated messaging network of signaling pathways. Applying biological mechanisms underlying IBD at the single omic level, technologies and genetic engineering enable the quantification of the pattern of released cytokines and new insights into the cytokine landscape of IBD. We focus on the existing literature dealing with the biology of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and interactions that facilitate cell-based modulation of the immune system for IBD inflammation. We summarize the main roles of substantial cytokines in IBD related to homeostatic tissue functions and the remodeling of cytokine networks in IBD, which may be specifically valuable for successful cytokine-targeted therapies via marketed products. Cytokines and their receptors are validated targets for multiple therapeutic areas, we review the current strategies for therapeutic intervention and developing cytokine-targeted therapies. New biologics have shown efficacy in the last few decades for the management of IBD; unfortunately, many patients are nonresponsive or develop therapy resistance over time, creating a need for novel therapeutics. Thus, the treatment options for IBD beyond the immune-modifying anti-TNF agents or combination therapies are expanding rapidly. Further studies are needed to fully understand the immune response, networks of cytokines, and the direct pathogenetic relevance regarding individually tailored, safe and efficient targeted-biotherapeutics.

New natural pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and iNOS inhibitors identified from Penicillium polonicum through in vitro and in vivo studies

Overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS have been found to be concomitant with several chronic inflammatory diseases and hence targeting their inhibition would be a useful therapy for inflammation. In view of this, study on discovery of natural pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibitory lead molecules from Penicillium polonicum, an endophytic fungus isolated from the fresh fruits of Piper nigrum was performed. When the culture broth extract of P. polonicum (EEPP) was subjected to LPS-induced cytokines expression (ELISA in RAW 264.7 cells), it exhibited inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β and this encouraged us to do chemical investigation on EEPP to explore the bioactive components. Four compounds isolated and characterised as 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl propionic acid (1), 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (2), indole 3-carboxylic acid (3) and tyrosol (4) were tested for their effect on the production of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells (ELISA). All the compounds exhibited a highly significant (P < 0.0001) inhibition effect, particularly against IL-1β (IC₅₀: 4-0.91 μM, 1-2.81 μM, 3-4.38 μM, and 2-5.54 μM). Tyrosol (4) was most active with IC₅₀ values of 0.91, 2.67 and 4.60 μM against IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively. On observing the potential activity of the compounds, two compositions C1 and C2 were prepared by mixing equimolar concentrations of compounds 1, 2, 3 & 4 (C1) and compounds 1, 2, 3, 4 & piperine (C2) in equal ratio. A synergistic effect was observed with C1 exhibiting potential suppression of IL-6 secretion (IC₅₀ 1.91 μM) and C2 against IL-1β (IC₅₀ 5.98 μM). Also, the individual compounds and C1 were effective in controlling iNOS expressions in RAW 264.7 cells (RTPCR). Further, the in vivo performance of the compounds and compositions were studied under two in vivo inflammatory models (LPS-induced endotoxaemia and carrageenan-induced paw oedema). Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, C1 and C2 at 50 mg/kg oral dose showed a significant control over the LPS-stimulated TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in plasma. C1, C2 and 1 exhibited > 50% pan-cytokine inhibition effect. Under the carrageenan-induced anti-inflammatory model, a significant reduction in the paw oedema measured in terms of the difference in the paw thickness was observed. Further, attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels following ELISA and RT-PCR experiments in the paw tissue homogenate was in agreement with paw thickness results. All compounds and C1 decreased the iNOS gene expression levels, and also the MPO activity and NO production in the paw tissue homogenate with tyrosol (4) as the most active molecule. Further, the mechanism of action was explored by testing the effect of the compounds on the expression of inflammatory markers using western blot analysis (in vitro). They were found to regulate the expression of pro-form and matured-form of IL-1β by inhibiting NFκB. Also, the compounds reduced the translocation of the NF-κB subunit p65 to the nucleus. Thus, compounds 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl propionic acid (1), 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol (2), indole 3-carboxylic acid (3) and tyrosol (4) are reported as new natural multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibitory leads. The interesting results of C1 might lay a footing for the development of a new anti-inflammatory composition.

A New Lignan (Polonilignan) and Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Production from Penicillium polonicum, an Endophytic Fungi of Piper nigrum

Inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) or its production is found to be of therapeutic benefit. To discover natural small molecule inhibitors of NO production, a bioassay- and LC/MS-guided chemical investigation was done on the metabolites of endophytic fungus isolated from fresh Piper nigrum fruits. The isolated pure strain was identified as Penicillium polonicum by 16S rDNA sequence comparison. The culture broth extract of P. polonicum (EEPP) exhibited a significant reduction of NO production (Griess method) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (P<0.0001). To understand the chemical constituents of bioactive EEPP, column chromatography and p-TLC studies were carried out, which yielded eight pure compounds. They were characterised as botryosphaeridione (1), 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy)phenylpropionic acid (2), variabilone (3), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (4), indole-3-carboxylic acid (5), tyrosol (6), ethyl ferulate (7) and a new lignan (8) based on the spectral analysis. The structure elucidation of the new lignan, named polonilignan (8), was based on HR-MS, 1 H- & 13 C-NMR, H-H COSY, HSQC and HMBC spectra. Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 6 showed a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in the production of NO in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Tyrosol (6) and indole-3-carboxylic acid (5) controlled nitrite release with IC50 values of 22.84 and 55.01 μM, respectively. This is the first report of (i) P. polonicum as an endophytic fungus of pepper fruits, (ii) isolation of compounds 1-8 except 6 from P. polonicum culture broth extract and (iii) NO inhibition effect of 2, 4, 5 and 6.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Peptide KN-17

Peri-implantitis, an infectious disease originating from dental biofilm that forms around dental implants, which causes the loss of both osseointegration and bone tissue. KN-17, a truncated cecropin B peptide, demonstrated efficacy against certain bacterial strains associated with peri-implantitis. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms of KN-17. The effects of KN-17 on oral pathogenic bacteria were assessed by measuring its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Moreover, the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of KN-17 were evaluated. KN-17 inhibited the growth of Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum during in vitro biofilm formation and possessed low toxicity to hBMSCs cells. KN-17 also caused RAW264.7 macrophages to transform from M1 to M2 by downregulating pro-inflammatory and upregulating anti-inflammatory factors. It inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway by reducing IκBα and P65 protein phosphorylation while promoting IκBα degradation and nuclear P65 translocation. KN-17 might be an efficacious prophylaxis against peri-implant inflammation.

The beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicine on antioxidative status and inflammatory cytokines expression in the liver of piglets

Oxidative stress and inflammation seriously affected the growth and development of piglets. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions has been used to prevent various diseases of piglets, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Here, we identified the effects of Xiao-Jian-Zhong-Tang (XJZT) and Jingsananli-sepsis (JJS) on the oxidative stress and inflammatory in the liver of piglets. The piglets were fed with the basal diet (Control group), basal diet affixed with 10 g/kg XJZT (TCM I group), and basal diet affixed with 3 g/kg JJS (TCM II group), respectively. The serum was gathered on days 30 and 60 and the liver samples were also collected on day 60. Results showed that the TCM I and TCM II markedly increased the activities of the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and reduced the levels of malonaldehyde (MDA), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in serum. In addition, compared to the control group, Nrf2, SOD-1, NQO-1, and HO-1 mRNA expression levels and the protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased while NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression levels and the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and IκB-α were decreased in TCM I and TCM II groups. Collectively, these findings suggested that TCM I and TCM II could enhance anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities in the liver of piglets via the Nrf2/NF-κB pathway, providing a basis for the functional exploration of TCM prescriptions.