Association Between Serum S100A8/S100A9 Heterodimer and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Serum Calprotectin in the Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Diseases: An Ace up Your Sleeve?

Background: Calprotectin (CP) is a calcium- and zinc-binding protein that plays a key role in innate immunity and in the recruitment of inflammatory cells. CP can be detected both in serum and in fecal samples. Serum CP (sCP) is more specific for autoimmune diseases, while fecal CP (fCP) has been well investigated for gastrointestinal diseases. Few studies have shown the clinical effectiveness of sCP as an acute-phase biomarker for gastrointestinal diseases. Aim: The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the role of sCP as a useful alternative biomarker of the acute-phase activity of gastrointestinal diseases and as a possible tool for screening and monitoring these diseases. Material and Methods: We searched original articles, abstracts, reviews, case reports, and clinical trials on PubMed®, Up-to-Date®, and Medscape® in the last ten years. Conclusion: We found that sCP could represent a useful biomarker in the evaluation of the inflammatory stage in patients with immune-mediated gastrointestinal diseases, but more studies are needed to promote its routine use in clinical practice as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as a replacement for fCP.

Modified Bushen Yiqi Formula mitigates pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling by inhibiting neutrophils chemotaxis and IL17 signaling pathway in rats with COPD

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health concern characterized by pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling. Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Modified Jiawei Bushen Yiqi Formula (MBYF), has been used as a complementary therapy for COPD in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic potential of MBYF in a rat model of COPD induced by cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and explore the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The COPD rat model was established through 24 weeks of CS exposure, with MBYF administration starting in the 9th week. Pulmonary function, histological analysis, inflammatory cell count and molecular assays were employed to assess the effects of MBYF on airway remodeling, pulmonary inflammation, neutrophils chemotaxis and the IL17 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

MBYF treatment effectively delayed airway remodeling, as evidenced by improved pulmonary function parameters. Histological examination and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis revealed that MBYF mitigated CS-induced pulmonary inflammation by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. Pharmacological network analysis suggested that MBYF may act through the IL17 signaling pathway to regulate inflammatory responses. RNA-sequencing and molecular assays indicated that MBYF inhibited neutrophils chemotaxis through downregulating the CXCL1/CXCL5/CXCL8-CXCR2 axis, and suppressed IL17A, IL17F and its downstream cytokines, including IL6, TNFα, IL1β, and COX2. Furthermore, MBYF inhibited the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in the IL17 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

MBYF exhibits potential as an adjunct or alternative treatment for COPD, effectively mitigating CS-induced pulmonary inflammation and airway remodeling through the inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis and IL17 signaling pathway.

Plasma sCD146 is a potential biomarker for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study examined the levels of soluble CD146 (sCD146) in plasma samples from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and assessed the relationship between sCD146 and the severity of COPD. A total of 97 COPD patients were recruited from 20 medical centers in Jiangsu, China, including 13 stable subjects and 84 exacerbated subjects. The plasma sCD146 level in exacerbated subjects (28.77 ± 10.80 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in stable subjects (38.84 ± 15.00 ng/mL). In the high sCD146 group, the proportion of subjects with modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores of 0-1 was higher, the proportion of subjects with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 4 was lower, and the proportion of subjects with ≥1 hospitalizations in the past year was lower. The plasma sCD146 level was negatively correlated with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score (r = -0.2664, p = 0.0087). Logistic regression analysis showed that sCD146 was an independent risk factor for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested that sCD146 combined with sex, age, pulmonary function, and acute exacerbations in the past year had clinical value for the accurate identification of AECOPD, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.908 (95% CI: 0.810-1.000, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between plasma sCD146 and S100A9 (r = -0.3939, p < 0.001).

Inflammation as the nexus: exploring the link between acute myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly following acute exacerbations (AE-COPD), significantly heightens the risks and mortality associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The intersection of COPD and AMI is characterised by a considerable overlap in inflammatory mechanisms, which play a crucial role in the development of both conditions. Although extensive research has been conducted on individual inflammatory pathways in AMI and COPD, the understanding of thrombo-inflammatory crosstalk in comorbid settings remains limited. The effectiveness of various inflammatory components in reducing AMI infarct size or slowing COPD progression has shown promise, yet their efficacy in the context of comorbidity with COPD and AMI is not established. This review focuses on the critical importance of both local and systemic inflammation, highlighting it as a key pathophysiological connection between AMI and COPD/AE-COPD.

Study on Potential Differentially Expressed Genes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease with reduced quality of life and earlier mortality, but its pathogenesis and key genes are still unclear. In this investigation, bioinformatics was used to deeply analyze the pathogenesis of IPF and related key genes, so as to investigate the potential molecular pathogenesis of IPF and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Next-generation sequencing dataset GSE213001 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between IPF and normal control group. The DEGs between IPF and normal control group were screened with the DESeq2 package of R language. The Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Using the g:Profiler, the function and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the Integrated Interactions Database (IID) database. Cytoscape with Network Analyzer was used to identify the hub genes. miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databaseswereused to construct the targeted microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and small drug molecules. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to validate the hub genes. A total of 958 DEGs were screened out in this study, including 479 up regulated genes and 479 down regulated genes. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in response to stimulus, GPCR ligand binding, microtubule-based process, and defective GALNT3 causes HFTC. In combination with the results of the PPI network, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network, hub genes including LRRK2, BMI1, EBP, MNDA, KBTBD7, KRT15, OTX1, TEKT4, SPAG8, and EFHC2 were selected. Cyclothiazide and rotigotinethe are predicted small drug molecules for IPF treatment. Our findings will contribute to identification of potential biomarkers and novel strategies for the treatment of IPF, and provide a novel strategy for clinical therapy.

S100A9 is indispensable for survival of pneumococcal pneumonia in mice

S100A8/A9 has important immunomodulatory roles in antibacterial defense, but its relevance in focal pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is understudied. We show that S100A9 was significantly increased in BAL fluids of patients with bacterial but not viral pneumonia and correlated with procalcitonin and sequential organ failure assessment scores. Mice deficient in S100A9 exhibited drastically elevated Zn2+ levels in lungs, which led to bacterial outgrowth and significantly reduced survival. In addition, reduced survival of S100A9 KO mice was characterized by excessive release of neutrophil elastase, which resulted in degradation of opsonophagocytically important collectins surfactant proteins A and D. All of these features were attenuated in S. pneumoniae-challenged chimeric WT→S100A9 KO mice. Similarly, therapy of S. pneumoniae-infected S100A9 KO mice with a mutant S100A8/A9 protein showing increased half-life significantly decreased lung bacterial loads and lung injury. Collectively, S100A9 controls central antibacterial immune mechanisms of the lung with essential relevance to survival of pneumococcal pneumonia. Moreover, S100A9 appears to be a promising biomarker to distinguish patients with bacterial from those with viral pneumonia. Trial registration: Clinical Trials register (DRKS00000620).

Associations among S100A4, Sphingosine-1-Phosphate, and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background. S100A4 is a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family and is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a naturally occurring bioactive sphingolipid, which regulates the adhesion between the cells and the extracellular matrix and affects cell migration and differentiation. The goal of this study was to analyze the correlations among S100A4, S1P, and pulmonary function among COPD patients. Methods. All 139 serum samples and 15 lung specimens were collected in COPD patients and control subjects. S100A4 and S1P were detected in two groups. The markers of fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured in the lungs of COPD patients and control subjects. Results. The protein expression of S100A4 was higher in the lungs and serum of COPD patients than control cases. Additionally, serum S100A4 was inversely associated with pulmonary function among COPD patients. Meanwhile, collagen deposition and EMT nuclear transcription factors were elevated in the lungs of COPD patients. Moreover, the protein expression of S1P was increased in the serum of COPD patients. Serum S1P was gradually increased along with pulmonary function decline in COPD patients. Further correlation analysis revealed that serum S1P was negatively associated with pulmonary function in COPD patients. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between S1P and S100A4 in COPD patients. Conclusions. These results provide evidence that the elevation of S100A4 and S1P may be involved in the onset and progression of COPD.

Serum 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine Predicts Severity and Prognosis of Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is recognized as a biomarker of oxidative stress and is implicated in several pulmonary diseases. Nonetheless, the role of 8-OHdG remains unclear in COPD patients. This research aimed to evaluate the correlations between serum 8-OHdG on admission and the severity and prognosis of hospitalized COPD patients with acute exacerbation.

METHODS

A total of 150 COPD hospitalized patients and 150 healthy individuals were recruited. Serum 8-OHdG was measured by ELISA and the length of hospital stay was calculated. The number of acute exacerbations of COPD was tracked within 1 year after this hospitalization.

RESULTS

The levels of serum 8-OHdG were elevated in COPD patients compared with the control group. Serum 8-OHdG was gradually elevated with decreased pulmonary function in COPD patients. Furthermore, Pearson linear association found that the levels of serum 8-OHdG were inversely correlated with pulmonary function and positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines in COPD patients. In addition, logistic regression analysis revealed that serum 8-OHdG elevation was a risk factor for pulmonary function decline in COPD patients. The length of hospital stay was tracked at this time. Higher serum 8-OHdG on admission increased the length of hospital stay among COPD patients.

CONCLUSION

Serum 8-OHdG on admission is positively correlated with the severity and adverse prognosis among COPD patients, suggesting that 8-OHdG may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Serum 8-OHdG may be a biomarker to predict the progression of COPD.

Serum cadmium positively correlates with inflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Cadmium is a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal and environmental toxicant. Inflammation exerts central roles in the process of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few epidemiological studies on the correlation between cadmium exposure and COPD are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations among serum cadmium, inflammatory cytokines and pulmonary function in COPD patients.

METHODS

All 940 COPD patients were finally recruited in this study. Demographic characteristics and clinical information were extracted. Fasting serum was collected. Serum cadmium was detected through graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

All patients were classified into three groups according to the tertile division of serum cadmium concentration: low (<0.77 μg/L, L), medium (0.77-1.01 μg/L, M), and high (1.01 μg/L, H). Logistic regression analysis found that serum cadmium was inversely correlated with pulmonary function before and after adjusted confounding variables. When stratified by gender, serum cadmium was still negatively correlated with pulmonary function in COPD patients. Moreover, higher serum cadmium elevated CAT (COPD Assessment Test) score before and after adjusted confounding variables. Though a non-linear association between serum cadmium and inflammatory cytokines, serum cadmium was positively associated with inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and MCP-1). TNF-α and MCP-1 exerted a partial mediator in the association between cadmium exposure and pulmonary function decline in COPD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum cadmium concentration is inversely correlated with pulmonary function among COPD patients. Inflammatory cytokines may be important mediators for cadmium-induced pulmonary function decline in COPD patients.

IL-17 stimulates neutrophils to release S100A8/A9 to promote lung epithelial cell apoptosis in Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced pneumonia in children

Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced pneumonia (MPP) is a common cause of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, increasing risk of morbidity and mortality, in children. However, diagnosing early-stage MPP is difficult owing to the lack of good diagnostic methods. Here, we examined the protein profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and found that S100A8/A9 was highly expressed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays used to assess protein levels in serum samples indicated that S100A8/A9 concentrations were also increased in serum obtained from children with MPP, with no change in S100A8/A9 levels in children with viral or bacterial pneumonia. In vitro, S100A8/A9 treatment significantly increased apoptosis in a human alveolar basal epithelial cell line (A549 cells). Bioinformatics analyses indicated that up-regulated S100A8/A9 proteins participated in the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway. The origin of the increased S100A8/A9 was investigated in A549 cells and in neutrophils obtained from children with MPP. Treatment of neutrophils, but not of A549 cells, with IL-17A released S100A8/A9 into the culture medium. In summary, we demonstrated that S100A8/A9, possibly released from neutrophils, is a new potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of children MPP and involved in the development of this disease through enhancing apoptosis of alveolar basal epithelial cells.

The S100 Protein Family as Players and Therapeutic Targets in Pulmonary Diseases

The S100 protein family consists of over 20 members in humans that are involved in many intracellular and extracellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, Ca₂⁺ homeostasis, energy metabolism, inflammation, tissue repair, and migration/invasion. Although there are structural similarities between each member, they are not functionally interchangeable. The S100 proteins function both as intracellular Ca²⁺ sensors and as extracellular factors. Dysregulated responses of multiple members of the S100 family are observed in several diseases, including the lungs (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and lung cancer). To this degree, extensive research was undertaken to identify their roles in pulmonary disease pathogenesis and the identification of inhibitors for several S100 family members that have progressed to clinical trials in patients for nonpulmonary conditions. This review outlines the potential role of each S100 protein in pulmonary diseases, details the possible mechanisms observed in diseases, and outlines potential therapeutic strategies for treatment.

S100A8 and S100A9, both transcriptionally regulated by PU.1, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invasive growth of dermal keratinocytes during scar formation post burn

S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100A9 are small molecular weight calcium-binding regulatory proteins that have been involved in multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the role of S100A8 and S100A9 in keratinocytes in wounded skin and how they are regulated during this process are still unclear. Here, we found that S100A8 and S100A9 were both upregulated in burn-wounded skins in vivo and thermal-stimulated epidermal keratinocytes in vitro, accompanied by increased levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Then, we demonstrated that upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9 alone or together enhanced characteristics of EMT in normal keratinocytes, manifested by excessive proliferation rate, abnormal ability of cell invasion, and high expression levels of EMT marker proteins. The transcription factor PU box-binding protein (PU.1) bound to the promoter regions and transcriptionally promoted the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 both in the human and mice, and it had strong positive correlations with both S100A8 and S100A9 protein levels in burned skin in vivo. Moreover, PU.1 positively regulated expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in a dose-dependent manner, and enhanced EMT of keratinocytes in vitro. Finally, through the burn mouse model, we found that PU.1-/- mice displayed a lower ability of scar formation, manifested by smaller scar volume, thickness, and collagen content, which could be enhanced by S100A8 and S100A9. In conclusion, PU.1 transcriptionally promotes expression of S100A8 and S100A9, thus positively regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and invasive growth of dermal keratinocytes during scar formation post burn.

The Associations of Serum IL-37 With the Severity and Prognosis in Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Recent evidences suggested that IL-37 may participate in the pathophysiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Nevertheless, its exact biological role was unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the associations of serum IL-37 with the severity and prognosis in CAP patients based on a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The whole of 120 healthy subjects and 240 CAP patients were summoned. Peripheral blood was collected and IL-37 was detected using ELISA.

Results

Serum IL-37 was obviously decreased in CAP patients on admission. In addition, serum IL-37 was gradually decreased in parallel with CAP severity scores. Correlative analysis revealed that serum IL-37 was negatively associated with CAP severity scores and inflammatory cytokines. Further logistical regression found that reduction of serum IL-37 augmented the severity of CAP patients. Moreover, the follow-up research was performed in CAP patients. Serum lower IL-37 on admission prolonged the hospital stay in CAP patients. Serum IL-37 combination with PSI and CURB-65 had a stronger predictive capacity for death than IL-37 and CAP severity score alone in CAP patients.

Conclusion

There are remarkably negative correlations between serum IL-37 with the severity and prognosis in CAP patients. Serum IL-37 on admission prolongs the hospital stay, demonstrating that IL-37 may involve in the process of CAP. Serum IL-37 may be regarded as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis for CAP patients.

The associations of serum S100A9 with the severity and prognosis in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies found that S100A9 may involve in the pathophysiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, the role of S100A9 was unclear in the CAP. The goal was to explore the correlations of serum S100A9 with the severity and prognosis of CAP patients based on a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 220 CAP patients and 110 control subjects were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Serum S100A9 and inflammatory cytokines were measured.

RESULTS

Serum S100A9 was elevated in CAP patients on admission. Serum S100A9 was gradually elevated parallelly with CAP severity scores. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines were increased and blood routine parameters were changed in CAP patients compared with control subjects. Correlation analysis found that serum S100A9 was positively associated with CAP severity scores, blood routine parameters (WBC, NLR and MON) and inflammatory cytokines. Further, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there were positive associations between serum S100A9 and CAP severity scores. Besides, the prognosis of CAP was tracked. Serum higher S100A9 on the early stage elevated the death of risk and hospital stay among CAP patients.

CONCLUSION

Serum S100A9 is positively correlated with the severity of CAP. On admission, serum higher S100A9 elevates the risk of death and hospital stay in CAP patients, suggesting that S100A9 may exert a certain role in the pathophysiology of CAP and regard as a serum diagnostic and managing biomarker for CAP.

A clinical study on plasma biomarkers for deciding the use of adjuvant corticosteroid therapy in bronchopulmonary dysplasia of premature infants

Objective: The study was designed to investigate some plasma markers which help us to decide the use of adjuvant corticosteroid therapy in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) of premature infants. Methods: Thirty BPD infants were treated by dexamethasone. Among these cases, dexamethasone was significant effective in 10 cases, and no significant effective in 20 cases. These patients were divided into two groups as the significant effect (SE) group (n=10) and the non-significant effect (NE) group (n=20) according to the curative effect of dexamethasone. Fifteen non-BPD infants with gestational age and gender matching were selected as the control group. Plasma samples before and after dexamethasone treatment were collected from three infants chosen randomly from SEG for the data-independent acquisition (DIA) analysis. ELISA was further used to detect the levels of differential proteins LRP1 and S100A8 in all individuals, including SE, NE and control groups. Results: DIA analysis results showed that after dexamethasone treatment, there were a total of 52 plasma proteins that showed significant differences, of which 43 proteins were down-regulated and 9 proteins were up-regulated. LRP1 and S100A8 were two plasma proteins that were significantly changed after dexamethasone treatment. Compared with the control group, plasma LRP1 was significantly increased in BPD. Interestingly, the plasma concentration of LRP1 in the NE group was significantly higher than that in the SE group. S100A8, as an indicator of plasma inflammation, was significantly higher in BPD than the control group. Unlike LRP1, there was no significantly difference between the SE and NE group (P=0.279) before dexamethasone treatment. Conclusion: Elevated plasma LRP1 and S100A8 in BPD infants are two indicators that correlated with the efficacy of dexamethasone, and might be used as biomarkers for deciding the use of adjuvant corticosteroids therapy in the BPD.

Low Vitamin D Status Is Associated with Inflammation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the mechanisms remain unknown. This study analyzed the correlations between vitamin D levels and inflammation in COPD patients. One hundred and one patients with COPD and 202 control subjects were enrolled. Serum 25(OH)D level and inflammatory cytokines were detected. Serum 25(OH)D was decreased and inflammatory cytokines were increased in COPD patients. According to forced expiratory volume in 1 s, COPD patients were divided into three grades. Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D was gradually decreased in COPD patients ranging from grade 1-2 to 4. Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with inflammatory cytokines in COPD patients. Further analysis found that NF-κB and AP-1 signaling were activated in COPD patients. Besides, inflammatory signaling was gradually increased in parallel with the severity of COPD. By contrast, pulmonary nuclear vitamin D receptor was decreased in COPD patients. In vitro experiments showed that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ inhibited LPS-activated inflammatory signaling in A549 cells (human lung adenocarcinoma cell). Mechanically, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ reinforced physical interactions between vitamin D receptor with NF-κB p65 and c-Jun. Our results indicate that vitamin D is inversely correlated with inflammatory signaling in COPD patients. Inflammation may be a vital mediator of COPD progress in patients with low vitamin D levels.

Evaluation of Naringenin as a Promising Treatment Option for COPD Based on Literature Review and Network Pharmacology

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by incompletely reversible airflow limitation and seriously threatens the health of humans due to its high morbidity and mortality. Naringenin, as a natural flavanone, has shown various potential pharmacological activities against multiple pathological stages of COPD, but available studies are scattered and unsystematic. Thus, we combined literature review with network pharmacology analysis to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of naringenin on COPD and predict its underlying mechanisms, expecting to provide a promising tactic for clinical treatment of COPD.