Is the IL-10 promoter polymorphism at position -592 associated with immune system-related diseases?

The Impact of the IL-10 Gene Polymorphism on mRNA Expression and IL-10 Serum Concentration in Polish Lupus Patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a lot of nuclear components. Despite many studies on the genetic background of this disease, the pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the study is to comprehensively evaluate the polymorphism of the IL-10 promoter gene, its mRNA expression, and the serum IL-10 concentration of SLE female patients and females age-matched controls. Analyzing the association between the level of the tested cytokine and the polymorphism genotype-1082; -819; -592, we found statistically higher serum IL-10 levels in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (11.9 ± 2.2 pg/mL vs. 9.4 ± 1.7 pg/mL, accordingly; p < 0.0001). We did not find statistically significant differences in the gene polymorphism of IL-10 among SLE patients and controls. The most significant observation derived from our study is that IL-10 mRNA transcripts are upregulated in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). According to our results, the presence of the IL-10 genetic polymorphism has no clinical significance for the development of SLE, and subsequent differences in mRNA and IL-10 concentration results from the influence of other factors which should be the subject of further research.

Laboratory biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The diagnosis of the disease is quite challenging due to its variation among patients. As a result, the need to enhance diagnostic procedures, evaluate objective prognostic markers and promote effective monitoring of patients' responses to treatment has prompted the identification of many biomarkers. To present up-to-date knowledge on potential biomarkers for MS used to assess disease activity, progression, and therapeutic responses. The search for articles was conducted in various databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, using an identical search strategy and terms that included "Multiple Sclerosis," "MS," "biomarkers," "potential," "magnetic resonance spectroscopy," "progress," "marker," "predict," "disability," "indicator," and "mass spectrometry." Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when scrutinizing the articles for inclusion in the study. The search process identified 75 articles that were used in this systematic review. MS biomarkers consisted of laboratory biomarkers, imaging biomarkers, and genetic and immunogenetic biomarkers. The efficacy, which leads to their potential classification, relies on numerous factors, such as sensitivity, specificity, clinical rationale, predictability, practicality, biological rationale, reproducibility, and correlations with prognosis and disability. Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features are the most established biomarkers so far, although kappa free light chains (kFLCs), the measles-rubella-zoster (MRZ) reaction, and neurofilament light chains (NfLs) might show potential in the near future after more studies are conducted.

The roles played by IL-10, IL-23 and IL-17A in term delivery

BACKGROUND

The immune system significantly participates in the development of the successful delivery process. The roles played by cytokine molecules in the induction of term delivery are yet to be clarified. The aim of this project was to explore the serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-17A, and IL-23 in the mothers with term and prolonged pregnancy and their infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 60 samples were collected from either mothers with term and prolonged pregnancy or their infants, collectively 240 samples. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-17A and IL-23 were explored using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.

RESULTS

IL-10 serum levels significantly decreased in the neonates with prolonged pregnancy when compared to their mothers. Serum levels of IL-23 were increased either in term or prolonged pregnancy neonates when compared to their corresponded mothers. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-23 significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in the female in comparison to male in the prolonged pregnancy neonates. IL-10 also significantly decreased in the term mothers who had higher gravidity.

CONCLUSION

Although, IL-17A does not play a key role in the delivery mechanism, IL-10 and IL-23 may be considered as potential factors in the modulation of term delivery.

IL-10 IS DOWN-REGULATED IN THE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES SUSPECTED PATIENTS, INDEPENDENT OF ANGIOGRAPHY

IL-10 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) are the important anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively, which may participate in the cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Additionally, environmental factors, such as the X-ray, can modulate cytokine expression. Due to the fact that X-ray is used during angiography, hence, angiography may alter expression of the cytokines.

OBJECTIVE

Accordingly, this project was aimed to assess IL-10 and IFN-γ serum levels within cardiovascular patients (with and without vessel stenosis) versus healthy controls and also the effects of angiography on the serum levels of the cytokines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was performed on the 80 participants, including twenty cases in each group (healthy controls and cardiovascular patients without vessel stenosis, stenosis of 1 vessel and stenosis of more than 1 vessel) to evaluate IL-10 and IFN-γ serum levels using ELISA technique. The IL-10 and IFN-γ serum levels also compared within group 2, 3 and 4 before and after angiography to explore the effects of the technique on the IL-10 and IFN-γ serum levels.

RESULTS

IL-10, but not IFN-γ, serum levels were higher in the healthy controls than all cardiovascular patients. IL-10 and IFN-γ serum levels were not altered after angiography and also were not differ in the smoker versus non- smoker and opium consuming versus non-opium consuming participants.

CONCLUSION

Due to the results it may be concluded that IL-10 can be considered as a plausible inhibitor of cardio- vascular diseases independent of angiography duration and X-ray, however, IFN-γ has no effects in the Iranian patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

STAT3 inhibition reduced PD-L1 expression and enhanced antitumor immune responses

Colon cancer is one the most common diagnosed cancers in America and Europe. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in colon cancer is associated with proliferation of the tumor cells and suppression of immune responses. STAT3 activation upregulates the transcription of many suppressor genes, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). This study was aimed to investigate the effect of STAT3 inhibition in a colon cancer cell line, HCT-15, and particularly in presence of samples obtained from the patients suffering from colon cancer. In this project, the expression of PD-L1 and apoptosis-related proteins were assessed following STAT3 inhibition, using FLLL32, in HCT-15 cells. To evaluate the effects of STAT3 inhibition on immune response, lymphocytes from 20 men with Stage III colon cancer and 20 healthy donors were cocultured with HCT-15 cells in presence or absence of STAT3 inhibitor. Then, T regulatory (T-reg) cell evaluation and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) were performed using flowcytometry to assess the T-reg and T helper (Th) subset cytokines following STAT3 inhibition. STAT3 inhibition suppressed PD-L1 expression and induced apoptosis in HCT-15 cells. The population of T-reg cells in patients with colon cancer significantly decreased after treatment with STAT3 inhibitor. ICS revealed that STAT3 inhibition promotes Th1 protective immune responses. These findings suggest that STAT3 inhibition through either induction of apoptosis in the colon cancer cells and/or activation of efficient immune responses can lead to overcome cancer-induced immune tolerance.

Biomarkers of Multiple Sclerosis

The search for an ideal multiple sclerosis biomarker with good diagnostic value, prognostic reference and an impact on clinical outcome has yet to be realized and is still ongoing. The aim of this review is to establish an overview of the frequent biomarkers for multiple sclerosis that exist to date. The review summarizes the results obtained from electronic databases, as well as thorough manual searches. In this review the sources and methods of biomarkers extraction are described; in addition to the description of each biomarker, determination of the prognostic, diagnostic, disease monitoring and treatment response values besides clinical impact they might possess. We divided the biomarkers into three categories according to the achievement method: laboratory markers, genetic-immunogenetic markers and imaging markers. We have found two biomarkers at the time being considered the gold standard for MS diagnostics. Unfortunately, there does not exist a single solitary marker being able to present reliable diagnostic value, prognostic value, high sensitivity and specificity as well as clinical impact. We need more studies to find the best biomarker for MS.

Interleukin 6 and 10 Serum Levels and Genetic Polymorphisms in Children with Down Syndrome

Immunological impairment is a condition that is often observed in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The immune response is modulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines whose expressions could be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. The present study was aimed at evaluating the frequencies of -174G>C, -572G>C, and -597G>A polymorphisms in the interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene and -592C>A, -1082A>G, and -819C>T polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene and the IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels in healthy individuals with and without DS. The authors also aimed to investigate the impact of the genotypes on the interleukin concentrations. The genetic polymorphisms were investigated in 200 DS individuals and 200 controls without DS. The serum measurement of IL-6 and IL-10 was performed in a subgroup (54 cases and 54 controls) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequencies of the polymorphisms and haplotypes evaluated were not different between individuals with and without DS. IL-10 concentration was higher in DS children but was not influenced by IL-10 gene polymorphisms. IL-6 genotypes had no influence on IL-6 serum levels. The IL-10 serum levels are increased in DS individuals, but IL-10 polymorphisms are not the main factors that influence the IL-10 expression in DS.

Global issues in allergy and immunology: Parasitic infections and allergy

Allergic diseases are on the increase globally in parallel with a decrease in parasitic infection. The inverse association between parasitic infections and allergy at an ecological level suggests a causal association. Studies in human subjects have generated a large knowledge base on the complexity of the interrelationship between parasitic infection and allergy. There is evidence for causal links, but the data from animal models are the most compelling: despite the strong type 2 immune responses they induce, helminth infections can suppress allergy through regulatory pathways. Conversely, many helminths can cause allergic-type inflammation, including symptoms of "classical" allergic disease. From an evolutionary perspective, subjects with an effective immune response against helminths can be more susceptible to allergy. This narrative review aims to inform readers of the most relevant up-to-date evidence on the relationship between parasites and allergy. Experiments in animal models have demonstrated the potential benefits of helminth infection or administration of helminth-derived molecules on chronic inflammatory diseases, but thus far, clinical trials in human subjects have not demonstrated unequivocal clinical benefits. Nevertheless, there is sufficiently strong evidence to support continued investigation of the potential benefits of helminth-derived therapies for the prevention or treatment of allergic and other inflammatory diseases.

IL-10-592 polymorphism is associated with IL-10 expression and severity of enterovirus 71 infection in chinese children

BACKGROUND

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection results in some severe complications with high mortality and disability in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in children. Recent studies have shown that cytokine genetic predispositions have associations with both the development of EV71 infection and severity of HFMD.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate whether the IL-10-592 polymorphism is associated with IL-10 levels and disease severity in Chinese children with EV71 infection.

STUDY DESIGN

In patients selected, there were 378 cases with EV71 infection (including 291 mild cases, 70 severe cases and 17 critical cases), as well as 406 health controls. EV71 in serum was tested by RT-PCR, and IL-10-592 genotype was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis techniques.

RESULT

The IL-10-592C allele was observed with higher frequency in patients with critical EV71 infection (70.59%) compared with severe EV71 infection (41.43%, P<0.01), mild EV71 infection (43.81%, P<0.01) and healthy children (44.46%, P<0.01). The blood IL-10 levels of critical cases were significantly higher than severe cases, mild cases, and healthy children. Among all of the four groups, IL-10 levels in patients with genotype AA were significantly lower than those with genotypes AC+CC (t=4.86, P<0.05; t=2.30, P<0.05; t=3.44, P<0.05; t=5.58, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

IL-10-592C allele is associated with IL-10 expressions and the severity of EV71 infection in Chinese patients.

Curcumin Ameliorates Reserpine-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucosal Lesions Through Inhibiting IκB-α/NF-κB Pathway and Regulating Expression of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Gastrin in Rats

The objective of our study was to investigate whether curcumin protects against reserpine-induced gastrointestinal mucosal lesions (GMLs) in rats and to explore the mechanism of curcumin's action. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, reserpine-treated group, reserpine treatment group with curcumin at high dose (200 mg/kg), and reserpine treatment group with curcumin at low dose (100 mg/kg). Rats in reserpine-treated group were induced by intraperitoneally administered reserpine (0.5 mg/kg) for 28 days. TUNEL staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the apoptotic cells and morphologic changes. In addition, to explore the mechanism of curcumin in protecting GMLs, we used serum of experimental rats to assess the level of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), gastrin, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ by ELISA and radioimmunoassay. The protein levels of NF-κB, p-IκB-α, IκB-α, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3 were examined by western blot analysis. Data were analyzed with SPSS 19.0 software package. Curcumin treatment prevented tissue damage and cell death in the reserpine-treated rats and effectively decreased inflammatory response and balanced the expression of VIP and gastrin in the reserpine-treated rats. NF-κB, p-IκB-α, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3 were increased in the reserpine group, but the curcumin high-dose group inhibited them. Curcumin can target the IκB-α/NF-κB pathway to inhibit inflammatory response and regulate the level of VIP and gastrin in reserpine-induced GML rats.

Innate Immunity and BK Virus: Prospective Strategies

Recent information demonstrated that BK virus reactivation is a dominant complication after kidney transplantation, which occurs because of immunosuppression. BK virus reactivation is the main reason of transplanted kidney losing. Immune response against BK virus is the major inhibitor of the virus reactivation. Therefore, improving our knowledge regarding the main parameters that fight against BK viruses can shed light on to direct new treatment strategies to suppress BK infection. Innate immunity consists of numerous cell systems and also soluble molecules, which not only suppress virus replication, but also activate adaptive immunity to eradicate the infection. Additionally, it appears that immune responses against reactivated BK virus are the main reasons for induction of BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKAN). Thus, improving our knowledge regarding the parameters and detailed mechanisms of innate immunity and also the status of innate immunity of the patients with BK virus reactivation and its complications can introduce new prospective strategies to either prevent or as therapy of the complication. Therefore, this review was aimed to collate the most recent data regarding the roles played by innate immunity against BK virus and also the status of innate immunity in the patients with reactivation BK virus and BKAN.

IL-10-592 A/C polymorphisms is associated with EBV-HLH in Chinese children

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between cytokine gene polymorphisms and Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) in children, and to further reveal the possible mechanisms of EBV-HLH.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with EBV-HLH, 70 patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM), and 170 EBV-seropositive healthy children were evaluated. Gene polymorphism typing was performed by a polymerase chain reaction with a sequence-specific primer of a commercially available cytokine genotyping kit. Comparison of cytokine gene polymorphisms between EBV-HLH, IM patients, and healthy controls was analyzed statistically using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

The frequencies of IL-10-592 C allele or IL-10-592 CC genotype were significantly higher in patients with EBV-HLH than in IM and healthy children (P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between IM and healthy children.

CONCLUSION

IL-10-592 locus gene polymorphism is associated with the development of EBV-HLH in Chinese children.

Significant roles played by IL-10 in Chlamydia infections

Chlamydia species are obligate intracellular parasites which cause usually asymptomatic genital tract infections and also are associated with several complications. Previous studies demonstrated that immune responses to Chlamydia species are different and the diseases will be limited to some cases. Additionally, Chlamydia species are able to modulate immune responses via regulating expression of some immune system molecules including cytokines. IL-10, as the main anti-inflammatory cytokine, plays important roles in the induction of immune-tolerance against self-antigen and also immune-homeostasis after microbe elimination. Furthermore, it has been documented that ectopic expression of IL-10 is associated with several chronic infectious diseases. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that changes in the regulation of this cytokine can be associated with infection with several species of Chlamydia and their associated complications. This review collected the recent information regarding the association and relationship of IL-10 with Chlamydia infections. Another aim of this review article is to address recent data regarding the association of genetic variations (polymorphisms) of IL-10 and Chlamydia infections.

Polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, and interleukin-10 in asthma associated with olive pollen sensitization

Sensitization to specific olive pollen-allergens (Ole e 2 and 10) has been correlated with a clinical pattern of asthma. This study analyzes the association between several polymorphims of TNFA (G-308A, C-857T, and C-1031T), IL10 (C-571A and A-1117G), and TGFB (C-509-T) and these sensitizations. These polymorphisms were genotyped by allelic discrimination, in olive pollen-allergic patients (phenotyped for specific Ole e 2 and 10 sensitizations) and healthy controls. Levels of serum-soluble cytokines were correlated with specific genotypes and clinical phenotypes. The results showed that heterozygous TGFB C-509T genotype, besides having the lowest sera TGF- levels, was significantly increased in olive pollen-allergic patients compared with controls. According specific sensitizations, CC genotype of IL10 C-571A could be a protective factor for Ole e 2 sensitization and mainly for asthmatic Ole e 2 sensitized patients compared with asthmatic non-Ole e 2 sensitized patients (OR: 0.26, P = 0.008). In contrast, heterozygous CA genotype was increased in Ole e 2 asthmatic subjects compared to asthmatic non-Ole e 2 sensitized patients. Lastly, heterozygous TNFA G-308A genotype was associated with Ole e 10 sensitization (OR: 2.5, P = 0.04). In conclusion, these results suggest a role of TGF-β1 in olive-pollen sensitization and TNF-α and IL-10 genotypes in the asthma induced by specific olive-pollen allergens.

Is the IL-10 -819 polymorphism associated with visceral leishmaniasis?

Previous investigations demonstrated that immune responses play critical roles in the defense against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A key regulator of immune responses is the cytokine, IL-10 and polymorphisms within its promoter which could alter its expression. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the correlation between polymorphism at the -819 position of the IL-10 gene and VL in a selected Iranian population. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 patients with clinical presentation of VL and seropositive for the leishmania (group 1), 62 patients without clinical presentation but seropositive (group 2), and 128 healthy controls (group 3). The IL-10 -819 polymorphism was evaluated using the PCR-RFLP technique. The anti-leishmania antibody titration was assessed using an immunofluorescence assay. Our results showed that the polymorphism at IL-10 -819 (C/T) position was significantly associated with VL, and C/T genotype was significantly higher in VL patients when compared to groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). However, the results demonstrated that the C and T alleles were not associated with VL (p = 0.855). The data presented here confirm the results of previous reports that polymorphisms at the -819 position of the IL-10 gene can influence susceptibility to VL suggesting that the C/T genotype may be considered as a risk factor for the disease.

Alterations in the cholinesterase and adenosine deaminase activities and inflammation biomarker levels in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the main chronic inflammatory diseases of the CNS that cause functional disability in young adults. It has unknown etiology characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages into the brain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in lymphocytes and whole blood, as well as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in serum. We also checked the levels of nucleotides, nucleosides, biomarkers of inflammation such as cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum from 29 patients with the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS) and 29 healthy subjects as the control group. Results showed that AChE in lymphocytes and whole blood as well as BChE, and ADA activities in serum were significantly increased in RRMS patients when compared to the control group (P<0.05). In addition, we observed a decrease in ATP levels and a significant increase in the levels of ADP, AMP, adenosine and inosine in serum from RRMS patients in relation to the healthy subjects (P<0.05). Results also demonstrated an increase in the IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and CRP (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in the IL-10 (P<0.0001) in RRMS patients when compared to control. Our results suggest that alterations in the biomarkers of inflammation and hydrolysis of nucleotides and nucleosides may contribute to the understanding of the neurological dysfunction of RRMS patients.

Kidney-targeted transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction promotes kidney repair in diabetic nephropathy rats

We test the hypothesis that ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technique increases the renoprotective effect of kidney-targeted transplantation of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (60 mg/Kg, intraperitoneally) in Sprague-Dawley rats. MSCs were administered alone or in combination with UTMD to DN rats at 4 weeks after diabetes onset. Random blood glucose concentrations were measured at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, and plasma insulin levels, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) values, the structures of pancreas and kidney, the expressions of TGF- β 1, synaptopodin, and IL-10 were assessed at 8 weeks after MSCs transplantation. MSCs transplantation decreased blood glucose concentrations and attenuated pancreatic islets/ β cells damage. The permeability of renal interstitial capillaries and VCAM-1 expression increased after UTMD, which enhanced homing and retention of MSCs to kidneys. MSCs transplantation together with UTMD prevented renal damage and decreased UAER values by inhibiting TGF- β 1 expression and upregulating synaptopodin and IL-10 expression. We conclude that MSCs transplantation reverts hyperglycemia; UTMD technique noninvasively increases the homing of MSCs to kidneys and promotes renal repair in DN rats. This noninvasive cell delivery method may be feasible and efficient as a novel approach for personal MSCs therapy to diabetic nephropathy.

Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis: An Up-to-Date Overview

During the last decades, the effort of establishing satisfactory biomarkers for multiple sclerosis has been proven to be very difficult, due to the clinical and pathophysiological complexities of the disease. Recent knowledge acquired in the domains of genomics-immunogenetics and neuroimmunology, as well as the evolution in neuroimaging, has provided a whole new list of biomarkers. This variety, though, leads inevitably to confusion in the effort of decision making concerning strategic and individualized therapeutics. In this paper, our primary goal is to provide the reader with a list of the most important characteristics that a biomarker must possess in order to be considered as reliable. Additionally, up-to-date biomarkers are further divided into three subgroups, genetic-immunogenetic, laboratorial, and imaging. The most important representatives of each category are presented in the text and for the first time in a summarizing workable table, in a critical way, estimating their diagnostic potential and their efficacy to correlate with phenotypical expression, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, disability, and therapeutical response. Special attention is given to the "gold standards" of each category, like HLA-DRB1∗ polymorphisms, oligoclonal bands, vitamin D, and conventional and nonconventional imaging techniques. Moreover, not adequately established but quite promising, recently characterized biomarkers, like TOB-1 polymorphisms, are further discussed.