Zinc Sulfate Inhibited Inflammation of Der p2-Induced Airway Smooth Muscle Cells by Suppressing ERK1/2 and NF-κB Phosphorylation

Zic family member 3 attenuates oxidative stress-induced vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in patients with chronic kidney disease

Neointimal hyperplasia is reportedly essential for arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Oxidative stress is vital in the progression of uremic venous intimal hyperplasia. Studies have suggested that zinc ions obstruct vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have shown that the zinc finger protein, Zic family member 3 (ZIC3), is crucial for the earliest cardiovascular progenitors. ZIC3 mutations are associated with congenital heart disease. However, the mechanism of action of ZIC3 in vascular intimal hyperplasia in CKD remains unelucidated. Venous specimens were collected during primary AVF surgery and traumatic amputation, and serum samples were collected from patients with CKD and healthy controls. Mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to clarify the role of ZIC3 in CKD. ZIC3 expression was reduced in the veins of patients with uremia and the serum of those with CKD. Zic3 and Bcl2 levels were significantly decreased in mouse VSMCs treated with H2O2·H2O2 inhibited mouse VSMC activity, upregulated Bax, and cleaved caspase 3 expression. Following Zic3 overexpression, Bcl2 expression level and cell viability were elevated, whereas Bax and cleaved caspase 3 expression levels were downregulated. In contrast, Zic3 knockdown yielded the opposite results. Therefore, ZIC3 could be a new therapeutic target in venous neointimal hyperplasia of CKD.

An exploratory review of Potential Adjunct Therapies for the Treatment of Coronavirus Infections

Objective

The purpose of this exploratory review c, including vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, elderberry (S nigra), garlic (A sativum), licorice (G glabra), stinging nettle (U dioica), N-acetylcysteine, quercetin and selenium as potential adjunct therapies for the treatment of coronavirus infections.

Methods

A search of PubMed was performed for articles published from 2005 to 2021. Key words searched were zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, Sambucus nigra, Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Urtica dioica, N-Acetylcysteine, quercetin, selenium and coronavirus.

Results

There were 47 articles selected for this review. Findings included that vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, S nigra, A sativum, G glabra, U dioica, N-acetylcysteine, quercetin and selenium have been shown to produce anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory or antiviral effects that may enhance the actions of standard therapeutics for the treatment of CoV infections. We found only research articles related to the effects of vitamin D, zinc, G glabra, quercetin and selenium against COVID-19.

Conclusion

We identified non-pharmaceutical supplements (Vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, S nigra, A sativum, G glabra and U dioica) which may have potential to provide support for those with coronavirus infections. However, rigorous clinical studies need to be performed before any clinical recommendations can be made at this time.

Caffeine promotes the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase to regulate cellular senescence and aging

Telomere shortening is one of the main causes of cellular senescence. Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in coffee and tea. In this study, caffeine was found to promote the expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) at both mRNA and protein levels, and consequently extended the telomere length and prevented cellular senescence. Knockdown of TERT eliminated the effect of caffeine on telomere elongation. Moreover, animal studies indicated that caffeine promoted the expression of TERT and extended the telomere length in the thymus and spleen of mice treated with caffeine for a long period of eight months. In addition, caffeine restored the decline of organ index and improved the histological structural change of the thymus, spleen and liver of mice due to aging. These results suggest that caffeine promotes the expression of TERT to delay cellular senescence and aging, which help to understand the mechanism for the beneficial effects of caffeine containing foods on health.

Extracellular acidification-induced CXCL8 production through a proton-sensing receptor OGR1 in human airway smooth muscle cells: a response inhibited by dexamethasone

Background

Human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) contribute to bronchial contraction and airway hyperresponsiveness in patients with bronchial asthma. They also generate cytokines, chemokines, and matricellular proteins. Ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) senses extracellular protons and mediates the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in ASMCs.

Methods

ASMCs were stimulated for the indicated time by pH 6.3 or pH 7.4-adjusted Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA) (0.1% BSA-DMEM). As a control stimulant, pH 7.4-adjusted 0.1% BSA-DMEM containing 10 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was used. Interleukin-8/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) mRNA expression in ASMCs was quantified by RT-PCR using real-time TaqMan technology. CXCL8 secreted from ASMCs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phosphorylation at serine 536 of NF-κB p65 and binding of p65 to oligonucleotide containing an NF-κB consensus binding site were analyzed by Western blotting and an ELISA-based kit.

Results

Acidic pH induced a significant increase of CXCL8 mRNA expression and CXCL8 protein secretion in ASMCs. ASMCs transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted for OGR1 produced less CXCL8 compared with those transfected with non-targeting siRNA. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, MEK1/2 inhibitor, and the inhibitor of IκB phosphorylation reduced acidic pH-stimulated CXCL8 production in ASMCs. Dexamethasone also inhibited acidic pH-stimulated CXCL8 production of ASMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Dexamethasone did not affect either phosphorylation or binding to the consensus DNA site of NF-κB p65.

Conclusions

CXCL8 released from ASMCs by extracellular acidification may play a pivotal role in airway accumulation of neutrophils. Glucocorticoids inhibit acidic pH-stimulated CXCL8 production independent of serine 536 phosphorylation and the binding to DNA of NF-κB p65, although NF-κB activity is essential for CXCL8 production in ASMCs.

Zinc Modulates Endotoxin-Induced Human Macrophage Inflammation through ZIP8 Induction and C/EBPβ Inhibition

Two vital functions of the innate immune system are to initiate inflammation and redistribute micronutrients in favor of the host. Zinc is an essential micronutrient used in host defense. The zinc importer ZIP8 is uniquely induced through stimulation of the NF-κB pathway by LPS in monocytes and functions to regulate inflammation in a zinc-dependent manner. Herein we determined the impact of zinc metabolism following LPS-induced inflammation in human macrophages. We observed that ZIP8 is constitutively expressed in resting macrophages and strikingly elevated following LPS exposure, a response that is unique compared to the 13 other known zinc import proteins. During LPS exposure, extracellular zinc concentrations within the physiological range markedly reduced IL-10 mRNA expression and protein release but increased mRNA expression of TNFα, IL-8, and IL-6. ZIP8 knockdown inhibited LPS-driven cellular accumulation of zinc and prevented zinc-dependent reduction of IL-10 release. Further, zinc supplementation reduced nuclear localization and activity of C/EBPβ, a transcription factor known to drive IL-10 expression. These studies demonstrate for the first time that zinc regulates LPS-mediated immune activation of human macrophages in a ZIP8-dependent manner, reducing IL-10. Based on these findings we predict that macrophage zinc metabolism is important in host defense against pathogens.

Zinc sulfate improved the unbalanced T cell profiles in Der p-allergic asthma: An ex vivo study

INTRODUCTION

In the pathogenesis of asthma, an imbalance between helper T (Th) 1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells is believed to play a key role in asthmatic inflammatory responses. Some studies indicated that zinc deficiency increases inflammatory factor production and worsens asthma. However, the effects of zinc on T cell profiles to reduce inflammatory response remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the beneficial effects of zinc on isolated cell populations and cytokine levels from patients with asthma.

METHODS

Thirty-six individuals Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p)-allergic and 31 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected. Harvested PBMCs were stimulated with recombinant Der p antigen in the presence or absence of zinc sulfate (25 μM or 50 μM) for 48 h. Cell surface markers and intracellular cytokine levels were examined by flow cytometry. The pro-inflammatory factors in plasma and culture supernatants were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Zinc sulfate dramatically reduced the proportions of Th2 and Th17 cells, but increased that of Th1 and Treg cells. Zinc sulfate also markedly reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17, but increased the levels of IFN-γ.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc ameliorates the imbalance in T cell profiles and could be a potential adjuvant therapy for Der p-induced allergic hypersensitivity.

Administration of zinc complex of acetylsalicylic acid after the onset of myocardial injury protects the heart by upregulation of antioxidant enzymes

We recently demonstrated that the pre-treatment of rats with zinc and acetylsalicylic acid complex in the form of bis(aspirinato)zinc(II) [Zn(ASA)2] is superior to acetylsalicylic acid in protecting the heart from acute myocardial ischemia. Herein, we hypothesized that Zn(ASA)2 treatment after the onset of an acute myocardial injury could protect the heart. The rats were treated with a vehicle or Zn(ASA)2 after an isoproterenol injection. Isoproterenol-induced cardiac damage [inflammatory infiltration into myocardial tissue, DNA-strand breakage evidenced by TUNEL-assay, increased 11-dehydro thromboxane (TX)B2-levels, elevated ST-segment, widened QRS complex and prolonged QT-interval] was prevented by the Zn(ASA)2 treatment. In isoproterenol-treated rats, load-independent left ventricular contractility parameters were significantly improved after Zn(ASA)2. Furthermore, Zn(ASA)2 significantly increased the myocardial mRNA-expression of superoxide dismutase-1, glutathione peroxidase-4 and decreased the level of Na(+)/K(+)/ATPase. Postconditioning with Zn(ASA)2 protects the heart from acute myocardial ischemia. Its mechanisms of action might involve inhibition of pro-inflammatory prostanoids and upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.

Zinc Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation by Induction of A20-Mediated Suppression of NF-κB Pathway

Chronic inflammation and degradation of elastin are the main processes in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Recent studies show that zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect. Based on these, zinc may render effective therapy for the treatment of the AAA. Currently, we want to investigate the effects of zinc on AAA progression and its related molecular mechanism. Rat AAA models were induced by periaortic application of CaCl₂. AAA rats were treated by daily intraperitoneal injection of ZnSO₄ or vehicle alone. The aorta segments were collected at 4 weeks after surgery. The primary rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were stimulated with TNF-α alone or with ZnSO₄ for 3 weeks. The results showed that zinc supplementation significantly suppressed the CaCl₂-induced expansion of the abdominal aortic diameter, as well as a preservation of medial elastin fibers in the aortas. Zinc supplementation also obviously attenuated infiltration of the macrophages and lymphocytes in the aortas. In addition, zinc reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 production in the aortas. Most importantly, zinc treatment significantly induced A20 expression, along with inhibition of the NF-κB canonical signaling pathway in vitro in VSMCs and in vivo in rat AAA. This study demonstrated, for the first time, that zinc supplementation could prevent the development of rat experimental AAA by induction of A20-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB canonical signaling pathway.

Superiority of zinc complex of acetylsalicylic acid to acetylsalicylic acid in preventing postischemic myocardial dysfunction

The pathophysiology of ischemic myocardial injury involves cellular events, reactive oxygen species, and an inflammatory reaction cascade. The zinc complex of acetylsalicylic acid (Zn(ASA)2) has been found to possess higher anti-inflammatory and lower ulcerogenic activities than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Herein, we studied the effects of both ASA and Zn(ASA)2 against acute myocardial ischemia. Rats were pretreated with ASA (75 mg/kg) or Zn(ASA)2 (100 mg/kg) orally for five consecutive days. Isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously [s.c.]) was applied to produce myocardial infarction. After 17-22 h, animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) and both electrical and mechanical parameters of cardiac function were evaluated in vivo. Myocardial histological and gene expression analyses were performed. In isoproterenol-treated rats, Zn(ASA)2 treatment normalized significantly impaired left-ventricular contractility index (Emax 2.6 ± 0.7 mmHg/µL vs. 4.6 ± 0.5 mmHg/µL, P < 0.05), increased stroke volume (30 ± 3 µL vs. 50 ± 6 µL, P < 0.05), decreased systemic vascular resistance (7.2 ± 0.7 mmHg/min/mL vs. 4.2 ± 0.5 mmHg/min/mL, P < 0.05) and reduced inflammatory infiltrate into the myocardial tissues. ECG revealed a restoration of elevated ST-segment (0.21 ± 0.03 mV vs. 0.09 ± 0.02 mV, P < 0.05) and prolonged QT-interval (79.2 ± 3.2 ms vs. 69.5 ± 2.5 ms, P < 0.05) by Zn(ASA)2. ASA treatment did not result in an improvement of these parameters. Additionally, Zn(ASA)2 significantly increased the mRNA-expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (+73 ± 15%), glutathione peroxidase 4 (+44 ± 12%), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (+102 ± 22%). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that oral administration of zinc and ASA in the form of bis(aspirinato)zinc(II) complex is superior to ASA in preventing electrical, mechanical, and histological changes after acute myocardial ischemia. The induction of antioxidant enzymes and the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 may play a pivotal role in the mechanism of action of Zn(ASA)2.

Combined zinc supplementation with proinsulin C-peptide treatment decreases the inflammatory response and mortality in murine polymicrobial sepsis

Zinc is a trace element vital for immune function during host response to infection. The proinsulin C-peptide has been shown to exert beneficial effects through activation of the anti-inflammatory peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in experimental endotoxemia. Some in vitro activities of C-peptide appear dependent on the presence of zinc. We investigated the effect of zinc supplementation before onset of sepsis on the anti-inflammatory properties of C-peptide. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to polymicrobial sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Mice received zinc gluconate (1.3 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 3 days before CLP. One hour after CLP, animals received C-peptide (280 nmol/kg i.p.) or the antimicrobial agent imipenem (25 mg/kg i.p.). Cecal ligation and puncture was associated with an 11% survival rate, pulmonary leukosequestration, and liver injury. Molecular analysis in lungs of septic mice showed increased nuclear activation of the proinflammatory extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and nuclear factor κB, but decreased PPARγ expression, when compared with sham animals. Combination of zinc supplementation with C-peptide posttreatment significantly improved survival rate (61%) similarly to antibiotic treatment (60%), ameliorated lung architecture and liver function, reduced tissue neutrophil infiltration, and increased bacterial clearance when compared with vehicle, C-peptide, or zinc treatment alone. These beneficial effects were associated with restored lung nuclear expression of PPARγ and reduction of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and nuclear factor κB activities in comparison to vehicle or single treatment protocols. Our data demonstrate that short-term zinc prophylaxis before the infectious insult is a requisite for the anti-inflammatory properties of C-peptide by facilitating modulation of inflammatory pathways.