Control of Immunity and Allergy by Steroid Hormones

The determination of endogenous steroids in hair and fur: A systematic review of methodologies

BACKGROUND

Endogenous steroid hormone assessment is essential for clinical practice. These hormones are typically measured in blood. More recently, measurement of steroids in hair samples has been gaining in popularity, so we have reviewed the methodologies used for this to-date.

METHODS

Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Psychinfo, and EMBASE were searched to identify manuscripts that analysed cortisol, testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and/or 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), in hair or fur. Data related to sampling and measurement procedures were extracted and analysed.

RESULTS

The systematic review included a total of 180 papers, with 82 % published in the past 8 years; 67 % were human and 33 % animal studies. Cortisol was by far the most common analyte. Incomplete reporting on sample harvest, preparation, and measurement procedures was common. Typically, samples were collected from posterior vertex of humans or back/neck of animals, weighing between 11 and 50 mg (with a range of 1.25-1000 mg). Samples were usually stored at room temperature, often using aluminium foil. Isopropanol was the most common cleaning solution. Hair was normally powdered or segmented prior to extraction. Extraction was typically carried out over 18-24 hours using methanol. Validation and precision information was provided in 47 % of studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review highlights the lack of standardisation in the analysis of endogenous steroids in hair. Reporting was typically incomplete, and assay validations were partial or absent. Together, these limit the value of these exciting new methods and hold back transition to clinical use.

Regulation of antigen presentation and interleukin 10 production in murine dendritic cells via the oxidative stimulation of cell membrane using a polycation-porphyrin-conjugate-immobilized cell culture dish

Tolerogenic dendritic cells with professional antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex molecules, co-stimulatory molecules (CD80/86), and interleukin 10 production have attracted significant attention as cellular therapies for autoimmune, allergic, and graft-versus-host diseases. In this study, we developed a cell culture dish equipped with polycation-porphyrin-conjugate-immobilized glass (PA-HP-G) to stimulate immature murine dendritic cell (iDCs). Upon irradiation with a red light at 635 nm toward the PA-HP-G surface, singlet oxygen was generated by the immobilized porphyrins on the PA-HP-G surface. When iDCs were cultured on the PA-HP-G surface, moderate light irradiation generated lipid radicals without excessive generation of reactive oxygen species in the cytoplasm and nucleus, which led to the oxidative stimulation of the iDC cell membrane without cell death. Light irradiation changed the morphology of dendritic cells on the PA-HP-G surface to a tree-like structure with dendrites, accelerated their maturation, and enhanced the antigen-presenting ability for the ovalbumin peptide via major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Additionally, the antigen-presenting dendritic cells on the PA-HP-G surface produced the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 upon light irradiation. These results indicated that upon moderate light irradiation, the PA-HP-G surface regulated the maturation of iDCs into tolerogenic dendritic cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: • Cell culture dish is developed for selective oxidative stimulus of cell membrane. • 1O2 is generated from polycation/porphyrin-immobilized glass by light irradiation. • Lipid radicals are generated without generation of ROS in cytoplasm and nuclei. • Immature dendritic cells are maturated by oxidative stimulation of cell membrane. • Oxidative membrane stimulus enhances antigen-presentation and IL-10 secretion.

Identification of CCR7 as a potential biomarker in polycystic ovary syndrome through transcriptome sequencing and integrated bioinformatics

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder, yet its mechanisms remain elusive. This study employed transcriptome sequencing on granulosa cells from 5 PCOS women and 5 controls, followed by bioinformatic analyses. We identified 684 mRNAs and 167 lncRNAs with significant differential expression. Gene Ontology and KEGG analyses highlighted enrichment in immune and inflammatory responses among these genes. Through CytoHubba plug-in and three machine learning algorithms, CCR7 was identified as the hub gene of PCOS, further validated through analysis of GSE65746, GSE34526 and a cohort of eighty subjects (40 PCOS and 40 controls). Furthermore, a competing endogenous RNA network targeting CCR7 was constructed. Immune infiltration analysis unveiled a significant decrease in monocyte infiltration in PCOS women, with CCR7 expression positively correlated to naïve B cells. Our findings suggest CCR7 and related molecules play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, potentially serving as biomarkers for the disorder.

Sources of Allergens Detected Through Allergen-Specific Serum IgE Antibody Test in Children with Suspected Allergic Diseases in Central China

Purpose

Although allergic diseases in children are on the rise, there has been no comprehensive investigation of the allergens affecting children with allergic diseases in central China. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the distribution of serum allergen species among children with allergic conditions in central China to inform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood allergies.

Patients and Methods

A total of 9213 children (5543 males with 2.88 ± 0.04 years old and 3670 females with 2.91 ± 0.05 years old) underwent allergen screening, and serum allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies were detected using an automated fluorescent enzyme immunoassay system.

Results

Our findings revealed a total sIgE-positive rate (sIgE-PR) of 57.83%, with mixed food (42.10%), egg whites (30.83%), milk (28.97%), mixed dust mites (24.57%), and mixed molds (23.20%) being the most prevalent source of allergens. The sIgE-PR for common sources of allergens exhibited significant sex-based differences, with males having greater susceptibility than females (p<0.05). Dust mites were the primary source of inhaled allergens, whereas egg white was the predominant source of food allergens. Sources of food allergens were most dominant among infants (0-3 years old); sIgE-PRs for most source of food allergens decreased with age, whereas those for most source of inhaled allergens increased. The autumn sIgE-PRs for mixed molds, weed pollen combinations, and tree pollen combinations were significantly higher than those found in other seasons (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that sources of allergens profiles in children with allergies vary across age groups and seasons. Understanding these patterns can improve the effective prevention of childhood allergies.

Severe Adenovirus Pneumonia Masked by Influenza Virus in an 11-Year-Old Child: A Case Report

Background

Adenovirus pneumonia progresses rapidly, with a high rate of progression to severe pneumonia, but the early clinical manifestations lack specificity and are not easy to be recognized.

Methods

Reviewing the relevant literatures, we studied and summarized the early recognition, clinical features and treatment outlook of severe adenovirus pneumonia Case Presentation: An 11-year-old child with community-acquired pneumonia, with influenza A antigen positive by colloidal gold, which further developed into acute respiratory distress syndrome after hospitalization. Three days later, adenovirus was detected positively by PCR of throat swab and diagnosed as severe adenovirus pneumonia. After aggressive treatment, her condition improved and was discharged from the hospital.

Conclusion

Clinically, adenovirus combined with influenza virus infection is uncommon, and adenovirus infection is even rarer in adolescent children.

Dysregulated proteasome activity and steroid hormone biosynthesis are associated with mortality among patients with acute COVID-19

The persistence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related hospitalization severely threatens medical systems worldwide and has increased the need for reliable detection of acute status and prediction of mortality. We applied a systems biology approach to discover acute-stage biomarkers that could predict mortality. A total 247 plasma samples were collected from 103 COVID-19 (52 surviving COVID-19 patients and 51 COVID-19 patients with mortality), 51 patients with other infectious diseases (IDCs) and 41 healthy controls (HCs). Paired plasma samples were obtained from survival COVID-19 patients within 1 day after hospital admission and 1-3 days before discharge. There were clear differences between COVID-19 patients and controls, as well as substantial differences between the acute and recovery phases of COVID-19. Samples from patients in the acute phase showed suppressed immunity and decreased steroid hormone biosynthesis, as well as elevated inflammation and proteasome activation. These findings were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and metabolomic analyses in a larger cohort. Moreover, excessive proteasome activity was a prominent signature in the acute phase among patients with mortality, indicating that it may be a key cause of poor prognosis. Based on these features, we constructed a machine learning panel, including four proteins [C-reactive protein (CRP), proteasome subunit alpha type (PSMA)1, PSMA7, and proteasome subunit beta type (PSMB)1)] and one metabolite (urocortisone), to predict mortality among COVID-19 patients (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.976) on the first day of hospitalization. Our systematic analysis provides a novel method for the early prediction of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Glucocorticoids in lung cancer: Navigating the balance between immunosuppression and therapeutic efficacy

Glucocorticoids (GCs), a class of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands, are released into the bloodstream to maintain homeostasis and modulate responses to various stressors. These hormones function by binding to the widely expressed GC receptor (GR), thereby regulating a wide range of pathophysiological processes, especially in metabolism and immunity. The role of GCs in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of lung cancer (LC) has been a focal point of research. As immunosuppressive agents, GCs exert a crucial impact on the occurrence, progression, and treatment of LC. In the TIME of LC, GCs act as a constantly swinging pendulum, simultaneously offering tumor-suppressive properties while diminishing the efficacy of immune-based therapies. The present study reviews the role and mechanisms of GCs in the TIME of LC.

Potential molecular mechanisms of Huangqin Tang for liver cancer treatment by network pharmacology and molecular dynamics simulations

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the mechanism of Huangqin Tang in treating liver cancer.

METHODS

Active ingredients and corresponding targets of Huangqin Tang were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. Differentially expressed genes in liver cancer were identified from mRNA expression data. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using differentially expressed genes and Huangqin Tang targets. Random walk with restart (RWR) analysis was performed on the PPI network. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were conducted. A drug-active ingredient-gene interaction network was established, and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. Finally, the stability of binding between CDK1 and oroxylin was tested according to cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA).

RESULTS

160 active ingredients, 239 targets, and 1093 differentially expressed genes were identified. RWR analysis identified 10 potential targets for liver cancer. Enrichment analysis revealed protein kinase regulator activity and Steroid hormone biosynthesis as significant pathways. Molecular docking suggested a stable complex between oroxylin A and CDK1. CETSA demonstrated that the combination of oroxylin A and CDK1 increased the stability of CDK1, and the combination efficiency was high.

CONCLUSION

Huangqin Tang may treat liver cancer by targeting CDK1 with oroxylin A. Protein kinase regulator activity and Steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways may play a role in liver cancer treatment with Huangqin Tang. This study provides insight into the mechanistic basis of Huangqin Tang for liver cancer treatment.

l-Theanine Prevents Colonic Damage via NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Rats

SCOPE

l-Theanine (l-Thea) is an amino acid which is naturally present in tea leaves. It has been associated with possible health advantages, including obesity prevention, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A multiomics approach is utilized to examine the mechanism by which l-Thea exerts its antiobesity effects. This study reveals that l-Thea administration significantly ameliorates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in rats by improving body weight and hyperlipidemia. l-Thea mitigates HFD-induced inflammation and reverses hepatic and colonic damage, and intestinal barrier. This research verifies that the preventive effect of l-Thea on obesity in rats induced by an HFD with colitis is accomplished by suppressing the phosphorylation of important proteins in the NF-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Metabolome analysis reveals that l-Thea regulates HFD-induced metabolic disorders, specifically through modulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis. Microbiome analysis reveals that l-Thea mitigates HFD-induced dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of obesity-associated probiotic bacteria, including Blautia coccoides and Lactobacillus murinus, while simultaneously suppressing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

l-Thea alleviates colitis generated by an HFD by restoring the integrity of the intestinal barrier, suppressing inflammation through regulation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, and enhancing microbial metabolism in colon.

Opportunistic pathogens increased and probiotics or short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria decreased in the intestinal microbiota of pneumonia inpatients during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant epidemic

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has been over four years, and the role of intestinal microbiota in the occurrence and development of COVID-19 needs to be further clarified. During the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in China, we analyzed the intestinal microbiome in fecal samples from inpatients with pneumonia and normal individuals in January 2023. The microbiota composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity, differential microbial community, co-occurrence networks, and functional abundance were analyzed. The results showed significant differences in microbiota composition between the two groups. In pneumonia group, the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Clostridium, and Coprococcus decreased, while the abundance of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Megamonas increased. Through LEfSe analysis, 37 marker microbiota were identified in pneumonia group. Co-occurrence network analysis found that Lachnospiraceae was critical for the interaction of intestinal microbiota, and the anti-inflammatory bacteria Blautia was negatively correlated with the pro-inflammatory bacteria Ruminococcus. Functional prediction found the up-regulation of steroid biosynthesis, geraniol degradation, and mRNA surveillance pathway in pneumonia group. In conclusion, opportunistic pathogens increased and probiotics, or short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, decreased in the intestinal microbiota of pneumonia inpatients during the Omicron epidemic. Blautia could be used as a probiotic in the treatment of pneumonia patients in the future.

Metabolic changes before and after weaning in Dezhou donkey foals in relation to gut microbiota

Weaning is undoubtedly one of the most crucial stages in the growth and development of all mammalian animals, including donkey foals. Weaning is a dynamic and coordinated process of the body, which is closely associated with the health, nutrition, and metabolism of the host. Many studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolites of mammals exhibit different changes during lactation, weaning, and postweaning. However, the alterations in serum metabolites in donkey foals before and postweaning and the correlation between serum metabolites and intestinal microbiota are largely unknown. This study is based on the fecal 16S rRNA and serum metabolomes of Dezhou donkey foals. In total, 10 samples (fecal and serum) were collected during the following three stages: before weaning (F.M.1), during weaning (F.M.3), and postweaning (F.M.6). To study the alterations in intestinal microflora, serum metabolites, and their correlation before and postweaning. We found that with the growth and weaning progress of donkey foals, the intestinal microbiota of donkey foals underwent obvious changes, and the diversity of fecal bacteria increased (Chao1 and Shannon indexes). The main intestinal microbial flora of donkey foals include Bacteroides and Firmicutes. We found many microbiota that are associated with immunity and digestion in the postweaning group, such as Verrucomicrobiales, Clostridia, Oscillospiraceae, Akkermansia, and Rikenellaceae, which can be considered microbial markers for the transition from liquid milk to solid pellet feed. Clostridia and Oscillospiraceae can produce organic acids, including butyric acid and acetic acid, which are crucial for regulating the intestinal microecological balance of donkeys. Furthermore, the metabolome showed that the serum metabolites enriched before and postweaning were mainly related to arachidonic acid metabolism and riboflavin metabolism. Riboflavin was associated with the development of the small intestine and affected the absorption of the small intestine. We also found that the changes in the gut microbiome of the foals were significantly correlated with changes in serum metabolites, including lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC; 12,0) and positively correlated with Lachnoclostridium and Roseburia. To summarize, this study provides theoretical data for the changes in the intestinal microbiome and serum metabolism during the entire weaning period of donkey foals.

17-β Estradiol (E2) distinctly regulates the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in Th2 cells via modulating the interplay between GATA3 and PU.1

17-β Estradiol (E2) has long standing known functions in regulating human physiology as well as immune system. E2 is known to elicit a protective role against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and has been used as a drug for treatment against multiple sclerosis. Moreover, E2 regulates the adaptive immune system by directly affecting the T helper cell subsets differentiation and antibody secretion mediated by B cells. Reports have shown that E2 promotes Th1 and Treg cell differentiation; whereas it attenuated the Th17 and Tfh cell differentiation. Albeit multiple and contrasting studies, the mechanisms of behind E2 action on Th2 cells remained understudied. Hence, we sought to dissect the impact of E2 in Th2 cell differentiation. In this study, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms behind E2-mediated regulation of the differentiation of Th2 cells. We observed that E2 significantly attenuated the IL-4-secreting Th2 population in an ERα-dependent manner. We validated these findings using ICI 182, 780, an antagonist to ERα, not ERβ and ectopically overexpressing ERα in Th2 cells. We further determined that ERα alters the recruitment of GATA3 and PU.1 to Il4 gene by directly interacting with them. This altered recruitment was observed to be stronger at Il4 than Il13 locus. Interestingly, we detected a distinct recruitment of GATA3 and PU.1 at Il13 gene; however, there was no E2-mediated broad alteration in the recruitment of histone-modifiers at Il13 locus. These findings suggest that E2 regulates Il4 in a distinctly separate mechanism as opposed to Il13 locus in Th2 cells.

Human ApoE2 protects mice against Plasmodium berghei ANKA experimental cerebral malaria

IMPORTANCE

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the deadliest complication of malaria infection with an estimated 15%-25% mortality. Even with timely and effective treatment with antimalarial drugs such as quinine and artemisinin derivatives, survivors of CM may suffer long-term cognitive and neurological impairment. Here, we show that human apolipoprotein E variant 2 (hApoE2) protects mice from experimental CM (ECM) via suppression of CD8+ T cell activation and infiltration to the brain, enhanced cholesterol metabolism, and increased IFN-γ production, leading to reduced endothelial cell apoptosis, BBB disruption, and ECM symptoms. Our results suggest that hApoE can be an important factor for risk assessment and treatment of CM in humans.

Ginkgo biloba Extract Drives Gut Flora and Microbial Metabolism Variation in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that medications that regulate the "brain-gut" axis can ameliorate disease symptoms of AD. Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) is involved in intestinal metabolism to meet the goal of illness treatment. EGb is currently utilized extensively in the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the regulatory effect of EGb on intestinal flora and its metabolites in AD pathology remains largely speculative. In this study, the Morris water maze test showed a significant improvement of spatial memory in the AD mouse model (APP/PS1 mice) after EGb treatment. We next confirmed the positive effects of EGb on the gut flora and metabolites of APP/PS1 mice and further showed that EGb treatment reshaped the disturbed gut microbiome, in particular by reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio and increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Uroviricota, Streptophyta, and Spirochaetes. Meanwhile, a non-targeted metabolomics analysis showed that EGb treatment significantly reversed the dysfunction of the microbial metabolic phenotype by altering Limosilactobacillus and Parvibacte, with 300 differential metabolites modulated (131 up-regulated, 169 down-regulated). Our findings highlight the significant regulatory impact of EGb on intestinal microflora and microbial metabolism in AD mice models and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.

Association between corticosteroid use and 28-day mortality in septic shock patients with gram-negative bacterial infection: a retrospective study

Purpose

Although corticosteroids are recommended in the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines, evidence with respect to their effects on short-term mortality remains conflicting. We conducted this study to identify whether corticosteroids alter 28-day mortality in septic shock patients with gram-negative bacterial infection.

Materials and methods

A total of 621 patients with septic shock and gram-negative bacterial culture results were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analyses with log-rank tests were used to determine the relationship between corticosteroid use and the risk of 28-day mortality. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess whether the conclusions were stable and reliable.

Results

Corticosteroid administration was associated with increased 28-day mortality in septic shock patients with gram-negative bacterial infection (log-rank test P = 0.028). The incidence of Stage 2 or 3 AKI and the rate of hospital mortality were higher among patients who received corticosteroids. The incidence of Stage 2 or 3 AKI in the early period significantly mediated the relationship between corticosteroid use and 28-day mortality [P =0.046 for the average causal mediation effect (ACME)]. Interaction tests indicated that the effect of corticosteroid use was maintained in patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of <20 (P-value for interaction = 0.027).

Conclusion

Systemic corticosteroid use could be harmful in septic shock patients with gram-negative bacterial infection, especially in patients with relatively low NLR.

Regional immunity of chicken adipose tissue responds to secondary immunity induced by Newcastle disease vaccine via promoting immune activation and weakening lipid metabolism

Adipose tissue (AT) is considered as a regional immune organ and plays an important role in the anti-infection immune response. However, the function and mechanism of chicken AT in response to secondary immune response remain poorly understood. Here, we used mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing technology to survey the transcriptomic landscape of chicken abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) during the first and second immunization with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine, and carried out bioinformatics analysis, such as Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and miRNA-mRNA integrated analysis. The results indicated that chicken AAT actively responded to the secondary immune response. DNA replication and cytoskeleton regulation as the regulatory functions of immune activation changed significantly, and weakened lipid metabolism was an effective strategy for the secondary immunity. Mechanically, the regulatory network between the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and their targeted differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as miR-206/miR-499-5p-nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3)/methylsterol monooxygenase 1 (MSMO1) pathway, was one of the potential key mechanisms by which AAT responded to the secondary immune response. In conclusion, regional immunity of chicken AT responds to secondary immunity by promoting immune activation and weakening lipid metabolism, and this study can instruct future research on antiviral strategy.