Tim3/galectin-9 alleviates the inflammation of TAO patients via suppressing Akt/NF-kB signaling pathway

Immune interactions in pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) cancer therapy and cardiovascular complications

The use of immunotherapies like pembrolizumab (PEM) is increasingly common for the management of numerous cancer types. The use of PEM to bolster T-cell response against tumor growth is well documented. However, the interactions PEM has on other immune cells to facilitate tumor regression and clearance is unknown and warrants further investigation. In this review, we present literature findings that have reported the interactions of PEM in stimulating innate and adaptive immune cells, which enhance cytotoxic phenotypes. This triggers secretion of cytokines and chemokines, which have both beneficial and detrimental effects. We also describe how this leads to the development of rare but underreported occurrence of PEM-induced immune-related cardiovascular complications that arise suddenly and progress rapidly to debilitating and fatal consequences. This review encourages further research and investigation of PEM-induced cardiovascular complications and other immune cell interactions in patients with cancer. As PEM therapy in treating cancer types is expanding, we expect that this review will inform health care professionals of diverse specializations of medicine like dermatology (melanoma skin cancers), ophthalmology (eye cancers), and pathology (hematological malignancies) about PEM-induced cardiac complications.

Tim-3 protects against cisplatin nephrotoxicity by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation

The impact of Tim-3 (T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3) on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury was investigated in this study. Cisplatin-induced Tim-3 expression in mice kidney tissues and proximal tubule-derived BUMPT cells in a time-dependent manner. Compared with wild-type mice, Tim-3 knockout mice have higher levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen, enhanced TUNEL staining signals, more severe 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine) accumulation, and increased cleavage of caspase 3. The purified soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3) protein was used to intervene in cisplatin-stimulated BUMPT cells by competitively binding to the Tim-3 ligand. sTim-3 obviously increased the cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis. Under cisplatin treatment conditions, Tim-3 knockout or sTim-3 promoted the expression of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta) and inhibited the expression of IL-10 (interleukin-10). NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells) P65 inhibitor PDTC or TPCA1 lowed the increased levels of creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) in cisplatin-treated Tim-3 knockout mice serum and the increased cleavage of caspase 3 in sTim-3 and cisplatin-treated BUMPT cells. Moreover, sTim-3 enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced BUMPT cells, which can be mitigated by PDTC. These data indicate that Tim-3 may protect against renal injury by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress.

Effect of exogenous galectin-9, a natural TIM-3 ligand, on the severity of TNBS- and DSS-induced colitis in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a complex pathogenesis that is yet to be completely understood. However, a strong correlation between Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and IBD has been observed. T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing-3 (Tim-3) has been reported to regulate TLR4/NF-κB by interacting with Galectin-9 (Gal-9), and recombinant Gal-9 can activate Tim-3; however, its potential properties in IBD and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to determine how Gal-9 affects experimental colitis in mice. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) were used to establish colitis in mice, and the severity of the illness was assessed based on body weight, colon length, and histology. Therefore, we explored the effects of Gal-9 treatment on colitis. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of Gal-9 on the expression of Tim-3 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway in colonic tissues and the serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Tim-3 expression in the colon was notably decreased in mice with TNBS-induced colitis, whereas TLR4/NF-kB expression was significantly increased. Intraperitoneal injection of Gal-9 dramatically decreased the disease activity index and attenuated the level of intestinal mucosal inflammation in TNBS-induced colitis mice (p < 0.05). Intraperitoneal administration of Gal-9 significantly increased Tim-3 expression in the colon and decreased the serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6. Additionally, Gal-9 treatment significantly downregulated the expression of TLR4 signaling pathway-related proteins. In contrast, Gal-9 did not reduce the severity of DSS-induced colitis. In summary, exogenous Gal-9 increased Tim-3 expression, inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and alleviated TNBS-induced colitis in mice but not DSS-induced colitis in mice, revealing its potential therapeutic ramifications for IBD.

Tea Polyphenols Reduce Inflammation of Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves' Ophthalmopathy via the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) on inflammation of orbital fibroblasts in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and to provide new ideas for GO treatment.

METHODS

Primary orbital fibroblasts were extracted from orbital adipose/connective tissues of patients with and without GO. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 in non-GO and GO orbital fibroblasts. The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the appropriate concentration of TP for subsequent experiments. RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to investigate the effects of TP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression was measured using Western blotting analysis. NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) expression was detected using both Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

The mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1 in GO orbital fibroblasts were significantly higher than those in non-GO cells. TP treatment significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1. TP also inhibited the expression levels of NF-κB and NLRP3. Inflammation in the GO orbital fibroblasts was higher than that in non-GO cells. TP inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in GO orbital fibroblasts in vitro through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that TP may have a potential role in GO treatment.

Looking Beyond Th17 Cells: A Role for Th17.1 Cells in Thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy?

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), an ordinary extrathyroid syndrome of Graves' disease (GD), is closely associated with immunity. T helper (Th) 17, Th1, and Th2 cells in Th lineages are thought to be related to the disease pathogenesis. Recently, there has been growing evidence that Th17.1 cells are involved in the development and progression of TAO. The characteristics of this pathology are similar to those of Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes, which secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17A. This paper reviews the potential role of the Th17.1 subgroup pathogenesis of TAO. The therapeutic effects of drugs that can modulate Th17.1 cell populations are also highlighted. Rich Th17.1 cells exist in peripheral blood and ocular tissues of patients suffering from thyroid eye disease (TED), especially those with severe or steroid-resistant TAO. The bias of Th17.1 cells to secrete cytokines partly determines the pathological outcome of TAO patients. Th17.1 cells are important in regulating fibrosis, adipocyte differentiation, and hyaluronic acid production. In summary, the Th17.1 subpopulation is essential in the onset and progression of TED, and targeting Th17.1 cell therapy may be a promising therapeutic approach.

Stratification of follicular thyroid tumors using data-independent acquisition proteomics and a comprehensive thyroid tissue spectral library

Thyroid nodules occur in about 60% of the population. A major challenge in thyroid nodule diagnosis is to distinguish between follicular adenoma (FA) and carcinoma (FTC). Here, we present a comprehensive thyroid spectral library covering five types of thyroid tissues. This library includes 121 960 peptides and 9941 protein groups. This spectral library can be used to quantify up to 7863 proteins from thyroid tissues, and can also be used to develop parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays for targeted protein quantification. Next, to stratify follicular thyroid tumours, we compared the proteomes of 24 FA and 22 FTC samples, and identified 204 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Our data suggest altered ferroptosis pathways in malignant follicular carcinoma. In all, 31 selected proteins effectively distinguished follicular tumours. Of those DEPs, nine proteins were further verified by PRM in an independent cohort of 18 FA and 19 FTC. Together, we present a comprehensive spectral library for DIA and targeted proteomics analysis of thyroid tissue specimens, and identified nine proteins that could potentially distinguish FA and FTC.

The Potential Role of Osteopontin in the Pathogenesis of Graves' Ophthalmopathy

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and its relationship with relative cytokines in patients with Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO), and to observe the effect of OPN on orbital fibroblasts (OFs) proliferation, migration, and the expression of relative cytokines, as well as the signaling pathways involved in its effect.

Methods

The orbital adipose connective tissue was obtained from 24 patients with GO (12 cases of active GO, and 12 cases of inactive GO) and 12 healthy controls. OFs were isolated from orbital tissues obtained from patients with active GO who were undergoing orbital decompression surgery. Quantitative PCR and Western blot were performed to detect RNA and protein expression. The proliferation and cell migration rates of OFs were measured by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) and the cell scratch test. Signaling pathway inhibitors, such as OPN monoclonal antibody 1A12, ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, and PI3K inhibitor LY294002, were applied to determine the involved pathways.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of OPN were increased in orbital adipose connective tissue from patients with active GO than those from patients with inactive GO (2.83-fold increase, P < 0.001; 1.91-fold increase, P < 0.05). The OPN mRNA level was positively correlated with CD40 ligand (CD40L) and hyaluronan synthases 2 (HAS2) mRNA in patients with GO. OPN promoted proliferation and migration rate of OFs and induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen I mRNA expression, and the effects were inhibited by 1A12 or LY294002.

Conclusions

OPN in orbital adipose connective tissues were significantly increase in active GO, and there were significant correlations of OPN with CD40L and HAS2 mRNA levels in patients with GO. OPN promoted proliferation and migration of OFs and induced VEGF and collagen I mRNA expression in OFs through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This suggested a role for OPN in the pathogenesis of GO through the activation of OFs.

DNase I improves blood-milk barrier integrity and alleviates inflammation induced by Staphylococcus aureus during mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of mammary gland, which directly affects the milk production performance and causes huge economic losses in the dairy industry. During mastitis, the blood-milk barrier (BMB) loses its integrity and aggravates the severity of mastitis. Exogenous DNase I has been exerted protective effects in different model of tissue injury. Here, we designed a study to investigate the effects of DNase I on inflammation and BMB in a mice model of Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis. In the model, we found that DNase I treatment significantly alleviated the inflammatory response through decrease of inflammatory cells in mammary alveoli, MPO activity and cytokines in mammary gland. Furthermore, immunofluorescent staining and western blotting demonstrated that exogenous DNase I obviously reduced BMB permeability and changed the expression of tight junction proteins to support the re-establishment of the barrier integrity. Mechanismly, DNase I treatment inhibited NF-κB and enhanced AKT signaling pathways. Therefore, our results indicate that DNase I may be an effective treatment for attenuating mastitis.

Immune functions as a ligand or a receptor, cancer prognosis potential, clinical implication of VISTA in cancer immunotherapy

Since cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors of PD/PDL-1 and CTLA-4 limited efficacy to the patients due to resistance during the current decade, novel target is required for customized treatment due to tumor heterogeneity. V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), a programmed death protein-1(PD-1) homolog expressed on T cells and on antigen presenting cells(APC), has emerged as a new target in several cancers. Though VISTA inhibitors including CA-170 are considered attractive in cancer immunotherapy to date, the information on VISTA as a potent biomarker of cancer prognosis and its combination therapy is still lacking to date. Thus, in this review, we discussed extracellular domain, ligands, expression, immune functions and clinical implications of VISTA and finally suggested conclusion and perspectives.

Everolimus inhibits PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-kB/IL-6 signaling and protects seizure-induced brain injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disease caused by the over-synchronization of neurons leading to brain dysfunction. Recurrent seizures can lead to cognitive and behavioral deficits, and irreversible brain damage. While the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulates various physiological processes of neurons and glia, it may also lead to abnormal neuronal signal transduction under pathological conditions, including that of epilepsy. Everolimus (Eve), an mTOR inhibitor, may modulate neuronal excitability and therefore exert protection against epilepsy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of Everolimus on seizure-induced brain injury and its regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-kB/IL-6 signaling pathway. Kainic acid (KA) 15 mg/kg was used to induce seizures and Everolimus (1, 2, 5 mg/kg) was administered as a pretreatment. Hippocampal tissue was extracted 24 h post-seizure.

RESULTS

The protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K、p-AKt、p-mTOR、NF-kB and IL-6 as well as neuronal apoptosis and microglia activation, significantly increased after KA-induced seizures, however, these effects were inhibited by Everolimus treatment. Furthermore, pretreatment with Everolimus decreased seizure scores and increased seizure latency.

CONCLUSIONS

Everolimus can decrease the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-kB/IL-6 signaling pathway, reduce neuronal apoptosis and microglia activation, and attenuate seizure susceptibility and intensity, thus having a protective effect on seizure-induced brain damage.

The TIM3/Gal9 signaling pathway: An emerging target for cancer immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint blockade has shown unprecedented and durable clinical response in a wide range of cancers. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) is an inhibitory checkpoint protein that is highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In various cancers, the interaction of TIM3 and Galectin 9 (Gal9) suppresses anti-tumor immunity mediated by innate as well as adaptive immune cells. Thus, the blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 interaction is a promising therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. In addition, co-blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway along with the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway increases the therapeutic efficacy by overcoming non-redundant immune resistance induced by each checkpoint. Here, we summarize the physiological roles of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway in adaptive and innate immune systems. We highlight the recent clinical and preclinical studies showing the involvement of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway in various solid and blood cancers. In addition, we discuss the potential of using TIM3 and Gal9 as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in different cancers. An in-depth mechanistic understanding of the blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 signaling pathway in cancer could help in identifying patients who respond to this therapy as well as designing combination therapies.

The inhibitory receptor Tim-3 fails to suppress IFN-γ production via the NFAT pathway in NK-cell, unlike that in CD4+ T cells

Background

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing-3 (Tim-3) is a negative regulator expressed on T cells, and is also expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. The function of Tim-3 chiefly restricts IFNγ-production in T cells, however, the impact of Tim-3 on NK cell function has not been clearly elucidated.

Results

In this study, we demonstrated down-regulation of Tim-3 expression on NK cells while Tim-3 is upregulated on CD4⁺ T cells during HIV infection. Functional assays indicated that Tim-3 mediates suppression of CD107a degranulation in NK cells and CD4⁺ T cells, while it fails to inhibit the production of IFN-γ by NK cells. Analyses of downstream pathways using an antibody to block Tim-3 function demonstrated that Tim-3 can inhibit ERK and NFκB p65 signaling; however, it failed to suppress the NFAT pathway. Further, we found that the NFAT activity in NK cells was much higher than that in CD4⁺ T cells, indicating that NFAT pathway is important for promotion of IFN-γ production by NK cells.

Conclusions

Thus, our data show that the expression of Tim-3 on NK cells is insufficient to inhibit IFN-γ production. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a potential mechanism of Tim-3 regulation of NK cells and a target for HIV infection immunotherapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-021-00417-9.

Mechanisms That Underly T Cell Immunity in Graves' Orbitopathy

Graves' orbitopathy (GO), also known as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, is the most common ocular abnormality of Graves' disease. It is a disfiguring, invalidating, and potentially blinding orbital disease mediated by an interlocking and complicated immune network. Self-reactive T cells directly against thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor-bearing orbital fibroblasts contribute to autoimmune inflammation and tissue remodeling in GO orbital connective tissues. To date, T helper (Th) 1 (cytotoxic leaning) and Th2 (antibody leaning) cell subsets and an emerging role of Th17 (fibrotic leaning) cells have been implicated in GO pathogenesis. The potential feedback loops between orbital native residential CD34^- fibroblasts, CD34⁺ infiltrating fibrocytes, and effector T cells may affect the T cell subset bias and the skewed pattern of cytokine production in the orbit, thereby determining the outcomes of GO autoimmune reactions. Characterization of the T cell subsets that drive GO and the cytokines they express may significantly advance our understanding of orbital autoimmunity and the development of promising therapeutic strategies against pathological T cells.

Proteomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Placenta of Anticardiolipin Antibody- (ACA-) Positive Pregnant Mice after Anzi Heji Treatment

Anzi Heji (AZHJ) has been used to treat anticardiolipin antibody- (ACA-) positive pregnant women at risk of spontaneous abortion for many years. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of AZHJ in a mouse model of ACA-positive pregnancy at risk of spontaneous abortion using label-free quantitative proteomics. Mice were divided into three groups: normal pregnant mice (control group), ACA-positive pregnant mice administered normal saline (model group), and ACA-positive pregnant mice administered AZHJ (AZHJ group). The model was established by injecting β2-glycoprotein I (GPI) into mice for 18 days. The DEPs and their functions were analyzed by label-free quantitative proteomic and bioinformatic analyses. The levels of IL-6, IL-10, ACA, and TNF-α in the serum and placentas of the mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Proteomic data were validated by western blot analysis. The abnormal serum and placental levels of IL-6, ACA, and TNF-α in the model group were reversed by AZHJ. There were 39 upregulated and 10 downregulated DEPs in the AZHJ group relative to the model group. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the DEPs were mainly involved in nucleic acid binding, signal conduction, and posttranslational modification. The placental levels of T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (Tim-3) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and AKT phosphorylation in the three groups were consistent with the proteomic findings. Tim-3/AKT signaling is involved in maternal-fetal immune tolerance, while TLR4 is associated with inflammatory responses. Collectively, these results indicate that AZHJ may exert its protective effect in ACA-positive pregnant mice by regulating the maternal-fetal immune tolerance and inflammatory response.

Galectins and their involvement in ocular disease and development

Galectins are carbohydrate binding proteins with high affinity to ß-galactoside containing glycoconjugates. Understanding of the functions of galectins has grown steadily over the past decade, as a result of substantial advancements in the field of glycobiology. Galectins have been shown to be versatile molecules that participate in a range of important biological systems, including inflammation, neovascularisation and fibrosis. These processes are of particular importance in ocular tissues, where a major theme of recent research has been to divert diseases away from pathways which result in loss of function into pathways of repair and regeneration. This review summarises our current understanding of galectins in the context important ocular diseases, followed by an update on current clinical studies and future directions.

Mechanisms of Spica Prunellae against thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder, which lacks effective treatment currently. Spica Prunellae (SP) is popularly used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties, indicating SP may have potential therapeutic value in TAO. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the efficiency and potential mechanism of SP in treating TAO.

METHODS

A network pharmacology integrated molecular docking strategy was used to predict the underlying molecular mechanism of treating TAO. Firstly, the active compounds of SP were obtained from TCMSP database and literature research. Then we collected the putative targets of SP and TAO based on multi-sources databases to generate networks. Network topology analysis, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to screen the key targets and mechanism. Furthermore, molecular docking simulation provided an assessment tool for verifying drug and target binding.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 8 targets (PTGS2, MAPK3, AKT1, TNF, MAPK1, CASP3, IL6, MMP9) were recognized as key therapeutic targets with excellent binding affinity after network analysis and molecular docking-based virtual screening. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that the underlying mechanism was mainly focused on the biological processes and pathways associated with immune inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Notably, the key pathway was considered as the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the present study elucidates that SP may suppress inflammation and proliferation and promote apoptosis through the PI3K-AKT pathway, which makes SP a potential treatment against TAO. And this study offers new reference points for future experimental research and provides a scientific basis for more widespread clinical application.

Progress in the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and new drug development

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of toxic diffuse goiter (Graves' disease), also known as Graves' ophthalmopathy/orbitopathy. As an organ-specific autoimmune disease, the pathogenesis of TAO is still unclear. In recent years, great progress has been made in revealing the mechanism of TAO. Various biological and immunosuppressive agents have emerged in an endless stream, showing encouraging results. Strengthening the basic research, establishing ideal animal models, deeply understanding the pathogenesis, and developing novel targeted drugs are of great significance to guide the clinical diagnosis and management of TAO and improve the prognosis of patients.

Esmolol inhibits inflammation and apoptosis in the intestinal tissue via the overexpression of NF-κB-p65 in the early stage sepsis rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Accumulating evidence reveals esmolol could protect the gut mucosa through the regulation of immune response and inflammation in patients with sepsis. However, its underlying mechanism is not fully understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diamine oxidase (DAO), intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in the plasma of rats were detected by ELISA assay. Western blotting was utilized to measure the expression levels of NF-kappa B-p65, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 in the intestinal tissues. The survival analysis was performed in each group.

RESULTS

The plasma levels of DAO and IL-10 levels were increased, whereas that of I-FABP and IL-6 were decreased in the sepsis rats after esmolol treatment, indicating that after the esmolol treatment, the intestinal inflammation and damages were remarkably reduced as compared to those in the normal saline treated sepsis rats. NF-κB-p65 and Bcl-2 were highly expressed, but cleaved caspase-3 showed lower expression in the esmolol treated groups. However, at the same time, we observed contrasting results in the normal saline treated group. Western blotting data indicated that the esmolol treatment inhibited the inflammation and apoptosis in the intestinal tissue due to the overexpression of NF-κB-p65 in the celiac sepsis rats. The survival analysis results indicate that the esmolol infusion should be used in the early stages sepsis rats.

CONCLUSION

Esmolol can suppress inflammation and apoptosis in the intestinal tissue via the overexpression of NF-kappa B-p65 in the early stage sepsis rats. kappa BEarly-stage use of esmolol might be an ideal treatment method for sepsis.

Effect of HBx on inflammation and mitochondrial oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes

Hepatitis B virus × protein (HBx) serves an important role in the pathogenesis of the hepatitis B virus infection. Previous studies have reported that the interaction between HBx and hepatocyte mitochondria is an important factor leading to liver cell injury and apoptosis, ultimately inducing the formation of liver cancer. In the present study, a mouse model expressing HBx was constructed using hydrodynamic in vivo transfection based on the interaction between HBx and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit III. The specific mechanism of HBx-induced oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes and the subsequent effect on mitochondrial function and inflammatory injury was assessed. The results demonstrated that HBx reduced the activity of COX and the expression of superoxide dismutase and upregulated the expression of malondialdehyde, NF-κB and phospho-AKT, thus increasing oxidative stress. In addition, HBx induced an increase in interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-18 expression levels, which created an inflammatory microenvironment in the liver, further promoting hepatocyte inflammatory injury. Therefore, it was proposed that HBx may affect hepatocyte mitochondrial respiration by reducing the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and inducing hepatocyte inflammation and injury.

Microarray Data of Lacrimal Gland Implicates Dysregulated Protein Processing in Endoplasmic Reticulum in Graves' Ophthalmopathy

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) has become one of the most common orbital diseases. Although some evidences announced the potential mechanism of pathological changes in extraocular muscle and orbital adipose tissue, little is known about that in lacrimal enlargement of GO patients. Thus, gene expression profiles of lacrimal gland derived from GO patients and normal controls were investigated using the microarray datasets of GSE105149 and GSE58331. The raw data and annotation files of GSE105149 and GSE58331 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Bioinformatics including differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, hub gene identification, and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were successively performed. A total of 173 overlapping DEGs in GSE105149 and GSE58331 were screened out, including 20 up-regulated and 153 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology, KEGG and GSVA analyses of these DEGs showed that the most significant mechanism was closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, we identified 40 module genes and 13 hub genes which were also enriched in the ER-associated terms and pathways. Among the hub genes, five genes including HSP90AA1, HSP90B1, DNAJC10, HSPA5, and CANX may be involved in the dysfunction of protein processing in ER. Taken together, our observations revealed a dysregulated gene network which is essential for protein processing in ER in GO patients. These findings provided a potential mechanism in the progression of lacrimal enlargement in GO patients, as a new insight into GO pathogenesis.

Impaired dendritic cell functions in lung cancer: a review of recent advances and future perspectives

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the key factors providing protective immunity against lung tumors and clinical trials have proven that DC function is reduced in lung cancer patients. It is evident that the immunoregulatory network may play a key role in the failure of the immune response to terminate tumors. Lung tumors likely employ numerous strategies to suppress DC-based anti-tumor immunity. Here, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding on lung tumor-induced immunosuppression in DCs, which affects the initiation and development of T-cell responses. We also describe which existing measures to restore DC function may be useful for clinical treatment of lung tumors. Furthering our knowledge of how lung cancer cells alter DC function to generate a tumor-supportive environment will be essential in order to guide the design of new immunotherapy strategies for clinical use.

Daphnetin inhibits high glucose-induced extracellular matrix accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation in human glomerular mesangial cells

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Oxidative stress and inflammation have been documented to play important roles in the pathogenesis of DN. Daphnetin, a natural coumarin compound, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the role of daphnetin in DN has not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study was to explore the function of daphnetin in DN and the underlying mechanism in vitro. Our results demonstrated that daphnetin alleviated cell proliferation induced by high glucose (HG) in human mesangial cells (MCs). Daphnetin strikingly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, and induced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in HG-stimulated MCs. Besides, the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, fibronectin (FN) and collagen IV (Col IV) was also inhibited by daphnetin in HG-stimulated MCs. In addition, daphnetin enhanced the expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inhibited the levels of p-Akt and p-p65 in HG-stimulated MCs. The results indicated that daphnetin inhibited HG-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and ECM accumulation in human MCs. The effect is partially mediated by Nrf2/keap1 and Akt/NF-κB pathways. The findings suggested that daphnetin might be a therapeutic or preventive agent for DN.

Association of Serum T cell Immunoglobulin Domain and Mucin-3 and Interleukin-17 with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background

Previous studies have shown that T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin-3 (Tim-3) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) are implicated in the development of several autoimmune diseases. However, it is unclear whether these proteins contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate SLE patient serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels, and to assess correlations between these proteins and major clinical parameters of SLE.

Material/Methods

Overall, 55 SLE patients and 55 healthy controls were recruited in a case-control study. Serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

Results

Serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels in SLE patients were significantly elevated relative to healthy controls (all P<0.05). Serum Tim-3 levels were significantly lower in SLE patients with nephritis than in those SLE without nephritis (P<0.05), while no statistically significant correlation between serum IL-17 and nephritis was detected (P>0.05). Serum Tim-3 with IL-17 levels were positively correlated in SLE patients (r_s=0.817, P<0.01); however, no statistically significant correlation was found between serum Tim-3 or IL-17 levels and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores in those with SLE (all P>0.05). In addition, serum Tim-3 was associated with central lesions in SLE patients, while there were no significant correlations between serum Tim-3 or IL-17 levels and other SLE clinical parameters.

Conclusions

Increased serum Tim-3 and IL-17 levels and their clinical associations in SLE patients suggest their possible role in this disease.

IGF1 receptor and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a vexing and poorly understood autoimmune process involving the upper face and tissues surrounding the eyes. In TAO, the orbit can become inflamed and undergo substantial remodeling that is disfiguring and can lead to loss of vision. There are currently no approved medical therapies for TAO, the consequence of its uncertain pathogenic nature. It usually presents as a component of the syndrome known as Graves' disease where loss of immune tolerance to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) results in the generation of activating antibodies against that protein and hyperthyroidism. The role for TSHR and these antibodies in the development of TAO is considerably less well established. We have reported over the past 2 decades evidence that the insulin-like growth factorI receptor (IGF1R) may also participate in the pathogenesis of TAO. Activating antibodies against IGF1R have been detected in patients with GD. The actions of these antibodies initiate signaling in orbital fibroblasts from patients with the disease. Further, we have identified a functional and physical interaction between TSHR and IGF1R. Importantly, it appears that signaling initiated from either receptor can be attenuated by inhibiting the activity of IGF1R. These findings underpin the rationale for therapeutically targeting IGF1R in active TAO. A recently completed therapeutic trial of teprotumumab, a human IGF1R inhibiting antibody, in patients with moderate to severe, active TAO, indicates the potential effectiveness and safety of the drug. It is possible that other autoimmune diseases might also benefit from this treatment strategy.

Emerging therapeutic biomarkers of autoimmune hepatitis and their impact on current and future management

Autoimmune hepatitis lacks a quantifiable biomarker that is close to its pathogenic mechanisms and that accurately reflects inflammatory activity, correlates with treatment response, and ensures inactive disease before treatment withdrawal. Areas covered: Micro-ribonucleic acids, programmed death-1 protein and its ligands, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, soluble CD163, B cell activating factor, and metabolite patterns in blood were considered the leading candidates as therapeutic biomarkers after search of PubMed from August 1981 to August 2017 using the search words 'biomarkers of autoimmune hepatitis'. Expert commentary: Each of the candidate biomarkers is close to the putative pathogenic mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis, and each has attributes that support its potential role as a surrogate marker of inflammatory activity that can be monitored during treatment. Future studies must demonstrate the superiority of each biomarker to conventional indices of inflammatory activity and validate their correlation with treatment response and outcome. A reliable therapeutic biomarker would facilitate the individualization of current management algorithms, ensure that pathogenic mechanisms were disrupted or eliminated prior to treatment withdrawal, and reduce the frequency of relapse or unnecessary protracted therapy. The biomarker might also prove to be a target of next-generation therapies.