Microglial V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 4 protects against ischemic stroke in mice by suppressing TLR4-regulated inflammatory response

V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 4 inhibits oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation to attenuate Parkinson's disease progression by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

OBJECTIVE

V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 4 (VSIG4) inhibits neurological dysfunction, microglial M1 polarization, and inflammation to participate in the progression of neurological disorders, but evidence regarding Parkinson's disease (PD) is scarce. The present study intended to investigate the engagement of VSIG4 in PD progression, and the potential mechanism.

METHODS

BV-2 cells were treated with 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) to establish PD model. MPP+ treated BV-2 cells were infected with VSIG4 overexpression adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) (oeVSIG4) and negative control AAV (oeNC), and AZD1480 (JAK2 inhibitor) was added to these cells.

RESULTS

MPP+ reduced VSIG4 mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein (P < 0.05) in BV-2 cells. Interestingly, VSIG4 reduced malondialdehyde (P < 0.01), reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (P < 0.05), cleaved-caspase1 (P < 0.05), tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05), and interleukin-1β (P < 0.05), but increased glutathione (P < 0.05), mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.05), phosphorylation (p)-JAK2 (P < 0.05), and p-STAT3 (P < 0.01) in MPP+ treated BV-2 cells, which indicated that VSIG4 inhibited oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, as well as activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in PD model. Moreover, AZD1480 inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and aggravated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in PD model (all P < 0.05). Importantly, AZD1480 attenuated the influence of VSIG4 on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in PD model (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

VSIG4 suppresses oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation by activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which may be helpful in attenuating PD progression.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of decidual immune cell landscape in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in early pregnancy. Previous studies have illustrated the landscape of decidual immune cells. However, the landscape of decidual immune cells in the maternal-fetal microenvironment during T. gondii infection remains unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in human decidual immune cells following T. gondii infection. The results of scRNA-seq were further validated with flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the proportion of 17 decidual immune cell clusters and the expression levels of 21 genes were changed after T. gondii infection. Differential gene analysis demonstrated that T. gondii infection induced the differential expression of 279, 312, and 380 genes in decidual NK cells (dNK), decidual macrophages (dMφ), and decidual T cells (dT), respectively. Our results revealed for the first time that several previously unknown molecules in decidual immune cells changed following infection. This result revealed that the function of maternal-fetal immune tolerance declined, whereas the killing ability of decidual immune cells enhanced, eventually contributing to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable resource for uncovering several novel molecules that play an important role in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.

VSIG4 interaction with heparan sulfates inhibits VSIG4-complement binding

V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) is a complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is specifically expressed on tissue resident macrophages, and its many reported functions and binding partners suggest a complex role in immune function. VSIG4 is reported to have a role in immune surveillance as well as in modulating diverse disease phenotypes such as infections, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. However, the mechanism(s) governing VSIG4's complex, context-dependent role in immune regulation remains elusive. Here, we identify cell surface and soluble glycosaminoglycans, specifically heparan sulfates, as novel binding partners of VSIG4. We demonstrate that genetic deletion of heparan sulfate synthesis enzymes or cleavage of cell-surface heparan sulfates reduced VSIG4 binding to the cell surface. Furthermore, binding studies demonstrate that VSIG4 interacts directly with heparan sulfates, with a preference for highly sulfated moieties and longer glycosaminoglycan chains. To assess the impact on VSIG4 biology, we show that heparan sulfates compete with known VSIG4 binding partners C3b and iC3b. Furthermore, mutagenesis studies indicate that this competition occurs through overlapping binding epitopes for heparan sulfates and complement on VSIG4. Together these data suggest a novel role for heparan sulfates in VSIG4-dependent immune modulation.

TAK-242, a toll-like receptor 4 antagonist, against brain injury by alleviates autophagy and inflammation in rats

Inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammatory pathways exerts a critical effect on neuronal death; therefore, it is a possible new therapeutic approach for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Resatorvid (TAK-242) is a novel small-molecule compound widely used to inhibit TLR4-mediated pathways, but the protective mechanism of TAK-242 in TBI remains unclear. Herein, we analyzed the neuroprotective effects of TAK-242 in rats after TBI. The rat model of brain injury was established using a modified Free-fall device, and the rats were injected with TAK-242 (0.5 mg/kg) through the caudal vein before TBI. The rats were allocated into four groups: a sham group, a TBI group, a TBI + vehicle group, and a TBI + TAK-242 group. The brain tissue was extracted for histology and determination of the expression of autophagy-related proteins and inflammatory mediators. TAK-242 pretreatment significantly reduced the damage to hippocampal neurons. Neuronal autophagy increased after brain injury, whereas TAK-242 significantly reduced autophagy marker protein LC3-II in the hippocampus. In addition, TAK-242 pretreatment significantly downregulated NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the hippocampus. In conclusion, TAK-242 significantly reduced hippocampal neuronal damage by inhibiting autophagy and neuroinflammatory activity, possibly via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

The biology of VSIG4: Implications for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and cancer

V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 4 (VSIG4), a type I transmembrane receptor exclusively expressed in a subset of tissue-resident macrophages, plays a pivotal role in clearing C3-opsonized pathogens and their byproducts from the circulation. VSIG4 maintains immune homeostasis by suppressing the activation of complement pathways or T cells and inducing regulatory T-cell differentiation, thereby inhibiting the development of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases but enhancing cancer progression. Consequently, VSIG4 exhibits a potential therapeutic effect for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, but also is regarded as a novel target of immune checkpoint inhibition in cancer therapy. Recently, soluble VSIG4, the extracellular domain of VSIG4, shed from the surface of macrophages, has been found to be a biomarker to define macrophage activation-related diseases. This review mainly summarizes recent new findings of VSIG4 in macrophage phagocytosis and immune homeostasis, and discusses its potential diagnostic and therapeutic usage in infection, inflammation, and cancer.

Therapeutic modulation of V Set and Ig domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) signaling in immune and inflammatory diseases

Inflammation is the result of acute and chronic stresses, caused by emotional or physical trauma, or nutritional or environmental pollutants, and brings serious harm to human life and health. As an important cellular component of the innate immune barrier, the macrophage plays a key role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and promoting tissue repair by controlling infection and resolving inflammation. Several studies suggest that V Set and Ig domain-containing 4 is specifically expressed in tissue macrophages and is associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases. In this paper, we mainly summarize the recent research on V Set and Ig domain-containing 4 structures, functions, function and roles in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, and provide a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including nervous system, urinary, respiratory and metabolic diseases.

The crosstalk between parenchymal cells and macrophages: A keeper of tissue homeostasis

Non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) and parenchymal cells (PCs) collectively perform tissue-specific functions. PCs play significant roles and continuously adjust the intrinsic functions and metabolism of organs. Tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) are crucial members of native NPCs in tissues and are essential for immune defense, tissue repair and development, and homeostasis maintenance. As a plastic-phenotypic and prevalent cluster of NPCs, TRMs dynamically assist PCs in functioning by producing cytokines, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals, growth factors, and proteolytic enzymes. Furthermore, the PCs of tissues modulate the functional activity and polarization of TRMs. Dysregulation of the PC-TRM crosstalk axis profoundly impacts many essential physiological functions, including synaptogenesis, gastrointestinal motility and secretion, cardiac pulsation, gas exchange, blood filtration, and metabolic homeostasis. This review focuses on the PC-TRM crosstalk in mammalian vital tissues, along with their interactions with tissue homeostasis maintenance and disorders. Thus, this review highlights the fundamental biological significance of the regulatory network of PC-TRM in tissue homeostasis.

VSIG4 regulates macrophages polarization and alleviates inflammation through activating PI3K/AKT and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury rats

Background

Myocardial infarction is the primary cause of high disability and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease worldwide. The pathological process of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) may trigger harmful inflammatory response and ultimately lead to serious cardiac dysfunction. The mechanism of myocardial repair post myocardial infarction has not been fully elucidated. The present study speculated that VSIG4 is related to the regulation of heart injury.

Methods

The myocardial I/R injury model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Before I/R operation, the viral solution containing AAV-NC or AAV-VSIG4 was intravenously injected into rats. Cardiac function indicators, mRNA expression, the apoptosis ratio of cardiomyocytes, myocardial infarct area, phenotype polarization of macrophage, and the protein expression of apoptosis or macrophage phenotype were measured.

Results

Myocardial I/R injury decreased the expression of VSIG4 and subsequently triggered myocardial apoptosis. The induction of AAV-VSIG4 produced a protective effect on general cardiac function and attenuated the I/R-induced cellular apoptosis in rats. Moreover, VSIG4 signaling might potentially modulate macrophage M1/M2-related inflammatory disorders via activation of PI3K/AKT and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB expression.

Conclusion

In summary, the present study provided evidence that VSIG4 had cardiac protective role in myocardial I/R injury. More importantly, enhanced VSIG4 expression inhibited M1 polarization of macrophages by blocking TLR4/NF-κB activation, subsequently suppressing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. This finding provides vital insights into the role of VSIG4 in I/R injury and may provide a new target for I/R therapy.

Inflammatory Responses After Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke generates an immune response that contributes to neuronal loss as well as tissue repair. This is a complex process involving a range of cell types and effector molecules and impacts tissues outside of the CNS. Recent reviews address specific aspects of this response, but several years have passed and important advances have been made since a high-level review has summarized the overall state of the field. The present review examines the initiation of the inflammatory response after ischemic stroke, the complex impacts of leukocytes on patient outcome, and the potential of basic science discoveries to impact the development of therapeutics. The information summarized here is derived from broad PubMed searches and aims to reflect recent research advances in an unbiased manner. We highlight valuable recent discoveries and identify gaps in knowledge that have the potential to advance our understanding of this disease and therapies to improve patient outcomes.

VSIG4/CRIg directly regulates early CD8+ T cell activation through its counter-receptor in a narrow window

T-cell responses are fine-tuned by positive and negative co-signal molecules expressed on immune cells and adjacent tissues. VSIG4 is a newly identified member of the B7 family of ligands, which negatively regulates innate inflammatory and CD4⁺ T cell-mediated responses. However, little is known about the direct effects of VSIG4, which are exerted through an unidentified counter-receptor on CD8⁺ T cells. We investigated the binding of the VSIG4-Ig fusion protein during CD8⁺ T cell activation, and the functional involvement of VSIG4 pathway, using VSIG4-Ig and VSIG4-transfectants. VSIG4-Ig binding to CD8⁺ T cells was temporally observed in the CD44^high phenotype during initial activation. VSIG4-Ig binding was observed earlier than the induction of PD-1, LAG3, and TIM-3, which are immune checkpoint receptors for exhausted CD8⁺ T cells. Immobilized VSIG4-Ig inhibited anti-CD3/CD28 mAb-induced CD8⁺ T cell activation, as indicated by proliferation and IFN-γ production, similar to the downregulation of T-bet and Eomesodermin transcription factors. VSIG4 on FcγR⁺ P815 or specific antigen-presenting E.G7 cells inhibited the generation of effector CD8⁺ T cells, as indicated by proliferation, IFN-γ and TNF-α expression, and granule degradation, compared to parental cells. However, the window for the regulatory function of VSIG4 was narrow and dependent on the strength of TCR (and CD28)-mediated signals. Our results suggested that VSIG4 directly delivers co-inhibitory signals via an as-yet unidentified counter-receptor on activated CD8⁺ T cells. VSIG4-mediated CD8⁺ T cell tolerance might contribute to the steady-state maintenance of homeostasis.

Identification of miRNA and Their Regulatory Effects Induced by Total Flavonoids From Dracocephalum moldavica in the Treatment of Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a general term used to describe difficulties in memory, reasoning, judgment, and planning caused by a reduced blood flow to the brain and consequent brain damage, in which microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved. Dracocephalum moldavica L. (D. moldavica) is traditionally used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases as well as VaD, but the biomolecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect are obscure. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms involved in the treatment of VaD by the total flavonoids from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) were explored by the identification of miRNA profiling using bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. A total of 2,562 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 3,522 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the GSE120584 and GSE122063 datasets, in which the gene functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network of 93 core targets, originated from the intersection of the top DEM target genes and DEGs, were established for VaD gene profiling. One hundred and eighty-five targets interacting with 42 flavonoids in the TFDM were included in a compound-target network, subsequently found that they overlapped with potential targets for VaD. These 43 targets could be considered in the treatment of VaD by TFDM, and included CaMKII, MAPK, MAPT, PI3K, and KDR, closely associated with the vascular protective effect of TFDM, as well as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The subsequent analysis of the compound-target gene-miRNA network indicated that eight miRNAs that mediated 43 targets had a close interaction with TFDM, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects were principally due to kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, which were mostly associated with the miR-3184-3p/ESR1, miR-6762-3p/CDK1, miR-6777-3p/ESRRA, and other related axes. Furthermore, the in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model demonstrated that the dysregulation of miR-3184-3p and miR-6875-5p found by qRT-PCR was consistent with the changes in the bioinformatics analysis. TFDM and its active compounds involving tilianin, luteolin, and apigenin showed significant effects on the upregulation of miR-3184-3p and downregulation of miR-6875-5p in OGD-injured cells, in line with the improved cell viability. In conclusion, our findings revealed the underlying miRNA-target gene network and potential targets of TFDM in the treatment of VaD.

Up-regulation of VSIG4 alleviates kidney transplantation-associated acute kidney injury through suppressing inflammation and ROS via regulation of AKT signaling

Prolonged cold ischemia (CI) is a risk factor for acute kidney injury (AKI) after kidney transplantation (KT). AKI is an abrupt and rapid reduction in renal function due to multi-factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. V-set immunoglobulin-domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) is a B7 family-related protein and specifically expressed in resting tissue-resident macrophages to mediate various cellular events. In the study, we attempted to explore the effects of VSIG4 on CI/KT-induced AKI in a mouse model. Our results showed that VSIG4 expression was markedly down-regulated in serum of kidney transplant recipients with acute rejection, and in renal tissues of cold ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-operated mice with AKI, which was confirmed in murine macrophages stimulated by oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). We then found that exogenous VSIG4 markedly ameliorated histological changes in kidney of CI/KT mice by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis through restraining nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Caspase-3 activation, respectively. Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in renal tissues were also mitigated by exogenous VSIG4 in CI/KT mice through improving nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear expression. The inhibitory effects of VSIG4 on inflammation, ROS generation and cell death were confirmed in OGD/R-treated macrophages, which further ameliorated oxidative damage and apoptosis in podocytes. More in vivo and in vitro studies showed that CI/KT- and OGD/R-induced AKI was further accelerated by VSIG4 knockdown. Mechanistically, VSIG4 directly interacted with AKT, and AKT activation was necessary for VSIG4 to govern all these above mentioned cellular processes. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that VSIG4 could mitigate AKI in a CI/KT mouse model, and we identified VSIG4/AKT axis as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease.

ARG2, MAP4K5 and TSTA3 as Diagnostic Markers of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head and Their Correlation With Immune Infiltration

Background

The diagnosis for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is hard to achieve at the early stage, which results in patients receiving ineffective treatment options and a poor prognosis for most cases. The present study aimed to find potential diagnostic markers of SONFH and analyze the effect exerted by infiltration of immune cells in this pathology.

Materials and Methods

R software was adopted for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and conducting functional investigation based on the microarray dataset. Then we combined SVM-RFE, WGCNA, LASSO logistic regression, and random forest (RF) algorithms for screening the diagnostic markers of SONFH and further verification by qRT-PCR. The diagnostic values were assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. CIBERSORT was then adopted for assessing the infiltration of immune cells and the relationship of infiltration-related immune cells and diagnostic markers.

Results

We identified 383 DEGs overall. This study found ARG2, MAP4K5, and TSTA3 (AUC = 0.980) to be diagnostic markers of SONFH. The results of qRT-PCR showed a statistically significant difference in all markers. Analysis of infiltration of immune cells indicated that neutrophils, activated dendritic cells and memory B cells were likely to show the relationship with SONFH occurrence and progress. Additionally, all diagnostic markers had different degrees of correlation with T cell follicular helper, neutrophils, memory B cells, and activated dendritic cells.

Conclusion

ARG2, MAP4K5, and TSTA3 are potential diagnostic genes for SONFH, and infiltration of immune cells may critically impact SONFH occurrence and progression.

VSIG4 Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubular Cells under High-Glucose Conditions

High glucose-mediated tubular injury contributes to the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy through renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. V-set immunoglobulin-domain-containing 4 (VSIG4), a B7 family-related protein, is a complement receptor. Although the role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported in several diseases, little is known about its relationship with VSIG4 under diabetic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the role of VSIG4 in human tubule cells stimulated by high glucose (HG, 55 mM). HG upregulated both mRNA and protein levels of VSIG4 in proximal tubule cells (HK-2 cells) and Madin Darby Canine Kidney cells. These upregulations were accompanied by increased expression of mesenchymal markers such as fibronectin, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and vimentin, and by decreased expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin. The siRNA-mediated inhibition of VSIG4 in HK-2 cells restored the dysregulation of EMT in cells. Interestingly, VSIG4 inhibition did not affect the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, whereas inhibition of TGF-β reduced VSIG4 expression, subsequently suppressing fibrosis markers. These findings suggest that VSIG4 plays an important role in mediating renal tubular EMT through the downstream action of HG-induced TGF-β activation.

The good, the bad, and the opportunities of the complement system in neurodegenerative disease

The complement cascade is a critical effector mechanism of the innate immune system that contributes to the rapid clearance of pathogens and dead or dying cells, as well as contributing to the extent and limit of the inflammatory immune response. In addition, some of the early components of this cascade have been clearly shown to play a beneficial role in synapse elimination during the development of the nervous system, although excessive complement-mediated synaptic pruning in the adult or injured brain may be detrimental in multiple neurogenerative disorders. While many of these later studies have been in mouse models, observations consistent with this notion have been reported in human postmortem examination of brain tissue. Increasing awareness of distinct roles of C1q, the initial recognition component of the classical complement pathway, that are independent of the rest of the complement cascade, as well as the relationship with other signaling pathways of inflammation (in the periphery as well as the central nervous system), highlights the need for a thorough understanding of these molecular entities and pathways to facilitate successful therapeutic design, including target identification, disease stage for treatment, and delivery in specific neurologic disorders. Here, we review the evidence for both beneficial and detrimental effects of complement components and activation products in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence for requisite co-factors for the diverse consequences are reviewed, as well as the recent studies that support the possibility of successful pharmacological approaches to suppress excessive and detrimental complement-mediated chronic inflammation, while preserving beneficial effects of complement components, to slow the progression of neurodegenerative disease.

Phthalide derivative CD21 alleviates cerebral ischemia-induced neuroinflammation: Involvement of microglial M2 polarization via AMPK activation

Microglia can be activated to become the classic phenotype (M1) or alternative phenotype (M2), which play an important role in regulating neuroinflammatory response and tissue repair after ischemic stroke. CD21, a novel phthalide derivative, is a potential neuroprotectant against ischemic brain injury. The present study further investigated the effects of CD21 on post-ischemic microglial polarization and the underlying mechanisms. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was used as a mouse model of ischemic stroke, while BV2 cells stimulated with conditioned medium collected from oxygen-glucose deprivation-treated HT22 cells were used in in vitro ischemic studies. The current results showed that CD21 dose-dependently and significantly improved neurological outcomes in tMCAO mice. Biochemical analyses revealed that CD21 decreased the expression of M1 phenotype markers (CD86, interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase) and increased the expression of M2 phenotype markers (CD206, interleukin-10 and YM1/2) in both ischemic brain tissues and BV2 cells. Meanwhile, CD21 decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), promoted the release of the antiinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10), and enhanced the phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in ischemic brain tissue and BV2 cells. Furthermore, the AMPK inhibitor (compound C) reversed these effects of CD21 in BV2 cells. These findings indicate that CD21 alleviates post-ischemic neuroinflammation through induction of microglial M2 polarization that is at least in part medicated by AMPK activation, suggesting that CD21 may be a promising candidate for protecting against ischemic brain injury.

Transcriptional re-programming in rat central nervous system two weeks after burn trauma: the impact of nephrilin treatment on the expression of oxidative stress-related genes

INTRODUCTION

Survivors of severe burns suffer lifetime neuroinflammatory consequences manifested by higher incidence of major depression and neurodegenerative disease. In a scald model, nephrilin peptide has previously been shown to protect rats from loss of lean body mass, kidney function and glycaemic control, complications that have also been shown to endure in burn patient populations. Nephrilin's mechanism of action has been suggested to involve protection from excessive oxidative stress.

METHODS

Using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) amplification of transcripts in total RNA extracted from dorsal root ganglia of male rats 14 days after exposure to thermal insult, we query the relative levels of expression of 34 genes believed to be associated with oxidative stress biology in the central nervous system (CNS). We use these data to explore the central role of oxidative stress in astrogliosis, immunosuppression and mitochondrial homeostasis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Rats that received nephrilin treatment (4 mg/kg by subcutaneous bolus injection once daily for seven days after scald injury) showed significantly reduced elevations in gene expression of some key genes such as NOX2, GFAP, AQP4 and RAC1, but not of others such as NOX4, STEAP4, ARG1 and CCL2.

CONCLUSION

The implications of these data with reference to nephrilin's potential clinical utility for mitigating the enduring effects of burn trauma on the CNS are discussed. Nephrilin reduces the expression of some genes implicated in neurodegeneration after burn insult.

LAY SUMMARY

Nephrilin peptide is a novel treatment for short- and long-term systemic effects of burn trauma. This study measures the capability of nephrilin to address post-traumatic neurodegenerative disease by looking at the expression of genes in the central nervous system, in a rat scald model. Nephrilin appears to have beneficial effects by reducing the expression of some key genes known to be relevant in neurodegenerative processes, but not others.