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Ying Y, Tao N, Zhang F, Wen X, Zhou M, Gao J. Thymosin β4 Regulates the Differentiation of Thymocytes by Controlling the Cytoskeletal Rearrangement and Mitochondrial Transfer of Thymus Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1088. [PMID: 38256161 PMCID: PMC10816181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The thymus is one of the most crucial immunological organs, undergoing visible age-related shrinkage. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a vital role in maintaining the normal function of the thymus, and their degeneration is the primary cause of age-induced thymic devolution. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) serves as a significant important G-actin sequestering peptide. The objective of this study was to explore whether Tβ4 influences thymocyte differentiation by regulating the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer of TECs. A combination of H&E staining, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, cytoskeletal immunolabeling, and mitochondrial immunolabeling were employed to observe the effects of Tβ4 on TECs' skeleton rearrangement, mitochondrial transfer, and thymocyte differentiation. The study revealed that the Tβ4 primarily regulates the formation of microfilaments and the mitochondrial transfer of TECs, along with the formation and maturation of double-negative cells (CD4-CD8-) and CD4 single-positive cells (CD3+TCRβ+CD4+CD8-) thymocytes. This study suggests that Tβ4 plays a crucial role in thymocyte differentiation by influencing the cytoskeletal rearrangement and mitochondrial transfer of TECs. These effects may be associated with Tβ4's impact on the aggregation of F-actin. This finding opens up new avenues for research in the field of immune aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.Y.); (N.T.); (F.Z.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
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2
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Yang J, Liu J, Liang J, Li F, Wang W, Chen H, Xie X. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in age-associated thymic involution: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102115. [PMID: 37922996 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a critical immune organ with endocrine and immune functions that plays important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. However, with aging, the thymus undergoes degenerative changes leading to decreased production and output of naive T cells and the secretion of thymic hormones and related cytokines, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of various age-associated diseases. Therefore, identifying essential processes that regulate age-associated thymic involution is crucial for long-term control of thymic involution and age-associated disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-established process involved in organ aging and functional impairment through tissue fibrosis in several organs, such as the heart and kidney. In the thymus, EMT promotes fibrosis and potentially adipogenesis, leading to thymic involution. This review focuses on the factors involved in thymic involution, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormones, from the perspective of EMT. Furthermore, current interventions for reversing age-associated thymic involution by targeting EMT-associated processes are summarized. Understanding the key mechanisms of thymic involution through EMT as an entry point may promote the development of new therapies and clinical agents to reverse thymic involution and age-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fan Li
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huan Chen
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Nucleic Acid Medicine of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| | - Xiang Xie
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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Reis MDDS, Veneziani LP, Porto FL, Lins MP, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W. Intrathymic somatotropic circuitry: consequences upon thymus involution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108630. [PMID: 37426675 PMCID: PMC10323194 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a classic pituitary-derived hormone crucial to body growth and metabolism. In the pituitary gland, GH production is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and inhibited by somatostatin. GH secretion can also be induced by other peptides, such as ghrelin, which interacts with receptors present in somatotropic cells. It is well established that GH acts directly on target cells or indirectly by stimulating the production of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), particularly IGF-1. Notably, such somatotropic circuitry is also involved in the development and function of immune cells and organs, including the thymus. Interestingly, GH, IGF-1, ghrelin, and somatostatin are expressed in the thymus in the lymphoid and microenvironmental compartments, where they stimulate the secretion of soluble factors and extracellular matrix molecules involved in the general process of intrathymic T-cell development. Clinical trials in which GH was used to treat immunocompromised patients successfully recovered thymic function. Additionally, there is evidence that the reduction in the function of the somatotropic axis is associated with age-related thymus atrophy. Treatment with GH, IGF-1 or ghrelin can restore thymopoiesis of old animals, thus in keeping with a clinical study showing that treatment with GH, associated with metformin and dehydroepiandrosterone, could induce thymus regeneration in healthy aged individuals. In conclusion, the molecules of the somatotrophic axis can be envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for thymus regeneration in age-related or pathological thymus involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Danielma dos Santos Reis
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Peixoto Veneziani
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lima Porto
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marvin Paulo Lins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Du L, Ho BM, Zhou L, Yip YWY, He JN, Wei Y, Tham CC, Chan SO, Schally AV, Pang CP, Li J, Chu WK. Growth hormone releasing hormone signaling promotes Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune inflammation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3298. [PMID: 37280225 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39023-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of Th17 cell differentiation and pathogenicity contributes to multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Previously growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) deficient mice have been reported to be less susceptible to the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Here, we show GHRH-R is an important regulator of Th17 cell differentiation in Th17 cell-mediated ocular and neural inflammation. We find that GHRH-R is not expressed in naïve CD4+ T cells, while its expression is induced throughout Th17 cell differentiation in vitro. Mechanistically, GHRH-R activates the JAK-STAT3 pathway, increases the phosphorylation of STAT3, enhances both non-pathogenic and pathogenic Th17 cell differentiation and promotes the gene expression signatures of pathogenic Th17 cells. Enhancing this signaling by GHRH agonist promotes, while inhibiting this signaling by GHRH antagonist or GHRH-R deficiency reduces, Th17 cell differentiation in vitro and Th17 cell-mediated ocular and neural inflammation in vivo. Thus, GHRH-R signaling functions as a critical factor that regulates Th17 cell differentiation and Th17 cell-mediated autoimmune ocular and neural inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Bo Man Ho
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Linbin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yolanda Wong Ying Yip
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Na He
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yingying Wei
- Department of Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Clement C Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sun On Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Endocrine, Polypeptide, and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wai Kit Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Gihring A, Gärtner F, Mayer L, Roth A, Abdelrasoul H, Kornmann M, Elad L, Knippschild U. Influence of bariatric surgery on the peripheral blood immune system of female patients with morbid obesity revealed by high-dimensional mass cytometry. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1131893. [PMID: 37266430 PMCID: PMC10230950 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1131893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, altered levels of adipocytokines, and impaired regulation of gastrointestinal hormones. Secreted, these factors exert immunostimulatory functions directly influencing peripheral immune cells. Methods In the realm of this study, we aimed to investigate the composition and activation status of peripheral blood immune cells in female patients with morbid obesity compared to lean controls using high-dimensional mass cytometry. Besides, we also assessed the influence of bariatric surgery with respect to its ability to reverse obesity-associated alterations within the first-year post-surgery. Results Patients with morbid obesity showed typical signs of chronic inflammation characterized by increased levels of CRP and fibrinogen. Apart from that, metabolic alterations were characterized by increased levels of leptin and resistin as well as decreased levels of adiponectin and ghrelin compared to the healthy control population. All these however, except for ghrelin levels, rapidly normalized after surgery with regard to control levels. Furthermore, we found an increased population of monocytic CD14+, HLA-DR-, CD11b+, CXCR3+ cells in patients with morbid obesity and an overall reduction of the HLA-DR monocytic expression compared to the control population. Although CD14+, HLA-DR-, CD11b+, CXCR3+ decreased after surgery, HLA-DR expression did not recover within 9 - 11 months post-surgery. Moreover, compared to the control population, patients with morbid obesity showed a perturbed CD4+ T cell compartment, characterized by a strongly elevated CD127+ memory T cell subset and decreased naïve T cells, which was not recovered within 9 - 11 months post-surgery. Although NK cells showed an activated phenotype, they were numerically lower in patients with morbid obesity when compared to healthy controls. The NK cell population further decreased after surgery and did not recover quantitatively within the study period. Conclusions Our results clearly demonstrate that the rapid adaptions in inflammatory parameters and adipocytokine levels that occur within the first year post-surgery do not translate to the peripheral immune cells. Apart from that, we described highly affected, distinct immune cell subsets, defined as CD127+ memory T cells and monocytic CD14+, HLA-DR, CD11b+, CXCR3+ cells, that might play a significant role in understanding and further decoding the etiopathogenesis of morbid obesity.
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6
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Shrief AI, Hamed WHE, Mazroa SA, Moustafa AM. Growth hormone enhances the CD34+ stem cells repopulation of the male albino rat thymus gland in cyclophosphamide induced injury: immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study. Ultrastruct Pathol 2023; 47:1-18. [PMID: 36709445 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2023.2170510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a chemotherapeutic drug that has a harmful effect on the immune system. Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone that can enhance thymic functions in cases of immunosuppression. Therefore, the present study was performed to study the possible protective effect of growth hormone on cyclophosphamide-induced changes in the rat thymus gland. Sixty-four adult male albino rats were used and divided into three main groups. Group I (Control group). Group II (CP group) received 200 mg/kg body weight CP by a single intra-peritoneal injection. Group III (CP& GH group) received GH in a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight/day by subcutaneous injection starting 5 days before cyclophosphamide injection till the end of the experiment. Administration of CP (Group II) resulted in marked histopathological changes in thymus. Thymic cortex showed depletion of thymoblasts. There was a decrease in CD34 immune positively stained stem cells and an increase in CD68 immune positively stained macrophages. Ultrastructurally, thymoblasts were markedly degenerated and the most of epithelial reticular cells were vacuolated. Administration of GH (group III) showed preservation of the histological structure of the thymus. In conclusion, growth hormone could protect against cyclophosphamide induced thymic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira I Shrief
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Walaa H E Hamed
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Shireen A Mazroa
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M Moustafa
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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7
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Hino C, Xu Y, Xiao J, Baylink DJ, Reeves ME, Cao H. The potential role of the thymus in immunotherapies for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1102517. [PMID: 36814919 PMCID: PMC9940763 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1102517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors which shape T-lymphocyte immunity is critical for the development and application of future immunotherapeutic strategies in treating hematological malignancies. The thymus, a specialized central lymphoid organ, plays important roles in generating a diverse T lymphocyte repertoire during the infantile and juvenile stages of humans. However, age-associated thymic involution and diseases or treatment associated injury result in a decline in its continuous role in the maintenance of T cell-mediated anti-tumor/virus immunity. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy that mainly affects older adults, and the disease's progression is known to consist of an impaired immune surveillance including a reduction in naïve T cell output, a restriction in T cell receptor repertoire, and an increase in frequencies of regulatory T cells. As one of the most successful immunotherapies thus far developed for malignancy, T-cell-based adoptive cell therapies could be essential for the development of a durable effective treatment to eliminate residue leukemic cells (blasts) and prevent AML relapse. Thus, a detailed cellular and molecular landscape of how the adult thymus functions within the context of the AML microenvironment will provide new insights into both the immune-related pathogenesis and the regeneration of a functional immune system against leukemia in AML patients. Herein, we review the available evidence supporting the potential correlation between thymic dysfunction and T-lymphocyte impairment with the ontogeny of AML (II-VI). We then discuss how the thymus could impact current and future therapeutic approaches in AML (VII). Finally, we review various strategies to rejuvenate thymic function to improve the precision and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy (VIII).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Yi Xu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Xiao
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - David J Baylink
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Mark E Reeves
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Huynh Cao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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8
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Biomarkers for Osteoarthritis Diseases. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111799. [PMID: 36362955 PMCID: PMC9697481 DOI: 10.3390/life12111799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence has revealed the pivotal role of inflammatory biomarkers in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. There is significant interest in the prognostic value of select biomarkers, given the potential for early identification and treatment of patients at risk of osteoarthritis prior to the development of irreversible clinical disease. Clinical trials of novel therapeutics that disrupt the inflammatory pathways of osteoarthritis are also ongoing. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature on key biomarkers within the context of osteoarthritis pathogenesis, clinical symptom development, and treatment capabilities. Multiple recent studies have established biomarkers that signal the existence of osteoarthritis pathology and the development of clinical symptomology. However, prior to implementation in clinical practice, additional research is required to precisely define the prognostic value for numerous biomarkers and standardize their measurement. Biomarker-driven investigations represent a promising avenue for the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis.
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9
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Liang Z, Dong X, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhao Y. Age-related thymic involution: Mechanisms and functional impact. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13671. [PMID: 35822239 PMCID: PMC9381902 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the primary immune organ responsible for generating self‐tolerant and immunocompetent T cells. However, the thymus gradually involutes during early life resulting in declined naïve T‐cell production, a process known as age‐related thymic involution. Thymic involution has many negative impacts on immune function including reduced pathogen resistance, high autoimmunity incidence, and attenuated tumor immunosurveillance. Age‐related thymic involution leads to a gradual reduction in thymic cellularity and thymic stromal microenvironment disruption, including loss of definite cortical‐medullary junctions, reduction of cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells, fibroblast expansion, and an increase in perivascular space. The compromised thymic microenvironment in aged individuals substantially disturbs thymocyte development and differentiation. Age‐related thymic involution is regulated by many transcription factors, micro RNAs, growth factors, cytokines, and other factors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of age‐related thymic involution mechanisms and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Gulla S, Reddy MC, Reddy VC, Chitta S, Bhanoori M, Lomada D. Role of thymus in health and disease. Int Rev Immunol 2022; 42:347-363. [PMID: 35593192 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2022.2064461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ, essential for the development of T-cells that will protect from invading pathogens, immune disorders, and cancer. The thymus decreases in size and cellularity with age referred to as thymus involution or atrophy. This involution causes decreased T-cell development and decreased naive T-cell emigration to the periphery, increased proportion of memory T cells, and a restricted, altered T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. The changes in composition and function of the circulating T cell pool as a result of thymic involution led to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases including the recent COVID and a higher risk for autoimmune disorders and cancers. Thymic involution consisting of both structural and functional loss of the thymus has a deleterious effect on T cell development, T cell selection, and tolerance. The mechanisms which act on the structural (cortex and medulla) matrix of the thymus, the gradual accumulation of genetic mutations, and altered gene expressions may lead to immunosenescence as a result of thymus involution. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind thymic involution is critical for identifying diagnostic biomarkers and targets for treatment help to develop strategies to mitigate thymic involution-associated complications. This review is focused on the consequences of thymic involution in infections, immune disorders, and diseases, identifying potential checkpoints and potential approaches to sustain or restore the function of the thymus particularly in elderly and immune-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Gulla
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Madhava C Reddy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vajra C Reddy
- Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Chinnakondrupadu, Guntur, India
| | | | - Manjula Bhanoori
- Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Dakshayani Lomada
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
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11
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Uhrlaub JL, Jergović M, Bradshaw CM, Sonar S, Coplen CP, Dudakov J, Murray KO, Lanteri MC, Busch MP, van den Brink MRM, Nikolich‐Žugich J. Quantitative restoration of immune defense in old animals determined by naive antigen-specific CD8 T-cell numbers. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13582. [PMID: 35289071 PMCID: PMC9009107 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Older humans and animals often exhibit reduced immune responses to infection and vaccination, and this often directly correlates to the numbers and frequency of naive T (Tn) cells. We found such a correlation between reduced numbers of blood CD8+ Tn cells and severe clinical outcomes of West Nile virus (WNV) in both humans naturally exposed to, and mice experimentally infected with, WNV. To examine possible causality, we sought to increase the number of CD8 Tn cells by treating C57BL/6 mice with IL-7 complexes (IL-7C, anti-IL-7 mAb bound to IL-7), shown previously to efficiently increase peripheral T-cell numbers by homeostatic proliferation. T cells underwent robust expansion following IL-7C administration to old mice increasing the number of total T cells (>fourfold) and NS4b:H-2Db -restricted antigen-specific CD8 T cells (twofold). This improved the numbers of NS4b-specific CD8 T cells detected at the peak of the response against WNV, but not survival of WNV challenge. IL-7C-treated old animals also showed no improvement in WNV-specific effector immunity (neutralizing antibody and in vivo T-cell cytotoxicity). To test quantitative limits to which CD8 Tn cell restoration could improve protective immunity, we transferred graded doses of Ag-specific precursors into old mice and showed that injection of 5400 (but not of 1800 or 600) adult naive WNV-specific CD8 T cells significantly increased survival after WNV. These results set quantitative limits to the level of Tn reconstitution necessary to improve immune defense in older organisms and are discussed in light of targets of immune reconstitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Uhrlaub
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonArizonaUSA,University of ArizonaCenter on AgingUniversity of ArizonaCollege of Medicine, TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Mladen Jergović
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonArizonaUSA,University of ArizonaCenter on AgingUniversity of ArizonaCollege of Medicine, TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Christine M. Bradshaw
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonArizonaUSA,University of ArizonaCenter on AgingUniversity of ArizonaCollege of Medicine, TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Sandip Sonar
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonArizonaUSA,University of ArizonaCenter on AgingUniversity of ArizonaCollege of Medicine, TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Christopher P. Coplen
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonArizonaUSA,University of ArizonaCenter on AgingUniversity of ArizonaCollege of Medicine, TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
| | - Jarrod Dudakov
- Program in ImmunologyClinical Research Division, and Immunotherapy Integrated Research CenterFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of ImmunologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kristy O. Murray
- Department of PediatricsSection of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and National School of Tropical MedicineBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA,William T. Shearer Center for Human ImmunobiologyTexas Children’s HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Marion C. Lanteri
- Blood Systems Research InstituteVitalant Research InstituteSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael P. Busch
- Blood Systems Research InstituteVitalant Research InstituteSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Marcel R. M. van den Brink
- Department of Medicine and Immunology ProgramMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNew York CityUSA
| | - Janko Nikolich‐Žugich
- Department of ImmunobiologyUniversity of Arizona College of MedicineTucsonArizonaUSA,University of ArizonaCenter on AgingUniversity of ArizonaCollege of Medicine, TucsonTucsonArizonaUSA
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12
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Cardinale A, De Luca CD, Locatelli F, Velardi E. Thymic Function and T-Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity: Implications for Patient Response to Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752042. [PMID: 34899700 PMCID: PMC8652142 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of T cells to recognize and mount an immune response against tumor antigens depends on the large diversity of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire generated in the thymus during the process of T-cell development. However, this process is dramatically impaired by immunological insults, such as that caused by cytoreductive cancer therapies and infections, and by the physiological decline of thymic function with age. Defective thymic function and a skewed TCR repertoire can have significant clinical consequences. The presence of an adequate pool of T cells capable of recognizing specific tumor antigens is a prerequisite for the success of cancer immunotherapy using checkpoint blockade therapy. However, while this approach has improved the chances of survival of patients with different types of cancer, a large proportion of them do not respond. The limited response rate to checkpoint blockade therapy may be linked to a suboptimal TCR repertoire in cancer patients prior to therapy. Here, we focus on the role of the thymus in shaping the T-cell pool in health and disease, discuss how the TCR repertoire influences patients’ response to checkpoint blockade therapy and highlight approaches able to manipulate thymic function to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cardinale
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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13
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Hu C, Zhang K, Jiang F, Wang H, Shao Q. Epigenetic modifications in thymic epithelial cells: an evolutionary perspective for thymus atrophy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:210. [PMID: 34819170 PMCID: PMC8612001 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01197-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The thymic microenvironment is mainly comprised of thymic epithelial cells, the cytokines, exosomes, surface molecules, and hormones from the cells, and plays a vital role in the development, differentiation, maturation and homeostasis of T lymphocytes. However, the thymus begins to degenerate as early as the second year of life and continues through aging in human beings, leading to a decreased output of naïve T cells, the limited TCR diversity and an expansion of monoclonal memory T cells in the periphery organs. These alternations will reduce the adaptive immune response to tumors and emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, also it is easier to suffer from autoimmune diseases in older people. In the context of global aging, it is important to investigate and clarify the causes and mechanisms of thymus involution. Main body Epigenetics include histone modification, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA effects, and chromatin remodeling. In this review, we discuss how senescent thymic epithelial cells determine and control age-related thymic atrophy, how this process is altered by epigenetic modification. How the thymus adipose influences the dysfunctions of the thymic epithelial cells, and the prospects of targeting thymic epithelial cells for the treatment of thymus atrophy. Conclusion Epigenetic modifications are emerging as key regulators in governing the development and senescence of thymic epithelial cells. It is beneficial to re-establish effective thymopoiesis, identify the potential therapeutic strategy and rejuvenate the immune function in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cexun Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Keyu Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu College of Nursing, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an, 223002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Farini A, Sitzia C, Villa C, Cassani B, Tripodi L, Legato M, Belicchi M, Bella P, Lonati C, Gatti S, Cerletti M, Torrente Y. Defective dystrophic thymus determines degenerative changes in skeletal muscle. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2099. [PMID: 33833239 PMCID: PMC8032677 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), sarcolemma fragility and myofiber necrosis produce cellular debris that attract inflammatory cells. Macrophages and T-lymphocytes infiltrate muscles in response to damage-associated molecular pattern signalling and the release of TNF-α, TGF-β and interleukins prevent skeletal muscle improvement from the inflammation. This immunological scenario was extended by the discovery of a specific response to muscle antigens and a role for regulatory T cells (Tregs) in muscle regeneration. Normally, autoimmunity is avoided by autoreactive T-lymphocyte deletion within thymus, while in the periphery Tregs monitor effector T-cells escaping from central regulatory control. Here, we report impairment of thymus architecture of mdx mice together with decreased expression of ghrelin, autophagy dysfunction and AIRE down-regulation. Transplantation of dystrophic thymus in recipient nude mice determine the up-regulation of inflammatory/fibrotic markers, marked metabolic breakdown that leads to muscle atrophy and loss of force. These results indicate that involution of dystrophic thymus exacerbates muscular dystrophy by altering central immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Farini
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - Clementina Sitzia
- Residency Program in Clinical Pathology and Clinical Biochemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Villa
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Cassani
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (CNR-IRGB), Milan Unit, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas clinical and research center, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Luana Tripodi
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariella Legato
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Belicchi
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - Pamela Bella
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Lonati
- Center for Surgical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Gatti
- Center for Surgical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Cerletti
- UCL Research Department for Surgical Biotechnology, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Unit of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centro Dino Ferrari, Milan, Italy.
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15
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Granadier D, Iovino L, Kinsella S, Dudakov JA. Dynamics of thymus function and T cell receptor repertoire breadth in health and disease. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:119-134. [PMID: 33608819 PMCID: PMC7894242 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
T cell recognition of unknown antigens relies on the tremendous diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire; generation of which can only occur in the thymus. TCR repertoire breadth is thus critical for not only coordinating the adaptive response against pathogens but also for mounting a response against malignancies. However, thymic function is exquisitely sensitive to negative stimuli, which can come in the form of acute insult, such as that caused by stress, infection, or common cancer therapies; or chronic damage such as the progressive decline in thymic function with age. Whether it be prolonged T cell deficiency after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or constriction in the breadth of the peripheral TCR repertoire with age; these insults result in poor adaptive immune responses. In this review, we will discuss the importance of thymic function for generation of the TCR repertoire and how acute and chronic thymic damage influences immune health. We will also discuss methods that are used to measure thymic function in patients and strategies that have been developed to boost thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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16
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Cai ZJ. Hypothalamic aging and hormones. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 115:15-37. [PMID: 33706947 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
It is the heterogeneous changes of hypothalamic functions that determine the chronological sequence of aging in mammals. Recently, it was hypothesized by Cai the decrease in slow-wave sleep (SWS) resulting from skin aging as responsible for the degeneration of hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). It was soon hypothesized by the European people in television that the increase in body fat as responsible for the degeneration of male preoptic sexually dimorphic nucleus (SDN-POA), via the aromatase converting testosterone to estradiol as proposed by Cohen. It is the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) that remains unchanged in neuron number during aging for psychological stress. In this chapter, it is briefly reviewed more manifestations of hypothalamic related mammalian aging processes, including (1) the aging of ovary by lipid, estradiol and hypothalamus; (2) the aging of muscle, stomach, intestine, thymus, and the later aging of brain, regulated by growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1(GH/IGF1); (3) the cardiovascular hypertension from PVN activation, the bone and other peripheral aging by psychological stress, and that of kidney by vasopressin. It is classified these aging processes by the primary regulation from one of the three hypothalamic nuclei, although still necessary to investigate and supplement their secondary regulation by the hypothalamic nuclei in future. It is the hypothalamic structural changes that shift the functional balance among these three hypothalamic systems toward aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jian Cai
- CaiFortune Consulting, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.
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17
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Ivanova IG, Stefanov IS. Tryptase- and ghrelin positive mast cells in the interalveolar septa of rat’s lung. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mast cell mediators and distribution of lung mast cells in rats are often discussed in experimental studies on pulmonary fibrotic and allergic processes associated with changes in numbers of these cells, but information on the normal distribution of metachromatic and tryptase-positive mast cells in the interalveolar septa is scarce. There are no data on the presence of ghrelin in lung mast cells as well as the age-specific features of localisation and the number of mast cells in the interalveolar septa in rats of different ages. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the distribution of metachromatic, tryptase-, and ghrelin-positive mast cells in the interalveolar septa in 20 day-, 3 month- and 1 year-old rats. Tissue sections stained with toluidine blue had been taken from the left lung to visualise metachromasia and immunohistochemical expression of tryptase and ghrelin. The results showed that the amount of metachromatic mast cells in the interalveolar septa was significantly lower than that of tryptase- and ghrelin-positive cells. This allowed suggesting that mast cells were permanent occupants of the rat lung parenchyma and, on the other hand, the expression of ghrelin in their granules was most likely related to the synthesis of this protein. Our study showed that immunohistochemical identification by tryptase expression was more accurate than toluidine blue staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. G. Ivanova
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - I. S. Stefanov
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
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18
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Abstract
Following periods of haematopoietic cell stress, such as after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, infection and transplantation, patient outcomes are linked to the degree of immune reconstitution, specifically of T cells. Delayed or defective recovery of the T cell pool has significant clinical consequences, including prolonged immunosuppression, poor vaccine responses and increased risks of infections and malignancies. Thus, strategies that restore thymic function and enhance T cell reconstitution can provide considerable benefit to individuals whose immune system has been decimated in various settings. In this Review, we focus on the causes and consequences of impaired adaptive immunity and discuss therapeutic strategies that can recover immune function, with a particular emphasis on approaches that can promote a diverse repertoire of T cells through de novo T cell formation.
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19
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Implications of Oxidative Stress and Cellular Senescence in Age-Related Thymus Involution. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7986071. [PMID: 32089780 PMCID: PMC7025075 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7986071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human thymus is a primary lymphoepithelial organ which supports the production of self-tolerant T cells with competent and regulatory functions. Paradoxically, despite the crucial role that it exerts in T cell-mediated immunity and prevention of systemic autoimmunity, the thymus is the first organ of the body that exhibits age-associated degeneration/regression, termed “thymic involution.” A hallmark of this early phenomenon is a progressive decline of thymic mass as well as a decreased output of naïve T cells, thus resulting in impaired immune response. Importantly, thymic involution has been recently linked with cellular senescence which is a stress response induced by various stimuli. Accumulation of senescent cells in tissues has been implicated in aging and a plethora of age-related diseases. In addition, several lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress, a well-established trigger of senescence, is also involved in thymic involution, thus highlighting a possible interplay between oxidative stress, senescence, and thymic involution.
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20
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Vahkal B, Yegorov S, Onyilagha C, Donner J, Reddick D, Shrivastav A, Uzonna J, Good SV. Immune System Effects of Insulin-Like Peptide 5 in a Mouse Model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:610672. [PMID: 33519716 PMCID: PMC7841425 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.610672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is a peptide hormone with proposed actions in glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation via its cognate receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 4 (RXFP4). Here, we look for evidence for their involvement in the immune system using a mouse model. METHODS In silico analyses: we queried public databases for evidence of expression of INSL5-RXFP4 in immune system tissues/cells (NCBI's SRA and GeoProfiles) and disorders (EMBO-EBI) and performed phylogenetic footprinting to look for evidence that they are regulated by immune-associated transcription factors (TFs). Experimental analyses: We characterized the expression and correlation of INSL5/RXFP4 and other immune system markers in central and peripheral immune organs from C57/bl6 mice in seven cohorts. We tested whether fluctuations in circulating INSL5 induce an immune response, by injecting mice with 30 μg/kg of INSL5 peptide in the peritoneum, and examining levels of immune markers and metabolic peptides in plasma. Lastly, we quantified the expression of Rxfp4 in T-cells, dendritic cells and cell lines derived from human and mouse and tested the hypothesis that co-incubation of ANA-1 cells in INSL5 and LPS alters cytokine expression. RESULTS We find Insl5 expression only in thymus (in addition to colon) where its expression was highly correlated with Il-7, a marker of thymocyte development. This result is consistent with our in silico findings that Insl5 is highly expressed in thymic DP, DN thymocytes and cortical TEC's, and with evidence that it is regulated by thymocyte-associated TF's. We find Rxfp4 expression in all immune organs, and moderately high levels in DCs, particularly splenic DCs, and evidence that it is regulated by immune-associated TF's, such as STAT's and GATA. Systemic effects: We observed significantly elevated concentrations of blood GLP-1, GIP, GCG and PYY following intraperitoneal injection of INSL5, and significantly altered expression of cytokines IL-5, IL-7, M-CSF, IL-15, IL-27 and MIP-2. Immune cell effects: Incubation of ANA-1 cells with INSL5 impeded cell growth and led to a transient elevation of IL-15 and sustained reduction in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα. CONCLUSION We propose that INSL5-RXFP4 play a novel role in both central and peripheral immune cell signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Vahkal
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Brett Vahkal, ; Sara V. Good,
| | - Sergey Yegorov
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | | | - Dean Reddick
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Jude Uzonna
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sara V. Good
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Brett Vahkal, ; Sara V. Good,
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21
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Nacka-Aleksić M, Pilipović I, Kotur-Stevuljević J, Petrović R, Sopta J, Leposavić G. Sexual dimorphism in rat thymic involution: a correlation with thymic oxidative status and inflammation. Biogerontology 2019; 20:545-569. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-019-09816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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22
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El-Kadiry AEH, Rafei M. Restoring thymic function: Then and now. Cytokine 2019; 120:202-209. [PMID: 31108430 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Thymic vulnerability, a leading cause of defective immunity, was discovered decades ago. To date, several strategies have been investigated to unveil any immunorestorative capacities they might confer. Studies exploiting castration, transplantation, adoptive cell therapies, hormones/growth factors, and cytokines have demonstrated enhanced in vitro and in vivo thymopoiesis, albeit with clinical restrictions. In this review, we will dissect the thymus on a physiological and pathological level and discuss the pros and cons of several strategies esteemed thymotrophic from a pre-clinical perspective. Finally, we will shed light on interleukin (IL)-21, a pharmacologically-promising cytokine with a significant thymotrophic nature, and elaborate on its potential clinical efficacy and safety in immune-deficient subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abed El-Hakim El-Kadiry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Qc, Canada
| | - Moutih Rafei
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Qc, Canada.
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23
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Yu Y, Zhang YH, Xu ZY, Liu TY, Wang QX, Ou CB, Ma JY. Effects of IBDV infection on expression of ghrelin and ghrelin-related genes in chicken. Poult Sci 2019; 98:119-127. [PMID: 30107600 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a peptide hormone that plays a modulatory role in the immune system. Studies have demonstrated that mammal ghrelin level is influenced by pathological status. However, it has not been reported whether chicken ghrelin level changes during pathogen infection. This study was designed to investigate changes of ghrelin levels in chickens infected with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and to explore the relationship between ghrelin changes and bursal damage, and inflammatory cells infiltration induced by IBDV. The results showed that (1) plasma ghrelin concentration increased after IBDV infection. It reached a peak at 10443.6 ± 2612.9 pg/mL on 2 dpi, which was about 100-fold as high as that of the control. Then it decreased sharply on 3 dpi, which was only 31.7% as that of 2 dpi, and remained stable until 5 dpi. Meanwhile, ghrelin and ghrelin-related gene, ghrelin-o-acyltransferase (GOAT), and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) mRNA expression levels in bursa were also increased after IBDV infection, and reached the peak on 2 dpi at 149, 28.8, and 117.2-fold higher than that of the control, respectively. Then they decreased and remained at a higher status. Correlation analysis showed that plasma ghrelin concentration and ghrelin, GOAT, and GHSR mRNA expressions in bursa were strongly associated with IBDV VP2 mRNA expression in bursa. (2) The damage of bursa was the most severe on 5 dpi with a histopathological score of 12. It had no direct correlation with plasma ghrelin level and ghrelin, GOAT, and GHSR mRNA expressions in bursa. However, the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating into bursa, which was the highest on 2 and 3 dpi, showed significant a positive correlation with the ghrelin and GHSR mRNA expression. Presumably chicken ghrelin may function as an anti-inflammatory factor. In conclusion, IBDV infection upregulates the expression of ghrelin and ghrelin-related gene in chickens, and chicken ghrelin may play an important regulatory role during pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Y H Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Z Y Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - T Y Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Q X Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - C B Ou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - J Y Ma
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
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Lipid Peroxidation-Derived Aldehydes, 4-Hydroxynonenal and Malondialdehyde in Aging-Related Disorders. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7080102. [PMID: 30061536 PMCID: PMC6115986 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7080102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the various mechanisms involved in aging, it was proposed long ago that a prominent role is played by oxidative stress. A major way by which the latter can provoke structural damage to biological macromolecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins, is by fueling the peroxidation of membrane lipids, leading to the production of several reactive aldehydes. Lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes can not only modify biological macromolecules, by forming covalent electrophilic addition products with them, but also act as second messengers of oxidative stress, having relatively extended lifespans. Their effects might be further enhanced with aging, as their concentrations in cells and biological fluids increase with age. Since the involvement and the role of lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes, particularly of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), in neurodegenerations, inflammation, and cancer, has been discussed in several excellent recent reviews, in the present one we focus on the involvement of reactive aldehydes in other age-related disorders: osteopenia, sarcopenia, immunosenescence and myelodysplastic syndromes. In these aging-related disorders, characterized by increases of oxidative stress, both HNE and malondialdehyde (MDA) play important pathogenic roles. These aldehydes, and HNE in particular, can form adducts with circulating or cellular proteins of critical functional importance, such as the proteins involved in apoptosis in muscle cells, thus leading to their functional decay and acceleration of their molecular turnover and functionality. We suggest that a major fraction of the toxic effects observed in age-related disorders could depend on the formation of aldehyde-protein adducts. New redox proteomic approaches, pinpointing the modifications of distinct cell proteins by the aldehydes generated in the course of oxidative stress, should be extended to these age-associated disorders, to pave the way to targeted therapeutic strategies, aiming to alleviate the burden of morbidity and mortality associated with these disturbances.
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The protective role of human ghrelin in sepsis: Restoration of CD4 T cell proliferation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201139. [PMID: 30052667 PMCID: PMC6063405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Decrease of CD4 T cell numbers causes immunosuppression in sepsis. We previously showed the beneficial role of ghrelin in sepsis. We hypothesize that the protective outcome of ghrelin in sepsis is mediated partially through the restoration of CD4 T cells’ proliferation. Sepsis was induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The percentage of CD4 T cells in spleen was assessed by flow cytometry and their proliferation was determined by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CSFE). Compared to sham mice, the percentages of splenic CD4 T cells were reduced by 20%, 21%, and 29% at day 1, 2 and 3 after CLP, respectively. Human ghrelin was given to 3 day septic mice by s.c. injection at 5 and 24 h after CLP. Treatment with ghrelin restored the loss of CD4 T cells by increasing their proliferation in septic mice. The expression of cyclin D1 and B1 was significantly increased, while the expression of p57 was decreased in ghrelin-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated mice in sepsis. Treatment with human ghrelin significantly increased the p-AKT levels in the spleen compared to vehicle-treated septic mice. Human ghrelin plays an important role in reestablishing the proliferation of CD4 T cells and serves as a promising therapeutic agent in sepsis.
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Abusarah J, Khodayarian F, Cui Y, El-Kadiry AEH, Rafei M. Thymic Rejuvenation: Are We There Yet? Gerontology 2018. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.74048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Fishbein KW, Makrogiannis SK, Lukas VA, Okine M, Ramachandran R, Ferrucci L, Egan JM, Chia CW, Spencer RG. Measurement of fat fraction in the human thymus by localized NMR and three-point Dixon MRI techniques. Magn Reson Imaging 2018; 50:110-118. [PMID: 29605590 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a protocol to non-invasively measure and map fat fraction, fat/(fat+water), as a function of age in the adult thymus for future studies monitoring the effects of interventions aimed at promoting thymic rejuvenation and preservation of immunity in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three-dimensional spoiled gradient echo 3T MRI with 3-point Dixon fat-water separation was performed at full inspiration for thymus conspicuity in 36 volunteers 19 to 56 years old. Reproducible breath-holding was facilitated by real-time pressure recording external to the console. The MRI method was validated against localized spectroscopy in vivo, with ECG triggering to compensate for stretching during the cardiac cycle. Fat fractions were corrected for T1 and T2 bias using relaxation times measured using inversion recovery-prepared PRESS with incremented echo time. RESULTS In thymus at 3 T, T1water = 978 ± 75 ms, T1fat = 323 ± 37 ms, T2water = 43.4 ± 9.7 ms and T2fat = 52.1 ± 7.6 ms were measured. Mean T1-corrected MRI fat fractions varied from 0.2 to 0.8 and were positively correlated with age, weight and body mass index (BMI). In subjects with matching MRI and MRS fat fraction measurements, the difference between these measurements exhibited a mean of -0.008 with a 95% confidence interval of (0.123, -0.138). CONCLUSIONS 3-point Dixon MRI of the thymus with T1 bias correction produces quantitative fat fraction maps that correlate with T2-corrected MRS measurements and show age trends consistent with thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W Fishbein
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Sokratis K Makrogiannis
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Vanessa A Lukas
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Marilyn Okine
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Ramona Ramachandran
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Josephine M Egan
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Chee W Chia
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Richard G Spencer
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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de Mello-Coelho V, Cutler RG, Bunbury A, Tammara A, Mattson MP, Taub DD. Age-associated alterations in the levels of cytotoxic lipid molecular species and oxidative stress in the murine thymus are reduced by growth hormone treatment. Mech Ageing Dev 2017; 167:46-55. [PMID: 28865931 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During age-associated thymic involution, thymocytes decrease and lipid-laden cells accumulate. However, if and how aging affects the thymic lipid profile is not well understood, nor is it known if the hormonal milieu modifies this process. Here we demonstrate a correlation between reduced thymocyte numbers and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress with age. Evaluating the lipidomics profile of the whole thymus, between the ages of 4 (young) and 18 months (old), we found increased amounts of triacylglycerides, free cholesterol, cholesterol ester and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) with age. Moreover, levels of C24:0 and C24:1 sphingomyelins and ceramide C16:0 were elevated in 12-14 month-old (middle-aged) mice while the levels of sulfatide ceramide and ganglioside GD1a increased in the old thymus. Evaluating isolated thymocytes, we found increased levels of cholesterol ester and 4-HNE adducts, as compared to young mice. Next, we treated middle-aged mice with growth hormone (GH), which has been considered a potent immunomodulator. GH reduced thymic levels of TNF-α and 4-HNE and increased the number of thymocytes as well as the thymic levels of dihydroceramide, a ceramide precursor and autophagic stimuli for cell survival. In conclusion, GH treatment attenuated inflammation and age-related increases in oxidative stress and lipotoxicity in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria de Mello-Coelho
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224-6825, USA; Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
| | - Roy G Cutler
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224-6825, USA.
| | - Allyson Bunbury
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224-6825, USA.
| | - Anita Tammara
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224-6825, USA.
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224-6825, USA.
| | - Dennis D Taub
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224-6825, USA; Center for Translational Studies, Medical Service, VA Medical Center-DC, Washington DC, 20422, USA.
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Wu J, Wang K, Xu J, Ruan G, Zhu Q, Cai J, Ren J, Zheng S, Zhu Z, Otahal P, Ding C. Associations between serum ghrelin and knee symptoms, joint structures and cartilage or bone biomarkers in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2017; 25:1428-1435. [PMID: 28602782 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The roles of ghrelin in knee osteoarthritis (OA) are unclear. This study aimed to examine cross-sectional associations of ghrelin with knee symptoms, joint structures and cartilage or bone biomarkers in patients with knee OA. METHODS This study included 146 patients with symptomatic knee OA. Serum levels of ghrelin and cartilage or bone biomarkers including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), cross linked C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTXI), cross linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTXI), N-terminal procollagen III propeptide (PIIINP), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, 10, 13 were measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Knee symptoms were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) volume, IPFP signal intensity alternation, cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and effusion-synovitis were assessed using the (MRI). Osteophytes and joint space narrowing (JSN) were assessed using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas. RESULTS After adjustment for potential confounders, ghrelin quartiles were positively associated with knee symptoms including pain, stiffness, dysfunction and total score (quartile 4 vs 1: β 24.19, 95% CI 8.13-40.25). Ghrelin quartiles were also significantly associated with increased IPFP signal intensity alteration (quartile 4 vs 1: OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.55-8.25) and NTXI, PIIINP, MMP3 and MMP13. Ghrelin was not significantly associated with other joint structures and biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Serum levels of ghrelin were significantly associated with increased knee symptoms, IPFP signal intensity alteration and serum levels of MMP3, MMP13, NTXI and PIIINP, suggesting that ghrelin may have a role to play in knee OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China.
| | - K Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
| | - J Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China.
| | - G Ruan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China.
| | - Q Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China.
| | - J Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China.
| | - J Ren
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China.
| | - S Zheng
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
| | - Z Zhu
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
| | - P Otahal
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
| | - C Ding
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Arthritis Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Street, Hefei, China; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia; Institute of Bone & Joint Translational Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Kraemer WJ, Kennett MJ, Mastro AM, McCarter RJ, Rogers CJ, DuPont WH, Flanagan SD, Turbitt WJ, Fragala MS, Post EM, Hymer WC. Bioactive growth hormone in older men and women: It's relationship to immune markers and healthspan. Growth Horm IGF Res 2017; 34:45-54. [PMID: 28551577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The consequences of age-related decline in the somatotropic axis of humans are complex and remain largely unresolved. We tested the hypothesis that hGH measurements of plasma by bioassay vs immunoassay from samples obtained from free-living, elderly individuals would reveal a dichotomy in GH activities that are correlated with the functional status of the donors, i.e. their healthspan. DESIGN Forty-one men and women of advanced age (men: N=16, age, 80.5±6.5years; height, 173.1±6.9cm; body mass, 81.8±13.0kg) and (women: N=25, age, 80.7±7.2years; height, 157.7±6.0cm; body mass, 68.8±17kg), were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Participants filled out PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services) scales, undertook physical performance tests and had fasted blood samples obtained at rest for measurement of hormonal and immunology biomarkers. RESULTS When measured by the well-established rat tibial line GH bioassay, one half of the plasma samples (n=20) contained bioassayable GH (bGH), but the other half (n=21) failed to mount increases in tibial plate width above saline injected controls. This difference did not correlate with the age, sex or physical functionality of the plasma donor. It also did not correlate with hGH concentrations measured by immunoassay. In those cases in which bGH was detected, various hierarchical regression models predicted that GHRH, c-peptide, VEGF, NPY, IL-4 and T-regulatory lymphocytes were associated with the difference and predicted bGH. CONCLUSION Results from this study suggest that the actions of bGH at the cellular level may be modified by other factors and that this may explain the lack of correlations observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Kraemer
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| | - Mary J Kennett
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Andrea M Mastro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Roger J McCarter
- Department of Behavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Connie J Rogers
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - William H DuPont
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Shawn D Flanagan
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, United States
| | - William J Turbitt
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | | | - Emily M Post
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Wesley C Hymer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
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Xu J, Zhu J, Tian X, Sun Q, Xu J, Huang Y, He Y, Huang Z, Wu B. Ghrelin Protects the Thymic Epithelium From Conditioning-Regimen-Induced Damage and Promotes the Restoration of CD4+ T Cells in Mice After Bone Marrow Transplantation. Transplantation 2017; 101:e293-e300. [PMID: 28538498 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The delay in immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), especially a delay in central immune reconstitution, leads to opportunistic infections and disease relapse after transplantation and affects the long-term outcome of HSCT. This delay is mainly attributable to thymic damage after myeloablative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. METHODS We established a model of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in mice and administered ghrelin (GRL) 7 days before the conditioning regimen or the day after BMT to explore the effect of GRL on thymus. RESULTS All the GRL-treated mice, especially those administered GRL before the conditioning regimen, exhibited more intact thymic architecture and a more rapid restoration of CD4 T lymphocytes after BMT than those of the corresponding control mice. Moreover, the levels of T cell receptor excision circles were significantly higher in the mice treated with GRL before the conditioning regimen than in the control mice at 28 days after BMT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GRL may be a novel potential therapeutic approach to protecting the thymic epithelium from conditioning regimen-induced damage and promoting rapid and durable thymic and peripheral CD4 T cell recovery after HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingXia Xu
- 1 Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. 2 Department of Child Health Care, Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. 3 Department of Geriatrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. 4 Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. 5 Department of Hematology, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
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Stefanov IS, Ananiev JR, Ivanova KV, Tolekova AN, Vodenicharov AP, Gulubova MV. Distribution of ghrelin-positive mast cells in rat stomach. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2017.1326013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Oztas B, Sahin D, Kir H, Eraldemir FC, Musul M, Kuskay S, Ates N. The effect of leptin, ghrelin, and neuropeptide-Y on serum Tnf-Α, Il-1β, Il-6, Fgf-2, galanin levels and oxidative stress in an experimental generalized convulsive seizure model. Neuropeptides 2017; 61:31-37. [PMID: 27522536 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the effects of the endogenous ligands leptin, ghrelin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on seizure generation, the oxidant/antioxidant balance, and cytokine levels, which are a result of immune response in a convulsive seizure model. With this goal, Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups-Group 1: Saline, Group 2: Saline+PTZ (65mg/kg), Group 3: leptin (4mg/kg)+PTZ, Group 4: ghrelin (80μg/kg)+PTZ, and Group 5: NPY (60μg/kg)+PTZ. All injections were delivered intraperitoneally, and simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) records were obtained. Seizure activity was scored by observing seizure behavior, and the onset time, latency, and seizure duration were determined according to the EEG records. At the end of the experiments, blood samples were obtained in all groups to assess the serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, FGF-2, galanin, nitric oxide (NOֹ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels. The electrophysiological and biochemical findings (p<0.05) of this study show that all three peptides have anticonvulsant effects in the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced generalized tonic-clonic convulsive seizure model. The reduction of the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 caused by leptin, ghrelin, and NPY shows that these peptides may have anti-inflammatory effects in epileptic seizures. Also, leptin significantly increases the serum levels of the endogenous anticonvulsive agent galanin. The fact that each one of these endogenous peptides reduces the levels of MDA and increases the serum levels of GSH leads to the belief that they may have protective effects against oxidative damage that is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Our study contributes to the clarification of the role of these peptides in the brain in seizure-induced oxidative stress and immune system physiology and also presents new approaches to the etiology and treatment of tendency to epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berrin Oztas
- Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Research and Training Hospital, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Sahin
- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Kocaeli, Turkey.
| | - Hale Kir
- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Fatma Ceyla Eraldemir
- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Mert Musul
- Carsamba State Hospital, Department of Biochemistry, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sevinç Kuskay
- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Nurbay Ates
- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Lee JH, Kim TJ, Kim JW, Yoon JS, Kim HS, Lee KM. The Anti-apoptotic Effect of Ghrelin on Restraint Stress-Induced Thymus Atrophy in Mice. Immune Netw 2016; 16:242-8. [PMID: 27574503 PMCID: PMC5002450 DOI: 10.4110/in.2016.16.4.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic atrophy is a complication that results from exposure to many environmental stressors, disease treatments, and microbial challenges. Such acute stress-associated thymic loss can have a dramatic impact on the host's ability to replenish the necessary naïve T cell output to reconstitute the peripheral T cell numbers and repertoire to respond to new antigenic challenges. We have previously reported that treatment with the orexigenic hormone ghrelin results in an increase in the number and proliferation of thymocytes after dexamethasone challenge, suggesting a role for ghrelin in restraint stress-induced thymic involution and cell apoptosis and its potential use as a thymostimulatory agent. In an effort to understand how ghrelin suppresses thymic T cell apoptosis, we have examined the various signaling pathways induced by receptor-specific ghrelin stimulation using a restraint stress mouse model. In this model, stress-induced apoptosis in thymocytes was effectively blocked by ghrelin. Western blot analysis demonstrated that ghrelin prevents the cleavage of pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bim, Caspase-3, and PARP. In addition, ghrelin stimulation activates the Akt and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways in a time/dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we also revealed the involvement of the FoxO3a pathway in the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Together, these findings suggest that ghrelin inhibits apoptosis by modulating the stress-induced apoptotic signal pathway in the restraint-induced thymic apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Lee
- Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Kim
- Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jie Wan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13524, Korea
| | - Jeong Seon Yoon
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Hyuk Soon Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Global Research Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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da Costa JP, Vitorino R, Silva GM, Vogel C, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. A synopsis on aging-Theories, mechanisms and future prospects. Ageing Res Rev 2016; 29:90-112. [PMID: 27353257 PMCID: PMC5991498 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Answering the question as to why we age is tantamount to answering the question of what is life itself. There are countless theories as to why and how we age, but, until recently, the very definition of aging - senescence - was still uncertain. Here, we summarize the main views of the different models of senescence, with a special emphasis on the biochemical processes that accompany aging. Though inherently complex, aging is characterized by numerous changes that take place at different levels of the biological hierarchy. We therefore explore some of the most relevant changes that take place during aging and, finally, we overview the current status of emergent aging therapies and what the future holds for this field of research. From this multi-dimensional approach, it becomes clear that an integrative approach that couples aging research with systems biology, capable of providing novel insights into how and why we age, is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto da Costa
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Rui Vitorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gustavo M Silva
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, NY, NY 10003, USA
| | - Christine Vogel
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, NY, NY 10003, USA
| | - Armando C Duarte
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- CESAM and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Abstract
The thymus develops from an endocrine area of the foregut, and retains the ancient potencies of this region. However, later it is populated by bone marrow originated lymphatic elements and forms a combined organ, which is a central part of the immune system as well as an influential element of the endocrine orchestra. Thymus produces self-hormones (thymulin, thymosin, thymopentin, and thymus humoral factor), which are participating in the regulation of immune cell transformation and selection, and also synthesizes hormones similar to that of the other endocrine glands such as melatonin, neuropeptides, and insulin, which are transported by the immune cells to the sites of requests (packed transport). Thymic (epithelial and immune) cells also have receptors for hormones which regulate them. This combined organ, which is continuously changing from birth to senescence seems to be a pacemaker of life. This function is basically regulated by the selection of self-responsive thymocytes as their complete destruction helps the development (up to puberty) and their gradual release in case of weakened control (after puberty) causes the erosion of cells and intercellular material, named aging. This means that during aging, self-destructive and non-protective immune activities are manifested under the guidance of the involuting thymus, causing the continuous irritation of cells and organs. Possibly the pineal body is the main regulator of the pacemaker, the neonatal removal of which results in atrophy of thymus and wasting disease and its later corrosion causes the insufficiency of thymus. The co-involution of pineal and thymus could determine the aging and the time of death without external intervention; however, external factors can negatively influence both of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- György Csaba
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University , Budapest, Hungary
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Varian BJ, Goureshetti S, Poutahidis T, Lakritz JR, Levkovich T, Kwok C, Teliousis K, Ibrahim YM, Mirabal S, Erdman SE. Beneficial bacteria inhibit cachexia. Oncotarget 2016; 7:11803-16. [PMID: 26933816 PMCID: PMC4914249 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle wasting, known as cachexia, is a debilitating condition associated with chronic inflammation such as during cancer. Beneficial microbes have been shown to optimize systemic inflammatory tone during good health; however, interactions between microbes and host immunity in the context of cachexia are incompletely understood. Here we use mouse models to test roles for bacteria in muscle wasting syndromes. We find that feeding of a human commensal microbe, Lactobacillus reuteri, to mice is sufficient to lower systemic indices of inflammation and inhibit cachexia. Further, the microbial muscle-building phenomenon extends to normal aging as wild type animals exhibited increased growth hormone levels and up-regulation of transcription factor Forkhead Box N1 [FoxN1] associated with thymus gland retention and longevity. Interestingly, mice with a defective FoxN1 gene (athymic nude) fail to inhibit sarcopenia after L. reuteri therapy, indicating a FoxN1-mediated mechanism. In conclusion, symbiotic bacteria may serve to stimulate FoxN1 and thymic functions that regulate inflammation, offering possible alternatives for cachexia prevention and novel insights into roles for microbiota in mammalian ontogeny and phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard J. Varian
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sravya Goureshetti
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Theofilos Poutahidis
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jessica R. Lakritz
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tatiana Levkovich
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Kwok
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Konstantinos Teliousis
- Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Yassin M. Ibrahim
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sheyla Mirabal
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susan E. Erdman
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Savino W, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Lepletier A, Dardenne M. Hormonal control of T-cell development in health and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2016; 12:77-89. [PMID: 26437623 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The physiology of the thymus, the primary lymphoid organ in which T cells are generated, is controlled by hormones. Data from animal models indicate that several peptide and nonpeptide hormones act pleiotropically within the thymus to modulate the proliferation, differentiation, migration and death by apoptosis of developing thymocytes. For example, growth hormone and prolactin can enhance thymocyte proliferation and migration, whereas glucocorticoids lead to the apoptosis of these developing cells. The thymus undergoes progressive age-dependent atrophy with a loss of cells being generated and exported, therefore, hormone-based therapies are being developed as an alternative strategy to rejuvenate the organ, as well as to augment thymocyte proliferation and the export of mature T cells to peripheral lymphoid organs. Some hormones (such as growth hormone and progonadoliberin-1) are also being used as therapeutic agents to treat immunodeficiency disorders associated with thymic atrophy, such as HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the accumulating data that shows the thymus gland is under complex and multifaceted hormonal control that affects the process of T-cell development in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenue Brasil 4365, 21045-900, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mireille Dardenne
- Hôpital Necker, CNRS UMR 8147, Université Paris Descartes, 75015 Paris, France
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Eissa N, Ghia JE. Immunomodulatory effect of ghrelin in the intestinal mucosa. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:1519-27. [PMID: 26503163 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is the largest endocrine organ in the body and it produces a wide array of hormones and neuropeptides. Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid hormone produced mainly by the X/A-like endocrine cells in the gastric mucosa, has widespread tissue distribution and diverse physiological functions such as hormonal, orexigenic, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological and immunological activities. Recent research has implicated ghrelin in gastrointestinal pathological conditions and immune system regulation, but its contribution is controversial. Although ghrelin levels are elevated in clinical active inflammatory bowel diseases, confirmation of its exact role using experimental models remains unclear. This review discusses the conflicting effects of ghrelin on intestinal inflammation, through the different possible immune and intracellular mechanisms and highlights new findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Eissa
- Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - J E Ghia
- Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Internal Medicine Section of Gastroenterology, IBD Clinical and Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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41
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Jurberg AD, Vasconcelos-Fontes L, Cotta-de-Almeida V. A Tale from TGF-β Superfamily for Thymus Ontogeny and Function. Front Immunol 2015; 6:442. [PMID: 26441956 PMCID: PMC4564722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple signaling pathways control every aspect of cell behavior, organ formation, and tissue homeostasis throughout the lifespan of any individual. This review takes an ontogenetic view focused on the large superfamily of TGF-β/bone morphogenetic protein ligands to address thymus morphogenesis and function in T cell differentiation. Recent findings on a role of GDF11 for reversing aging-related phenotypes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnon Dias Jurberg
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil ; Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Larissa Vasconcelos-Fontes
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Vinícius Cotta-de-Almeida
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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42
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Trade off situation between thymus and growth hormone: age-related decline of growth hormone is a cause of thymic involution but favorable for elongation of lifespan. Biogerontology 2015; 17:55-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-015-9590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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43
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Yin Y, Zhang W. The Role of Ghrelin in Senescence: A Mini-Review. Gerontology 2015; 62:155-62. [PMID: 26160147 DOI: 10.1159/000433533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid hormone produced mainly by the X/A-like endocrine cells in gastric mucosa, has a widespread tissue distribution and diverse physiological functions such as hormonal, orexigenic, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological activities. Considerable evidence has suggested that ghrelin plays an important role in organism senescence or aging. The present review provides a comprehensive picture of this new development. We first reviewed the aging (senescence)-dependent reduction of ghrelin signaling, and then highlighted its relationship with the aging-associated alteration in food intake, energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, neurological activity, and adaptive immunity. Our literature review suggests that ghrelin is an innovative and promising agent in the treatment of these pathophysiological conditions associated with senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yin
- Diabetes Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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44
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Nani JP, Raschia MA, Carignano H, Poli MA, Calvinho LF, Amadio AF. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes and their relation with somatic cell scores in Argentinean dairy cattle. J Appl Genet 2015; 56:505-513. [PMID: 25783851 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-015-0278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The prevention and control of bovine mastitis by enhancing natural defenses in animals is important to improve the quality of dairy products. Mastitis resistance is a complex trait which depends on genetic components, as well as environmental and physiological factors. The limitations of classical control measures have led to the search for alternative approaches to minimize the use of antibiotics by selecting naturally resistant animals. Polymorphisms in genes associated with the innate immune system are strong candidates to be evaluated as genetic markers. In this work, we evaluated a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for health and production traits, and determined their association with the somatic cell score (SCS) as an indicator of mastitis in Argentinean dairy cattle. We evaluated 941 cows: Holstein (n = 677) and Holstein × Jersey (n = 264) crossbred, daughters from 22 bulls from 14 dairy farms located in the central dairy area of Argentina. Two of the 21 successfully genotyped markers were found to be significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the SCS: GHR_140 and OPN_8514C-T. The heterozygote genotype for GHR_140 showed a favorable effect in reducing the SCS. On the other hand, heterozygote genotypes for OPN8514C-T caused an increase in the SCS; moreover, combined genotypes for OPN SNPs showed an even larger effect. These findings can contribute to the design of effective marker-assisted selection programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Nani
- E.E.A. Rafaela, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria A Raschia
- Instituto de Genética "Ewald A. Favret", CICVyA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hugo Carignano
- Instituto de Genética "Ewald A. Favret", CICVyA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario A Poli
- Instituto de Genética "Ewald A. Favret", CICVyA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis F Calvinho
- E.E.A. Rafaela, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ariel F Amadio
- E.E.A. Rafaela, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. .,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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45
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Lepletier A, Chidgey AP, Savino W. Perspectives for Improvement of the Thymic Microenvironment through Manipulation of Thymic Epithelial Cells: A Mini-Review. Gerontology 2015; 61:504-14. [DOI: 10.1159/000375160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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46
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Potential ghrelin-mediated benefits and risks of hydrogen water. Med Hypotheses 2015; 84:350-5. [PMID: 25649854 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Molecular hydrogen (H2) can scavenge hydroxyl radical and diminish the toxicity of peroxynitrite; hence, it has interesting potential for antioxidant protection. Recently, a number of studies have explored the utility of inhaled hydrogen gas, or of hydrogen-saturated water, administered parenterally or orally, in rodent models of pathology and in clinical trials, oftentimes with very positive outcomes. The efficacy of orally ingested hydrogen-rich water (HW) has been particularly surprising, given that only transient and rather small increments in plasma hydrogen can be achieved by this method. A recent study in mice has discovered that orally administered HW provokes increased gastric production of the orexic hormone ghrelin, and that this ghrelin mediates the favorable impact of HW on a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The possibility that most of the benefits observed with HW in experimental studies are mediated by ghrelin merits consideration. Ghrelin is well known to function as an appetite stimulant and secretagogue for growth hormone, but it influences physiological function throughout the body via interaction with the widely express GHS-R1a receptor. Rodent and, to a more limited extent, clinical studies establish that ghrelin has versatile neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing activity, favorably impacts vascular health, exerts anti-inflammatory activity useful in autoimmune disorders, and is markedly hepatoprotective. The stimulatory impact of ghrelin on GH-IGF-I activity, while potentially beneficial in sarcopenia or cachectic disorders, does raise concerns regarding the long-term impact of ghrelin up-regulation on cancer risk. The impact of ingesting HW water on ghrelin production in humans needs to be evaluated; if HW does up-regulate ghrelin in humans, it may have versatile potential for prevention and control of a number of health disorders.
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47
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Lee JH, Patel K, Tae HJ, Lustig A, Kim JW, Mattson MP, Taub DD. Ghrelin augments murine T-cell proliferation by activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and protein kinase C signaling pathways. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:4708-19. [PMID: 25447526 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy occurs during normal aging, and is accelerated by exposure to chronic stressors that elevate glucocorticoid levels and impair the naïve T cell output. The orexigenic hormone ghrelin was recently shown to attenuate age-associated thymic atrophy. Here, we report that ghrelin enhances the proliferation of murine CD4+ primary T cells and a CD4+ T-cell line. Ghrelin induced activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways, via upstream activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase C, to enhance T-cell proliferation. Moreover, ghrelin induced expression of the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and retinoblastoma phosphorylation. Finally, ghrelin activated the above-mentioned signaling pathways and stimulated thymocyte proliferation in young and older mice in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Division of Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalpesh Patel
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Hyun Jin Tae
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Ana Lustig
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Jie Wan Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| | - Dennis D Taub
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Center of Translational Studies, Medical Services, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, United States.
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48
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Bharateesh JV, Kokila G. Association of root caries with oral habits in older individuals attending a rural health centre of a dental hospital in India. J Clin Diagn Res 2014; 8:ZC80-2. [PMID: 25584324 PMCID: PMC4290335 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2014/8771.5165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many risk factors can compromise an older adult's systemic health. Among the oral ailments in the elderly, root caries is a significant one which causes tooth loss in them. Hence, there is a need to have a baseline data for understanding problem of root caries in elderly population and factors which affect its prevalence. AIMS a)To asses the prevalence of root caries in older individuals in a rural health centre in India. b) To asses the relationship of oral habits with root caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 210 elderly dentate and consenting individuals (123-females, 87-males) aged 55 to 75 y and above. Demographic and health behaviour data were collected through personal interviews. The subjects were examined for root caries. Statistical analyses of the data were done using chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Out of all, 94.76% of elderly patients examined had gingival recession in one or more teeth. The prevalence of root caries was 41.9%. The prevalence of root caries was significantly associated with age, perceived dryness of mouth, smoking, smoking and tobacco chewing and tobacco chewing only (p<0.05). There was significantly higher root caries in the age group of 75 years and above (OR-3.67). CONCLUSION It was evident from our study that root caries prevalence was high in elderly population. Age, root surfaces with recession, deleterious oral habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing, and dryness of mouth had a definite effect on the prevalence of root caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanna Vinayaka Bharateesh
- Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Siddhartha Dental College, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Tumkur, India
| | - Ganganna Kokila
- Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Sri Siddhartha Dental College, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Tumkur, India
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49
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Abstract
Growth hormone receptor (Ghr) signaling is important in a wide variety of cellular processes including aging; however, the role of Ghr signaling in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology remains unexplored. Within the hematopoietic system, Ghr is expressed in a highly HSC-specific manner and is significantly upregulated during aging. Exposure of young and old HSCs to recombinant growth hormone ex vivo led to diminished short-term reconstitution and restored B-cell output from old HSCs. Hematopoietic-specific genetic deletion of Ghr neither impacted steady-state hematopoiesis nor serial transplantation potential. Repeat challenge with 5-fluorouracil showed that Ghr was dispensable for HSC activation and homeostatic recovery in vivo and, after challenge, Ghr-deficient HSCs functioned normally through serial transplantation. Although exogenous Gh induces age-dependent HSC effects, these results indicate that Ghr signaling appears largely dispensable for HSC function and aging.
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50
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Bishop NC, Hayashida H, Clark M, Coombs C, Miller S, Stensel DJ. Effect of acute and regular exercise on growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a expression in human lymphocytes, T cell subpopulation and monocytes. Brain Behav Immun 2014; 39:172-9. [PMID: 24095896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The orexigenic peptide hormone ghrelin exerts potent inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine release via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHS-R1a) on T cells and monocytes. As such, ghrelin is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, but these effects depend on the availability of GHS-R1a. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acute exercise on GHS-R1a expression on circulating CD14+ monocytes, total lymphocytes and CD3+ T cells. Nine male club-standard cyclists cycled for 1h at 75% V̇O2peak (EX) or rested (REST) in a randomised cross-over design. Compared with the equivalent times in REST, the concentration of circulating GHS-R1a+ lymphocytes and monocytes was higher in EX at immediately and 1 and 2h post-exercise (all p<.05). The concentration of CD3+GHS-R1a+ cells was higher in EX than in REST immediately post-exercise only (258 (203)cellsμl(-1) vs. 62 (42)cellsμl(-1), p<.05). Density of GHS-R1a receptor expression was unaffected by trial or time. Comparison of active participants at rest with 7 age-, sex- and BMI-matched sedentary controls revealed a higher concentration of GHS-R1a+ lymphocytes in active males (p<.05). These findings suggest a preferential recruitment of specific cell subpopulations expressing GHS-R1a into the peripheral circulation with acute and regular exercise. Given that the anti-inflammatory effects of ghrelin depend on the availability of GHS-R1a, the preferential recruitment of subpopulations with high anti-inflammatory potential found here add a novel aspect to the potential mechanisms by which exercise acts to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette C Bishop
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
| | - Harumi Hayashida
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Megan Clark
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Charlotte Coombs
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Sean Miller
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - David J Stensel
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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