The anti-inflammatory actions of IL-4 in human monocytes are not mediated by IL-10, RP105 or the kinase activity of RIPK2

Effects of amber LED on inflammatory and regulatory monocytes and lymphocytes

The primary objective of the present study was to assess the impact of amber LED photobiomodulation (PBM) on human monocytes and lymphocytes that were polarized into proinflammatory and regulatory/reparative phenotypes. Human leukocytes were polarized with LPS or LPS + IL-4 for 2 h and irradiated after 2 and 6 h with amber LED (590 nm). Cell absorbance spectrum and gene and protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α and IFNγ determined after 24 h. The results showed that irradiation did not significantly alter absorbance of non-polarized monocytes, whereas irradiated polarized monocytes presented reduction in absorbance in 625-850 nm region. Irradiated monocytes polarized with LPS + IL-4 presented reduction in absorbance in 600-725 nm region compared to non-irradiated group. Irradiated non-polarized lymphocytes presented absorbance peaks between 650 and 820 nm not seen in non-irradiated group. No difference was found in absorbance pattern of polarized lymphocytes after irradiation. Irradiation led to reduction in protein synthesis of IL-6 and TNFα in monocytes polarized to proinflammatory phenotype and increase in production of IL-17 in lymphocytes. Irradiation reduced production of IL-10 in monocytes and lymphocytes polarized to immunoregulatory phenotype. In conclusion, amber LED modulates light absorbance and expression of important cytokines in inflammatory/repair processes in monocytes and lymphocytes.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Immortalized Mesenchymal-Stem-Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium on Human Lung Myofibroblasts and Epithelial Cells

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is caused by progressive lung tissue impairment due to extended chronic fibrosis, and it has no known effective treatment. The use of conditioned media (CM) from an immortalized human adipose mesenchymal stem cell line could be a promising therapeutic strategy, as it can reduce both fibrotic and inflammatory responses. We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect of CM on human pulmonary subepithelial myofibroblasts (hPSM) and on A549 pulmonary epithelial cells, treated with pro-inflammatory or pro-fibrotic mediators. CM inhibited the proinflammatory cytokine-induced mRNA and protein production of various chemokines in both hPSMs and A549 cells. It also downregulated the mRNA expression of IL-1α, but upregulated IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA production in both cell types. CM downregulated the pro-fibrotic-induced mRNA expression of collagen Type III and the migration rate of hPSMs, but upregulated fibronectin mRNA production and the total protein collagen secretion. CM's direct effect on the chemotaxis and cell recruitment of immune-associated cells, and its indirect effect on fibrosis through the significant decrease in the migration capacity of hPSMs, makes it a plausible candidate for further development towards a therapeutic treatment for IPF.

Biologically Relevant In Vitro 3D-Model to Study Bone Regeneration Potential of Human Adipose Stem Cells

Standard cell cultures may not predict the proliferation and differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) after seeding on a scaffold and implanting this construct in a bone defect. We aimed to develop a more biologically relevant in vitro 3D-model for preclinical studies on the bone regeneration potential of MSCs. Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hASCs; five donors) were seeded on biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules and cultured under hypoxia (1% O2) for 14 days with pro-inflammatory TNFα, IL4, IL6, and IL17F (10 mg/mL each) added during the first three days, simulating the early stages of repair (bone construct model). Alternatively, hASCs were cultured on plastic, under 20% O2 and without cytokines for 14 days (standard cell culture). After two days, the bone construct model decreased total DNA (3.9-fold), COL1 (9.8-fold), and RUNX2 expression (19.6-fold) and metabolic activity (4.6-fold), but increased VEGF165 expression (38.6-fold) in hASCs compared to standard cultures. After seven days, the bone construct model decreased RUNX2 expression (64-fold) and metabolic activity (2.3-fold), but increased VEGF165 (54.5-fold) and KI67 expression (5.7-fold) in hASCs compared to standard cultures. The effect of the bone construct model on hASC proliferation and metabolic activity could be largely mimicked by culturing on BCP alone (20% O2, no cytokines). The effect of the bone construct model on VEGF165 expression could be mimicked by culturing hASCs under hypoxia alone (plastic, no cytokines). In conclusion, we developed a new, biologically relevant in vitro 3D-model to study the bone regeneration potential of MSCs. Our model is likely more suitable for the screening of novel factors to enhance bone regeneration than standard cell cultures.

Antioxidant and immune-modulating activities of egg yolk protein extracts

Egg yolk is widely used to extract lecithin, which is utilized in the food and cosmetics industry. After lecithin is removed, the rest of egg yolk is generated as a by-product. Thus, it is necessary to properly utilize it. In this study, egg yolk protein extracts were produced using ethanol (EYE-E) and water (EYE-W). Their antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects were then evaluated. Antioxidant activities of EYE-E and EYE-W were determined using cellular antioxidant capacity (CAC) assay and comet assay. EYE-E and EYE-W showed significant (p<0.05) scavenging effects on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose dependent manner. At a concentration of 50 μg/mL, EYE-W showed higher (p<0.05) antioxidant activity than EYE-E. EYE-E and EYE-W also exhibited protective effects against DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. After treatment with EYE-E and EYE-W, DNA damage level of 48.7% due to oxidative stress was decreased to 36.2% and 31.8% levels, respectively. In addition, EYE-E and EYE-W showed immunomodulatory effects by regulating Th1 cytokines (TNF-α and IL-2) and Th2 cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) in Balb/c mouse splenocytes. These data suggest that EYE-E and EYE-W could be used as functional food ingredients with excellent antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities in the food industry.

Effects of the phenotypic polarization state of human leukocytes on the optical absorbance spectrum

This study evaluated the optical absorbance spectrum of human monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes polarized, or not, to the inflammatory or immunoregulatory phenotypes. Peripheral human blood leukocytes were isolated and polarized (10 ng/mL) with LPS or IL-4 + LPS for 2 hours. After polarization, cells were washed and incubated for an additional 24 hours (monocytes and lymphocytes) or 12 hours (neutrophils). Next, cells were collected to evaluate the optical absorbance spectrum. The three types of leukocytes exhibited absorbance in the region from 450 to 900 nm, with greater absorbance at wavelengths lower than 570 nm. Lymphocytes had a second region of greater absorbance between 770 and 900 nm. Inflammatory monocytes and lymphocytes showed increased absorbance of blue, green and yellow wavelengths (monocytes), as well as red and infrared wavelengths (monocytes and lymphocytes). Immunoregulatory polarization altered the absorbance of monocytes and lymphocytes very little. Neutrophils treated with LPS or LPS + IL-4 exhibited lower absorbance at wavelengths higher than 575 nm compared to untreated cells. The present findings showed that leukocytes exhibit greater absorbance in regions of the spectrum that have not been much used in photobiomodulation (PBM), and the polarization of these cells can affect their capacity to absorb light. Taken together, these results suggest new perspectives in the use of PBM in the clinical setting depending on the wavelengths and the stage of the inflammatory process.

Polyphenols from Lonicera caerulea L. Berry Inhibit LPS-Induced Inflammation through Dual Modulation of Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mediators

Lonicera caerulea L. berry polyphenols (LCBP) are considered as major components for bioactivity. This study aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms by monitoring inflammatory and antioxidant mediator actions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse paw edema and macrophage cell model. LCBP significantly attenuated LPS-induced paw edema (3.0 ± 0.1 to 2.8 ± 0.1 mm, P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1, 100.9 ± 2.3 to 58.3 ± 14.5 ng/mL), interleukin (IL)-10 (1596.1 ± 424.3 to 709.7 ± 65.7 pg/mL), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α (1761.9 ± 208.3 to 1369.1 ± 56.4 pg/mL), IL-6 (1262.8 ± 71.7 to 499.0 ± 67.1 pg/mL), IL-4 (93.3 ± 25.7 to 50.7 ± 12.5 pg/mL), IL-12(p-70) (580.4 ± 132.0 to 315.2 ± 35.1 pg/mL), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 2045.5 ± 264.9 to 1270.7 ± 158.6 pg/mL). Cell signaling analysis revealed that LCBP inhibited transforming growth factor β activated kinase-1 (TAK1)-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways, and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in earlier response. Moreover, cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) and (-)-epicatechin (EC), two major components of LCBP, directly bound to TAK1. These data demonstrated that LCBP might inhibit LPS-induced inflammation by modulating both inflammatory and antioxidant mediators.

Elevated plasma levels of Th17-related cytokines are associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation

We performed a matched case-control study using a propensity score matching, to assess the association of Th17-related cytokines, including interleukin (IL) 17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22 and IL-6, along with interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-10, IL-9, and IL-4, with the risk of AF. A total of 336 patients with AF were matched 1:1 with patients without AF. Plasma levels of cytokines were measured using Luminex xMAP assays. The plasma levels of all examined cytokines were significantly higher in AF patients than controls (P < 0.05), and these cytokines were highly correlated with each other (P < 0.01). A multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that elevated plasma levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-9 and IL-6 were significantly associated with AF risk independently of potential confounders. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of examined cytokines between paroxysmal and chronic AF patients. IL-17A, IL-21, IL-10 and IL-6 levels were positively correlated with left atrial diameter; IL-17F level was negatively correlated with left ventricle ejection fraction among AF patients (P < 0.05). Elevated plasma levels of Th17-related cytokines were independently associated with increased an risk of AF; hence, Th17-related cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of AF.

An injectable elastin-based gene delivery platform for dose-dependent modulation of angiogenesis and inflammation for critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia is a major clinical problem. Despite rigorous treatment regimes, there has been only modest success in reducing the rate of amputations in affected patients. Reduced level of blood flow and enhanced inflammation are the two major pathophysiological changes that occur in the ischemic tissue. The objective of this study was to develop a controlled dual gene delivery system capable of delivering therapeutic plasmid eNOS and IL-10 in a temporal manner. In order to deliver multiple therapeutic genes, an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) based injectable system was designed. The injectable system was comprised of hollow spheres and an in situ-forming gel scaffold of elastin-like polypeptide capable of carrying gene complexes, with an extended manner release profile. In addition, the ELP based injectable system was used to deliver human eNOS and IL-10 therapeutic genes in vivo. A subcutaneous dose response study showed enhanced blood vessel density in the treatment groups of eNOS (20 μg) and IL-10 (10 μg)/eNOS (20 μg) and reduced inflammation with IL-10 (10 μg) alone. Next, we carried out a hind-limb ischemia model comparing the efficacy of the following interventions; Saline; IL-10, eNOS and IL-10/eNOS. The selected dose of eNOS, exhibited enhanced angiogenesis. IL-10 treatment groups showed reduction in the level of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that eNOS up-regulated major proangiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factors, platelet derived growth factor B, and fibroblast growth factor 1, which may explain the mechanism of this approach. These factors help in formation of a stable vascular network. Thus, ELP injectable system mediating non-viral delivery of human IL10-eNOS is a promising therapy towards treating limb ischemia.

Gene expression profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells during treatment with a gene-modified allogeneic tumor cell vaccine in advanced renal cell cancer: tumor-induced immunosuppression and a possible role for NF-κB

Tumor-induced immunosuppression remains a major challenge for immunotherapy of cancer patients. To further elucidate why an allogeneic gene-modified [interleukin-7 (IL-7)/CD80-cotransfected] renal cell cancer (RCC) vaccine failed to induce clinically relevant TH-1-polarized immune responses, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from enrolled study patients were analyzed by gene expression profiling (GEP) both prior and after vaccination. At baseline before vaccination, a profound downregulation of gene signatures associated with antigen presentation, immune response/T cells, cytokines/chemokines and signaling/transcription factors was observed in RCC patients as compared to healthy controls. Vaccination led to a partial reversion of preexisting immunosuppression, however, GEP indicated that an appropriate TH-1 polarization could not be achieved. Most interestingly, our results suggest that the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway might be involved in the impairment of immunological responsiveness and the observed TH-2 deviation. In summary, our data suggest that GEP might be a powerful tool for the prediction of immunosuppression and the monitoring of immune responses within immunotherapy trials.

Characterization of regulatory dendritic cells differentiated from the bone marrow of UV-irradiated mice

When antigen-loaded dendritic cells (DCs) differentiated from the bone marrow (BM) of UV-irradiated mice (UV-BMDCs) were adoptively transferred into naive mice or mice pre-sensitized with that antigen, the recipients exhibited a reduced immune response following antigen challenge. Hence, UV-BMDCs are poorly immunogenic and can suppress pre-existing immunity. The UV-induced effect on BM-derived DCs was rapid (observed 1 day after UV radiation), long-lasting (observed 10 days after UV radiation) and UV dose-dependent. The mechanism by which UV-BMDCs could regulate immunity was investigated. The CD11c(+) cells, differentiated using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor + interleukin-4, were confirmed to be DCs because they did not express the myeloid-derived suppressor cell marker, Gr1. UV-BMDCs did not display altered antigen uptake, processing or ability to activate T cells in vitro. When gene expression in UV-BMDCs and DCs differentiated from the BM of non-irradiated mice (control-BMDCs) was examined, Ccl7, Ccl8 and CSF1R (CD115) mRNA transcripts were up-regulated in UV-BMDCs compared with control-BMDCs. However, neutralizing antibodies for Ccl7 and Ccl8 did not abrogate the reduced immunogenicity of UV-BMDCs in vivo. Moreover, the up-regulation of CSF1R transcript did not correspond with increased receptor expression on UV-BMDCs. The phenotypes of UV-BMDCs and control-BMDCs were similar, with no difference in the expression of CD4, CD8α, CD103, B220 or F4/80, or the regulatory molecules CCR7 (CD197), FasL (CD95L), B7H3 (CD276) and B7H4. However, PDL1 (CD274) expression was reduced in UV-BMDCs compared with control-BMDCs following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In summary, UV-BMDCs do not express the classical phenotypic or gene expression properties of DCs reported by others as 'regulatory' or 'tolerogenic'.