Association analysis of high-mobility group box-1 protein 1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 with nasal interleukins in allergic rhinitis patients

Sphk1 regulates HMGB1 via HDAC4 and mediates epithelial pyroptosis in allergic rhinitis

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Pyroptosis has emerged as a major player in the development of AR, and targeting its inhibition with specific drugs holds promise for AR treatment. However, a comprehensive understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying pyroptosis in AR remains to be explored, warranting further investigation.

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the roles of HMGB1, Sphk1, and HDAC4 in regulating human nasal epithelial cell (hNEC) pyroptosis and AR.

Methods

An in vitro AR cell culture model and an in vivo AR mouse model were established. Western blot, ELISA, histological staining, and flow cytometry were utilized to confirm the gene and protein expression. The interactions among Sphk1, HDAC4, and HMGB1 were validated through ChIP, Co-IP, and Dual-luciferase assay.

Results and conclusion

We identified that the expression levels of Sphk1, HMGB1, and inflammasome components, including IL-18, and IL-1β were elevated in AR patients and mouse models. Knockdown of Sphk1 inhibited hNEC pyroptosis induced by dust mite allergen. Overexpression of HDAC4 suppressed HMGB1-mediated pyroptosis in hNECs. In addition, HDAC4 was found to mediate the transcriptional regulation of HMGB1 via MEF2C, a transcription factor. Additionally, Sphk1 was shown to interact with CaMKII-δ, promoting the phosphorylation of HDAC4 and inhibiting its cytoplasmic translocation. Knockdown of HDAC4 reversed the effect of Sphk1 knockdown on pyroptosis. These discoveries offer a glimpse into the molecular mechanisms underlying AR and suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of this condition.

High mobility group box-1: a potential therapeutic target for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa primarily characterized by symptoms, such as nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It has a high recurrence rate and low cure rate, with a lack of effective drugs for treatment. The current approach to management focuses on symptom control. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved non-histone protein widely present in the nucleus of eukaryotes. It is recognized as a proinflammatory agent, and recent studies have demonstrated its close association with AR. Here, we will elaborate the role and mechanism of HMGB1 in AR, so as to reveal the potential value of HMGB1 in the occurrence and development of AR, and provide a new target for clinical research on the treatment of AR.

Correlation of serum HMGB1 and HMGB2 levels with clinical symptoms in allergic rhinitis children

This research aimed to explore the serum high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and high-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) levels in allergic rhinitis (AR) children and its correlation with clinical results. This present prospective observational study enrolled 179 AR children and 100 healthy children who came to our hospital during October 2020 to August 2022. The serum HMGB1, HMGB2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic and clinical statistics including age, body mass index (BMI), sex, diastolic blood pressure, SBP, family history of allergy, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire were collected. All data used SPSS 18.0 to statistical analyses. The proportion of family history of allergy was obviously higher in the AR group than that in the healthy group. The serum levels of HMGB1, HMGB2 and cytokines were remarkably enhanced in the AR patients. Spearman analysis supported that positive correlation existed among the HMGB1, HMGB2, CRP, IL-6 and IL-1β levels. Serum IL-6, CRP, HMGB2, IL-1β, VAS score and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score levels were significantly higher and serum interferon-γ levels were significantly lower in the HMGB1 high expression group. Similar results were found in in the HMGB2 high group compared to the HMGB2 low group. In addition, HMGB1 and HMGB2 could be potential diagnostic biomarkers of AR patients. Finally, we found that HMGB1, HMGB2, IL-6, IL-1β, and family history of allergy were the risk factors for AR. This study showed that the serum HMGB1 and HMGB2 levels was remarkably enhanced in AR patients and closely associated with cytokines. This study may provide new targets and a comprehensive approach for the treatment of AR patients.

CircARF3 Mitigates Allergic Rhinitis through Targeting microRNA-205-5p/Sirtuin 5 Axis

INTRODUCTION

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are essential in the progression of allergic rhinitis (AR). The purpose of this research was to examine the role of circRNA ADP-ribosylation factor 3 (circARF3) in the pathogenesis of AR.

METHODS

To generate an animal model of AR, mice were treated with house dust mite (HDM), and mice nasal epithelial cells (NEpCs) were treated with IL-4/IL-13 to imitate the inflammatory damage of AR in vitro. Sanger sequencing, qRT-PCR, and RNAse R digestion assays all validated the circularization structure of circARF3. The levels of circARF3, miR-205-5p, and sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) were determined by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. Luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and pull-down experiments were used to investigate the regulatory network. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the rate of cell apoptosis, and Western blotting was used to determine the levels of apoptotic-related proteins (cleaved caspase 3, cleaved polyadenosine-diphosphate-ribose polymerase) and HMGB1, TLR4, and MyD88. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the inflammatory response. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL were used to detect the histology of injury and apoptosis of nasal mucosa tissues.

RESULTS

CircARF3 and SIRT5 levels were reduced in HDM-treated animals and IL-4/IL-13-treated NEpCs, while miR-205-5p expression was increased. CircARF3 was generated by back-splicing exons 3-5 with a stable circular shape. CircARF3 overexpression mitigated IL-4/IL-13-induced apoptosis in NEpCs by inhibiting miR-205-5p. SIRT5 upregulation attenuated IL-4/IL-13-induced inflammatory injury in NEpCs, and SIRT5 knockdown induced opposite effects. miR-205-5p silencing reversed the effects of SIRT5 knockdown on IL-4/IL-13-induced inflammatory injury. Furthermore, circARF3 overexpression alleviated histological abnormalities, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and HMGB1/TLR4 signaling activation in HDM-treated animals.

CONCLUSION

CircARF3 inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation via the miR-205-5p/SIRT5 axis in IL-4/IL-13-treated NEpCs and HDM-treated mice.

Genes related to allergen exposure in allergic rhinitis: a gene-chip-based study in a mouse model

BACKGROUND

The typical clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) are known to be associated with allergen exposure; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We wanted to gain a comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms related to allergen exposure in a well-controlled mouse model of AR.

METHODS

An OVA-induced AR model was developed. Two hours and 4 weeks after the last OVA challenge, AR symptoms and local immune responses were assessed. At the same time, differentially expressed genes (DEG) in nasal mucosa were identified by gene expression microarray and further analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Verification of DEG was done by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The number of nasal rubbings and sneezes, serum OVA-specific IgE concentrations, and the number of neutrophils and eosinophils in the nasal mucosa were significantly increased at 2 h and decreased at 4 weeks after the last allergen challenge compared to controls. A total of 2119 DEG were identified, and their expression dynamics were clustered into 8 profiles. Enriched functions in Profile 5, which had a similar trend to clinical features, were mainly related to inflammatory and immune response to environmental factors, eosinophils and neutrophils chemotaxis, and cell migration. Gene co-expression Network for genes from profile 5 identified BCL3, NFKB2, SOCS3, and CD53 having a higher degree. Profile 6 showed persistence of inflammatory and immune response at 4 weeks after the last allergen challenge. Olfactory and coagulation functions were enriched mainly in profiles with downward trends.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide range of genes with sequential cooperative action were identified to be associated with allergen exposure in AR. BCL3 may be the most vital in symptoms manifestation. Moreover, some inflammatory responses persisted for a period after allergen exposure, supporting a new treatment strategy of targeting inflammation out of season. This study may contribute to a better understanding of AR pathogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for AR patients.

Effect of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE on Nasal Congestion in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Objective Allergic rhinitis is a symptomatic nasal disease provoked by exposure of the nasal mucosa to allergens, resulting in IgE-mediated inflammation. Swelling of the nasal mucosa is caused by interstitial mucosal edema due to leakage of plasma fluid and congestion of the nasal mucosal vessels and imbibition of the perivascular space. The method for determining the cross-sectional area as a function of airway distance is known as acoustic rhinometry. By using this approach, it is possible to determine the area as a function of the distance in the airways. Methods IL and IgE levels were measured in serum and nasal lavage with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - Invitrogen ELISA kit. The results were expressed as optical density (OD) at 450 nm and calculated according to the OD of the standart. For our study A1 Acoustic Rhinometer, GM instruments Ltd., Kilwining, Scotland was chosen. Data analysis was performed after two measurements were taken: before and after nasal decongestion, with drops containing 0.1% Xylometazoline hydrochloride. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc.). All participants, after detailed presentation of the aims, tasks and methodology of the study and the opportunity for discussion, signed an informed consent form. Results The study was conducted on the territory of the University Hospital in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria and 111 participants, aged from 19 to 84 years, were examined. Data analysis was performed after two acoustic rhinometry measurements, respectively, before and after nasal decongestion. Conclusion The published results show that there is an inverse relationship between the degree of nasal congestion (determined by acoustic rhinometry) and the serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines.  

Grape-Seed-Derived Procyanidin Attenuates Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment by Suppressing MMP-9 Activity and Related Blood–Brain-Barrier Damage

(1) Background: Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is often observed in cancer patients and impairs their life quality. Grape-seed-orientated procyanidin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, yet its effects in preventing CICI have not been investigated. (2) Method: Adult male mice received 2.3 mg/kg cisplatin or saline injections for three cycles consisting of five daily injections followed by 5 days of rest. Procyanidin or saline was administered 1 h prior to cisplatin treatment. Cognitive testing, gelatin zymography, and blood–brain-barrier (BBB) penetration tests were performed after treatment cessation. RAW264.7 cells were treated by stimulated supernatant of SHSY5Y cells. In addition, high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression and MMP-9 activity were tested. (3) Results: Repeated cisplatin treatment increased BBB penetration, MMP-9 activity, impaired performance in contextual fear conditioning, and novel object recognition tasks. The knockout of MMP-9 rescues cognitive impairment and cisplatin-induced upregulation of HMGB1 in SHSY5Y cells. HMGB1/TLR4/IP3K/AKT signaling contributes to the increased MMP-9 activity in RAW264.7 cells. Procyanidin treatment attenuates MMP-9 activity, BBB damage, and CICI. (4) Conclusions: The results indicated that MMP-9 activation and BBB disruption is involved in CICI. Procyanidin may effectively alleviate the harmful effects of cisplatin.

Time-dependent expression of high-mobility group box-1 and toll-like receptors proteins as potential determinants of skin wound age in rats: Forensic implication

The skin wound age determination in living subjects is an imperative task for forensic experts. In this study, we investigated the time-dependent expression of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and 4) in rat skin wounds using real-time PCR and seek their forensic potentials during the skin wound repair process. In addition, the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), as well as nitric oxide (NO) production, were measured. The wound tissue and serum samples were collected after 30 min, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days after incision. As a control (zero time), skin specimens and blood samples were collected without incision. The results reveal that the HMGB1, TLR2, and TLR4 expression levels were increased in a time-dependent manner until the first day where the peak level was achieved for the three tested genes compared with the zero time. On the 7^th day, the statistical significance was lost for TLR2 and TLR4 but persisted for HMGB1. The serum TNF-α, IL6, and NO levels peaked within 30 min and 1^st and 3^rd day after injury, respectively. On the 7^th day after incision, no significant differences exist in the TNF-α serum level compared to the control group, but the statistical significance persisted for IL6 and NO. It was apparent that the analyzed genes in the wound tissues showed higher R2 values rather than the serum biochemical indicators. Of note, a strong positive correlation was evident between the HMGB1 and that of TLR2 and TLR4 relative expression as well as IL-6 serum level. Conclusively, based on the observed changes in the analyzed markers in wound tissues and serum and R2 values obtained from mathematical models established to determine the wound age, the relative expression of HMGB1, TLR2, and TLR4 could be a reliable indicator for wound age determination in living subjects. Further investigation of these markers and mathematical models in human tissues is necessary.

Epithelial microRNA-30a-3p targets RUNX2/HMGB1 axis to suppress airway eosinophilic inflammation in asthma

Background

Type 2-high asthma is a prominent endotype of asthma which is characterized by airway eosinophilic inflammation. Airway epithelial cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Our previous miRNA profiling data showed that miR-30a-3p was downregulated in bronchial epithelial cells from asthma patients. We hypothesize that epithelial miR-30a-3p plays a role in asthma airway inflammation.

Methods

We measured miR‐30a-3p expression in bronchial brushings of asthma patients (n = 51) and healthy controls (n = 16), and analyzed the correlations between miR‐30a-3p expression and airway eosinophilia. We examined whether Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was a target of miR‐30a-3p and whether RUNX2 bound to the promoter of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) by using luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR. The role of miR‐30a-3p was also investigated in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation.

Results

We found that miR-30a-3p expression were significantly decreased in bronchial brushings of asthma patients compared to control subjects. Epithelial miR-30a-3p expression was negatively correlated with parameters reflecting airway eosinophilia including eosinophils in induced sputum and bronchial biopsies, and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in asthma patients. We verified that RUNX2 is a target of miR-30a-3p. Furthermore, RUNX2 bound to the promoter of HMGB1 and upregulated HMGB1 expression. RUNX2 and HMGB1 expression was both enhanced in airway epithelium and was correlated with each other in asthma patients. Inhibition of miR-30a-3p enhanced RUNX2 and HMGB1 expression, and RUNX2 overexpression upregulated HMGB1 in BEAS-2B cells. Intriguingly, airway overexpression of mmu-miR-30a-3p suppressed Runx2 and Hmgb1 expression, and alleviated airway eosinophilia in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation.

Conclusions

Epithelial miR-30a-3p could possibly target RUNX2/HMGB1 axis to suppress airway eosinophilia in asthma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-01933-x.

High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein and Interleukin 33 Expression in Allergic Rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by an inflammatory reaction. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and interleukin (IL)-33 are damage-associated molecular pattern molecules and have many characteristics similar to pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of IL-33 and HMGB1 in AR remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the role of HMGB1 and IL-33 in AR.

METHODS

Twenty patients with AR (AR group) and 10 normal controls (normal group) were enrolled in this study. HMGB1 and IL-33 expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in epithelial cells of the inferior turbinate mucosa samples. Then, the human nasal mucosa epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured in vitro, and the house dust mite allergen (Derp1) was used to stimulate the cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA assay were performed to detect HMGB1 and IL-33 expression in HNECs.

RESULTS

The expression of HMGB1 and IL-33 in the nasal mucosa was higher in the AR group than in the normal group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). In HNECs of AR, the expression of both HMGB1 and IL-33 in stimulated groups was higher than that in non-stimulated groups. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, they increased gradually with the prolonging time and the concentration of the added Derp1.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of HMGB1 and IL-33 were both increased in AR. HMGB1 and IL-33 may have a close relationship in AR.

Glaucocalyxin A Attenuates Allergic Responses by Inhibiting Mast Cell Degranulation through p38MAPK/NrF2/HO-1 and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Glaucocalyxin A (GLA) has various pharmacological effects like antioxidation, immune regulation, and antiatherosclerosis. Here, in this study, the effect and mechanism of GLA on mast cell degranulation were studied. The results of the anti-DNP IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) showed that GLA dramatically inhibited PCA in vivo, as evidenced by reduced Evans blue extravasation and decreased ear thickness. In addition, GLA significantly reduced the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase, calcium influx, cytokine (IL-4, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-13, and IL-8) production in the RBL-2H3 (rat basophilic leukemia cells), and RPMCs (peritoneal mast cells) in vitro. Moreover, we further investigated the regulatory mechanism of GLA on antigen-induced mast cells by Western blot, which showed that GLA inhibited FcεRI-mediated signal transduction and invalidated the phosphorylation of Syk, Fyn, Lyn, Gab2, and PLC-γ1. In addition, GLA inhibited the recombinant mouse high mobility group protein B1- (HMGB1-) induced mast cell degranulation through limiting nuclear translocation of NF-κBp65. Treatment of mast cells with siRNA-HMGB1 significantly inhibited HMGB1 levels, as well as MyD88 and TLR4, decreased intracellular calcium levels, and suppressed the release of β-hexosaminidase. Meanwhile, GLA increased NrF2 and HO-1 levels by activating p38MAPK phosphorylation. Consequently, these data suggest that GLA regulates the NrF2/HO-1 signaling pathway through p38MAPK phosphorylation and inhibits HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce mast cell degranulation and allergic inflammation. Our findings could be used as a promising therapeutic drug against allergic inflammatory disease.

High BAL sRAGE is Associated with Low Serum Eosinophils and IgE in Children with Asthma

Asthma remains the most common chronic lung disease in childhood in the United States. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been recognized as both a marker of and participant in pulmonary pathophysiology. While membrane-bound RAGE (mRAGE) perpetuates the type 2 immune response, the soluble form (sRAGE) may act as a decoy receptor for pro-inflammatory ligands. Bronchoalveolar samples from 45 pediatric patients with asthma were obtained. Patients were divided into high and low BAL sRAGE groups using median sRAGE. Descriptive statistical analysis and non-parametric testing were applied. Children in the "high" sRAGE group had a lower median serum eosinophil (0.27 [SE ± 0.04] vs. 0.57 [± 0.06] K/mcl, adjusted p = 0.003) and lower serum IgE level (194.4 [± 60.7] vs. 676.2 ± 140.5) IU/mL, adjusted p = 0.004) as compared to the "low" sRAGE group. When controlling for age and body mass index percentile, absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.03) and serum IgE (p = 0.043) remained significantly lower in the "high" sRAGE group. Children with asthma and high levels of BAL sRAGE have lower serum eosinophil and IgE levels. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that sRAGE may act as a decoy receptor by binding ligands that normally interact with mRAGE.

An overview of high-mobility group box 1, a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine in asthma

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), also called amphoterin, HMG1 and p30, is a highly conserved protein between different species that has various functions in nucleus such as stabilization of nucleosome formation, facilitation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bending and increasing the DNA transcription, replication and repair. It has also been indicated that HMGB1 acts as a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine with increasing concentrations in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. One central characteristic in its pathogenesis is airway inflammation. Considering the inflammatory role of HMGB1 and importance of inflammation in asthma pathogenesis, a better understanding of this protein is vital. This review describes the structure, cell surface receptors, signaling pathways and intracellular and extracellular functions of HMGB1, but also focuses on its inflammatory role in asthma. Moreover, this manuscript reviews experimental and clinical studies that investigated the pathologic role of HMGB1.