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Cavalli E, Petralia MC, Basile MS, Bramanti A, Bramanti P, Nicoletti F, Spandidos DA, Shoenfeld Y, Fagone P. Transcriptomic analysis of COVID‑19 lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples reveals predominant B cell activation responses to infection. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:1266-1273. [PMID: 32945352 PMCID: PMC7447313 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease (named, COVID‑19), caused by the novel SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, represents a worldwide severe threat to public health. It is of the utmost importance to characterize the immune responses against the SARS‑CoV‑2 and the mechanisms of hyperinflammation, in order to design better therapeutic strategies for COVID‑19. In the present study, a transcriptomic analysis was performed to profile the immune signatures in lung and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from COVID‑19 patients and controls. Our data concordantly revealed increased humoral responses to infection. The elucidation of the host responses to SARS‑CoV‑2 infection may further improve our understanding of COVID‑19 pathogenesis and suggest better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania
| | - Maria Sofia Basile
- IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare) Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare) Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare) Centro Neurolesi 'Bonino-Pulejo', I-98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center (Affiliated to Tel-Aviv University), Tel-Hashomer 5265601, Israel
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania
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Lambert WS, Carlson BJ, Formichella CR, Sappington RM, Ahlem C, Calkins DJ. Oral Delivery of a Synthetic Sterol Reduces Axonopathy and Inflammation in a Rodent Model of Glaucoma. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:45. [PMID: 28223915 PMCID: PMC5293777 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of optic neuropathies associated with aging and sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). The disease is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Early progression in glaucoma involves dysfunction of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, which comprise the optic nerve. Deficits in anterograde transport along RGC axons to central visual structures precede outright degeneration, and preventing these deficits is efficacious at abating subsequent progression. HE3286 is a synthetic sterol derivative that has shown therapeutic promise in models of inflammatory disease and neurodegenerative disease. We examined the efficacy of HE3286 oral delivery in preventing loss of anterograde transport in an inducible model of glaucoma (microbead occlusion). Adult rats received HE3286 (20 or 100 mg/kg) or vehicle daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Microbead occlusion elevated IOP ~30% in all treatment groups, and elevation was not affected by HE3286 treatment. In the vehicle group, elevated IOP reduced anterograde axonal transport to the superior colliculus, the most distal site in the optic projection, by 43% (p = 0.003); HE3286 (100 mg/kg) prevented this reduction (p = 0.025). HE3286 increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the optic nerve head and retina, while decreasing inflammatory and pathogenic proteins associated with elevated IOP compared to vehicle treatment. Treatment with HE3286 also increased nuclear localization of the transcription factor NFκB in collicular and retinal neurons, but decreased NFκB in glial nuclei in the optic nerve head. Thus, HE3286 may have a neuroprotective influence in glaucoma, as well as other chronic neurodegenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi S Lambert
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, The Vanderbilt Eye Institute Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brian J Carlson
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, The Vanderbilt Eye Institute Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cathryn R Formichella
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, The Vanderbilt Eye Institute Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rebecca M Sappington
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, The Vanderbilt Eye Institute Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - David J Calkins
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, The Vanderbilt Eye Institute Nashville, TN, USA
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Alves VBF, Basso PJ, Nardini V, Silva A, Chica JEL, Cardoso CRDB. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) restrains intestinal inflammation by rendering leukocytes hyporesponsive and balancing colitogenic inflammatory responses. Immunobiology 2016; 221:934-43. [PMID: 27263829 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that plays an important role in the modulation of inflammatory responses. However, the precise mechanisms that link the actions of this androgen with protection or susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) remain uknown. Here we showed that low dose DHEA inhibited proliferation of spleen cells and IFN-у production. The hormone was not toxic to myeloid lineage cells, although it caused necrosis of spleen cells at the intermediate and highest doses in vitro (50 and 100μM). The treatment of C57BL/6 mice with DHEA during colitis induction by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) led to a reduction in weight loss and clinical signs of disease. There were decreased peripheral blood monocytes on day 6 of DSS exposure and treatment, besides increase in circulating neutrophils in the tissue repair phase. DHEA also led to reduced lamina propria cellularity and restoration of normal colon length. These results were accompanied by decreased expression of IL-6 and TGF-β mRNA, while IL-13 was augmented in the colon on day 6, which was probably related to attenuation of inflammation. There was retention of CD4(+) cells in the spleen after use of DHEA, along with augmented frequency of CD4(+)IL-4(+) cells, decreased CD4(+)IFN-ɣ(+) in spleen and constrained CD4(+)IL-17(+) population in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Moreover, splenocytes of mice treated with DHEA became hyporesponsive, as observed by reduced proliferation after re-stimulation ex-vivo. In conclusion, DHEA modifyies leukocyte activity and balances the exacerbated immune responses which drive local and systemic damages in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Beatriz Freitas Alves
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo José Basso
- Departamento de Imunologia e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Viviani Nardini
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angélica Silva
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Effects of Synthetic Anti-Inflammatory Sterol in CB3V-Induced Myocarditis: A Morphological Study on Heart Muscle Tissue. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/jfmk1010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Reading CL, Stickney DR, Flores-Riveros J, Destiche DA, Ahlem CN, Cefalu WT, Frincke JM. A synthetic anti-inflammatory sterol improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant obese impaired glucose tolerance subjects. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2013; 21:E343-9. [PMID: 23670958 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the activity of HE3286 (17α-ethynylandrost-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol), an anti-inflammatory sterol that is active in models of obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in high body mass index (BMI) subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). DESIGN AND METHODS HE3286 was explored in high BMI IGT subjects using hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp studies. RESULTS In insulin-resistant subjects, HE3286 significantly increased day 29 insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and HDL cholesterol, and decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to placebo. For HE3286, change in M value showed a significant negative correlation with baseline M value. Subjects with baseline M value below the median (4.2 mg/kg/min) had significantly lower adiponectin and higher lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine secretion. After 28 days of HE3286 treatment, adiponectin levels were significantly increased in insulin-resistant (baseline M < 4.2), but not insulin-sensitive (baseline M > 4.2) subjects, compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS HE3286 significantly increased the frequency of subjects with increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and HDL, and decreased CRP compared to placebo, in insulin-resistant, but not insulin-sensitive subjects. Thus, HE3286 may preferentially benefit insulin-resistant, inflamed, high BMI IGT subjects.
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Grant CW, Moran-Paul CM, Duclos SK, Guberski DL, Arreaza-Rubín G, Spain LM. Testing agents for prevention or reversal of type 1 diabetes in rodents. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72989. [PMID: 24023664 PMCID: PMC3758263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the results of an independent laboratory's tests of novel agents to prevent or reverse type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, BioBreeding diabetes prone (BBDP) rat, and multiple autoimmune disease prone (MAD) rat models. Methods were developed to better mimic human clinical trials, including: prescreening, randomization, blinding, and improved glycemic care of the animals. Agents were suggested by the research community in an open call for proposals, and selected for testing by an NIDDK appointed independent review panel. Agents selected for testing to prevent diabetes at later stages of progression in a rodent model were a STAT4 antagonist (DT22669), alpha1 anti-trypsin (Aralast NP), celastrol (a natural product with anti-inflammatory properties), and a Macrophage Inflammatory Factor inhibitor (ISO-092). Agents tested for reversal of established T1D in rodent models were: alpha1 anti-trypsin (Aralast NP), tolerogenic peptides (Tregitopes), and a long-acting formulation of GLP-1 (PGC-GLP-1). None of these agents were seen to prevent or reverse type 1 diabetes, while the positive control interventions were effective: anti-CD3 treatment provided disease reversal in the NOD mouse, dexamethasone prevented T1D induction in the MAD rat, and cyclosporin prevented T1D in the BBDP rat. For some tested agents, details of previous formulation, delivery, or dosing, as well as laboratory procedure, availability of reagents and experimental design, could have impacted our ability to confirm prior reports of efficacy in preclinical animal models. In addition, the testing protocols utilized here provided detection of effects in a range commonly used in placebo controlled clinical trials (for example, 50% effect size), and thus may have been underpowered to observe more limited effects. That said, we believe the results compiled here, showing good control and repeatability, confirm the feasibility of screening diverse test agents in an independent laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian W. Grant
- Biomedical Research Models (BRM), Inc., Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Catherine M. Moran-Paul
- Biomedical Research Models (BRM), Inc., Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shane K. Duclos
- Biomedical Research Models (BRM), Inc., Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dennis L. Guberski
- Biomedical Research Models (BRM), Inc., Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Guillermo Arreaza-Rubín
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa M. Spain
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Mangano K, Fagone P, Di Mauro M, Ascione E, Maiello V, Milicic T, Jotic A, Lalic NM, Saksida T, Stojanovic I, Selmi C, Farina C, Stosic-Grujicic S, Meroni P, Nicoletti F. The immunobiology of apotransferrin in type 1 diabetes. Clin Exp Immunol 2012; 169:244-52. [PMID: 22861364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2012.04619.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The transferrin (Tf) family of iron binding proteins includes important endogenous modulators of the immune function that may modulate autoimmune diseases. To define more clearly the role of apotransferrin (apoTf) in type 1 diabetes we determined the impact of this protein on type 1 diabetes as investigated in islet cells, animal models and patient sera. First, we demonstrated that recombinant apoTf counteracts the cytokine-induced death of murine pancreatic islet cells. Secondly, human apoTf administration favourably influences the course of type 1 diabetes in animal models, resulting in protection against disease development that was associated with reduction of insulitis and reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, we confirmed that patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes manifest significantly lower apoTf serum levels compared to healthy controls and patients with long-lasting disease. In conclusion, our data suggest the apoTf pivotal role in the perpetuation of type 1 diabetes pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mangano
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Via Androne 83, 95124, Catania, Italy
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17α-Ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol (HE3286) Is Neuroprotective and Reduces Motor Impairment and Neuroinflammation in a Murine MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2012; 2012:969418. [PMID: 23050197 PMCID: PMC3463191 DOI: 10.1155/2012/969418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
17α-Ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol (HE3286) is a synthetic androstenetriol in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. HE3286 was evaluated for blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in mice, and efficacy in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) murine model of Parkinson's disease (PD). We found that HE3286 freely penetrated the BBB. HE3286 treatment significantly improved motor function compared to vehicle in the rotarod test (mean 58.2 sec versus 90.9 sec, P < 0.0001), and reduced inflammatory mediator gene expression in the brain (inducible nitric oxide synthase, 20%, P = 0.002; tumor necrosis factor α, 40%, P = 0.038, and interleukin-1β, 33%, P = 0.02) measured by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Brain tissue histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed that HE3286 treatment increased the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells by 17% compared to vehicle (P = 0.003), and decreased the numbers of damaged neurons by 38% relative to vehicle (P = 0.029). L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) efficacy was not enhanced by concurrent administration of HE3286. HE3286 administration prior to MPTP did not enhance efficacy. Our data suggest a potential role for HE3286 in PD treatment, and provides incentive for further investigation.
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Molecular targets for 17α-ethynyl-5-androstene-3β,7β,17β-triol, an anti-inflammatory agent derived from the human metabolome. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32147. [PMID: 22384159 PMCID: PMC3286445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
HE3286, 17α-ethynyl-5-androstene-3β, 7β, 17β-triol, is a novel synthetic compound related to the endogenous sterol 5-androstene-3β, 7β, 17β-triol (β-AET), a metabolite of the abundant adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). HE3286 has shown efficacy in clinical studies in impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, and in vivo models of types 1 and 2 diabetes, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Proteomic analysis of solid-phase HE3286-bound bead affinity experiments, using extracts from RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells, identified 26 binding partners. Network analysis revealed associations of these HE3286 target proteins with nodes in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways for type 2 diabetes, insulin, adipokine, and adipocyte signaling. Binding partners included low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (Lrp1), an endocytic receptor; mitogen activated protein kinases 1 and 3 (Mapk1, Mapk3), protein kinases involved in inflammation signaling pathways; ribosomal protein S6 kinase alpha-3 (Rsp6ka3), an intracellular regulatory protein; sirtuin-2 (Sirt2); and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (Hsd17β4), a sterol metabolizing enzyme.
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