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Yang L, Liang Y, Pu J, Cai L, Gao R, Han F, Chang K, Pan S, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Song J, Wu H, Tang J, Wang X. Dysregulated serum lipid profile is associated with inflammation and disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective study in China. Immunol Lett 2024; 267:106865. [PMID: 38705483 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between the lipid profiles of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and other clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, disease activity, and inflammatory factors. In addition, the risk factors for hyperlipidemia-related complications of pSS and the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) usage on the lipid profile were incorporated into this study. METHODS This is a single-center, retrospective study that included 367 patients who were diagnosed with pSS at Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, China from January 2010 to March 2022. Initially, demographic information, clinical characteristics, medication records, and complications of the patients were gathered. A case-control analysis compared the 12 systems involvement (ESSDAI domain), clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests between pSS patients with and without dyslipidemia. A simple linear regression model was employed to investigate the relationship between serum lipid profile and inflammatory factors. Logistics regression analysis was performed to assess variables for hyperlipidemia-related complications of pSS. The paired t-test was then used to evaluate the improvement in lipid profile among pSS patients. RESULTS 48.7 % of all pSS patients had dyslipidemia, and alterations in lipid levels were related to gender, age, and smoking status but not body mass index (BMI). Dyslipidemia is more prevalent in pSS patients who exhibit heightened autoimmunity and elevated levels of inflammation. Higher concentrations of multiple highly inflammatory factors correlate with a more severe form of dyslipidemia. Non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors may contribute to hyperlipidemia-related complications of pSS, such as increased, low complement 3 (C3) and low C4. According to our study, HCQ usage may protect against lipid-related disease in pSS. CONCLUSION Attention should be paid to the dyslipidemia of pSS. This research aims to clarify the population portrait of pSS patients with abnormal lipid profiles and provides insights into the correlation between metabolism and inflammation in individuals with pSS and the potential role they play in the advancement of the disease. These findings provide novel avenues for further understanding the underlying mechanisms of pSS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufei Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jincheng Pu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Science and Research, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ronglin Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Keni Chang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Shengnan Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Youwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jiamin Song
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Huihong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Jianping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China..
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China..
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Chen X, Zhu L, Wu H. The role of M1/M2 macrophage polarization in primary Sjogren's syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:101. [PMID: 38745331 PMCID: PMC11092035 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03340-7] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of macrophage polarization in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 30 patients with pSS and 30 healthy controls. Minor salivary gland samples were abtainted from 10 of these patients and 10 non-pSS controls whose minor salivary gland didn't fulfill the classification criteria for pSS. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay was used to examine the serum concentration of M1/M2 macrophage related cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-23, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β). Flow cytometry was used to examine the numbers of CD86+ M1 macrophages and CD206+ M2 macrophages in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunofluorescence was used to test the infiltration of macrophages in minor salivary glands. RESULTS This study observed a significant increase in pSS patients both in the numbers of M1 macrophages in peripheral blood and serum levels of M1-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-23 and TNF-α). Conversely, M2 macrophages were downregulated in the peripheral blood of pSS patients. Similarly, in the minor salivary glands of pSS patients, the expression of M1 macrophages was increased, and that of M2 macrophages was decreased. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation was found between the proportions of M1 macrophages in PBMCs and serum levels of IgG and RF. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the presence of an significant imbalance in M1/M2 macrophages in pSS patients. The M1 polarization of macrophages may play an central role in the pathogenesis of pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China
| | - Linjiang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China
| | - Huaxiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P.R. China.
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Liu Z, Wei W, Zhang J, Yang X, Feng Z, Zhang B, Hou X. Single-cell transcriptional profiling reveals aberrant gene expression patterns and cell states in autoimmune diseases. Mol Immunol 2024; 165:68-81. [PMID: 38159454 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis(MS), primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) share numerous clinical symptoms and serological characteristics. We analyzed 153550 cells of scRNA-seq data of 17 treatment-naive patients (5 MS, 5 pSS, and 7 SLE) and 10 healthy controls, and we examined the enrichment of biological processes, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), immune cell types, and their subpopulations, and cell-cell communication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The percentage of B cells, megakaryocytes, monocytes, and proliferating T cells presented significant changes in autoimmune diseases. The enrichment of cell types based on gene expression revealed an elevated monocyte. MIF, MK, and GALECTIN signaling networks were obvious differences in autoimmune diseases. Taken together, our analysis provides a comprehensive map of the cell types and states of ADs patients at the single-cell level to understand better the pathogenesis and treatment of these ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Liu
- Laboratory Central, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Wujun Wei
- Center for Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Junning Zhang
- Laboratory Central, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xueli Yang
- Laboratory Central, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Zhihui Feng
- Laboratory Central, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Laboratory Central, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xianliang Hou
- Laboratory Central, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Reprogramming and Intelligent Medical Engineering for Chronic Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
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Alqahtani B, Daghestani M, Omair MA, Alhamad EH, Tashkandy Y, Othman N, Al Shahrani K, Paramasivam MP, Alenzi F, Halwani R, Alkhulaifi FM, Alomar SY. Association of Inflammatory Cytokine Levels with Extra Glandular Manifestations, Fatigue, and Disease Activity in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome in Saudi Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3036. [PMID: 37835779 PMCID: PMC10572739 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and extraglandular manifestations (EGMs). pSS is associated with cytokine network dysregulation, which may be related to the immune-mediated destruction of exocrine glands. OBJECTIVE We determined cytokine levels and their relationship to EGMs, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI), and fatigue in Saudi patients with pSS. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional, single-center study. We included forty-one patients and 71 controls. Serum samples were collected from random healthy people and pSS patients who were followed in the rheumatology and pulmonary clinics of King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Levels of the frequently studied cytokines were measured using Luminex xMAP technology. Each ESSDAI score and EGM were recorded, and the Arabic version of the fatigue severity scale (FSS) was applied to assess fatigue. The main outcome measures were cytokine levels in pSS Saudi patients using/not using immune-suppressive medications (ISMs). RESULTS Thirty-six (87.8%) patients had one or more EGMs, and the mean ESSDAI score was 9.95 ± 7.73. There was a significant decrease in TNFα and IL-21 levels in the pSS group compared to those in the control group (p = 0.034 and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas IL-12 levels were significantly elevated in the pSS group (p = 0.002). Cytokine levels in patients who used ISMs were the same as those in patients who did not use medications. Decreased IL-1β (p = 0.014), IL-2 (p = 0.035), IL-6 (p = 0.014), and IL-35 (p = 0.010) levels were observed in patients who had EGMs. Patients who had low disease activity exhibited low IL-10 (p = 0.018) and high IFN-α (p = 0.049), IFN-β (p = 0.049), IL-1β (p = 0.006), and IL-35 (p = 0.032) levels compared to patients with high disease activity. A negative association between a positive fatigue score and IL-1β (p = 0.010), IL-2 (p = 0.037), IFN-α (p = 0.025), TNFα (p = 0.030), IL-17 (p = 0.029), IL-12 (p = 0.046), and IL-21 (p = 0.005) levels was found. CONCLUSIONS Cytokine profiles correlate with EGMs, ESSDAI, and fatigue. Patients with controlled disease activity have a normal cytokine profile that is similar to that of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashaer Alqahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (B.A.); (M.D.)
| | - Maha Daghestani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (B.A.); (M.D.)
| | - Mohammed A. Omair
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Esam H. Alhamad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yusra Tashkandy
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nashwa Othman
- Central Laboratory, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khalid Al Shahrani
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Ad Diriyah Hospital, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 13717, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muthurajan P. Paramasivam
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Fahidah Alenzi
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Fadwa M. Alkhulaifi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Suliman Yousef Alomar
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (B.A.); (M.D.)
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Shang L, He L, Li M. What exactly is the relationship between plasma cytokines and the clinical phenotype of primary sjögren's syndrome? a single-centre retrospective study. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110567. [PMID: 37418983 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that an imbalance of multiple cytokines contributes to the occurrence and development of pSS. To our knowledge, there are few studies on the relationship between plasma cytokines and pSS clinical phenotype (including disease activity), and the available results are controversial. Cytokine-targeted therapy failed to achieve satisfactory effects. METHODS We collected the demographic and clinical characteristics (laboratory indicators and clinical presentation) of pSS patients and calculated the European League Against Rheumatism SS disease activity index (ESSDAI) scores and ClinESSDAI. Associations between plasma cytokines and pSS continuous and categorical variables, and between various cytokines were analysed separately. RESULTS 348 patients were finally included in the analysis, with a female to male ratio of 13.5:1. The disease activity was mild to moderate in 86.78% of patients, with the most and least involved organs being the exocrine glands and neurological system respectively. Among the various cytokines analysed, plasma interleukin(IL)-6 levels were elevated and correlated with a variety of inflammatory indicators and clinical manifestations. A weak positive correlation was found between IL - 10 and ESSDAI. Various degrees of correlation were observed between cytokines and clinical manifestations of pSS and between multiple cytokines. CONCLUSION Our study shows that different cytokines are closely associated with the clinical phenotype of pSS. Plasma IL-10 can be used to monitor pSS disease activity. Multiple cytokines form a systemic network and participate in the pathological process of pSS. This study provides a solid foundation for further exploring the pathogenesis of pSS and establishing more effective cytokine-targeted therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Linfeng He
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengjiao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Specjalski K, Romantowski J, Niedoszytko M. YKL-40 as a possible marker of neutrophilic asthma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1115938. [PMID: 36844232 PMCID: PMC9945318 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1115938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic disorder of the airways, with inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness as its major underlying phenomena. Asthmatics vary in terms of inflammation pattern, concomitant pathologies, and factors aggravating the course of the disease. As a result, there is a need for sensitive and specific biomarkers that could facilitate diagnosing asthma as well as phenotyping in everyday practice. Chitinases and chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) seem promising in this field. Chitinases are evolutionarily conserved hydrolases that degrade chitin. In contrast, CLPs bind chitin but do not have degrading activity. Mammalian chitinases and CLPs are produced by neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages in response to parasitic or fungal infections. Recently, several questions have been raised about their role in chronic airway inflammation. Several studies demonstrated that overexpression of CLP YKL-40 was associated with asthma. Moreover, it correlated with exacerbation rate, therapy resistance, poor control of symptoms, and, inversely, with FEV1. YKL-40 facilitated allergen sensitization and IgE production. Its concentration was elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after an allergen challenge. It was also found to promote the proliferation of bronchial smooth muscle cells and correlate with subepithelial membrane thickness. Thus, it may be involved in bronchial remodeling. Associations between YKL-40 and particular asthma phenotypes remain unclear. Some studies showed that YKL-40 correlates with blood eosinophilia and FeNO, suggesting a role in T2-high inflammation. Quite the opposite, cluster analyses revealed the highest upregulation in severe neutrophilic asthma and obesity-associated asthma. The main limitation in the practical application of YKL-40 as a biomarker is its low specificity. High serum levels of YKL-40 were also found in COPD and several malignancies, in addition to infectious and autoimmune diseases. To conclude, the level of YKL-40 correlates with asthma and some clinical features in the whole asthmatic population. The highest levels are found in neutrophilic and obesity-related phenotypes. However, due to its low specificity, the practical application of YKL-40 remains uncertain but could be useful in phenotyping, especially when combined with other biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Romantowski
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marek Niedoszytko
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Decoding the Mechanism of CheReCunJin Formula in Treating Sjögren’s Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1193846. [PMID: 36248435 PMCID: PMC9553462 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1193846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive oral and ocular dryness that correlates poorly with autoimmune damage to the glands. CheReCunJin (CRCJ) formula is a prescription formulated according to the Chinese medicine theory for SS treatment. Objective This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of CRCJ against SS. Methods The databases, including Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology, Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for the molecular mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Databases, obtained the active ingredients and predicted targets of CRCJ. Then, DrugBank, Therapeutic Target Database, Genecards, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, and DisGeNET disease databases were used to screen the predicted targets of SS. Intersected targets of CRCJ and SS were visualized by using Venn diagrams. The overlapping targets were uploaded to the protein–protein interaction network analysis search tool. Cytoscape 3.8.2 software constructed a “compound-targets-disease” network. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses characterized potential targets' biological functions and pathways. AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 software was used to research and verify chemical effective drug components and critical targets. Results From the database, we identified 878 active components and 2578 targets of CRCJ, and 827 SS-related targets. 246 SS-related genes in CRCJ were identified by intersection analysis, and then ten hub genes were identified as crucial potential targets from PPI, including ALB, IL-6, TNF, INS, AKT1, IL1B, VEGFA, TP53, JUN, and TLR4. The process of CRCJ action against SS was mainly involved in human cytomegalovirus infection and Th17 cell differentiation, as well as the toll-like receptor signaling and p53 signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the bioactive compounds of CRCJ had a good binding affinity with hub targets. Conclusions The results showed that CRCJ could activate multiple pathways and treat SS through multiple compounds and targets. This study lays a foundation for better elucidation of the molecular mechanism of CRCJ in the treatment of SS, and also provides basic guidance for future research on Chinese herbal compounds.
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Potential Mechanisms of White Peony against Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5507472. [PMID: 35990826 PMCID: PMC9391099 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5507472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple system and organ damage occurs with the continuous progression of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and the lack of specific drugs against this disease is a huge challenge. White peony (WP), a widely used traditional Chinese herb, has been confirmed to have a therapeutic value in pSS. However, the specific mechanisms of WP in the treatment of pSS are unknown. Methods The active ingredients and their targets in WP were searched on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and disease-related targets were collected from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The overlapping targets were acquired by taking the intersection. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was structured using the STRING database. A disease-drug-ingredient-target (D-D-I-T) network was built using Cytoscape software. By filtering twice, core targets were acquired. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were accompanied by R packages. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the abovementioned results. Results In total, we screened 88 WP-related targets, 1480 pSS-related targets, and 32 overlapping targets. D-D-I-T Network analysis displayed six main active ingredients of WP, which played a significant therapeutic role in pSS. Further topological analysis selected seven core target genes, including IL-6, TNF, PPARγ, AKT1, CASP3, NOS3, and JUN. GO and KEGG analysis were used to elucidate pharmacological mechanisms, mainly acting in the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. Molecular docking proved that paeoniflorin bound well with core targets. Conclusion Our study revealed that IL-6, TNF, AKT1, CASP3, NOS3, and JUN may be pathogenic target genes, and PPARγ may be a protective target gene. The main active ingredients of WP mainly played a therapeutic role via the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. These findings provide a fundamental and theoretical basis for the clinical application of WP.
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Hou X, Hong X, Ou M, Meng S, Wang T, Liao S, He J, Yu H, Liu L, Yin L, Liu D, Tang D, Dai Y. Analysis of Gene Expression and TCR/B Cell Receptor Profiling of Immune Cells in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome by Single-Cell Sequencing. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:238-249. [PMID: 35705251 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is estimated to affect 35 million people worldwide and is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, elevated circulating autoantibodies, and proinflammatory cytokines. The key immune cell subset changes and the TCR/BCR repertoire alterations in pSS patients remain unclear. In this study, we sought to comprehensively characterize the transcriptional changes in PBMCs of pSS patients by single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell V(D)J sequencing. Naive CD8+ T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells were markedly decreased but regulatory T cells were increased in pSS patients. There were a large number of differentially expressed genes shared by multiple subpopulations of T cells and B cells. Abnormal signaling pathways, including Ag processing and presentation, the BCR signaling pathway, the TCR signaling pathway, and Epstein-Barr virus infection, were highly enriched in pSS patients. Moreover, there were obvious differences in the CD30, FLT3, IFN-II, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, RESISTIN, TGF-β, TNF, and VEGF signaling networks between pSS patients and healthy controls. Single-cell TCR and BCR repertoire analysis showed that there was a lower diversity of T cells in pSS patients than in healthy controls; however, there was no significant difference in the degree of clonal expansion, CDR3 length distribution, or degree of sequence sharing. Notably, our results further emphasize the functional importance of αβ pairing in determining Ag specificity. In conclusion, our analysis provides a comprehensive single-cell map of gene expression and TCR/BCR profiles in pSS patients for a better understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Hou
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoping Hong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Minglin Ou
- Central Laboratory, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China; and
| | - Shuhui Meng
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengyou Liao
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingquan He
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixiong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianghong Yin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongzhou Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China;
| | - Donge Tang
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China;
| | - Yong Dai
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China;
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Ma KSK, Wang LT, Chong W, Lin CL, Li H, Chen A, Wei JCC. Exposure to environmental air pollutants as a risk factor for primary Sjögren's syndrome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1044462. [PMID: 36865525 PMCID: PMC9972220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1044462] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Environmental etiology of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), an autoimmune disease, has been proposed. This study determined whether the exposure to air pollutants was an independent risk factor for pSS. Methods Participants were enrolled from a population-based cohort registry. Daily average concentrations of air pollutants from 2000 to 2011 were divided into 4 quartiles. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of pSS for exposure to air pollutants were estimated in a Cox proportional regression model adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and residential areas. A subgroup analysis stratified by sex was conducted to validate the findings. Windows of susceptibility indicated years of exposure which contributed the most to the observed association. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to identify underlying pathways of air pollutant-associated pSS pathogenesis, using Z-score visualization. Results Two hundred patients among 177,307 participants developed pSS, with a mean age of 53.1 years at acumulative incidence of 0.11% from 2000 to 2011. Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and methane (CH4) was associated with a higher risk of pSS. Compared to those exposed to the lowest concentration level, the aHRs for pSS were 2.04 (95%CI=1.29-3.25), 1.86 (95%CI=1.22-2.85), and 2.21 (95%CI=1.47-3.31) for those exposed to high levels of CO, NO, and CH4, respectively. The findings persisted in the subgroup analysis, in which females exposed to high levels of CO, NO, and CH4 and males exposed to high levels of CO were associated with significantly great risk of pSS. The cumulative effect of air pollution on pSS was time-dependent. The underlying cellular mechanisms involved chronic inflammatory pathways including the interleukin-6 signaling pathway. Conclusion Exposure to CO, NO, and CH4 was associated with a high risk of pSS, which was biologically plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Sheng-Kai Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Li-Tzu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Weikun Chong
- Department of Pediatrics, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- Clinical Trial Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hailang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Jankowska-Konsur A, Łyko M, Rubas K, Nowicka-Suszko D, Maj J, Szepietowski JC. Chitinase-3-like Protein 1 (YKL-40): A New Biomarker of Inflamma-tion in Pyoderma Gangrenosum. Acta Derm Venereol 2021; 102:adv00646. [PMID: 34935995 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v101.978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, neutrophil-ic dermatosis with unclear aetiopathology, considered as an autoinflammatory disease, associated with other immune-mediated disorders. Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) is an inflammatory biomarker secreted by a wide variety of cells, including neutrophils. To evaluate YKL-40 serum level in relation to clinicopathological data, 48 patients with PG and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Skin lesions were measured to calculate the affected area. Inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count with neutrophils) were determined from blood samples. YKL-40 and IL-6 levels were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. YKL-40 serum level was significantly higher in patients with PG than in controls (58.4 vs 36.4 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.00001). The positive correlation between YKL-40 level and IL-6 level was observed (r=0.48, p = 0.0006) along with a trend towards significance of relationship between YKL-40 level and C-reactive protein (r=0.28, p = 0.052). YKL-40 can be considered a valuable biomarker of inflammation in PG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jacek C Szepietowski
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Bin Y, Liu Y, Jiang S, Peng H. Elevated YKL-40 serum levels may contribute to wet age-related macular degeneration via the ERK1/2 pathway. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2933-2942. [PMID: 34110111 PMCID: PMC8564338 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a key characteristic of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can lead to severe vision loss in the elderly. Anti-VEGF therapy is currently the premier strategy for wet AMD, but it has limited efficacy. Previous studies have shown that chitinase-3-like-1 (YKL-40) can promote microangiogenesis and inflammation, but its effect on CNV formation has not yet been studied. Here, we investigated the potential role of YKL-40 in wet AMD and the underlying mechanism(s). We report that the serum expression of YKL-40 in wet AMD patients was significantly higher than that in control patients and was positively correlated with VEGF expression, indicating that YKL-40 may participate in the development of wet AMD. In addition, YKL-40 and VEGF expression levels were observed to be increased and the ERK1/2 pathway activated in the neuroretinal (NR) and RPE/choroid tissues of mice with laser-induced CNV. The YKL-40 and phosphorylated protein levels of the ERK1/2 pathway were decreased after intravitreal injection with an anti-YKL-40 antibody, suggesting that anti-YKL-40 could inhibit the activation of the ERK1/2 pathway. These results indicate that YKL-40 may serve as a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Bin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yanyao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shaoqiu Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, 400016, China
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