The role of interleukin-10 family members in cardiovascular diseases

Circulating CD31 and resistin levels reflect different stages of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease with a complicated pathophysiology that includes an extensive inflammatory cytokine network. Nevertheless, the relationship between psoriasis severity, cytokine levels, and coronary artery atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. Our aim was to find serum markers as potential candidates for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk monitoring in patients with psoriasis. Therefore, we examined coronary artery atherosclerosis via coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), serum cytokine levels via multiple immunoassays, and the patients' psoriasis state. Our findings reveal for the first time that the mainstream psoriasis cytokines interleukin 17A (IL-17A), IL-19, and IL-36 in the sera of Japanese patients with psoriasis showed a linear regression association with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Furthermore, the serum level of IL-19 was remarkably correlated to Th2-related serum cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-17E. When we investigated potential markers to monitor CVD in patients with psoriasis, circulating cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and resistin, but not psoriasis-related cytokines, were expressed differently at each stage of coronary atherosclerosis by CCTA. CD31 and resistin levels rose dramatically in individuals with psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and noncalcified atherosclerosis. In contrast, CD31 was negatively correlated with the coronary artery calcification score (CACS) in patients with PV, whereas resistin was inversely correlated with CACS in patients with psoriatic arthritis. In conclusion, the axis of IL-17A, IL-19, and IL-36 remains associated with the severity of psoriasis during the chronic phase of the disease, regardless of the application of topical or systemic treatment. Monitoring the levels of these cytokines can accurately determine the severity of skin inflammation. Resistin and CD31 are linked to coronary artery lesions and might be good candidates for tracking the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis.

Role of macrophage polarization in periodontitis promoting atherosclerosis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory destructive disease occurring in periodontal supporting tissues. Atherosclerosis(AS) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Periodontitis can promote the development and progression of AS. Macrophage polarization is closely related to the development and progression of the above two diseases, respectively. The purpose of this animal study was to evaluate the effect of periodontitis on aortic lesions in atherosclerotic mice and the role of macrophage polarization in this process. 45 ApoE-/-male mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (NC), atherosclerosis (AS), and atherosclerosis with periodontitis (AS + PD). Micro CT, serological testing and pathological testing(hematoxylin-eosin staining, oil red O staining and Masson staining) were used for Evaluate the modeling situation. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and immunofluorescence(IF) were performed to evaluate macrophage content and macrophage polarization in plaques. Cytokines associated with macrophage polarization were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(Elisa). The expression of macrophages in plaques was sequentially elevated in the NC, AS, and AS + PD groups(P < 0.001). The expression of M1 and M1-related cytokines showed the same trend(P < 0.05). The expression of M2 and M2-related cytokines showed the opposite trend(P < 0.05). The rate of M1/M2 showed that AS + PD > AS > NC. Our preliminary data support that experimental periodontitis can increase the content of macrophage in aortic plaques to exacerbate AS. Meanwhile, experimental periodontitis can increase M1 macrophages, and decrease M2 macrophages, increasing M1/M2 in the plaque.

Impact of genetic variations of gene involved in regulation of metabolism, inflammation and coagulation on pathogenesis of cardiac injuries associated with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in long-term chronic cardiovascular (CV) damage after the acute phase of the illness. COVID-19 frequently causes active myocarditis, SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect and kill cardiac cells, causing severe pathology and dysfunction across the organs and cells. Till now, the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated cardiac injuries has not been understood, but there are several factors that contribute to the progression of cardiac injuries, such as genetic, dietary, and environmental. Among them ranges of host genetic factor including metabolizing, inflammation, and coagulation related genes have a role to contribute the cardiac injuries induced by COVID-19. Hereditary DNA sequence variations contribute to the risk of illness in almost all of these diseases. Hence, we comprehended the occurrence of genetic variations of metabolizing, inflammation and coagulation-related genes in the general population, their expression in various diseases, and their impact on cardiac injuries induced by COVID-19.

METHOD

We utilized multiple databases, including PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Google Scholar, for literature searches.

DESCRIPTION

The genes involved in metabolism (APOE, MTHFR), coagulation (PAI-1, ACE2), and immune factors (CRP, ESR, and troponin I) may have a role in the progression of COVID-19-associated cardiac injuries. The risk factors for CVD are significantly varied between and within different regions. In healthy individuals, the ACE I allele is responsible for the predisposition to CAD, but the ACE D haplotype is responsible for susceptibility and severity, which ultimately leads to heart failure. Patients who carry the T allele of rs12329760 in the TMPRSS2 gene are at risk for developing the severe form of COVID-19. IL-6 (rs1800796/rs1800795) polymorphism is associated with an increased mortality rate and susceptibility to severe COVID-19 disease. While the putative role of IL-6 associated with chronic, inflammatory diseases like cardiac and cerebrovascular disease is well known.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of genetic variations in the ACE-2, AGT, DPP-IV, TMPRSS2, FUIRN, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and CYP2D6 genes is varied among different populations. Examining the correlation between these variations and their protein levels and cardiac injuries induced by COVID-19 may provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of cardiac injuries induced by COVID-19.

Phenotypic, Metabolic, and Functional Characterization of Experimental Models of Foamy Macrophages: Toward Therapeutic Research in Atherosclerosis

Different types of macrophages (Mφ) are involved in atherogenesis, including inflammatory Mφ and foamy Mφ (FM). Our previous study demonstrated that two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) imaging of NADH and FAD autofluorescence (AF) could distinguish experimental models that mimic the different atherosclerotic Mφ types. The present study assessed whether optical differences correlated with phenotypic and functional differences, potentially guiding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Phenotypic differences were investigated using three-dimensional principal component analysis and multi-color flow cytometry. Functional analyses focused on cytokine production, metabolic profiles, and cellular oxidative stress, in LDL dose-dependent assays, to understand the origin of AF in the FAD spectrum and assess FM ability to transition toward an immunoregulatory phenotype and function. Phenotypic studies revealed that FM models generated with acetylated LDL (Mac) were closer to immunoregulatory Mφ, while those generated with oxidized LDL (Mox) more closely resembled inflammatory Mφ. The metabolic analysis confirmed that inflammatory Mφ primarily used glycolysis, while immunoregulatory Mφ mainly depended on mitochondrial respiration. FM models employed both pathways; however, FM models generated with high doses of modified LDL showed reduced mitochondrial respiration, particularly Mox FM. Thus, the high AF in the FAD spectrum in Mox was not linked to increased mitochondrial respiration, but correlated with the dose of oxidized LDL, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lysosomal ceroid accumulation. High FAD-like AF, ROS, and ceroid accumulation were reduced by incubation with α-tocopherol. The cytokine profiles supported the phenotypic analysis, indicating that Mox FM exhibited greater inflammatory activity than Mac FM, although both could be redirected toward immunoregulatory functions, albeit to different degrees. In conclusion, in the context of immunoregulatory therapies for atherosclerosis, it is crucial to consider FM, given their prevalence in plaques and our results, as potential targets, regardless of their inflammatory status, alongside non-foamy inflammatory Mφ.

Integrative Bioinformatics Approaches to Uncover Hub Genes and Pathways Involved in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a significant global health challenge resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, the molecular pathways and genetic factors involved in the onset and progression of CVDs remain incompletely understood. Here, we performed an integrative bioinformatic analysis to highlight specific genes and signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of 80 CVDs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through the integrated analysis of microarray and GWAS datasets. Then, hub genes were identified after gene ontology functional annotation analysis and protein-protein internet (PPI) analysis. In addition, pathways were identified through KEGG and gene ontology enrichment analyses. A total of 821 hub genes related to 80 CVDs were identified, including 135 common and frequent CVD-associated genes. TNF, IL6, VEGFA, and TGFB.1 genes were the central core genes expressed in 50% or more of CVDs, confirming that the inflammation is a key pathological feature of CVDs. Analysis of hub genes by KEGG enrichment revealed predominant enrichment in 201 KEGG pathways, of which the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications was identified as the common key KEGG implicated in 62 CVDs. In addition, the outcomes showed an overrepresentation in pathways categorized under human diseases, particularly in the subcategories of infectious diseases and cancers, which may be common risk factors for CVDs. In conclusion, this powerful approach for in silico fine-mapping of genes and pathways allowed the identification of determinant hubs genes and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of CVDs which could be employed in developing more targeted and effective interventions for preventing, diagnosing, and treating CVDs. The function of these hub genes in CVDs needs further exploration to elucidate their biological characteristics.

Bile Acid Metabolism Analysis Provides Insights into Vascular Endothelial Injury in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats

As an unhealthy dietary habit, a high-salt diet can affect the body's endocrine system and metabolic processes. As one of the most important metabolites, bile acids can prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to reveal the bile acid metabolism changes in salt-sensitive hypertension-induced vascular endothelial injury. The model was established using a high-salt diet, and the success of this procedure was confirmed by detecting the levels of the blood pressure, vascular regulatory factors, and inflammatory factors. An evaluation of the histological sections of arterial blood vessels and kidneys confirmed the pathological processes in these tissues of experimental rats. Bile acid metabolism analysis was performed to identify differential bile acids between the low-salt diet group and the high-salt diet group. The results indicated that the high-salt diet led to a significant increase in blood pressure and the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The high-salt diet causes disorders in bile acid metabolism. The levels of four differential bile acids (glycocholic acid, taurolithocholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, and glycolithocholic acid) significantly increased in the high-salt group. Further correlation analysis indicated that the levels of ET-1 and TNF-α were positively correlated with these differential bile acid levels. This study provides new evidence for salt-sensitive cardiovascular diseases and metabolic changes caused by a high-salt diet in rats.

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: The Importance of Serum Levels and Haplotypes of the Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin 10

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent major medical and socio-economic challenges worldwide. There is substantial evidence that CVD is closely linked to inflammatory changes triggered by a complex cytokine network. In this context, interleukin 10 (IL-10) plays an important role as a pleiotropic cytokine with an anti-inflammatory capacity. In this study (a substudy of ClinTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01045070), the prognostic relevance of IL-10 levels and IL-10 haplotypes (rs1800896/rs1800871/rs1800872) was assessed regarding adverse cardiovascular outcomes (combined endpoint: myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, cardiac death and death according to stroke) within a 10-year follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

At baseline, 1002 in-patients with CVD were enrolled. Serum levels of IL-10 were evaluated utilizing flow cytometry (BD™ Cytometric Bead Array). Haplotype analyses were carried out by polymerase chain reactions with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).

RESULTS

In a survival analysis, IL-10 haplotypes were not proven to be cardiovascular prognostic factors in a 10-year follow-up (Breslow test: p = 0.423). However, a higher IL-10 level was associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes (Breslow test: p = 0.047). A survival analysis considering adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) could not confirm this correlation (Cox regression: adjusted HR = 1.26, p = 0.168).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, an elevated IL-10 level but not IL-10 haplotypes was linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes (10-year follow-up) in a cohort of CVD patients.

Early- to mid-gestational testosterone excess leads to adverse cardiac outcomes in postpartum sheep

Cardiovascular dysfunctions complicate 10-20% of pregnancies, increasing the risk for postpartum mortality. Various gestational insults, including preeclampsia are reported to be associated with adverse maternal cardiovascular outcomes. One such insult, gestational hyperandrogenism increases the risk for preeclampsia and other gestational morbidities but its impact on postpartum maternal health is not well known. We hypothesize that gestational hyperandrogenism such as testosterone (T) excess will adversely impact the maternal heart in the postpartum period. Pregnant ewes were injected with T propionate from day 30 to day 90 of gestation (term 147 days). Three months postpartum, echocardiograms, plasma cytokine profiles, cardiac morphometric, and molecular analysis were conducted [control (C) n = 6, T-treated (T) n = 7 number of animals]. Data were analyzed by two-tailed Student's t test and Cohen's effect size (d) analysis. There was a nonsignificant large magnitude decrease in cardiac output (7.64 ± 1.27 L/min vs. 10.19 ± 1.40, P = 0.22, d = 0.81) and fractional shortening in the T ewes compared with C (35.83 ± 2.33% vs. 41.50 ± 2.84, P = 0.15, d = 0.89). T treatment significantly increased 1) left ventricle (LV) weight-to-body weight ratio (2.82 ± 0.14 g/kg vs. 2.46 ± 0.08) and LV thickness (14.56 ± 0.52 mm vs. 12.50 ± 0.75), 2) proinflammatory marker [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] in LV (1.66 ± 0.35 vs. 1.06 ± 0.18), 3) LV collagen (Masson's Trichrome stain: 3.38 ± 0.35 vs. 1.49 ± 0.15 and Picrosirius red stain: 5.50 ± 0.32 vs. 3.01 ± 0.23), 4) markers of LV apoptosis, including TUNEL (8.3 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.18), bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)+-to-b-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)+ ratio (0.68 ± 0.30 vs. 0.13 ± 0.02), and cleaved caspase 3 (15.4 ± 1.7 vs. 4.4 ± 0.38). These findings suggest that gestational testosterone excess adversely programs the maternal LV, leading to adverse structural and functional consequences in the postpartum period.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a sheep model of human translational relevance, this study provides evidence that excess gestational testosterone exposure such as that seen in hyperandrogenic disorders adversely impacts postpartum maternal hearts.

Interleukin-10 deficiency induces thoracic perivascular adipose tissue whitening and vascular remodeling

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an adipose layer, surrounding blood vessels, with a local modulatory role. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been shown to modulate vascular tissue. This study aimed to characterize the endogenous role of IL-10 in vascular remodeling, and PVAT phenotyping. Thoracic aortic segments from control (C57BL/6J) and IL-10 knockout (IL-10-/-) male mice were used. Analyzes of aorta/PVAT morphometry, and elastin, collagen and reticulin deposition were performed. Tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was accessed by Western blotting. Endogenous absence of IL-10 reduced total PVAT area (p = 0.0310), and wall/lumen ratio (p = 0.0024), whereas increased vascular area and thickness (p < 0.0001). Total collagen deposition was augmented in IL-10-/-, but under polarized light, the reduction of collagen-I (p = 0.0075) and the increase of collagen-III (p = 0.0055) was found, simultaneously with reduced elastic fibers deposition (p = 0.0282) and increased deposition of reticular fibers (p < 0.0001). Adipocyte area was augmented in the IL-10 absence (p = 0.0225), and UCP1 expression was reduced (p = 0.0420). Moreover, relative frequency of white adipose cells and connective tissue was augmented in IL-10-/- (p < 0.0001), added to a reduction in brown adipose cells (p < 0.0001). Altogether, these data characterize aorta PVAT from IL-10-/- as a white-like adipocyte phenotype. Endogenous IL-10 prevents vascular remodeling and favors a brown-like adipocyte phenotype, suggesting a modulatory role for IL-10 in PVAT plasticity.

Multi-species synbiotic supplementation increased fecal short chain fatty acids and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in adult men with dyslipidemia; A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence revealed that an imbalance of Gut Microbiota (GM) leads to metabolic disorders. Synbiotics through regulation of GM composition can be an effective intervention in the management of metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of multi-species synbiotic supplementation on serum interleukin10 (IL-10) and fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in patients with dyslipidemia.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, fifty-six adult men with dyslipidemia were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups and received either synbiotic or placebo powder twice a day for 12 weeks. Each synbiotic sachet contained 6 species of probiotic microorganisms with a total dose of 3 × 1010 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and 5 gr inulin and Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) as prebiotics. Blood and stool samples were collected at the baseline and end of the study. Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric measurements, serum IL-10, and fecal SCFAs were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULT

There were no significant differences between the baseline characteristics of patients in the two groups. Serum IL-10 was increased in the synbiotic group (p < 0.0001). Moreover, synbiotic supplementation increased fecal concentration of acetate (p < 0.0001), butyrate (p = 0.043), propionate (p < 0.0001), and valerate (p < 0.026). A significant positive correlation was observed between the changes in fecal butyrate level and serum IL-10 concentration in the control group (r = 0.48, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A Twelve-week synbiotic supplementation increased fecal SCFAs and improved inflammation in adult men with dyslipidemia.

Effects of Probiotics on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Its Associations With Cardiac Autonomic Function in Women With Arterial Hypertension: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Preclinical evidence suggests that probiotic administration may exert an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce autonomic dysfunction and blood pressure. This study evaluated the effects of probiotic therapy on inflammatory biomarkers and characterized the correlations between inflammation and cardiac autonomic function in women with arterial hypertension. Women were randomized into probiotics (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20). The probiotic group received 109 CFU/day of Lactobacillus (L.) paracasei LPC-37, L. rhamnosus HN001, L. acidophilus NCFM, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and the placebo group received polydextrose. Clinical, electrocardiogram, heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, and cytokine levels were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Women who received probiotics for 8 weeks had increased serum levels of IL-17A (p = 0.02) and decreased INF-γ (p = 0.02) compared to baseline. Probiotic supplementation increased serum levels of IL-10 compared to the placebo group (p = 0.03). Probiotic or placebo administration did not change serum levels of TNFα and IL-6. Serum levels of IL-2 (p = 0.001, and p = 0.001) and IL-4 (p = 0.001, and p = 0.001) were reduced in women receiving placebo or probiotics, respectively. Correlations between HRV indices and inflammatory variables showed that INF-γ was positively correlated with heart rate (HR) and sympathetic HRV indices and negatively correlated with vagal HRV indices. IL-10 was negatively correlated with HR and sympathetic HRV indices. IL-6 was negatively correlated with parasympathetic HRV indices and positively correlated with SD2/SD1 ratio. Probiotic therapy has a discreet anti-inflammatory effect in hypertensive women, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were negatively correlated with vagal modulation and positively correlated with sympathetic modulation of HRV. The clinical trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) with the identification RBR-9mj2dt.

Associations of the circulating levels of cytokines with the risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms: a bidirectional mendelian-randomization study

OBJECTIVE

In the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), inflammation plays an important role. However, it is unclear whether there is a causal link between inflammation and MPNs. We used a bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between systemic inflammatory cytokines and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

METHODS

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 8293 European participants identified genetic instrumental variables for circulating cytokines and growth factors. Summary statistics of MPN were obtained from a GWAS including 1086 cases and 407,155 controls of European ancestry. The inverse-variance-weighted method was mainly used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (Cl).

RESULTS

Our results showed that higher Interleukin-2 receptor, alpha subunit (IL-2rα) levels, and higher Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) levels were associated with an increased risk of MPN (OR = 1.36,95%CI = 1.03-1.81, P = 0.032; OR = 1.55,95%CI = 1.09-2.22, P = 0.015; respectively).In addition, Genetically predicted MPN promotes expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) (BETA = 0.033, 95% CI = 0.003 ~ 0.064, P = 0.032) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) (BETA = 0.052, 95% CI = 0.002-0.102, P = 0.043) and, on activation, normal T cells express and secrete RANTES (BETA = 0.055, 95% CI = 0.0090.1, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that cytokines are essential to the pathophysiology of MPN. More research is required if these biomarkers can be used to prevent and treat MPN.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals Cilostazol's role in ameliorating cardiovascular disease: Inhibition of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and reduction of endothelial cell reactive oxygen species production

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, with atherosclerosis as the primary cause. Chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and the role of molecules like nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species are crucial in this context. Our previous research indicated that cilostazol and ginkgo biloba extract could enhance the ability of endothelial cells to dissolve blood clots, but the effects of cilostazol on monocytes remain unexplored.

Method

This study utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 healthy donors, treated ex vivo with cilostazol. RNA-sequencing, over-representation analysis, xCell stromal cell analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were employed to investigate the gene expression changes and biological pathways affected by cilostazol treatment.

Results

The study identified specific gene sets and pathways that were enriched or reduced in response to cilostazol treatment, providing insights into its effects on monocytes and potential therapeutic applications in CVD. The analysis also revealed the potential impact of cilostazol on the stromal cell compartment, further broadening our understanding of its multifaceted role.

Conclusion

The findings offer a nuanced understanding of the advantages and mechanisms of cilostazol in CVD, uncovering novel therapeutic targets and strategies to enhance the clinical application of cilostazol and contributing to the broader implications of this therapy in cardiovascular health.

Sex-related differences in delayed doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice

Cancer survivors may experience long-term cardiovascular complications due to chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX). The exact mechanism of delayed DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has not been fully elucidated. Sex is an important risk factor for DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In the current study, we identified sex differences in delayed DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and determined the underlying molecular determinants of the observed sexual dimorphism. Five-week-old male and female mice were administered intraperitoneal injections of DOX (4 mg/kg/week) or saline for 6 weeks. Echocardiography was performed 5 weeks after the last dose of DOX to evaluate cardiac function. Thereafter, mice were sacrificed and gene expression of markers of apoptosis, senescence, and inflammation was measured by PCR in hearts and livers. Proteomic profiling of the heart from both sexes was conducted to determine differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Only DOX-treated male, but not female, mice demonstrated cardiac dysfunction, cardiac atrophy, and upregulated cardiac expression of Nppb and Myh7. No sex-related differences were observed in DOX-induced expression of most apoptotic, senescence, and pro-inflammatory markers. However, the gene expression of Trp53 was significantly reduced in hearts of DOX-treated female mice only. The anti-inflammatory marker Il-10 was significantly reduced in hearts of DOX-treated male mice only, while the pro-inflammatory marker Il-1α was significantly reduced in livers of DOX-treated female mice only. Gene expression of Tnf-α was reduced in hearts of both DOX-treated male and female mice. Proteomic analysis identified several DEPs after DOX treatment in a sex-specific manner, including anti-inflammatory acute phase proteins. This is the first study to assess sex-specific proteomic changes in a mouse model of delayed DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Our proteomic analysis identified several sexually dimorphic DEPs, many of which are associated with the anti-inflammatory marker Il-10.

Spinal interleukin-24 contributes to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury through interleukin-20 receptor2 in mice

Neuroinflammation is critically involved in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, characterized by local and systemic increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Interleukin-24 (IL-24), a key member of the IL-10 family, has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and bacterial infections, but whether it is involved in the regulation of neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve injury (PNI) has not been well established. In this study, we reported that spared nerve injury (SNI) induced a significant upregulation of IL-24 in fibroblasts, neurons, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs, also called NG2-glia) in the affected spinal dorsal horns (SDHs), as well as dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). We also found that tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) induced the transcriptional expression of IL-24 in cultured fibroblasts, neurons, and NG2-glia; in addition, astrocytes, microglia, and NG2-glia treated with TNF-α exhibited a prominent increase in interleukin-20 receptor 2 (IL-20R2) expression. Furthermore, we evaluated the ability of IL-24 and IL-20R2 to attenuate pain in preclinical models of neuropathic pain. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of IL-24 neutralizing antibody or IL-20R2 neutralizing antibody could effectively alleviate mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia after PNI. Similarly, intrathecal injection of IL-24 siRNA or IL-20R2 siRNA also alleviated mechanical allodynia after SNI. The inhibition of IL-24 reduced SNI-induced proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β and TNF-α) production and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) production. Meanwhile, the inhibition of IL-20R2 also decreased IL-1β mRNA expression after SNI. Collectively, our findings revealed that IL-24/IL-20R might contribute to neuropathic pain through inflammatory response. Therefore, targeting IL-24 could be a promising strategy for treating neuropathic pain induced by PNI.

Targeting fusion proteins of the interleukin family: A promising new strategy for the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases

As a means of communication between immune cells and non-immune cells, Interleukins (ILs) has the main functions of stimulating the proliferation and activation of inflammatory immune cells such as dendritic cells and lymphocytes, promote the development of blood cells and so on. However, dysregulation of ILs expression is a major feature of autoinflammatory diseases. The drugs targeting ILs or IL-like biologics have played an important role in the clinical treatment of autoinflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the widespread use of IL products may result in significant off-target adverse reactions. Thus, there is a clear need to develop next-generation ILs products in the biomedical field. Fusion proteins are proteins created through the joining of two or more genes that originally coded for separate proteins. Over the last 30 years, there has been increasing interest in the use of fusion protein technology for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. In comparison to single-target drugs, fusion proteins, as multiple targets drugs, have the ability to enhance the cytokine therapeutic index, resulting in improved efficacy over classical drugs. The strategy of preparing ILs or their receptors as fusion proteins is increasingly used in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammation. This review focuses on the efficacy of several fusion protein drugs developed with ILs or their receptors in the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases, in order to illustrate the prospects of this new technology as an anti-inflammatory drug development protocol in the future.

Novel Anti-Inflammatory Therapies in Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndromes

Evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in atherosclerosis and the consequent clinical presentation, including stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The most essential elements are cytokines, proteins with hormone-like properties that are produced by the immune cells, endothelial cells, platelets, fibroblasts, and some stromal cells. Interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), chemokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are the cytokines commonly associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerosis. These molecules can be targeted by commonly used therapeutic substances or selective molecules that exert targeted anti-inflammatory actions. The most significant anti-inflammatory therapies are aspirin, statins, colchicine, IL-1β inhibitors, and IL-6 inhibitors, along with novel therapies such as TNF-α inhibitors and IL-1 receptor antagonists. Aspirin and statins are well-established therapies for atherosclerosis and CAD and their pleiotropic and anti-inflammatory actions contribute to their efficacy and favorable profile. Colchicine may also be considered in high-risk patients if recurrent ACS episodes occur when on optimal medical therapy according to the most recent guidelines. Recent randomized studies have also shown that therapies specifically targeting inflammatory interleukins and inflammation can reduce the risk for cardiovascular events, but these therapies are yet to be fully implemented in clinical practice. Preclinical research is also intense, targeting various inflammatory mediators that are believed to be implicated in CAD, namely repeated transfers of the soluble mutant of IFN-γ receptors, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, IL-10 delivery by nanocarriers, chemokine modulatory treatments, and reacting oxygen species (ROS) targeting nanoparticles. Such approaches, although intriguing and promising, ought to be tested in clinical settings before safe conclusions can be drawn. Although the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis is significant, further studies are needed in order to elucidate this association and improve outcomes in patients with CAD.

A Pilot Study of Associations Between the Occurrence of Palpitations and Cytokine Gene Variations in Women Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Palpitations are common and have a negative impact on women's quality of life. While evidence suggests that inflammatory mechanisms may play a role in the development of palpitations, no studies have evaluated for this association in patients with breast cancer who report palpitations prior to surgery. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate for associations between the occurrence of palpitations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and transcriptional regulators.

METHODS

Patients were recruited prior to surgery and completed a self-report questionnaire on the occurrence of palpitations. Genotyping of SNPs in cytokine genes was performed using a custom array. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify associations between the occurrence of palpitations and SNPs in fifteen candidate genes.

RESULTS

Of the 82 SNPs evaluated in the bivariate analyses, eleven SNPs in 6 genes were associated with the occurrence of palpitations. After controlling for functional status, the occurrence of back pain, and self-reported and genomic estimates of race/ethnicity, 3 SNPs in 3 different genes (i.e., interleukin (IL) 1-beta (IL1B) rs1143643, IL10 rs3024505, IL13 rs1295686) were associated with the occurrence of palpitations prior to surgery (all p ≤ .038).

CONCLUSIONS

While these preliminary findings warrant replication, they suggest that inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to the subjective sensation of palpitations in women prior to breast cancer surgery.

The Role of Cytokines in Cholesterol Accumulation in Cells and Atherosclerosis Progression

Atherosclerosis is the most common cardiovascular disease and is the number one cause of death worldwide. Today, atherosclerosis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease with an autoimmune component, accompanied by the accumulation of cholesterol in the vessel wall and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. In the process of accumulation of atherogenic lipids, cells of the immune system, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, etc., play an important role, producing and/or activating the production of various cytokines—interferons, interleukins, chemokines. In this review, we have tried to summarize the most important cytokines involved in the processes of atherogenesis.

Preclinical advances and the immunophysiology of a new therapeutic chagas disease vaccine

INTRODUCTION

Chronic infection with the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi leads to a progressive cardiac disease, known as chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC). A new therapeutic Chagas disease vaccine is in development to augment existing antiparasitic chemotherapy drugs.

AREAS COVERED

We report on our current understanding of the underlying immunologic and physiologic mechanisms that lead to CCC, including parasite immune escape mechanisms that allow persistence and the subsequent inflammatory and fibrotic processes that lead to clinical disease. We report on vaccine design and the observed immunotherapeutic effects including induction of a balanced T_H1/T_H2/T_H17 immune response that leads to reduced parasite burdens and tissue pathology. Further, we report vaccine-linked chemotherapy, a dose sparing strategy to further reduce parasite burdens and tissue pathology.

EXPERT OPINION

Our vaccine-linked chemotherapeutic approach is a multimodal treatment strategy, addressing both the parasite persistence and the underlying deleterious host inflammatory and fibrotic responses that lead to cardiac dysfunction. In targeting treatment towards patients with chronic indeterminate or early determinate Chagas disease, this vaccine-linked chemotherapeutic approach will be highly economical and will reduce the global disease burden and deaths due to CCC.

Risk of Late-Onset Depression and Cognitive Decline: Results From Inflammatory Proteome Analyses in a Prospective Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Research suggests that inflammation is linked to both late-onset depression (LOD) and cognitive decline, and that LOD might have biological underpinnings differentiating it from recurrent depression. Evidence from inflammatory proteome analyses in large prospective cohorts is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess whether and which inflammation-related biomarkers are associated with LOD, recurrent depression, and cognitive decline due to vascular pathology (vascular dementia).

DESIGN

Ongoing population-based cohort study of older adults followed for up to 17 years with regard to clinical diagnosis of various age-related diseases (ESTHER study, n = 9,940).

SETTING

Longitudinal cohort started in 2000-2002 in a community setting in Saarland, a southwestern German state.

PARTICIPANTS

Subgroup of randomly selected participants of the ESTHER study (n = 1,665).

MEASUREMENTS

Inflammatory biomarkers were measured with the Olink Target 96 in baseline samples.

RESULTS

Out of 78 biomarkers interleukin 10 (IL-10) and C-C chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4) were associated with significantly increased risk of LOD after multiple testing correction. Hazard ratios (95-confidence interval) per 1 standard deviation increase were 1.37 (1.15-1.63) for IL-10 and 1.34 (1.13-1.59) for CCL4. None of the inflammatory markers was associated with recurrent depression. The dose-response analysis showed a similar monotonic risk increase for LOD and vascular dementia with increasing IL-10 levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that inflammatory markers are involved in the etiology of LOD, but not of recurrent depression and that LOD and vascular dementia might share common inflammatory etiology with respect to IL-10.

Inflammatory Mediators in Atherosclerotic Vascular Remodeling

Atherosclerotic vascular disease remains the most common cause of ischemia, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Vascular function is determined by structural and functional properties of the arterial vessel wall, which consists of three layers, namely the adventitia, media, and intima. Key cells in shaping the vascular wall architecture and warranting proper vessel function are vascular smooth muscle cells in the arterial media and endothelial cells lining the intima. Pathological alterations of this vessel wall architecture called vascular remodeling can lead to insufficient vascular function and subsequent ischemia and organ damage. One major pathomechanism driving this detrimental vascular remodeling is atherosclerosis, which is initiated by endothelial dysfunction allowing the accumulation of intimal lipids and leukocytes. Inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and modified lipids further drive vascular remodeling ultimately leading to thrombus formation and/or vessel occlusion which can cause major cardiovascular events. Although it is clear that vascular wall remodeling is an elementary mechanism of atherosclerotic vascular disease, the diverse underlying pathomechanisms and its consequences are still insufficiently understood.

​Circulating Cytokines in Myocardial Infarction Are Associated With Coronary Blood Flow

Background

The level of systemic inflammation correlates with the severity of the clinical course of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It has been shown that circulating cytokines and endothelial dysfunction play an important role in the process of clot formation. The aim of our study was to assess the concentration of various circulating cytokines, endothelial function and blood clotting in AMI patients depending on the blood flow through the infarction-related artery (IRA).

Methods

We included 75 patients with AMI. 58 presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 17 had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI). A flow-mediated dilation test (FMD test), thrombodynamics and rotational thromboelastometry as well as assessment of 14 serum cytokines using xMAP technology were performed.

Findings

Non-STEMI-patients were characterized by higher levels of MDC, MIP-1β, TNF-α. Moreover, we observed that patients with impaired blood flow through the IRA (TIMI flow 0-1) had higher average and initial clot growth rates, earlier onset of spontaneous clots, C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-10 compared to patients with preserved blood flow through the IRA (TIMI flow 2-3). Patients with TIMI 2-3 blood flow had higher level of IP-10. IL-10 correlated with CRP and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, initial clot growth rate and clot lysis time in TIMI 0-1 patients. All these differences were statistically significant.

Interpretation

We demonstrated that concentrations of the inflammatory cytokines correlate not only with the form of myocardial infarction (STEMI or non-STEMI), but also with the blood flow through the infarct-related artery. Inflammatory response, functional state of endothelium, and clot formation are closely linked with each other. A combination of these parameters affects the patency of the infarct-related artery.

The Prognostic Determinant of Interleukin-10 in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Analysis from the Perspective of Disease Management

Background

In patients with ischemic stroke, the role of anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in predicting risk and outcomes is not very clear. This study is aimed at prospectively assessing the prognostic determinant value of IL-10 in patients with acute ischemic stroke in a cohort of Chinese people.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, consecutive first-ever patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to our hospital were included from October 2019 to October 2020. The serum level of IL-10 was measured at baseline. A structured follow-up telephone interview was performed on day 90 after admission. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the prognostic value of IL-10 to predict the poor functional outcome (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6) and mortality.

Results

The median age of the 236 enrolled patients was 65 years (interquartile range (IQR), 56-76), and 57.6% were male. There was a negative correlation between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and IL-10 serum levels (r (Spearman) = −0.221, P = 0.001). Patients with elevated IL-10 levels (> the highest quartile = 5.24 pg/mL; n = 79) were at significantly lower risk of poor functional outcomes (odds ratio (OR), 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19 to 0.63; P < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.11–0.52; P < 0.001) compared with patients with IL-10 levels in the lowest three quartiles.

Conclusions

Reduced serum levels of IL-10 were independently associated with both the clinical severity at admission and a poor functional prognosis in ischemic stroke patients, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was an important prognostic determinant.