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Naguib MM, Zaher YA, Ali HSM, Elnoury HA, Mohammed LA, Habashy OY, Mohammed DA. Deregulation of MicroRNA-146a and 155 expression levels might underlie complicated pregnancy in Toxoplasma Gondii seronegative women. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:416. [PMID: 39039506 PMCID: PMC11265433 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03233-6] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the ability of the estimated plasma expression levels of genes of microRNA (MiR-) 146a and 155 to differentiate between samples of pregnant women suspected to be infected by T. gondii. 50 newly pregnant women who had at least one of the criteria of high risk for toxoplasma infection and 50 newly primigravida women free of these criteria gave blood samples for qualitative determination of serum toxoplasma antibodies and estimation of plasma expression levels of MiR-146a and 155 using the qRT-PCR. During the pregnancy course, the incidence of pregnancy complications was recorded. RESULTS Twenty-six women were IgM-/IgG-, 17 women were IgM+/IgG- and 7 women were IgM+/IgG+. Thirty-two women had pregnancy complications with significantly lower incidence in IgM-/IgG- women. Plasma expression levels of MiR-146a and 155 were significantly higher in total patients compared to control levels and were significantly higher in samples of IgM+/IgG+ patients than in other samples. Statistical analyses defined a high plasma level of MiR-155 as the highly significant predictor for oncoming pregnancy complications and high levels of both microRNAs as predictors for the presence of toxoplasmosis despite seronegativity. Kaplan-Meier regression analysis defined increasing cumulative risk of having toxoplasmosis despite seronegativity with plasma levels of MiR-146a and MiR-155 of 1.2 and 3, respectively. CONCLUSION The incidence of pregnancy complications is high, irrespective of the seronegativity of women at high risk of toxoplasmosis. Estimated plasma levels of MiR-155 might identify women liable to develop complications and differentiate seronegative women vulnerable to having T. gondii infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study protocol was approved preliminarily by the Local Ethical Committee at Benha Faculty of Medicine. Before enrollment, the study protocol was discussed in detail with the study participants, and those accepted to participate in the study signed written fully informed consents. The final approval of the study protocol was obtained after the end of case collection and registered by RC: 5-11-2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Naguib
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Youssef Abdel Zaher
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
| | - Hemat Salah M Ali
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Zhong Y, Qin C, Wang Q, Ding M, Qiu C, Xu Y, Chen J. Inhibition of Foxp3 expression in the placenta of mice infected intraperitoneally by toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites: insights into the PPARγ/miR-7b-5p/Sp1 signaling pathway. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:189. [PMID: 38632598 PMCID: PMC11025192 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06262-0] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa, infects approximately 30% of the global population. Contracting T. gondii at the primary infection of the mother can result in neonatal microcephaly, chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, or mortality. Our previous study indicated that pregnant mice infected with T. gondii displayed a decrease in both the number and the suppressive ability of regulatory T cells, accompanied by the reduced Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Numerous studies have proved that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in T. gondii infection, but there is meager evidence on the relationship between alterations of miRNAs and downregulation of Foxp3 induced by T. gondii. METHODS Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the transcriptions of miRNAs and Foxp3. Protein blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expressions of Foxp3 and related transcription factors. The structure of mouse placenta was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. To examine the activity of miR-7b promoter and whether miR-7b-5p targets Sp1 to suppress Foxp3 expression, we constructed recombinant plasmids containing the full-length/truncated/mutant miR-7b promoter sequence or wildtype/mutant of Sp1 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) to detect the fluorescence activity in EL4 cells. RESULTS In T. gondii-infected mice, miR-7b transcription was significantly elevated, while Foxp3 expression was decreased in the placenta. In vitro, miR-7b mimics downregulated Foxp3 expression, whereas its inhibitors significantly upregulated Foxp3 expression. miR-7b promoter activity was elevated upon the stimulation of T. gondii antigens, which was mitigated by co-transfection of mutant miR-7b promoter lacking peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) target sites. Additionally, miR-7b mimics diminished Sp1 expression, while miR-7b inhibitors elevated its expression. miR-7b mimics deceased the fluorescence activity of Sp1 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), but it failed to impact the fluorescence activity upon the co-transfection of mutant Sp1 3' UTR lacking miR-7b target site. CONCLUSIONS T. gondii infection and antigens promote miR-7b transcription but inhibit Foxp3 protein and gene levels. T. gondii antigens promote miR-7b promoter activity by a PPARγ-dependent mechanism. miR-7b directly binds to Sp1 3' UTR to repress Sp1 expression. Understanding the regulatory functions by which T. gondii-induced miR-7b suppresses Foxp3 expression can provide new perspectives for the possible therapeutic avenue of T. gondii-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Qin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Maoyuan Ding
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Qiu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunzhao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Wu D, Zhang K, Khan FA, Pandupuspitasari NS, Guan K, Sun F, Huang C. A comprehensive review on signaling attributes of serine and serine metabolism in health and disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129607. [PMID: 38253153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129607] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Serine is a metabolite with ever-expanding metabolic and non-metabolic signaling attributes. By providing one‑carbon units for macromolecule biosynthesis and functional modifications, serine and serine metabolism largely impinge on cellular survival and function. Cancer cells frequently have a preference for serine metabolic reprogramming to create a conducive metabolic state for survival and aggressiveness, making intervention of cancer-associated rewiring of serine metabolism a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Beyond providing methyl donors for methylation in modulation of innate immunity, serine metabolism generates formyl donors for mitochondrial tRNA formylation which is required for mitochondrial function. Interestingly, fully developed neurons lack the machinery for serine biosynthesis and rely heavily on astrocytic l-serine for production of d-serine to shape synaptic plasticity. Here, we recapitulate recent discoveries that address the medical significance of serine and serine metabolism in malignancies, mitochondrial-associated disorders, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Metabolic control and epigenetic- and posttranslational regulation of serine metabolism are also discussed. Given the metabolic similarities between cancer cells, neurons and germ cells, we further propose the relevance of serine metabolism in testicular homeostasis. Our work provides valuable hints for future investigations that will lead to a deeper understanding of serine and serine metabolism in cellular physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | | | - Kaifeng Guan
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Awni AA, Hamed ZO, Abdul-Hassan Abbas A, Abdulamir AS. Effect of NLRP3 inflammasome genes polymorphism on disease susceptibility and response to TNF-α inhibitors in Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16814. [PMID: 37332933 PMCID: PMC10275785 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a genetically predisposed, systemic, chronic, inflammatory disease. Immune system dysregulation and inherited susceptibility polymorphisms suggest that this type of variation is functional and may help predict disease susceptibility and develop new therapeutic strategies. Anti-TNF-alpha (TNF-α) drugs are highly effective RA treatments, but not all patients respond the same way. It's important to figure out whether RA risk alleles can identify and predict anti-TNF-α-responsiveness in RA patients. Aims of the study Examine the function of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and caspase recruitment domain family member 8 (CARD8) genes polymorphisms and their morbid genotypes and alleles in RA patients and apparently healthy controls. In addition, their role in disease susceptibility, severity, and response to anti-TNF-α therapy. Also, examine how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and interleukin (IL)-1β. Materials and methods 100 RA patients (88 females, 12 males) and 100 apparently healthy people (86 females, 14 males) were examined. To measure serum TNF-α and IL-1β, Elabscience sandwich ELISA kits were used. Iraq Biotech, Turkey DNA extraction kit was used to extract genomic DNA from whole blood. CARD8 (rs2043211) and NLRP3 (rs4612666) were genotyped using Agilent, AriaMx, USA, through Tri-Plex SYBR Green-based real-time PCR allelic discrimination assays. Geneious software, version 2019.2.2, used to design primers from published sequences (GenBank accession no. GCA 009914755.1). Primer specificity was determined by NCBI's BLAST. Results Study found that there is association between cytokines serum level and 28-joints disease activity score (DAS-28). The level of TNF-α increases with the higher DAS-28 (r2 = 0.45, P < 0.0001). Also, IL- 1β level increases with higher DAS-28 (r2 = 0.51, P < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant variations between patients with RA and the control group in the distribution of CARD8 SNP rs2043211 and NLRP3 SNP rs4612666 genotypes (P = 0.17 and 0.08 respectively) as well their alleles (P = 0.059 and 0.879 respectively). CARD8 (rs2043211) TT genotype was more frequent in patients with higher DAS-28 (P < 0.0001) and higher TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels (P < 0.0001 for both). Also, NLRP3 (rs4612666) TT genotype was more frequent in patients with higher DAS-28 (P < 0.0001) and higher TNF-α and IL- 1β serum levels (P < 0.0001 for both). Interestingly, this study revealed that CARD8 (rs2043211) and NLRP3 (rs4612666) variant genotypes are associated with lower response to anti-TNF-α drugs. Conclusions Serum TNF-α and IL-1β correlate with DAS-28 and disease activity. Non-responders have elevated TNF-α and IL-1β. CARD8 rs2043211 and NLRP3 rs4612666 variant polymorphisms are associated with high serum TNF-α and IL-1β, active disease course, poor disease outcomes, and low response to anti-TNF-α therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Abbas Awni
- College of Medical Sciences Techniques, The University of Mashreq, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Zainab Oday Hamed
- Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Baghdad College of Medical Sciences, Baghdad, Iraq
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Zhao X, Yi Y, Jiang C, Huang X, Wen X, Liao H, Zhu Y, Liu Y, Li N, Pan D. Gancao Fuzi decoction regulates the Th17/Treg cell imbalance in rheumatoid arthritis by targeting Foxp3 via miR-34a. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 301:115837. [PMID: 36252875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing first recorded the Gancao Fuzi decoction (GCFZD) formula in the "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber", which is reportedly an effective and safe treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism underlying the observed improvement in the T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell imbalance in RA obtained with GCFZD has not been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to demonstrate whether GCFZD ameliorated RA by modulating the Th17/Treg imbalance in RA mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collagen was used to induce a model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. GCFZD was administered by gavage, and the arthritis index score, imaging and histopathological changes of the ankle joints, and the levels of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class antibodies and proinflammatory factors in serum were determined. In addition, the frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells, the levels of relevant transcription factors and functional factors and the miR-34a gene in the spleen and the levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-10 in serum were determined. RESULTS GCFZD significantly reduced the arthritis score, improved joint swelling and bone damage, reduced the pathological score, and decreased the serum levels of IgG class antibody (IgG and IgG2a) and proinflammatory factor [tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β and IL-6]. Moreover, the Th17-cell proportion, the expression level of the Th17-specific transcription factor retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and functional factor IL-17A in the spleen, and the serum IL-17A level were decreased, whereas the Treg cell proportion, expression levels of the Treg-specific transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) and functional factor IL-10 in the spleen, and the serum IL-10 level were increased. Furthermore, GCFZD inhibited miR-34a gene expression while promoting Foxp3 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrate the therapeutic effect of GCFZD on mice with CIA, and the mechanism is related to an improvement in the Th17/Treg cell imbalance by targeting Foxp3 via miR-34a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Yankui Yi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Cuiping Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xintao Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xiaomin Wen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Huajun Liao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Yongyan Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Yanyan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Nan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Dongmei Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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