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He H, Chen S, Fan Z, Dong Y, Wang Y, Li S, Sun X, Song Y, Yang J, Cao Q, Jiang J, Wang X, Wen W, Wang H. Multi-dimensional single-cell characterization revealed suppressive immune microenvironment in AFP-positive hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Discov 2023; 9:60. [PMID: 37336873 PMCID: PMC10279759 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-secreting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for ~75% of HCCs, is more aggressive with a worse prognosis than those without AFP production. The mechanism through which the interaction between tumors and the microenvironment leads to distinct phenotypes is not yet clear. Therefore, our study aims to identify the characteristic features and potential treatment targets of AFP-negative HCC (ANHC) and AFP-positive HCC (APHC). We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze 6 ANHC, 6 APHC, and 4 adjacent normal tissues. Integrated multi-omics analysis together with survival analysis were also performed. Further validation was conducted via cytometry time-of-flight on 30 HCCs and multiplex immunohistochemistry on additional 59 HCCs. Our data showed that the genes related to antigen processing and interferon-γ response were abundant in tumor cells of APHC. Meanwhile, APHC was associated with multifaceted immune distortion, including exhaustion of diverse T cell subpopulations, and the accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Notably, TAM-SPP1+ was highly enriched in APHC, as was its receptor CD44 on T cells and tumor cells. Targeting the Spp1-Cd44 axis restored T cell function in vitro and significantly reduced tumor burden when treated with either anti-Spp1 or anti-Cd44 antibody alone or in combination with anti-Pd-1 antibody in the mouse model. Furthermore, elevated IL6 and TGF-β1 signaling contributed to the enrichment of TAM-SPP1+ in APHC. In conclusion, this study uncovered a highly suppressive microenvironment in APHC and highlighted the role of TAM-SPP1+ in regulating the immune microenvironment, thereby revealing the SPP1-CD44 axis as a promising target for achieving a more favorable immune response in APHC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huisi He
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Zhecai Fan
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yaping Dong
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyao Li
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojuan Sun
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuting Song
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxian Yang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Xianming Wang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China.
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China.
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Blackford SJI, Yu TTL, Norman MDA, Syanda AM, Manolakakis M, Lachowski D, Yan Z, Guo Y, Garitta E, Riccio F, Jowett GM, Ng SS, Vernia S, Del Río Hernández AE, Gentleman E, Rashid ST. RGD density along with substrate stiffness regulate hPSC hepatocyte functionality through YAP signalling. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121982. [PMID: 36640555 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hPSC-Heps) may be suitable for treating liver diseases, but differentiation protocols often fail to yield adult-like cells. We hypothesised that replicating healthy liver niche biochemical and biophysical cues would produce hepatocytes with desired metabolic functionality. Using 2D synthetic hydrogels which independently control mechanical properties and biochemical cues, we found that culturing hPSC-Heps on surfaces matching the stiffness of fibrotic liver tissue upregulated expression of genes for RGD-binding integrins, and increased expression of YAP/TAZ and their transcriptional targets. Alternatively, culture on soft, healthy liver-like substrates drove increases in cytochrome p450 activity and ureagenesis. Knockdown of ITGB1 or reducing RGD-motif-containing peptide concentration in stiff hydrogels reduced YAP activity and improved metabolic functionality; however, on soft substrates, reducing RGD concentration had the opposite effect. Furthermore, targeting YAP activity with verteporfin or forskolin increased cytochrome p450 activity, with forskolin dramatically enhancing urea synthesis. hPSC-Heps could also be successfully encapsulated within RGD peptide-containing hydrogels without negatively impacting hepatic functionality, and compared to 2D cultures, 3D cultured hPSC-Heps secreted significantly less fetal liver-associated alpha-fetoprotein, suggesting furthered differentiation. Our platform overcomes technical hurdles in replicating the liver niche, and allowed us to identify a role for YAP/TAZ-mediated mechanosensing in hPSC-Hep differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK; Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Tracy T L Yu
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Michael D A Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Adam M Syanda
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Michail Manolakakis
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ziqian Yan
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Yunzhe Guo
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Elena Garitta
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Federica Riccio
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Geraldine M Jowett
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK; Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Soon Seng Ng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Santiago Vernia
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK.
| | - S Tamir Rashid
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK.
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McCombe PA, Greer JM. Effects of biological sex and pregnancy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: It's complicated. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059833. [PMID: 36518769 PMCID: PMC9742606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be induced in many animal strains by inoculation with central nervous system antigens and adjuvant or by the passive transfer of lymphocytes reactive with these antigens and is widely used as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). There are reports that female sex and pregnancy affect EAE. Here we review the effects of biological sex and the effects of pregnancy on the clinical features (including disease susceptibility) and pathophysiology of EAE. We also review reports of the possible mechanisms underlying these differences. These include sex-related differences in the immune system and in the central nervous system, the effects of hormones and the sex chromosomes and molecules unique to pregnancy. We also review sex differences in the response to factors that can modify the course of EAE. Our conclusion is that the effects of biological sex in EAE vary amongst animal models and should not be widely extrapolated. In EAE, it is therefore essential that studies looking at the effects of biological sex or pregnancy give full information about the model that is used (i.e. animal strain, sex, the inducing antigen, timing of EAE induction in relation to pregnancy, etc.). In addition, it would be preferable if more than one EAE model were used, to show if any observed effects are generalizable. This is clearly a field that requires further work. However, understanding of the mechanisms of sex differences could lead to greater understanding of EAE, and suggest possible therapies for MS.
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Liu Z, Niu X, Wang J. Naringenin as a natural immunomodulator against T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases: literature review and network-based pharmacology study. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:11026-11043. [PMID: 35776085 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2092054] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
T cells, especially CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, play a vital role in the pathogenesis of specific autoimmune diseases. Naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antitumor properties, which have been verified in animal autoimmune disease models. However, naringenin's possible effects and molecular mechanisms in T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases are unclear. This review summarizes the findings of previous studies and predicts the target of naringenin in T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis through network pharmacology analysis. We performed DAVID enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, and molecular docking to predict the positive effect of naringenin on T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders. Sixteen common genes were screened, among which the core genes were PTGS2, ESR1, CAT, CASP3, MAPK1, and AKT1. The possible molecular mechanism relates to HIF-1, estrogen, TNF, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Our findings have significance for future naringenin treatment of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejin Liu
- Infection and Immunity Institute and Translational Medical Center of Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xinli Niu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Junpeng Wang
- Infection and Immunity Institute and Translational Medical Center of Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Munson PV, Adamik J, Butterfield LH. Immunomodulatory impact of α-fetoprotein. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:438-448. [PMID: 35550875 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.04.001] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is a fetal glycoprotein produced by most human hepatocellular carcinoma tumors. Research has focused on its immunosuppressive properties in pregnancy, autoimmunity, and cancer, and human AFP directly limits the viability and functionality of human natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells (DCs). AFP-altered DCs can promote the differentiation of naïve T cells into regulatory T cells. These properties may work to shield tumors from the immune system. Recent efforts to define the molecular characteristics of AFP identified key structural immunoregulatory domains and bioactive roles of AFP-bound ligands in immunomodulation. We propose that a key mechanism of AFP immunomodulation skews DC function through cellular metabolism. Delineating differences between fetal 'normal' AFP (nAFP) and tumor-derived AFP (tAFP) has uncovered a novel role for tAFP in altering metabolism via lipid-binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul V Munson
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juraj Adamik
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa H Butterfield
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA.
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El-Emam MA, El Achy S, Abdallah DM, El-Abhar HS, Gowayed MA. Does physical exercise improve or deteriorate treatment of multiple sclerosis with mitoxantrone? Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis study in rats. BMC Neurosci 2022; 23:11. [PMID: 35247984 PMCID: PMC8897955 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-022-00692-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitoxantrone has proved efficacy in treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The fact that physical exercise could slow down the progression of disease and improve performance is still a debatable issue, hence; we aimed at studying whether combining mitoxantrone with exercise is of value in the management of MS. Methods Thirty-six male rats were divided into sedentary and exercised groups. During a 14-day habituation period rats were subjected to exercise training on a rotarod (30 min/day) before Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) induction and thereafter for 17 consecutive days. On day 13 after induction, EAE groups (exercised &sedentary) were divided into untreated and mitoxantrone treated ones. Disease development was evaluated by motor performance and EAE score. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used for biochemical analysis. Brain stem and cerebellum were examined histopathological and immunohistochemically. Results Exercise training alone did not add a significant value to the studied parameters, except for reducing Foxp3 immunoreactivity in EAE group and caspase-3 in the mitoxantrone treated group. Unexpectedly, exercise worsened the mitoxantrone effect on EAE score, Bcl2 and Bax. Mitoxantrone alone decreased EAE/demyelination/inflammation scores, Foxp3 immunoreactivity, and interleukin-6, while increased the re-myelination marker BDNF without any change in tumor necrosis factor-α. It clearly interrupted the apoptotic pathway in brain stem, but worsened EAE mediated changes of the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and pro-apoptotic marker Bax in the CSF. Conclusions The neuroprotective effect of mitoxantrone was related with remyelination, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory potentials. Exercise training did not show added value to mitoxantrone, in contrast, it disrupts the apoptotic pathway. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-022-00692-1.
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ArefNezhad R, Motedayyen H, Mohammadi A. Therapeutic Aspects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Cell Therapy with a Focus on Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells in Multiple Sclerosis: A Mechanistic Review. Int J Stem Cells 2021; 14:241-251. [PMID: 34158417 PMCID: PMC8429946 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc21032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of central nervous system (CNS). The mmune system plays an important role in its pathogenesis. Current treatments are unable to cure patients and prevent the progression of MS lesions. Stem cell-based cell therapy has opened a new window for MS treatment. Stem cells regulate immune responses and improve axonal remyelination. Stem cells can be obtained from different origins such as embryonic, neural, bone marrow, and adipose tissues. But yet there is a challenge for the selection of the best cell source for stem cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of stem cell obtained from different origins and have significant immunomodulatory effects on the immune system. The increasing evidence have suggested that umbilical cord and adipose tissue can be a suitable source for isolation of MSCs. Moreover, human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) as novel stem cell origins by having immunoregulatory effects, regenerative effects, and less capacity of antigenicity can be a candidate for MS treatment. This review discussed the mechanistic effects of MSCs with a focus on human amniotic epithelial cells, which can be used to treatment and improvement of outcome in MS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza ArefNezhad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Motedayyen
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Cell Biology and Molecular-Genetics Department, Marand Azad University, Marand, Iran
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Li W, Liu K, Chen Y, Zhu M, Li M. Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1126-1142. [PMID: 32729413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200729151247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
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El-Emam MA, El Achy S, Abdallah DM, El-Abhar HS, Gowayed MA. Neuroprotective role of galantamine with/without physical exercise in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats. Life Sci 2021; 277:119459. [PMID: 33836162 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The fact that physical activity besides central cholinergic enhancement contributes in improving neuronal function and spastic plasticity, recommends the use of the anticholinesterase and cholinergic drug galantamine with/without exercise in the management of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sedentary and 14 days exercised male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to EAE. Hereafter, exercised rats continued on rotarod for 30 min for 17 consecutive days. At the onset of symptoms (day 13), EAE sedentary/exercised groups were subdivided into untreated and post-treated with galantamine. The disease progression was assessed by EAE score, motor performance, and biochemically using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebellum and brain stem samples were used for histopathology and immunohistochemistry analysis. KEY FINDINGS Galantamine decreased EAE score of sedentary/exercised rats and enhanced their motor performance. Galantamine with/without exercise inhibited CSF levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), besides caspase-3 and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression in the brain stem. Contrariwise, it has elevated CSF levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) and enhanced remyelination of cerebral neurons. Noteworthy, exercise boosted the drug effect on Bcl-2 and Bax. SIGNIFICANCE The neuroprotective effect of galantamine against EAE was associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potentials, along with increasing BDNF and remyelination. It also normalized regulatory T-cells levels in the brain stem. The impact of the add-on of exercise was markedly manifested in reducing neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A El-Emam
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar El Achy
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dalaal M Abdallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Hanan S El-Abhar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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Linson EA, Hanauer SB. More Than a Tumor Marker…A Potential Role for Alpha-Feto Protein in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2019; 25:1271-1276. [PMID: 30624658 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izy394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human alpha-fetoprotein (hAFP) is a glycoprotein derived from the gut entoderm and expressed sequentially by cells of the yolk sac, fetal liver, and gastrointestinal tract. By adulthood, serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are undetectable in healthy, nonpregnant adults. Despite the clinical utilities of AFP monitoring in pregnancy and malignancy, much remains to be determined regarding its potential physiological functions. METHODS We focused on literature related to AFP's immunoregulatory role and its ability to modulate disease activity both in animal models of autoimmune disorders and in human clinical studies. RESULTS Evidence suggests that AFP plays an important role in immunoregulation by inducing T-cell suppressor activity, downregulating dendritic-like cell antigen expression, and impairing the function of macrophages. Studies evaluating AFP and its effects in rodent models of autoimmune diseases have shown that AFP is associated with downregulation of inflammation. Observations in studies of pregnant patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases have also described potential correlations between AFP expression and disease activity during different stages of pregnancy and postpartum. CONCLUSIONS We propose further prospective evaluations of AFP expression during pregnancy in inflammatory bowel disease patients to further correlate with disease activity and consider the potential of AFP as a novel therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen B Hanauer
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois
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11
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Li L, Chen J, Xu W, Ding X, Wang X, Liang J. Clinical characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with normal serum alpha-fetoprotein level: A study of 112 consecutive cases. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2017; 14:e336-e340. [PMID: 29071776 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is normal in 30-40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and knowledge on its characteristics and clinical outcome is limited. The purpose of this observational study was to determine the clinical presentation, biological behavior and outcome of HCC patients with normal AFP level. METHODS Data of 112 consecutive HCC patients with normal AFP level were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis including survival and factors associated with serum AFP level were performed by Kaplan-Meier method and t-test, respectively. RESULTS Hepatitis B virus infection exited in 83.0% of all 112 HCC patients with normal AFP level. During a mean 52 ± 20 months (range 5-85 months) follow-up, the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 97.2%, 85.3% and 81.7%, respectively. The OS rates at 3 years stratified by stages at diagnosis were 100%, 96.2%, 85.7%, 11.1% and 0%, respectively for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0-D diseases. Significant difference in OS was observed among patients with BCLC stage 0-D diseases, P < 0.05. Using 8.78 ng/mL as the cut off value, serum AFP level elevated beyond normal figure during follow-up (AFP conversion) in 16 patients, which related with deterioration of liver function, quantitative changes of T helper cell subsets, rapid tumor progression and shorter survival. Patients with sustained normal AFP level had better survival than patients with AFP conversion, P < 0.05. There was significant difference between the time of diagnosis with HCC to serum AFP level elevation and the time of AFP elevation to death, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION Prognosis of HCC patients with normal AFP level was relatively optimal. Serum AFP level elevation during follow-up was significantly associated with clinical outcome in terms of OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinglong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiran Xu
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosheng Ding
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Peng W. G-CSF treatment promotes apoptosis of autoreactive T cells to restrict the inflammatory cascade and accelerate recovery in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Exp Neurol 2017; 289:73-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Monocyte behaviour and tissue transglutaminase expression during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in transgenic CX3CR1 gfp/gfp mice. Amino Acids 2016; 49:643-658. [PMID: 27826792 PMCID: PMC5332504 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2359-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) is a key pathological feature in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the MS animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Recently, preventing leukocyte influx into the CNS of MS patients is the main target of MS therapies and insight into cell behaviour in the circulation is needed for further elucidation of such therapies. In this study, we aimed at in vivo visualization of monocytes in a time-dependent manner during EAE. Using intravital two-photon microscopy (IVM), we imaged CX3CR1gfp/gfp mice during EAE, visualizing CX3CR1-GFP+ monocytes and their dynamics in the spinal cord vasculature. Our observations showed that intraluminal crawling of CX3CR1-GFP+ monocytes increased even before the clinical onset of EAE due to immunization of the animals. Furthermore, intraluminal crawling remained elevated during ongoing clinical disease. Besides, the displacement of these cells was larger during the peak of EAE compared to the control animals. In addition, we showed that the enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2), which is present in CNS-infiltrated cells in MS patients, is likewise found in CX3CR1-GFP+ monocytes in the spinal cord lesions and at the luminal side of the vasculature during EAE. It might thereby contribute to adhesion and crawling of monocytes, facilitating extravasation into the CNS. Thus, we put forward that interference with monocyte adhesion, by e.g. inhibition of TG2, should be applied at a very early stage of EAE and possibly MS, to effectively combat subsequent pathology.
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Sha X, Liu Z, Song L, Wang Z, Liang X. Human amniotic epithelial cell niche enhances the functional properties of human corneal endothelial cells via inhibiting P53-survivin-mitochondria axis. Exp Eye Res 2013; 116:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a major mammalian embryo-specific and tumor-associated protein that is also present in small quantities in adults at normal conditions. Discovery of the phenomenon of AFP biosynthesis in carcinogenesis by G. Abelev and Yu. Tatarinov 50 years ago, in 1963, provoked intensive studies of this protein. AFPs of some mammalian species were isolated, purified and physico-chemically and immunochemically characterized. Despite the significant success in study of AFP, its three-dimensional structure, mechanisms of receptor binding along with a structure of the receptor itself and, what is the most important, its biological role in embryo- and carcinogenesis remain still obscure. Due to difficulties linked with methodological limitations, research of AFP was to some extent extinguished by the 1990 s. However, over the last decade a growing number of investigations of AFP and its usage as a tumor-specific biomarker have been observed. This was caused by the use of new technologies, primarily, computer-based and genetic engineering approaches in studying of this very important oncodevelopmental protein. Our review summarizes efforts of different scientific groups throughout the world in studying AFP for 50 years with emphasis on detailed description of recent achievements in this field.
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Savino C, Pelicci P, Giorgio M. The P66Shc/mitochondrial permeability transition pore pathway determines neurodegeneration. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:719407. [PMID: 23766859 PMCID: PMC3671270 DOI: 10.1155/2013/719407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis play a crucial role in neurodegenerative disease and aging. Both mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) and swelling of mitochondria have been involved in neurodegeneration. Indeed, knockout mice for cyclophilin-D (Cyc-D), a key regulatory component of the PT pore (PTP) that triggers mitochondrial swelling, resulted to be protected in preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, how neuronal stress is transduced into mitochondrial oxidative stress and swelling is unclear. Recently, the aging determinant p66Shc that generates H2O2 reacting with cytochrome c and induces oxidation of PTP and mitochondrial swelling was found to be involved in MS and ALS. To investigate the role of p66Shc/PTP pathway in neurodegeneration, we performed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) experiments in p66Shc knockout mice (p66Shc-/-), knock out mice for cyclophilin-D (Cyc-D-/-), and p66Shc Cyc-D double knock out (p66Shc/Cyc-D-/-) mice. Results confirm that deletion of p66Shc protects from EAE without affecting immune response, whereas it is not epistatic to the Cyc-D mutation. These findings demonstrate that p66Shc contributes to EAE induced neuronal damage most likely through the opening of PTP suggesting that p66Shc/PTP pathway transduces neurodegenerative stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Savino
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - PierGiuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Giorgio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
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Broughton BRS, Lim R, Arumugam TV, Drummond GR, Wallace EM, Sobey CG. Post-stroke inflammation and the potential efficacy of novel stem cell therapies: focus on amnion epithelial cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 6:66. [PMID: 23335880 PMCID: PMC3547279 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a debilitating disease for which there are currently no effective treatments besides the clot-buster, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which is administered to less than 10% of patients due to a limited (4.5 h) time window of efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapies that can prevent or reverse the effects of stroke-induced brain injury. Recent encouraging reports have revealed that stem cells derived from human tissue, including embryonic, induced pluripotent, neural, and mesenchymal cells, can rescue injured brain tissue and improve functional recovery in experimental models of stroke. However, there are potentially major limitations to each of these types of stem cells that may ultimately prevent or restrict their use as viable mainstream treatment options for stroke patients. Conversely, stem cells derived from the placenta, such as human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs), appear to have several important advantages over other stem cell lineages, in particular their non-tumorigenic and non-immunogenic characteristics. Surprisingly, so far hAECs have received little attention as a potential stroke therapy. This brief review will firstly describe the inflammatory response and immune cell involvement following stroke, and then consider the potential for hAECs to improve stroke outcome given their unique characteristics. These actions of hAECs may involve a reduction of local inflammation and modulation of the immune response, promotion of neural recovery, differentiation into neural tissue, re-innervation of lost connections, and secretion of necessary cytokines, growth factors, hormones and/or neurotransmitters to restore cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad R S Broughton
- Vascular Biology and Immunopharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Zager RA, Johnson ACM, Becker K. Renal cortical hemopexin accumulation in response to acute kidney injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2012; 303:F1460-72. [PMID: 22993068 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00426.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemopexin (Hpx) is a liver-generated acute phase reactant that binds and neutralizes prooxidant free heme. This study tested whether acute kidney injury (AKI) triggers renal Hpx accumulation, potentially impacting heme Fe-mediated tubular injury. Mice were subjected to glycerol, cisplatin, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), or endotoxemic [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] AKI. In each instance, 3- to 30-fold renal cortical and isolated proximal tubule segment (PTS) Hpx increases resulted. Although renal cortex and PTS showed variable Hpx mRNA increases, due, in part, to increased mRNA stability, mRNA levels did not correlate with renal Hpx protein accumulation. Conversely, AKI evoked three- to fourfold increases in hepatic Hpx gene induction, which corresponded with three- to fourfold plasma Hpx increases. Renal immunohistochemistry, and increased urinary Hpx excretion, indicated that circulating Hpx gains tubule luminal/urinary access, followed by proximal tubule endocytic uptake. Paradoxically, in cultured renal cells (HK-2, HEK-293), Fe depletion, and not free heme excess, increased Hpx mRNA. LPS acutely increased HK-2 cell Hpx mRNA. This finding, coupled with observations that LPS evoked ∼30-fold greater renal Hpx mRNA increases than any other AKI model, suggests that inflammation, not heme exposure, activates the renal Hpx gene. Each form of AKI evoked early increases in circulating free heme, which subsequently fell to subnormal levels as plasma Hpx rose. In addition, purified Hpx blunted free Fe-mediated HK-2 cell death. In sum, these data indicated that AKI-associated hepatic stress generates Hpx, which gains renal tubule access. Given its ability to bind free heme and mitigate free Fe toxicity, Hpx loading can potentially confer cytoprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Zager
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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Buhimschi CS, Bhandari V, Dulay AT, Nayeri UA, Abdel-Razeq SS, Pettker CM, Thung S, Zhao G, Han YW, Bizzarro M, Buhimschi IA. Proteomics mapping of cord blood identifies haptoglobin "switch-on" pattern as biomarker of early-onset neonatal sepsis in preterm newborns. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26111. [PMID: 22028810 PMCID: PMC3189953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI) are important causes of preterm birth and early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). A prompt and accurate diagnosis of EONS is critical for improved neonatal outcomes. We sought to explore the cord blood proteome and identify biomarkers and functional protein networks characterizing EONS in preterm newborns. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied a prospective cohort of 180 premature newborns delivered May 2004-September 2009. A proteomics discovery phase employing two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry identified 19 differentially-expressed proteins in cord blood of newborns with culture-confirmed EONS (n = 3) versus GA-matched controls (n = 3). Ontological classifications of the proteins included transfer/carrier, immunity/defense, protease/extracellular matrix. The 1st-level external validation conducted in the remaining 174 samples confirmed elevated haptoglobin and haptoglobin-related protein immunoreactivity (Hp&HpRP) in newborns with EONS (presumed and culture-confirmed) independent of GA at birth and birthweight (P<0.001). Western blot concurred in determining that EONS babies had conspicuous Hp&HpRP bands in cord blood (“switch-on pattern”) as opposed to non-EONS newborns who had near-absent “switch-off pattern” (P<0.001). Fetal Hp phenotype independently impacted Hp&HpRP. A Bayesian latent-class analysis (LCA) was further used for unbiased classification of all 180 cases based on probability of “antenatal IAI exposure” as latent variable. This was then subjected to 2nd-level validation against indicators of adverse short-term neonatal outcome. The optimal LCA algorithm combined Hp&HpRP switch pattern (most input), interleukin-6 and neonatal hematological indices yielding two non-overlapping newborn clusters with low (≤20%) versus high (≥70%) probability of IAI exposure. This approach reclassified ∼30% of clinical EONS diagnoses lowering the number needed to harm and increasing the odds ratios for several adverse outcomes including intra-ventricular hemorrhage. Conclusions/Significance Antenatal exposure to IAI results in precocious switch-on of Hp&HpRP expression. As EONS biomarker, cord blood Hp&HpRP has potential to improve the selection of newborns for prompt and targeted treatment at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalin S Buhimschi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America.
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McDonald C, Siatskas C, C.A. Bernard C. The emergence of amnion epithelial stem cells for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Inflamm Regen 2011. [DOI: 10.2492/inflammregen.31.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Kim H, Moon C, Ahn M, Byun J, Lee Y, Kim MD, Matsumoto Y, Koh CS, Shin T. Heat shock protein 27 upregulation and phosphorylation in rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Brain Res 2009; 1304:155-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Revised: 09/12/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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