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Abstract
Although there is little direct evidence supporting that stress affects cancer incidence, it does influence the evolution, dissemination and therapeutic outcomes of neoplasia, as shown in human epidemiological analyses and mouse models. The experience of and response to physiological and psychological stressors can trigger neurological and endocrine alterations, which subsequently influence malignant (stem) cells, stromal cells and immune cells in the tumour microenvironment, as well as systemic factors in the tumour macroenvironment. Importantly, stress-induced neuroendocrine changes that can regulate immune responses have been gradually uncovered. Numerous stress-associated immunomodulatory molecules (SAIMs) can reshape natural or therapy-induced antitumour responses by engaging their corresponding receptors on immune cells. Moreover, stress can cause systemic or local metabolic reprogramming and change the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota which can indirectly modulate antitumour immunity. Here, we explore the complex circuitries that link stress to perturbations in the cancer-immune dialogue and their implications for therapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, China.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou, China
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Zhang J, Ge P, Liu J, Luo Y, Guo H, Zhang G, Xu C, Chen H. Glucocorticoid Treatment in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Overview on Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Benefit. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12138. [PMID: 37569514 PMCID: PMC10418884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), triggered by various pathogenic factors inside and outside the lungs, leads to diffuse lung injury and can result in respiratory failure and death, which are typical clinical critical emergencies. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which has a poor clinical prognosis, is one of the most common diseases that induces ARDS. When SAP causes the body to produce a storm of inflammatory factors and even causes sepsis, clinicians will face a two-way choice between anti-inflammatory and anti-infection objectives while considering the damaged intestinal barrier and respiratory failure, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of the diagnosis and treatment of SAP-ALI/ARDS. For a long time, many studies have been devoted to applying glucocorticoids (GCs) to control the inflammatory response and prevent and treat sepsis and ALI/ARDS. However, the specific mechanism is not precise, the clinical efficacy is uneven, and the corresponding side effects are endless. This review discusses the mechanism of action, current clinical application status, effectiveness assessment, and side effects of GCs in the treatment of ALI/ARDS (especially the subtype caused by SAP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinquan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Peng Ge
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Yalan Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Haoya Guo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Guixin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Caiming Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Hailong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
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3
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An Update on the Effects of Vitamin D on the Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179784. [PMID: 36077185 PMCID: PMC9456003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D intervenes in calcium and phosphate metabolism and bone homeostasis. Experimental studies have shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) generates immunologic activities on the innate and adaptive immune system and endothelial membrane stability. Low levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with an increased risk of developing immune-related diseases such as psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. Various clinical trials describe the efficacy of supplementation of vitamin D and its metabolites for treating these diseases that result in variable outcomes. Different disease outcomes are observed in treatment with vitamin D as high inter-individual difference is present with complex gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, it is still not fully known what level of serum 25(OH)D is needed. The current recommendation is to increase vitamin D intake and have enough sunlight exposure to have serum 25(OH)D at a level of 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) and better at 40–60 ng/mL (100–150 nmol/L) to obtain the optimal health benefits of vitamin D.
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4
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Duah M, Li L, Shen J, Lan Q, Pan B, Xu K. Thymus Degeneration and Regeneration. Front Immunol 2021; 12:706244. [PMID: 34539637 PMCID: PMC8442952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.706244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system’s ability to resist the invasion of foreign pathogens and the tolerance to self-antigens are primarily centered on the efficient functions of the various subsets of T lymphocytes. As the primary organ of thymopoiesis, the thymus performs a crucial role in generating a self-tolerant but diverse repertoire of T cell receptors and peripheral T cell pool, with the capacity to recognize a wide variety of antigens and for the surveillance of malignancies. However, cells in the thymus are fragile and sensitive to changes in the external environment and acute insults such as infections, chemo- and radiation-therapy, resulting in thymic injury and degeneration. Though the thymus has the capacity to self-regenerate, it is often insufficient to reconstitute an intact thymic function. Thymic dysfunction leads to an increased risk of opportunistic infections, tumor relapse, autoimmunity, and adverse clinical outcome. Thus, exploiting the mechanism of thymic regeneration would provide new therapeutic options for these settings. This review summarizes the thymus’s development, factors causing thymic injury, and the strategies for improving thymus regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Duah
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Shen
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiu Lan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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5
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Prenek L, Litvai T, Balázs N, Kugyelka R, Boldizsár F, Najbauer J, Németh P, Berki T. Regulatory T cells are less sensitive to glucocorticoid hormone induced apoptosis than CD4 + T cells. Apoptosis 2021; 25:715-729. [PMID: 32737651 PMCID: PMC7527366 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-020-01629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Earlier we have reported that thymic regulatory T cells (Treg) are resistant to in vivo glucocorticoid hormone (GC)-induced apoptosis, while the most GC-sensitive DP thymocytes died through the activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Here we analyzed the apoptosis-inducing effect of high dose (10-6 M) in vitro dexamethasone (DX) treatment in mouse thymic- and splenic Tregs and CD4+ T cells. Activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways started after 2 h of DX treatment in CD4 SP thymocytes and was 3 × higher than in CD4+ splenocytes, while in Treg cells, weak activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway started only after 3 h. We also investigated the expression of 21 apoptosis-related molecules using a protein array and found higher level of both pro-and anti-apoptotic molecules in Tregs compared to CD4+ T cells. 4 h in vitro DX treatment induced upregulation of most apoptosis-related molecules both in Tregs and CD4+ T cells, except for the decrease of Bcl-2 expression in CD4+ T cells. We found high basal cytosolic Ca2+ levels in untreated Treg cells, which further increased after DX treatment, while the specific TCR-induced Ca2+ signal was lower in Tregs than in CD4+ T cells. Our results suggest that in the background of the relative apoptosis resistance of Treg cells to GCs might be their high basal cytosolic Ca2+ level and upregulated Bcl-2 expression. In contrast, downregulation of Bcl-2 expression in CD4+ T cells can explain their higher, DX-induced apoptosis sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Prenek
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Tímea Litvai
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Noémi Balázs
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Réka Kugyelka
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Boldizsár
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - József Najbauer
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Timea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
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6
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Ly LK, Doden HL, Ridlon JM. Gut feelings about bacterial steroid-17,20-desmolase. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 525:111174. [PMID: 33503463 PMCID: PMC8886824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advances in technology are only beginning to reveal the complex interactions between hosts and their resident microbiota that have co-evolved over centuries. In this review, we present compelling evidence that implicates the host-associated microbiome in the generation of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, leading to the formation of potent 11-oxy-androgens. Microbial steroid-17,20-desmolase cleaves the side-chain of glucocorticoids (GC), including cortisol (and its derivatives of cortisone, 5α-dihydrocortisol, and also (allo)- 3α, 5α-tetrahydrocortisol, but not 3α-5β-tetrahydrocortisol) and drugs (prednisone and dexamethasone). In addition to side-chain cleavage, we discuss the gut microbiome's robust potential to transform a myriad of steroids, mirroring much of the host's metabolism. We also explore the overlooked role of intestinal steroidogenesis and efflux pumps as a potential route for GC transport into the gut. Lastly, we propose several health implications from microbial steroid-17,20-desmolase function, including aberrant mineralocorticoid, GC, and androgen receptor signaling in colonocytes, immune cells, and prostate cells, which may exacerbate disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey K Ly
- Microbiome Metabolic Engineering Theme, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Heidi L Doden
- Microbiome Metabolic Engineering Theme, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jason M Ridlon
- Microbiome Metabolic Engineering Theme, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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7
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Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid biosynthesis: implications for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Genes Immun 2020; 21:150-168. [PMID: 32203088 PMCID: PMC7276297 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-020-0096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid synthesis is a complex, multistep process that starts with cholesterol being delivered to the inner membrane of mitochondria by StAR and StAR-related proteins. Here its side chain is cleaved by CYP11A1 producing pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is converted to cortisol by the enzymes 3-βHSD, CYP17A1, CYP21A2 and CYP11B1. Glucocorticoids play a critical role in the regulation of the immune system and exert their action through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Although corticosteroids are primarily produced in the adrenal gland, they can also be produced in a number of extra-adrenal tissue including the immune system, skin, brain, and intestine. Glucocorticoid production is regulated by ACTH, CRH, and cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNFα. The bioavailability of cortisol is also dependent on its interconversion to cortisone which is inactive, by 11βHSD1/2. Local and systemic glucocorticoid biosynthesis can be stimulated by ultraviolet B, explaining its immunosuppressive activity. In this review, we want to emphasize that dysregulation of extra-adrenal glucocorticoid production can play a key role in a variety of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus erythematosus (LE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and skin inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). Further research on local glucocorticoid production and its bioavailability may open doors into new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
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8
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Muscari I, Adorisio S, Liberati AM, Thuy TT, Van Sung T, Cannarile L, Ayroldi E, Riccardi C, Delfino DV. Bcl-xL overexpression decreases GILZ levels and inhibits glucocorticoid-induced activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 in mouse thymocytes. J Transl Autoimmun 2020; 3:100035. [PMID: 32803151 PMCID: PMC7423577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2020.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids promote thymocyte apoptosis and modulate transcription of numerous regulators of thymic apoptosis. Among these, glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) is strongly upregulated in the thymus. We have previously demonstrated that GILZ decreases Bcl-xL expression, activates caspase-8 and caspase-3, and augments apoptosis in mice thymocytes. To better understand the causal links between glucocorticoids, GILZ, Bcl-xL, caspase-8, and caspase-3, we analyzed the thymocytes of Bcl-xL-overexpressing transgenic mice with or without glucocorticoid stimulation in vitro. Overexpression of Bcl-xL inhibited the glucocorticoid-induced up-regulation of GILZ in murine thymocytes as well as the glucocorticoid-dependent activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. By contrast, no appreciable change in caspase-9 activation was observed upon Bcl-xL overexpression. Thus, these experiments highlighted a novel thymocyte apoptotic pathway in which Bcl-xL overexpression inhibited the glucocorticoid-induced activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, but not caspase-9, as well as the accumulation of GILZ protein. These findings, together with our previous results showing that caspase-8 protects GILZ from proteasomal degradation, suggest the presence of a glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis self-amplification loop in which GILZ decreases Bcl-xL expression with a subsequent activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3; caspase-8 activation then enhances the stability and accumulation of GILZ and ensures the unimpeded and irreversible progression of apoptosis. By contrast, inappropriate increases in Bcl-xL levels could have catastrophic effects on thymic apoptosis as it would shut down caspase-8/3 activation, diminish the expression of GILZ, and impair the fine control necessary for thymic generation of a healthy immune repertoire. Bcl-xL is the main anti-apoptotic molecule of the BCl-2 family expressed in the thymus. Bcl-xL and GILZ are linked in a loop to influence each other’s expression. Overexpression of Bcl-xL inhibits GC-induced expression of Gilz, activation of caspase-8 and blocks thymocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Muscari
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Santa Maria Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Sabrina Adorisio
- Foligno Nursing School, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Anna Marina Liberati
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Santa Maria Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Trinh Thi Thuy
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Van Sung
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Lorenza Cannarile
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emira Ayroldi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Domenico V Delfino
- Foligno Nursing School, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Foligno (PG), Italy.,Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Timmermans S, Souffriau J, Libert C. A General Introduction to Glucocorticoid Biology. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1545. [PMID: 31333672 PMCID: PMC6621919 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones widely used for the treatment of inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. To exert their broad physiological and therapeutic effects, GCs bind to the GC receptor (GR) which belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. Despite their success, GCs are hindered by the occurrence of side effects and glucocorticoid resistance (GCR). Increased knowledge on GC and GR biology together with a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the GC side effects and GCR are necessary for improved GC therapy development. We here provide a general overview on the current insights in GC biology with a focus on GC synthesis, regulation and physiology, role in inflammation inhibition, and on GR function and plasticity. Furthermore, novel and selective therapeutic strategies are proposed based on recently recognized distinct molecular mechanisms of the GR. We will explain the SEDIGRAM concept, which was launched based on our research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Timmermans
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Souffriau
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Repository corticotropin injection reverses critical elements of the TLR9/B cell receptor activation response in human B cells in vitro. Clin Immunol 2019; 201:70-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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11
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Pap R, Ugor E, Litvai T, Prenek L, Najbauer J, Németh P, Berki T. Glucocorticoid hormone differentially modulates the in vitro expansion and cytokine profile of thymic and splenic Treg cells. Immunobiology 2018; 224:285-295. [PMID: 30612787 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional disturbances in regulatory T cells (Treg) have been described in autoimmune diseases, and their potential therapeutic use is intensively studied. Our goal was to investigate the influence of glucocorticoid hormone on the in vitro differentiation of Treg cells from thymic and splenic CD4+ T cells under different conditions to establish methods for generating stable and functionally suppressive iTregs for future use in adoptive transfer experiments. METHODS Thymic and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes were isolated from 3 to 4 week-old control and in vivo dexamethasone (DX) pretreated BALB/c mice using magnetic bead negative selection, followed by CD25 positive selection. The cells were cultured with anti-CD3/CD28 beads and IL-2 in the presence or absence of TGFβ and/or DX for 3-6 days. Multiparametric flow cytometry was performed using CD4, CD25, CD8, TGFβ (LAP) cell surface and Foxp3, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFNγ intracellular staining. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure IL-10, TGFβ cytokine and Foxp3 mRNA levels. RESULTS Differentiation of thymus-derived CD4+ cells in vitro into iTreg cells was most effective (24-25%) when anti-CD3/CD28 beads, IL-2, and TGFβ were present. Splenic CD4+ T cell expansion under same conditions resulted in a higher (44-45%) iTreg cell ratio that further increased (up to 50% Treg) in the presence of DX. Elevated immunosuppressive cytokine (IL-10 and TGFβ) production by iTregs could be measured both at protein and mRNA levels without elevation of Th1/Th2 or Th17 cytokine production. We got the highest iTreg ratio (74%) and TGFβ production when CD4+CD25+ splenic T cells were stimulated in the presence of TGFβ. In vivo 4 days DX pretreatment resulted in enhanced in vitro expansion and Foxp3 expression of thymus-derived iTregs and decreased differentiation of spleen-derived iTreg cells. In these Tregs the relative expression of IL-10 mRNA significantly decreased under all in vitro stimulation conditions, while TGFβ mRNA level did not change. CONCLUSION DX promotes the expansion of thymic and splenic Treg cells, and enhances Foxp3+ expression and the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and TGFβ in vitro. In vivo pretreatment of mice with DX inhibited the immunosuppressive cytokine production of in vitro differentiated Treg cells. We hypothesize that patients receiving GC therapy may need special attention prior to in vitro expansion and transplantation of Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramóna Pap
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Emese Ugor
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Tímea Litvai
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Lilla Prenek
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - József Najbauer
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Németh
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Tímea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, H-7624, Hungary.
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12
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Varga I, Bódi I, Mešťanová V, Kováč M, Klein M. Association between histological alterations in the thymus and sudden infant death syndrome. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 55:8-13. [PMID: 29438849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) involves the death of an infant during the first year of life and it is among the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide. One hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of SIDS is that it results from a combination of three independent factors: endogenous vulnerability, a critical time window during postnatal development, and exogenous stressors. This hypothesis is known as the "triple-risk model". METHODS In this study, we used an immunohistological approach to compare the cellular microenvironments of thymuses from 19 infants whose sudden death was classified as SIDS and a control group, which consisted of thymuses from age-matched children undergoing surgery for various congenital heart defects. We hypothesized that morphological signs of stress-related thymic involution would be present. RESULTS Based on our observations, we found evidence that the proliferation and maturation of T-lymphocytes in the thymuses of infants with SIDS were suppressed. We observed enhanced macrophage activity, suggesting an increase in the apoptosis of lymphocytes and decrease in number of thymic dendritic cells and myoid cells. Significant apoptosis of thymic lymphocytes without cell regeneration typically leads to atrophy of the thymus. All cellular events we observed resemble the initial stage of stress-related thymic involution. CONCLUSION These results support the "triple-risk model," suggesting that certain exogenous stressors might be involved in the pathogenesis of SIDS. This was probably not recognized during the autopsies of infants who died suddenly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Ildikó Bódi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Mešťanová
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kováč
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Health Care Surveillance Authority, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Martin Klein
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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D’Attilio L, Santucci N, Bongiovanni B, Bay ML, Bottasso O. Tuberculosis, the Disrupted Immune-Endocrine Response and the Potential Thymic Repercussion As a Contributing Factor to Disease Physiopathology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:214. [PMID: 29765355 PMCID: PMC5938357 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon the pathogen encounter, the host seeks to ensure an adequate inflammatory reaction to combat infection but at the same time tries to prevent collateral damage, through several regulatory mechanisms, like an endocrine response involving the production of adrenal steroid hormones. Our studies show that active tuberculosis (TB) patients present an immune-endocrine imbalance characterized by an impaired cellular immunity together with increased plasma levels of cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone. Studies in patients undergoing specific treatment revealed that cortisol levels remained increased even after several months of initiating therapy. In addition to the well-known metabolic and immunological effects, glucocorticoids are involved in thymic cortical depletion with immature thymocytes being quite sensitive to such an effect. The thymus is a central lymphoid organ supporting thymocyte T-cell development, i.e., lineage commitment, selection events and thymic emigration. While thymic TB is an infrequent manifestation of the disease, several pieces of experimental and clinical evidence point out that the thymus can be infected by mycobacteria. Beyond this, the thymic microenvironment during TB may be also altered because of the immune-hormonal alterations. The thymus may be then an additional target of organ involvement further contributing to a deficient control of infection and disease immunopathology.
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14
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Miller WL. Disorders in the initial steps of steroid hormone synthesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 165:18-37. [PMID: 26960203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis begins with cellular internalization of low-density lipoprotein particles and subsequent intracellular processing of cholesterol. Disorders in these steps include Adrenoleukodystrophy, Wolman Disease and its milder variant Cholesterol Ester Storage Disease, and Niemann-Pick Type C Disease, all of which may present with adrenal insufficiency. The means by which cholesterol is directed to steroidogenic mitochondria remains incompletely understood. Once cholesterol reaches the outer mitochondrial membrane, its delivery to the inner mitochondrial membrane is regulated by the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Severe StAR mutations cause classic congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, characterized by lipid accumulation in the adrenal, adrenal insufficiency, and disordered sexual development in 46,XY individuals. The lipoid CAH phenotype, including spontaneous puberty in 46,XX females, is explained by a two-hit model. StAR mutations that retain partial function cause a milder, non-classic disease characterized by glucocorticoid deficiency, with lesser disorders of mineralocorticoid and sex steroid synthesis. Once inside the mitochondria, cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone by the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc, encoded by the CYP11A1 gene. Rare patients with mutations of P450scc are clinically and hormonally indistinguishable from those with lipoid CAH, and may also present as milder non-classic disease. Patients with P450scc defects do not have the massive adrenal hyperplasia that characterizes lipoid CAH, but adrenal imaging may occasionally fail to distinguish these, necessitating DNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter L Miller
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, United States.
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15
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Antenatal endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids and their impact on immune ontogeny and long-term immunity. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:739-763. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0575-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Midzak
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Bloc E, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Bloc E, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
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