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Cortés Malagón EM, López Ornelas A, Olvera Gómez I, Bonilla Delgado J. The Kynurenine Pathway, Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, and Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2024; 14:950. [PMID: 39335444 PMCID: PMC11429728 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14090950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, mainly affecting elderly individuals. AD is characterized by β-amyloid plaques, abnormal tau tangles, neuronal loss, and metabolic disruptions. Recent studies have revealed the involvement of the kynurenine (KP) pathway and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in AD development. The KP pathway metabolizes tryptophan to produce neuroactive substances like kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid. In AD, high levels of kynurenine and the neurotoxic quinolinic acid are associated with increased neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity; conversely, reduced levels of kynurenic acid, which acts as a glutamate receptor antagonist, compromise neuroprotection. Research has indicated elevated KP metabolites and enzymes in the hippocampus of AD patients and other tissues such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. However, the finding that KP metabolites are AD biomarkers in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine has been controversial. This controversy, stemming from the lack of consideration of the specific stage of AD, details of the patient's treatment, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric comorbidities, underscores the need for more comprehensive research. AhR, a ligand-activated transcription factor, regulates immune response, oxidative stress, and xenobiotic metabolism. Various ligands, including tryptophan metabolites, can activate it. Some studies suggest that AhR activation contributes to AD, while others propose that it provides neuroprotection. This discrepancy may be explained by the specific ligands that activate AhR, highlighting the complex relationship between the KP pathway, AhR activation, and AD, where the same pathway can produce both neuroprotective and harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoc Mariano Cortés Malagón
- Research Division, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico; (E.M.C.M.); (A.L.O.); (I.O.G.)
- Genetics Laboratory, Hospital Nacional Homeopático, Mexico City 06800, Mexico
| | - Adolfo López Ornelas
- Research Division, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico; (E.M.C.M.); (A.L.O.); (I.O.G.)
- Genetics Laboratory, Hospital Nacional Homeopático, Mexico City 06800, Mexico
| | - Irlanda Olvera Gómez
- Research Division, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico; (E.M.C.M.); (A.L.O.); (I.O.G.)
- Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac Norte, Estado de México 52786, Mexico
| | - José Bonilla Delgado
- Research Unit, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, IMSS-BINESTAR, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
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Stone TW, Williams RO. Tryptophan metabolism as a 'reflex' feature of neuroimmune communication: Sensor and effector functions for the indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase kynurenine pathway. J Neurochem 2024; 168:3333-3357. [PMID: 38102897 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16015] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system were regarded as independent entities, it is now clear that immune system cells can influence the CNS, and neuroglial activity influences the immune system. Despite the many clinical implications for this 'neuroimmune interface', its detailed operation at the molecular level remains unclear. This narrative review focuses on the metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway, since its products have critical actions in both the nervous and immune systems, placing it in a unique position to influence neuroimmune communication. In particular, since the kynurenine pathway is activated by pro-inflammatory mediators, it is proposed that physical and psychological stressors are the stimuli of an organismal protective reflex, with kynurenine metabolites as the effector arm co-ordinating protective neural and immune system responses. After a brief review of the neuroimmune interface, the general perception of tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway is expanded to emphasize this environmentally driven perspective. The initial enzymes in the kynurenine pathway include indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), which is induced by tissue damage, inflammatory mediators or microbial products, and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), which is induced by stress-induced glucocorticoids. In the immune system, kynurenic acid modulates leucocyte differentiation, inflammatory balance and immune tolerance by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptors and modulates pain via the GPR35 protein. In the CNS, quinolinic acid activates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptors, whereas kynurenic acid is an antagonist: the balance between glutamate, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid is a significant regulator of CNS function and plasticity. The concept of kynurenine and its metabolites as mediators of a reflex coordinated protection against stress helps to understand the variety and breadth of their activity. It should also help to understand the pathological origin of some psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases involving the immune system and CNS, facilitating the development of new pharmacological strategies for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Tripp P, Davis EC, Gurung M, Rosa F, Bode L, Fox R, LeRoith T, Simecka C, Seppo AE, Järvinen KM, Yeruva L. Infant Microbiota Communities and Human Milk Oligosaccharide Supplementation Independently and Synergistically Shape Metabolite Production and Immune Responses in Healthy Mice. J Nutr 2024; 154:2871-2886. [PMID: 39069270 PMCID: PMC11393170 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.07.031] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies have demonstrated associations between the early-life gut microbiome and incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune disease in childhood. Although microbial colonization is necessary for proper immune education, it is not well understood at a mechanistic level how specific communities of bacteria promote immune maturation or drive immune dysfunction in infancy. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to assess whether infant microbial communities with different overall structures differentially influence immune and gastrointestinal development in healthy mice. METHODS Germ-free mice were inoculated with fecal slurries from Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis positive (BIP) or B. longum subspecies infantis negative (BIN) breastfed infants; half of the mice in each group were also supplemented with a pool of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for 14 d. Cecal microbiome composition and metabolite production, systemic and mucosal immune outcomes, and intestinal morphology were assessed at the end of the study. RESULTS The results showed that inoculation with a BIP microbiome results in a remarkably distinct microbial community characterized by higher relative abundances of cecal Clostridium senu stricto, Ruminococcus gnavus, Cellulosilyticum sp., and Erysipelatoclostridium sp. The BIP microbiome produced 2-fold higher concentrations of cecal butyrate, promoted branched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and further modulated serotonin, kynurenine, and indole metabolism relative to BIN mice. Further, the BIP microbiome increased the proportions of innate and adaptive immune cells in spleen, while HMO supplementation increased proliferation of mesenteric lymph node cells to phorbol myristate acetate and lipopolysaccharide and increased serum IgA and IgG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Different microbiome compositions and HMO supplementation can modulate SCFA and tryptophan metabolism and innate and adaptive immunity in young, healthy mice, with potentially important implications for early childhood health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tripp
- USDA-ARS, SEA, Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit, Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Erin C Davis
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Center for Food Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Manoj Gurung
- USDA-ARS, SEA, Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit, Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Fernanda Rosa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, TX, United States
| | - Lars Bode
- Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Research Excellence, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Renee Fox
- USDA-ARS, SEA, Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit, Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Christy Simecka
- Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Antti E Seppo
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Center for Food Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kirsi M Järvinen
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Center for Food Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Golisano Children's Hospital, Rochester, NY, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States.
| | - Laxmi Yeruva
- USDA-ARS, SEA, Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit, Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, United States.
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Hawly J, Murcar MG, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Issa ME. Glioblastoma stem cell metabolism and immunity. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1015-1035. [PMID: 38530545 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10183-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite enormous efforts being invested in the development of novel therapies for brain malignancies, there remains a dire need for effective treatments, particularly for pediatric glioblastomas. Their poor prognosis has been attributed to the fact that conventional therapies target tumoral cells, but not glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are characterized by self-renewal, tumorigenicity, poor differentiation, and resistance to therapy. These characteristics represent the fundamental tools needed to recapitulate the tumor and result in a relapse. The mechanisms by which GSCs alter metabolic cues and escape elimination by immune cells are discussed in this article, along with potential strategies to harness effector immune cells against GSCs. As cellular immunotherapy is making significant advances in a variety of cancers, leveraging this underexplored reservoir may result in significant improvements in the treatment options for brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hawly
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Dekouaneh, Lebanon
| | - Micaela G Murcar
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark E Issa
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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Stone TW, Darlington LG, Badawy AAB, Williams RO. The Complex World of Kynurenic Acid: Reflections on Biological Issues and Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9040. [PMID: 39201726 PMCID: PMC11354734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169040] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been unequivocally established that kynurenic acid has a number of actions in a variety of cells and tissues, raising, in principle, the possibility of targeting its generation, metabolism or sites of action to manipulate those effects to a beneficial therapeutic end. However, many basic aspects of the biology of kynurenic acid remain unclear, potentially leading to some confusion and misinterpretations of data. They include questions of the source, generation, targets, enzyme expression, endogenous concentrations and sites of action. This essay is intended to raise and discuss many of these aspects as a source of reference for more balanced discussion. Those issues are followed by examples of situations in which modulating and correcting kynurenic acid production or activity could bring significant therapeutic benefit, including neurological and psychiatric conditions, inflammatory diseases and cell protection. More information is required to obtain a clear overall view of the pharmacological environment relevant to kynurenic acid, especially with respect to the active concentrations of kynurenine metabolites in vivo and changed levels in disease. The data and ideas presented here should permit a greater confidence in appreciating the sites of action and interaction of kynurenic acid under different local conditions and pathologies, enhancing our understanding of kynurenic acid itself and the many clinical conditions in which manipulating its pharmacology could be of clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Worthing Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing BN11 2DH, UK
| | - Abdulla A.-B. Badawy
- Formerly School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
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Bonilla ME, Radyk MD, Perricone MD, Elhossiny AM, Harold AC, Medina-Cabrera PI, Kadiyala P, Shi J, Frankel TL, Carpenter ES, Green MD, Mitrea C, Lyssiotis CA, Pasca di Magliano M. Metabolic landscape of the healthy pancreas and pancreatic tumor microenvironment. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e180114. [PMID: 39315547 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.180114] [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] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest human malignancies, is characterized by a fibro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment and wide array of metabolic alterations. To comprehensively map metabolism in a cell type-specific manner, we harnessed a unique single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset of normal human pancreata. This was compared with human pancreatic cancer samples using a computational pipeline optimized for this study. In the cancer cells we observed enhanced biosynthetic programs. We identified downregulation of mitochondrial programs in several immune populations, relative to their normal counterparts in healthy pancreas. Although granulocytes, B cells, and CD8+ T cells all downregulated oxidative phosphorylation, the mechanisms by which this occurred were cell type specific. In fact, the expression pattern of the electron transport chain complexes was sufficient to identify immune cell types without the use of lineage markers. We also observed changes in tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) lipid metabolism, with increased expression of enzymes mediating unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and upregulation in cholesterol export. Concurrently, cancer cells exhibited upregulation of lipid/cholesterol receptor import. We thus identified a potential crosstalk whereby TAMs provide cholesterol to cancer cells. We suggest that this may be a new mechanism boosting cancer cell growth and a therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiaqi Shi
- Rogel Cancer Center
- Department of Pathology
| | | | - Eileen S Carpenter
- Rogel Cancer Center
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
| | - Michael D Green
- Program in Cancer Biology
- Rogel Cancer Center
- Department of Radiation Oncology; and
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology
- Rogel Cancer Center
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Rogel Cancer Center
- Department of Surgery
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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7
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Shafqat A, Masters MC, Tripathi U, Tchkonia T, Kirkland JL, Hashmi SK. Long COVID as a disease of accelerated biological aging: An opportunity to translate geroscience interventions. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102400. [PMID: 38945306 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102400] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
It has been four years since long COVID-the protracted consequences that survivors of COVID-19 face-was first described. Yet, this entity continues to devastate the quality of life of an increasing number of COVID-19 survivors without any approved therapy and a paucity of clinical trials addressing its biological root causes. Notably, many of the symptoms of long COVID are typically seen with advancing age. Leveraging this similarity, we posit that Geroscience-which aims to target the biological drivers of aging to prevent age-associated conditions as a group-could offer promising therapeutic avenues for long COVID. Bearing this in mind, this review presents a translational framework for studying long COVID as a state of effectively accelerated biological aging, identifying research gaps and offering recommendations for future preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mary Clare Masters
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Utkarsh Tripathi
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tamara Tchkonia
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James L Kirkland
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahrukh K Hashmi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, UAE; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Asgari F, Khodadoust M, Nikzamir A, Jahani-Sherafat S, Rezaei Tavirani M, Rostami-Nejad M. The role of tryptophan metabolism and tolerogenic dendritic cells in maintaining immune tolerance: Insights into celiac disease pathogenesis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1354. [PMID: 39150219 PMCID: PMC11328117 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1354] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, amino acid metabolism has evolved to control immune responses. Tryptophan (Trp) is the rarest essential amino acid found in food and its metabolism has evolved to be a primary regulatory node in the control of immune responses. Celiac disease (CeD) is a developed immunological condition caused by gluten intolerance and is linked to chronic small intestine enteropathy in genetically predisposed individuals. Dendritic cells (DCs), serving as the bridge between innate and adaptive immunities, can influence immunological responses in CeD through phenotypic alterations. OBJECTIVE This review aims to highlight the connection between Trp metabolism and tolerogenic DCs, and the significance of this interaction in the pathogenesis of CeD. RESULTS It is been recognized that various DC subtypes contribute to the pathogenesis of CeD. Tolerogenic DCs, in particular, are instrumental in inducing immune tolerance, leading to T-reg differentiation that helps maintain intestinal immune tolerance against inflammatory responses in CeD patients and those with other autoimmune disorders. T-regs, a subset of T-cells, play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal immunological homeostasis by regulating the activities of other immune cells. Notably, Trp metabolism, essential for T-reg function, facilitates T-reg differentiation through microbiota-mediated degradation and the kynurenine pathway. CONCLUSION Therefore, alterations in Trp metabolism could potentially influence the immune response in CeD, affecting both the development of the disease and the persistence of symptoms despite adherence to a gluten-free diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asgari
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Khodadoust
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolrahim Nikzamir
- Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Jahani-Sherafat
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Rostami-Nejad
- Celiac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Louvrou V, Solianik R, Brazaitis M, Erhardt S. Exploring the effect of prolonged fasting on kynurenine pathway metabolites and stress markers in healthy male individuals. Eur J Clin Nutr 2024; 78:677-683. [PMID: 38789718 PMCID: PMC11300305 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Prolonged fasting triggers a stress response within the human body. Our objective was to investigate the impact of prolonged fasting, in conjunction with stress, on kynurenine pathway metabolites. SUBJECTS/METHODS Healthy males were divided into fasting group (zero-calorie-restriction) for 6 days (FAST, n = 14), and control group (CON, n = 10). Blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline, Day 2, Day 4, Day 6 during fasting period, and 1 week after resuming regular diet. Plasma levels of kynurenine pathway metabolites were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Plasma and salivary samples were analyzed for stress markers. RESULTS A pronounced activation of the kynurenine pathway in individuals on FAST trial was revealed. Concentrations of picolinic acid (PIC), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) were significantly increased, with peak levels observed on Day 6 (P < 0.0001). Conversely, concentrations of tryptophan (TRP) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) decreased (P < 0.0001), while kynurenine (KYN) and nicotinamide (NAM) levels remained stable. Cortisol and noradrenaline concentrations remained unchanged. However, adrenaline levels significantly increased on Day 4 within FAST compared to CON (P = 0.005). Notably, all deviations in kynurenine pathway metabolite levels returned to baseline values upon resuming regular diet following the 6-day fasting regimen, even when weight and BMI parameters were not restored. CONCLUSIONS Extended fasting over 6 days induces the kynurenine pathway and has minimal effects on stress markers. Restoration of metabolite concentrations upon regular feeding implies rapid adaptation of the kynurenine pathway synthetic enzymes to maintain homeostasis when faced with perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Louvrou
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rima Solianik
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marius Brazaitis
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Sophie Erhardt
- Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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10
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Grishanova AY, Perepechaeva ML. Kynurenic Acid/AhR Signaling at the Junction of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6933. [PMID: 39000041 PMCID: PMC11240928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136933] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent systemic chronic inflammatory conditions are linked with many pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of death across the globe. Among various risk factors, one of the new possible contributors to CVDs is the metabolism of essential amino acid tryptophan. Proinflammatory signals promote tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP), thereby resulting in the biosynthesis of several immunomodulatory metabolites whose biological effects are associated with the development of symptoms and progression of various inflammatory diseases. Some participants in the KP are agonists of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a central player in a signaling pathway that, along with a regulatory influence on the metabolism of environmental xenobiotics, performs a key immunomodulatory function by triggering various cellular mechanisms with the participation of endogenous ligands to alleviate inflammation. An AhR ligand with moderate affinity is the central metabolite of the KP: KYN; one of the subsequent metabolites of KYN-kynurenic acid (KYNA)-is a more potent ligand of AhR. Understanding the role of AhR pathway-related metabolites of the KP that regulate inflammatory factors in cells of the cardiovascular system is interesting and important for achieving effective treatment of CVDs. The purpose of this review was to summarize the results of studies about the participation of the KP metabolite-KYNA-and of the AhR signaling pathway in the regulation of inflammation in pathological conditions of the heart and blood vessels and about the possible interaction of KYNA with AhR signaling in some CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria L. Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630060, Russia;
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11
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Parada-Kusz M, Clatworthy AE, Goering ER, Blackwood SM, Shigeta JY, Mashin E, Salm EJ, Choi C, Combs S, Lee JSW, Rodriguez-Osorio C, Clish C, Tomita S, Hung DT. 3-Hydroxykynurenine targets kainate receptors to promote defense against infection. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01635-z. [PMID: 38898166 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01635-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infection involves a complex interaction between the pathogen and host where the outcome of infection is not solely determined by pathogen eradication. To identify small molecules that promote host survival by altering the host-pathogen dynamic, we conducted an in vivo chemical screen using zebrafish embryos and found that treatment with 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) protects from lethal bacterial infection. 3-HK, a metabolite produced through host tryptophan metabolism, has no direct antibacterial activity but enhances host survival by restricting bacterial expansion in macrophages through a systemic mechanism that targets kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors. These findings reveal a new pathway by which tryptophan metabolism and kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors function and interact to modulate immunity, with important implications for the coordination between the immune and nervous systems in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Parada-Kusz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne E Clatworthy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Emily R Goering
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Blackwood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jack Y Shigeta
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth J Salm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Catherine Choi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Senya Combs
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jenny S W Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Osorio
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Clary Clish
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susumu Tomita
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Deborah T Hung
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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12
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Trøseid M, Nielsen SD, Vujkovic-Cvijin I. Gut microbiome and cardiometabolic comorbidities in people living with HIV. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:106. [PMID: 38877521 PMCID: PMC11177534 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) have increased relative risk of inflammatory-driven comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The gut microbiome could be one of several driving factors, along with traditional risk factors and HIV-related risk factors such as coinfections, ART toxicity, and past immunodeficiency. RESULTS PLWH have an altered gut microbiome, even after adjustment for known confounding factors including sexual preference. The HIV-related microbiome has been associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities, and shares features with CVD-related microbiota profiles, in particular reduced capacity for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) generation. Substantial inter-individual variation has so far been an obstacle for applying microbiota profiles for risk stratification. This review covers updated knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of the gut microbiome and comorbidities in PLWH, with specific focus on cardiometabolic comorbidities and inflammation. It covers a comprehensive overview of HIV-related and comorbidity-related dysbiosis, microbial translocation, and microbiota-derived metabolites. It also contains recent data from studies in PLWH on circulating metabolites related to comorbidities and underlying gut microbiota alterations, including circulating levels of the SCFA propionate, the histidine-analogue imidazole propionate, and the protective metabolite indole-3-propionic acid. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent advances, the gut microbiome and related metabolites are not yet established as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The review gives directions for future research needed to advance the field into clinical practice, including promises and pitfalls for precision medicine. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Trøseid
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
- Section for Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Susanne Dam Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen Oe, 2100, Denmark
| | - Ivan Vujkovic-Cvijin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- F. Widjaja Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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13
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Yang S, Datta D, Krienen FM, Ling E, Woo E, May A, Anderson GM, Galvin VC, Gonzalez-Burgos G, Lewis DA, McCarroll SA, Arnsten AF, Wang M. Kynurenic acid inflammatory signaling expands in primates and impairs prefrontal cortical cognition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598842. [PMID: 38915595 PMCID: PMC11195225 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive deficits from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) dysfunction are common in neuroinflammatory disorders, including long-COVID, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, and have been correlated with kynurenine inflammatory signaling. Kynurenine is further metabolized to kynurenic acid (KYNA) in brain, where it blocks NMDA and α7-nicotinic receptors (nic-α7Rs). These receptors are essential for neurotransmission in dlPFC, suggesting that KYNA may cause higher cognitive deficits in these disorders. The current study found that KYNA and its synthetic enzyme, KAT II, have greatly expanded expression in primate dlPFC in both glia and neurons. Local application of KYNA onto dlPFC neurons markedly reduced the delay-related firing needed for working memory via actions at NMDA and nic-α7Rs, while inhibition of KAT II enhanced neuronal firing in aged macaques. Systemic administration of agents that reduce KYNA production similarly improved cognitive performance in aged monkeys, suggesting a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of cognitive deficits in neuroinflammatory disorders.
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14
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Takkar S, Sharma G, Kaushal JB, Abdullah KM, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. From orphan to oncogene: The role of GPR35 in cancer and immune modulation. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 77:56-66. [PMID: 38514303 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.03.004] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are well-studied and the most traceable cell surface receptors for drug discovery. One of the intriguing members of this family is G protein-coupled receptors 35 (GPR35), which belongs to the class A rhodopsin-like family of GPCRs identified over two decades ago. GPR35 presents interesting features such as ubiquitous expression and distinct isoforms. Moreover, functional and genome-wide association studies on its widespread expression have linked GPR35 with pathophysiological disease progression. Various pieces of evidence have been accumulated regarding the independent or endogenous ligand-dependent role of GPR35 in cancer progression and metastasis. In the current scenario, the relationship of this versatile receptor and its putative endogenous ligands for the activation of oncogenic signal transduction pathways at the cellular level is an active area of research. These intriguing features offered by GPR35 make it an oncological target, justifying its uniqueness at the physiological and pathophysiological levels concerning other GPCRs. For pharmacologically targeting receptor-induced signaling, few potential competitive antagonists have been discovered that offer high selectivity at a human level. In addition to its fascinating features, targeting GPR35 at rodent and human orthologue levels is distinct, thus contributing to the sub-species selectivity. Strategies to modulate these issues will help us understand and truly target GPR35 at the therapeutic level. In this article, we have provided prospects on each topic mentioned above and suggestions to overcome the challenges. This review discusses the molecular mechanism and signal transduction pathways activated by endogenous ligands or spontaneous auto-activation of GPR35 that contributes towards disease progression. Furthermore, we have highlighted the GPR35 structure, ubiquitous expression, its role in immunomodulation, and at the pathophysiological level, especially in cancer, indicating its status as a versatile receptor. Subsequently, we discussed the various proposed ligands and their mechanism of interaction with GPR35. Additionally, we have summarized the GPR35 antagonist that provides insights into the opportunities for therapeutically targeting this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Takkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - K M Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Jawed A Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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15
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Franzese O, Ancona P, Bianchi N, Aguiari G. Apoptosis, a Metabolic "Head-to-Head" between Tumor and T Cells: Implications for Immunotherapy. Cells 2024; 13:924. [PMID: 38891056 PMCID: PMC11171541 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110924] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Induction of apoptosis represents a promising therapeutic approach to drive tumor cells to death. However, this poses challenges due to the intricate nature of cancer biology and the mechanisms employed by cancer cells to survive and escape immune surveillance. Furthermore, molecules released from apoptotic cells and phagocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can facilitate cancer progression and immune evasion. Apoptosis is also a pivotal mechanism in modulating the strength and duration of anti-tumor T-cell responses. Combined strategies including molecular targeting of apoptosis, promoting immunogenic cell death, modulating immunosuppressive cells, and affecting energy pathways can potentially overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Thus, an effective approach for targeting apoptosis within the TME should delicately balance the selective induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, while safeguarding survival, metabolic changes, and functionality of T cells targeting crucial molecular pathways involved in T-cell apoptosis regulation. Enhancing the persistence and effectiveness of T cells may bolster a more resilient and enduring anti-tumor immune response, ultimately advancing therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. This review delves into the pivotal topics of this multifaceted issue and suggests drugs and druggable targets for possible combined therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Franzese
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via F. Mortara 74, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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16
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Dehhaghi M, Heydari M, Panahi HKS, Lewin SR, Heng B, Brew BJ, Guillemin GJ. The roles of the kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 neuropathogenesis. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02293-y. [PMID: 38802702 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the highly contagious respiratory disease Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that may lead to various neurological and psychological disorders that can be acute, lasting days to weeks or months and possibly longer. The latter is known as long-COVID or more recently post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC). During acute COVID-19 infection, a strong inflammatory response, known as the cytokine storm, occurs in some patients. The levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interferon-β (IFN-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are particularly increased. These cytokines are known to activate the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1), catalysing the first step of tryptophan (Trp) catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP) leading to the production of several neurotoxic and immunosuppressive metabolites. There is already data showing elevation in KP metabolites both acutely and in PASC, especially regarding cognitive impairment. Thus, it is likely that KP involvement is significant in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis especially neurologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Dehhaghi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mostafa Heydari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Kazemi Shariat Panahi
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Bruce J Brew
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit, St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Departments of Neurology and Immunology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit, St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Pertanian Bogor University, Bogor, Indonesia
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17
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Wu MH, Valenca-Pereira F, Cendali F, Giddings EL, Pham-Danis C, Yarnell MC, Novak AJ, Brunetti TM, Thompson SB, Henao-Mejia J, Flavell RA, D'Alessandro A, Kohler ME, Rincon M. Deleting the mitochondrial respiration negative regulator MCJ enhances the efficacy of CD8 + T cell adoptive therapies in pre-clinical studies. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4444. [PMID: 38789421 PMCID: PMC11126743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial respiration is essential for the survival and function of T cells used in adoptive cellular therapies. However, strategies that specifically enhance mitochondrial respiration to promote T cell function remain limited. Here, we investigate methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ), an endogenous negative regulator of mitochondrial complex I expressed in CD8 cells, as a target for improving the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapies. We demonstrate that MCJ inhibits mitochondrial respiration in murine CD8+ CAR-T cells and that deletion of MCJ increases their in vitro and in vivo efficacy against murine B cell leukaemia. Similarly, MCJ deletion in ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD8+ T cells also increases their efficacy against established OVA-expressing melanoma tumors in vivo. Furthermore, we show for the first time that MCJ is expressed in human CD8 cells and that the level of MCJ expression correlates with the functional activity of CD8+ CAR-T cells. Silencing MCJ expression in human CD8 CAR-T cells increases their mitochondrial metabolism and enhances their anti-tumor activity. Thus, targeting MCJ may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to increase mitochondrial metabolism and improve the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Wu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Felipe Valenca-Pereira
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Francesca Cendali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily L Giddings
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Catherine Pham-Danis
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael C Yarnell
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amanda J Novak
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Tonya M Brunetti
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Scott B Thompson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jorge Henao-Mejia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard A Flavell
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Eric Kohler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Mercedes Rincon
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
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18
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Chaudhry KA, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a tumor modulator: mechanisms to therapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1375905. [PMID: 38807762 PMCID: PMC11130384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1375905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is widely recognized to play important, but complex, modulatory roles in a variety of tumor types. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the increasingly controversial role of AhR as a tumor regulator and the mechanisms by which it alters tumor progression based on the cancer cell type. Finally, we discuss new and emerging strategies to therapeutically modulate AhR, focusing on novel agents that hold promise in current human clinical trials as well as existing FDA-approved drugs that could potentially be repurposed for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
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19
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Molfino A, Imbimbo G, Gallicchio C, Muscaritoli M. Tryptophan metabolism and kynurenine metabolites in cancer: systemic nutritional and metabolic implications. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2024; 27:316-321. [PMID: 38386476 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000001021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the role of Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and Kynurenine (Kyn) metabolites in nutritional and metabolic changes in cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Trp is in part utilized for protein and neurotransmitters biosynthesis, but more than 95% is implicated in Kyn pathways. In this molecular cascade, metabolites are produced with distinct biological activities regulating the immune response and neurotransmission with potential implications in malnutrition/cachexia during cancer. Immune dysfunction is a phenomenon occurring during cancer and malnutrition. Kyn metabolites regulate lymphocytes activity and recent data in animals showed that the inhibition of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) via 1-methyl-tryptophan determines partial amelioration of inflammation, but no positive effects on the preservation of muscularity were observed. Kynurenines seem to contribute to muscle catabolism via NAD+ biosynthesis and ROS generation. Trp metabolism via the serotonin biosynthesis is involved in appetite control in cancer. Moreover, kynurenines have a role in determining fatigue in conditions associated with inflammation. SUMMARY Trp metabolism has implications in immune and energy balance in cancer. The modulation of Trp and kynurenines have impact on central nervous system mechanisms, including appetite, fatigue, and muscle wasting/cachexia. Research focusing on these clinical implications will open new scenario for therapeutic interventions aimed at counteracting nutritional derangements in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Molfino
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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20
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Guo L, Wu C, Song B, Jin HZ. Exploration of circulating metabolic signature of erythrodermic psoriasis based on LC-MS metabolomics. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15103. [PMID: 38794829 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15103] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a rare and life-threatening disease, the pathogenesis of which remains to be largely unknown. Metabolomics analysis can provide global information on disease pathophysiology, candidate biomarkers, and potential intervention strategies. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of EP and explore the serum metabolic signature of EP, we conducted an untargeted metabolomics analysis from 20 EP patients and 20 healthy controls. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics for focused metabolites were identified in the serum samples of 30 EP patients and 30 psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) patients. In the untargeted analysis, a total of 2992 molecular features were extracted from each sample, and the peak intensity of each feature was obtained. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed significant difference between groups. After screening, 98 metabolites were found to be significantly dysregulated in EP, including 67 down-regulated and 31 up-regulated. EP patients had lower levels of L-tryptophan, L-isoleucine, retinol, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and higher levels of betaine and uric acid. KEGG analysis showed differential metabolites were enriched in amino acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The targeted metabolomics showed lower L-tryptophan in EP than PsV with significant difference and L-tryptophan levels were negatively correlated with the PASI scores. The serum metabolic signature of EP was discovered. Amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism were dysregulated in EP. The metabolite differences provide clues for pathogenesis of EP and they may provide insights for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Biao Song
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Zhong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing, China
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21
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Gonçalves M, Furgiuele A, Rasini E, Legnaro M, Ferrari M, Luini A, Rodrigues-Santos P, Caramelo F, Marino F, Pereira FC, Cosentino M. A peripheral blood mononuclear cell-based in vitro model: A tool to explore indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1). Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176420. [PMID: 38367683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proinflammatory cytokines powerfully induce the rate-limiting enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) in dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes, it converts tryptophan (Trp) into L-kynurenine (KYN), along the kynurenine pathway (KP). This mechanism represents a crucial innate immunity regulator that can modulate T cells. This work explores the role of IDO1 in lymphocyte proliferation within a specific pro-inflammatory milieu. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclera cells (PBMCs) were isolated from buffy coats taken from healthy blood donors and exposed to a pro-inflammatory milieu triggered by a double-hit stimulus: lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus anti-CD3/CD28. The IDO1 mRNA levels in the PBMCs were measured by RT-PCR; the IDO1 activity was analyzed using the KYN/Trp ratio, measured by HPLC-EC; and lymphocyte proliferation was measured by flow cytometry. Trp and epacadostat (EP) were used as an IDO1 substrate and inhibitor, respectively. KYN, which is known to modulate Teffs, was tested as a positive control in lymphocyte proliferation. RESULTS IDO1 expression and activity in PBMCs increased in an in vitro pro-inflammatory milieu. The lymphoid stimulus increased IDO1 expression and activity, which supports the interaction between the activated lymphocytes and the circulating myeloid IDO1-expressing cells. The addition of Trp decreased lymphocyte proliferation but EP, which abrogated the IDO1 function, had no impact on proliferation. Additionally, incubation with KYN seemed to decrease the lymphocyte proliferation. CONCLUSION IDO1 inhibition did not change T lymphocyte proliferation. We present herein an in vitro experimental model suitable to measure IDO1 expression and activity in circulating myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milene Gonçalves
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alessia Furgiuele
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rasini
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Marco Ferrari
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandra Luini
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Franca Marino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, Univ Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Frederico C Pereira
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Marco Cosentino
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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Turska-Kozłowska M, Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Paluszkiewicz P, Parada-Turska J. Different Kynurenine Pathway Dysregulation in Systemic Sclerosis in Men and Women. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3842. [PMID: 38612652 PMCID: PMC11011858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073842] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a predominantly female-affected systemic autoimmune disease, requires tailored treatment strategies contingent on organ involvement and symptom severity. Given SSc's inflammatory nature, the involvement of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in its pathophysiology is underexplored. Our study aimed to investigate sex-related differences in KP activation among SSc patients and assess the impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on KP metabolite concentrations. We enrolled 48 SSc patients and 53 healthy controls, quantifying KP metabolites (tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA)) in serum via high-performance liquid chromatography. Separate multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) for women and men were performed to ascertain mean differences between patients and healthy controls while correcting for age. For our secondary objective, we conducted a MANCOVA to explore disparities in ACE inhibitor users and non-users among patients, with BMI correction. Our findings revealed decreased TRP concentrations but increased KYNA/TRP ratio and KYN/TRP ratio in both male and female SSc patients compared to their respective controls. Unlike women, SSc males exhibited higher KYN concentrations and decreased KYNA/KYN ratio relative to their controls. Additionally, SSc patients using ACE inhibitors had higher serum KYNA levels than non-users. Notably, we established a significant correlation between eGFR and KYNA in SSc patients. These results indicate differential KP activation in male and female SSc patients, with males demonstrating heightened KP activation. While ACE inhibitors may influence the KP in SSc patients, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their impact on symptoms and prognosis in the context of these KP alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Turska-Kozłowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynow 1H, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Piotr Paluszkiewicz
- Department of General, Oncological and Metabolic Surgery, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indiry Gandhi 14, 02-778 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Parada-Turska
- Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
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23
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Krupa A, Łebkowska A, Kondraciuk M, Kaminski KA, Kowalska I. Alteration in kynurenine pathway metabolites in young women with autoimmune thyroiditis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6851. [PMID: 38514790 PMCID: PMC10957988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57154-3] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation includes several compounds that reveal immunomodulatory properties. The present study aimed to investigate the alteration in KP metabolites in young women with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and their associations with thyroid function. The thyroid function tests, antithyroid antibodies measurement and ultrasonography of the thyroid gland have been performed in 57 young women with AIT and 38 age-matched healthy controls. The serum levels of tryptophan, kynurenine (KYN) and its metabolites were determined, and the activity of KP enzymes was calculated indirectly as product-to-substrate ratios. KP was activated and dysregulated in AIT, along with significantly elevated levels of KYN and anthranilic acid (AA), at the expense of the reduction of kynurenic acid (KYNA), which was reflected by the increase in the AA/KYNA ratio (p < 0.001). In univariate and multiple regression analyses, peripheral deiodinase (SPINA-GD) activity in AIT was positively associated with KYNA, AA, and quinolinic acid (QA). The merger of AA, AA/KYNA ratio, QA and SPINA-GD exhibited the highest sensitivity and specificity to predict AIT (p < 0.001) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In conclusion, the serum KYN metabolite profile is dysregulated in young women with AIT and could serve as a new predictor of AIT risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Krupa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Łebkowska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Kondraciuk
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15B, 15-269, Białystok, Poland
| | - Karol Adam Kaminski
- Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15B, 15-269, Białystok, Poland
| | - Irina Kowalska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Białystok, Poland
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24
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Antenucci N, D'Errico G, Fazio F, Nicoletti F, Bruno V, Battaglia G. Changes in kynurenine metabolites in the gray and white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals affected by schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38413629 PMCID: PMC10899223 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-024-00447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Here, we performed an in-depth analysis of all metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, i.e., tryptophan (TRY), kynurenic acid (KYNA), L-kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), anthranylic acid (ANA), 3-hydroxyanthranylic acid (3-HANA), xanthurenic acid (XA) and quinolinic acid (QUINA), in postmortem samples of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, Brodmann area 46, 9) of individuals affected by schizophrenia and non-schizophrenic controls. The analysis was carried out in the gray and white matter. Levels of KYN, 3-HK, ANA, and 3-HANA were significantly increased in both the gray and white matter of the DLPFC of individuals affected by schizophrenia, whereas levels of TRY, KYNA, and QUINA were increased exclusively in the white matter and remained unchanged in the gray matter. These increases in kynurenine metabolites did not correlate with age, sex, duration of the disease, and duration and type of antipsychotic medication. These findings suggest that the two major branches of the kynurenine pathway, i.e., the transamination of KYN into KYNA, and hydroxylation of KYN into 3-HK are activated in the white matter of individuals affected by schizophrenia, perhaps as a result of neuroinflammation, and support the evidence that abnormalities of the white matter are consistenly associated with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Antenucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Francesco Fazio
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Valeria Bruno
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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25
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Wong C, Stoilova I, Gazeau F, Herbeuval JP, Fourniols T. Mesenchymal stromal cell derived extracellular vesicles as a therapeutic tool: immune regulation, MSC priming, and applications to SLE. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355845. [PMID: 38390327 PMCID: PMC10881725 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355845] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a dysfunction of the immune system. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSCs) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometer-sized particles carrying a diverse range of bioactive molecules, such as proteins, miRNAs, and lipids. Despite the methodological disparities, recent works on MSC-EVs have highlighted their broad immunosuppressive effect, thus driving forwards the potential of MSC-EVs in the treatment of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, their mechanism of action is still unclear, and better understanding is needed for clinical application. Therefore, we describe in this review the diverse range of bioactive molecules mediating their immunomodulatory effect, the techniques and possibilities for enhancing their immune activity, and finally the potential application to SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Wong
- EVerZom, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8601, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ivana Stoilova
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8601, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Florence Gazeau
- Matière et Systèmes Complexes (MSC) UMR CNRS 7057, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Herbeuval
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8601, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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26
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Xia L, Hantrakun V, Teparrukkul P, Wongsuvan G, Kaewarpai T, Dulsuk A, Day NPJ, Lemaitre RN, Chantratita N, Limmathurotsakul D, Shojaie A, Gharib SA, West TE. Plasma Metabolomics Reveals Distinct Biological and Diagnostic Signatures for Melioidosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:288-298. [PMID: 37812796 PMCID: PMC10840774 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202207-1349oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The global burden of sepsis is greatest in low-resource settings. Melioidosis, infection with the gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a frequent cause of fatal sepsis in endemic tropical regions such as Southeast Asia. Objectives: To investigate whether plasma metabolomics would identify biological pathways specific to melioidosis and yield clinically meaningful biomarkers. Methods: Using a comprehensive approach, differential enrichment of plasma metabolites and pathways was systematically evaluated in individuals selected from a prospective cohort of patients hospitalized in rural Thailand with infection. Statistical and bioinformatics methods were used to distinguish metabolomic features and processes specific to patients with melioidosis and between fatal and nonfatal cases. Measurements and Main Results: Metabolomic profiling and pathway enrichment analysis of plasma samples from patients with melioidosis (n = 175) and nonmelioidosis infections (n = 75) revealed a distinct immuno-metabolic state among patients with melioidosis, as suggested by excessive tryptophan catabolism in the kynurenine pathway and significantly increased levels of sphingomyelins and ceramide species. We derived a 12-metabolite classifier to distinguish melioidosis from other infections, yielding an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 in a second validation set of patients. Melioidosis nonsurvivors (n = 94) had a significantly disturbed metabolome compared with survivors (n = 81), with increased leucine, isoleucine, and valine metabolism, and elevated circulating free fatty acids and acylcarnitines. A limited eight-metabolite panel showed promise as an early prognosticator of mortality in melioidosis. Conclusions: Melioidosis induces a distinct metabolomic state that can be examined to distinguish underlying pathophysiological mechanisms associated with death. A 12-metabolite signature accurately differentiates melioidosis from other infections and may have diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xia
- Department of Biostatistics
| | | | - Prapit Teparrukkul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand; and
| | | | | | - Adul Dulsuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and
| | - Nicholas P. J. Day
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Narisara Chantratita
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and
| | - Direk Limmathurotsakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sina A. Gharib
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - T. Eoin West
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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27
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Losol P, Wolska M, Wypych TP, Yao L, O'Mahony L, Sokolowska M. A cross talk between microbial metabolites and host immunity: Its relevance for allergic diseases. Clin Transl Allergy 2024; 14:e12339. [PMID: 38342758 PMCID: PMC10859320 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic diseases, including respiratory and food allergies, as well as allergic skin conditions have surged in prevalence in recent decades. In allergic diseases, the gut microbiome is dysbiotic, with reduced diversity of beneficial bacteria and increased abundance of potential pathogens. Research findings suggest that the microbiome, which is highly influenced by environmental and dietary factors, plays a central role in the development, progression, and severity of allergic diseases. The microbiome generates metabolites, which can regulate many of the host's cellular metabolic processes and host immune responses. AIMS AND METHODS Our goal is to provide a narrative and comprehensive literature review of the mechanisms through which microbial metabolites regulate host immune function and immune metabolism both in homeostasis and in the context of allergic diseases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We describe key microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, bile acids and polyamines, elucidating their mechanisms of action, cellular targets and their roles in regulating metabolism within innate and adaptive immune cells. Furthermore, we characterize the role of bacterial metabolites in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases including allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergy. CONCLUSION Future research efforts should focus on investigating the physiological functions of microbiota-derived metabolites to help develop new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purevsuren Losol
- Department of Internal MedicineSeoul National University Bundang HospitalSeongnamKorea
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsSchool of BiomedicineMongolian National University of Medical SciencesUlaanbaatarMongolia
| | - Magdalena Wolska
- Laboratory of Host‐Microbiota InteractionsNencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Tomasz P. Wypych
- Laboratory of Host‐Microbiota InteractionsNencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Lu Yao
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Department of MedicineUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- School of MicrobiologyUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Liam O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Department of MedicineUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- School of MicrobiologyUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Milena Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF)University of ZurichDavosSwitzerland
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28
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Jia D, Kuang Z, Wang L. The role of microbial indole metabolites in tumor. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2409209. [PMID: 39353090 PMCID: PMC11445886 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2409209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota can produce a variety of microbial-derived metabolites to influence tumor development. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid in the human body, can be converted by microorganisms via the indole pathway to indole metabolites such as Indole-3-Lactic Acid (ILA), Indole-3-Propionic Acid (IPA), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Indole-3-Aldehyde (IAld). Recent studies have shown that indole metabolites play key roles in tumor progression, and they can be used as adjuvant regimens for tumor immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Here, we summarize recent findings on the common microbial indole metabolites and provide a review of the mechanisms of different indole metabolites in the tumor microenvironment. We further discuss the limitations of current indole metabolite research and future possibilities. It is expected that microbial indole metabolites will provide new strategies for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingjiacheng Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zheng Kuang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Institution of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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29
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Aizaz M, Khan A, Khan F, Khan M, Musad Saleh EA, Nisar M, Baran N. The cross-talk between macrophages and tumor cells as a target for cancer treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1259034. [PMID: 38033495 PMCID: PMC10682792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1259034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages represent an important component of the innate immune system. Under physiological conditions, macrophages, which are essential phagocytes, maintain a proinflammatory response and repair damaged tissue. However, these processes are often impaired upon tumorigenesis, in which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) protect and support the growth, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells and promote suppression of antitumor immunity. TAM abundance is closely associated with poor outcome of cancer, with impediment of chemotherapy effectiveness and ultimately a dismal therapy response and inferior overall survival. Thus, cross-talk between cancer cells and TAMs is an important target for immune checkpoint therapies and metabolic interventions, spurring interest in it as a therapeutic vulnerability for both hematological cancers and solid tumors. Furthermore, targeting of this cross-talk has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment with the antibody against CD47 protein, a critical macrophage checkpoint recognized as the "don't eat me" signal, as well as other metabolism-focused strategies. Therapies targeting CD47 constitute an important milestone in the advancement of anticancer research and have had promising effects on not only phagocytosis activation but also innate and adaptive immune system activation, effectively counteracting tumor cells' evasion of therapy as shown in the context of myeloid cancers. Targeting of CD47 signaling is only one of several possibilities to reverse the immunosuppressive and tumor-protective tumor environment with the aim of enhancing the antitumor response. Several preclinical studies identified signaling pathways that regulate the recruitment, polarization, or metabolism of TAMs. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of macrophages in cancer progression and the mechanisms by which they communicate with tumor cells. Additionally, we dissect various therapeutic strategies developed to target macrophage-tumor cell cross-talk, including modulation of macrophage polarization, blockade of signaling pathways, and disruption of physical interactions between leukemia cells and macrophages. Finally, we highlight the challenges associated with tumor hypoxia and acidosis as barriers to effective cancer therapy and discuss opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Aizaz
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Faisal Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maria Khan
- Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ebraheem Abdu Musad Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Science, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Natalia Baran
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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30
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Ying ZH, Mao CL, Xie W, Yu CH. Postbiotics in rheumatoid arthritis: emerging mechanisms and intervention perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1290015. [PMID: 38029106 PMCID: PMC10662086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1290015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic autoimmune disease that affects individuals of all age groups. Recently, the association between RA and the gut microbiome has led to the investigation of postbiotics as potential therapeutic strategies. Postbiotics refer to inactivated microbial cells, cellular components, or their metabolites that are specifically intended for the microbiota. Postbiotics not only profoundly influence the occurrence and development of RA, but they also mediate various inflammatory pathways, immune processes, and bone metabolism. Although they offer a variety of mechanisms and may even be superior to more conventional "biotics" such as probiotics and prebiotics, research on their efficacy and clinical significance in RA with disruptions to the intestinal microbiota remains limited. In this review, we provide an overview of the concept of postbiotics and summarize the current knowledge regarding postbiotics and their potential use in RA therapy. Postbiotics show potential as a viable adjunctive therapy option for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hua Ying
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Arthritis Diagnosis and Research, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Mao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Arthritis Diagnosis and Research, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
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31
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Xodo S, Londero AP, Orsaria M, Marzinotto S, Colussi G, Cagnacci A, Mariuzzi L, Gri G. Examining the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Network in the Placental Tissues of Pregnancies Complicated by Pre-Eclampsia: An Explorative Case-Control Analysis. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2122. [PMID: 38004262 PMCID: PMC10672047 DOI: 10.3390/life13112122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality associated with pre-eclampsia, which are caused partly by premature delivery, affect a factual proportion of pregnancies. Despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of pre-eclampsia remain elusive, with emerging evidence implicating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in its pathogenesis. This study sought to elucidate the involvement of the AhR and its associated pathway in pre-eclampsia by comparing placental components of the AhR pathway in pregnant individuals with and without pre-eclampsia. This case-control investigation was conducted at the University Hospital of Udine from May 2021 to February 2023. The AhR was assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and its mRNA was evaluated using a Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR. Levels of mRNA expression were also estimated for other components of the AhR pathway (CYP1B1, IDO1, ARNT, TIPARP, S100A4, and AHRR). Our findings show decreased levels of expression of AhR, IDO1, ARNT, TiPARP, and S100A4 in the placental tissues of individuals with pre-eclampsia compared to controls (p < 0.05). The AhR exhibited a distinct localization within the syncytiotrophoblast (nuclei and cytoplasm) and CD45-positive cells (nuclei and cytoplasm). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the AhR and S100A4 (rho = 0.81) was observed in normal placentas, while CYP1B1 displayed a significant negative correlation with the AhR (rho = -0.72), within addition to its negative correlation with TiPARP (rho = -0.83). This study illuminates pre-eclampsia's molecular aberrations, suggesting new diagnostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic approaches. This study emphasizes the need for more research to validate and broaden these findings to improve the management of this complex pregnancy condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xodo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Ambrogio P. Londero
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Orsaria
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Stefania Marzinotto
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Gianluca Colussi
- Hypertension Unit, Department of Medicine, ASFO “Santa Maria degli Angeli” Hospital of Pordenone, 33170 Pordenone, Italy;
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Mariuzzi
- Institute of Pathology, “Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine”, DAME, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (M.O.)
| | - Giorgia Gri
- DIMEC—Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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32
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Guo Y, Wei S, Yin M, Cao D, Li Y, Wen C, Zhou J. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Reveals Stage-Specific Metabolic Signatures of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Metabolites 2023; 13:1058. [PMID: 37887383 PMCID: PMC10608640 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of chronic rheumatic immune disease, and the crucial point of AS treatment is identifying the correct stage of the disease. However, there is a lack of effective diagnostic methods for AS staging. The primary objective of this study was to perform an untargeted metabolomic approach in AS patients in an effort to reveal metabolic differences between patients in remission and acute stages. Serum samples from 40 controls and 57 AS patients were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty-four kinds of differential metabolites were identified between the healthy controls and AS patients, mainly involving valine/leucine/isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation, phenylalanine/tyrosine/tryptophan biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, etc. Furthermore, the levels of fatty acids (linoleate, dodecanoate, hexadecanoate, and octadecanoate), amino acids (serine and pyroglutamate), 2-hydroxybutanoate, glucose, etc., were lower in patients in the acute stage than those in the remission stage, which may be associated with the aggravated inflammatory response and elevated oxidative stress in the acute stage. Multiple stage-specific metabolites were significantly correlated with inflammatory indicators (CRP and ESR). In addition, the combination of serum 2-hydroxybutanoate and hexadecanoate plays a significant role in the diagnosis of AS stages. These metabolomics-based findings provide new perspectives for AS staging, treatment, and pathogenesis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Guo
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Shuangshuang Wei
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Mengdi Yin
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Dandan Cao
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yiling Li
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Chengping Wen
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (Y.G.); (S.W.); (M.Y.); (D.C.); (Y.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Parada-Kusz M, Clatworthy AE, Goering ER, Blackwood SM, Salm EJ, Choi C, Combs S, Lee JSW, Rodriguez-Osorio C, Tomita S, Hung DT. A tryptophan metabolite modulates the host response to bacterial infection via kainate receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.16.553532. [PMID: 37645903 PMCID: PMC10462041 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.16.553532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infection involves a complex interaction between the pathogen and host where the outcome of infection is not solely determined by pathogen eradication. To identify small molecules that promote host survival by altering the host-pathogen dynamic, we conducted an in vivo chemical screen using zebrafish embryos and found that treatment with 3-hydroxy-kynurenine protects from lethal gram-negative bacterial infection. 3-hydroxy-kynurenine, a metabolite produced through host tryptophan metabolism, has no direct antibacterial activity but enhances host survival by restricting bacterial expansion in macrophages by targeting kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors. These findings reveal new mechanisms by which tryptophan metabolism and kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors function and interact to modulate immunity, with significant implications for the coordination between the immune and nervous systems in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Parada-Kusz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne E. Clatworthy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily R. Goering
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Blackwood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Salm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Catherine Choi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Senya Combs
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jenny S. W. Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Osorio
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susumu Tomita
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Deborah T. Hung
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Yang P, Zhang J. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) Activity: A Perspective Biomarker for Laboratory Determination in Tumor Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1988. [PMID: 37509627 PMCID: PMC10377333 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a heme enzyme involved in catalyzing the conversion of tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn) at the first rate-limiting step in the kynurenine pathway of L-tryptophan metabolism. It has been found to be involved in several biological functions such as aging, immune microorganism, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases, and cancer. IDO1 plays an important role in immune tolerance by depleting tryptophan in the tumor microenvironment and inhibiting the proliferation of effector T cells, which makes it an important emerging biomarker for cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, the research and development of IDO1 inhibitors are of great importance for tumor therapy. Of interest, IDO activity assays are of great value in the screening and evaluation of inhibitors. Herein, we mainly review the biological functions of IDO1, immune regulation, key signaling molecules in the response pathway, and the development of IDO1 inhibitors in clinical trials. Furthermore, this review provides a comprehensive overview and, in particular, a discussion of currently available IDO activity assays for use in the evaluation of IDO inhibitors in human blood. We believe that the IDO activity is a promising biomarker for the immune escape and laboratory evaluation of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China
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