The regulatory role of SFRP5/WNT5A axis in allergic rhinitis through inhibiting JNK pathway activation and lowering mucin generation in human nasal epithelial cells

Effects of Benzo[α]pyrene on Mucus Secretion and Tissue Remodeling in a Rat Model of Allergic Rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

Exposure to benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) increases the incidence and severity of allergic rhinitis (AR), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the in vivo effects of BaP exposure on mucus hypersecretion and tissue remodeling in a rat model of AR.

METHODS

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a negative control group, a group of healthy rats exposed to BaP, a group of rats with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR, and a group of AR model rats exposed to BaP. Nasal symptoms and levels of OVA-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured in each individual rat. Moreover, examination of goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition was carried out with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Masson trichrome (MT) staining. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

BaP significantly increased the number of sneezes, the number of nasal rubs and the levels of OVA-specific serum IgE in rats with AR. Statistically significant differences in goblet cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition were observed between the BaP-exposed AR model group and the AR model group. Immunohistochemical results showed that the nasal mucosa of AR model rats displayed markedly elevated MUC5AC expression after BaP exposure.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that mucus hypersecretion and the development of nasal remodeling might be pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying increased susceptibility to AR after exposure to BaP.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of the SFRP-Mediated Wnt Signalling Pathway Involved in Bone Metabolism in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease linked to an elevated fracture risk, primarily stemming from disruptions in bone metabolism. Present clinical treatments for OP merely alleviate symptoms. Hence, there exists a pressing need to identify novel targets for the clinical treatment of OP. Research indicates that the Wnt signalling pathway is modulated by serum-secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5), potentially serving as a pivotal regulator in bone metabolism disorders. Moreover, studies confirm elevated SFRP5 expression in OP, with SFRP5 overexpression leading to the downregulation of Wnt and β-catenin proteins in the Wnt signalling pathway, as well as the expression of osteogenesis-related marker molecules such as RUNX2, ALP, and OPN. Conversely, the opposite has been reported when SFRP5 is knocked out, suggesting that SFRP5 may be a key factor involved in the regulation of bone metabolism via the Wnt signalling axis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of SFRP5-induced OP have yet to be comprehensively elucidated. This review focusses on the molecular structure and function of SFRP5 and the potential molecular mechanisms of the SFRP5-mediated Wnt signalling pathway involved in bone metabolism in OP, providing reasonable evidence for the targeted therapy of SFRP5 for the prevention and treatment of OP.

Silencing of forkhead box C1 reduces nasal epithelial barrier damage in mice with allergic rhinitis via epigenetically upregulating secreted frizzled-related protein 5

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions to inhaled allergens, which leads to mucosal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. The transcription factor forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) has been identified to be associated with allergic inflammation. This study sought to uncover the role of FOXC1 in AR. A murine model of AR was induced by repeated intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) challenges. Results revealed that high FOXC1 expression was found in the nasal mucosal epithelium of AR mice. Nasal allergy symptoms, mucosal epithelial swelling, goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophil infiltration in AR mice were attenuated after silencing of FOXC1. Knockdown of FOXC1 decreased the levels of T-helper 2 cytokines interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-13 in nasal lavage fluid, and serum OVA-specific IgE and histamine. Silencing of FOXC1 restored nasal epithelial integrity in AR mice by enhancing the expression of tight junctions (TJs) and adherence junction. Furthermore, knocking down FOXC1 increased tight junction expression and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in IL-13-treated air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Mechanistically, silencing of FOXC1 induced DNA methylation of secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) promoter and increased its expression in the nasal mucosa of AR mice and IL-13-treated ALI cultures. FOXC1 overexpression transcriptionally activated DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) in IL-13-treated ALI cultures. Knockdown of SFRP5 reversed the protection of FOXC1 silencing on epithelial barrier damage induced by IL-13. Collectively, silencing of FOXC1 reduced allergic inflammation and nasal epithelial barrier damage in AR mice via upregulating SFRP5, which may be attribute to DNMT3B-driven DNA methylation. Our study indicated that FOXC1 may represent a potential therapeutic target for AR.

Effects of 101BHG-D01, a novel M receptor antagonism, on allergic rhinitis in animal models and its mechanism

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a nasal mucosal disease with sneezing and nasal itching as the main symptoms. Although AR treatment continues to improve, there remains a lack of effective drugs. There are still controversies regarding whether anticholinergic drugs can effectively and safely relieve the symptoms of AR and reduce inflammation in the nasal mucosa. Here, we synthesized 101BHG-D01, which is a novel anticholinergic drug that mainly targets the M3 receptor and may reduce the adverse effects of other anticholinergic drugs on the heart. We evaluated the effects of 101BHG-D01 on AR and investigated the potential molecular mechanism of anticholinergic therapy for AR. We found that 101BHG-D01 effectively alleviated AR symptoms, reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and attenuated the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, etc.) in various AR animal models. In addition, 101BHG-D01 reduced the activation of mast cells and the release of histamine from rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs) challenged by IgE. Moreover, 101BHG-D01 reduced the expression of MUC5AC in IL-13-challenged rat nasal epithelial cells (RNECs) and human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs). Furthermore, IL-13 stimulation significantly increased JAK1 and STAT6 phosphorylation, which was suppressed by 101BHG-D01. We demonstrated that 101BHG-D01 reduced mucus secretion and inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa, which may occur through a reduction in activation of the JAK1-STAT6 signaling pathway, indicating that 101BHG-D01 is a potent and safe anticholinergic therapy for AR.

WNT5A: a double-edged sword in colorectal cancer progression

The Wnt signaling pathway is known to play a crucial role in cancer, and WNT5A is a member of this pathway that binds to the Frizzled (FZD) and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Like Orphan Receptor (ROR) family members to activate non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. The WNT5A pathway is involved in various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion, and polarization. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), abnormal activation or inhibition of WNT5A signaling can lead to both oncogenic and antitumor effects. Moreover, WNT5A is associated with inflammation, metastasis, and altered metabolism in cancer cells. This article aims to discuss the molecular mechanisms and dual roles of WNT5A in CRC.

A Preliminary Study in Immune Response of BALB/c and C57BL/6 Mice with a Locally Allergic Rhinitis Model

BACKGROUND

BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains are commonly used in allergy research. The current study investigated the immunological differences between these two mouse strains with a locally allergic rhinitis model.

METHODS

Eighteen BALB/c and eighteen C57BL/6 mice received different doses of ovalbumin (OVA) intranasally for eight weeks (each mouse strain has three subgroups, 25 mg/mL group, 0.25 mg/mL group, and the PBS group). The allergic symptoms, OVA-specific serum antibody (IgE, IgG1, IgG2a), cytokines (IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-10) in the splenic culture supernatant, infiltrating eosinophils and goblet cells in local nasal mucosa were measured. RNA-seq technology was applied to detect differential gene expression in the local nasal mucosa.

RESULTS

With the same dose of OVA stimulation, the exacerbation of allergic symptoms was more pronounced in C57BL/6 than in BALB/c. BALB/c serum IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a gradually increased, and C57BL/6 produced fewer serum antibodies IgE and IgG1, while IgG2a never increased. BALB/c spleen cell culture supernatant IL-4 and IL-10 increased with increasing dose, and IFN-γ increased significantly in the intermediate dose group, while IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ did not increase in C57BL/6. The infiltration of eosinophils and goblet cells in both mice was proportional to the dose, while C57BL/6 was elevated more than BALB/c. RNA-seq suggested that the innate immune response, immune system process function, Jun kinase (JNK) pathway, and MAPKK pathway were upregulated in C57BL/6 compared to BALB/c. The core genes responsible for the differential immune response in both mice with allergic rhinitis were Kng2, Kng1, Gnb3, Lpar3, Lpar1, Pik3r1, Pf4, Apob, Rps9, and Fbxo2.

CONCLUSION

There are significant differences in the immunologic responses between BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice. BALB/c mice developed mild local allergic inflammatory reactions and strong systemic immune responses. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice had stronger local allergic inflammatory responses and relatively mild systemic immune responses. Different mice strains can be selected according to the research purpose.

Exercise training modulates adipokine dysregulations in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for various metabolic diseases, and it is characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. The core component for MetS is adipose tissue, which releases adipokines and influences physical health. Adipokines consist of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and contribute to various physiological functions. Generally, a sedentary lifestyle promotes fat accumulation and secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines. However, regular exercise has been known to exert various beneficial effects on metabolic and cognitive disorders. Although the mechanisms underlying exercise beneficial effects in MetS are not fully understood, changes in energy expenditure, fat accumulation, circulatory level of myokines, and adipokines might be involved. This review article focuses on some of the selected adipokines in MetS, and their responses to exercise training considering possible mechanisms.

Apremilast mitigates interleukin (IL)-13-induced inflammatory response and mucin production in human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs)

Interleukin (IL)-13-associated inflammatory response is important for the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). Apremilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor approved for psoriasis treatment. Here, we investigated the potential effects of Apremilast against IL-13-induced injury in human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs). Firstly, Apremilast ameliorated oxidative stress in IL-13-challenged cells by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Secondly, Apremilast inhibited the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8. Moreover, Apremilast inhibited the expressions of the chemokines colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) and chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11). Interestingly, exposure to IL-13 increased the expressions of mucin 4 and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), which was ameliorated by treatment with Apremilast. Interestingly, we found that Apremilast inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). Importantly, Apremilast reduced the levels of c-fos and c-Jun, the two AP-1 subfamilies. The luciferase reporter assay demonstrates that Apremilast reduced the transcriptional activity of activator protein 1 (AP-1). Lastly, we found that Apremilast prevented the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) by decreasing the levels of nuclear NF-κB p65 and the luciferase activity of the NF-κB reporter. In summary, we conclude that Apremilast possesses a protective effect against IL-13-induced inflammatory response and mucin production in hNECs by inhibiting the activity of AP-1 and NF-κB.

Effectiveness and Response Predictors of Omalizumab in Treating Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Real-World Study

Background

Omalizumab has been proven effective and safety in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) by several randomized clinical trials in many countries. However, there is lack of clinical reports of Chinese patients with SAR treated by omalizumab.

Objective

In the present real-world-designed study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of omalizumab in treating patients with SAR.

Methods

SAR patients administered omalizumab in various dosages were recruited, and follow-up was done. Their quality of life (QOL) and symptoms were assessed by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), Total Nasal Symptoms Score (TNSS), Asthma Control Test (ACT), and clinical outcomes were compared between post- and pre-treatment conditions.

Results

Sixty SAR patients received omalizumab therapy in the study (mean age 35.47±17.02 years, 35 females). Omalizumab treatment significantly improved the quality of life (change in RQLQ overall score: -2.08±1.01, paired t-test p<0.001) and nasal symptoms (change in TNSS: -7.33±2.50, paired t-test p<0.001) of SAR patients. In 21 patients with co-existing asthma, the ACT score significantly increased from 16.10 to 22.57 on average (paired t-test p<0.001), indicating better-controlled asthma. Using a threshold of ≥1 point improvement in RQLQ overall score, 83.3% of patients responded to omalizumab. The responder group had a higher baseline RQLQ score and TNSS (p<0.05), but both responders and non-responders had comparable scores after treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis identified the baseline RQLQ overall score as a predictor of change in the RQLQ score in omalizumab-treated SAR.

Conclusion

Omalizumab is effective and safe in SAR treatment in a real-world setting.