Prolonged activation of jun and collagenase genes by tumour necrosis factor-alpha

Identification of differentially expressed autophagy-related genes in cases of intracranial aneurysm: Bioinformatics analysis

OBJECTIVE

Recent research indicates that autophagy is essential for the rupture of intracranial aneurysm (IA). This study aimed to examine and validate potential autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in cases of IA using bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

Two expression profiles (GSE54083 and GSE75436) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed ARGs (DEARGs) in cases of IA were screened using GSE75436, and enrichment analysis and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks were used to identify the hub genes and related pathways. Furthermore, a novel predictive diagnostic signature for IA based on the hub genes was constructed. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the signature performance in GSE75436.

RESULTS

In total, 75 co-expressed DEARGs were identified in the GSE75436 and GSE54083 dataset (28 upregulated and 47 downregulated genes). Enrichment analysis of DEARGs revealed several enriched terms associated with proteoglycans in cancer and human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection. PPI analysis revealed interactions between these genes. Hub DEARGs included insulin-like growth factor 1, clusters of differentiation 4, cysteine-aspartic acid protease 8, Bcl-2-like protein 11, mouse double mutant 2 homolog, toll-like receptor 4, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2, Jun proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit, hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha, and erythroblastic oncogene B-2. Notably, the signature showed good performance in distinguishing IA (AUC = 0.87). The sig calibration curves showed good calibration.

CONCLUSION

Bioinformatic analysis identified 75 potential DEARGs in cases of IA. This study revealed that IA is affected by autophagy, which could explain the pathogenesis of IA and aid in its diagnosis and treatment. However, future research with experimental validation is necessary to identify potential DEARGs in cases of IA.

The Past and Future of Inflammation as a Target to Cancer Prevention

Inflammation is an essential defense mechanism in which innate immune cells are coordinately activated on encounter of harmful stimuli, including pathogens, tissue injury, and toxic compounds and metabolites to neutralize and eliminate the instigator and initiate healing and regeneration. Properly terminated inflammation is vital to health, but uncontrolled runaway inflammation that becomes chronic begets a variety of inflammatory and metabolic diseases and increases cancer risk. Making damaged tissues behave as "wounds that do not heal" and sustaining the production of growth factors whose physiologic function is tissue healing, chronic inflammation accelerates cancer emergence from premalignant lesions. In 1863, Rudolf Virchow, a leading German pathologist, suggested a possible association between inflammation and tumor formation, but it took another 140 years to fully elucidate and appreciate the tumorigenic role of inflammation. Key findings outlined molecular events in the inflammatory cascade that promote cancer onset and progression and enabled a better appreciation of when and where inflammation should be inhibited. These efforts triggered ongoing research work to discover and develop inflammation-reducing chemopreventive strategies for decreasing cancer risk and incidence.

Factor XI as a therapeutic target in neuroinflammatory disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the pathophysiology and potential therapeutic options for treatment of multiple sclerosis, a common neuronal demyelinating disorder affecting 2.2 million people worldwide. As an autoimmune disorder, multiple sclerosis is associated with neuroinflammation and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), although the cause linking multiple sclerosis with compromised barrier function remains ill-defined. It has been previously shown that coagulation factors, including thrombin and fibrin, exacerbate the inflammatory processes and permeability of the BBB.

RECENT FINDINGS

Increased levels of the coagulation factor (F) XII have been found in patients presenting with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with a deleterious role for FXII being validated in murine model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE). Recent work has uncovered a role for the major substrate activated by FXII and thrombin, FXI, in the disorder of EAE. The study found that pharmacological targeting of FXI decreased clinical symptoms, lymphocyte invasion, and white matter destruction in a multiple sclerosis model.

SUMMARY

This review emphasizes the role of FXII and FXI in regulating barrier function and the immune response in neuroinflammation. These new findings broaden the potential for therapeutic utility of FXI inhibitors beyond thrombosis to include neuroinflammatory diseases associated with compromised BBB function, including multiple sclerosis.

Advancing the Adverse Outcome Pathway for PPARγ Inactivation Leading to Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Bradford-Hill Consideration and the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database

Pulmonary fibrosis is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for PPARγ inactivation leading to pulmonary fibrosis has been previously developed. To advance the development of this AOP, the confidence of the overall AOP was assessed using the Bradford-Hill considerations as per the recommendations from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Users' Handbook. Overall, the essentiality of key events (KEs) and the biological plausibility of key event relationships (KERs) were rated high. In contrast, the empirical support of KERs was found to be moderate. To experimentally evaluate the KERs from the molecular initiating event (MIE) and KE1, PPARγ (MIE) and TGF-β (KE1) inhibitors were used to examine the effects of downstream events following inhibition of their upstream events. PPARγ inhibition (MIE) led to TGF-β activation (KE1), upregulation in vimentin expression (KE3), and an increase in the fibronectin level (KE4). Similarly, activated TGF-β (KE1) led to an increase in vimentin (KE3) and fibronectin expression (KE4). In the database analysis using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, 31 genes related to each KE were found to be highly correlated with pulmonary fibrosis, and the top 21 potential stressors were suggested. The AOP for pulmonary fibrosis evaluated in this study will be the basis for the screening of inhaled toxic substances in the environment.

Interrogating Kinase-Substrate Relationships with Proximity Labeling and Phosphorylation Enrichment

Kinases govern many cellular responses through the reversible transfer of a phosphate moiety to their substrates. However, pairing a substrate with a kinase is challenging. In proximity labeling experiments, proteins proximal to a target protein are marked by biotinylation, and mass spectrometry can be used for their identification. Here, we combine ascorbate peroxidase (APEX) proximity labeling and a phosphorylation enrichment-based workflow, Phospho-APEX (pAPEX), to rapidly identify phosphorylated and biotinylated neighbor proteins which can be considered for candidate substrates. The pAPEX strategy enriches and quantifies differences in proximity for proteins and phosphorylation sites proximal to an APEX2-tagged kinase under the kinase "ON" and kinase "OFF" conditions. As a proof of concept, we identified candidate substrates of MAPK1 in HEK293T and HCT116 cells and candidate substrates of PKA in HEK293T cells. In addition to many known substrates, C15orf39 was identified and confirmed as a novel MAPK1 substrate. In all, we adapted the proximity labeling-based platform to accommodate phosphorylation analysis for kinase substrate identification.

Effects of S-PRG filler eluate on MMP-1 and MMP-3 secretion by human gingival fibroblasts

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surface reaction-type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler eluate on Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 secretion by human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The S-PRG filler eluate contains 6 ions (F, Na, Al, B, Sr and Si) released from the S-PRG filler. The S-PRG filler eluate stimulation induced a slight secretion of MMP-1 and MMP-3 by HGF. It also enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK. The increase in MMP-1 and MMP-3 secretion by the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was suppressed by the S-PRG filler eluate. TNF-α-induced increases in the phosphorylation of ERK were slightly enhanced by S-PRG filler eluate. These findings may prompt the development of new therapeutic agents for oral inflammation with materials composed of S-PRG filler eluate.

Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Omega-3 fatty acid is an emerging hotspot on anti-inflammation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known as a chronic inflammatory disease. The effect of Omega-3 fatty acid supplement on patients with COPD remains mixed for insufficient evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis is based on neat randomized controlled trials trying to give a clearer impression on the effect of Omega-3 on patients with COPD.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statements. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) by May 10, 2021 were searched. Data extracted from 6 predetermined domains (nutritional condition, lipid composition, inflammatory biomarker, lung function, physical endurance and quality of life [QoL]) were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 8 RCTs evaluating 418 patients (age, mean [SD] = 67.3 [10.2] years) were included. Statistical differences were found in 3 parameters of 3 domains - weight (Wt) (0.25 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.48], P = 0.03) in nutritional condition, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (0.70 [95% CI, 0.30 to 1.10], P = 0.00) in lipid composition and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level (-0.32 [95% CI, -0.60 to -0.05], P = 0.02) in inflammatory biomarker - while no significant difference was found in lung function, physical endurance or QoL.

CONCLUSION

Comparing with placebo, Omega-3 intake was associated with more weight-gaining, LDL increase and IL-6 reduction. These results should be interpreted cautiously for the quality and quantity of available evidence are limited.

Divalent Metal Transporter 1 Knock-Down Modulates IL-1β Mediated Pancreatic Beta-Cell Pro-Apoptotic Signaling Pathways through the Autophagic Machinery

Pro-inflammatory cytokines promote cellular iron-import through enhanced divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) expression in pancreatic β-cells, consequently cell death. Inhibition of β-cell iron-import by DMT1 silencing protects against apoptosis in animal models of diabetes. However, how alterations of signaling networks contribute to the protective action of DMT1 knock-down is unknown. Here, we performed phosphoproteomics using our sequential enrichment strategy of mRNA, protein, and phosphopeptides, which enabled us to explore the concurrent molecular events in the same set of wildtype and DMT1-silenced β-cells during IL-1β exposure. Our findings reveal new phosphosites in the IL-1β-induced proteins that are clearly reverted by DMT1 silencing towards their steady-state levels. We validated the levels of five novel phosphosites of the potential protective proteins using parallel reaction monitoring. We also confirmed the inactivation of autophagic flux that may be relevant for cell survival induced by DMT1 silencing during IL-1β exposure. Additionally, the potential protective proteins induced by DMT1 silencing were related to insulin secretion that may lead to improving β-cell functions upon exposure to IL-1β. This global profiling has shed light on the signal transduction pathways driving the protection against inflammation-induced cell death in β-cells after DMT1 silencing.

Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus in bone and joint infections: A mechanism of disease recurrence, inflammation, and bone and cartilage destruction

Bone and joint infections are devastating afflictions. Although medical interventions and advents have improved their care, bone and joint infections still portend dismal outcomes. Indeed, bone and joint infections are associated with extremely high mortality and morbidity rates and, generally, occur secondary to the aggressive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. The consequences of bone and joint infections are further compounded by the fact that although they are aggressively treated, they frequently recur and result in massive bone and articular cartilage loss. Here, we review the literature and chronicle the fact that the fundamental cellular components of the musculoskeletal system can be internally infected with Staphylococcus aureus, which explains the ready recurrence of bone and joint infections even after extensive administration of antibiotic therapy and debridement and offer potential treatment solutions for further study. Moreover, we review the ramifications of intracellular infection and expound that the massive bone and articular cartilage loss is caused by the sustained proinflammatory state induced by infection and offer potential combination therapies for further study to protect bone and cartilage.

The role of stress kinases in metabolic disease

Obesity is a health condition that has reached pandemic levels and is implicated in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer and heart failure. A key characteristic of obesity is the activation of stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), such as the p38 and JNK stress kinases, in several organs, including adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, immune organs and the central nervous system. The correct timing, intensity and duration of SAPK activation contributes to cellular metabolic adaptation. By contrast, uncontrolled SAPK activation has been proposed to contribute to the complications of obesity. The stress kinase signalling pathways have therefore been identified as potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for metabolic syndrome. The past few decades have seen intense research efforts to determine how these kinases are regulated in a cell-specific manner and to define their contribution to the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Several studies have uncovered new and unexpected functions of the non-classical members of both pathways. Here, we provide an overview of the role of SAPKs in metabolic control and highlight important discoveries in the field.

Activation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase, a Potential Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Arthritis

The c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a critical mediator involved in various physiological processes, such as immune responses, and the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders. JNK is one of the crucial downstream signaling molecules of various immune triggers, mainly proinflammatory cytokines, in autoimmune arthritic conditions, mainly including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. The activation of JNK is regulated in a complex manner by upstream kinases and phosphatases. Noticeably, different subtypes of JNKs behave differentially in immune responses. Furthermore, aside from biologics targeting proinflammatory cytokines, small-molecule inhibitors targeting signaling molecules such as Janus kinases can act as very powerful therapeutics in autoimmune arthritis patients unresponsiveness to conventional synthetic antirheumatic drugs. Nevertheless, despite these encouraging therapies, a population of patients with an inadequate therapeutic response to all currently available medications still remains. These findings identify the critical signaling molecule JNK as an attractive target for investigation of the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and for consideration as a potential therapeutic target for patients with autoimmune arthritis to achieve better disease control. This review provides a useful overview of the roles of JNK, how JNK is regulated in immunopathogenic responses, and the potential of therapeutically targeting JNK in patients with autoimmune arthritis.

Epidermal Stem Cells in Hair Follicle Cycling and Skin Regeneration: A View From the Perspective of Inflammation

There are many studies devoted to the role of hair follicle stem cells in wound healing as well as in follicle self-restoration. At the same time, the influence of the inflammatory cells on the hair follicle cycling in both injured and intact skin is well established. Immune cells of all wound healing stages, including macrophages, γδT cells, and T regs, may activate epidermal stem cells to provide re-epithelization and wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis. In addition to the ability of epidermal cells to maintain epidermal morphogenesis through differentiation program, they can undergo de-differentiation and acquire stem features under the influence of inflammatory milieu. Simultaneously, a stem cell compartment may undergo re-programming to adopt another fate. The proportion of skin resident immune cells and wound-attracted inflammatory cells (e.g., neutrophils and macrophages) in wound-induced hair follicle anagen and plucking-induced anagen is still under discussion to date. Experimental data suggesting the role of reactive oxygen species and prostaglandins, which are uncharacteristic of the intact skin, in the hair follicle cycling indicates the role of neutrophils in injury-induced conditions. In this review, we discuss some of the hair follicles stem cell activities, such as wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis, hair follicle cycling, and re-epithelization, through the prism of inflammation. The plasticity of epidermal stem cells under the influence of inflammatory microenvironment is considered. The relationship between inflammation, scarring, and follicle neogenesis as an indicator of complete wound healing is also highlighted. Taking into consideration the available data, we also conclude that there may exist a presumptive interlink between the stem cell activation, inflammation and the components of programmed cell death pathways.

Sulforaphane controls the release of paracrine factors by keratinocytes and thus mitigates particulate matter-induced premature skin aging by suppressing melanogenesis and maintaining collagen homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Skin aging, potentially caused by exposure to particulate matter (PM)_2.5, is characterized by wrinkling, abnormal pigmentation, and skin dryness triggered by several keratinocyte-derived paracrine factors. Sulforaphane (4-methylsulfinylbutyl isothiocyanate, SFN), commonly found in cruciferous vegetables, has diverse biological effects on skin tissue.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we have investigated whether SFN may alleviate PM_2.5-induced premature skin aging.

METHODS

We used keratinocyte/melanocyte or keratinocyte/fibroblast coculture models of skin cells and measured the parameters of melanogenesis, collagen homeostasis and inflammation.

RESULTS

SFN inhibited the development of reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes exposed to PM_2.5. In keratinocyte/melanocyte cocultures, it significantly inhibited the upregulation of melanogenic paracrine mediators (including endothelin-1 and prostaglandin E2) in keratinocytes exposed to PM_2.5; the synthesis of melanogenic proteins including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and tyrosinase; and the levels of melanin in melanocytes. SFN treatment of keratinocyte/fibroblast cocultures significantly reduced the PM_2.5-induced expression of NF-κB-mediated cytokines including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and cyclooxygenase-2. In fibroblasts of the keratinocyte/fibroblast coculture system, the expression levels of phospho-NF-κB, cysteine-rich protein 61, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 were significantly decreased whereas procollagen type I synthesis was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our results suggest that SFN mitigates PM_2.5-induced premature skin aging by suppressing melanogenesis and maintaining collagen homeostasis. It acts by regulating the release of paracrine factors from keratinocytes.

Distinct modes of TNF signaling through its two receptors in health and disease

TNF is a key proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine whose deregulation is associated with the development of autoimmune diseases and other pathologies. Recent studies suggest that distinct functions of TNF may be associated with differential engagement of its two receptors: TNFR1 or TNFR2. In this review, we discuss the relative contributions of these receptors to pathogenesis of several diseases, with the focus on autoimmunity and neuroinflammation. In particular, we discuss the role of TNFRs in the development of regulatory T cells during neuroinflammation and recent findings concerning targeting TNFR2 with agonistic and antagonistic reagents in various murine models of autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders and cancer.

Activator protein‑1 is a novel regulator of mesencephalic astrocyte‑derived neurotrophic factor transcription

Mesencephalic astrocyte‑derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is an endoplasmic reticulum stress‑inducible protein, which has been suggested to be upregulated in inflammatory diseases; however, how inflammation regulates its transcription remains unclear. Activator protein‑1 (AP‑1), which is a transcription factor complex composed of c‑Fos and c‑Jun, is activated during the inflammatory process. The present study aimed to investigate whether the AP‑1 complex regulates MANF transcription. The results of a luciferase reporter assay revealed that one of three putative AP‑1 binding sites in the MANF promoter region is essential for enhancement of MANF transcription. Mechanistically, AP‑1 was revealed to directly bind to the promoter region of the MANF gene by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, MANF was strongly expressed in the liver tissues of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, compared with in normal liver tissues from patients with hepatic hemangioma. Furthermore, c‑Fos and c‑Jun were also upregulated in the nuclei of hepatocytes from patients with HBV infection. In mice treated with carbon tetrachloride, the expression patterns of MANF, c‑Fos and c‑Jun were similar to those in patients with HBV. These results suggested that the AP‑1 complex may be a novel regulator of MANF transcription, which may be involved in liver inflammation and fibrosis.

Effects of Azilsartan, Aliskiren or their Combination on High Fat Diet-induced Non-alcoholic Liver Disease Model in Rats

INTRODUCTION

In addition to its role in regulation of blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components were expressed in many other tissues suggesting potential roles in their functions.

AIM

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect aliskiren, when used alone or in combination with azilsartan against high fat diet-induced liver disease in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two Wistar male rats, weighing 150-200 gm were allocated evenly into four groups and treated as follow: group I, rats were fed a specially formulated high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce non-alcoholic liver disease and considered as control group; groups II, III and IV, the rats were administered azilsartan (0.5 mg/kg), aliskiren (25 mg/kg) or their combination orally via gavage tube once daily, and maintained on high fat diet for 8 weeks. The possible treatment outcome was evaluated through measuring serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, TNF-α, IL-1β and liver enzymes. Additionally, the liver tissue contents of glycogen and lipids and histological changes were also evaluated.

RESULT

The results showed that azilsartan significantly improves the studied markers greater than aliskiren, and their combination o has no additive or synergistic effects on the activity of each one of them.

CONCLUSION

Both azilsartan and aliskiren protects the rats against high-fat diet induced NAFLD with predominant effects for the former, and their combination showed no beneficial synergistic or additive effects.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Cartilage Repair

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To assess the utilization and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), for the treatment of articular cartilage injury, most commonly characterized by progressive pain and loss of joint function in the setting of osteoarthritis (OA).

RECENT FINDINGS

PRP modulates the inflammatory and catabolic environment through a locally applied concentrate of platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors. Clinically, PRP has been shown to be possibly a viable treatment adjuvant for a variety of inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Recent efforts have focused on optimizing delivery methods that enable platelets to slowly degranulate their biological constituents, which may promote healing and improve OA symptoms for a longer duration. There are various factors that affect the progression of OA within joints, including inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and altering the level of enzymatic expression. PRP therapy aims to mediate inflammatory and catabolic factors in a degenerative environment through the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors and chemotaxic effects. There are a growing number of studies that have demonstrated the clinical benefit of PRP for non-operative management of OA. Additional randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed in order to validate PRP's therapeutic efficacy in this setting. Additionally, continued basic research along with well-designed pre-clinical studies and reporting standards are necessary in order to clarify the effectiveness of PRP for cartilage repair and regeneration for future clinical applications.

Association of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene promoter polymorphisms with aggressive and chronic periodontitis in the eastern Indian population

Background: Periodontitis is a very common inflammatory oral disease. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a cytokine that has been involved with the gingival tissue destruction and remodeling occurrence. We investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF-α gene promoter region with the susceptibility of aggressive and chronic periodontitis in the eastern Indian population.

Methods: A total of 397 DNA samples from venous blood were isolated. 40 individuals were aggressive periodontitis patients, 157 were identified chronic periodontitis patients, and the remaining 200 were healthy individuals. Five SNPs of TNF-α at promoter region (rs361525, rs1800629, rs1799724, rs1800630, and rs1799964) were genotyped by PCR-sequencing in periodontitis patients and control subjects.

Results: rs1800629 (-308G/A) polymorphism was more frequent in both aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients compared with the control population, though the allele frequency was different only in aggressive periodontitis patients. On the other hand, both the genotypic and allelic variation of rs361525 (-238G/A) polymorphism were found significantly less frequently in aggressive and chronic periodontitis than in controls. The other polymorphisms like rs1799724 (-857C/T) and rs1799964 (-1031T/C) were significantly different between chronic periodontitis patients and control subjects.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the rs1800629 (-308G/A) polymorphism of TNF-α gene is associated with both aggressive and chronic periodontitis while rs1799724 (-857C/T) and rs1799964 (-1031T/C) polymorphisms of TNF-α gene is associated only with the increased susceptibility to chronic periodontitis.

Antioxidant response elements: Discovery, classes, regulation and potential applications

Exposure to antioxidants and xenobiotics triggers the expression of a myriad of genes encoding antioxidant proteins, detoxifying enzymes, and xenobiotic transporters to offer protection against oxidative stress. This articulated universal mechanism is regulated through the cis-acting elements in an array of Nrf2 target genes called antioxidant response elements (AREs), which play a critical role in redox homeostasis. Though the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE system involves many players, AREs hold the key in transcriptional regulation of cytoprotective genes. ARE-mediated reporter constructs have been widely used, including xenobiotics profiling and Nrf2 activator screening. The complexity of AREs is brought by the presence of other regulatory elements within the AREs. The diversity in the ARE sequences not only bring regulatory selectivity of diverse transcription factors, but also confer functional complexity in the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway. The different transcription factors either homodimerize or heterodimerize to bind the AREs. Depending on the nature of partners, they may activate or suppress the transcription. Attention is required for deeper mechanistic understanding of ARE-mediated gene regulation. The computational methods of identification and analysis of AREs are still in their infancy. Investigations are required to know whether epigenetics mechanism plays a role in the regulation of genes mediated through AREs. The polymorphisms in the AREs leading to oxidative stress related diseases are warranted. A thorough understanding of AREs will pave the way for the development of therapeutic agents against cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic and other diseases with oxidative stress.

Cereblon suppresses the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of c-Jun

Chronic inflammation is associated with multiple human disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, alleviation of inflammation induced by environmental stimuli is important for disease prevention or treatment. Cereblon (CRBN) functions as a substrate receptor of the cullin-4 RING E3 ligase to mediate protein ubiquitination and degradation. Although it has been reported that CRBN reduces the inflammatory response through its nonenzymatic function, its role as a substrate receptor of the E3 ligase is not explored in mediating this process. Here we used a quantitative proteomics approach to find that the major component of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) complex, c-Jun, is significantly down-regulated upon CRBN expression. Biochemical approaches further discover that CRBN interacts and partially colocalizes with c-Jun and promotes the formation of Lys⁴⁸-linked polyubiquitin chains on c-Jun, enhancing c-Jun degradation. We further reveal that CRBN attenuates the transcriptional activity of the AP-1 complex and reduces the mRNA expression and protein level of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, flow cytometry analyses show that CRBN attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis in differentiated THP-1 cells. Through genetic manipulation and pharmacological inhibition, we uncover a new molecular mechanism by which CRBN regulates the inflammatory response and apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide. Our work and previous studies demonstrate that CRBN suppresses the inflammatory response by promoting or inhibiting the ubiquitination of two key molecules at different levels of the inflammatory cascade through its enzymatic function as a substrate receptor and its nonenzymatic function as a protein binding partner.

Haloperidol Abrogates Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression by Inhibition of NF-κB Activation in Stimulated Human Monocytic Cells

Much evidence has indicated that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the progression of neuroinflammatory disorders. The present study was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of the antipsychotic haloperidol on MMP activation in the stimulated THP-1 monocytic cells. Haloperidol exerted a strong inhibition on tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α-induced MMP-9 gelatinolysis of THP-1 cells. A concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of haloperidol was observed in TNF-α-induced protein and mRNA expression of MMP-9. On the other hand, haloperidol slightly affected cell viability and tissue inhibition of metalloproteinase-1 levels. It significantly inhibited the degradation of inhibitor-κB-α (IκBα) in activated cells. Moreover, it suppressed activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) detected by a mobility shift assay, NF-κB reporter gene, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses. Consistent with NF-κB inhibition, haloperidol exerted a strong inhibition of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced MMP-9 gelatinolysis but not of transforming growth factor-β1-induced MMP-2. In in vivo studies, administration of haloperidol significantly attenuated LPS-induced intracerebral MMP-9 activation of the brain homogenate and the in situ in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, the selective anti-MMP-9 activation of haloperidol could possibly involve the inhibition of the NF-κB signal pathway. Hence, it was found that haloperidol treatment may represent a bystander of anti-MMP actions for its conventional psychotherapy.

The Role of Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) Family Members in CD30-Positive Lymphomas

The Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor (TF) family, composed of a variety of members including c-JUN, c-FOS and ATF, is involved in mediating many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Since their discovery, the role of AP-1 TFs in cancer development has been extensively analysed. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the complexity of these TFs, mainly due to their cell-type specific homo- or hetero-dimerization resulting in diverse transcriptional response profiles. However, as a result of the increasing knowledge of the role of AP-1 TFs in disease, these TFs are being recognized as promising therapeutic targets for various malignancies. In this review, we focus on the impact of deregulated expression of AP-1 TFs in CD30-positive lymphomas including Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

Regulation of T-Cell Signaling by Post-Translational Modifications in Autoimmune Disease

The adaptive immune system involves antigen-specific host defense mechanisms mediated by T and B cells. In particular, CD4⁺ T cells play a central role in the elimination of pathogens. Immunological tolerance in the thymus regulates T lymphocytes to avoid self-components, including induction of cell death in immature T cells expressing the self-reactive T-cell receptor repertoire. In the periphery, mature T cells are also regulated by tolerance, e.g., via induction of anergy or regulatory T cells. Thus, T cells strictly control intrinsic signal transduction to prevent excessive responses or self-reactions. If the inhibitory effects of T cells on these mechanisms are disrupted, T cells may incorrectly attack self-components, which can lead to autoimmune disease. The functions of T cells are supported by post-translational modifications, particularly phosphorylation, of signaling molecules, the proper regulation of which is controlled by endogenous mechanisms within the T cells themselves. In recent years, molecular targeted agents against kinases have been developed for treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss T-cell signal transduction in autoimmune disease and provide an overview of acetylation-mediated regulation of T-cell signaling pathways.

Bioinformatic analysis of gene expression profiling of intracranial aneurysm

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a severe clinical condition of primary concern and currently, there is no effective therapeutic reagent. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of IA via bioinformatic analysis. Various gene expression profiles (GSE26969) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 3 IA and 3 normal superficial temporal artery samples. Firstly, the limma package in R language was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs; P-value <0.01 and |log₂ FC|≥1). Secondly, the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery software was utilized to perform pathway and functional enrichment analyses (false discovery rate ≤0.05). Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and sub-network clustering analyses were performed using the biomolecular interaction network database and ClusterONE software, respectively. Following this, a transcription factor regulatory network was identified from the PPI network. A total of 1,124 DEGs were identified, of which 989 were upregulated and 135 downregulated. Pathway and functional enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs primarily participated in RNA splicing, functioning of the spliceosome, RNA processing and the mRNA metabolic process. Following PPI network analysis, 1 hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4A (transcription factor)-centered regulatory network and 5 DEG-centered sub-networks were identified. On analysis of the transcription factor regulatory network, 6 transcription factors (HNF6, HNF4A, E2F4, YY1, H4 and H31T) and a regulatory pathway (HNF6-HNF4-E2F4) were identified. The results of the present study suggest that activating transcription factor-5, Jun proto-oncogene, activator protein-1 transcription factor subunit, HNF6, HNF4 and E2F4 may participate in IA progression via vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, inflammation, vessel wall remodeling and damage and the tumor necrosis factor-β signaling pathway. However, further experimental studies are required to validate these predictions.

Comparative Transcriptomics Highlights the Role of the Activator Protein 1 Transcription Factor in the Host Response to Ebolavirus

Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus comprise two genera of negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that cause severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans. Despite considerable research efforts, the molecular events following Ebola virus (EBOV) infection are poorly understood. With the view of identifying host factors that underpin EBOV pathogenesis, we compared the transcriptomes of EBOV-infected human, pig, and bat kidney cells using a transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) approach. Despite a significant difference in viral transcription/replication between the cell lines, all cells responded to EBOV infection through a robust induction of extracellular growth factors. Furthermore, a significant upregulation of activator protein 1 (AP1) transcription factor complex members FOS and JUN was observed in permissive cell lines. Functional studies focusing on human cells showed that EBOV infection induces protein expression, phosphorylation, and nuclear accumulation of JUN and, to a lesser degree, FOS. Using a luciferase-based reporter, we show that EBOV infection induces AP1 transactivation activity within human cells at 48 and 72 h postinfection. Finally, we show that JUN knockdown decreases the expression of EBOV-induced host gene expression. Taken together, our study highlights the role of AP1 in promoting the host gene expression profile that defines EBOV pathogenesis.IMPORTANCE Many questions remain about the molecular events that underpin filovirus pathophysiology. The rational design of new intervention strategies, such as postexposure therapeutics, will be significantly enhanced through an in-depth understanding of these molecular events. We believe that new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of EBOV may be possible by examining the transcriptomic response of taxonomically diverse cell lines (derived from human, pig, and bat). We first identified the responsive pathways using an RNA-seq-based transcriptomics approach. Further functional and computational analysis focusing on human cells highlighted an important role for the AP1 transcription factor in mediating the transcriptional response to EBOV infection. Our study sheds new light on how host transcription factors respond to and promote the transcriptional landscape that follows viral infection.

Targeting activator protein 1 signaling pathway by bioactive natural agents: Possible therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention and intervention

Activator protein 1 (AP-1) is a key transcription factor in the control of several cellular processes responsible for cell survival proliferation and differentiation. Dysfunctional AP-1 expression and activity are involved in several severe diseases, especially inflammatory disorders and cancer. Therefore, targeting AP-1 has recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention and therapy. This review summarizes our current understanding of AP-1 biology and function as well as explores and discusses several natural bioactive compounds modulating AP-1-associated signaling pathways for cancer prevention and intervention. Current limitations, challenges, and future directions of research are also critically discussed.

Protective effects of Balanites aegyptiaca extract, Melatonin and Ursodeoxycholic acid against hepatotoxicity induced by Methotrexate in male rats

OBJECTIVE

To compare the degree of ameliorative effects of Melatonin (MEL), Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and Balanites aegyptiaca (BA) against hepatotoxicity induced by MTX for one month.

METHODS

Eighty adult male rats (Sprague Dawely) weighing (190 ± 10 g), were randomly divided into eight equal groups: Control, MTX, MEL, BA, UDCA, MTX + MEL, MTX + BA, MTX + UDCA. Liver function biomarker enzymes, liver tissue oxidative stress parameters, together with total antioxidant capacity and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations for TNF-α were also done.

RESULTS

MTX showed significant increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total and direct bilirubin, as well as TNF-α levels, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), malodialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Whereas total protein, albumin, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels were significantly decreased in MTX treated group. These alterations were improved by MEL and BA treatment, whereas no improvement was noticed in UDCA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

BA may be as promising as MEL in the hepatoprotection against MTX toxicity through their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. In addition, it is not recommended to co-administer UDCA with MTX as it enhanced inflammation and damage to the liver.

Association of rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease with plausible early & late-stage disease markers

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are the autoimmune sequelae caused by Group A Streptococcus. RHD still remains a major concern in the developing countries due to its poor diagnosis, lack of vaccines and social awareness among population. This study was aimed to identify the plausible early- and late-stage disease markers associated with RF/RHD.

METHODS

A total of 84 patients with confirmed pharyngitis (n=18), RF (n=23) and RHD (n=43) were included in the comparative analysis of different factors involved in host-pathogen interaction during RF/RHD pathogenesis.

RESULTS

This study revealed high titre of serum antistreptolysin O (ASO) antibody in pharyngitis compared to RF and RHD patients, whereas procollagen type 1 C-peptide (PICP) level was elevated in RHD which showed an inverse correlation with serum ASO titre. The significant elevation of serum anti-peptide associated with RF (PARF) antibody in RF patients was correlated as a probable stage-specific determinant. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokine profile revealed high levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-23p40, IL-17A in RF, whereas IL-6 concentration was higher in RHD compared to healthy controls.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

The overall assessment of the factors/ disease markers involved in host-pathogen interaction in RF/RHD may be suggestive of plausible disease marker in different groups of patients. Further studies with larger sample need to be done to better understand RF/RHD pathogenesis.

Neutralization of MMP-2 protects Staphylococcus aureus infection induced septic arthritis in mice and regulates the levels of cytokines

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial players in Staphylococcus aureus mediated synovial tissue destruction in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis. Bacterial insult increases proteolytic matrix fragments by activated chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts leading to induction of matrix metalloproteinases. Tissue destruction via MMPs induced by bacterial products, necrotic tissues and proinflammatory cytokines have been reported. Cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β released from host cells in response to S. aureus infection promote cartilage degradation by stimulating the production of MMPs. Antibiotic treatment can eradicate invading bacteria but elevated levels of cytokines and cytokines induced MMPs activation lead to progressive and devastating bone and cartilage destruction even after bacterial clearance. Like other MMPs, MMP-2 also contributes to extracellular matrix degradation in different types of arthritis. Release of certain pro inflammatory cytokines can also be regulated by MMP-2 activation leading to further tissue destruction. The role of MMP-2 in the pathogenesis of S. aureus infection induced septic arthritis and its influence on cytokines regulation needs further investigation. Whether neutralization of MMP-2 provides protection against Staphylococcus aureus infection induced septic arthritis in mice is an obvious question. Here we reported that neutralization of MMP-2 during S. aureus infection induced septic arthritis might be beneficial for preventing infection induced extracellular matrix destruction thereby decreasing bacterial burden in synovial tissues and regulating inflammatory cytokines in arthritic mice.

The effects of scalpel, harmonic scalpel and monopolar electrocautery on the healing of colonic anastomosis after colonic resection

Purpose

In our study, the effects of harmonic scalpel, scalpel, and monopolar electrocautery usage on the health and healing of colon anastomosis after resection was investigated.

Methods

In this study, 120 female albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups each containing 40 rats. Group A, resection with scalpel; group B, resection with monopolar electrocautery; group C, resection with harmonic scalpel. The groups were divided into 4 subgroups consisting of 10 rats and analysed in the postoperative 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. Anastomotic bursting pressures, hydroxyproline levels and histopathological parameters were surrogate parameters for evaluating wound healing.

Results

The tissue hydroxyproline levels did not show any significant difference between the groups and subgroups. The mean bursting pressure of group A on the 5th day was significantly higher than groups B and C (P < 0.001). When the fibroblast and fibrosis scores were evaluated, scores of group C on the 5th day were significantly higher than the other groups, but the results of bursting pressures and biochemical parameters did not support the fibroblast and fibrosis scores. There were not any significant differences between the groups in other histopathologic parameters.

Conclusion

The use of monopolar electrocautery needs more attention since the device causes tissue destruction. The obliterating effect of harmonic scalpel on luminal organs is an important problem, especially if an anastomosis is planned. Despite the disadvantages of scalpel, its efficacy on early wound healing is better than the other devices.

X-Box-Binding Protein 1 and Innate Immune Responses of Human Cystic Fibrosis Alveolar Macrophages

RATIONALE

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a key role in host defense to inhaled bacterial pathogens, in part by secreting inflammatory mediators. Cystic fibrosis (CF) airways exhibit a persistent, robust inflammatory response that may contribute to the pathophysiology of CF. Recent findings have linked endoplasmic reticulum stress responses mediated by inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-dependent messenger RNA splicing (activation) of X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1s) to inflammation in peripheral macrophages. However, the role of XBP-1s in CF AM function is not known.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate inflammatory responses of AMs from chronically infected/inflamed human CF lungs and test whether XBP-1s is required for AM-mediated inflammation.

METHODS

Basal and LPS-induced inflammatory responses were evaluated in primary cultures of non-CF versus CF AMs. XBP-1s was measured and its function was evaluated in AMs using 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (4μ8C), an inhibitor of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-dependent XBP-1s, and in THP-1 cells stably expressing XBP-1 shRNA, XBP-1s, or a dominant-negative XBP-1.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

CF AMs exhibited exaggerated basal and LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, and these responses were coupled to increased levels of XBP-1s. In non-CF and CF AMs, LPS-induced cytokine production was blunted by 4µ8C. A role for XBP-1s in AM inflammatory responses was further established by data from dTHP-1 cells indicating that expression of XBP-1 shRNA reduced XBP-1s levels and LPS-induced inflammatory responses; and LPS-induced inflammation was up-regulated by expression of XBP-1s and inhibited by dominant-negative XBP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that AMs contribute to the robust inflammation of CF airways via an up-regulation of XBP-1s-mediated cytokine production.

Impaired dynamin 2 function leads to increased AP-1 transcriptional activity through the JNK/c-Jun pathway

Activation of AP-1 transcription factors, composed of the Jun and Fos proteins, regulates cellular fates, such as proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. Among other stimuli, the AP-1 pathway can be initiated by extracellular ligands, such as growth factors or cytokines, which undergo internalization in complex with their receptors. Endocytosis has been implicated in the regulation of several signaling pathways; however its possible impact on AP-1 signaling remains unknown. Here we show that inhibition of dynamin 2 (Dyn2), a major regulator of endocytic internalization, strongly stimulates the AP-1 pathway. Specifically, expression of a dominant-negative Dyn2 K44A mutant increases the total levels of c-Jun, its phosphorylation on Ser63/73 and transcription of AP-1 target genes. Interestingly, DNM2 mutations implicated in human neurological disorders exhibit similar effects on AP-1 signaling. Mechanistically, Dyn2 K44A induces AP-1 by increasing phosphorylation of several receptor tyrosine kinases. Their activation is required to initiate a Src- and JNK-dependent signaling cascade converging on c-Jun and stimulating expression of AP-1 target genes. Cumulatively, our data uncover a link between the Dyn2 function and JNK signaling which leads to AP-1 induction.

Dissecting the Potential Interplay of DEK Functions in Inflammation and Cancer

There is a long-standing correlation between inflammation, inflammatory cell signaling pathways, and tumor formation. Understanding the mechanisms behind inflammation-driven tumorigenesis is of great research and clinical importance. Although not entirely understood, these mechanisms include a complex interaction between the immune system and the damaged epithelium that is mediated by an array of molecular signals of inflammation—including reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines, and NFκB signaling—that are also oncogenic. Here, we discuss the association of the unique DEK protein with these processes. Specifically, we address the role of DEK in chronic inflammation via viral infections and autoimmune diseases, the overexpression and oncogenic activity of DEK in cancers, and DEK-mediated regulation of NFκB signaling. Combined, evidence suggests that DEK may play a complex, multidimensional role in chronic inflammation and subsequent tumorigenesis.

Synergy between NAFLD and AFLD and potential biomarkers

Fatty liver (hepatosteatosis) is the earliest abnormality in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) due either to metabolic risk factors associated with insulin resistance and/or metabolic syndrome in the absence of alcohol consumption or to chronic alcohol abuse. When unchecked, both NAFLD and AFLD lead to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and eventual death. A number of common mechanisms contribute to the above various stages of hepatocyte injury, including lipotoxicity, endotoxin release, oxidative and ER stress leading to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines that stimulate hepatic fibrogenesis and cirrhosis by activating the quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into myofibroblasts. Significantly, patients with either NAFLD or AFLD respond favorably to early treatment modalities to reduce hepatic fat accumulation and consequent increased inflammatory signalling and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Although the pathogenic pathways associated with NAFLD and AFLD are seemingly similar, differentiation of the molecular mechanism/s of the pathogenesis of these liver diseases is critical in identifying the unique molecular signatures, especially in the early diagnosis of NAFLD and AFLD. Current clinical practice requires the invasive biopsy procedure for the conclusive diagnosis of NAFLD and AFLD. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are ∼22 nucleotide non-coding sequences that bind to the 3'-untranslated region of target transcripts and regulate gene expression by degradation of target mRNAs or inhibition of translation. Emerging studies may prove to establish miRNAs as excellent non-invasive tools for the early diagnosis of various stages of liver diseases.

Pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, oxidative stress, insulin, Zn and Cu: Interrelations with obesity in Egyptian non-diabetic obese children and adolescents

PURPOSE

To investigate the inter-relationships between adipocytokines, oxidative stress, insulin, Zn and Cu and obesity among Egyptian obese non-diabetic children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

72 obese children and adolescents of both sexes (5-17 years) were recruited for the study. 40 healthy normal non-obese persons of matched ages and sexes were used as control group. Lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and leptin levels were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were estimated. Micronutrients (Zn and Cu) concentrations in addition to insulin and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were also evaluated. Estimation of insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR)) was derived from FBS measurements.

RESULTS

Significant elevations (P<0.001) in TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, MDA, Cu and FBS levels and significant decreases (P<0.001) in GSH, Zn levels and SOD activity were detected among obese individuals as compared with control group. Insulin and triglyceride levels were significantly increased in obese male children and HDL-cholesterol level was increased significantly in obese adolescent females compared to controls. However, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly high in all obese cases as compared with controls. Insulin resistance was detected in 100% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that obesity with pro-inflammatory adipocytokines and hypozincemia together by many mechanisms participate in excessive oxidative stress and are highly associated with inflammation and the development of obesity-related complications. Obesity represents a critical risk factor for development of insulin resistance status.

Study of single nucleotide polymorphisms of tumour necrosis factors and HSP genes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma in North East India

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial tumour with a distinctive racial and geographical distribution. High incidence of NPC has been reported from China, Southeast Asia, and northeast (NE) region of India. The immune mechanism plays incredibly role in pathogenesis of NPC. Tumour necrosis factors (TNFs) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) constitute significant components of innate as well as adaptive host immunity. Multi-analytical approaches including logistic regression (LR), classification and regression tree (CART) and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) were applied in 120 NPC cases and 100 controls to explore high order interactions among TNF-α (-308 G>A), TNF β (+252 A>G), HSP 70-1 (+190 G>C), HSP 70-hom (+2437 T>C) genes and environmental risk factors. TNF β was identified as the primary etiological factor by all three analytical approaches. Individual analysis of results showed protective effect of TNF β GG genotype (adjusted odds ratio (OR2) = 0.27, 95 % CI = 0.125-0.611, P = 0.001), HSP 70 (+2437) CC genotype (OR2 = 0.17, 95 % CI = 0.0430.69, P = 0.013), while AG genotype of TNF β was found significantly associated with risk of NPC (OR2 = 1.97, 95 % CI = 1.019-3.83, P = 0.04). Analysis of environmental factors demonstrated association of alcohol consumption, living in mud houses and use of firewood for cooking as major risk factors for NPC. Individual haplotype association analysis showed significant risk associated with GTGA haplotype (OR = 68.61, 95 % CI = 2.47-190.37, P = 0.013) while a protective effect with CCAA and GCGA haplotypes (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI = 0.05-0.75, P = 0.019; OR = 0.01 95 % CI = 0.05-0.30, P = 0.007). The multi-analytical approaches applied in this study helped in identification of distinct gene-gene and gene-environment interactions significant in risk assessment of NPC.

Identification of genetic variants in the TNF promoter associated with COPD secondary to tobacco smoking and its severity

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease that arises in response to noxious particles or gases. Associations of genetic polymorphisms in TNF have been reported in Asians and Caucasians, but not in Mestizo populations. A case-control study was conducted in two stages: in the first stage, patients with COPD (COPD group, n=165) and smokers without disease (SNC group, n=165) were included and the TNF promoter sequence was determined using direct sequencing. In the second stage, the identified polymorphisms were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in COPD (n=260) and SNC (n=506). In the first stage, 11 different sets of “contig” alignments were determined, of which contig 10 was found to be associated with susceptibility (P=5.0E-04, OR [odds ratio] =3.64) and contig 1 with Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) greater grade (P=1.0E-02, OR =3.82). The single nucleotide polymorphisms found in this region were individually identified; the GA genotypes of rs1800629 (P=0.038, OR =2.07), rs56036015 (P=0.0082, OR =3.18), and rs361525 (P=1.0E-02, OR =4.220) were higher in the COPD group vs the SNC group; after second-stage validation, rs1800629 (P=6.00E-03, OR =2.26) and rs56036015 (P=1.10E-03, OR =2.54) are maintained. There are genetic variants in the TNF promoter associated with increased risk of COPD secondary to smoking and with a higher GOLD grade in the Mexican Mestizo population.

Cinnamic Acid and Cinnamaldehyde Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Splenotoxicity in Rats

Cinnamic acid (CA) and cinnamaldehyde (CD) are major constituents of cinnamon species. They possess various pharmacological properties of which their antioxidant activity is a prime one. This study aims to investigate potential protective effects against cisplatin (CP)-induced splenotoxicity in rats. A single dose of CP (5 mg/kg) injected i.p. caused a significant decrease in hemoglobin content (18%), total leucocytic count (46%), neutrophils (78%), and catalase (CAT) splenic activity (64%) with a marked increase in lymphocytes (26%) and splenic content of malondialdehyde (68%) and TNF-α (69%) as compared with the control group. Contrarily, CA (50 mg/kg, p.o.) or CD (40 mg/kg, p.o.) administration for 7 days before CP ameliorated CP-induced splenotoxicity as indicated by mitigation of the biochemical parameters and histopathological changes. These results revealed the promising protective effects of CA and CD on CP-induced splenotoxicity in rats; an effect that might be attributed to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Failed degradation of JunB contributes to overproduction of type I collagen and development of dermal fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, including type I collagen, is a key aspect in the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). To further our understanding of the mechanisms governing the dysregulation of type I collagen production in SSc, we investigated the role of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors in regulating COL1A2 transcription.

METHODS

The expression and nuclear localization of AP-1 family members (c-Jun, JunB, JunD, Fra-1, Fra-2, and c-Fos) were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in dermal biopsy specimens and explanted skin fibroblasts from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and healthy controls. Gene activation was determined by assessing the interaction of transcription factors with the COL1A2 enhancer using transient transfection of reporter gene constructs, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, and RNA interference involving knockdown of individual AP-1 family members. Inhibition of fibroblast mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathways was achieved using small-molecule pharmacologic inhibitors.

RESULTS

Binding of JunB to the COL1A2 enhancer was observed, with its coalescence directed by activation of gene transcription through the proximal promoter. Knockdown of JunB reduced enhancer activation and COL1A2 expression in response to transforming growth factor β. In SSc dermal fibroblasts, increased mTOR/Akt signaling was associated with inactivation of GSK-3β, leading to blockade of JunB degradation and, thus, constitutively high expression of JunB.

CONCLUSION

In patients with SSc, the accumulation of JunB resulting from altered mTOR/Akt signaling and a failure of proteolytic degradation underpins the aberrant overexpression of type I collagen. These findings identify JunB as a potential target for antifibrotic therapy in SSc.

Activation of MAPK pathways and downstream transcription factors in 2-aminobiphenyl-induced apoptosis

2-Aminobiphenyls (2-ABP) induces oxidative DNA damage and leads to apoptosis. The precise signaling pathways of inducing apoptosis in vitro are still unknown. This study provides insight into the relationship between 2-ABP-induced apoptosis and the activation of MAPK and downstream transcription factors using pharmacological inhibitors of ERK, p38, and JNK pathways. Results showed that 2-ABP induced the activation of ERK and JNK but not p38. The ERK/JNK pathways downstream transcription factors, c-Jun and ATF-2, were also activated by 2-ABP. The inhibitory effects of ERK inhibitor, U0126, on 2-ABP-induced caspase-3 activity were not detected. However, JNK inhibitor, SP600125, significantly attenuated the caspase-3 activity induced by 2-ABP. The expression of the transcription factors c-Jun and ATF-2 were decreased in 2-ABP treated cells in the presence of ERK/JNK inhibitors, suggesting that the expression of ERK/JNK pathways leads to the downstream activation of c-Jun and ATF-2. N-acetylcysteine, an ROS scavenger, inhibited 2-ABP-induced activation of ERK and JNK, the cell death and caspase-3 activity, which suggested that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 in a ROS/JNK-dependent signaling cascade.

TNF-induced endothelial barrier disruption: beyond actin and Rho

The decrease of endothelial barrier function is central to the long-term inflammatory response. A pathological alteration of the ability of endothelial cells to modulate the passage of cells and solutes across the vessel underlies the development of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. The inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) mediates changes in the barrier properties of the endothelium. TNF activates different Rho GTPases, increases filamentous actin and remodels endothelial cell morphology. However, inhibition of actin-mediated remodelling is insufficient to prevent endothelial barrier disruption in response to TNF, suggesting that additional molecular mechanisms are involved. Here we discuss, first, the pivotal role of Rac-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate the integrity of endothelial cell-cell junctions and, second, the ability of endothelial adhesion receptors such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1, involved in leukocyte transendothelial migration, to control endothelial permeability to small molecules, often through ROS generation. These adhesion receptors regulate endothelial barrier function in ways both dependent on and independent of their engagement by immune cells, and orchestrate the crosstalk between leukocyte transendothelial migration and endothelial permeability during inflammation.