Morphine compromises bronchial epithelial TLR2/IL17R signaling crosstalk, necessary for lung IL17 homeostasis

Impact of Curcumin on the IL-17A-Mediated p53-Fibrinolytic System: Mouse Proteomics and Integrated Human Fibrosis scRNAseq Insights

Acute lung injury (ALI) is primarily driven by an intense inflammation in the alveolar epithelium. Key to this is the pro-inflammatory cytokine, Interleukin 17 (IL-17), which influences pulmonary immunity and modifies p53 function. The direct role of IL-17A in p53-fibrinolytic system is still unclear, it is important to evaluate this mechanism to regulate the ALI progression to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). C57BL/6 mice, exposed to recombinant IL-17A protein and treated with curcumin, provided insight into IL-17A mechanisms and curcumin's potential for modulating early pulmonary fibrosis stages. A diverse methodology, including proteomics, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) integration, molecular, and Schroedinger approach were utilized. In silico approaches facilitated the potential interactions between curcumin, IL-17A, and apoptosis-related proteins. A notable surge in the expression levels of IL-17A, p53, and fibrinolytic components such as Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-I) was discerned upon the IL17A exposure in mouse lungs. Furthermore, the enrichment of pathways and differential expression of proteins underscored the significance of IL-17A in governing downstream regulatory pathways such as inflammation, NF-kappaB signaling, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK), p53, oxidative phosphorylation, JAK-STAT, and apoptosis. The integration of scRNA-seq data from 20 IPF and 10 control lung specimens emphasized the importance of IL-17A mediated downstream regulation in PF patients. A potent immuno-pharmacotherapeutic agent, curcumin, demonstrated a substantial capacity to modulate the lung pathology and molecular changes induced by IL-17A in mouse lungs. Human IPF single cell data integration confirmed the effects of IL-17A mediated fibrinolytic components in ALI to IPF progression.

Intestinal homeostasis in the gut-lung-kidney axis: a prospective therapeutic target in immune-related chronic kidney diseases

In recent years, the role of intestinal homeostasis in health has received increasing interest, significantly improving our understanding of the complex pathophysiological interactions of the gut with other organs. Microbiota dysbiosis, impaired intestinal barrier, and aberrant intestinal immunity appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of immune-related chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Meanwhile, the relationship between the pathological changes in the respiratory tract (e.g., infection, fibrosis, granuloma) and immune-related CKD cannot be ignored. The present review aimed to elucidate the new underlying mechanism of immune-related CKD. The lungs may affect kidney function through intestinal mediation. Communication is believed to exist between the gut and lung microbiota across long physiological distances. Following the inhalation of various pathogenic factors (e.g., particulate matter 2.5 mum or less in diameter, pathogen) in the air through the mouth and nose, considering the anatomical connection between the nasopharynx and lungs, gut microbiome regulates oxidative stress and inflammatory states in the lungs and kidneys. Meanwhile, the intestine participates in the differentiation of T cells and promotes the migration of various immune cells to specific organs. This better explain the occurrence and progression of CKD caused by upper respiratory tract precursor infection and suggests the relationship between the lungs and kidney complications in some autoimmune diseases (e.g., anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies -associated vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus). CKD can also affect the progression of lung diseases (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We conclude that damage to the gut barrier appears to contribute to the development of immune-related CKD through gut-lung-kidney interplay, leading us to establish the gut-lung-kidney axis hypothesis. Further, we discuss possible therapeutic interventions and targets. For example, using prebiotics, probiotics, and laxatives (e.g., Rhubarb officinale) to regulate the gut ecology to alleviate oxidative stress, as well as improve the local immune system of the intestine and immune communication with the lungs and kidneys.

Characterization of differential distribution patterns between mitofusin isoforms and their interaction in developing skeletal muscles of rat

Skeletal muscle during postnatal development undergoes several structural and biochemical modifications. It is proposed that these changes are closely intertwined with the increase in load-bearing capacity of the muscle (i.e., myofibrils) and molecular machinery to support the energy demand (i.e., mitochondria). Concomitant establishment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondrial network seems to be a major developmental adjustment of skeletal muscle leading to adult phenotype. Here, we have studied oxidativeness, vascularization, and the changes in mitofusins (Mfn) 1-Mfn 2 expression and interaction in the due course of muscle development. Toward this, we used a series of histochemical techniques to compare neonatal and adult limb muscles (Gastrocnemius and Quadriceps) of Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus). Additionally, we probed the proximity between Mfn 1 and Mfn 2 using a highly sensitive antibody-based proximity ligation assay indicating the change in mitochondrial fusion pattern or mitochondria-SR interaction. The results show that neonatal fibers bear a uniform distribution of mitochondria while a differential pattern of distribution is seen in adults. The distribution of the blood vessels is also quite distinct in adult muscles with a well-formed capillary network but in neonates, only central blood vessels are seen. Interestingly, our Mfn 1-Mfn 2 interaction data show that this interaction is uniformly distributed throughout the neonatal fibers, while it becomes peripherally localized in fibers of adult muscles. This peripheralization of Mfn 1-Mfn 2 interaction must be an important event of muscle development and might be critical to cater to the metabolic needs of adult muscle.

Effect of Electro-Acupuncture at ST36 and SP6 on the cAMP -CREB Pathway and mRNA Expression Profile in the Brainstem of Morphine Tolerant Mice

Undoubtedly, opioid drugs have been the most popular treatment for refractory pain since found, such as morphine. However, tolerance to the analgesic effects caused by repeated use is inevitable, which greatly limits the clinical application of these drugs. Nowadays, it has become the focus of the world that further development of non-opioid-based treatment along with efficient strategies to circumvent opioid tolerance are urgently needed clinically. Fortunately, electro-acupuncture (EA) provides an alternative to pharmaceutic treatment, remaining its potential mechanisms unclear although. This study was aimed to observe the effects of EA on morphine-induced tolerance in mice and discover its underlying mechanism. Tail-flick assay and hot-plate test were conducted to assess the development of tolerance to morphine-induced analgesia effect. As a result of repeated administration scheme (10 mg/kg, twice per day, for 7 days), approximately a two-fold increase was observed in the effective dose of 50% (ED50) of morphine-induced antinociceptive effect. Interestingly, by EA treatment (2/100Hz, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mA, 30 min/day for 7 days) at the acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6), morphine ED50 curves was remarkably leftward shifted on day 8. In addition, the RNA sequencing strategy was used to reveal the potential mechanisms. Due to the well described relevance of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and cAMP response element-binding (CREB) in brainstem (BS) to analgesia tolerance, the cAMP-PKA/ERK-CREB signaling was deeply concerned in this study. Based upon Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, the up-regulation of the cAMP level was observed, whereas reversed with EA treatment. Similarly, western blot revealed the phosphorylation levels of PKA, ERK, and CREB were up-regulated in morphine tolerant mice, whereas the EA group showed a significantly reduced expression level instead. This study observed an attenuating effect of the EA at ST36 and SP6 on morphine tolerance in mice, and suggested several potential biological targets by RNA-seq, which include the cAMP-PKA/ERK-CREB signaling pathway, strongly supporting a useful treatment for combatting the opioid epidemic, and opioid-tolerant patients.

The central nervous system during lung injury and mechanical ventilation: a narrative review

Mechanical ventilation induces a number of systemic responses for which the brain plays an essential role. During the last decade, substantial evidence has emerged showing that the brain modifies pulmonary responses to physical and biological stimuli by various mechanisms, including the modulation of neuroinflammatory reflexes and the onset of abnormal breathing patterns. Afferent signals and circulating factors from injured peripheral tissues, including the lung, can induce neuronal reprogramming, potentially contributing to neurocognitive dysfunction and psychological alterations seen in critically ill patients. These impairments are ubiquitous in the presence of positive pressure ventilation. This narrative review summarises current evidence of lung-brain crosstalk in patients receiving mechanical ventilation and describes the clinical implications of this crosstalk. Further, it proposes directions for future research ranging from identifying mechanisms of multiorgan failure to mitigating long-term sequelae after critical illness.

Minocycline reverses IL-17A/TRAF3IP2-mediated p38 MAPK/NF-κB/iNOS/NO-dependent cardiomyocyte contractile depression and death

Minocycline, an FDA-approved second-generation semisynthetic tetracycline, exerts antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, independent of its antimicrobial properties. Interleukin (IL)-17A is an immune and inflammatory mediator, and its sustained induction is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Here we investigated (i) whether IL-17A induces cardiomyocyte contractile depression and death, (ii) whether minocycline reverses IL-17A's negative inotropic effects and (iii) investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, treatment with recombinant mouse IL-17A impaired adult cardiomyocyte contractility as evidenced by a 34% inhibition in maximal velocity of shortening and relengthening after 4 h (P < .01). Contractile depression followed iNOS induction at 2 h (2.13-fold, P < .01) and NO generation at 3 h (3.71-fold, P <.01). Further mechanistic investigations revealed that IL-17A-dependent induction of iNOS occurred via TRAF3IP2, TRAF6, TAK1, NF-κB, and p38MAPK signaling. 1400 W, a highly specific iNOS inhibitor, suppressed IL-17A-induced NO generation and contractile depression, where as the NO donors SNAP and PAPA-NONOate both suppressed cardiomyocyte contractility. IL-17A also stimulated cardiomyocyte IL-1β and TNF-α secretion, however, their neutralization failed to modulate IL-17A-mediated contractile depression or viability. Further increases of IL-17A concentration and the duration of exposure enhanced IL-1β and TNF-α secreted levels, buthad no impact on adult cardiomyocyte viability. However, when combined with pathophysiological concentrations of IL-1β or TNF-α, IL-17A promoted adult cardiomyocyte death. Importantly, minocycline blunted IL-17A-mediated deleterious effects, indicating its therapeutic potential in inflammatory cardiac diseases.

Acute Lung Injury: IL-17A-Mediated Inflammatory Pathway and Its Regulation by Curcumin

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by acute inflammation and tissue injury results in dysfunction of the alveolar epithelial membrane. If the epithelial injury is severe, a fibroproliferative phase of ALI can develop. During this phase, the activated fibroblast and myofibroblasts synthesize excessive collagenous extracellular matrix that leads to a condition called pulmonary fibrosis. Lung injury can be caused by several ways; however, the present review focus on bleomycin (BLM)-mediated changes in the pathology of lungs. BLM is a chemotherapeutic agent and has toxic effects on lungs, which leads to oxidative damage and elaboration of inflammatory cytokines. In response to the injury, the inflammatory cytokines will be activated to defend the system from injury. These cytokines along with growth factors stimulate the proliferation of myofibroblasts and secretion of pathologic extracellular matrix. During BLM injury, the pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-17A will be up-regulated and mediates the inflammation in the alveolar epithelial cell and also brings about recruitment of certain inflammatory cells in the alveolar surface. These cytokines probably help in up-regulating the expression of p53 and fibrinolytic system molecules during the alveolar epithelial cells apoptosis. Here, our key concern is to provide the adequate knowledge about IL-17A-mediated p53 fibrinolytic system and their pathogenic progression to pulmonary fibrosis. The present review focuses mainly on IL-17A-mediated p53-fibrinolytic aspects and how curcumin is involved in the regulation of pathogenic progression of ALI and pulmonary fibrosis.

Curcumin down-regulates IL-17A mediated p53-fibrinolytic system in bleomycin induced acute lung injury in vivo

Bleomycin (BLM) induced cellular damage causes inflammation in the alveolar compartment and impairment of fibrinolytic system leads to alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis. Here, we describe novel inflammatory pathway associated with p53-fibrinolytic system and apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells and pharmacological efficiency of curcumin against this action. In the present study we used C57BL/6 mice. The specific dose and time interval of curcumin were analyzed to assess the intervention. Experiments were designed to investigate the IL-17A mediated modulation in the alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis and injury. Various techniques such as Western blot, RT-PCR, Immunohistochemistry were used for this study. We observed that the BLM-induced lung injury and its progression were successfully regulated by the effective dose and time intervention of curcumin. There was also decreased expression of chemokines, p53, and fibrinolytic components such as PAI-1 and increased uPA, uPAR expression, and decreased alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis, which indicates the IL-17A mediated novel inflammatory pathway. It is confirmed that the IL-17A involved in the modulation of p53-fibrinolytic system and epithelial cell apoptosis in BLM induced mice. The cross-talk between the inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and apoptotic pathways were resolved by curcumin intervention. This pathway and intervention could serve as a modern therapy to resolve the complications to cure the lung injury and its progression.

Association between rs2275913 single-nucleotide polymorphism of the interleukin-17A gene and perioperative analgesic use in cosmetic orthognathic surgery

AIM

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) plays an essential role in tissue inflammation by inducing proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and is related to innate immune reactions. IL-17A also contributes to neuroinflammation, neuropathic pain, and mechanical hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury in rodents. To clarify the contribution of IL-17A to pain-related phenotypes in humans, we investigated the association between pain-related phenotypes and the rs2275913 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the IL-17A gene, which has been reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and some cancers.

METHODS

The present study used a correlational design to examine the impact of the rs2275913 SNP on postoperative pain-related phenotypes in a group of patients who underwent cosmetic orthognathic surgery.

RESULTS

Carriers of the AA genotype had higher opioid requirements during and after surgery than carriers of the AG and GG genotypes (P = .009). Linear regression analysis indicated that opioid requirements linearly increased as the copy number of the A allele of the SNP increased (P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Opioid requirements during and after surgery are enhanced in carriers of the AA genotype of the rs2275913 SNP of the IL-17A gene, possibly through an enhancement of IL-17A function that induces inflammation that is related to the inflammatory pain stimulus.

Microbiota-activated CD103+ DCs stemming from microbiota adaptation specifically drive γδT17 proliferation and activation

BACKGROUND

IL-17-producing γδT cells (γδT17) promote autoinflammatory diseases and cancers. Yet, γδT17 peripheral regulation has not been thoroughly explored especially in the context of microbiota-host interaction. The potent antigen-presenting CD103⁺ dendritic cell (DC) is a key immune player in close contact with both γδT17 cells and microbiota. This study presents a novel cellular network among microbiota, CD103⁺ DCs, and γδT17 cells.

METHODS

Immunophenotyping of IL-17r^-/- mice and IL-17r^-/- IRF8^-/- mice were performed by ex vivo immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis. We observed striking microbiome differences in the oral cavity and gut of IL-17r^-/- mice by sequencing 16S rRNA gene (v1-v3 region) and analyzed using QIIME 1.9.0 software platform. Principal coordinate analysis of unweighted UniFrac distance matrix showed differential clustering for WT and IL-17r^-/- mice.

RESULTS

We found drastic homeostatic expansion of γδT17 in all major tissues, most prominently in cervical lymph nodes (cLNs) with monoclonal expansion of Vγ6 γδT17 in IL-17r^-/- mice. Ki-67 staining and in vitro CFSE assays showed cellular proliferation due to cell-to-cell contact stimulation with microbiota-activated CD103⁺ DCs. A newly developed double knockout mice model for IL-17r and CD103⁺ DCs (IL-17r^-/-IRF8^-/-) showed a specific reduction in Vγ6 γδT17. Vγ6 γδT17 expansion is inhibited in germ-free mice and antibiotic-treated specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. Microbiota transfer using cohousing of IL-17r^-/- mice with wildtype mice induces γδT17 expansion in the wildtype mice with increased activated CD103⁺ DCs in cLNs. However, microbiota transfer using fecal transplant through oral gavage to bypass the oral cavity showed no difference in colon or systemic γδT17 expansion.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal for the first time that γδT17 cells are regulated by microbiota dysbiosis through cell-to-cell contact with activated CD103⁺ DCs leading to drastic systemic, monoclonal expansion. Microbiota dysbiosis, as indicated by drastic bacterial population changes at the phylum and genus levels especially in the oral cavity, was discovered in mice lacking IL-17r. This network could be very important in regulating both microbiota and immune players. This critical regulatory pathway for γδT17 could play a major role in IL-17-driven inflammatory diseases and needs further investigation to determine specific targets for future therapeutic intervention.

Endogenous Opiates and Behavior: 2015

This paper is the thirty-eighth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2015 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.

Proximal Ligation Assay (PLA) on Lung Tissue and Cultured Macrophages to Demonstrate Protein-protein Interaction

In this protocol, we describe proximal ligation assay (PLA), an antibody-based detection method for protein-protein interaction. This method relies on specific binding of individual primary antibodies to the two putative interacting proteins. The primary antibodies need to have different hosts. The secondary antibodies against the two hosts have complementary oligonucleotide moieties attached to them. If the two antigens are in close proximity (presumably interacting with each other), the complementary oligonucleotides can anneal and fluorescent nucleotides can be incorporated in a single DNA polymerization step. Under a microscope, these reactions appear as punctate fluorescent spots, indicating successful PLA reaction and suggesting protein-protein interaction between the two antigens.

Umbelliferone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury linked with regulation of TLRs–MyD88 and RIP140/NF-κB signaling pathways

Umbelliferone (Umb), isolated from the chloroform fraction of Potentilla evestita, exerts a variety of pharmacological activities.