The roles of long non-coding RNAs in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, treatment, and their involvement in Alzheimer's disease immune responses

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent type of dementia, presenting a substantial danger to the health and well-being of the aged population. It has arisen as a significant public health problem with considerable socioeconomic repercussions. Unfortunately, no effective treatments or diagnostic tools are available for Alzheimer's disease. Despite substantial studies on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, the molecular pathways underpinning its development remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) vary in size from 200 nucleotides to over 100 kilobytes and have been found to play critical roles in various vital biological processes that play critical in developing Alzheimer's disease. This review intends to examine the functions of long non-coding RNAs in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease and their participation in immunological responses associated with AD.

Unveiling cytokine charge disparity as a potential mechanism for immune regulation

Cytokines are small signaling proteins that regulate the immune responses to infection and tissue damage. Surface charges of cytokines determine their in vivo fate in immune regulation, e.g., half-life and distribution. The overall negative charges in the extracellular microenvironment and the acidosis during inflammation and infection may differentially impact cytokines with different surface charges for fine-tuned immune regulation via controlling tissue residential properties. However, the trend and role of cytokine surface charges has yet to be elucidated in the literature. Interestingly, we have observed that most pro-inflammatory cytokines have a negative charge, while most anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines have a positive charge. In this review, we extensively examined the surface charges of all cytokines and chemokines, summarized the pharmacokinetics and tissue adhesion of major cytokines, and analyzed the link of surface charge with cytokine biodistribution, activation, and function in immune regulation. Additionally, we identified that the general trend of charge disparity between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines represents a unique opportunity to develop precise immune modulation approaches, which can be applied to many inflammation-associated diseases including solid tumors, chronic wounds, infection, and sepsis.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) induces pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory phenotype of platelets in the absence of a pro-aggregatory state

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is considered the choice treatment for patients suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD). In the inflammatory milieu of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) can induce a platelet pro-inflammatory state which could exacerbate post-CABG inflammatory status while affecting hemostatic function in patients. Therefore, focusing on platelets, the study presented here attempted to evaluate the pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory profile of platelets as well as pro-aggregatory status during CABG.

METHODS

Platelets from patients undergoing CABG were subjected to flowcytometry analysis to evaluate P-selectin and CD40L expressions and PAC-1 binding in five intervals of 24 h before surgery, immediately, 2 h, 24 h, and one week after surgery. Moreover, intra-platelet TGF-β1 was also examined with western blotting.

RESULTS

Data showed increases of P-selectin and CD40L expressions in patients, with the meaningful loss of platelet contents of TGF-β1 after CABG (p < 0.001), where the changes tended to recover by day 7 of surgery while remaining above baseline (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, no significant change in PAC-1 binding capacity was shown.

CONCLUSION

The study presented here suggests that although the release of pro-inflammatory substances from platelets during CABG supports the post-operative inflammatory state, platelets are not pro-aggregatory enough to enhance thrombotic events after surgery. Whilst these observations could be due to successful medical interventions to optimize hemostasis during and after surgery, post-CABG reversal of anticoagulant by protamine is considered as another factor that may also have contributed to preventing pro-aggregatory but not pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions of platelets.

Construction of recombinant pseudorabies virus expressing PCV2 Cap, PCV3 Cap, and IL-4: investigation of their biological characteristics and immunogenicity

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a globally prevalent and recurrent pathogen that primarily causes slow growth and immunosuppression in pigs. Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), a recently discovered virus, commonly leads to reproductive disorders in pigs and has been extensively disseminated worldwide. Infection with a single PCV subtype alone does not induce severe porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVD), whereas concurrent co-infection with PCV2 and PCV3 exacerbates the clinical manifestations. Pseudorabies (PR), a highly contagious disease in pigs, pose a significant threat to the swine industry in China.

Methods

In this study, recombinant strains named rPRV-2Cap/3Cap and rPRV-2Cap/3Cap/IL4 was constructed by using a variant strain XJ of pseudorabies virus (PRV) as the parental strain, with the TK/gE/gI genes deleted and simultaneous expression of PCV2 Cap, PCV3 Cap, and IL-4. The two recombinant strains obtained by CRISPR/Cas gE gene editing technology and homologous recombination technology has genetic stability in baby hamster Syrian kidney-21 (BHK-21) cells and is safe to mice.

Results

rPRV-2Cap/3Cap and rPRV-2Cap/3Cap/IL4 exhibited good safety and immunogenicity in mice, inducing high levels of antibodies, demonstrated 100% protection against the PRV challenge in mice, reduced viral loads and mitigated pathological changes in the heart, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes during PCV2 challenge. Moreover, the recombinant viruses with the addition of IL-4 as a molecular adjuvant outperformed the non-addition group in most indicators.

Conclusion

rPRV-2Cap/3Cap and rPRV-2Cap/3Cap/IL4 hold promise as recombinant vaccines for the simultaneous prevention of PCV2, PCV3, and PRV, while IL-4, as a vaccine molecular adjuvant, effectively enhances the immune response of the vaccine.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of Maxing Shigan decoction in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Maxing Shigan Decoction (MXSG) is a traditional Chinese Medicine effectively used in respiratory infections and bacterial pneumonia. However, the mechanism of MXSG treating acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) pneumonia is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of MXSG on acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia and explore its potential mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HPLC-MS analysis was performed to analyze the chemical composition. Antibacterial effects in vitro were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Forty-five male BALB/c mice were divided into control group, model group, levofloxacin group, MXSG-L (7.7 g/kg/d), and MXSG-H group (15.4 g/kg/d). Mice were intranasal instillation with P. aeruginosa to induce acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model. Levofloxacin and MXSG were administered by oral gavage once a day. After 3 days of treatment, the lung index measurement, micro-CT, arterial blood gas analysis, bacteria load determination, and HE staining were performed. Network pharmacological analysis and transcriptome sequencing were employed to predict the potential mechanisms of MXSG on bacterial pneumonia. The expressions of relating genes were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

In vitro, MIC of P. aeruginosa is greater than 500 mg/mL. In the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia model, MXSG significantly improved body weight loss, lung index, and pulmonary lesions. MXSG treatment also reduced the bacterial load and ameliorated oxygen saturation significantly. Transcriptomes, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis showed MXSG treating acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia through the IL-17 signaling pathway and HIF-1α/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the efficacy and mechanism of MXSG in the treatment of acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia, which provides a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Ca2+ dynamics in interstitial cells: foundational mechanisms for the motor patterns in the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract displays multiple motor patterns that move nutrients and wastes through the body. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) provide the forces necessary for GI motility, but interstitial cells, electrically coupled to SMCs, tune SMC excitability, transduce inputs from enteric motor neurons, and generate pacemaker activity that underlies major motor patterns, such as peristalsis and segmentation. The interstitial cells regulating SMCs are interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)α+ cells. Together these cells form the SIP syncytium. ICC and PDGFRα+ cells express signature Ca2+-dependent conductances: ICC express Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, encoded by Ano1, that generate inward current, and PDGFRα+ cells express Ca2+-activated K+ channels, encoded by Kcnn3, that generate outward current. The open probabilities of interstitial cell conductances are controlled by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. The resulting Ca2+ transients occur spontaneously in a stochastic manner. Ca2+ transients in ICC induce spontaneous transient inward currents and spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs). Neurotransmission increases or decreases Ca2+ transients, and the resulting depolarizing or hyperpolarizing responses conduct to other cells in the SIP syncytium. In pacemaker ICC, STDs activate voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx, which initiates a cluster of Ca2+ transients and sustains activation of ANO1 channels and depolarization during slow waves. Regulation of GI motility has traditionally been described as neurogenic and myogenic. Recent advances in understanding Ca2+ handling mechanisms in interstitial cells and how these mechanisms influence motor patterns of the GI tract suggest that the term "myogenic" should be replaced by the term "SIPgenic," as this review discusses.

Macrophage-related gingival transcriptomic patterns and microbiome alterations in experimental periodontitis in nonhuman primates

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the microbiome features specifically related to host macrophage polarization in health, initiation and progression of periodontitis, and in resolution samples using a nonhuman primate model of ligature-induced periodontitis.

BACKGROUND

The oral microbiome is a complex of bacterial phyla, genera, and species acquired early in life into the individual autochthonous oral ecology. The microbiome changes overtime in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, and transitions to a dysbiotic ecology at sites of periodontal lesions.

METHODS

Comparisons were made between the microbial and host features in young (≤7 years) and adult (≥12 years) cohorts of animals. Footprints of macrophage-related genes in the gingival tissues were evaluated using expression profiles including M0, M1, and M2 related genes.

RESULTS

Within the gingival tissues, similar macrophage-related gene patterns were observed with significant increases with disease initiation and continued elevation throughout disease in both age groups. Approximately, 70% of the taxa were similar in relative abundance between the two groups; however, the adults showed a large number of OTUs that were significantly altered compared with the younger animals. Developing a correlation map identified three major node levels of interactions that comprised approximately ⅓ of the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) that dominated the microbiomes across the samples. Also noted was a much greater frequency of significant correlations of individual OTUs with the macrophage phenotype markers, compared with disease and resolution samples in both age groups, with a greater frequency in the younger group. Moreover, these correlations were assigned to differentially expressed genes representing M0, M1, and M2-related phenotypes. A cluster analyses across the macrophage-related transcriptome and the OTUs demonstrated multiple somewhat distinct bacterial consortia, incorporating both commensal and putative pathogens, linked to the gene responses that differed in health, disease, and resolution samples. Finally, there were minimal alterations in the OTUs in individual clusters with specific macrophage-related responses in the younger group, while in the adult samples substantial variations were noted with genes from all macrophage phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed important features that could reflect macrophage polarization in periodontal lesions, and provided some initial data supporting specific members of the oral microbiome feature prominently related to specific gene response patterns consistent with macrophages in the gingival tissues.

DAMPs and alarmin gene expression patterns in aging healthy and diseased mucosal tissues

Introduction

Periodontitis is delineated by a dysbiotic microbiome at sites of lesions accompanied by a dysregulated persistent inflammatory response that undermines the integrity of the periodontium. The interplay of the altered microbial ecology and warning signals from host cells would be a critical feature for maintaining or re-establishing homeostasis in these tissues.

Methods

This study used a nonhuman primate model (Macaca mulatta) with naturally-occurring periodontitis (n = 34) and experimental ligature-induced periodontitis (n = 36) to describe the features of gene expression for an array of damage-associate molecular patterns (DAMPs) or alarmins within the gingival tissues. The animals were age stratified into: ≤3 years (Young), 7-12 years (Adolescent), 12-15 years (Adult) and 17-23 years (Aged). Gingival tissue biopsies were examined via microarray. The analysis focused on 51 genes representative of the DAMPs/alarmins family of host cell warning factors and 18 genes associated with tissue destructive processed in the gingival tissues. Bacterial plaque samples were collected by curette sampling and 16S rRNA gene sequences used to describe the oral microbiome.

Results

A subset of DAMPs/alarmins were expressed in healthy and naturally-occurring periodontitis tissues in the animals and suggested local effects on gingival tissues leading to altered levels of DAMPs/alarmins related to age and disease. Significant differences from adult healthy levels were most frequently observed in the young and adolescent animals with few representatives in this gene array altered in the healthy aged gingival tissues. Of the 51 target genes, only approximately ⅓ were altered by ≥1.5-fold in any of the age groups of animals during disease, with those increases observed during disease initiation. Distinctive positive and negative correlations were noted with the DAMP/alarmin gene levels and comparative expression changes of tissue destructive molecules during disease across the age groups. Finally, specific correlations of DAMP/alarmin genes and relative abundance of particular microbes were observed in health and resolution samples in younger animals, while increased correlations during disease in the older groups were noted.

Conclusions

Thus, using this human-like preclinical model of induced periodontitis, we demonstrated the dynamics of the activation of the DAMP/alarmin warning system in the gingival tissues that showed some specific differences based on age.

Impact of Treatment with Antioxidants as an Adjuvant to Standard Therapy in Patients with Septic Shock: Analysis of the Correlation between Cytokine Storm and Oxidative Stress and Therapeutic Effects

Cellular homeostasis is lost or becomes dysfunctional during septic shock due to the activation of the inflammatory response and the deregulation of oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapy administered alongside standard treatment could restore this lost homeostasis. We included 131 patients with septic shock who were treated with standard treatment and vitamin C (Vit C), vitamin E (Vit E), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or melatonin (MT), in a randomized trial. Organ damage quantified by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and we determined levels of Interleukins (IL) IL1β, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Transforming growth factor B (TGFβ), IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and Interferon-γ (IFNγ). The SOFA score decreased in patients treated with Vit C, NAC, and MT. Patients treated with MT had statistically significantly reduced of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and IL-10 levels. Lipid peroxidation, Nitrates and nitrites (NO3- and NO2-), glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase decreased after treatment with Vit C, Vit E, NAC, and MT. The levels of thiols recovered with the use of Vit E, and all patients treated with antioxidants maintained their selenium levels, in contrast with controls (p = 0.04). The findings regarding oxidative stress markers and cytokines after treatment with antioxidants allow us to consider to future the combined use of antioxidants in a randomized clinical trial with a larger sample to demonstrate the reproducibility of these beneficial effects.

Prognostic Value of GRACE Risk Score Combined With Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were used independently to predict adverse outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this study, 1041 patients with STEMI were divided into 4 groups based on GRACE scores and optimal cutoff values for SII. SII was positively correlated with GRACE score (r = 0.164; P < .001). SII (HR, hazard ratio: 2.051; 95%CI: 1.249-3.368; P = .005) and GRACE score (HR: 7.625; 95%CI: 3.692-15.746; P < .001) were independent risk predictors of short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Taking the low SII+low GRACE group as the reference group, the short-term MACE HR of the high SII+high GRACE group was 40.470 (95%CI: 5.547-295.253). Comparing the area under the curve, the combined use of SII and GRACE scores can significantly improve the prediction efficiency of short-term MACE compared with the single use of SII and GRACE scores. In conclusion, SII may be positively correlated with GRACE score, and the combination of the two accurately predicted the occurrence of short-term MACE in STEMI patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Cytokine and Chemokine Production in Mice Inoculated with NVX-CoV2373 (Nuvaxovid®) in Comparison with Omicron BA.4/5 Bivalent BNT162b2 (Comirnaty®)

A recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccine (NVX-CoV2373) has been licensed and has a lesser incidence of adverse events. To know the immunological mechanisms of adverse events, the production of cytokines and chemokines was investigated in mice inoculated with NVX-CoV2373. Serum IL-6 was detected on Day 1 of the first and second doses and the IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels increased on Day 1 of the second dose at the inoculation site. The enhanced production of the inflammatory chemokines (CCL2), homeostatic chemokine (CXCL13), and Th2 chemokine (CCL17) was observed at the inoculation site on Day 1 of the second dose. These findings were compared with data obtained following inoculation with BNT162b2 bivalent vaccine containing omicron BA.4/5. Significantly lower levels of inflammatory chemokines were detected on Day 1 after the first dose of NVX-CoV2373 in sera and inoculation site than those following inoculation with bivalent BNT162b2 (p < 0.01), reflecting a lower incidence of adverse events after immunization with NVX-CoV2373 in humans. NVX-CoV2373 induced significantly higher concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 at the inoculation site obtained on Day 1 of the second dose (p < 0.05). Significant higher levels of Th2 chemokines, CCL11 and CCL17, were induced at the inoculation site on Day 1 of the second dose (p < 0.01) and they explain the booster IgG EIA antibody response after the second dose of NVX-CoV2373.

Association between pan-immune-inflammation value and no-reflow in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Noreflow is a condition associated with a poor prognosis in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. It has been shown that many inflammatory markers and index such as procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), are associated with noreflow. We used a brand-new index pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between PIV and noreflow. A total of 1212 patients were included for analysis. Noreflow was observed in 145 patients. In multivariate analysis, PIV (odds ratio (OR): 1.025; [1.002-1.115], p < 0.001), baseline ejection fraction (OR: 0.963; [0.934-0.993], p = 0.015), stent length (OR: 1.032; [1.010-1.054], p = 0.004), age (OR: 1.034; [1.014-1.053], p = 0.001) and pain to PCI time (OR: 1.003 [1.002-1.005], p < 0.001) were observed to be the independent predictors of noreflow. ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut off value of PIV for predicting noreflow was ≥889 with 77.2% sensitivity and 77.5% specificity (AUC, 0.828; 95% CI [0.806-0.849]). A ROC curve comparison analysis was performed to compare PIV and SII. The predictive power of PIV was higher than SII (differences between areas: 0.154; p < 0.001). According to our findings, an increase in PIV is an independent predictor of noreflow in patients with STEMI.

Inflammation-related signaling pathways in tendinopathy

Tendon is a connective tissue that produces movement by transmitting the force produced by muscle contraction to the bones. Most tendinopathy is caused by prolonged overloading of the tendon, leading to degenerative disease of the tendon. When overloaded, the oxygen demand of tenocytes increases, and the tendon structure is special and lacks blood supply, which makes it easier to form an oxygen-deficient environment in tenocytes. The production of reactive oxygen species due to hypoxia causes elevation of inflammatory markers in the tendon, including PGE2, IL-1β, and TNF-α. In the process of tendon healing, inflammation is also a necessary stage. The inflammatory environment formed by cytokines and various immune cells play an important role in the clearance of necrotic material, the proliferation of tenocytes, and the production of collagen fibers. However, excessive inflammation can lead to tendon adhesions and hinder tendon healing. Some important and diverse biological functions of the body originate from intercellular signal transduction, among which cytokine mediation is an important way of signal transduction. In particular, NF-κB, NLRP3, p38/MAPK, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, four common signaling pathways in tendinopathy inflammatory response, play a crucial role in the regulation and transcription of inflammatory factors. Therefore, summarizing the specific mechanisms of inflammatory signaling pathways in tendinopathy is of great significance for an in-depth understanding of the inflammatory response process and exploring how to inhibit the harmful part of the inflammatory response and promote the beneficial part to improve the healing effect of the tendon.

Synthetic Self-Adjuvanted Lipopeptide Vaccines Conferred Protection against Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes the stomach epithelium of half the world's population and is responsible for various digestive diseases and even stomach cancer. Vaccine-mediated protection against H. pylori infection depends primarily on the specific mucosal and T-cell responses. In this study, the synthetic lipopeptide vaccines, Hp4 (Pam2 Cys modified UreB T-cell epitope) and Hp10 (Pam2 Cys modified CagA T/B cell combined epitope), not only induce the bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) maturation by activating a variety of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptor (TLR), Nod-like receptor (NLR), and retinoic acid-inducing gene (RIG) I-like receptor (RLR), and but also stimulate BMDCs to secret cytokines that have the potential to modulate T-cell activation and differentiation. Although intranasal immunization with Hp4 or Hp10 elicits robust epitope-specific T-cell responses in mice, only Hp10 confers protection against H. pylori infection, possibly due to the fact that Hp10 also induces substantial specific sIgA response at mucosal sites. Interestingly, Hp4 elevates the protective response against H. pylori infection of Hp10 when administrated in combination, characterized by better protective effect and enhanced specific T-cell and mucosal antibody responses. The results suggest that synthetic lipopeptide vaccines based on the epitopes derived from the protective antigens are promising candidates for protection against H. pylori infection.

Therapeutic implication of Sonic Hedgehog as a potential modulator in ischemic injury

Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) is a homology protein that is involved in the modeling and development of embryonic tissues. As SHh plays both protective and harmful roles in ischemia, any disruption in the transduction and regulation of the SHh signaling pathway causes ischemia to worsen. The SHh signal activation occurs when SHh binds to the receptor complex of Ptc-mediated Smoothened (Smo) (Ptc-smo), which initiates the downstream signaling cascade. This article will shed light on how pharmacological modifications to the SHh signaling pathway transduction mechanism alter ischemic conditions via canonical and non-canonical pathways by activating certain downstream signaling cascades with respect to protein kinase pathways, angiogenic cytokines, inflammatory mediators, oxidative parameters, and apoptotic pathways. The canonical pathway includes direct activation of interleukins (ILs), angiogenic cytokines like hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-), which modulate ischemia. The non-canonical pathway includes indirect activation of certain pathways like mTOR, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, RhoA/ROCK, Wnt/-catenin, NOTCH, Forkhead box protein (FOXF), Toll-like receptors (TLR), oxidative parameters such as GSH, SOD, and CAT, and some apoptotic parameters such as Bcl2. This review provides comprehensive insights that contribute to our knowledge of how SHh impacts the progression and outcomes of ischemic injuries.

A Single Bout of High Heels Dancing Causes an Increase in Circulating Markers of Muscle Tissue Degradation and MMP-3 in Young Healthy Women

Prolonged wearing of high heels can cause chronic injury and inflammation. Herein, we investigated the presence of muscle injury, inflammation, and neutrophil function in young women after a single bout of stiletto dance class. Sixteen volunteers (23.4 ± 3.8 years; 61.7 ± 8.1 kg; 23.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2; and 27.2 ± 3.8% body fat) participated in the study. The plasma biomarkers matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), muscle damage (myoglobin (Mb), total creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)), and inflammation (interleukin 8 (IL-8), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL]-1β, and IL-6) were quantified before and immediately after a single stiletto class (60 min) of moderate intensity. After class, our data showed that the plasma concentration of MMP-3, Mb, and CK increased by 56% (p = 0.04; d = 0.8), 113% (p = 0.007; d = 1.1), and 21% (p < 0.001; d = 0.4), respectively. Reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils and the plasma concentration of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were not affected under the study conditions. We concluded that a single bout of stiletto dance class caused muscle damage but did not alter the plasma concentration of proinflammatory cytokines. These findings are crucial in preventing the progress of chronic injuries that are often noted in dancers with synovitis and arthritis.

New insights into the pathophysiology and therapeutic targets of asthma and comorbid chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis

Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) are chronic respiratory diseases. These two disorders often co-exist based on common anatomical, immunological, histopathological, and pathophysiological basis. Usually, asthma with comorbid CRSwNP is driven by type 2 (T2) inflammation which predisposes to more severe, often intractable, disease. In the past two decades, innovative technologies and detection techniques in combination with newly introduced targeted therapies helped shape our understanding of the immunological pathways underlying inflammatory airway diseases and to further identify several distinct clinical and inflammatory subsets to enhance the development of more effective personalized treatments. Presently, a number of targeted biologics has shown clinical efficacy in patients with refractory T2 airway inflammation, including anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab)/anti-IL5R (benralizumab), anti-IL-4R-α (anti-IL-4/IL-13, dupilumab), and anti-TSLP (tezepelumab). In non-type-2 endotypes, no targeted biologics have consistently shown clinical efficacy so far. Presently, multiple therapeutical targets are being explored including cytokines, membrane molecules and intracellular signalling pathways to further expand current treatment options for severe asthma with and without comorbid CRSwNP. In this review, we discuss existing biologics, those under development and share some views on new horizons.

Allergen immunotherapy for allergic asthma: The future seems bright

Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal therapeutic option for allergic airway diseases including asthma and allergic rhinitis. AIT has been shown to restore the allergen immune tolerance, can modify both the early and late-onset allergen-specific airway hyperreactivity, helps to achieve disease control/remission and prevents new sensitisations. Recent real life data on long-term effectiveness of house dust mite (HDM) AIT in a large group of patients with HDM-driven asthma further underscored its unique therapeutic potential as well as confirmed previous data with pollen AIT. More widespread use of this causal treatment in select patient populations should further move this promising therapeutic field. In this mini-review, we discuss updates on new insights based on real world patient data.

Correlations between the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis and salivary epidermal growth factor as well as inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate correlations of the severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

Levels of inflammatory cytokines and EGF in saliva of HNC patients were measured. Correlations of inflammatory cytokines and EGF levels with RIOM severity and pain degree, and their diagnostic values on RIOM severity were determined.

RESULTS

Elevated IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 levels, and reduced IL-4, IL-10, and EGF levels were found in patients with severe RIOM. IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 were positively correlated with RIOM severity, while IL-10, IL-4, and EGF were negatively correlated with it. All factors were effective in predicting the severity of RIOM.

CONCLUSION

IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 in saliva of patients with HNC are positively correlated with the severity of RIOM, and IL-4, IL-10, and EGF were negatively correlated with it.

The Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index Predicts No-Reflow Phenomenon after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Older Patients with STEMI

Purpose: Coronary no-reflow phenomenon (NRP), a common adverse complication in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is associated with poor patient prognosis. In this study, the correlation between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and NRP in older patients with STEMI was studied, to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk patients and improve their prognosis.

Materials and methods: Between January 2017 and June 2020, 578 older patients with acute STEMI admitted to the Department of Cardiology of Hebei General Hospital for direct PCI treatment were selected for this retrospective study. Patients were divided into an NRP group and normal-flow group according to whether NRP occurred during the operation. Clinical data and the examination indexes of the two groups were collected. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent predictors of NRP, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to further analyze the ability of SII to predict NRP in older patients with STEMI.

Results: Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that hypertension (OR=2.048, 95% CI:1.252–3.352, P=0.004), lymphocyte count (OR=0.571, 95% CI:0.368–0.885, P=0.012), platelet count (OR=1.009, 95% CI:1.005–1.013, P<0.001), hemoglobin (OR=1.015, 95% CI:1.003–1.028, P=0.018), multivessel disease (OR=2.237, 95% CI:1.407–3.558, P=0.001), and SII≥1814 (OR=3.799, 95% CI:2.190–6.593, P<0.001) were independent predictors of NRP after primary PCI in older patients with STEMI. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that SII had a high predictive value for NRP (AUC=0.738; 95% CI:0.686–0.790), with the best cut-off value of 1814, a sensitivity of 52.85% and a specificity of 85.71%.

Conclusion: For older patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, SII is a valid predictor of NRP.

The role of IL-1β during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection

Interleukin (IL)-1β is a key innate cytokine that is essential for immune activation and promoting the inflammatory process. However, abnormal elevation in IL-1β levels has been associated with unwanted clinical outcomes. IL-1β is the most extensively studied cytokine among the IL-1 family of cytokines and its role in pathology is well established. During the course of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, the level of this proinflammatory cytokine is increased in different anatomical compartments, particularly in lymphatic tissues, and this elevation is associated with disease progression. The aim of this review is to address the pathological roles play by IL-1β in the light of enhancing HIV-1 replication, driving immune cell depletion, and chronic immune activation. The role of IL-1β in HIV-1 transmission (sexually or vertically 'from mother-to-child') will also be discussed. Additionally, the impact of the available antiretroviral therapy regimens on the levels of IL-1β in HIV-1 treated patients is also discussed. Finally, we will provide a glance on how IL-1β could be targeted as a therapeutic strategy.

Mucosal immune responses induced by oral administration of recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing the S1 protein of PDCoV

Porcine deltacoronavirus is an evolving coronavirus that primarily infects the intestine and may lead to intestinal disease in piglets. Up to now, no commercial vaccination is readily accessible to protect against the spread of PDCoV. Lactococcus lactis has been shown to have good immune efficacy and safety and can be used as a genetically engineered vaccine to deliver antigens. In this research, we utilized L. lactis NZ9000 to provide the S1 protein orally and improved the delivery efficiency by connecting the M cell targeting ligand Co1 with the S1 protein of PDCoV in tandem to obtain the recombinant protein S1-Co1. We successfully constructed two recombinant strains capable of expressing PDCoV-S1 and PDCoV-S1-Co1 proteins (i.e., L. lactis NZ9000-S1 and L. lactis NZ9000-S1-Co1), and their immunogenic capacity was evaluated in mice. Our study shows that Lactococcus is an advantageous bacterial live vector vaccine and is anticipated as a potential PDCoV vaccination option.

Integrated Proteotranscriptomics Reveals Differences in Molecular Immunity between Min and Large White Pig Breeds

Long-term selection or evolution is an important factor governing the development of disease resistance in pigs. To better clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying different levels of disease resistance, we used transcriptomics and proteomics analysis to characterize differences in the immunities between six resistant (Min pig) and six susceptible (Large White, LW) pigs which were raised in the same environment. A total of 135 proteins and 791 genes were identified as being differentially expressed between the Large White and Min pig groups. Protein expression clustering and functional analysis revealed that proteins related to immune system process, humoral immune response, the B cell receptor signaling pathway, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, and innate immune responses were more highly expressed in Min pigs. Transcriptome gene set enrichment analysis was used to reveal that pathways of cell adhesion molecules and antigen processing and presentation are significantly enriched in Min pigs. Integrated proteomics and transcriptomics data analysis identified 16 genes that are differentially expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, 13 out of these 16 genes were related to the quantitative trait loci of immune diseases, including neural EGFL-like 2 (NELL2) and lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB), which are involved in innate immunity. Correlation analysis between the genes/proteins and cytokines shows upregulated proteins in LW pigs in association with immunosuppressive/pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) 10, IL6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. This was further validated using parallel reaction monitoring analysis. In summary, we discovered several potential candidate pathways and key genes/proteins involved in determining differences in disease resistance between the two studied pig breeds, which could provide new insights into the breeding of pigs for disease resistance.

Immunological Insights into Cigarette Smoking-Induced Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Smoking is one of the most prominent addictions of the modern world, and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Although the number of tobacco smokers is believed to be at a historic low, electronic cigarette use has been on a dramatic rise over the past decades. Used as a replacement for cigarette smoking, electronic cigarettes were thought to reduce the negative effects of burning tobacco. Nonetheless, the delivery of nicotine by electronic cigarettes, the most prominent component of cigarette smoke (CS) is still delivering the same negative outcomes, albeit to a lesser extent than CS. Smoking has been shown to affect both the structural and functional aspects of major organs, including the lungs and vasculature. Although the deleterious effects of smoking on these organs individually is well-known, it is likely that the adverse effects of smoking on these organs will have long-lasting effects on the cardiovascular system. In addition, smoking has been shown to play an independent role in the homeostasis of the immune system, leading to major sequela. Both the adaptive and the innate immune system have been explored regarding CS and have been demonstrated to be altered in a way that promotes inflammatory signals, leading to an increase in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Although the mechanism of action of CS has not been fully understood, disease pathways have been explored in both branches of the immune system. The pathophysiologically altered immune system during smoking and its correlation with cardiovascular diseases is not fully understood. Here we highlight some of the important pathological mechanisms that involve cigarette smoking and its many components on cardiovascular disease and the immune systems in order to have a better understanding of the mechanisms at play.

Adjuvant Discovery via a High Throughput Screen using Human Primary Mononuclear Cells

Motivation

Vaccines are a key biomedical intervention to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, but their efficacy can be limited by insufficient immunogenicity and nonuniform reactogenic profiles. Adjuvants are molecules that potentiate vaccine responses by inducing innate immune activation. However, there are a limited number of adjuvants in approved vaccines, and current approaches for preclinical adjuvant discovery and development are inefficient. To enhance adjuvant identification, we developed a protocol based on in vitro screening of human primary leukocytes.

Summary

We describe a methodology utilizing high-throughput and high-content screening for novel adjuvant candidates that was used to screen a library of ~2,500 small molecules via a 384-well quantitative combined cytokine and flow cytometry immunoassay in primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 4 healthy adult study participants. Hits were identified based on their induction of soluble cytokine (TNF, IFNg and IL-10) secretion and PBMC maturation (CD 80/86, Ox40, and HLA-DR) in at least two of the four donors screened. From an initial set of 197 compounds identified using these biomarkers-an 8.6% hit rate-we downselected to five scaffolds that demonstrated robust efficacy and potency in vitro and evaluated the top hit, vinblastine sulfate, for adjuvanticity in vivo. Vinblastine sulfate significantly enhanced murine humoral responses to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including a four-fold enhancement of IgG titer production when compared to treatment with the spike antigen alone. Overall, we outline a methodology for discovering immunomodulators with adjuvant potential via high-throughput screening of PBMCs in vitro that yielded a lead compound with in vivo adjuvanticity.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Polysaccharide from Fermented Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) on RAW 264.7 Macrophage and Balb/c Mice

This study aims to determine the immunomodulatory effects of a polysaccharide fraction from fermented M. citrifolia L. (FMP) in RAW 264.7 macrophages and Balb/c mice. M. citrifolia was fermented for 72 h using Lactobacillus brevis; polysaccharides were extracted using ethanol precipitation. The RAW 264.7 cells exposed to FMP (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) for 24 h showed increased NO production, proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) release, and COX-2 and iNOS protein expression. FMP (100, 200 mg/kg) and deacetylasperulosidic acid (DAA) (20 mg/kg) administered orally to Balb/c mice for 14 days upregulated NO production and NK cytotoxicity in abdominal cavity and spleen, respectively. Th1 and Th2 cytokines production and immune cell numbers increased in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), Peyer’s patches (PP), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Therefore, FMP containing DAA can be used as materials for health functional foods to enhance immune responses.

Endometrial HLA-F expression is influenced by genotypes and correlates differently with immune cell infiltration in IVF and recurrent implantation failure patients

STUDY QUESTION

Is human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F protein expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and are its expression levels influenced by HLA-F gene polymorphisms and correlated with the abundance of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages?

SUMMARY ANSWER

HLA-F protein is expressed in mid-secretory endometrium, and levels are correlated with immune cell infiltration, plasma progesterone concentrations and HLA-F single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), however, women experiencing recurrent implantation failure (RIF) show differences when compared to women attending their first IVF treatment.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The immunomodulatory HLA class Ib molecules HLA-G and HLA-F are expressed on the extravillous trophoblast cells and interact with receptors on maternal immune cells. Little is known regarding HLA-F expression in endometrial stroma and HLA-F function; furthermore, HLA-F and HLA-G SNP genotypes and haplotypes have been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Primary endometrial stromal cell (ESC) cultures (n = 5) were established from endometrial biopsies from women attending IVF treatment at a fertility clinic. Basic HLA-F and HLA-G protein expression by the ESCs were investigated. A prospective controlled cohort study was performed including 85 women with a history of RIF and 36 control women beginning their first fertility treatment and with no history of RIF. In some analyses, the RIF group was divided into unknown cause, male infertility, female infertility, and both female and male infertility. Endometrial biopsies and blood samples were obtained the day equivalent to embryo transfer in a hormone-substituted cycle.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

HLA protein expression by ESCs was characterized using flow cytometry and western blot. In the cohort study, the specific immune markers HLA-F and HLA-G, CD56 and CD16 (NK cells), CD163 (M2 macrophages), FOXP3 (regulatory T cells) and CD138 (plasma cells) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis system in endometrial biopsies. Endometrial receptivity was assessed by an endometrial receptivity array test (the ERA® test). Endometrial biopsies were examined according to modified Noyes' criteria. SNPs at the HLA-F gene and HLA-G haplotypes were determined.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

HLA-F protein is expressed in the endometrium at the time of implantation. Furthermore, the HLA-F protein levels were different according to the womeńs HLA-F SNP genotypes and diplotypes, which have previously been correlated with differences in time-to-pregnancy. Endometrial HLA-F was positively correlated with anti-inflammatory CD163+ M2 macrophage infiltration and CD56+ uNK cell abundance for the entire cohort. However, this was not the case for CD56+ in the female infertility RIF subgroup. HLA-F levels in the endometrial stroma were negatively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations in the RIF subgroup with known female infertility. Conversely, HLA-F and progesterone were positively correlated in the RIF subgroup with infertility of the male partner and no infertility diagnosis of the woman indicating interconnections between progesterone, HLA-F and immune cell infiltration. Glandular sHLA-G expression was also positively correlated with uNK cell abundance in the RIF subgroup with no female infertility but negatively correlated in the RIF subgroup with a female infertility diagnosis.

LARGE SCALE DATA

Immunohistochemistry analyses of endometrial biopsies and DNA sequencing of HLA genes. Data will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The control group of women attending their first IVF treatment had an anticipated good prognosis but was not proven fertile. A significant age difference between the RIF group and the IVF group reflects the longer treatment period for women with a history of RIF. The standardization of hormonal endometrial preparation, which allowed consistent timing of endometrial and blood sampling, might be a strength because a more uniform hormonal background may more clearly show an influence on the immune marker profile and HLA class Ib levels in the endometrium by other factors, for example genetic polymorphisms. However, the immune marker profile might be different during a normal cycle.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The findings further highlight the importance of HLA-F and HLA-G at the implantation site and in early pregnancy for pregnancy success. Diagnostic measures and modulation of the complex interactions between HLA class Ib molecules, maternal immune cells and hormonal factors may have potential to improve fertility treatment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the Region Zealand Health Sciences Research Foundation and the Zealand University Hospital through the ReproHealth Research Consortium ZUH. The authors declared there are no conflicts of interest.

The Construction and Immunogenicity Analyses of Recombinant Pseudorabies Virus With NADC30-Like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus-Like Particles Co-expression

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and pseudorabies (PR) are highly infectious swine diseases and cause significant financial loss in China. The respiratory system and reproductive system are the main target systems. Previous studies showed that the existing PR virus (PRV) and PRRS virus (PRRSV) commercial vaccines could not provide complete protection against PRV variant strains and NADC30-like PRRSV strains in China. In this study, the PRV variant strain XJ and NADC30-like PRRSV strain CHSCDJY-2019 are used as the parent for constructing a recombinant pseudorabies virus (rPRV)-NC56 with gE/gI/TK gene deletion and co-expressing NADC30-like PRRSV GP5 and M protein. The rPRV-NC56 proliferated stably in BHK-21 cells, and it could stably express GP5 and M protein. Due to the introduction of the self-cleaving 2A peptide, GP5 and M protein were able to express independently and form virus-like particles (VLPs) of PRRSV in rPRV-NC56-infected BHK-21 cells. The rPRV-NC56 is safe for use in mice; it can colonize and express the target protein in mouse lungs for a long time. Vaccination with rPRV-NC56 induces PRV and NADC30-like PRRSV specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and protects 100% of mice from virulent PRV XJ strain. Furthermore, the virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) elicited by rPRV-NC56 showed significantly lower titer against SCNJ-2016 (HP-PRRSV) than that against CHSCDJY-2019 (NADC30-like PRRSV). Thus, rPRV-NC56 appears to be a promising candidate vaccine against NADC30-like PRRSV and PRV for the control and eradication of the variant PRV and NADC30-like PRRSV.

E-Cigarette Aerosols Promote Oral S. aureus Colonization by Delaying an Immune Response and Bacterial Clearing

E-cigarette (e-cig) vapor has been shown to play a pathological role in oral health and alter the oral microbiota, providing growth advantages for opportunistic pathogens. Enrichment of Staphylococcus aureus, a commensal resident in the oral cavity, correlates with the progression of periodontal disease, suggesting a role as an opportunistic pathogen. Environmental conditions, such as cigarette smoke, are known to increase S. aureus virulence, yet the role of S. aureus in periodontitis and oral preneoplasia is unknown. We exposed oral epithelial cells to e-cig aerosols and showed a dose-dependent cell viability reduction, regardless of nicotine content, in a possible attempt to repair DNA damage, as measured by pH2AX. S. aureus attachment to oral epithelial cells and bacterial biofilm formation were enhanced upon e-cig exposure, indicating an increased capacity for oral colonization. Mechanistically, e-cig aerosol exposure resulted in an immunosuppression, as determined by a reduction in IL8, IL6, and IL1β secretion by oral epithelial cells during co-culture with S. aureus. Consistent with this, e-cig vape reduced the oral epithelial cell clearance of S. aureus. Furthermore, we observed an increased expression of the inflammatory regulator COX2. This work suggests that e-cigs promote S. aureus colonization and modulate the oral inflammatory response, possibly promoting oral periodontitis and preneoplasia.

Saliva and Serum Cytokine Profiles During Oral Ulceration in Behçet's Disease

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, multi-systemic disorder of unknown aetiology typified by recurrent oral and genital mucocutaneous lesions, uveitis and vasculitis. Innate and adaptive immune system dysregulation has been implicated in pathogenesis with alterations in serum cytokine profiles. Few studies have investigated salivary cytokines in BD, despite more than 90% of BD patients first presenting with oral ulceration. The aim of this pilot study was twofold; firstly to investigate whether cytokine levels in matched serum and saliva samples show a differential profile in BD (with and without oral ulcers), recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and healthy controls (HCs), and secondly, to explore if any differential profiles in serum and/or saliva could provide a panel of cytokines with diagnostic and therapeutic potential for BD. Concentrations of 12 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-β) were measured using the Human Th1/Th2 11-Plex FlowCytomix™ kit with IL-17A, in BD (N=20), RAS (N=6) and HCs (N=10). A differential range of cytokines was detected in serum and saliva with the majority of cytokine levels higher in saliva. The most prevalent salivary cytokines were IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α present in all samples in contrast to serum where the most prevalent cytokine detected was IL-8 (91.9%). The least abundant cytokine was IFN-γ in both saliva (43.2%) and serum (2.7%). After normalizing saliva for protein content, BD patients with oral ulcers (BD-MA) had significantly higher levels of salivary IL-1β (p=0.01), IL-8 (p=0.02), TNF-α (p=0.004) and IL-6 (p=0.01) than HCs. Notably, BD patients without oral ulcers (BD-MQ) also had significantly higher salivary IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α (p ≤ 0.05) than HCs. During relapsed (BD-RE) and quiet (BD-Q) systemic episodes, salivary IL-β and TNF-α were also significantly increased with IL-8 significantly higher only in BD-Q (p=0.02). BD oral ulcers signify a potential reactivation of systemic inflammation. Identifying cytokines released during asymptomatic episodes and oral ulceration might lead to targeted drug therapy to prevent recurrent oral ulcers and possible disease relapse. This is the first study to report salivary cytokine levels in BD. The detectable levels suggests cytokine profiling of BD saliva may provide an alternative, less invasive, sensitive procedure for frequent monitoring of disease activity and progression.

Systemic immune-inflammation index predicts no-reflow phenomenon after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), on the basis of lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts had been published to be a good prognostic factor in coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, the prognostic value of Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in a condition of no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) remains inconsistent, we evaluated the SII as a simple calculated tool for predicting the NRP among patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneus coronary intervention (PCI).

METHOD

510 consecutive acute STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI within 12 h from symptom onset from October 2015 to January 2020 were enrolled in our study. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off value of SII to predict the no-reflow. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression, including covariates found to have a significant association with NRP in univariate analysis, was used to identify independent predictors of no-reflow.

RESULTS

A ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off value of SII for predicting no-reflow was 1028, with sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 70, respectively (AUC, 0.839; 95% CI 0.797-0.881). An ROC curve comparison analysis was performed to compare the SII with NLR and PLR. Multivariate analysis revealed that SII ≥1028 value (OR = 6.622, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.802-11.627, p < .001), not using aspirin prior to admission (OR = 0.431, 95%CI: 0.236-0.786, p = .006), and CRP (OR = 1.004, 95%CI: 1.001-1.008, p = .041) were independent predictors related to occurrence of NRP after primary PCI in patients with acute STEMI.

CONCLUSION

SII levels are independently associated with the NRP in patients undergoing primary PCI for acute STEMI. High SII may be a promising indicator for the prediction of NRP in these patients.

The recombinant pseudorabies virus expressing porcine deltacoronavirus spike protein is safe and effective for mice

BACKGROUND

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a new pathogenic porcine intestinal coronavirus, which has appeared in many countries since 2012. PDCoV disease caused acute diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and death in piglets, resulted in significant economic loss to the pig industry. However, there is no commercially available vaccine for PDCoV. In this study, we constructed recombinant pseudorabies virus (rPRVXJ-delgE/gI/TK-S) expressing PDCoV spike (S) protein and evaluated its safety and immunogenicity in mice.

RESULTS

The recombinant strain rPRVXJ-delgE/gI/TK-S obtained by CRISPR/Cas gE gene editing technology and homologous recombination technology has genetic stability in baby hamster syrian kidney-21 (BHK-21) cells and is safe to mice. After immunizing mice with rPRVXJ-delgE/gI/TK-S, the expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in peripheral blood of mice were up-regulated, the proliferation of spleen-specific T lymphocytes and the percentage of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes in mice spleen was increased. rPRVXJ-delgE/gI/TK-S showed good immunogenicity for mice. On the seventh day after booster immunity, PRV gB and PDCoV S specific antibodies were detected in mice, and the antibody level continued to increase, and the neutralizing antibody level reached the maximum at 28 days post- immunization (dpi). The recombinant strain can protect mice with 100% from the challenge of virulent strain (PRV XJ) and accelerate the detoxification of PDCoV in mice.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant rPRVXJ-delgE/gI/TK-S strain is safe and effective with strong immunogenicity and is expected to be a candidate vaccine against PDCoV and PRV.

Role of B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

As early commencement of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment has been shown to substantially improve outcomes, it is of utmost importance to make a timely diagnosis of this disease. Despite undisputed sensitivity of fecal calprotectin, the most widely accepted IBD biomarker, in discriminating between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBD, as well as recognized role in monitoring disease activity and response to therapy, perhaps the biggest setback of calprotectin use in IBD is lack of specificity. Therefore, an additional biomarker in IBD is warranted. B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, recently emerged as a viable candidate for this role. So far, overproduction of BAFF has been observed in various autoimmune diseases, most notably in systemic lupus erythematosus, where BAFF-inhibitor belimumab was approved for treatment. As BAFF levels were also shown to correlate with indices of IBD, in this review we aimed to summarize the current evidence with respect to the role of BAFF in diagnosis and assessing the activity of IBD, as well as putative therapeutic implications that may arise from exploring of this relation.

Improvement of Bronchial Immune Hypersensitivity Reaction Using Extracts from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramatuelle and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramatuelle and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (skullcap) have been used as safe raw materials for drinking or as traditional medicines in Korea. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of ovalbumin-induced asthma in a mouse model. After establishing the model, mice were treated with a mixture of chrysanthemum and skullcap extracts at different mixing ratios (6 : 4, 7 : 3, and 8 : 2). Immune cell counts and the production of various inflammatory cytokines were measured using biochemical tests. Among the mixtures tested, the 7 : 3 ratio (CS73) showed the most pronounced effects. CS73 significantly reduced the levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17E in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic mice. In addition, CS73 treatment significantly increased the production of IL-2 and interferon-γ and decreased the production of immunoglobulin E, histamine, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in asthmatic mice compared to the control group. Our results suggest that the combination of chrysanthemum and skullcap extracts, especially at a 7 : 3 ratio, can be used to improve bronchial health and contribute to improved public health.

Tendon healing is adversely affected by low-grade inflammation

BACKGROUND

Tendinopathy is common, presents with pain and activity limitation, and is associated with a high risk of recurrence of the injury. Tendinopathy usually occurs as a results of a disrupted healing response to a primary injury where cellular and molecular pathways lead to low grade chronic inflammation.

MAIN FINDINGS

There has been a renewed interest in investigating the role of Inflammation in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy, in particular during the initial phases of the condition where it may not be clinically evident. Understanding the early and late stages of tendon injury pathogenesis would help develop new and effective treatments addressed at targeting the inflammatory pathways.

CONCLUSION

This review outlines the role of low-grade Inflammation in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy, stressing the role of proinflammatory cytokines, proteolytic enzymes and growth factors, and explores how Inflammation exerts a negative influence on the process of tendon healing.

Immune-enhancing effects of β-lactoglobulin glycated with lactose following in vitro digestion on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) is a major milk protein, making up more than 53% of the total whey proteins, and is seen as a valuable ingredient in food processing because of its high essential amino acid content and diverse functional applications. The Maillard reaction can occur during the storage and processing of food and generate various beneficial effects, including anti-allergenicity, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The addition of an β-LG-lactose conjugate (LGL) produced by the Maillard reaction was shown to have a strong immune-enhancing effect, increasing both nitric oxide generation and cytokine expression through activation of RAW 264.7 cells, even after in vitro digestion. Furthermore, daily LGL administration resulted in the upregulation of several immune markers in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressive mouse model, indicating that this treatment stimulates multiple immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, and lymphocytes, enhancing the proliferation and activation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Taken together, these findings indicate that consuming LGL on a regular basis can improve immunity by increasing the natural production of various immune cells.

Polymeric materials for immune engineering: Molecular interaction to biomaterial design

Biomaterials continue to evolve as complex engineered tools for interactively instructing biological systems, aiding in the understanding and treatment of various disease states through intimate biological interaction. The immune response to polymeric materials is a critical area of study, as it governs the body's response to biomaterial implants, drug delivery vehicles, and even therapeutic drug formulations. Importantly, the development of the immune response to polymeric biomaterials spans length scales - from single molecular interactions to the complex sensing of bulk biophysical properties, all of which coordinate a tissue- and systems-level response. In this review, we specifically discuss a bottom-up approach to designing biomaterials that use molecular-scale interactions to drive immune response to polymers and discuss how these interactions can be leveraged for biomaterial design. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The immune system is an integral controller of (patho)physiological processes, affecting nearly all aspects of human health and disease. Polymeric biomaterials, whether biologically derived or synthetically produced, can potentially alter the behavior of immune cells due to their molecular-scale interaction with individual cells, as well as their interpretation at the bulk scale. This article reviews common mechanisms by which immune cells interact with polymers at the molecular level and discusses how these interactions are being leveraged to produce the next generation of biocompatible and immunomodulatory materials.

Selenium Nanoparticles Act Potentially on the Growth Performance, Hemato-Biochemical Indices, Antioxidative, and Immune-Related Genes of European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The current study investigated the role of selenium (Se) nanoparticles on the growth performance, hemato-biochemical indices, antioxidative, and immune-related genes of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Therefore, fish with initial weight of 20.53 ± 0.10 g/fish were fed diets with 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg Se nanoparticles/kg diet for 90 days. The final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate of fish fed dietary nano-Se varying levels were significantly higher than the control with the highest performances and lowest FCR in the group of fish fed nano-Se at 0.5 mg/kg. The values of Hb, PCV, RBCs, and WBCs were significantly higher in fish fed varying levels of Se nanoparticles than fish fed the basal diets. The values of total serum protein and globulin were significantly higher in fish fed varying levels of Se nanoparticles than fish fed the basal diets. Additionally, globulin had higher value in the group of fish fed 0.25 and 0.5 mg nano-Se/kg than fish fed 1 mg nano-Se/kg (P < 0.05). No significant alterations were observed on albumin, ALT, and AST variables (P > 0.05). Phagocytic index, phagocytic, lysozyme activities were significantly higher in fish fed varying levels of Se nanoparticles than fish fed the basal diets in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). Further, SOD activity had higher value in the group of fish fed 0.25 and 0.5 mg nano-Se/kg than fish fed 1 mg nano-Se/kg, whereas CAT was increased in the group of fish fed dietary 0.5 mg nano-Se/kg diet (P < 0.05). The level of MDA was significantly lowered by dietary nano-Se where the group of fish fed 0.25 mg/kg had the lowest level followed by those fed 0.5 and 1 mg/kg. The expression of GH, IGF-1, IL-8, and IL-1β genes had the highest mRNA levels in the group of fish fed 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg followed by those fed 1 mg/kg, whereas HSP70 was downregulated. Based on the overall results, Se nanoparticles are recommended at the rate of 0.5-1 mg/kg diet to maintain the optimal growth performance, hemato-biochemical indices, antioxidative status, and immune-related genes in European seabass.

The Dual Role of the GABAA Receptor in Peripheral Inflammation and Neuroinflammation: A Study in Hyperammonemic Rats

Cognitive and motor impairment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) are mediated by neuroinflammation, which is induced by hyperammonemia and peripheral inflammation. GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum is altered in rats with chronic hyperammonemia. The mechanisms by which hyperammonemia induces neuroinflammation remain unknown. We hypothesized that GABA_A receptors can modulate cerebellar neuroinflammation. The GABA_A antagonist bicuculline was administrated daily (i.p.) for four weeks in control and hyperammonemic rats. Its effects on peripheral inflammation and on neuroinflammation as well as glutamate and GABA neurotransmission in the cerebellum were assessed. In hyperammonemic rats, bicuculline decreases IL-6 and TNFα and increases IL-10 in the plasma, reduces astrocyte activation, induces the microglia M2 phenotype, and reduces IL-1β and TNFα in the cerebellum. However, in control rats, bicuculline increases IL-6 and decreases IL-10 plasma levels and induces microglial activation. Bicuculline restores the membrane expression of some glutamate and GABA transporters restoring the extracellular levels of GABA in hyperammonemic rats. Blocking GABA_A receptors improves peripheral inflammation and cerebellar neuroinflammation, restoring neurotransmission in hyperammonemic rats, whereas it induces inflammation and neuroinflammation in controls. This suggests a complex interaction between GABAergic and immune systems. The modulation of GABA_A receptors could be a suitable target for improving neuroinflammation in MHE.

Saffron Pre-Treatment Promotes Reduction in Tissue Inflammatory Profiles and Alters Microbiome Composition in Experimental Colitis Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with an incompletely understood pathogenesis. Long-standing colitis is associated with increased risk of colon cancer. Despite the availability of various anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs, many patients fail to respond to pharmacologic therapy and some experience drug-induced adverse events. Dietary supplements, particularly saffron (Crocus sativus), have recently gained an appreciable attention in alleviating some symptoms of digestive diseases. In our study, we investigated whether saffron may have a prophylactic effect in a murine colitis model. Saffron pre-treatment improved the gross and histopathological characteristics of the colonic mucosa in murine experimental colitis. Treatment with saffron showed a significant amelioration of colitis when compared to the vehicle-treated mice group. Saffron treatment significantly decreased secretion of serotonin and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in the colon tissues by suppressing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. The gut microbiome analysis revealed distinct clusters in the saffron-treated and untreated mice in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis by visualization of the Bray-Curtis diversity by principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Furthermore, we observed that, at the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) level, Cyanobacteria were depleted, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as isobutyric acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid, were increased in saffron-treated mice. Our data suggest that pre-treatment with saffron inhibits DSS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, modulates gut microbiota composition, prevents the depletion of SCFAs, and reduces the susceptibility to colitis.

IL-5 mediates monocyte phenotype and pain outcomes in fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and somatic symptoms. The influence of phenotypic changes in monocytes on symptoms associated with FM is not fully understood. The primary aim of this study was to take a comprehensive whole-body to molecular approach in characterizing relationships between monocyte phenotype and FM symptoms in relevant clinical populations. Lipopolysaccharide-evoked and spontaneous secretion of IL-5 and other select cytokines from circulating monocytes was higher in women with FM compared to women without pain. In addition, greater secretion of IL-5 was significantly associated with pain and other clinically relevant psychological and somatic symptoms of FM. Furthermore, higher levels of pain and pain-related symptoms were associated with a lower percentage of intermediate monocytes (CD14++/CD16+) and a greater percentage of nonclassical monocytes (CD14+/CD16++) in women with FM. Based on findings from individuals with FM, we examined the role of IL-5, an atypical cytokine secreted from monocytes, in an animal model of widespread muscle pain. Results from the animal model show that IL-5 produces analgesia and polarizes monocytes toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype (CD206+). Taken together, our data suggest that monocyte phenotype and their cytokine profiles are associated with pain-related symptoms in individuals with FM. Furthermore, our data show that IL-5 has a potential role in analgesia in an animal model of FM. Thus, targeting anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-5 secreted by circulating leukocytes could serve as a promising intervention to control pain and other somatic symptoms associated with FM.

Skeletal muscle redox signaling in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovitis and the presence of serum autoantibodies. In addition, skeletal muscle weakness is a common comorbidity that contributes to inability to work and reduced quality of life. Loss in muscle mass cannot alone account for the muscle weakness induced by RA, but instead intramuscular dysfunction appears as a critical factor underlying the decreased force generating capacity for patients afflicted by arthritis. Oxidative stress and associated oxidative post-translational modifications have been shown to contribute to RA-induced muscle weakness in animal models of arthritis and patients with RA. However, it is still unclear how and which sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) that are involved in the oxidative stress that drives the progression toward decreased muscle function in RA. Nevertheless, mitochondria, NADPH oxidases (NOX), nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and phospholipases (PLA) have all been associated with increased ROS/RNS production in RA-induced muscle weakness. In this review, we aim to cover potential ROS sources and underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress and loss of force production in RA. We also addressed the use of antioxidants and exercise as potential tools to counteract oxidative stress and skeletal muscle weakness.

C-Phycocyanin-a novel protein from Spirulina platensis- In vivo toxicity, antioxidant and immunomodulatory studies

A pigment-protein highly dominant in Spirulina is known as C-Phycocyanin. Earlier, in vitro studies has shown that C-phycocyanin is having many biological activities like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, antiplatelet, hepatoprotective, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Interestingly, there are scanty in vivo experimental findings on the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of C-phycocyanin. This work is aimed at in vivo evaluation of the effects of C-phycocyanin on immunomodulation and antioxidant potential in Balb/c mice. Our results of in vivo toxicity, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of C-Phycocyanin suggests that C-phycocyanin is very safe for consumption and having substantial antioxidant potential and also possess immunomodulatory activities in Balb/c mice in a dosage dependent manner. C-phycocyanin doesn’t cause acute and subacute toxicity in the animal model (male, Balb/c mice) studied. We have reported that C-phycocyanin exhibited in vivo immunomodulation performance in this animal model.

Biosensing surfaces and therapeutic biomaterials for the central nervous system in COVID-19

COVID-19 can affect the central nervous system (CNS) indirectly by inflammatory mechanisms and even directly enter the CNS. Thereby, COVID-19 can evoke a range of neurosensory conditions belonging to infectious, inflammatory, demyelinating, and degenerative classes. A broad range of non-specific options, including anti-viral agents and anti-inflammatory protocols, is available with varying therapeutic. Due to the high mortality and morbidity in COVID-19-related brain damage, some changes to these general protocols, however, are necessary for ensuring the delivery of therapeutic(s) to the specific components of the CNS to meet their specific requirements. The biomaterials approach permits crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and drug delivery in a more accurate and sustained manner. Beyond the BBB, drugs can protect neural cells, stimulate endogenous stem cells, and induce plasticity more effectively. Biomaterials for cell delivery exist, providing an efficient tool to improve cell retention, survival, differentiation, and integration. This paper will review the potentials of the biomaterials approach for the damaged CNS in COVID-19. It mainly includes biomaterials for promoting synaptic plasticity and modulation of inflammation in the post-stroke brain, extracellular vesicles, exosomes, and conductive biomaterials to facilitate neural regeneration, and artificial nerve conduits for treatment of neuropathies. Also, biosensing surfaces applicable to the first sensory interface between the host and the virus that encourage the generation of accelerated anti-viral immunity theoretically offer hope in solving COVID-19.

The effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on TGF-β and IL-17 serum levels in migraineurs: post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Although the exact mechanism involved in migraine pathogenesis remained uncertain, and different researches have been developed to address the role of neuroinflammation and immune dysfunction. Therefore, considering the immune protective functions of vitamin D3, we aimed to investigate the effects of daily administration of 2000 IU D3 supplements on serum status of immune markers in migraine patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eighty episodic migraineurs who randomly assigned into two equal groups to receive either vitamin D3 2000 IU/d or placebo for 12-week were enrolled in this placebo-controlled double-blind trial included. Serum concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin (IL)-17 were evaluated at baseline and after the trial via the ELISA method.

RESULTS

Applying ANCOVA adjusted for baseline levels and confounding variables, it was found that the serum level of TGF-β was significantly higher in vitamin D group (adjusted mean:1665.50 ng/L) than the placebo group (1361.90 ng/L) after the experiment (P-value = 0.012); on the other hand, vitamin D prevented the increment in IL-17 serum level in the intervention group after the trial (adjusted mean:37.84 ng/L) comparing to the controls (adjusted mean:70.09 ng/L; P-value = 0.039). The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between changes in serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and TGF-β (r = - 0.306, P-value = 0.008). In contrast, no significant correlations were noted between serum 25(OH) D and IL-17 changes throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, it was revealed that 12-week vitamin D3 supplementation (2000 IU/day) could enhance the Th17/Treg related cytokines balance in episodic migraineurs. Although these findings are promising, it is needed to be extended.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT) at 11 July 2018, with IRCT code: IRCT20151128025267N6 ( https://www.irct.ir/trial/31246 ).

siRNA delivery to macrophages using aspherical, nanostructured microparticles as delivery system for pulmonary administration

The delivery of oligonucleotides such as siRNA to the lung is a major challenge, as this group of drugs has difficulties to overcome biological barriers due to its polyanionic character and the associated hydrophilic properties, resulting in inefficient delivery. Especially in diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis, where increased proinflammation is present, a targeted RNA therapy is desirable due to the high potency of these oligonucleotides. To address these problems and to ensure efficient uptake of siRNA in macrophages, a microparticulate, cylindrical delivery system was developed. In the first step, this particle system was tested for its aerodynamic characteristics to evaluate the aerodynamic properties to optimize lung deposition. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of 2.52 ± 0.23 µm, indicates that the desired target should be reached. The inhibition of TNF-α release, as one of the main mediators of proinflammatory reactions, was investigated. We could show that our carrier system can be loaded with siRNA against TNF-α. Gel electrophoreses allowed to demonstrate that the load can be incorporated and released without being degraded. The delivery system was found to transport a mass fraction of 0.371% [%w/w] as determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. When investigating the release kinetics, the results showed that several days are necessary to release a major amount of the siRNA indicating a sustained release. The cylindrical microparticles with an aspect ratio of 3.3 (ratio of length divided by width) were then tested in vitro successfully reducing TNF-α release from human macrophages significantly by more than 30%. The developed formulation presents a possible oligonucleotide delivery system allowing due to its internal structure to load and protect siRNA.

Immunogenicity and protective efficacy induced by an mRNA vaccine encoding gD antigen against pseudorabies virus infection

Messenger RNA-based vaccines represent new tools with prophylactic and therapeutic potential characterized by high flexibility of application for infectious diseases. Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is one of the major viruses affecting the pig industry. PRV has serious effects in piglets, sows, and growing-fattening pigs and can lead to huge economic losses. In this study, an envelope glycoprotein D (gD) gene-based specific mRNA vaccine was generated, and a mouse model was used to investigate the protective efficacy of the vaccine. The gD mRNA vaccine and the recombinant plasmid pVAX-gD were transfected into BHK21 cells, and the antigenicity of the expressed proteins was detected by Western blot analysis. Groups of mice were vaccinated with the gD mRNA vaccine, pVAX-gD, and PBS. T cell immune responses were measured by flow cytometry or ELISA and serum neutralization tests every two weeks. The challenge with the PRV-XJ strain was performed eight weeks after the primary immunization, and the response was monitored for 15 days. The levels of specific and neutralizing antibodies in the gD mRNA vaccine group were significantly increased in 8 weeks compared to those in the control group, and cytokine levels, including that of IFN-γ/IL-2, were considerably higher than those in the control animal. Additionally, the proportion of CD4+/CD8+ cells in peripheral lymphocytes was remarkably increased. Our data demonstrate that mRNA is a promising and effective tool for the development of vaccines. The PRV-gD-based mRNA vaccine can elicit an efficient neutralizing antibody response and induce effective protection in mice in defense against PRV infection.

Molecules and Prostaglandins Related to Embryo Tolerance

It is generally understood that the entry of semen into the female reproductive tract provokes molecular and cellular changes facilitating conception and pregnancy. We show a broader picture of the participation of prostaglandins in the fertilization, implantation and maintenance of the embryo. A large number of cells and molecules are related to signaling networks, which regulate tolerance to implantation and maintenance of the embryo and fetus. In this work, many of those cells and molecules are analyzed. We focus on platelets, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells involved in embryo tolerance in order to have a wider view of how prostaglandins participate. The combination of platelets and neutrophil extracellular traps (Nets), uterine innate lymphoid cells (uILC), Treg cells, NK cells, and sex hormones have an important function in immunological tolerance. In both animals and humans, the functions of these cells can be regulated by prostaglandins and soluble factors in seminal plasma to achieve an immunological balance, which maintains fetal-maternal tolerance. Prostaglandins, such as PGI2 and PGE2, play an important role in the suppression of the previously mentioned cells. PGI2 inhibits platelet aggregation, in addition to IL-5 and IL-13 expression in ILC2, and PGE2 inhibits some neutrophil functions, such as chemotaxis and migration processes, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) biosynthesis, ROS production, and the formation of extracellular traps, which could help prevent trophoblast injury and fetal loss. The implications are related to fertility in female when seminal fluid is deposited in the vagina or uterus.

Effects of whole-body cryotherapy on the innate and adaptive immune response in cyclists and runners

The study aimed to identify the effects of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on immunological, hormonal, and metabolic responses of non-professional male athletes. Ten cyclists and ten middle-distance runners received 3 once-a-day sessions of WBC. Before initiating and after the final WBC session, a full set of hematologic parameters, serum chemistry profile, hormones, circulating mitochondrial (mt) DNA levels, cytokines, and chemokines concentration were evaluated. The phenotype of monocyte, T cells, and B cells was analyzed. mRNA expression of 6 genes involved in inflammasome activation (NAIP, AIM2, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β, and IL-18) was quantified. WBC reduced glucose and C and S protein and increased HDL, urea, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, follicle-stimulating hormone, IL-18, IL-1RA, CCL2, and CXCL8. Intermediate and non-classical monocyte percentages decreased, and the CD14, CCR5, CCR2, and CXCR4 expressions changed in different subsets. Only IL-1β mRNA increased in monocytes. Finally, a redistribution of B and T cell subsets was observed, suggesting the migration of mature cells to tissue. WBC seems to induce changes in both innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, hormones, and metabolic status in non-professional male athletes, suggesting a beneficial involvement of WBC in tissue repair.

Dual Effect of Soloxolone Methyl on LPS-Induced Inflammation In Vitro and In Vivo

Plant-extracted triterpenoids belong to a class of bioactive compounds with pleotropic functions, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this work, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of a semisynthetic derivative of 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid (18βH-GA), soloxolone methyl (methyl 2-cyano-3,12-dioxo-18βH-olean-9(11),1(2)-dien-30-oate, or SM) in vitro on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and in vivo in models of acute inflammation: LPS-induced endotoxemia and carrageenan-induced peritonitis. SM used at non-cytotoxic concentrations was found to attenuate the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide (II) and increase the level of reduced glutathione production by LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, SM strongly suppressed the phagocytic and migration activity of activated macrophages. These effects were found to be associated with the stimulation of heme oxigenase-1 (HO-1) expression, as well as with the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Akt phosphorylation. Surprisingly, it was found that SM significantly enhanced LPS-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in RAW264.7 cells via activation of the c-Jun/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling axis. In vivo pre-exposure treatment with SM effectively inhibited the development of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in the peritoneal cavity, but it did not improve LPS-induced inflammation in the endotoxemia model.