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Chen XM, Weng JY, Lai PL, Wang YL, Huang X, Geng SX, Guo LY, Huang T, Zeng LJ, Du X. [Artesunate attenuate chronic graft-versus-host disease by regulating Th17/Treg balance]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2019; 40:63-68. [PMID: 30704231 PMCID: PMC7351699 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
目的 探讨青蒿琥酯抗慢性移植物抗宿主病(cGVHD)的作用及可能机制。 方法 将B10D2小鼠的骨髓细胞和脾脏细胞混合悬液通过尾静脉输入近交系雌性BALB/c小鼠体内建立cGVHD模型,分别予青蒿琥酯(实验组)和丙酮腹腔(对照组)注射治疗。观察两组小鼠的cGVHD临床表现、生存时间和组织病理学改变;应用流式细胞术分析小鼠外周血和脾脏Th17和Treg细胞比例;免疫磁珠分选BALB/c小鼠脾脏CD4+T细胞,分别予丙酮和青蒿琥酯进行干预72 h,流式细胞术分析两组Th17/Treg细胞比例。 结果 ①实验组小鼠cGVHD临床症状较对照组明显减轻,生存时间延长[(55.71±6.99)d对(46.57±7.83)d,χ2=5.457,P=0.020]。②实验组小鼠皮肤及肺脏cGVHD病理损伤较轻。③与对照组比较,实验组小鼠外周血、脾脏Th17细胞比例均降低[(0.58±0.19)%对(1.51±0.18)%,t=7.233,P<0.001;(0.71±0.18)%对(1.48±0.38)%,t=3.653,P=0.011],Treg细胞比例增高[(8.40±0.23)%对(4.45±0.04)%,t=15.680,P<0.001;(10.48±0.48)%对(6.62±0.24)%,t=6.590,P=0.003],Th17/Treg细胞比值均下降(0.09±0.03对0.34±0.05,t=7.621,P=0.002;0.06±0.02对0.19±0.03,t=6.993,P=0.002)。④体外培养小鼠脾脏CD4+T细胞,青蒿琥酯干预组较对照组Th17细胞比例减低[(0.82±0.37)%对(3.39±1.22)%,t=4.044,P=0.007],Treg细胞比例明显增高[(34.63±1.29)%对(14.28±1.69)%,t=19.119,P<0.001],Th17/Treg细胞比值下降(0.24±0.09对0.02±0.01,t=4.780,P=0.003)。 结论 青蒿琥酯可通过减少Th17细胞及增加Treg细胞,恢复Th17/Treg平衡,减轻cGVHD的临床与病理学损伤,从而发挥抗cGVHD作用。
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Affiliation(s)
- X M Chen
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Gam R, Shah P, Crossland RE, Norden J, Dickinson AM, Dressel R. Genetic Association of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Outcome beyond Histocompatibility Genes. Front Immunol 2017; 8:380. [PMID: 28421078 PMCID: PMC5377073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is controlled by genetic factors among which the leukocyte antigen human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching is most important. In addition, minor histocompatibility antigens and non-HLA gene polymorphisms in genes controlling immune responses are known to contribute to the risks associated with HSCT. Besides single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in protein coding genes, SNPs in regulatory elements such as microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to these genetic risks. However, genetic risks require for their realization the expression of the respective gene or miRNA. Thus, gene and miRNA expression studies may help to identify genes and SNPs that indeed affect the outcome of HSCT. In this review, we summarize gene expression profiling studies that were performed in recent years in both patients and animal models to identify genes regulated during HSCT. We discuss SNP–mRNA–miRNA regulatory networks and their contribution to the risks associated with HSCT in specific examples, including forkheadbox protein 3 and regulatory T cells, the role of the miR-155 and miR-146a regulatory network for graft-versus-host disease, and the function of MICA and its receptor NKG2D for the outcome of HSCT. These examples demonstrate how SNPs affect expression or function of proteins that modulate the alloimmune response and influence the outcome of HSCT. Specific miRNAs targeting these genes and directly affecting expression of mRNAs are identified. It might be valuable in the future to determine SNPs and to analyze miRNA and mRNA expression in parallel in cohorts of HSCT patients to further elucidate genetic risks of HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihab Gam
- Hematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Pranali Shah
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rachel E Crossland
- Hematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jean Norden
- Hematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anne M Dickinson
- Hematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Pidala J, Sigdel TK, Wang A, Hsieh S, Inamoto Y, Martin PJ, Flowers ME, Hansen JA, Lee SJ, Sarwal MM. A combined biomarker and clinical panel for chronic graft versus host disease diagnosis. JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH 2016; 3:3-16. [PMID: 28138397 PMCID: PMC5259564 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Whilst many chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) biomarkers have been previously reported, few have been verified in an independent cGVHD cohort. We aimed to verify the diagnostic accuracy of previously reported markers of cGVHD in a multi-centre Chronic GVHD Consortium. A total of 42 RNA and 18 protein candidate biomarkers were assessed amongst 59 cGVHD cases and 33 matched non-GVHD controls. Total RNA was isolated from PBMC, and RNA markers were quantified using PCR. Serum protein markers were quantified using ELISA. A combined 3 RNA biomarker (IRS2, PLEKHF1 and IL1R2) and 2 clinical variables (recipient CMV serostatus and conditioning regimen intensity) panel accurately (AUC 0.81) segregated cGVHD cases from controls. Other studied RNA and protein markers were not confirmed as accurate cGVHD diagnostic biomarkers. The studied markers failed to segregate higher risk cGVHD (per overall NIH 0-3 score, and overlap versus classic cGVHD status). These data support the need for multiple independent verification studies for the ultimate clinical application of cGVHD diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Pidala
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa FL USA
| | - Tara K Sigdel
- Department of Surgery University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Anyou Wang
- Department of Surgery University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Sue Hsieh
- Department of Surgery University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
| | - Yoshi Inamoto
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle WA USA
| | - Paul J Martin
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle WA USA
| | - Mary Ed Flowers
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle WA USA
| | - John A Hansen
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle WA USA
| | - Stephanie J Lee
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle WA USA
| | - Minnie M Sarwal
- Department of Surgery University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA USA
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Sonis ST, Amaral Mendes R. Could the PI3K canonical pathway be a common link between chronic inflammatory conditions and oral carcinogenesis? J Oral Pathol Med 2016; 45:469-74. [PMID: 26991523 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The association between chronic inflammatory disorders and oral carcinogenesis has been both a source of interest and contention. Based upon its central importance in oral carcinogenesis, the finding that the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway is activated in oral lichen planus, chronic graft-versus-host disease, and chronic oral candidiasis suggests that it may provide a link between benign and malignant oral conditions. Here, we discuss a possible mechanistic rationale that addresses the activation of this important signaling pathway and its downstream events, while correlating it with the carcinogenic potential of chronic oral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Sonis
- Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Biomodels LLC, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rui Amaral Mendes
- Adjunct Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Laverdière I, Guillemette C, Tamouza R, Loiseau P, Peffault de Latour R, Robin M, Couture F, Filion A, Lalancette M, Tourancheau A, Charron D, Socié G, Lévesque É. Cyclosporine and methotrexate-related pharmacogenomic predictors of acute graft-versus-host disease. Haematologica 2014; 100:275-83. [PMID: 25425682 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.109884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective immunosuppression is mandatory to prevent graft-versus-host disease and to achieve a successful clinical outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here we tested whether germline single nucleotide polymorphisms in 20 candidate genes related to methotrexate and cyclosporine metabolism and activity influence the incidence of graft-versus-host disease in patients who undergo stem cell transplantation for hematologic disorders. Recipient genetic status of the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family C1 and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family C2 transporters, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/ inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase within the methotrexate pathway, and nuclear factor of activated T cells (cytoplasmic 1) loci exhibit a remarkable influence on severe acute graft-versus-host disease prevalence. Indeed, an increased risk of acute graft-versus-host disease was observed in association with single nucleotide polymorphisms located in 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (hazard ratio=3.04; P=0.002), nuclear factor of activated T cells (cytoplasmic 1) (hazard ratio=2.69; P=0.004), adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family C2 (hazard ratio=3.53; P=0.0018) and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette sub-family C1 (hazard ratio=3.67; P=0.0005). While donor single nucleotide polymorphisms of dihydrofolate reductase and solute carrier family 19 (member 1) genes are associated with a reduced risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (hazard ratio=0.32-0.41; P=0.0009-0.008), those of nuclear factor of activated T cells (cytoplasmic 2) are found to increase such risk (hazard ratio=3.85; P=0.0004). None of the tested single nucleotide polymorphisms was associated with the occurrence of chronic graft-versus-host disease. In conclusion, by targeting drug-related biologically relevant genes, this work emphasizes the potential role of germline biomarkers in predicting acute graft-versus-host disease. Further investigations are warranted to improve our understanding of these relationships to personalize immunosuppressive therapy and optimize outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Laverdière
- Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHU de Québec) Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHU de Québec) Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- INSERM UMRS 940, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris-Diderot and Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Histocompatibilité, Hôpital Saint Louis, CIB-HOG, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Loiseau
- INSERM UMRS 940, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris-Diderot and Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Histocompatibilité, Hôpital Saint Louis, CIB-HOG, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Regis Peffault de Latour
- Inserm UMRS 940, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris-Diderot and Service d'Hématologie-Greffe de Moelle, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Marie Robin
- Inserm UMRS 940, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris-Diderot and Service d'Hématologie-Greffe de Moelle, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Félix Couture
- CHU de Québec Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Filion
- CHU de Québec Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Lalancette
- CHU de Québec Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Alan Tourancheau
- Pharmacogenomics Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHU de Québec) Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominique Charron
- INSERM UMRS 940, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris-Diderot and Laboratoire d'Immunologie et d'Histocompatibilité, Hôpital Saint Louis, CIB-HOG, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Gérard Socié
- Inserm UMRS 940, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Université Paris-Diderot and Service d'Hématologie-Greffe de Moelle, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Éric Lévesque
- CHU de Québec Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
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Chen Y, Liu S, Shen Q, Zha X, Zheng H, Yang L, Chen S, Wu X, Li B, Li Y. Differential gene expression profiles of PPP2R5C-siRNA-treated malignant T cells. DNA Cell Biol 2013; 32:573-81. [PMID: 23941244 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2013.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, alterations in the expression pattern of PPP2R5C associated with malignant transformation have been characterized, and PPP2R5C overexpression was demonstrated in leukemias. To confirm the role of PPP2R5C in proliferation and its molecular mechanism, three PPP2R5C-siRNAs and a scrambled nonsilencing siRNA control were used to treat Molt-4 and Jurkat T cells. After nucleofection, PPP2R5C expression and biological consequences based on a highly efficient and specific PPP2R5C-siRNA were demonstrated by qRT-PCR, CCK-8 assay, Annexin V/PI, and flow cytometry. The global gene expression profile of PPP2R5C-siRNA-treated Jurkat T cells was established. A significant reduction in the PPP2R5C mRNA level was observed at 24 to 72 h in Molt-4 and Jurkat T cells with all of the PPP2R5C-siRNAs. The proliferation rate of Molt-4 and Jurkat T cells transfected with different PPP2R5C-siRNAs was significantly decreased at 72 h compared with the control (p<0.05). However, the transfected cells did not show a significant increase in Annexin V/PI-positive cells (apoptosis). The highly efficient PPP2R5C-siRNA2 was used to treat Jurkat T cells for gene expression profile analysis. In total, 439 genes were upregulated, and 524 genes were downregulated at least twofold in PPP2R5C-siRNA-treated Jurkat T cells. Changes in signaling pathway genes closely related to the TCR, Wnt, calcium, MAPK, and p53 signaling pathways were observed. In conclusion, the suppression of PPP2R5C by RNA interference could effectively inhibit the proliferation of leukemic T cells, the PPP2R5C-siRNA treatment altered gene expression profiles, and the differential expression of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), and Mdm2 p53 binding protein homolog (MDM2) genes may play an important role in the effects of PPP2R5C knockdown in Jurkat T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- 1 Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University , Guangzhou, China
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Biologic markers of chronic GVHD. Bone Marrow Transplant 2013; 49:324-31. [PMID: 23872737 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2013.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biologic markers of chronic GVHD may provide insight into the pathogenesis of the syndrome, identify molecular targets for novel interventions, and facilitate advances in clinical management. Despite extensive work performed to date largely focused on prediction and diagnosis of the syndrome, little synthesis of findings and validation of promising candidate markers in independent populations has been performed. Studies suggest that risk for subsequent chronic GVHD development may be associated with donor-recipient genetic polymorphism, deficiency in regulatory immune cell populations (NK, Treg, DC2), and variation in inflammatory and immunoregulatory mediators post-HCT (increased TNFα, IL-10 and BAFF, and decreased TGFβ and IL-15). Established chronic GVHD is associated with alteration in immune cell populations (increased CD3(+) T cells, Th17, CD4(+) and CD8(+) effector memory cells, monocytes, CD86 expression, BAFF/B cell ratio, and deficiency of Treg, NK cells, and naïve CD8(+) T cells). Inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, sIL-2R, and IL-1Ra, BAFF, anti-dsDNA, sIL-2Rα, and sCD13) are also perturbed. Little is known about biologic markers of chronic GVHD phenotype and severity, response to therapy, and prognosis.
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Kohrt HE, Tian L, Li L, Alizadeh AA, Hsieh S, Tibshirani RJ, Strober S, Sarwal M, Lowsky R. Identification of gene microarray expression profiles in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Clin Immunol 2013; 148:124-35. [PMID: 23685278 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) results in significant morbidity and mortality, limiting the benefit of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Peripheral blood gene expression profiling of the donor immune repertoire following HCT may provide associated genes and pathways thereby improving the pathophysiologic understanding of chronic GVHD. We profiled 70 patients and identified candidate genes that provided mechanistic insight in the biologic pathways that underlie chronic GVHD. Our data revealed that the dominant gene signature in patients with chronic GVHD represented compensatory responses that control inflammation and included the interleukin-1 decoy receptor, IL-1 receptor type II, and genes that were profibrotic and associated with the IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 signaling pathways. In addition, we identified three genes that were important regulators of extracellular matrix. Validation of this discovery phase study will determine if the identified genes have diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holbrook E Kohrt
- Department of Medicine Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
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Geng S, Weng J, Du X, Lai P, Huang X, Chen S, Yang L, Li Y. Comparison of the Distribution and Clonal Expansion Features of the T-Cell γδ Repertoire in Myelodysplastic Syndrome-RAEB and RAEB with Progression to AML. DNA Cell Biol 2012; 31:1563-70. [PMID: 22873198 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2012.1769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Suxia Geng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jianyu Weng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Peilong Lai
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong General Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Medical College, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lijian Yang
- Medical College, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Medical College, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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He C, Lai P, Weng J, Lin S, Wu K, Du X, Liu X. Toll-like receptor 2-mediated NF-κB inflammatory responses in dry eye associated with cGVHD. Mol Vis 2011; 17:2605-11. [PMID: 22025895 PMCID: PMC3198500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common pathological manifestations in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). When dry eye occurs in association with cGVHD, the local inflammation is secondary to the systemic onset of inflammation. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling is thought to be essential for the inflammatory response and for immune disorders. The aim of this study was to explore whether the TLR2-mediated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway contributes to the inflammatory process of dry eye associated with cGVHD. METHODS Twenty patients with dry eye related to cGVHD and 20 controls were enrolled in this study. The patients with dry eye associated with cGVHD were diagnosed based on the clinical presentation and related ocular surface examinations such as Schirmer's test and fluorescein staining. In addition, dry eye symptom scoring (National Institutes of Health consensus criteria) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scoring were also evaluated in all patients. Peripheral blood was collected from the patients and the controls for subsequent experiments. mRNA levels of TLR2 and its downstream molecules, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were measured by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein level of TNF-α was detected by Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS TLR2 mRNA in the peripheral blood from patients with dry eye related to cGVHD increased significantly compared with the controls. NF-κB, the downstream target of TLR2, also showed a marked elevation. The mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α were significantly upregulated in these patients. Importantly, the TLR2 level was strongly correlated with the OSDI and the Schirmer's test (r=0.565, p=0.010<0.05; r=0.564, p=0.016<0.05) in dry eye related to cGVHD compared with the controls. CONCLUSIONS The TLR2-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway is activated in dry eye associated with cGVHD and contributes to the inflammatory state, which may predict the onset and progression of dry eye associated with cGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Peilong Lai
- Department of Haematology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Jianyu Weng
- Department of Haematology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Shaoze Lin
- Department of Haematology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Kaili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Haematology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Xialin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R.China
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