Interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma modulate Fas-mediated apoptosis in mitomycin-C-resistant human Tenon's fibroblasts

IFN-γ affects pancreatic cancer properties by MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Metastasis-related in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) is highly expressed in a variety of solid tumours, but its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unknown. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) affecting MACC1 expression was explored as the potential mechanism following its intervention.

METHODS

Expressions of MACC1 treated with IFN-γ gradient were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PC cells treated with IFN-γ were analysed by CCK8, EDU, colony formation, Transwell (with or without matrix gel) and wound-healing assays. Expression of antisense long non-coding RNA of MACC1, MACC1-AS1, and proteins of AKT/mTOR pathway, (pho-)AKT, and (pho-)mTOR was also assessed by qRT-PCR and WB. SiRNA kit and lentiviral fluid were conducted for transient expression of MACC1 and stable expression of MACC1-AS1, respectively. Rescue assays of cells overexpressing MACC1-AS1 and of cells silencing MACC1 were performed and cellular properties and proteins were assessed by the above-mentioned assays as well.

RESULTS

IFN-γ inhibited MACC1 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner; 100 ng/mL IFN-γ generally caused downregulation of most significant (p ≤ 0.05). In vitro experiments revealed that IFN-γ decreased cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities and downregulated the expression of pho-AKT and pho-mTOR (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, overexpression of MACC1-AS1 upregulated pho-AKT and pho-mTOR proteins, and reversed cellular properties (p ≤ 0.05). Rescue assays alleviated the above changes of pho-AKT/ mTOR and cellular properties.

CONCLUSION

IFN-γ affected PC properties by MACC1-AS1/MACC1 axis via AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which provides novel insight for candidate targets for treating PC.

Cellular Response to Individual Components of the Platelet Concentrate

Platelet concentrates and especially their further product platelet lysate, are widely used as a replacement for cell culturing. Platelets contain a broad spectrum of growth factors and bioactive molecules that affect cellular fate. However, the cellular response to individual components of the human platelet concentrate is still unclear. The aim of this study was to observe cellular behavior according to the individual components of platelet concentrates. The bioactive molecule content was determined. The cells were supplemented with a medium containing 8% (v/v) of platelet proteins in plasma, pure platelet proteins in deionized water, and pure plasma. The results showed a higher concentration of fibrinogen, albumin, insulin growth factor I (IGF-1), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in the groups containing plasma. On the other hand, chemokine RANTES and platelet-derived growth factor bb (PDGF-bb), were higher in the groups containing platelet proteins. The groups containing both plasma and plasma proteins showed the most pronounced proliferation and viability of mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts. The platelet proteins alone were not sufficient to provide optimal cell growth and viability. A synergic effect of platelet proteins and plasma was observed. The data indicated the importance of plasma in platelet lysate for cell growth.

In vitro replicative fitness of early Transmitted founder HIV-1 variants and sensitivity to Interferon alpha

Type I interferons, particularly interferon-alpha (IFN-α), play a vital role in the host's anti-viral defenses by interfering with viral replication. However, the virus rapidly evolves to exploit the IFN-α response for its replication, spread, and pathogenic function. In this study, we attempted to determine IFN-α susceptibility and productivity of infectious transmitted/founder (TF) (n = 8) and non-transmitted (NT) viruses (n = 8) derived from HIV-1 infected infants. Independent experiments were carried out to determine IFN-α resistance, replication fitness, and viral productivity in CD4⁺ T cells over a short period. In vitro studies showed that TF viruses were resistant to IFN-α during the very near moment of transmission, but in the subsequent time points, they became susceptible to IFN-α. We did not observe much difference in replicative fitness of the TF viruses in cultures treated with and without IFN-α, but the difference was significant in the case of NT viruses obtained from the same individual. Despite increased susceptibility to IFN-α, NT viruses produced more viral particles than TF viruses. Similar results were also obtained in cultures treated with maraviroc (MVC). The study identified unique characteristics of TF viruses thus prompting further investigation into virus-host interaction occurring during the early stages of HIV infection.

Interferon Alpha-2b Eye Drops Prevent Recurrence of Pterygium After the Bare Sclera Technique: A Single-Center, Sequential, and Controlled Study

To investigate the efficacy and safety of interferon (IFN) alpha-2b eye drops in preventing pterygium recurrence after the bare sclera technique.

Interferon Gamma Inhibits CXCL8-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Pancreatic Cancer BxPC-3 Cell Line via a RhoGDI2/Rac1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a dimeric soluble cytokine and the only type II interferon. Accumulated evidence suggests that IFN-γ inhibits tumor progression. This study investigated the effects of IFN-γ on the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells and the underlying mechanism. IFN-γ treatment decreased the expression and secretion of CXCL8 in BxPC-3 PC cells, suppressed the proliferation and migration of these cells, and enhanced their apoptosis, as determined by increased levels of cleaved Caspase-8 and Bax together with reduced expression of Bcl-2. These effects were abolished by overexpression of CXCL8. Moreover, IFN-γ treatment downregulated RhoGDI2 expression. Depletion of RhoGDI2 and Rac1 by using small interfering RNAs and inhibition of NF-κB by BMS-345541 (an IκB kinase [IKK] inhibitor) suppressed expression of CXCL8. Our results indicate that IFN-γ inhibits the proliferation and migration of PC cells by suppressing CXCL8 expression via a RhoGDI2/Rac1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Inhibitory Effects of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade on Human Tenon Fibroblast Migration and Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Cell Culture

Purpose

We investigate the effect of angiotensin receptor blockade on the migration of human Tenon fibroblasts (HTF), using irbesartan, an angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) blocker (ARB) as a potential antifibrotic agent in glaucoma filtration surgery.

Methods

Confluent HTF cultures were scratched with a 1 mL pipette tip and treated with either irbesartan (10, 50, and 100 μg/mL) or angiotensin II (2 μg/mL). The extent of HTF migration up to 30 hours, and cell number and morphology at 72 hours was evaluated. To assess the effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, HTF were treated with either irbesartan (10 μg/mL) or angiotensin II (2 μg/mL) for 24 hours after scratching, and then stained with dihydroethidium (DHE) before evaluation by confocal microscopy.

Results

Irbesartan inhibited HTF migration by 50% to 70% compared to controls (P < 0.05). Levels of ROS were almost completely attenuated by irbesartan (DHE fluorescence intensity of 5.68E-09) (P < 0.05). Irbesartan reduced cell numbers by 50% and induced morphologic changes with loss of pseudopods (P < 0.05). Conversely, angiotensin II increased cell numbers up to 4-fold while retaining cell viability.

Conclusions

Irbesartan inhibited HTF migration and ROS production. It also reduced cell numbers and altered HTF morphology. Angiotensin II increased cell number without altering morphology. This initial study warrants future investigations for further potential antifibrotic effects of this drug.

Translational Relevance

This in vitro study focused on investigations of irbesartan's effects on HTF migration, ROS production, as well as HTF cell numbers and morphology. It suggests a potential therapeutic strategy worth further exploration with a view towards postoperative wound healing modulation in glaucoma filtration surgery.

Preoperative subconjunctival combined injection of bevacizumab and mitomycin C before the surgical excision of primary pterygium: clinical and histological results

Purpose

The aim of this study was to detect the clinical and histological effects of preoperative subconjunctival injection of both bevacizumab and mitomycin C (MMC) 1 month before the surgical excision of primary pterygium using a bare sclera technique.

Patients and methods

A total of 20 patients with primary pterygium underwent subconjunctival combined injection of 0.1 mL of MMC (0.1 mg/mL) and 0.1 mL of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.1 mL) 1 month before bare sclera excision of the pterygium. The excised pterygium tissues were examined histologically and immunohistologically by CD31 staining, and the patients were followed up clinically for at least 2 years. The excised pterygia of two patients without preoperative injection were used for histological comparison.

Results

Clinically, there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. Histologically, the previously injected pterygia showed a decreased number of epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. The latter were rounded or oval and swollen rather than spindle shaped, and some were degenerating or apoptotic. Collagen and elastic fibers were degenerated, distorted, and decreased in density, while blood capillaries were obliterated. There was a significant decrease in CD31-positive cells in previously injected pterygia.

Conclusion

Preoperative subpterygium combined injection of bevacizumab and MMC is safe and effective in reducing the postoperative recurrence of primary pterygium. Histological and immunohistological changes in the form of decreased fibrovascular activity and degeneration of the extracellular matrix and nerve axons were noted.

Interferon gamma-induced apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is connected to indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase via mitochondrial and ER stress-associated pathways

Background

Tumor response to immunotherapy is the consequence of a concerted crosstalk between cytokines and effector cells. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is one of the common cytokines coordinating tumor immune response and the associated biological consequences. Although the role of IFNγ in the modulation of tumor immunity has been widely documented, the mechanisms regulating IFNγ-induced cell death, during the course of immune therapy, is not described in detail.

Results

IFNγ triggered apoptosis of CLS-354 and RPMI 2650 cells, enhanced the protein expression and activation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and suppressed the basal expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1). Interestingly, IFNγ induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The cytokine also induced the activation of Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)1, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), p38, c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and NF-κB pathways and the transcription factors STAT1, interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), AP-1, ATF-2, NF-κB and p53, and expression of Noxa protein. Furthermore, IFNγ was found to trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-4 and activation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring-1α (IRE1α) pathways. Using specific inhibitors, we identified a potential role for IDO as apoptotic mediator in the regulation of IFNγ-induced apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells via Noxa-mediated mitochondrial dysregulation and ER stress.

Conclusion

In addition to the elucidation of the role of IDO in the modulation of apoptosis, our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of IFNγ-induced apoptosis of HNSCC cells during the course of immune therapy.

A role for antimetabolites in glaucoma tube surgery: current evidence and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The main treatment modality for glaucoma is the reduction and control of the intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma filtration surgery, including trabeculectomy and/or implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD), is warranted if IOP remains medically uncontrolled. However, postoperative scarring remains a critical determinant of long-term bleb survival and IOP control after drainage surgery. Antimetabolites, such as mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil, have been used for many years to increase survival time of filtration surgeries by preventing bleb fibrosis and scarring. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of: the current usage of these antimetabolites in GDD, the recent advancements of these antimetabolites in combination with other technologies, and the role of future antimetabolites.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil have been used in GDD and trabeculectomy to prevent the exaggerated cellular reaction that leads to fibrosis. The adjunctive administration of these drugs intraoperatively and postoperatively has resulted in a lower rate of the hypertensive phase, and possibly a better long-term success rate in Ahmed valve surgeries. However, the application of these antimetabolites and their multiple-dosing applications are associated with nonspecific cytotoxicity and potentially severe complications such as bleb leak and conjunctival erosion over the tube. Recent studies are thus focusing on different medications, targeting new molecular pathways, and designing new delivery vehicles to minimize current antimetabolites side-effects and increase their efficacy. Promising results of these studies have led to development of new collaborative medications and advanced drug delivery systems for better modulation of GDD surgeries' predictable outcomes.

SUMMARY

The development of small molecule therapeutics, combination therapies, and innovative drug vehicles to prevent postsurgical fibrosis and achieve better surgical outcome in glaucoma filtration surgeries is promising.

Study of the combined treatment of lung cancer using gene-loaded immunomagnetic albumin nanospheres in vitro and in vivo

Combination therapy for lung cancer has garnered widespread attention. Radiation therapy, gene therapy, and molecular targeted therapy for lung cancer have certain effects, but the disadvantages of these treatment methods are evident. Combining these methods can decrease their side effects and increase their curative effects. In this study, we constructed a pYr-ads-8-5HRE-cfosp-iNOS-IFNG plasmid (a gene circuit that can express IFNγ), which is a gene circuit, and used that plasmid together with C225 (cetuximab) to prepare gene-loaded immunomagnetic albumin nanospheres (IMANS). Moreover, we investigated the therapeutic effects of gene-loaded IMANS in combination with radiation therapy on human lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that this gene circuit was successively constructed and confirmed that the expression of INFγ was increased due to the gene circuit. Gene-loaded IMANS combined with radiation therapy demonstrated improved results in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, gene-loaded IMANS enhanced the efficacy of combination therapy, solved problems related to gene transfer, and specifically targeted lung cancer cells.

The study on the preparation and characterization of gene-loaded immunomagnetic albumin nanospheres and their anti-cell proliferative effect combined with magnetic fluid hyperthermia on GLC-82 cells

As one of the most common malignant tumors, the clinical and socio-economic consequences of lung cancer are significant. Currently, surgery is the main treatment strategy for this disease, but the survival rates of lung cancer patients are not ideal due to the high recurrence rate of the disease. Therefore, many researchers are exploring new specific therapeutic methods that are highly curative and minimally cytotoxic to healthy tissues. To this end, albumin nanospheres simultaneously were loaded with super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (as gene vector and anticancer gene), and plasmid pDONR223-IFNG, and modified with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab as therapy. Targeting agents, namely gene-loaded immunomagnetic albumin nanospheres (cetuximab [C225]-IFNG-IMANS), were prepared for targeted lung carcinoma cells (GLC-82 cell lines). Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the C225-IFNG-IMANS were successfully prepared, and the ability of the nanospheres to target GLC-82 cells in vitro was confirmed by Prussian blue staining, immunofluorescence experiments, and magnetic resonance imaging. Transfection photographs and agarose gel electrophoresis proved that pDONR223-IFNG could be encased in the albumin nanospheres. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay showed that the combination therapy group had significantly more therapeutic effects on GLC-82 cells than other therapy groups. A flow cytometry assay showed that the apoptotic index of the combined treatment group was 67.68%, whereas the indices of the C225 group, gene therapy group, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia group were 12.2%, 16.34%, and 20.04% respectively. Therefore, the combination of thermal treatment, molecular targeted treatment, and gene treatment synergistically targets GLC-82 cells, and the use of C225-IFNG-IMANS as a gene or drug carrier offers a novel and promising approach for the treatment of lung cancer.

Bare sclera resection followed by mitomycin C and/or autograft limbus conjunctiva in the surgery for pterygium: a Meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the recurrence and complications after bare sclera resection (BSR) combined with mitomycin C (MMC) treatment and/or autograft limbus conjunctiva (ALC) in the surgery for pterygium.

METHODS

Meta-analysis was used to evaluate the differences in patient outcomes between BSR of pterygium with or without MMC and/or ALC. All included studies were randomized trials of patients with pterygium who received BSR followed by MMC and/or ALC in the surgery. The recurrence of pterygium and other complications resulting from different treatments were extracted for analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The recurrence of pterygium with intraoperative (IO) MMC was higher than that with ALC (OR=2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.45-3.91, I (2)=29%). Postoperative MMC resulted in an incidence of recurrence similar to that of ALC (OR=0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.30-1.42, I (2)=0%), and IO MMC treatment in combination with ALC produced similar patient outcomes to ALC alone (OR=0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.16-1.01, I (2)=16%). Other complications such as punctate epitheliopathy, scleral thinning and ischemia, irritation and persistent epithelium defect, were more common in patients in the MMC group as compared to those treated with ALC.

CONCLUSION

The recurrence of pterygium with BSR followed by ALC is lower than that of BSR followed by MMC, and the incidence of other complications is lower. While ALC is a more effective strategy for treating pterygium, the quality of the ALC transplant should be considered when the patient has a history of glaucoma.

Anti-VEGF agents with or without antimetabolites in trabeculectomy for glaucoma: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the intraoperative application of antimetabolites compared with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents with or without antimetabolites in trabeculectomy (Trab) for glaucoma.

METHODS

Relevant studies were selected through extensive search using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases in August 2013. The primary efficacy estimate was measured using weighted mean difference of the percentage of intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR%) from baseline to end-point, and the secondary efficacy estimates were odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for complete success rate and qualified success rate. ORs were also used to measure the tolerability estimate for adverse events. Meta-analyses of fixed or random effects models were conducted using RevMan software 5.2 to pool the results of the studies included. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi(2) test and the I(2) measure.

RESULTS

Nine studies enrolling a total of 349 patients were included. The weighted mean difference of IOPR% from baseline was 7.23 (95% CI: 2.57-11.89) for antimetabolites vs. anti-VEGF agents and 3.96 (95% CI: -4.18-12.10) for antimetabolites vs. anti-VEGF agents plus antimetabolites. The pooled ORs comparing antimetabolites with anti-VEGF agents were 2.37 (95% CI: 0.78, 7.21) for the complete success rate and 1.93 (95% CI: 0.52, 7.16) for qualified success rate. The pooled ORs comparing antimetabolites with anti-VEGF agents plus antimetabolites were 1.43 (95% CI: 0.48, 4.29) for the complete success rate and 2.11 (95% CI: 0.12, 37.72) for qualified success rate. The rates of adverse events did not significantly differ between antimetabolites and anti-VEGF agents, with pooled ORs of 0.86 (0.28-2.69) for bleb leakage, 3.01 (0.45-20.10) for choroidal effusion, 0.96 (0.23-3.98) for flat anterior chamber, and 0.90 (0.12-6.60) for hypotony. Further, the rates of adverse events were similar between antimetabolites and anti-VEGF agents plus antimetabolites, with pooled ORs of 0.40 (0.08-2.00) and 8.00 (0.93-68.59) for bleb leakage and hypotony, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with anti-VEGF agents, antimetabolites were more effective in lowering IOP in Trab, while the intraoperative application of these two types of agents did not indicate statistically significant differences in the complete success rate, qualified success rate, or incidence of adverse events.