The immunopathogenic and immunomodulatory effects of interleukin-12 in periodontal disease

Bioactive injectable mucoadhesive thermosensitive natural polymeric hydrogels for oral bone and periodontal regeneration

Periodontitis is an inflammation-related condition, caused by an infectious microbiome and host defense that causes damage to periodontium. The natural processes of the mouth, like saliva production and eating, significantly diminish therapeutic medication residency in the region of periodontal disease. Furthermore, the complexity and diversity of pathological mechanisms make successful periodontitis treatment challenging. As a result, developing enhanced local drug delivery technologies and logical therapy procedures provides the foundation for effective periodontitis treatment. Being biocompatible, biodegradable, and easily administered to the periodontal tissues, hydrogels have sparked substantial an intense curiosity in the discipline of periodontal therapy. The primary objective of hydrogel research has changed in recent years to intelligent thermosensitive hydrogels, that involve local adjustable sol-gel transformations and regulate medication release in reaction to temperature, we present a thorough introduction to the creation and efficient construction of new intelligent thermosensitive hydrogels for periodontal regeneration. We also address cutting-edge smart hydrogel treatment options based on periodontitis pathophysiology. Furthermore, the problems and prospective study objectives are reviewed, with a focus on establishing effective hydrogel delivery methods and prospective clinical applications.

The dichotomic role of single cytokines: Fine-tuning immune responses

Cytokines are known for their pleiotropic effects. They can be classified by their function as pro-inflammatory, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL) 1 and IL-12, or anti-inflammatory, like IL-10, IL-35 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Though this type of classification is an important simplification for the understanding of the general cytokine's role, it can be misleading. Here, we discuss recent studies that show a dichotomic role of the so-called pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, highlighting that their function can be dependent on the microenvironment and their concentrations. Furthermore, we discuss how the back-and-forth interplay between cytokines and immunometabolism can influence the dichotomic role of inflammatory responses as an important target to complement cytokine-based therapies.

Potential targets of phytochemical immunomodulatory therapy in periodontitis immunopathogenesis: A narrative review

Introduction

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent diseases occurring worldwide, and is caused by an imbalance of host immunological defenses and microbiome profile which occurs in the oral cavity. This imbalance leads to irregularity and uncontrolled activities of immune cells, resulting in over-reactivity of periodontopathogens and tissue destruction. To alleviate periodontitis, exact targeting of specific events involving particular cells could be a potential application of immunomodulatory agents. Phytochemical drug development targeting specific immunopathogenesis events could be a promising complementary, alternative approach to periodontal therapy.

Objectives

This review aimed to explore various events involving a variety of cells in the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis in order to determine potential specific immunomodulation targets for future development of effective phytochemical drugs.

Results

Immunopathogenesis of periodontitis contributes significantly to the disease onset and resolution. Various events occur during the disease development, which involve a variety of immune cells and mediators. Among these, neutrophils, cytokines and lymphocytes, especially Th17 cells, were reported to be the most relevant components in the disease pathogenesis. These components affect the initial responses to periodontopathogens, inhibit oxidative stress formation, control intercellular communication to enhance inflammation, and promote effector cells' migration to induce alveolar bone resorption. Several phytochemical drugs were developed to cure periodontitis, however, the development of phytochemical immunomodulatory drugs to target specific events has not been realized.

Conclusion

This review concluded that development of phytochemical immunomodulatory drugs to target particular events generated by neutrophils, pro-inflammatory cytokines and lymphocytes has tremendous potential to regulate and modulate the immunopathogenesis of periodontitis.

Increased IL-12p70 and IL-8 Produced by Monocytes in Response to Streptococcus spp. and Actinomyces spp. Causals of Endodontic Primary Infections

We sought to evaluate the effect of endodontic-causative microorganisms of primary infections on mononuclear cells such as CD14+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ and Tregs Foxp3+. Facultative anaerobic microorganisms were isolated from radicular conducts and peripheral blood samples, which were taken from patients with primary infections. Cellular cultures were performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with and without Actinomyces spp. and Streptococcus spp. during 48, 72, and 96 h of contact in culture (concentration 5 × 105 cells/well) in a round plate bound with 48 wells. Later, PBMC was collected for analysis by flow cytometry, with the monoclonal antibodies αCD14, αCD4, αCD8, αCD19 and αFoxp3, and acquired using an FACSCanto II cytometer. The supernatant of cellular cultures was analyzed for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines. Data analysis was performed in FlowJo v10.8.2 and FCAPArray software, and statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad v5.0. software. We observed an increase in the percentage of CD14+ cells in patients at different hours of cellular culture in the presence of both Actinomyces spp. and Streptococcus spp. microorganisms, compared to healthy controls. This study demonstrates the role played by the innate immune system in the pathogeny of endodontic primary infections, explaining the effects that generate the more common microorganisms in this oral pathology.

Inhibitory Effects of Corydalis saxicola Bunting Total Alkaloids on Macrophage Pyroptosis

This study investigated the effect of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA) on pyroptosis in macrophages (Mϕ). In the Mϕ pyroptosis model, an inverted fluorescence microscope was used to assess cell pyroptosis, while a scanning electron microscope was used to observe morphological changes in Mϕ. NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression levels were detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, whereas interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) expression levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After pretreatment with CSBTA or the caspase-1 inhibitor, acetyl-tyrosyl-valyl-alanyl-aspartyl-chloromethylketone (Ac-YVAD-cmk), it was discovered that NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD expressions were significantly reduced at both the mRNA and protein levels, as were IL-1 and IL-18 levels. The inhibitory effects of CSBTA and Ac-YVAD-cmk did not differ significantly. These findings indicate that CSBTA blocks Porphyromonas gingivalis-lipopolysaccharide-induced Mϕ pyroptosis.

Periodontitis as a promoting factor of T2D: current evidence and mechanisms

Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by an imbalance between the local microbiota and host immune response. Epidemiologically, periodontitis is closely related to the occurrence, development, and poor prognosis of T2D and is recognized as a potential risk factor for T2D. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of the virulence factors produced by disorders of the subgingival microbiota in the pathological mechanism of T2D, including islet β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR). However, the related mechanisms have not been well summarized. This review highlights periodontitis-derived virulence factors, reviews how these stimuli directly or indirectly regulate islet β-cell dysfunction. The mechanisms by which IR is induced in insulin-targeting tissues (the liver, visceral adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle) are explained, clarifying the influence of periodontitis on the occurrence and development of T2D. In addition, the positive effects of periodontal therapy on T2D are overviewed. Finally, the limitations and prospects of the current research are discussed. In summary, periodontitis is worthy of attention as a promoting factor of T2D. Understanding on the effect of disseminated periodontitis-derived virulence factors on the T2D-related tissues and cells may provide new treatment options for reducing the risk of T2D associated with periodontitis.

Tapping basement membrane motifs: Oral junctional epithelium for surface-mediated soft tissue attachment to prevent failure of percutaneous devices

Teeth, long-lasting percutaneous organs, feature soft tissue attachment through adhesive structures, hemidesmosomes, in the junctional epithelium basement membrane adjacent to teeth. This soft tissue attachment prevents bacterial infection of the tooth despite the rich - and harsh - microbial composition of the oral cavity. Conversely, millions of percutaneous devices (catheters, dental, and orthopedic implants) fail from infection yearly. Standard of care antibiotic usage fuels antimicrobial resistance and is frequently ineffective. Infection prevention strategies, like for dental implants, have failed in generating durable soft tissue adhesion - like that seen with the tooth - to prevent bacterial colonization at the tissue-device interface. Here, inspired by the impervious natural attachment of the junctional epithelium to teeth, we synthesized four cell adhesion peptide (CAPs) nanocoatings, derived from basement membranes, to promote percutaneous device soft tissue attachment. The two leading nanocoatings upregulated integrin-mediated hemidesmosomes, selectively increased keratinocyte proliferation compared to fibroblasts, which cannot form hemidesmosomes, and expression of junctional epithelium adhesive markers. CAP nanocoatings displayed marked durability under simulated clinical conditions and the top performer CAP nanocoating was validated in a percutaneous implant murine model. Basement membrane CAP nanocoatings, inspired by the tooth and junctional epithelium, may provide an alternative anti-infective strategy for percutaneous devices to mitigate the worldwide threat of antimicrobial resistance. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Prevention and management of medical device infection is a significant healthcare challenge. Overzealous antibiotic use has motivated alternative material innovations to prevent infection. Here, we report implant cell adhesion peptide nanocoatings that mimic a long-lasting, natural "medical device," the tooth, through formation of cell adhesive structures called hemidesmosomes. Such nanocoatings sidestep the use of antimicrobial or antibiotic elements to form a soft-tissue seal around implants. The top performing nanocoatings prompted expression of hemidesmosomes and defensive factors to mimic the tooth and was validated in an animal model. Application of cell adhesion peptide nanocoatings may provide an alternative to preventing, rather that necessarily treating, medical device infection across a range of device indications, like dental implants.

The secretion of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with periodontitis and healthy controls when exposed to H2S

Background: Hydrogen sulfide(H₂S) is a bacterial metabolite produced as a result of bacterial growth in subgingival pockets, suggested to partake in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. H₂S has previously been shown to induce the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 via the NLRP3 inflammasome in monocytes.

Objective: To investigate the non-NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent immunological response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of periodontitis patients and healthy controls exposed to H₂S in vitro.

Methods: PBMCs of periodontitis patients(N = 31) and healthy controls(N = 32) were exposed to 1 mM sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) at 37°C for 24 h and the secretion of cytokines was compared to resting cells. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-17, MCP-1, and IL-1Ra secretions were measured with Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine Assay.

Results: H₂S triggered the secretion of the pro-inflammatory IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-12p40, and IL-12p70, while the reverse was seen for IL-1Ra. In addition, a higher basal secretion of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-17 and MCP-1 was seen from PBMCs of periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion: The bacterial metabolite H₂S triggers the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from PBMCs and may thus have a prominent role in the host-bacteria interplay in periodontitis.

Furin-responsive triterpenine-based liposomal complex enhances anticervical cancer therapy through size modulation

The accumulation and penetration of antitumor drugs in tumor tissues are directly related to their antitumor effects. The particle size of the nanodrug delivery system is one of the most important factors for the accumulation and penetration of antitumor drugs within tumor tissues. Generally, nanodelivery systems of intermediate size (100–120 nm) are capable of efficient accumulation owing to prolonged circulation and enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect; however, smaller ones (20–40 nm) are effective for deep penetration within tumor tissue. Currently a conventional drug delivery system cannot possess two types of optimal sizes, simultaneously. To solve this and to enhance cervical cancer treatment, a furin-responsive triterpenine-based liposomal complex (PEGcleavable Tf-CTM/L), with Tf-CTM (transferrin-modified tripterine-loaded coix seed oil microemulsion) in core, coated with a thermo-sensitive lipid and a kind of PEG shell modified with a furin-cleavable peptide was developed to improve tumor-specific accumulation and penetration. Herein, PEGcleavable Tf-CTM/L was capable of efficient accumulation because of EPR effect. The PEG shells could timely detach under stimulation of overexpressed furin protein to solve the problem of the steric hindrance dilemma. The small-sized Tf-CTM released under stimulation of tumor microthermal environment in cervical cancer, which was efficient with regards to deep penetration at tumor sites. Notably, compared to the use of triterpenine alone, PEGcleavable Tf-CTM/L promoted anticervical efficacy and displayed diminished systemic toxicity by efficient accumulation and deep penetration of antitumor drugs within tumor tissues. Our study provides a new strategy, and holds promising potential for anticervical cancer treatment.

Central Regulatory Role of Cytokines in Periodontitis and Targeting Options

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is an immune-inflammatory disease that leads to the progressive destruction of bone and connective tissue in the periodontal area. The cytokine network plays a primary role in tissue homeostasis, the recruitment of immune cells to control the pathogenic impact and the regulation of osteoclastic function, thus modulating the intensity and duration of the immune response. This review provides an update on the main cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontitis and their targeting potential in order to enrich current treatment options.

METHODS

A structured search of bibliographic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus) was performed for peer-reviewed cytokine studies focused on periodontitis the last ten years. A qualitative content analysis was performed in screened papers and a critical discussion of main findings is provided.

RESULTS

An altered cytokine profile has been detected in periodontitis patients and the interplay of pro-inflammatory and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines has been associated with disease pathogenesis. Among the most prominent pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6 and the chemokines CXCL-6, CXCL-8 are overexpressed in periodontitis patients and correlate with disease progression. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL- 11 levels are reduced while IL-12 and IFN-γ expression play a dual role in periodontal disease. Current periodontitis treatment strategies include selective antibiotics, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and probiotics, which can modulate the cytokine network and when applied in combination with specific anti-cytokine agents can exert additional beneficial effects.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that cytokines play a central regulatory role in the inflammatory process and immune cell response that underlies bone destruction in periodontitis. Specific cytokine targeting should be considered as a complementary therapeutic scheme to current periodontal management.

Profiling and Characterization of Localized Cytokine Response in Congenital Cleft Affected Lip Tissue

(1) Background: Despite cleft lips and palates belonging to the most common orofacial congenital anomalies, their morphopathogenesis is not yet fully understood. The study aimed to determine the distribution and relation of cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-12, and IL-13 in the cleft affected mucosa of the lip. (2) Materials and Methods: Twenty cleft lip (CL) mucosal samples and seven control tissues of oral cavity mucosa were included in the study. Specimen were obtained during reconstruction surgeries and processed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-7, IL-12, and IL-13. (3) Results: The distribution of cytokines was higher overall in the cleft affected epithelium compared to the connective tissue, with TNF-a, IL-2, and IL-12 displaying the highest number of immunopositive cells. With the exception of IL-2, CL specimen showed higher immunoreactivity. IFN-γ displayed only minor immunoreactivity, with no expression in the control epithelium. Correlation analysis was strongest between CL epithelial IL-13 and IFN-γ (z = 0.71, p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: The CLP affected epithelium displays high degrees of plasticity in expressing different cytokines, pointing towards the stimulation of a local adaptive immune response based on consistent inflammatory processes.

A prospective controlled study on Ramadan fasting in the healthy young males in summer in Germany: effect on cytokines

SHORT COMMUNICATION

During the Ramadan fasting (RF) month, participants restrict some activities during day time, particularly consumption of food and beverages. In Germany, Muslims fast about 18-19 h a day when Ramadan falls in the summer. This longer period of restriction could lead to the changes of the body physiology, anthropometric parameters and biological mediators.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-1β. IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) during RF in Germany. Correlations of cytokines with anthropometric parameters were also determined.

METHODS

Fifty healthy adult males were recruited and divided into two equal groups: fasting group (FG) and non-fasting group (NFG). FG was evaluated at T1: one week before, T2: mid-, T3: last days of, and T4: one week after Ramadan. The NFG were evaluated only at T1 and T3.

RESULTS

In FG significant alterations of IL-1β was observed. Insignificant differences were found between the FG and NFG at T1 and T3 concerning the measured cytokines. Circulating IL-1β increased significantly from T2 to T4 and from T3 to T4. At T3, TNF-α was correlated significantly with anthropometric parameters such as the body weight, the skeletal muscle mass and the fat free mass, whilst IL-12 was correlated significantly with the skeletal muscle mass, the fat free mass and the body water mass at T4.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant Alterations of IL-1β during RF in FG were observed. Anthropometric parameters correlate with TNF-α and IL-12 levels during at T3 and T4, respectively.

Oral Dysbiosis and Autoimmunity: From Local Periodontal Responses to an Imbalanced Systemic Immunity. A Review

The current paradigm of onset and progression of periodontitis includes oral dysbiosis directed by inflammophilic bacteria, leading to altered resolution of inflammation and lack of regulation of the inflammatory responses. In the construction of explanatory models of the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease, autoimmune mechanisms were among the first to be explored and historically, for more than five decades, they have been described in an isolated manner as part of the tissue damage process observed in periodontitis, however direct participation of these mechanisms in the tissue damage is still controversial. Autoimmunity is affected by genetic and environmental factors, leading to an imbalance between the effector and regulatory responses, mostly associated with failed resolution mechanisms. However, dysbiosis/infection and chronic inflammation could trigger autoimmunity by several mechanisms including bystander activation, dysregulation of toll-like receptors, amplification of autoimmunity by cytokines, epitope spreading, autoantigens complementarity, autoantigens overproduction, microbial translocation, molecular mimicry, superantigens, and activation or inhibition of receptors related to autoimmunity by microorganisms. Even though autoreactivity in periodontitis is biologically plausible, the associated mechanisms could be related to non-pathologic responses which could even explain non-recognized physiological functions. In this review we shall discuss from a descriptive point of view, the autoimmune mechanisms related to periodontitis physio-pathogenesis and the participation of oral dysbiosis on local periodontal autoimmune responses as well as on different systemic inflammatory diseases.

Interleukin-12p35 knockout promotes macrophage differentiation, aggravates vascular dysfunction, and elevates blood pressure in angiotensin II-infused mice

AIMS

Numerous studies have demonstrated that inflammation is involved in the progression of hypertension. Inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-35 belong to the IL-12 cytokine family and share the same IL-12p35 subunit. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that IL-12p35 knockout (IL-12p35 KO) leads to cardiovascular disease by regulating the inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-12p35 KO elevates blood pressure in a hypertension mouse model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice with angiotensin (Ang) II infusion showed marked aortic IL-12p35 expression; thus, aortic macrophages may be the main source of IL-12p35. Wild-type and IL-12p35 KO mice were infused with Ang II or saline. IL-12p35 KO promoted M1 macrophage differentiation, amplified the inflammatory response, aggravated vascular dysfunction, and elevated blood pressure in Ang II-treated mice. Then, some Ang II-infused mice were given phosphate buffer saline, mouse recombinant IL-12 (rIL-12), or rIL-35, and the results showed that rIL-12 but not rIL-35 treatment had an antihypertensive effect on Ang II-infused mice. In addition, detection of human plasma IL-12 levels in hypertensive patients and control subjects showed that IL-12 was significantly increased in hypertensive patients when compared with control subjects. In hypertensive patients, IL-12 levels were positively correlated with blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

IL-12p35 KO amplifies the inflammatory response and promotes blood pressure elevation in Ang II-treated mice. In addition, IL-12, but not IL-35, plays a protective role in the Ang II-induced hypertension model. Thus, IL-12 may be a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of clinical hypertension.

Multifunctional periodontal membrane for treatment and regeneration purposes

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes gum tissue degeneration and alveolar bone and tooth loss. The aim of this study is to develop a multifunctional matrix for the treatment of periodontitis and enhancement of regeneration of the periodontal tissue. The matrix was prepared from vitamin E containing hydrogel made of alginate and gelatin, and doxycycline HCl containing methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polycaprolactone micelles. Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polycaprolactone was synthesized with ring-opening polymerization technique and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and gel permeation chromatography. Micelles were characterized by measuring zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, drug encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and in vitro drug-release kinetics. Micelles were obtained with an average size of 164 nm and drug loading amount of 5.8%. The activity of doxycycline HCl–loaded micelles and vitamin E containing hydrogels was determined against Escherichia coli ( E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) with disk diffusion method. Bio-efficacy of micelle-loaded alginate–gelatin hydrogels were tested in vitro using L929 fibroblasts and dental pulp stem cells. Doxycycline HCl–loaded micelles and vitamin E containing hydrogels showed a sustained release and exhibited inhibition zone against E. coli and S. aureus. Hydrogels with vitamin E and doxycycline HCl–loaded micelles promoted osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Results suggest that alginate–gelatin hydrogels containing doxycycline HCl–loaded micelles and vitamin E can be good candidates for the treatment of periodontitis and tissue regeneration.

Identification of the key differentially expressed genes and pathways involved in neutrophilia

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the most important determinants in the acute inflammatory response. Pathologically increased numbers of PMNs in the circulation or specific tissues (or both) lead to neutrophilia. However, the genes expressed and pathways involved in neutrophilia have yet to be elucidated. By analysis of three public microarray datasets related to neutrophilia (GSE64457, GSE54644, and GSE94923) and evaluation by gene ontology, pathway enrichment, protein-protein interaction networks, and hub genes analysis using multiple methods (DAVID, PATHER, Reactome, STRING, Reactome FI Plugin, and CytoHubba in Cytoscape), we identified the commonly up-regulated and down-regulated different expressed genes. We also discovered that multiple signaling pathways (IL-mediated, LPS-mediated, TNF-α, TLR cascades, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt) were involved in PMN regulation. Our findings suggest that the commonly expressed genes involved in regulation of multiple pathways were the underlying molecular mechanisms in the development of inflammatory, autoimmune, and hematologic diseases that share the common phenotypic characteristics of increased numbers of PMNs. Taken together, these data suggest that these genes are involved in the regulation of neutrophilia and that the corresponding gene products could serve as potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for neutrophilia.

Deciphering desirable immune responses from disease models with resistant and susceptible chickens

Coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE) are among the most significant diseases affecting the poultry industry. These diseases have become more prominent in the wake of policies to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production. This has led to more research focused on better understanding the immune system and its responses to pathogen challenge, and thus developing informed strategies to exploit immune responses that can support enhanced disease resistance and growth performance. Some chicken breeds and lines show greater resistance or susceptibility to various diseases, and thus these birds maybe able to shed light on immune processes or pathways that contribute to the more resistant/susceptible state. This review attempts to identify potentially important genes that show some consistency in (relative) up or downregulation in key tissues between the resistant and susceptible chickens. For coccidiosis and NE, relative downregulation of IL-10 and (slightly less consistently) upregulation of IFN-γ appear to be features of more resistant birds. Data for IFN-α, IL-12, and IL-17D are currently less consistent. Gene expression data from NE studies have identified some potentially interesting, perhaps less well understood, immune-related genes (e.g., TCF12, BCL2, IRF2, TRAF3, TAB3, etc.,) that maybe associated with the resistant and/or susceptible phenotype. Salmonella and Campylobacter are important foodborne pathogens harbored by the chicken intestinal tract, while infectious bursal disease and infectious bronchitis are also important viral diseases of poultry. We, therefore, consider whether there are consistent features from resistant/susceptible disease models with these pathogens that relate to findings from the coccidiosis and NE studies. It is not anticipated that ideal immune responses to these pathogens will be identical but rather that consistent elements maybe identified that could help inform breeding or alternative strategies to support general disease resistance and enhanced (and efficient) flock productivity.

Interleukin-12p35 Knock Out Aggravates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Injury and Dysfunction by Aggravating the Inflammatory Response, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Mice

Background

Recent evidence has demonstrated that interleukin 12p35 knockout (IL-12p35 KO) is involved in cardiac diseases by regulating the inflammatory response. The involvement of inflammatory cells has also been observed in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac injury. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-12p35 KO affects DOX-induced cardiac injury and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

First, the effect of DOX treatment on cardiac IL-12p35 expression was assessed. In addition, to investigate the effect of IL-12p35 KO on DOX-induced cardiac injury, IL-12p35 KO mice were treated with DOX. Because IL-12p35 is the mutual subunit of IL-12 and IL-35, to determine the cytokine that mediates the effect of IL-12p35 KO on DOX-induced cardiac injury, mice were given phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), mouse recombinant IL-12 (rIL-12) or rIL-35 before treatment with DOX.

Results

DOX treatment significantly increased the level of cardiac IL-12p35 expression. In addition, IL-12p35 KO mice exhibited higher serum and heart lactate dehydrogenase levels, higher serum and heart creatine kinase myocardial bound levels, and greater cardiac dysfunction than DOX-treated mice. Furthermore, IL-12p35 KO further increased M1 macrophage and decreased M2 macrophage differentiation, aggravated the imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants, and further activated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress autophagy pathway. Both rIL-12 and rIL-35 protected against DOX-induced cardiac injury by alleviating the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy.

Conclusions

IL-12p35 KO aggravated DOX-induced cardiac injury by amplifying the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy. (234 words).

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IL-12p35 KO aggravates DOX-induced cardiac injury and dysfunction.

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IL-12p35 further increases the DOX-induced imbalance in inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy.

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Both exogenous rIL-12 and rIL-35 relieved cardiac injury mediated by DOX.

CD4+ T helper (Th) cells are closely related to cardiac injury; regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a new subset of Th cells, and IL-35 is the functional cytokine of Tregs. Cardiac injury mediated by DOX is the most serious complication during chemotherapy, and there are no good preventive measures. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-35 can reduce cardiac injury induced by DOX during chemotherapy. In addition to IL-35, IL-12p35 KO can cancel the biological effect of IL-12; therefore, we also determined whether IL-12 participates in DOX-induced cardiac injury and the underlying mechanisms.

Saliva Proteomics Analysis Offers Insights on Type 1 Diabetes Pathology in a Pediatric Population

The composition of the salivary proteome is affected by pathological conditions. We analyzed by high resolution mass spectrometry approaches saliva samples collected from children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. The list of more than 2000 high confidence protein identifications constitutes a comprehensive characterization of the salivary proteome. Patients with good glycemic regulation and healthy individuals have comparable proteomic profiles. In contrast, a significant number of differentially expressed proteins were identified in the saliva of patients with poor glycemic regulation compared to patients with good glycemic control and healthy children. These proteins are involved in biological processes relevant to diabetic pathology such as endothelial damage and inflammation. Moreover, a putative preventive therapeutic approach was identified based on bioinformatic analysis of the deregulated salivary proteins. Thus, thorough characterization of saliva proteins in diabetic pediatric patients established a connection between molecular changes and disease pathology. This proteomic and bioinformatic approach highlights the potential of salivary diagnostics in diabetes pathology and opens the way for preventive treatment of the disease.