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Su Q, Yang SP, Guo JP, Rong YR, Sun Y, Chai YR. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute thymus involution in mice via AMPK/Sirt1 pathway. Microbiol Immunol 2024. [PMID: 38886542 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The thymus, a site to culture the naïve T lymphocytes, is susceptible to atrophy or involution due to aging, inflammation, and oxidation. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activity. Here, we investigate the effects of EGCG on thymic involution induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin derived from Gram-negative bacteria. The methodology included an in vivo experiment on female Kunming mice exposed to LPS and EGCG. Morphological assessment of thymic involution, immunohistochemical detection, and thymocyte subsets analysis by flow cytometry were further carried out to evaluate the potential role of EGCG on the thymus. As a result, we found that EGCG alleviated LPS-induced thymic atrophy, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. In addition, EGCG pre-supplement restored the ratio of thymocyte subsets, the expression of autoimmune regulator, sex-determining region Y-box 2, and Nanog homebox, and reduced the number of senescent cells and collagen fiber deposition. Western blotting results indicated that EGCG treatment elevated LPS-induced decrease in pAMPK, Sirt1 protein expression. Collectively, EGCG relieved thymus architecture and function damaged by LPS via regulation of AMPK/Sirt1 signaling pathway. Our findings may provide a new strategy on protection of thymus from involution caused by LPS by using EGCG. And EGCG might be considered as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of thymic involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Shu-Ping Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
- School of Medical Technology, Sanquan College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Jun-Ping Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yi-Ren Rong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yun Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yu-Rong Chai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
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Yang J, Liu J, Liang J, Li F, Wang W, Chen H, Xie X. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in age-associated thymic involution: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102115. [PMID: 37922996 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is a critical immune organ with endocrine and immune functions that plays important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the body. However, with aging, the thymus undergoes degenerative changes leading to decreased production and output of naive T cells and the secretion of thymic hormones and related cytokines, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of various age-associated diseases. Therefore, identifying essential processes that regulate age-associated thymic involution is crucial for long-term control of thymic involution and age-associated disease progression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-established process involved in organ aging and functional impairment through tissue fibrosis in several organs, such as the heart and kidney. In the thymus, EMT promotes fibrosis and potentially adipogenesis, leading to thymic involution. This review focuses on the factors involved in thymic involution, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormones, from the perspective of EMT. Furthermore, current interventions for reversing age-associated thymic involution by targeting EMT-associated processes are summarized. Understanding the key mechanisms of thymic involution through EMT as an entry point may promote the development of new therapies and clinical agents to reverse thymic involution and age-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fan Li
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huan Chen
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Nucleic Acid Medicine of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| | - Xiang Xie
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Public Center of Experimental Technology, Model Animal and Human Disease Research of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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Rananaware SR, Pathak S, Majumdar S, Joseph JP, Ramteke NS, Adiga V, Nandi D. Dynamic changes in thymic sub-populations during acute and long-term infections with virulent and virulence-attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium strains in C57BL/6 and autoimmune-prone lpr mice. Microb Pathog 2023; 177:106034. [PMID: 36813006 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
SALMONELLA Typhimurium infection in mice results in drastic loss of immature CD4- CD8- double negative (DN) and CD4+ CD8+ double positive (DP) thymic subsets compared to mature single positive (SP) subsets. We investigated changes in thymocyte sub-populations post infection with a wild type (WT) virulent strain and ΔrpoS, a virulence-attenuated strain, of Salmonella Typhimurium in C57BL/6 (B6) and Fas-deficient autoimmune-prone lpr mice. The WT strain caused acute thymic atrophy with greater loss of thymocytes in lpr mice compared to B6 mice. Infection with ΔrpoS caused progressive thymic atrophy in B6 and lpr mice. Analysis of thymocyte subsets revealed that immature thymocytes including the DN, immature single positive (ISP), and DP thymocytes underwent extensive loss. SP thymocytes were more resistant to loss in WT-infected B6 mice, whereas WT-infected lpr and ΔrpoS-infected mice exhibited depletion of SP thymocytes. Overall, thymocyte sub-populations exhibited differential susceptibilities depending on bacterial virulence and the host background.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanmoy Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Shamik Majumdar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Joel P Joseph
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Nikita S Ramteke
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Vasista Adiga
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Dipankar Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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Targeting lysophosphatidic acid receptor with Ki16425 impedes T cell lymphoma progression through apoptosis induction, glycolysis inhibition, and activation of antitumor immune response. Apoptosis 2022; 27:382-400. [PMID: 35366141 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01723-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small phospholipid that acts as an extracellular lipid mediator. It promotes cancer progression by altering a wide array of cellular processes, including apoptosis, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration through binding with its cognate receptors. Intriguingly, our previous study showed that in vitro treatment of LPA induced survival of T lymphoma cells. Hence, the present investigation was designed to investigate the antitumor potential of Ki16425, an antagonist of LPA receptors, against T cell lymphoma. Our in vitro results showed inhibition of LPA-mediated survival and metabolic activity of T lymphoma cells by Ki16425. Further, in vivo experimental findings indicated the tumor retarding potential of Ki16425 against T cell lymphoma through apoptosis induction, glycolysis inhibition, and immunoactivation. The administration of Ki16425 triggered apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of Bcl2 and up-regulating p53, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and Cyt c expression. Further, Ki16425 suppressed glycolytic activity with concomitantly decreased expression of GLUT3 and MCT1. Moreover, we also noticed an elevated level of NO and iNOS in tumor cells after Ki16425 administration which might also be responsible for apoptosis induction and suppressed glycolysis. Additionally, we observed an increased population of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes along with increased thymocytes count and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Besides, we observed amelioration of tumor-induced kidney and liver damages by Ki16425. Taken together, this is the first study that demonstrates that LPA receptors could be potential future therapeutic targets for designing promising therapeutic strategies against T cell lymphoma.
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Luo M, Xu L, Qian Z, Sun X. Infection-Associated Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652538. [PMID: 34113341 PMCID: PMC8186317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a vital organ of the immune system that plays an essential role in thymocyte development and maturation. Thymic atrophy occurs with age (physiological thymic atrophy) or as a result of viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection (pathological thymic atrophy). Thymic atrophy directly results in loss of thymocytes and/or destruction of the thymic architecture, and indirectly leads to a decrease in naïve T cells and limited T cell receptor diversity. Thus, it is important to recognize the causes and mechanisms that induce thymic atrophy. In this review, we highlight current progress in infection-associated pathogenic thymic atrophy and discuss its possible mechanisms. In addition, we discuss whether extracellular vesicles/exosomes could be potential carriers of pathogenic substances to the thymus, and potential drugs for the treatment of thymic atrophy. Having acknowledged that most current research is limited to serological aspects, we look forward to the possibility of extending future work regarding the impact of neural modulation on thymic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Luo
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxin Xu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyu Qian
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Betjes MGH. Uremia-Associated Immunological Aging and Severity of COVID-19 Infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:675573. [PMID: 33937299 PMCID: PMC8079657 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.675573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic it has become clear that some groups of individuals are at particular high risk of a complicated course of infection resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Two specific risk factors are most prominent, old age and the presence of co-morbidity. Recent studies have shown that patients with compromised renal function, especially those treated with renal replacement therapy or having received a kidney transplant are at a much higher risk for severe COVID infection and increased mortality. This may be in part due to the increased prevalence of co-morbid conditions in these patients but specific alterations in their immune system, reflecting premature immunological aging, may be equally important. In this review the different aspects, in particular thymus function and memory T cell expansion, of uremia-associated immunological aging are reviewed with respect to COVID 19 infection. In essence, the decreased generation of naïve T cells may be instrumental in suboptimal anti-viral immune responses while the relatively uncontrolled expansion of effector T cells may facilitate the feared phase of the COVID-19 infection with excessive and live-threatening inflammation of the lung parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel G H Betjes
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Sugimoto Y, Endo D, Aratani Y. Mice Deficient in NOX2 Display Severe Thymic Atrophy, Lymphopenia, and Reduced Lymphopoiesis in a Zymosan-Induced Model of Systemic Inflammation. Inflammation 2020; 44:371-382. [PMID: 32939668 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) who have mutated phagocyte NADPH oxidase are susceptible to infections due to reduced reactive oxygen species production and exhibit autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in the absence of evident infection. Neutrophils and macrophages have been extensively studied since phagocyte NADPH oxidase is mainly found only in them, while the impact of its deficiency on lymphocyte cellularity is less well characterized. We showed herein a zymosan-induced systemic inflammation model that CGD mice deficient in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase gp91phox subunit (NOX2) exhibited more severe thymic atrophy associated with peripheral blood and splenic lymphopenia and reduced lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow in comparison with the wild-type mice. Conversely, the zymosan-exposed CGD mice suffered from more remarkable neutrophilic lung inflammation, circulating and splenic neutrophilia, and enhanced granulopoiesis compared with those in zymosan-exposed wild-type mice. Overall, this study provided evidence that NOX2 deficiency exhibits severe thymic atrophy and lymphopenia concomitant with enhanced neutrophilic inflammation in a zymosan-induced systemic inflammation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Seto 22-2, Kanazawa, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Daiki Endo
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Seto 22-2, Kanazawa, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Aratani
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Seto 22-2, Kanazawa, Yokohama, 236-0027, Japan.
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Uremia-Associated Ageing of the Thymus and Adaptive Immune Responses. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040224. [PMID: 32260178 PMCID: PMC7232426 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive loss of renal function is associated with a series of changes of the adaptive immune system which collectively constitute premature immunological ageing. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the mortality and morbidity of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. In this review, the effect of ESRD on the T cell part of the adaptive immune system is highlighted. Naïve T cell lymphopenia, in combination with the expansion of highly differentiated memory T cells, are the hallmarks of immunological ageing. The decreased production of newly formed T cells by the thymus is critically involved. This affects both the CD4 and CD8 T cell compartment and may contribute to the expansion of memory T cells. The expanding populations of memory T cells have a pro-inflammatory phenotype, add to low-grade inflammation already present in ESRD patients and destabilize atherosclerotic plaques. The effect of loss of renal function on the thymus is not reversed after restoring renal function by kidney transplantation and constitutes a long-term mortality risk factor. Promising results from animal experiments have shown that rejuvenation of the thymus is a possibility, although not yet applicable in humans.
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