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Mohamed MME, Amrani Y. Obesity Enhances Non-Th2 Airway Inflammation in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6170. [PMID: 38892358 PMCID: PMC11172812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Obese patients with asthma present with aggravated symptoms that are also harder to treat. Here, we used a mouse model of allergic asthma sensitised and challenged to house dust mite (HDM) extracts to determine whether high-fat-diet consumption would exacerbate the key features of allergic airway inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were intranasally sensitised and challenged with HDM extracts over a duration of 3 weeks. The impact of high-fat-diet (HFD) vs. normal diet (ND) chow was studied on HDM-induced lung inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration as well as cytokine production. HFD-fed mice had greater inflammatory cell infiltration around airways and blood vessels, and an overall more severe degree of inflammation than in the ND-fed mice (semiquantitative blinded evaluation). Quantitative assessment of HDM-associated Th2 responses (numbers of lung CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, serum levels of allergen-specific IgE as well as the expression of Th2 cytokines (Il5 and Il13)) did not show significant changes between the HFD and ND groups. Interestingly, the HFD group exhibited a more pronounced neutrophilic infiltration within their lung tissues and an increase in non-Th2 cytokines (Il17, Tnfa, Tgf-b, Il-1b). These findings provide additional evidence that obesity triggered by a high-fat-diet regimen may exacerbate asthma by involving non-Th2 and neutrophilic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yassine Amrani
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Glenfield Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK;
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2
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Wang H, He Y, Dang D, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Lu W. Gut Microbiota-Derived Tryptophan Metabolites Alleviate Allergic Asthma Inflammation in Ovalbumin-Induced Mice. Foods 2024; 13:1336. [PMID: 38731707 PMCID: PMC11082989 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091336] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent respiratory disease. The present study is designed to determine whether gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites alleviate allergic asthma inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice and explore the effect and potential mechanism therein. Asthma model mice were constructed by OVA treatment, and kynurenine (KYN), indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), in-dole-3-carbaldehyde (I3C), and indole acetic acid (IAA) were administered by intraperitoneal injection. The percent survival, weight and asthma symptom score of mice were recorded. The total immunoglobulin E and OVA-specific (s)IgE in the serum and the inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by the corresponding ELISA kits. The composition of the gut microbiota and tryptophan-targeted metabolism in mouse feces were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. The four tryptophan metabolites improved the percent survival, weight and asthma symptoms of mice, and reduced the inflammatory cells in lung tissues, especially I3C. I3C and IAA significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated the levels of OVA-IgE and inflammatory cytokines. KYN was observed to help restore gut microbiota diversity. Additionally, I3C, KYN, and ILA increased the relative abundance of Anaeroplasma, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcus_1, respectively, which were connected with tryptophan metabolic pathways. IAA also enhanced capability of tryptophan metabolism by the gut microbiota, restoring tryptophan metabolism and increasing production of other tryptophan metabolites. These findings suggest that tryptophan metabolites may modulate asthma through the gut microbiota, offering potential benefits for clinical asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Danting Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yurong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wenwei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (H.W.); (Y.H.); (D.D.); (Y.Z.); (J.Z.)
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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3
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Sha J, Zhang M, Feng J, Shi T, Li N, Jie Z. Promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger controls type 2 immune responses in the lungs by regulating lineage commitment and the function of innate and adaptive immune cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111670. [PMID: 38373386 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 immune responses are critical for host defense, mediate allergy and Th2-high asthma. The transcription factor, promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), has emerged as a significant regulator of type 2 inflammation in the lung; however, its exact mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we summarized recent findings regarding the ability of PLZF to control the development and function of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), iNKT cells, memory T cells, basophils, and other immune cells that drive type 2 responses. We discussed the important role of PLZF in the pathogenesis of Th2-high asthma. Collectively, prior studies have revealed the critical role of PLZF in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells involved in type 2 inflammation in the lung. Therefore, targeting PLZF signaling represents a promising therapeutic approach to suppress Th2-high asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Sha
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Feng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyun Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Jie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Community-Based Health Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Karkout R, Gaudreault V, Labrie L, Aldossary H, Azalde Garcia N, Shan J, Fixman ED. Female-specific enhancement of eosinophil recruitment and activation in a type 2 innate inflammation model in the lung. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:13-24. [PMID: 37607041 PMCID: PMC10929703 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A sex disparity in asthma prevalence and severity exists in humans. Multiple studies have highlighted the role of innate cells in shaping the adaptive immune system in chronic asthma. To explore the sex bias in the eosinophilic response, we delivered IL-33 to the lungs of mice and delineated the kinetics by which the inflammatory response was induced. Our data demonstrate that females recruited more eosinophils capable of responding to IL-33. Eosinophil activation occurred selectively in the lung tissue and was enhanced in females at all time points. This increase was associated with increased ex vivo type 2 cytokine and chemokine production and female-specific expansion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells lacking expression of the killer-cell lectin-like receptor G1. Our findings suggest that the enhanced eosinophilic response in females is due, firstly, to a greater proportion of eosinophils recruited to the lungs in females that can respond to IL-33; and secondly, to an enhanced production of type 2 cytokines in females. Our data provide insight into the mechanisms that guide the female-specific enhancement of eosinophil activation in the mouse and form the basis to characterize these responses in human asthmatics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Karkout
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Véronique Gaudreault
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lydia Labrie
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Haya Aldossary
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Noelia Azalde Garcia
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jichuan Shan
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth D Fixman
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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5
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Itoga M, Ishioka Y, Makiguchi T, Tanaka H, Taima K, Saito N, Tomita H, Tasaka S. Role of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor in the pathogenesis of chronic asthma. Immunol Lett 2024; 265:16-22. [PMID: 38142780 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is an estrogen receptor located on the plasma membrane. We previously reported that the administration of G-1, a GPER-specific agonist, suppressed development of acute ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in a mouse model. Herein, we evaluate the involvement of GPER in a mouse model of chronic OVA asthma. METHODS G-1 or saline was administered subcutaneously to BALB/c mice with chronic OVA asthma, and pathological and immunological evaluation was performed. In addition, Foxp3-expressing CD4-positive T-cells in the spleen and ILC2 in the lungs were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS We observed a significant decrease in the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in the G-1 treated group. In the airways, inflammatory cell accumulation, Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin) and epithelial cytokine TSLP were suppressed, while in the BALF, anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) were increased. Furthermore, in splenic mononuclear cells, Foxp3-expressing CD4-positive T-cells were increased in the G-1 group, whereas treatment with G-1 did not change the percentage of ILC2 in the lungs. CONCLUSION G-1 administration suppressed allergic airway inflammation in mice with chronic OVA asthma. GPER may be a potential therapeutic target for chronic allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamichi Itoga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan; Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Hirosaki University Hospital, 53 Honcho, Hirosaki, 036-8563, Japan.
| | - Yoshiko Ishioka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Tomonori Makiguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Hisashi Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kageaki Taima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Norihiro Saito
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan; Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Hirosaki University Hospital, 53 Honcho, Hirosaki, 036-8563, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tomita
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan; Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Sadatomo Tasaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
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Kim J, Lee SH, Zhang S, Bong SK, Kim AT, Lee H, Liu X, Kim SM, Kim SN. Anti-Allergic Inflammatory Effect of Agarum cribrosum and Its Phlorotannin Component, Trifuhalol A, against the Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma Model. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8882-8893. [PMID: 37998734 PMCID: PMC10669934 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110557] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving structural changes to the respiratory system and severe immune responses mediated by allergic cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators. Agarum cribrosum (AC) is a kind of seaweed which contains a phlorotannin, trifuhalol A. To evaluate its anti-allergic inflammatory effect against asthma, an ovalbumin inhalation-induced mouse asthma model was used. Histologic observations proved that trifuhalol A is minimizing the lung and tracheal structure changes as well as the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells against ovalbumin inhalation challenge. From the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, ovalbumin-specific IgE and Th2-specific cytokines, IL-4, -5, and -13, were reduced with trifuhalol A treatment. In addition, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations in lung homogenate were also significantly reduced via trifuhalol A treatment. Taken together, trifuhalol A, isolated from AC, was able to protect lung and airways from Th2-specific cytokine release, and IgE mediated allergic inflammation as well as the attenuation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in lung, which results in the suppression of eosinophils and the mast cells involved asthmatic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonki Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.H.L.); (S.Z.); (S.-K.B.); (H.L.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Heon Lee
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.H.L.); (S.Z.); (S.-K.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.H.L.); (S.Z.); (S.-K.B.); (H.L.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sim-Kyu Bong
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.H.L.); (S.Z.); (S.-K.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Aaron Taehwan Kim
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA;
| | - Hara Lee
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.H.L.); (S.Z.); (S.-K.B.); (H.L.)
- Department of Dentistry, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- Haizhibao Deutschland GmbH, Heiliggeistgasse, 85354 Freising, Germany;
| | - Sang Moo Kim
- Department of Marine Food Science and Technology, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, Republic of Korea;
| | - Su-Nam Kim
- Natural Products Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (S.H.L.); (S.Z.); (S.-K.B.); (H.L.)
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
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7
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Chiarella SE, Cuervo-Pardo L, Coden ME, Jeong BM, Doan TC, Connelly AR, Rodriguez RI, Queener AM, Berdnikovs S. Sex differences in a murine model of asthma are time and tissue compartment dependent. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0271281. [PMID: 37819947 PMCID: PMC10566727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
CONCLUSION Sexual dimorphism in lung inflammation is both time and tissue compartment dependent. Spatiotemporal variability in sex differences in a murine model of asthma must be accounted for when planning experiments to model the sex bias in allergic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E. Chiarella
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- Division of Allergic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | | | - Mackenzie E. Coden
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Brian M. Jeong
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ton C. Doan
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Andrew R. Connelly
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Raul I. Rodriguez
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Queener
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sergejs Berdnikovs
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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8
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Haque TT, Taruselli MT, Kee SA, Dailey JM, Pondicherry N, Gajewski-Kurdziel PA, Zellner MP, Stephenson DJ, Straus DB, Kankaria R, Jackson KG, Chumanevich AP, Fukuoka Y, Schwartz LB, Blakely RD, Oskeritzian CA, Chalfant CE, Martin RK, Ryan JJ. Fluoxetine restrains allergic inflammation by targeting an FcɛRI-ATP positive feedback loop in mast cells. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eabc9089. [PMID: 37699080 PMCID: PMC10759315 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abc9089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a clinical need for new treatment options addressing allergic disease. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that have anti-inflammatory properties. We tested the effects of the SSRI fluoxetine on IgE-induced function of mast cells, which are critical effectors of allergic inflammation. We showed that fluoxetine treatment of murine or human mast cells reduced IgE-mediated degranulation, cytokine production, and inflammatory lipid secretion, as well as signaling mediated by the mast cell activator ATP. In a mouse model of systemic anaphylaxis, fluoxetine reduced hypothermia and cytokine production. Fluoxetine was also effective in a model of allergic airway inflammation, where it reduced bronchial responsiveness and inflammation. These data show that fluoxetine suppresses mast cell activation by impeding an FcɛRI-ATP positive feedback loop and support the potential repurposing of this SSRI for use in allergic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara. T Haque
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Marcela T. Taruselli
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Sydney A. Kee
- Departments of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Jordan M. Dailey
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Neha Pondicherry
- Departments of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Paula A. Gajewski-Kurdziel
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Matthew P. Zellner
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Daniel J. Stephenson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - David B. Straus
- Departments of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Roma Kankaria
- Departments of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Kaitlyn G. Jackson
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Alena P. Chumanevich
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Yoshihiro Fukuoka
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Lawrence B Schwartz
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Randy D. Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | - Carole A. Oskeritzian
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208
| | - Charles E. Chalfant
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
- Medicine, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia-School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
- Research Service, Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond VA, 23298
| | - Rebecca K. Martin
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - John J. Ryan
- Departments of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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9
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Qin L, Yue J, Guo M, Zhang C, Fang X, Zhang S, Bai W, Liu X, Xie M. Estrogen Receptor-α Exacerbates EGF-Inducing Airway Remodeling and Mucus Production in Bronchial Epithelium of Asthmatics. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 15:614-635. [PMID: 37153982 PMCID: PMC10570787 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.5.614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although estrogen receptors (ERs) signal pathways are involved in the pathogenesis and development of asthma, their expressions and effects remain controversial. This study aimed to investigate the expressions of ERα and ERβ as well as their mechanisms in airway remodeling and mucus production in asthma. METHODS The expressions of ERα and ERβ in the airway epithelial cells of bronchial biopsies and induced sputum cells were examined by immunohistochemistry. The associations of ERs expressions with airway inflammation and remodeling were evaluated in asthmatic patients. In vitro, the regulations of ERs expressions in human bronchial epithelial cell lines were examined using western blot analysis. The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated ligand-independent activation of ERα and its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) were investigated in asthmatic epithelial cells by western blot, immunofluorescent staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS ERα and ERβ were expressed on both bronchial epithelial cells and induced sputum cells, and the expressions showed no sex difference. Compared to controls, male asthmatic patients had higher levels of ERα on the bronchial epithelium, and there were cell-specific expressions of ERα and ERβ in induced sputum. The expression of ERα in the airway epithelium was inversely correlated to forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % and FEV1/forced vital capacity. Severe asthmatic patients had significantly greater levels of ERα in the airway epithelium than mild-moderate patients. ERα level was positively correlated with the thickness of the subepithelial basement membrane and airway epithelium. In vitro, co-stimulation of interleukin (IL)-4 and EGF increased the expression of ERα and promoted its nuclear translocation. EGF activated the phosphorylation of ERα via extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways. ERα knockdown alleviated EGF-mediated EMTs and mucus production in airway epithelial cells of asthma. CONCLUSIONS ERα contributes to asthmatic airway remodeling and mucus production through the EGF-mediated ligand-independent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Qin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junqing Yue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Fang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengding Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxue Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiansheng Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Wuhan, China.
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10
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Gill R, Rojas‐Ruiz A, Boucher M, Henry C, Bossé Y. More airway smooth muscle in males versus females in a mouse model of asthma: A blessing in disguise? Exp Physiol 2023; 108:1080-1091. [PMID: 37341687 PMCID: PMC10988431 DOI: 10.1113/ep091236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The lung response to inhaled methacholine is reputed to be greater in male than in female mice. The underpinnings of this sex disparity are ill defined. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrated that male airways exhibit a greater content of airway smooth muscle than female airways. We also found that, although a more muscular airway tree in males might contribute to their greater responsiveness to inhaled methacholine than females, it might also curb the heterogeneity in small airway narrowing. ABSTRACT Mouse models are helpful in unveiling the mechanisms underlying sex disparities in asthma. In comparison to their female counterparts, male mice are hyperresponsive to inhaled methacholine, a cardinal feature of asthma that contributes to its symptoms. The physiological details and the structural underpinnings of this hyperresponsiveness in males are currently unknown. Herein, BALB/c mice were exposed intranasally to either saline or house dust mite once daily for 10 consecutive days to induce experimental asthma. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, respiratory mechanics were measured at baseline and after a single dose of inhaled methacholine that was adjusted to trigger the same degree of bronchoconstriction in both sexes (it was twice as high in females). Bronchoalveolar lavages were then collected, and the lungs were processed for histology. House dust mite increased the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavages to the same extent in both sexes (asthma, P = 0.0005; sex, P = 0.96). The methacholine response was also markedly increased by asthma in both sexes (e.g., P = 0.0002 for asthma on the methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction). However, for a well-matched bronchoconstriction between sexes, the increase in hysteresivity, an indicator of airway narrowing heterogeneity, was attenuated in males for both control and asthmatic mice (sex, P = 0.002). The content of airway smooth muscle was not affected by asthma but was greater in males (asthma, P = 0.31; sex, P < 0.0001). These results provide further insights regarding an important sex disparity in mouse models of asthma. The increased amount of airway smooth muscle in males might contribute functionally to their greater methacholine response and, possibly, to their decreased propensity for airway narrowing heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Gill
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Andrés Rojas‐Ruiz
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Magali Boucher
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Cyndi Henry
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
| | - Ynuk Bossé
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ), Université LavalDépartement de médecineQuébecCanada
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11
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Reddy KD, Oliver BGG. Sexual dimorphism in chronic respiratory diseases. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:47. [PMID: 36882807 PMCID: PMC9993607 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in susceptibility, severity, and progression are prevalent for various diseases in multiple organ systems. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in respiratory diseases. Asthma demonstrates an age-dependent pattern of sexual dimorphism. However, marked differences between males and females exist in other pervasive conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are commonly considered the primary factors causing sexual dimorphism in disease. However, how they contribute to differences in disease onset between males and females remains undefined. The sex chromosomes are an under-investigated fundamental form of sexual dimorphism. Recent studies highlight key X and Y-chromosome-linked genes that regulate vital cell processes and can contribute to disease-relevant mechanisms. This review summarises patterns of sex differences in asthma, COPD and lung cancer, highlighting physiological mechanisms causing the observed dimorphism. We also describe the role of the sex hormones and present candidate genes on the sex chromosomes as potential factors contributing to sexual dimorphism in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karosham Diren Reddy
- Respiratory and Cellular Molecular Biology Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia.
- School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Brian Gregory George Oliver
- Respiratory and Cellular Molecular Biology Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia
- School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
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12
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Gurusamy M, Nasseri S, Rampa DR, Feng H, Lee D, Pekcec A, Doods H, Wu D. Triple-tyrosine kinase inhibition by BIBF1000 attenuates airway and pulmonary arterial remodeling following chronic allergen challenges in mice. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:71. [PMID: 36755351 PMCID: PMC9909896 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway remodeling is an important pathological feature of chronic airway diseases, which leads to a progressive decline in lung function. The present study examined the anti-remodeling and anti- inflammatory effect of BIBF1000, a triple-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGF, PDGF, and FGF receptor signaling in a mouse model of repeated ovalbumin (OVA) challenges. METHODS Female Balb-c mice were immunized intraperitoneally on days 0 and 12 with 50 µg ovalbumin plus 1 mg of Al(OH)3 in 200 μl saline. Intranasal OVA challenges (20 µg/50 µl in PBS) were administered on days 26, 29, and 31, and were repeated twice a week for 3 months. Animals received vehicle or BIBF1000 (25 mg/kg, b.i.d.) through gavage from day 26 to the end of fourth month. On day 120, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue were collected for biochemical and immunohistological analysis. RESULTS Compared to vehicle controls, treatment with BIBF1000 reduced the numbers of BAL eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes by 70.0%, 57.9%, 47.5%, and 63.0%, respectively, and reduced IL-5 and IL-13 in BAL. Treatment with BIBF1000 reduced airway mucus secretion, peribronchial fibrosis, small airway, and pulmonary arterial wall thickness, compared to vehicle controls. Furthermore, treatment with BIBF1000 also reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-13, MMP-2, MMP-9, COX-2, and iNOS) and inhibited ERK and AKT phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS The protective effect afforded by triple-tyrosine kinase inhibition with BIBF1000 in reducing allergen-induced airway and arterial remodeling was associated with down-regulation of inflammatory mediators, as well as inhibition of ERK and AKT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malarvizhi Gurusamy
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Saeed Nasseri
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea ,grid.411701.20000 0004 0417 4622Present Address: Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Dileep Reddy Rampa
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Huiying Feng
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea ,grid.410396.90000 0004 0430 4458Department of Research, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL USA
| | - Dongwon Lee
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea.
| | - Anton Pekcec
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Henri Doods
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea. .,Department of Research, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
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13
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Ho K, Weimar D, Torres-Matias G, Lee H, Shamsi S, Shalosky E, Yaeger M, Hartzler-Lovins H, Dunigan-Russell K, Jelic D, Novak CM, Gowdy KM, Englert JA, Ballinger MN. Ozone impairs endogenous compensatory responses in allergic asthma. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 459:116341. [PMID: 36502870 PMCID: PMC9840700 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by acute exacerbations triggered by inhaled allergens, respiratory infections, or air pollution. Ozone (O3), a major component of air pollution, can damage the lung epithelium in healthy individuals. Despite this association, little is known about the effects of O3 and its impact on chronic lung disease. Epidemiological data have demonstrated that elevations in ambient O3 are associated with increased asthma exacerbations. To identify mechanisms by which O3 exposure leads to asthma exacerbations, we developed a two-hit mouse model where mice were sensitized and challenged with three common allergens (dust mite, ragweed and Aspergillus fumigates, DRA) to induce allergic inflammation prior to exposure to O3 (DRAO3). Changes in lung physiology, inflammatory cells, and inflammation were measured. Exposure to O3 following DRA significantly increased airway hyperreactivity (AHR), which was independent of TLR4. DRA exposure resulted in increased BAL eosinophilia while O3 exposure resulted in neutrophilia. Additionally, O3 exposure following DRA blunted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. Finally, there were significantly less monocytes and innate lymphoid type 2 cells (ILC2s) in the dual challenged DRA-O3 group suggesting that the lack of these immune cells may influence O3-induced AHR in the setting of allergic inflammation. In summary, we developed a mouse model that mirrors some aspects of the clinical course of asthma exacerbations due to air pollution and identified that O3 exposure in the asthmatic lung leads to impaired endogenous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses and alterations inflammatory cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ho
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - David Weimar
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Gina Torres-Matias
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Hyunwook Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Saaleha Shamsi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Emily Shalosky
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Michael Yaeger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Hannah Hartzler-Lovins
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Katelyn Dunigan-Russell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Daria Jelic
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Caymen M Novak
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Kymberly M Gowdy
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Joshua A Englert
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Megan N Ballinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
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14
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Odimba U, Senthilselvan A, Farrell J, Gao Z. Identification of Sex-Specific Genetic Polymorphisms Associated with Asthma in Middle-Aged and Older Canadian Adults: An Analysis of CLSA Data. J Asthma Allergy 2023; 16:553-566. [PMID: 37197194 PMCID: PMC10184860 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s404670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous respiratory disease resulting from a complex interplay between genetic variations and environmental exposures. There are sex disparities in the prevalence and severity of asthma in males and females. Asthma prevalence is higher in males during childhood but increases in females in adulthood. The mechanisms underlying these sex differences are not well understood; nevertheless, genetic variations, hormonal changes, and environmental influences are thought to play important roles. This study aimed to identify sex-specific genetic variants associated with asthma using CLSA genomic and questionnaire data. Methods First, we conducted a genome-wide SNP-by-sex interaction analysis on 23,323 individuals, examining 416,562 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after quality control, followed by sex-stratified survey logistic regression of SNPs with interaction p-value less than 10¯5. Results Out of the 49 SNPs with interaction p-value less than 10-5, a sex-stratified survey logistic regression showed that five male-specific SNPs (rs6701638, rs17071077, rs254804, rs6013213, and rs2968822) in/near KIF26B, NMBR, PEPD, RTN4, and NFATC2 loci, and three female-specific SNPs (rs2968801, rs2864052, and rs9525931) in/near RTN4, and SERP2 loci were significantly associated with asthma after Bonferroni correction. An SNP (rs36213) in the EPHB1 gene was significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma in males [OR=1.35, 95% CI (1.14, 1.60)] but with a reduced risk of asthma in females [OR=0.84, 95% CI (0.76, 0.92)] after Bonferroni correction. Conclusion We discovered novel sex-specific genetic markers in/near the KIF26B, RTN4, EPHB1, NMBR, SERP2, PEPD, and NFATC2 genes that could potentially shed light on the sex differences in asthma susceptibility in males and females. Future mechanistic studies are required to understand better the underlying sex-related pathways of the identified loci in asthma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugochukwu Odimba
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | | | - Jamie Farrell
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Centre (Respirology Department), Memorial University, St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Zhiwei Gao
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Correspondence: Zhiwei Gao, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3V6, Canada, Tel +17098646523, Email
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15
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Anesi N, Miquel CH, Laffont S, Guéry JC. The Influence of Sex Hormones and X Chromosome in Immune Responses. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2023; 441:21-59. [PMID: 37695424 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-35139-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Males and females differ in their susceptibility to develop autoimmunity and allergy but also in their capacity to cope with infections and cancers. Cellular targets and molecular pathways underlying sexual dimorphism in immunity have started to emerge and appeared multifactorial. It became increasingly clear that sex-linked biological factors have important impact on the development, tissue maintenance and effector function acquisition of distinct immune cell populations, thereby regulating multiple layers of innate or adaptive immunity through distinct mechanisms. This review discusses the recent development in our understanding of the cell-intrinsic actions of biological factors linked to sex, sex hormones and sex chromosome complement, on immune cells, which may account for the sex differences in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases and allergies, and the sex-biased responses in natural immunity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Anesi
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Charles-Henry Miquel
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Laffont
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Charles Guéry
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (INFINITY), Université de Toulouse, INSERM, CNRS, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France.
- INSERM UMR1291, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Place du Dr. Baylac, 31024, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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16
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Cao M, Wang Y, Jing H, Wang Z, Meng Y, Geng Y, Miao M, Li XM. Development of an Oral Isoliquiritigenin Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (ILQ-SNEDDS) for Effective Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Induced by Food Allergy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121587. [PMID: 36559038 PMCID: PMC9784770 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoliquiritigenin (ILQ) is a natural flavonoid with various pharmacological activities. In this study, we optimized the preparation method of self-nano-emulsion-loaded ILQ to further improve its bioavailability based on our previous study. In addition, its effect on the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis was also evaluated. Combined surfactants and co-surfactants were screened, and the optimal formulation of ILQ-SNEDDS was determined according to droplet size, droplet dispersity index (DDI), and drug loading. The formulation was composed of ethyl oleate (oil phase), Tween 80 & Cremophor EL (surfactant, 7:3), and PEG 400 & 1,2-propylene glycol (cosurfactant, 1:1), with a mass ratio of 3:6:1. Its physicochemical properties, including drug loading, droplets' size, Zeta potential, appearance, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were characterized. In vitro release profile, in situ intestinal absorption, and in vivo pharmacokinetics were applied to confirm the improvement of oral ILQ bioavailability by NEDDS. Finally, the efficacy of ILQ-SNEDDS in the treatment of food allergy-induced eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) was further evaluated. When the ILQ drug loading was 77.9 mg/g, ILQ-SNEDDS could self-assemble into sub-spherical uniform droplets with an average size of about 33.4 ± 2.46 nm (PDI about 0.10 ± 0.05) and a Zeta potential of approximately -10.05 ± 3.23 mV. In situ intestinal absorption showed that optimized SNEDDS significantly increased the apparent permeability coefficient of ILQ by 1.69 times, and the pharmacokinetic parameters also confirmed that SNEDDS sharply increased the max plasma concentration and bioavailability of ILQ by 3.47 and 2.02 times, respectively. ILQ-SNEDDS also significantly improved the apparent signs, allergic index, hypothermia and body weight of EoE model mice. ILQ-SNEDDS treatment significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-5, and the level of PPE-s-IgE in serum, and significantly inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 in esophageal tissue. SNEDDS significantly improved the solubility and bioavailability of ILQ. Additionally, ILQ-SNEDDS treatment attenuated symptomatology of EoE model mice, which was associated with inhibiting the production of TH2 inflammatory cytokines and PPE-s-IgE and the expression of TGF-β1. The above results shows that ILQ-SNEDDS has great potential as a good candidate for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhuo Cao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
| | - Heyun Jing
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
| | - Zeqian Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
| | - Yijia Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
| | - Yu Geng
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
| | - Mingsan Miao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450058, China
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (X.-M.L.)
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Otolaryngology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (X.-M.L.)
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17
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Mostafa DHD, Hemshekhar M, Piyadasa H, Altieri A, Halayko AJ, Pascoe CD, Mookherjee N. Characterization of sex-related differences in allergen house dust mite-challenged airway inflammation, in two different strains of mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20837. [PMID: 36460835 PMCID: PMC9718733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological sex impacts disease prevalence, severity and response to therapy in asthma, however preclinical studies often use only one sex in murine models. Here, we detail sex-related differences in immune responses using a house dust mite (HDM)-challenge model of acute airway inflammation, in adult mice of two different strains (BALB/c and C57BL/6NJ). Female and male mice were challenged (intranasally) with HDM extract (~ 25 μg) for 2 weeks (N = 10 per group). Increase in serum HDM-specific IgE showed a female bias, which was statistically significant in BALB/c mice. We compared naïve and HDM-challenged mice to define immune responses in the lungs by assessing leukocyte accumulation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and profiling the abundance of 29 different cytokines in BALF and lung tissue lysates. Our results demonstrate specific sex-related and strain-dependent differences in airway inflammation. For example, HDM-driven accumulation of neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages were significantly higher in females compared to males, in BALB/c mice. In contrast, HDM-mediated eosinophil accumulation was higher in males compared to females, in C57BL/6NJ mice. Differences in lung cytokine profiles indicated that HDM drives a T-helper (Th)17-biased response with higher IL-17 levels in female BALB/c mice compared to males, whereas female C57BL/6NJ mice elicit a mixed Th1/Th2-skewed response. Male mice of both strains showed higher levels of specific Th2-skewed cytokines, such as IL-21, IL-25 and IL-9, in response to HDM. Overall, this study details sex dimorphism in HDM-mediated airway inflammation in mice, which will be a valuable resource for preclinical studies in allergic airway inflammation and asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina H. D. Mostafa
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Mahadevappa Hemshekhar
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Hadeesha Piyadasa
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
| | - Anthony Altieri
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Andrew J. Halayko
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.460198.20000 0004 4685 0561Biology of Breathing Group, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Christopher D. Pascoe
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.460198.20000 0004 4685 0561Biology of Breathing Group, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Neeloffer Mookherjee
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 799 JBRC, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4 Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.460198.20000 0004 4685 0561Biology of Breathing Group, The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
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El-Baz LM, Elaidy SM, Hafez HS, Shoukry NM. Vismodegib, a sonic hedgehog signalling blockade, ameliorates ovalbumin and ovalbumin/lipopolysaccharide-induced airway inflammation and asthma phenotypical models. Life Sci 2022; 310:121119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Lactobacillus paragasseri BBM171 Ameliorates Allergic Airway Inflammation Induced by Ovalbumin in Mice via Modulating the Th1/Th2 Balance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10102041. [PMID: 36296316 PMCID: PMC9611844 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10102041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplementation with specific probiotics has been shown to improve allergic airway symptoms. This study aimed to investigate immunomodulatory effects of a potential probiotic strain isolated from breast milk, Lactobacillus paragasseri BBM171 (BBM171), in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic mouse model. OVA-sensitized and OVA-challenged BALB/c mice were orally administered live or heat-inactivated BBM171 for 48 consecutive days. After the last allergen challenge, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, inflammatory cell levels in the lungs, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed. The results showed that oral administration of live or heat-inactivated BBM171 decreased serum levels of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and OVA-specific IgG1, while increasing OVA-specific IgG2a and reducing the extent of airway inflammation in OVA-induced allergic mice. In addition, both live and heat-inactivated BBM171 modulated the cytokine profile in BALF to a type 1 T helper (Th1) response. Furthermore, ex vivo experiments using OVA-induced allergic mouse splenocytes showed that both live and heat-inactivated BBM171 could regulate the Th1/Th2 balance, decrease the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 level, and increase the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 level. Taken together, these results suggest that oral administration of live or heat-inactivated BBM171 improved allergen-induced airway inflammation symptoms by modulating the host immune response toward Th1 dominance.
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Li M, Wen Ma Z, Jun Deng S, Oliver BG, Wang T, Ping Zhang H, Wang L, McDonald VM, Wang J, Liu D, Gibson PG, Ming Luo F, Min Li W, Jing Wan H, Wang G. Development and validation of a noninvasive prediction model for identifying eosinophilic asthma. Respir Med 2022; 201:106935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Sex Steroids Effects on Asthma: A Network Perspective of Immune and Airway Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142238. [PMID: 35883681 PMCID: PMC9318292 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A multitude of evidence has suggested the differential incidence, prevalence and severity of asthma between males and females. A compilation of recent literature recognized sex differences as a significant non-modifiable risk factor in asthma pathogenesis. Understanding the cellular and mechanistic basis of sex differences remains complex and the pivotal point of this ever elusive quest, which remains to be clarified in the current scenario. Sex steroids are an integral part of human development and evolution while also playing a critical role in the conditioning of the immune system and thereby influencing the function of peripheral organs. Classical perspectives suggest a pre-defined effect of sex steroids, generalizing estrogens popularly under the “estrogen paradox” due to conflicting reports associating estrogen with a pro- and anti-inflammatory role. On the other hand, androgens are classified as “anti-inflammatory,” serving a protective role in mitigating inflammation. Although considered mainstream and simplistic, this observation remains valid for numerous reasons, as elaborated in the current review. Women appear immune-favored with stronger and more responsive immune elements than men. However, the remarkable female predominance of diverse autoimmune and allergic diseases contradicts this observation suggesting that hormonal differences between the sexes might modulate the normal and dysfunctional regulation of the immune system. This review illustrates the potential relationship between key elements of the immune cell system and their interplay with sex steroids, relevant to structural cells in the pathophysiology of asthma and many other lung diseases. Here, we discuss established and emerging paradigms in the clarification of observed sex differences in asthma in the context of the immune system, which will deepen our understanding of asthma etiopathology.
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Balkrishna A, Solleti SK, Singh H, Singh R, Bhattacharya K, Varshney A. Herbo-metallic ethnomedicine 'Malla Sindoor' ameliorates lung inflammation in murine model of allergic asthma by modulating cytokines status and oxidative stress. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 292:115120. [PMID: 35202713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Asthma is the leading inflammatory disease of the airways with inadequate therapeutic options. 'Malla Sindoor' (MS) is a metal-based ethnomedicinal formulation that has been prescribed in the ancient traditional medicinal system for treating chronic inflammations. AIM OF THE STUDY Here, we validated the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties of traditional metallic medicine MS in asthmatic mice model and in LPS stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells, by examining the relevant cellular, biochemical and molecular intermediates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Electron Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were performed to characterize MS particles. Allergic asthma was induced in Balb/c mice through intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) injection. Experimental groups include, normal control, disease control, Dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) and three MS treated groups: 4.3 mg/kg, 13 mg/kg, and 39 mg/kg. Quantitative PCR, inflammatory cytokines and anti-oxidant enzymes, and histological analysis were performed, in the treated mice and LPS stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cells for determining the MS efficacy. RESULTS SEM image analysis showed the MS to be heterogenous in shape with a particle size distribution between 100 nm-1 μm. Elemental composition showed the presence of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and sulphur (S) along with other elements in the forms of mercury sulfide, arsenic trioxide, and their alloy crystals. OVA-challenge of the Balb/c mice resulted in the development of overt pathological features for allergic asthma including smooth muscle thickening and collagen deposition. Mice receiving MS-exhibited alleviation of allergic asthma features. BAL fluid analysis showed a decrease in the total cell count and decreases in neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Further, the stimulated levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, -6, and TNF-α cytokines and antioxidant levels were also reduced upon MS-treatment. At the molecular level, MS-treatment reduced stimulated mRNA expression levels for IL-4, -5, -10, -13, -33, and IFN-γ cytokines. Histological analysis following MS-treatment of OVA-stimulated mice lungs showed a reduction in mucus accumulation in airways, decreases in peribronchial collagen deposition, bronchial smooth muscle thickening, and attenuation of inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, under in-vitro conditions, MS-treatment attenuated the LPS induced secretion of IL-1β, -6, and TNF-α from THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, the results suggest that MS acts as an effective anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory agent, by regulating various cellular, biochemical and molecular intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India; Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Roorkee-Haridwar Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India; Patanjali UK Trust, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Siva Kumar Solleti
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Hoshiyar Singh
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rani Singh
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kunal Bhattacharya
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anurag Varshney
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Institute, NH-58, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India; Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Roorkee-Haridwar Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India; Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067, India.
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Meng Y, Xu X, Xie G, Zhang Y, Chen S, Qiu Y, Zhu Z, Zhang H, Yin D. Alkyl organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) induce lung inflammation and aggravate OVA-simulated asthmatic response via the NF-кB signaling pathway. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107209. [PMID: 35358787 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Alkyl organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), are ubiquitously detected in indoor and outdoor environments and their inhalation may result in lung damage. This study examined pulmonary toxicity after exposure to TnBP or TBOEP and investigated aggravation of inflammation and immunoreaction by TnBP in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice model. Transcriptomics were used to further reveal the underlying mechanism. Exposure to TnBP or TBOEP resulted in pathological damage, including edema and thickened alveolar septum. In comparison with the control, enhanced levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.01 in TnBP (High) group and p < 0.05 in TBOEP (High) group), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) (p < 0.05), malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.01), and cytokines under a dose-dependent relationship were noted, and the expression of the Fkbp5/Nos3/MAPK/NF-кB signaling pathway (p < 0.01) was upregulated in the TnBP and TBOEP groups. Moreover, the combined exposure of TnBP and OVA exacerbated the allergic inflammatory response, including airway hyperresponsiveness, leukocytosis, cellular exudation and infiltration, secretion of inflammatory mediators, and higher expression of IgE (p < 0.01). Transcriptomics results demonstrated that the PI3K/Akt/NF-кB signal pathway was involved in TnBP-aggravated asthmatic mice. Exposure to TnBP or TBOEP resulted in oxidative damage and leukocyte-induced lung injury. TnBP can further facilitate OVA-induced asthma through an inflammatory response. This study is the first to reveal the pulmonary toxicity and potential mechanism induced by OPFRs through an in-vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Meng
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaojuan Xu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guangming Xie
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yunwei Zhang
- Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shiyan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanling Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Zhiliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Daqiang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
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Ekpruke CD, Silveyra P. Sex Differences in Airway Remodeling and Inflammation: Clinical and Biological Factors. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:875295. [PMID: 35769576 PMCID: PMC9234861 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.875295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by an increase in the contraction and inflammation of airway muscles, resulting in airflow obstruction. The prevalence of asthma is lower in females than in males until the start of puberty, and higher in adult women than men. This sex disparity and switch at the onset of puberty has been an object of debate among many researchers. Hence, in this review, we have summarized these observations to pinpoint areas needing more research work and to provide better sex-specific diagnosis and management of asthma. While some researchers have attributed it to the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female respiratory systems, the influences of hormonal interplay after puberty have also been stressed. Other hormones such as leptin have been linked to the sex differences in asthma in both obese and non-obese patients. Recently, many scientists have also demonstrated the influence of the sex-specific genomic framework as a key player, and others have linked it to environmental, social lifestyle, and occupational exposures. The majority of studies concluded that adult men are less susceptible to developing asthma than women and that women display more severe forms of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of the roles played by sex- and gender-specific factors, and the biological mechanisms involved will help develop novel and more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic plans for sex-specific asthma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Damilola Ekpruke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Patricia Silveyra
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25
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Somayaji R, Chalmers JD. Just breathe: a review of sex and gender in chronic lung disease. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/163/210111. [PMID: 35022256 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0111-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung diseases are the third leading cause of death worldwide and are increasing in prevalence over time. Although much of our traditional understanding of health and disease is derived from study of the male of the species - be it animal or human - there is increasing evidence that sex and gender contribute to differences in disease risk, prevalence, presentation, severity, treatment approach, response and outcomes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and bronchiectasis represent the most prevalent and studied chronic lung diseases and have key sex- and gender-based differences which are critical to consider and incorporate into clinical and research approaches. Mechanistic differences present opportunities for therapeutic development whereas behavioural and clinical differences on the part of patients and providers present opportunities for greater education and understanding at multiple levels. In this review, we seek to summarise the sex- and gender-based differences in key chronic lung diseases and outline the clinical and research implications for stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjani Somayaji
- Dept of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada .,Dept of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Dept of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - James D Chalmers
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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Zhang GQ, Özuygur Ermis SS, Rådinger M, Bossios A, Kankaanranta H, Nwaru B. Sex Disparities in Asthma Development and Clinical Outcomes: Implications for Treatment Strategies. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:231-247. [PMID: 35210789 PMCID: PMC8863331 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s282667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A gender-related disparity exists in asthma morbidity and mortality, which shifts at around puberty from a male predominance to a female predominance. This is clinically reflected in the fact that asthma that occurs in childhood (childhood-onset asthma) mainly affects boys, and that asthma that occurs in adulthood (adult-onset asthma) mainly affects women. Adult-onset asthma is often non-atopic, more severe, and associated with a poorer prognosis, thus posing a marked burden to women’s health and healthcare system. Many factors have been indicated to explain this gender-related disparity, including sociocultural and environmental factors as well as biological sex differences (genetic, pulmonary and immunological factors). It has long been suggested that sex hormones may be implicated in at least these biological sex differences. Overall, the evidence remains equivocal for the role of most sex hormones in asthma pathogenesis and clinical outcomes. Well-designed randomized clinical trials are required assessing the potential preventive or therapeutic effects of hormonal contraceptives on asthma in women, thereby helping to advance the evidence to inform future practice guidelines. The mechanisms underlying the role of sex hormones in asthma are complex, and our understanding is not yet complete. Additional mechanistic studies elucidating sex hormone signaling pathways and their interactions involved in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of asthma will help to identify potential sex hormone-driven asthma endotypes and novel therapeutic targets, providing the basis for a more personalized asthma management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qiang Zhang
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Saliha Selin Özuygur Ermis
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Madeleine Rådinger
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Apostolos Bossios
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannu Kankaanranta
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Bright Nwaru
- Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: Bright Nwaru, Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 424, Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Sweden, Tel +46 076 064 2614, Email
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27
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Wu Y, Li E, Knight M, Adeniyi-Ipadeola G, Song LZ, Burns AR, Gazzinelli-Guimaraes AC, Fujiwara R, Bottazzi ME, Weatherhead JE. Transient Ascaris suum larval migration induces intractable chronic pulmonary disease and anemia in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010050. [PMID: 34914687 PMCID: PMC8717995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is one of the most common infections in the world and associated with significant global morbidity. Ascaris larval migration through the host’s lungs is essential for larval development but leads to an exaggerated type-2 host immune response manifesting clinically as acute allergic airway disease. However, whether Ascaris larval migration can subsequently lead to chronic lung diseases remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that a single episode of Ascaris larval migration through the host lungs induces a chronic pulmonary syndrome of type-2 inflammatory pathology and emphysema accompanied by pulmonary hemorrhage and chronic anemia in a mouse model. Our results reveal that a single episode of Ascaris larval migration through the host lungs leads to permanent lung damage with systemic effects. Remote episodes of ascariasis may drive non-communicable lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic anemia in parasite endemic regions. Ascariasis is the most common helminth infection and leads to significant global morbidity. Transient Ascaris larval migration through the host’s lungs is essential for larval development but leads to an exaggerated type-2 host immune response. Our work demonstrates that transient Ascaris spp. larval migration through the lungs has significant long-term consequences including changes in lung structure and function as well as vascular damage causing chronic lung disease and anemia. We propose that Ascaris spp. larval migration through the host lungs is a risk factor for the development of chronic lung disease and anemia in parasite-endemic regions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and the Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Evan Li
- Department of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and the Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Morgan Knight
- Department of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and the Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Grace Adeniyi-Ipadeola
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Li-zhen Song
- Department of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and the Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alan R. Burns
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Ricardo Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jill E. Weatherhead
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Role of Sex Hormones at Different Physiobiological Conditions and Therapeutic Potential in MBD2 Mediated Severe Asthma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7097797. [PMID: 35096261 PMCID: PMC8799366 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7097797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormone has become a “hot topic” to evaluate the hormonal therapeutic potential in severe asthma. Th17 cell is one of the main influencing factors involved in the pathogenesis of severe asthma, hence also called as kernel of severe asthma, and Th17 subtype of non-T2 asthma is less responsive (resistance) to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), so severe in nature. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) is overexpressed and regulates the Th17 differentiation, showing the possibility of therapeutic target in treating Th17 mediated severe asthma. Sex hormone fluctuates at the different physiobiological conditions of the human body and affects the asthma pathobiology showing its role in asthma prevalence, severity, remission, and therapy. This review briefly overviews the sex hormones, their influence in asthma at the different physiobiological conditions of human body, and MBD2 severe asthma connection with the possible therapeutic potential of sex steroids in MBD2 mediated Th17 predominant severe asthma. Male sex hormone tends to show a beneficial effect and possibly downregulates the expression of Th17 cells via regulating MBD2 through a mechanism distinct from corticosteroid treatment and guides us towards discovery of new therapeutic agent, reduces the asthma-related complications, and promotes long-term survival by lowering the risk of therapy-resistant issues of old age severe asthma.
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29
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Ganouna-Cohen G, Khadangi F, Marcouiller F, Bossé Y, Joseph V. Additive effects of orchiectomy and intermittent hypoxia on lung mechanics and inflammation in C57BL/6J male mice. Exp Physiol 2021; 107:68-81. [PMID: 34761830 DOI: 10.1113/ep090050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Does endogenous testosterone modulate the consequences of intermittent hypoxia (IH) in the lungs of male mice? What is the main finding and its importance? Orchiectomized mice exposed to IH develop a pattern that is similar to emphysema or obstructive lung disease with elevated lung volumes, low pulmonary elastance during a methacholine challenge test and high counts of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavages. Since low testosterone levels and other respiratory diseases are common in sleep apnoea, there is a clear clinical relevance to these results. ABSTRACT We tested the hypothesis that low testosterone levels modulate the pulmonary responses to intermittent hypoxia (IH; used as a model of sleep apnoea (SA)) in male mice. We used intact (SHAM) or orchiectomized (ORX) mice exposed to IH for 14 days (12 h/day, 10 cycles/h, 6% oxygen) or to normoxia (Nx). We first measured ventilation and metabolic rates in freely behaving mice (whole-body plethysmography) and then respiratory mechanics in tracheotomized mice (flexiVent). We assessed the respiratory system resistance and elastance (Ers ), Newtonian resistance (resistance of the large airways), tissue damping and tissue elastance (H) under baseline conditions and during a methacholine challenge test. We also measured the quasi-static compliance and inspiratory capacity with partial pressure-volume loops. Finally, inflammatory cells were counted in the broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and we measured lung volume by water displacement. ORX-IH mice had higher tidal volume, inspiratory capacity and lung volume compared to the other groups, but showed signs of low efficiency of O2 exchange rate relative to minute ventilation. During the methacholine challenge, orchiectomy decreased the values of most mechanical parameters and IH reduced Ers and H leading to very low values in ORX-IH mice. Finally, the total number of cells and the number of lymphocytes in BAL were both increased by IH in ORX mice. Since reduced lung elasticity, low O2 extraction, increased lung volumes and inflammation are signs of emphysematous lung disease, we conclude that testosterone might prevent lung emphysema during IH exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier Ganouna-Cohen
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie du Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Khadangi
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie du Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - François Marcouiller
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie du Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ynuk Bossé
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie du Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Joseph
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie du Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Vélez-del-Burgo A, Sánchez P, Suñen E, Martínez J, Postigo I. Purified Native and Recombinant Major Alternaria alternata Allergen (Alt a 1) Induces Allergic Asthma in the Murine Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110896. [PMID: 34829186 PMCID: PMC8624818 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeroallergens such us the spores of Alternaria alternata are described as the most important agents associated with respiratory allergies and severe asthma. Various experimental models of asthma have been developed using A. alternata extracts to study the pathogenesis of asthma, establishing the main parameters that trigger the asthmatic response. In this study, we describe a mouse model of asthma induced only by Alt a 1. To induce the allergic response, mice were challenged intranasally with the major allergen of A. alternata, Alt a 1. The presence of eosinophils in the lungs, elevated concentrations of Th2 family cytokines, lymphocyte proliferation and elevated IgE total serum levels indicated that the sensitisation and challenge with Alt a 1 induced the development of airway inflammation. Histological studies showed an eosinophilic cellular infiltrate in the lung tissue of mice instilled with Alt a 1. We demonstrate that Alt a 1 alone is capable of inducing a lung inflammatory response with an increase in IgE serum levels mimicking the allergic asthma immunoresponse when it is administered into BALB/c mice. This model will allow the evaluation of the immunoregulatory or immunotolerant capacity of several molecules that can be used in targeted immunotherapy for fungal allergic asthma.
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Chiarella SE, Cardet JC, Prakash YS. Sex, Cells, and Asthma. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:1955-1969. [PMID: 34218868 PMCID: PMC8262071 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There are marked sex differences in asthma prevalence and severity. Sex hormones play a central role in these sex biases and directly interact with multiple key cells involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Here we review the known effects of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone on airway epithelial cells, airway smooth muscle cells, the mononuclear phagocyte system, innate lymphoid cells, eosinophils, mast cells, T cells, and B cells, all in the context of asthma. Furthermore, we explore unresolved clinical questions, such as the role of sex hormones in the link between asthma and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Chiarella
- Division of Allergic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Juan Carlos Cardet
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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32
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Wang B, Chan YL, Li G, Ho KF, Anwer AG, Smith BJ, Guo H, Jalaludin B, Herbert C, Thomas PS, Liao J, Chapman DG, Foster PS, Saad S, Chen H, Oliver BG. Maternal Particulate Matter Exposure Impairs Lung Health and Is Associated with Mitochondrial Damage. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071029. [PMID: 34202305 PMCID: PMC8300816 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the transgenerational effects of chronic maternal exposure to low-level traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on the offspring lung health, nor are the effects of removing such exposure before pregnancy. Female BALB/c mice were exposed to PM2.5 (PM2.5, 5 µg/day) for 6 weeks before mating and during gestation and lactation; in a subgroup, PM was removed when mating started to model mothers moving to cleaner areas during pregnancy to protect their unborn child (Pre-exposure). Lung pathology was characterised in both dams and offspring. A subcohort of female offspring was also exposed to ovalbumin to model allergic airways disease. PM2.5 and Pre-exposure dams exhibited airways hyper-responsiveness (AHR) with mucus hypersecretion, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction in the lungs. Female offspring from PM2.5 and Pre-exposure dams displayed AHR with increased lung inflammation and mitochondrial ROS production, while males only displayed increased lung inflammation. After the ovalbumin challenge, AHR was increased in female offspring from PM2.5 dams compared with those from control dams. Using an in vitro model, the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ reversed mitochondrial dysfunction by PM stimulation, suggesting that the lung pathology in offspring is driven by dysfunctional mitochondria. In conclusion, chronic exposure to low doses of PM2.5 exerted transgenerational impairment on lung health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoming Wang
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.W.); (Y.-L.C.); (G.L.); (D.G.C.); (H.C.)
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Yik-Lung Chan
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.W.); (Y.-L.C.); (G.L.); (D.G.C.); (H.C.)
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Gerard Li
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.W.); (Y.-L.C.); (G.L.); (D.G.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Kin Fai Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Ayad G. Anwer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Faculty of Engineering, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Bradford J. Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Paediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - Hai Guo
- Air Quality Studies, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- Centre for Air Pollution, Energy and Health Research (CAR), Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Cristan Herbert
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Prince of Wales’ Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (C.H.); (P.S.T.)
| | - Paul S. Thomas
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Prince of Wales’ Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (C.H.); (P.S.T.)
| | - Jiayan Liao
- Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - David G. Chapman
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.W.); (Y.-L.C.); (G.L.); (D.G.C.); (H.C.)
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
| | - Paul S. Foster
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Sonia Saad
- Renal Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2064, Australia;
| | - Hui Chen
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.W.); (Y.-L.C.); (G.L.); (D.G.C.); (H.C.)
| | - Brian G. Oliver
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.W.); (Y.-L.C.); (G.L.); (D.G.C.); (H.C.)
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Chen JC, Chan CC, Ting NC, Kuo ML. Allergen Exposure in Murine Neonates Promoted the Development of Asthmatic Lungs. Biomedicines 2021; 9:688. [PMID: 34207237 PMCID: PMC8235458 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that fetal allergen exposure caused T-helper 2 (Th2) cell sensitization. Although neonates are immunologically more mature than fetuses, asthmatic lungs were reportedly mitigated by neonatal allergen administration, mechanically referring to regulatory T-cells and TGF-β signaling but lacking the immunological profiles after neonatal exposure. To reappraise the immunological outcome of neonatal allergen exposure, we injected adjuvant-free ovalbumin intraperitoneally into 2-day-old BALB/c neonates, followed by aerosolized ovalbumin inhalation in adulthood. Mice were examined for the immunological profiles specifically after neonatal exposures, lung function and histology (hematoxylin-eosin or periodic acid Schiff staining), and gene expressions of intrapulmonary cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ) and chemokines (CCL17, CCL22, CCL11 and CCL24). Neonatal ovalbumin exposure triggered Th2-skewed sensitization and ovalbumin-specific IgE production. Subsequent ovalbumin inhalation in adulthood boosted Th2 immunity and caused asthmatic lungs with structural and functional alterations of airways. Gender difference mainly involved airway hyperresponsiveness and resistance with greater female susceptibility to methacholine bronchospastic stimulation. In lungs, heightened chemoattractant gene expressions were only granted to neonatally ovalbumin-sensitized mice with aerosolized ovalbumin stress in adulthood, and paralleled by upregulated Th2 cytokine genes. Thus, aeroallergen stress in atopic individuals might upregulate the expression of intrapulmonary chemoattractants to recruit Th2 cells and eosinophils into the lungs, pathogenically linked to asthma development. Conclusively, murine neonates were sensitive to allergen exposures. Exposure events during neonatal stages were crucial to asthma predisposition in later life. These findings from a murine model point to allergen avoidance in neonatal life, possibly even very early in utero, as the best prospect of primary asthma prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Chang Chen
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Children’s Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chi Chan
- Abnova Corporation, Taipei 114, Taiwan;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Chun Ting
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ling Kuo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy, Asthma, and Rheumatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Luo Y, Chen H, Huang R, Wu Q, Li Y, He Y. Guanosine and uridine alleviate airway inflammation via inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB signals in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2021; 69:102049. [PMID: 34102301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases. Lack of response or poor adherence to corticosteroids demands the development of new drug candidates for asthma. Endogenous nucleosides could be potential options since uridine has been reported to have an anti-inflammatory effect in asthma model. However, its molecular pathways and whether other nucleosides have similar therapeutic effects remain untouched. Thus, we herein report our investigation into the anti-inflammatory effects of guanosine and uridine, and the related inner signaling pathways in asthma model. Present study shows that administration of guanosine or uridine can reduce lung inflammation in OVA-challenged mice. Total cell counts in BALF, cytokines such as IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, OVA-specific IgE and mRNA level of Cxcl1, Cxlc3, IL-17 and Muc5ac were decreased in asthmatic mice after treatment. Besides, the production of IL-6 in LPS/IFN-γ induced THP-1 cells was also decreased by both nucleosides. In vivo and in vitro expressions of key molecules in the MAPK and NF-κB pathways were reduced after the treatment of both compounds. These findings suggest that guanosine has a similar potential therapeutic value in asthma as uridine and they exert anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ridong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China; Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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35
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Rodriguez Bauza DE, Silveyra P. Asthma, atopy, and exercise: Sex differences in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1400-1409. [PMID: 33794694 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211003858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease affecting approximately 7.7% of the US population. Sex differences in the prevalence, incidence, and severity of asthma have been widely described throughout the lifespan, showing higher rates in boys than girls before puberty, but a reversed pattern in adults. Asthma is often associated with atopy, i.e. the tendency to develop allergic diseases, and can be worsened by environmental stimuli and/or exercise. While not exclusive to patients with asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common complication of athletes and individuals who exercise regularly. Currently, there is limited research on sex differences in EIB and its relationship with atopy and asthma in men and women. In this minireview, we summarize the available literature on this topic. Overall, the collective knowledge supports the notion that physiological changes triggered during exercise affect males and females differently, suggesting an interaction among sex, exercise, sex hormones, and atopic status in the course of EIB pathophysiology. Understanding these differences is important to provide personalized management plans to men and women who exercise regularly and suffer from underlying asthma and/or atopy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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36
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Senna G, Latorre M, Bugiani M, Caminati M, Heffler E, Morrone D, Paoletti G, Parronchi P, Puggioni F, Blasi F, Canonica GW, Paggiaro P. Sex Differences in Severe Asthma: Results From Severe Asthma Network in Italy-SANI. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2021; 13:219-228. [PMID: 33474857 PMCID: PMC7840868 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2021.13.2.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose After adolescence, asthma is more frequent in females than in males due to different hormonal, immunologic, and occupational/environmental factors. The higher prevalence and severity of the disease in females have already been reported in international registries. The aim of this study was to explore the difference in terms of clinical, functional, and biological characteristics between male and female patients with severe asthma in a real-life, registry-based setting. Methods Baseline data from the Severe Asthma Network in Italy registry were analyzed in 1,123 patients with severe asthma, according to sex. Results Almost 2/3 of severe asthmatics were female. Late-onset asthma, obesity and gastro-esophageal reflux were more frequent in females than in males, while previous smoking habits and nasal polyposis were more frequent in males. Females had poor asthma control and a higher number of severe exacerbations leading to hospitalization, in comparison to males. Biomarkers of type 2 inflammation (blood eosinophil, exhaled nitric oxide, and serum immunoglobulin E levels) were significantly higher in males than in females. The type 2 profile (defined by a combination of these 3 biomarkers) was significantly more frequent in males than in females. In multivariate analysis, late-onset asthma and a normal body mass index were only independent variables associated with the type 2 profile, while male sex and age showed only a trend toward the association with the type 2 profile. Conclusions Significant differences may be observed between male and female patients with severe asthma, influencing the asthma pheno-endotyping in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianenrico Senna
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Manuela Latorre
- Department of Surgery, Medicine and Molecular Biology and Critical Care, Nuovo Ospedale Apuano, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Bugiani
- Pneumology and Tisiology Unit, National Health Service (ASL TO2), Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Daniela Morrone
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Paola Parronchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine,University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Adult Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Paggiaro
- Department of Surgery, Medicine and Molecular Biology and Critical Care, Nuovo Ospedale Apuano, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Nakwan N, Prateepchaiboon T. Predicting the requiring intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation among asthmatic exacerbation-related hospitalizations. J Asthma 2020; 59:507-513. [PMID: 33207982 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1853768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the predictors of requiring intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in asthmatic exacerbation (AE)-related hospitalizations. METHODS This study was conducted in southern Thailand between October 2016 and September 2018. The characteristics and clinical findings of patients admitted for AE requiring intubation and IMV were analyzed. The variables were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis to identify the independent predictors. RESULTS A total of 509 patients with a median age of 53 years were included in the study. Being female (60.2%), having no previous use of a controller (64.5%), having a history of smoking, and having a high level of white blood cell count (14,820 cells/mm3) were the significantly more common characteristics of the patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Univariate analysis showed that being male (OR = 1.96 95% CI, 1.22-3.13), having a history of 1-2 AEs in the past 12 months (OR = 3.27 95% CI, 1.75-6.12), and having an absolute eosinophil count ≥300 cells/mm3 (OR = 1.68 95% CI, 1.05-2.69) were associated with patients requiring IMV, whereas the patients who were taking a reliever (OR = 0.36 95% CI, 0.23-0.57) and controller (OR = 0.42 95% CI, 0.27-0.68) were associated with a decreased risk of requiring intubation and IMV. In multivariate analysis, only 1-2 AEs within the past 12 months (OR = 3.12, 95% CI, 1.19-8.21) was an independent predictor of requiring intubation and IMV in patients with AE-related hospitalization (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS This study found that a history of 1-2 AEs in the past 12 months was a strong independent predictor for the requirement of intubation and IMV in patients hospitalized for AE-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narongwit Nakwan
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Hat Yai Medical Education Center, Hat Yai Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Prateepchaiboon
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, Hat Yai Medical Education Center, Hat Yai Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand
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Schaefer AL, Ceesay M, Leier JA, Tesch J, Wisenden BD, Pandey S. Factors Contributing to Sex Differences in Mice Inhaling Aspergillus fumigatus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8851. [PMID: 33260764 PMCID: PMC7729525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a respiratory fungal pathogen and an allergen, commonly detected in flooded indoor environments and agricultural settings. Previous studies in Balb/c mice showed that repeated inhalation of live and dry A. fumigatus spores, without any adjuvant, elevated allergic immune response and airway remodeling. Sex-specific differences can influence host-pathogen interactions and allergic-asthma related outcomes. However, the effect of host sex on immune response, in the context of A. fumigatus exposure, remains unknown. In this study, we quantified the multivariate and univariate immune response of C57BL/6J mice to live, dry airborne A. fumigatus spores. Our results corroborate previous results in Balb/c mice that repeated inhalation of live A. fumigatus spores is sufficient to induce mucus production and inflammation by day 3 post last challenge, and antibody titers and collagen production by day 28 post-challenge. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that females exhibited significantly higher levels of immune components than males did. Taken together, our data indicate that host-sex is an important factor in shaping the immune response against A. fumigatus, and must be considered when modeling disease in animals, in designing diagnostics and therapeutics for A. fumigatus-associated diseases or while drafting evidence-based guidelines for safe mold levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sumali Pandey
- Biosciences Department, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, 56563 MN, USA; (A.L.S.); (M.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.T.); (B.D.W.)
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Increased estrogen to androgen ratio enhances immunoglobulin levels and impairs B cell function in male mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18334. [PMID: 33110090 PMCID: PMC7591566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids, such as estrogens and androgens, are important regulators of the humoral immune response. Studies in female mice have demonstrated that alteration of circulating estrogen concentration regulates antibody-mediated immunity. As males have normally little endogenous estrogen, we hypothesized that in males high estrogens and low androgens affect the immune system and enhance the allergic inflammatory response. Here, we studied transgenic male mice expressing human aromatase (AROM+). These animals have a high circulating estrogen to androgen ratio (E/A), causing female traits such as gynecomastia. We found that AROM+ male mice had significantly higher plasma immunoglobulin levels, particularly IgE. Flow cytometry analyses of splenocytes revealed changes in mature/immature B cell ratio together with a transcriptional upregulation of the Igh locus. Furthermore, higher proliferation rate and increased IgE synthesis after IgE class-switching was found. Subsequently, we utilized an ovalbumin airway challenge model to test the allergic response in AROM+ male mice. In line with above observations, an increase in IgE levels was measured, albeit no impact on immune cell infiltration into the lungs was detected. Together, our findings suggest that high circulating E/A in males significantly alters B cell function without any significant enhancement in allergic inflammation.
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40
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Tang L, Zhu L, Zhang W, Yang X, Chen Q, Meng Z, Liu J, Sun Y, Hu J, Ni Z, Wang X. Qi-Xian Decoction Upregulated E-cadherin Expression in Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Ovalbumin-Challenged Mice by Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Extracellular-Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Activation. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e922003. [PMID: 32833955 PMCID: PMC7461650 DOI: 10.12659/msm.922003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loss of the epithelial barrier is characterized by a reduction in E-cadherin expression and is a hallmark of asthma. Qi-xian decoction (QXT) is a Chinese medicinal formula that has been used to effectively treat asthma. This study aimed to investigate the effect of QXT on E-cadherin expression in human lung epithelial 16HBE cells and ovalbumin-challenged mice and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. Material/Methods Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice were used as a model of asthma. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were utilized to examine mRNA and protein levels. Lung tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated using dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based analyses. 16HBE cells were utilized to explore the effect of QXT or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the expression of E-cadherin in vitro. Results We found that QXT treatment increased E-cadherin expression and decreased extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation levels in the lung tissues of OVA-challenged mice. QXT also downregulated ROS levels and increased serum SOD and TAOC levels in OVA-challenged mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that increased ROS generation induced by H2O2 resulted in decreased E-cadherin expression levels in 16HBE cells, which was attenuated by inhibition of ERK signaling. Moreover, the H2O2-induced downregulation of E-cadherin expression, increased ROS generation, and ERK activation in 16HBE cells were restored by treatment with QXT water or ethanol extract. Conclusions These data demonstrate that one mechanism by which QXT protects against asthma is to restore E-cadherin expression in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting ROS-mediated ERK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Linyun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Qingge Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Ziyu Meng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Jinjin Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Yipeng Sun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Junsheng Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Zhenhua Ni
- Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Xiongbiao Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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41
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Glabridin attenuates airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a mice model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2020; 63:101936. [PMID: 32783990 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2020.101936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs, which is characterized by airflow obstruction and bronchospasms. Glabridin is a major flavonoid, especially found in root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, and has several pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-asthmatic effect and possible mechanism of glabridin, however, have not been revealed so far. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of glabridin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation in mice. In male BALB/c mice, asthma was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of OVA mixed with 2 mg aluminium hydroxide on days 0, 14 and boosted with OVA aerosol challenge on days 21, 22, and 23. Mice were either treated with dexamethasone (i.p, 1 mg/kg) or glabridin (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) from days 18-23. Pulmonary function parameters such as peak inspiratory flow, peak expiratory flow, tidal volume, expiratory volume, the frequency of breathing, enhanced pause values were evaluated by using whole-body plethysmography. Measurements were performed at baseline and following methacholine (50 mg/mL) challenges. In addition, white blood cells (WBC) count, total protein, and IgE levels were measured in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung, and serum, respectively. Glabridin (20 or 30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) OVA-induced alteration in respiratory parameters. Elevated counts of total WBC, differential WBC (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils) in BALF and the total protein in lungs and BALF were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by glabridin (20 or 30 mg/kg). It also significantly attenuated the increased serum IgE levels (p < 0.05). As glabridin reduces the level of serum IgE, the total protein and the count of WBC and improves respiratory function, it may be a novel therapeutic agent in asthma.
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42
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Liu D, Wagner JG, Mariman R, Harkema JR, Gerlofs-Nijland ME, Pinelli E, Folkerts G, Cassee FR, Vandebriel RJ. Airborne particulate matter from goat farm increases acute allergic airway responses in mice. Inhal Toxicol 2020; 32:265-277. [PMID: 32571132 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2020.1781986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Inhalation exposure to biological particulate matter (BioPM) from livestock farms may provoke exacerbations in subjects suffering from allergy and asthma. The aim of this study was to use a murine model of allergic asthma to determine the effect of BioPM derived from goat farm on airway allergic responses.Methods: Fine (<2.5 μm) BioPM was collected from an indoor goat stable. Female BALB/c mice were ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized and challenged with OVA or saline as control. The OVA and saline groups were divided in sub-groups and exposed intranasally to different concentrations (0, 0.9, 3, or 9 μg) of goat farm BioPM. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood and lung tissues were collected.Results: In saline-challenged mice, goat farm BioPM induced 1) a dose-dependent increase in neutrophils in BALF and 2) production of macrophage inflammatory protein-3a. In OVA-challenged mice, BioPM induced 1) inflammatory cells in BALF, 2) OVA-specific Immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, 3) airway mucus secretion-specific gene expression. RNAseq analysis of lungs indicates that neutrophil chemotaxis and oxidation-reduction processes were the representative genomic pathways in saline and OVA-challenged mice, respectively.Conclusions: A single exposure to goat farm BioPM enhanced airway inflammation in both saline and OVA-challenged allergic mice, with neutrophilic response as Th17 disorder and eosinophilic response as Th2 disorder indicative of the severity of allergic responses. Identification of the mode of action by which farm PM interacts with airway allergic pathways will be useful to design potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyu Liu
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James G Wagner
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Rob Mariman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jack R Harkema
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Elena Pinelli
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Department of Pharmacology and Pathophysiology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Flemming R Cassee
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J Vandebriel
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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43
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Age-related immune-modulating properties of seminal fluid that control the severity of asthma are gender specific. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:707-723. [PMID: 30677748 PMCID: PMC6366957 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive organs play a pivotal role in asthma development and progression, especially in women. Endocrine environment changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can exacerbate the clinical features of asthma. Factors secreted by reproductive organs may be responsible for the gender difference and age-related changes in adult asthma. Here, we show that mammalian seminal fluid has anti-asthma effects exclusively in females. Exposure to murine seminal fluid markedly reduced eosinophilic airway inflammation in 2-month-old female mice upon ovalbumin inhalation. The anti-asthma effect with seminal fluid from 10-month-old males was double that with fluid from 2-month-old males, suggesting that it depended on male sexual maturation. We further found that seminal fluid from middle-aged human volunteers had beneficial effects in asthmatic female mice; these effects were associated with transcriptional repression of osteopontin and IL-17A, which are poor prognostic factors for asthma. In 2-month-old male mice, however, human seminal fluid failed to decrease asthmatic features and even enhanced osteopontin and IL-17A transcription. Our data demonstrate that age-related seminal fluid exerts opposing effects in asthmatic male and female mice. These findings may help the development of novel approaches to control the prevalence and age-related progression of asthma in women.
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De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Suppa M, Di Silvestre D, Ginaldi L. Sex and Gender Aspects for Patient Stratification in Allergy Prevention and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1535. [PMID: 32102344 PMCID: PMC7073150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergies are rapidly worsening in recent decades, representing the most common immunological diseases. The mechanism of disorders such as asthma, rhinocongiuntivitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, food and drug allergies, and anaphylaxis still remain unclear and consequently treatments is mostly still symptomatic and aspecific while developments of new therapies are limited. A growing amount of data in the literature shows us how the prevalence of allergic diseases is different in both sexes and its changes over the course of life. Genes, hormones, environmental and immunological factors affect sex disparities associated with the development and control of allergic diseases, while they more rarely are considered and reported regarding their differences related to social, psychological, cultural, economic, and employment aspects. This review describes the available knowledge on the role of sex and gender in allergies in an attempt to improve the indispensable gender perspective whose potential is still underestimated while it represents a significant turning point in research and the clinic. It will offer insights to stimulate exploration of the many aspects still unknown in this relationship that could ameliorate the preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies in allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariano Suppa
- Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Daniela Di Silvestre
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (D.D.S.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, Italy
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45
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Kalidhindi RSR, Ambhore NS, Bhallamudi S, Loganathan J, Sathish V. Role of Estrogen Receptors α and β in a Murine Model of Asthma: Exacerbated Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Remodeling in ERβ Knockout Mice. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1499. [PMID: 32116656 PMCID: PMC7010956 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggests increased prevalence of asthma in females than males, suggesting a plausible role for sex-steroids, especially estrogen in the lungs. Estrogen primarily acts through estrogen-receptors (ERα and ERβ), which play a differential role in asthma. Our previous studies demonstrated increased expression of ERβ in asthmatic human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and its activation diminished ASM proliferation in vitro and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in vivo in a mouse (wild-type, WT) model of asthma. In this study, we evaluated the receptor specific effect of circulating endogenous estrogen in regulating AHR and remodeling using ERα and ERβ knockout (KO) mice. C57BL/6J WT, ERα KO, and ERβ KO mice were challenged intranasally with a mixed-allergen (MA) or PBS. Lung function was measured using flexiVent followed by collection of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid for differential leukocyte count (DLC), histology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Sirius red-fast green (SRFG) and detecting αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin and vimentin expression using immunofluorescence (IF). Resistance (Rrs), elastance (Ers), tissue-damping (G) and tissue-elasticity (H) were significantly increased, whereas compliance (Crs) was significantly decreased in WT, ERα KO, and ERβ KO mice (males and females) challenged with MA compared to PBS. Interestingly, ERβ KO mice showed declined lung function compared to ERα KO and WT mice at baseline. MA induced AHR, remodeling and immune-cell infiltration was more prominent in females compared to males across all populations, while ERβ KO females showed maximum AHR and DLC, except for neutrophil count. Histology using H&E suggests increased smooth muscle mass in airways with recruitment of inflammatory cells, while SRFG staining showed increased collagen deposition in MA challenged ERβ KO mice compared to ERα KO and WT mice (males and females), with pronounced effects in ERβ KO females. Furthermore, IF studies showed increased expression of α-SMA, fibronectin and vimentin in MA challenged populations compared to PBS, with prominent changes in ERβ KO females. This novel study indicates ERβ plays a pivotal role in airway remodeling and AHR and understanding the mechanisms involved might help to surface it out as a potential target to treat asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
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Amor-Carro Ó, White KM, Fraga-Iriso R, Mariñas-Pardo LA, Núñez-Naveira L, Lema-Costa B, Villarnovo M, Verea-Hernando H, Ramos-Barbón D. Airway Hyperresponsiveness, Inflammation, and Pulmonary Emphysema in Rodent Models Designed to Mimic Exposure to Fuel Oil-Derived Volatile Organic Compounds Encountered during an Experimental Oil Spill. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:27003. [PMID: 32074461 PMCID: PMC7064321 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fuel oil-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inhalation is associated with accidental marine spills. After the Prestige petroleum tanker sank off northern Spain in 2002 and the Deepwater Horizon oil rig catastrophe in 2009, subjects involved in environmental decontamination showed signs of ongoing or residual lung disease up to 5 y after the exposure. OBJECTIVES We aimed at investigating mechanisms driving persistent respiratory disease by developing an animal model of inhalational exposure to fuel oil-derived VOCs. METHODS Female Wistar and Brown Norway (BN) rats and C57BL mice were exposed to VOCs produced from fuel oil mimicking the Prestige spill. Exposed animals inhaled the VOCs 2 h daily, 5 d per week, for 3 wk. Airway responsiveness to methacholine (MCh) was assessed, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissues were analyzed after the exposure and following a 2-wk washout. RESULTS Consistent with data from human studies, both strains of rats that inhaled fuel oil-derived VOCs developed airway hyperresponsiveness that persisted after the washout period, in the absence of detectable inflammation in any lung compartment. Histopathology and quantitative morphology revealed the development of peripherally distributed pulmonary emphysema, which persisted after the washout period, associated with increased alveolar septal cell apoptosis, microvascular endothelial damage of the lung parenchyma, and inhibited expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). DISCUSSION In this rat model, fuel oil VOCs inhalation elicited alveolar septal cell apoptosis, likely due to DNA damage. In turn, the development of a peculiar pulmonary emphysema pattern altered lung mechanics and caused persistent noninflammatory airway hyperresponsiveness. Such findings suggest to us that humans might also respond to VOCs through physiopathological pathways different from those chiefly involved in typical cigarette smoke-driven emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If so, this study could form the basis for a novel disease mechanism for lasting respiratory disease following inhalational exposure to catastrophic fuel oil spills. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4178.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Amor-Carro
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Biomedical Research Institute (IIb Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kathryn M. White
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rebeca Fraga-Iriso
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Biomedical Research Institute (IIb Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis A. Mariñas-Pardo
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Laura Núñez-Naveira
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Beatriz Lema-Costa
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marta Villarnovo
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Héctor Verea-Hernando
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - David Ramos-Barbón
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Biomedical Research Institute (IIb Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
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Ridolo E, Incorvaia C, Martignago I, Caminati M, Canonica GW, Senna G. Sex in Respiratory and Skin Allergies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2019; 56:322-332. [PMID: 29306980 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A bulk of literature demonstrated that respiratory allergy, and especially asthma, is prevalent in males during childhood, while it becomes more frequent in females from adolescence, i.e., after menarche, to adulthood. The mechanisms underlying the difference between females and males are the effects on the immune response of female hormones and in particular the modulation of inflammatory response by estrogens, as well as the result of the activity of various cells, such as dendritic cells, innate lymphoid cells, Th1, Th2, T regulatory (Treg) and B regulatory (Bregs) cells, and a number of proteins and cytokines, which include interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13. As far as sexual dimorphism is concerned, a gender difference in the expression profiles of histamine receptors and of mast cells was demonstrated in experimental studies. A critical phase of hormone production is the menstrual cycle, which often is associated with asthma deterioration, as assessed by worsening of clinical symptoms and increase of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. In asthmatic woman, there is a high risk to develop more severe asthma during menstruation. The higher prevalence of asthma in females is confirmed also in the post-menopause age, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. In pregnancy, asthma may worsen but may also improve or remain unchanged, with no significant difference in frequency of these three outcomes. For allergic rhinitis, the available studies indicate, likewise asthma, a male predominance in prevalence in childhood that shifts to a female predominance in adolescence and adulthood, but further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erminia Ridolo
- Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Irene Martignago
- Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine Asthma & Allergy Clinic, Humanitas University, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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48
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E-Lacerda RR, Anhê GF, Page CP, Riffo-Vasquez Y. Sex differences in the influence of obesity on a murine model of allergic lung inflammation. Clin Exp Allergy 2019; 50:256-266. [PMID: 31765033 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the overwhelming evidence showing the influence of sex or obesity in the development of respiratory diseases in humans and animals, the mechanisms by which these combined two factors influence allergic asthma are not well understood. OBJECTIVE We have investigated the interaction between sex and weight gain in an experimental model of lung allergic inflammation induced by chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. METHODS Animals were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and then sensitized and challenged with OVA. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that in comparison with males, high-fat diet (HFD) allergic female mice exhibit a reduction in the number of leucocytes in the lung lumen when challenged with OVA and, in contrast, an accumulation of these cells in the lung tissue. In addition, we also observed that allergic HFD female mice presented a robust lung remodelling in comparison with HFD males, evidenced by higher deposition of collagen in the airways and TGF-β in lung fluid. Measuring epithelial adhesion molecule expression, we observed that female mice presented a significantly lower expression of CD103 than males in BAL cells, regardless of the diet. Similarly, HFD female mice express lower levels of EpCAM in lung tissue in comparison with males and lean females. Levels of A20/TNFAIP3 expression in lung tissue demonstrated that HFD female mice express lower levels of these regulatory factors than all the other groups. However, this reduction was not accompanied by an increase in activated NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS Our results present evidence that the interaction between sex and weight gain alters the progression of allergic asthma in mice with females developing airway remodelling at a much earlier stage than males. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These data may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical differences in the development and severity of allergic asthma observed between men and women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rodrigues E-Lacerda
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Forato Anhê
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Clive Peter Page
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yanira Riffo-Vasquez
- Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Han MK, Arteaga-Solis E, Blenis J, Bourjeily G, Clegg DJ, DeMeo D, Duffy J, Gaston B, Heller NM, Hemnes A, Henske EP, Jain R, Lahm T, Lancaster LH, Lee J, Legato MJ, McKee S, Mehra R, Morris A, Prakash YS, Stampfli MR, Gopal-Srivastava R, Laposky AD, Punturieri A, Reineck L, Tigno X, Clayton J. Female Sex and Gender in Lung/Sleep Health and Disease. Increased Understanding of Basic Biological, Pathophysiological, and Behavioral Mechanisms Leading to Better Health for Female Patients with Lung Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 198:850-858. [PMID: 29746147 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201801-0168ws] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Female sex/gender is an undercharacterized variable in studies related to lung development and disease. Notwithstanding, many aspects of lung and sleep biology and pathobiology are impacted by female sex and female reproductive transitions. These may manifest as differential gene expression or peculiar organ development. Some conditions are more prevalent in women, such as asthma and insomnia, or, in the case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis, are seen almost exclusively in women. In other diseases, presentation differs, such as the higher frequency of exacerbations experienced by women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or greater cardiac morbidity among women with sleep-disordered breathing. Recent advances in -omics and behavioral science provide an opportunity to specifically address sex-based differences and explore research needs and opportunities that will elucidate biochemical pathways, thus enabling more targeted/personalized therapies. To explore the status of and opportunities for research in this area, the NHLBI, in partnership with the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health and the Office of Rare Diseases Research, convened a workshop of investigators in Bethesda, Maryland on September 18 and 19, 2017. At the workshop, the participants reviewed the current understanding of the biological, behavioral, and clinical implications of female sex and gender on lung and sleep health and disease, and formulated recommendations that address research gaps, with a view to achieving better health outcomes through more precise management of female patients with nonneoplastic lung disease. This report summarizes those discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- MeiLan K Han
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Emilio Arteaga-Solis
- 2 Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - John Blenis
- 3 Pharmacology Ph.D. Program, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ghada Bourjeily
- 4 Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- 5 Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dawn DeMeo
- 6 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeanne Duffy
- 7 Department of Medicine and.,8 Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ben Gaston
- 9 Pediatric Pulmonology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nicola M Heller
- 10 Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anna Hemnes
- 11 Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Elizabeth Petri Henske
- 12 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raksha Jain
- 13 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Tim Lahm
- 14 Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lisa H Lancaster
- 15 Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joyce Lee
- 16 Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - Sherry McKee
- 18 Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Reena Mehra
- 19 Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alison Morris
- 20 Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Y S Prakash
- 21 Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Martin R Stampfli
- 22 Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rashmi Gopal-Srivastava
- 23 Office of Rare Diseases Research, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aaron D Laposky
- 24 Division of Lung Diseases, NHLBI/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | | | - Lora Reineck
- 24 Division of Lung Diseases, NHLBI/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Xenia Tigno
- 24 Division of Lung Diseases, NHLBI/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Janine Clayton
- 25 Office of Research on Women's Health, NIH-Office of the Director, Bethesda, Maryland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma, a common respiratory disease that affects about 10% of the US population, represents a significant public health issue. In the last decade, cumulative evidence has demonstrated sex disparities in asthma, including significant differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, response to therapies, and health outcomes. Understanding sex-related differences in asthma enables clinicians to provide personalized asthma care and improve asthma outcome. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies on sex-related differences in asthma inform us on mechanism underlying asthma pathogenesis across all age groups. Sex hormones directly modulate immune pathways crucial in asthma pathogenesis and affect individual's response to environmental triggers and medications, such as leukokotriene inhibitors. Not surprisingly, the use of external sex hormone supplementations appears to modulate asthma risk. Identification of sex-specific asthma risk loci through genome-wide association studies also provides supporting evidence on sex-related differences in asthma. There is an interaction between sex and obesity, an interaction that could place females at higher risk for systemic inflammation and, consequently, asthma. In this article, we review epidemiological and clinical studies on sex-related differences in asthma, with a special focus on the role of sex hormones, including hormonal therapies and the asthma-obesity interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- From the Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Joe Zein
- From the Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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