PGI2 as a regulator of inflammatory diseases

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and pulmonary arterial hypertension: Insights and perspectives

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disorder that affects the pulmonary vasculature. Although recent developments in pharmacotherapy have extended the life expectancy of PAH patients, their 5-year survival remains unacceptably low, underscoring the need for multitarget and more comprehensive approaches to managing the disease. This should incorporate not only medical, but also lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and the use of nutraceutical support. Among these strategies, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are emerging as promising agents able to counteract the inflammatory component of PAH. In this narrative review, we aim at analysing the preclinical evidence for the impact of n-3 PUFAs on the pathogenesis and the course of PAH. Although evidence for the role of n-3 PUFAs deficiencies in the development and progression of PAH in humans is limited, preclinical studies suggest that these dietary components may influence several aspects of the pathobiology of PAH. Further clinical research should test the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs on top of approved clinical management. These studies will provide evidence on whether n-3 PUFAs can genuinely serve as a valuable tool to enhance the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of PAH.

Roles of prostaglandins in immunosuppression

Prostaglandins (PGs) play a crucial and multifaceted role in various physiological processes such as intercellular signaling, inflammation regulation, neurotransmission, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, and reproductive functions. The diversity and biological significance of these effects are contingent upon the specific types or subtypes of PGs, with each PG playing a crucial role in distinct physiological and pathological processes. Particularly within the immune system, PGs are essential in modulating the function of immune cells and the magnitude and orientation of immune responses. Hence, a comprehensive comprehension of the functions PG signaling pathways in immunosuppressive regulation holds substantial clinical relevance for disease prevention and treatment strategies. The manuscript provides a review of recent developments in PG signaling in immunosuppressive regulation. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications of PGs in immunosuppression are also discussed. While research into the immunosuppressive effects of PGs required further exploration, targeted therapies against their immunosuppressive pathways might open new avenues for disease prevention and treatment.

Elevated neutrophil extracellular traps in systemic sclerosis-associated vasculopathy and suppression by a synthetic prostacyclin analog

OBJECTIVES

Neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) contribute to the vascular complications of multiple diseases, but their role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is understudied. We sought to test the hypothesis that NETs are implicated in SSc vasculopathy and that treatment with prostacyclin analogs may ameliorate SSc vasculopathy not only through vasodilation but also by inhibiting NET release.

METHODS

Blood from 125 patients with SSc (87 diffuse cutaneous SSc and 38 limited cutaneous SSc) was collected at a single academic medical center. Vascular complications such as digital ulcers, pulmonary artery hypertension, and scleroderma renal crisis were recorded. The association between circulating NETs and vascular complications was determined using in vitro and ex vivo assays. The impact of the synthetic prostacyclin analog epoprostenol on NET release was determined.

RESULTS

Neutrophil activation and NET release were elevated in patients with SSc-associated vascular complications compared to matched patients without vascular complications. Neutrophil activation and NETs positively correlated with soluble E-selectin and VCAM-1, circulating markers of vascular injury. Treatment of patients with digital ischemia with a synthetic prostacyclin analog boosted neutrophil cyclic AMP, which was associated with the blunting of NET release and reduced NETs in circulation.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates an association between NETs and vascular complications in SSc. We also identified the potential for an additional therapeutic benefit of synthetic prostacyclin analogs, namely to reduce neutrophil hyperactivity and NET release in SSc patients.

Prunus yedoensis Bark Downregulates the Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Human Endothelial Cell Lines and Relaxes Blood Vessels in Rat Aortic Rings

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, is increasing worldwide, owing to population aging and irregular lifestyle habits. Previous studies have reported the vasorelaxant effects of Prunus yedoensis bark methanol extract. However, various solvent extracts of P. yedoensis bark and their vascular relaxation mechanisms have not been sufficiently studied. We prepared extracts of P. yedoensis bark using various solvents (water, 30% ethanol, and 70% ethanol). P. yedoensis bark 30% ethanol extract (PYB-30E) decreased the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-selectin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) activated with 200 ng/mL TNF-α. Additionally, PYB-30E showed vasodilatory effects on isolated rat aortic rings. This was confirmed to be the result of the activation of the NO/cGMP pathway, regulation of non-selective calcium-activated K+ channels, and calcium channel blockade. Additionally, PYB-30E significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Taken together, our results indicated that PYB-30E is a candidate functional material with preventive and therapeutic effects against hypertension.

Transcriptional responses of brain endothelium to Plasmodium falciparum patient-derived isolates in vitro

A hallmark of cerebral malaria (CM) is sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) within the brain microvasculature. Binding of IE to endothelium reduces microvascular flow and, combined with an inflammatory response, perturbs endothelial barrier function, resulting in breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Cytoadherence leads to activation of the endothelium and alters a range of cell processes affecting signaling pathways, receptor expression, coagulation, and disruption of BBB integrity. Here, we investigated whether CM-derived parasites elicit differential effects on human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), as compared to uncomplicated malaria (UM)-derived parasites. Patient-derived IE from UM and CM clinical cases, as well as non-binding skeleton-binding protein 1 knockout parasites, were overlaid onto tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-activated HBMECs. Gene expression analysis of endothelial responses was performed using probe-based assays of a panel of genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis, endothelial barrier function, and prostacyclin synthesis pathway. We observed a significant effect on endothelial transcriptional responses in the presence of IE, yet there was no significant correlation between HBMEC responses and type of clinical syndrome (UM or CM). Furthermore, there was no correlation between HBMEC gene expression and both binding itself and level of IE binding to HBMECs, as we detected the same change in endothelial responses when employing both binding and non-binding parasites. Our results suggest that interaction of IE with endothelial cells in this co-culture model induces some endothelial responses that are independent of clinical origin and independent of the expression of the major variant antigen Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 on the IE surface.

IMPORTANCE

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most prevalent and deadly complication of severe Plasmodium falciparum infection. A hallmark of this disease is sequestration of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) in brain microvasculature that ultimately results in breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. Here, we compared the effect of P. falciparum parasites derived from uncomplicated malaria (UM) and CM cases on the relative gene expression of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) for a panel of genes. We observed a significant effect on the endothelial transcriptional response in the presence of IE, yet there is no significant correlation between HBMEC responses and the type of clinical syndrome (UM or CM). Furthermore, there was no correlation between HBMEC gene expression and both binding itself and the level of IE binding to HBMECs. Our results suggest that interaction of IE with endothelial cells induces endothelial responses that are independent of clinical origin and not entirely driven by surface Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 expression.

Prostaglandin I2 signaling prevents angiotensin II-induced atrial remodeling and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in mice

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, and atrial fibrosis is a pathological hallmark of structural remodeling in AF. Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) can prevent the process of fibrosis in various tissues via cell surface Prostaglandin I2 receptor (IP). However, the role of PGI2 in AF and atrial fibrosis remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the role of PGI2 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AF and the underlying molecular mechanism. PGI2 content was decreased in both plasma and atrial tissue from patients with AF and mice treated with Ang II. Treatment with the PGI2 analog, iloprost, reduced Ang II-induced AF and atrial fibrosis. Iloprost prevented Ang II-induced atrial fibroblast collagen synthesis and differentiation. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that iloprost significantly attenuated transcriptome changes in Ang II-treated atrial fibroblasts, especially mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-regulated genes. We demonstrated that iloprost elevated cAMP levels and then activated protein kinase A, resulting in a suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and P38 activation, and ultimately inhibiting MAPK-dependent interleukin-6 transcription. In contrast, cardiac fibroblast-specific IP-knockdown mice had increased Ang II-induced AF inducibility and aggravated atrial fibrosis. Together, our study suggests that PGI2/IP system protects against atrial fibrosis and that PGI2 is a therapeutic target for treating AF.The prospectively registered trial was approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The trial registration number is ChiCTR2200056733. Data of registration was 2022/02/12.

Effects of sEH inhibition on the eicosanoid and cytokine storms in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection involves an initial viral infection phase followed by a host-response phase that includes an eicosanoid and cytokine storm, lung inflammation and respiratory failure. While vaccination and early anti-viral therapies are effective in preventing or limiting the pathogenic host response, this latter phase is poorly understood with no highly effective treatment options. Inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) increase levels of anti-inflammatory molecules called epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of sEH inhibition on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a mouse model with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression. Mice were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with either vehicle or the sEH inhibitor 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU). At day 5 post-infection, SARS-CoV-2 induced weight loss, clinical signs, a cytokine storm, an eicosanoid storm, and severe lung inflammation with ~50% mortality on days 6-8 post-infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection induced lung expression of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway genes, while suppressing expression of most cytochrome P450 genes. Treatment with the sEH inhibitor TPPU delayed weight loss but did not alter clinical signs, lung cytokine expression or overall survival of infected mice. Interestingly, TPPU treatment significantly reversed the eicosanoid storm and attenuated viral-induced elevation of 39 fatty acids and oxylipins from COX, LOX and P450 pathways, which suggests the effects at the level of PLA2 activation. The suppression of the eicosanoid storm by TPPU without corresponding changes in lung cytokines, lung inflammation or mortality reveals a surprising dissociation between systemic oxylipin and cytokine signaling pathways during SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggests that the cytokine storm is primarily responsible for morbidity and mortality in this animal model.

A Lifelike guided journey through the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension-from measured metabolites to the mechanism of action of drugs

Introduction

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological condition that affects approximately 1% of the population. The prognosis for many patients is poor, even after treatment. Our knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause or are involved in the progression of PH is incomplete. Additionally, the mechanism of action of many drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension, including sotatercept, requires elucidation.

Methods

Using our graph-powered knowledge mining software Lifelike in combination with a very small patient metabolite data set, we demonstrate how we derive detailed mechanistic hypotheses on the mechanisms of PH pathophysiology and clinical drugs.

Results

In PH patients, the concentration of hypoxanthine, 12(S)-HETE, glutamic acid, and sphingosine 1 phosphate is significantly higher, while the concentration of L-arginine and L-histidine is lower than in healthy controls. Using the graph-based data analysis, gene ontology, and semantic association capabilities of Lifelike, led us to connect the differentially expressed metabolites with G-protein signaling and SRC. Then, we associated SRC with IL6 signaling. Subsequently, we found associations that connect SRC, and IL6 to activin and BMP signaling. Lastly, we analyzed the mechanisms of action of several existing and novel pharmacological treatments for PH. Lifelike elucidated the interplay between G-protein, IL6, activin, and BMP signaling. Those pathways regulate hallmark pathophysiological processes of PH, including vasoconstriction, endothelial barrier function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

Discussion

The results highlight the importance of SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC activity in PH. The molecular pathways affected by existing and novel treatments for PH also converge on these molecules. Importantly, sotatercept affects SRC, ERK1, AKT, and MLC simultaneously. The present study shows the power of mining knowledge graphs using Lifelike's diverse set of data analytics functionalities for developing knowledge-driven hypotheses on PH pathophysiological and drug mechanisms and their interactions. We believe that Lifelike and our presented approach will be valuable for future mechanistic studies of PH, other diseases, and drugs.

TXA2 attenuates allergic lung inflammation through regulation of Th2, Th9, and Treg differentiation

In lung, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) activates the TP receptor to induce proinflammatory and bronchoconstrictor effects. Thus, TP receptor antagonists and TXA2 synthase inhibitors have been tested as potential asthma therapeutics in humans. Th9 cells play key roles in asthma and regulate the lung immune response to allergens. Herein, we found that TXA2 reduces Th9 cell differentiation during allergic lung inflammation. Th9 cells were decreased approximately 2-fold and airway hyperresponsiveness was attenuated in lungs of allergic mice treated with TXA2. Naive CD4+ T cell differentiation to Th9 cells and IL-9 production were inhibited dose-dependently by TXA2 in vitro. TP receptor-deficient mice had an approximately 2-fold increase in numbers of Th9 cells in lungs in vivo after OVA exposure compared with wild-type mice. Naive CD4+ T cells from TP-deficient mice exhibited increased Th9 cell differentiation and IL-9 production in vitro compared with CD4+ T cells from wild-type mice. TXA2 also suppressed Th2 and enhanced Treg differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, in contrast to its acute, proinflammatory effects, TXA2 also has longer-lasting immunosuppressive effects that attenuate the Th9 differentiation that drives asthma progression. These findings may explain the paradoxical failure of anti-thromboxane therapies in the treatment of asthma.

Molecular recognition and activation of the prostacyclin receptor by anti-pulmonary arterial hypertension drugs

The prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor (IP) is a Gs-coupled receptor associated with blood pressure regulation, allergy, and inflammatory response. It is a main therapeutic target for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and several other diseases. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human IP-Gs complex bound with two anti-PAH drugs, treprostinil and MRE-269 (active form of selexipag), at global resolutions of 2.56 and 2.41 angstrom, respectively. These structures revealed distinct features governing IP ligand binding, receptor activation, and G protein coupling. Moreover, comparison of the activated IP structures uncovered the mechanism and key residues that determine the superior selectivity of MRE-269 over treprostinil. Combined with molecular docking and functional studies, our structures provide insight into agonist selectivity, ligand recognition, receptor activation, and G protein coupling. Our results provide a structural template for further improving IP-targeting drugs to reduce off-target activation of prostanoid receptors and adverse effects.

Clinical use of ketoprofen lysine salt: a reappraisal in adolescents with acute respiratory infections

Upper respiratory infections are widespread, and they are mainly of viral etiology. It has to be remarked that every infection is always associated with an inflammatory response. Inflammation implicates a cascade of bothersome symptoms, including fever, pain (headache, myalgia, and arthralgia), malaise, and respiratory complaints. As a result, anti-inflammatory medications could be beneficial as they act on different pathogenetic pathways. The ketoprofen lysine salt (KLS) has a potent anti-inflammatory activity associated with effective analgesic and antipyretic effects and has a valuable safety profile. However, adolescents present peculiar psychological characteristics that determine their difficulty to be managed. In this regard, an adolescent with a respiratory infection requires a prompt and adequate cure. KLS, thanks to its pharmacologic profile, could be favorably used in this regard. A recent primary-care experience outlined its effectiveness in this issue.

Vasoplegic Syndrome and Anaesthesia: A Narrative Review

Vasoplegic syndrome (VS) is defined as low systemic vascular resistance, normal or high cardiac output, and resistant hypotension unresponsive to vasopressor agents and intravenous volume. VS is a frequently encountered complication in cardiovascular and transplantation surgery, burns, trauma, pancreatitis, and sepsis. The basis of the pathophysiology is associated with an imbalance of vasodilator and vasoconstrictive structure in vascular smooth muscle cells and is highly complex. The pathogenesis of VS has several mechanisms, including overproduction of iNO, stimulation of ATP-dependent K+ channels and NF-κB, and vasopressin receptor 1A (V1A-receptor) down-regulation. Available treatments involve volume and inotropes administration, vasopressin, methylene blue, hydroxocobalamin, Ca++, vitamin C, and thiamine, and should also restore vascular tone and improve vasoplegia. Other treatments could include angiotensin II, corticosteroids, NF-κB inhibitor, ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker, indigo carmine, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Despite modern advances in treatment, the mortality rate is still 30-50%. It is challenging for an anaesthesiologist to consider this syndrome's diagnosis and manage its treatment. Our review aims to review the diagnosis, predisposing factors, pathophysiology, treatment, and anaesthesia approach of VS during anaesthesia and to suggest a treatment algorithm.

Characterizing the specific mechanism of series processed Coptidis Rhizoma by multi-organ metabolomics combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND

After being processed with different excipients, the clinical application of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) is differentially investigated. However, the underlying mechanism and material basis are not clear, and there is a lack of attention to the collaborative working mode of herbal medicine during exploration.

PURPOSE

To characterize the specific mechanism of wine/zingiberis rhizoma recens/euodiae fructus processed CR (wCR/zCR/eCR) and to investigate the role of excipients during processing.

METHODS

The multi-organ metabolomics approach was employed to explore the target organs of wCR/zCR/eCR and multiple pathways being triggered in each organ. The tissue distribution of CR and wCR/zCR/eCR components was compared to indicate the material basis of efficacy change after processing. Further, the network pharmacology study coupled with experimental validation was conducted to support metabolomic research and predicted active ingredients and core targets, and the molecular docking coupled with binding test was performed to identify the binding between active ingredient and core target.

RESULTS

The multi-organ metabolomics and network pharmacology study elucidated the intervening effect of wCR on heart/lung, zCR on stomach/colon, and eCR on liver/colon/stomach. Combined with molecular docking, binding test and tissue distribution studies, the specific mechanism was as follows: the wine made iso-quinoline alkaloids in CR more likely to accumulate in heart/lung, thus triggering the core targets of PTGS2, NOS2, ESR1 and SLC6A4 in heart/lung, and thereby highlighting the detoxifying and cardiopulmonary protective effect of wCR. The zingiberis rhizoma recens and euodiae fructus made organic acids in CR more likely to accumulate in stomach/colon and liver/colon/stomach respectively, thus triggering the core targets of ACTB, TNF and PRKCA in stomach/colon, the core targets of ACTB, TNF, PRKCA and GPT in stomach/colon/liver, and thereby highlighting the improving effect of zCR/eCR on digestive function.

CONCLUSION

Iso-quinoline alkaloids were the material basis of CR for anti-inflammation, and organic acids were mainly responsible for regulating gastrointestinal function. Due to the influence of excipients on the accumulation tendency of CR components, the differentially highlighted application of wCR/zCR/eCR was achieved. These findings propose a novel strategy for processing mechanism research.

Regulation of inflammation in cancer by dietary eicosanoids

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a major burden of disease worldwide and increasing evidence shows that inflammation contributes to cancer development and progression. Eicosanoids are derived from dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), and are mainly produced by a series of enzymatic pathways that include cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase (CYP). Eicosanoids consist of at least several hundred individual molecules and play important roles in the inflammatory response and inflammation-related cancers.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

Dietary sources of AA and biosynthesis of eicosanoids from AA through different metabolic pathways are summarized. The bioactivities of eicosanoids and their potential molecular mechanisms on inflammation and cancer are revealed. Additionally, current challenges and limitations in eicosanoid research on inflammation-related cancer are discussed.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Dietary AA generates a large variety of eicosanoids, including prostaglandins, thromboxane A2, leukotrienes, cysteinyl leukotrienes, lipoxins, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs), and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Eicosanoids exert different bioactivities and mechanisms involved in the inflammation and related cancer developments. A deeper understanding of eicosanoid biology may be advantageous in cancer treatment and help to define cellular targets for further therapeutic development.

Prostaglandin I2 suppresses the development of gut-brain axis disorder in irritable bowel syndrome in rats

In this study, we attempted to clarify a role of prostaglandin (PG) I₂ and its specific receptor, IP in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using a maternal separation (MS)-induced IBS model. Administration of beraprost (BPS), a specific IP agonist, improved visceral hypersensitivity and depressive state with decreased serum CRF level in the IBS rats. To clarify the mechanism of the effect of BPS, we performed serum metabolome analysis and 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) was identified as a possible candidate for a clue metabolite of pathogenesis of IBS. The serum 1-MNA levels revealed inverse correlation to the level of visceral sensitivity, and positive correlation to a depression marker, immobilizing time. Administration of 1-MNA induced visceral hypersensitivity and depression with increased levels of serum CRF. Since fecal 1-MNA is known for a marker of dysbiosis, we examined the composition of fecal microbiota by T-RFLP analysis. The proportion of clostridium cluster XI, XIVa and XVIII was significantly changed in MS-induced IBS rats treated with BPS. Fecal microbiota transplant of BPS-treated rats improved visceral hypersensitivity and depression in IBS rats. These results suggest for the first time that PGI₂-IP signaling plays an important role in IBS phenotypes such as visceral hypersensitivity and depressive state. BPS modified microbiota, thereby inhibition of 1-MNA-CRF pathway, followed by improvement of MS-induced IBS phenotype. These results suggest that the PGI₂-IP signaling could be considered to be a therapeutic option for IBS.

Unraveling the Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor β/Δ (PPAR β/Δ) in Angiogenesis Associated with Multiple Myeloma

Growing evidence suggests a role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPAR β/δ) in the angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis of solid tumors, but little is known about its role in multiple myeloma (MM). Angiogenesis in the bone marrow (BM) is characteristic of disease transition from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to MM. We examined the expression and function of PPAR β/δ in endothelial cells (EC) from the BM of MGUS (MGEC) and MM (MMEC) patients and showed that PPAR β/δ was expressed at higher levels in MMEC than in MGEC and that the overexpression depended on myeloma plasma cells. The interaction between myeloma plasma cells and MMEC promoted the release of the PPAR β/δ ligand prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) by MMEC, leading to the activation of PPAR β/δ. We also demonstrated that PPAR β/δ was a strong stimulator of angiogenesis in vitro and that PPAR β/δ inhibition by a specific antagonist greatly impaired the angiogenic functions of MMEC. These findings define PGI2-PPAR β/δ signaling in EC as a potential target of anti-angiogenic therapy. They also sustain the use of PPAR β/δ inhibitors in association with conventional drugs as a new therapeutic approach in MM.

The Link between Prostanoids and Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global deaths, and many risk factors contribute to their pathogenesis. In this context, prostanoids, which derive from arachidonic acid, have attracted attention for their involvement in cardiovascular homeostasis and inflammatory processes. Prostanoids are the target of several drugs, but it has been shown that some of them increase the risk of thrombosis. Overall, many studies have shown that prostanoids are tightly associated with cardiovascular diseases and that several polymorphisms in genes involved in their synthesis and function increase the risk of developing these pathologies. In this review, we focus on molecular mechanisms linking prostanoids to cardiovascular diseases and we provide an overview of genetic polymorphisms that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Photoperiod Conditions Modulate Serum Oxylipins Levels in Healthy and Obese Rats: Impact of Proanthocyanidins and Gut Microbiota

Seasonal rhythms are emerging as a key factor influencing gut microbiota and bioactive compounds functionality as well as several physiological processes such as inflammation. In this regard, their impact on the modulation of oxylipins (OXLs), which are important lipid mediators of inflammatory processes, has not been investigated yet. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effects of photoperiods on OXLs metabolites in healthy and obesogenic conditions. Moreover, we evaluated if the impact of proanthocyanidins and gut microbiota on OXLs metabolism is influenced by photoperiod in obesity. To this purpose, Fischer 344 rats were housed under different photoperiod conditions (L6: 6 h light, L12: 12 h light or L18:18 h light) and fed either a standard chow diet (STD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 9 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, obese rats were daily administered with an antibiotic cocktail (ABX), an oral dose of a grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), or with their combination. CAF feeding and ABX treatment affected OXLs in a photoperiod dependent-manner. GSPE significantly altered prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, only under L6 and mitigated ABX-mediated effects only under L18. In conclusion, photoperiods affect OXLs levels influenced by gut microbiota. This is the first time that the effects of photoperiod on OXLs metabolites have been demonstrated.

Strategies Tackling Viral Replication and Inflammatory Pathways as Early Pharmacological Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Any Potential Role for Ketoprofen Lysine Salt?

COVID-19 is an infective disease resulting in widespread respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms prompted by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host cell receptors prompts activation of pro-inflammatory pathways which are involved in epithelial and endothelial damage mechanisms even after viral clearance. Since inflammation has been recognized as a critical step in COVID-19, anti-inflammatory therapies, including both steroids and non-steroids as well as cytokine inhibitors, have been proposed. Early treatment of COVID-19 has the potential to affect the clinical course of the disease regardless of underlying comorbid conditions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are widely used for symptomatic relief of upper airway infections, became the mainstay of early phase treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the current evidence for using NSAIDs in early phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection with focus on ketoprofen lysine salt based on its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features.

Prostacyclin Regulation of Allergic Inflammation

Prostacyclin is a metabolic product of the cyclooxygenase pathway that is constitutively expressed and can be induced during inflammatory conditions. While prostacyclin and its analogs have historically been considered effective vasodilators and used in treating pulmonary hypertension, prostacyclin has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of allergic airway inflammation. In vitro studies reveal that prostacyclin directly inhibits type 2 cytokine production from CD4+ Th2 cells and ILC2 and reduces the ability of dendritic cells to generate Th2 cytokine production from CD4+ T cells in an antigen-specific manner. Thus, there is strong evidence that prostacyclin may be an additional therapeutic target for treating allergic inflammation and asthma in human subjects.

Crosstalk between high-density lipoproteins and endothelial cells in health and disease: Insights into sex-dependent modulation

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Intense research in vascular biology has advanced our knowledge of molecular mechanisms of its onset and progression until complications; however, several aspects of the patho-physiology of atherosclerosis remain to be further elucidated. Endothelial cell homeostasis is fundamental to prevent atherosclerosis as the appearance of endothelial cell dysfunction is considered the first pro-atherosclerotic vascular modification. Physiologically, high density lipoproteins (HDLs) exert protective actions for vessels and in particular for ECs. Indeed, HDLs promote endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation, contribute to the regulation of vascular lipid metabolism, and have immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Sex- and gender-dependent differences are increasingly recognized as important, although not fully elucidated, factors in cardiovascular health and disease patho-physiology. In this review, we highlight the importance of sex hormones and sex-specific gene expression in the regulation of HDL and EC cross-talk and their contribution to cardiovascular disease.

Eicosanoids in inflammation in the blood and the vessel

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are structural components of membrane phospholipids in cells. PUFAs regulate cellular function through the formation of derived lipid mediators termed eicosanoids. The oxygenation of 20-carbon PUFAs via the oxygenases cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, or cytochrome P450, generates a class of classical eicosanoids including prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, and also the more recently identified hydroxy-, hydroperoxy-, epoxy- and oxo-eicosanoids, and the specialized pro-resolving (lipid) mediators. These eicosanoids play a critical role in the regulation of inflammation in the blood and the vessel. While arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids are extensively studied due to their pro-inflammatory effects and therefore involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and the coronavirus disease 2019; in recent years, several eicosanoids have been reported to attenuate exacerbated inflammatory responses and participate in the resolution of inflammation. This review focused on elucidating the biosynthesis and the mechanistic signaling of eicosanoids in inflammation, as well as the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of these eicosanoids in the blood and the vascular wall.

Prostaglandins and calprotectin are genetically and functionally linked to the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified and validated more than 200 genomic loci associated with the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although for most the causal gene remains unknown. Given the importance of myeloid cells in IBD pathogenesis, the current study aimed to uncover the role of genes within IBD genetic loci that are endogenously expressed in this cell lineage.

METHODS

The open reading frames (ORF) of 42 genes from IBD-associated loci were expressed via lentiviral transfer in the THP-1 model of human monocytes and the impact of each of these on the cell's transcriptome was analyzed using a RNA sequencing-based approach. We used a combination of genetic and pharmacologic approaches to validate our findings in the THP-1 line with further validation in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived-monocytes.

RESULTS

This functional genomics screen provided evidence that genes in four IBD GWAS loci (PTGIR, ZBTB40, SLC39A11 and NFKB1) are involved in controlling S100A8 and S100A9 gene expression, which encode the two subunits of calprotectin (CP). We demonstrated that increasing PTGIR expression and/or stimulating PTGIR signaling resulted in increased CP expression in THP-1. This was further validated in hiPSC-derived monocytes. Conversely, knocking-down PTGIR endogenous expression and/or inhibiting PTGIR signaling led to decreased CP expression. These analyses were extended to the known IBD gene PTGER4, whereby its specific agonist also led to increased CP expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the PTGIR and PTGER4 mediated control of CP expression was dependent on signaling via adenylate cyclase and STAT3. Finally, we demonstrated that LPS-mediated increases in CP expression could be potentiated by agonists of PTGIR and PTGER4, and diminished by their antagonists.

CONCLUSION

Our results support a causal role for the PTGIR, PTGER4, ZBTB40, SLC39A11 and NFKB1 genes in IBD, with all five genes regulating the expression of CP in myeloid cells, as well as potential roles for the prostacyclin/prostaglandin biogenesis and signaling pathways in IBD susceptibility and pathogenesis.

Immune Function of Endothelial Cells: Evolutionary Aspects, Molecular Biology and Role in Atherogenesis

Atherosclerosis is one of the key problems of modern medicine, which is due to the high prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and their significant share in the structure of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Atherogenesis is a complex chain of events that proceeds over many years in the vascular wall with the participation of various cells. Endothelial cells are key participants in vascular function. They demonstrate involvement in the regulation of vascular hemodynamics, metabolism, and innate immunity, which act as leading links in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These endothelial functions have close connections and deep evolutionary roots, a better understanding of which will improve the prospects of early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the potential mechanism of heterogeneity of immunomodulatory properties of foreskin and umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous populations. Heterogeneity exists within the same tissue and between different tissues. Some studies have found enormous heterogeneity in immunomodulatory function among MSCs derived from different tissues. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of heterogeneity in immunomodulatory abilities is still unclear.

METHODS

Foreskin mesenchymal stromal cells (FSMSCs) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HuMSCs) were isolated and cultured until the third passage. According to the International Association for Cell Therapy standard, we confirmed the cell type. Then, FSMSCs and HuMSCs were cocultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. Furthermore, the supernatant was sampled for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and TGF-β1. Finally, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of FSMSCs and HuMSCs.

RESULTS

We successfully identified FSMSCs and HuMSCs as MSCs. When cocultured with LPS pretreated PBMCs, FSMSCs and HuMSCs could effectively reduced the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α. However, FSMSCs stimulated the PBMCs to secrete more IL-10, TGF-β1, and IL-6. Furthermore, 4 cell subsets were identified from integrated scRNA-seq data, including proliferative MSCs (MKI67⁺, CD146^low+, NG2⁺, PDGFRB^-), pericytes (CD146^high+, PDGFRB⁺, MKI67^-, CD31^-, CD45^-, CD34^-), immune MSCs (CXCL12^high+, PTGIS^high+, PDGFRB⁺, CD146^-, MKI67^-) and progenitor proliferative MSCs (CXCL12^low+, PTGIS^low+, PDGFRB⁺, CD146^-, MKI67^-). Among them, we found that immune MSCs with strengthened transcriptional activity were similar to pericytes with regard to the degree of differentiated. Various of immune-related genes, gene sets, and regulons were also enriched in immune MSCs. Moreover, immune MSCs were determined to be close to other cell subsets in cell-cell communication analysis. Finally, we found that the proportion of immune MSCs in foreskin tissue was highest when comparing the subset compositions of MSCs derived from different tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

FSMSCs show better immunomodulatory capacity than HuMSCs in vitro. Moreover, immune MSCs may play a vital role in the heterogeneity of immunoregulatory properties. This study provides new insights suggesting that immune MSCs can be isolated to exert stable immunoregulatory functions without being limited by the heterogeneity of MSCs derived from different tissues.

Characterization of prostanoids response to Bordetella pertussis antigen BscF and Tdap in LPS-challenged monocytes

Prostanoids are potent inflammatory mediators that play a regulatory role in the innate immune activation of the adaptive immune response to determine the duration of protection against infection. We aim to quantify the modulation of prostanoids profiles in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 cells treated with the novel pertussis antigen BscF. We compared the effect with pertussis antigens present in the current Tdap vaccine to understand the immunomodulatory effect that might contribute to the diminished Tdap vaccine effectiveness. The inflammatory challenge with LPS induced a robust elevation of most prostanoid family members compared to the control treatment. Treatment with BscF and Tdap significantly reduced the LPS-stimulated elevation of prostaglandins (PGs) D2, E2, and F2α, as well as thromboxane (TX) A2 levels. An opposite trend was observed for PGI2, as both antigens accelerated the LPS-stimulated upregulation. Further, we quantified cyclooxygenases (COXs) that catalyze the biosynthesis of prostanoids and found that both antigens significantly reduced LPS-stimulated COX-1 and COX-2, demonstrating that the waning of acellular pertussis vaccines' protective immunity may be due to other downstream enzymes not related to COXs. Our present study validates the potential role of BscF as an adjuvant, resulting in the next-generation pertussis vaccine discovery.

Urinary Eicosanoid Levels Reflect Allergen and Diesel Exhaust Coexposure and Are Linked to Impaired Lung Function

Eicosanoids are potent regulators of homeostasis and inflammation. Co-exposure to allergen and diesel exhaust (DE) have been shown to lead to eosinophilic inflammation, impaired airflow, and increased airway responsiveness. It is not clear whether eicosanoids mediate the mechanism by which these exposures impair lung function. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, and four-arm crossover study. Fourteen allergen-sensitized participants were exposed to four conditions: negative control; allergen-alone exposure; DE and allergen coexposure; coexposure with particle-reducing technology applied. Quantitative metabolic profiling of urinary eicosanoids was performed using LC-MS/MS. As expected, allergen inhalation increased eicosanoids. The prostacyclin metabolite 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF_1α (PGF_1α, prostaglandin F_1α) increased with coexposure, but particle depletion suppressed this pathway. Individuals with a high genetic risk score demonstrated a greater increase in isoprostane metabolites following coexposure. Causal mediation analyses showed that allergen induced airflow impairment was mediated via leukotriene E₄ and tetranor-prostaglandin D metabolite. Overall, DE exposure did not augment the allergen's effect on urinary eicosanoids, except insofar as variant genotypes conferred susceptibility to the addition of DE in terms of isoprostane metabolites. These findings will add to the body of previous controlled human exposure studies and provide greater insight into how complex environmental exposures in urban air may influence individuals with sensitivity to aeroallergens.

Dissecting the Regulation of Arachidonic Acid Metabolites by Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq). Miq. in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and the Predictive Target sEH in the Anti-Hypertensive Effect Based on Metabolomics and Molecular Docking

Uncariarhynchophylla (Miq). Miq. (UR), as a traditional Chinese medicine, was employed in treating hypertension as a safe and effective therapy. The pharmacological properties of UR have characteristics of multiple biological targets and multiple functional pathways. Hypertension is related to impaired metabolic homeostasis and is especially associated with the abnormal regulation of arachidonic acid metabolites, the classical cardiovascular active compounds. This study aimed to examine the anti-hypertensive effect of UR extract (URE) and its regulating role in differential metabolic pathways. The results showed that daily administration of URE at a dose of 4 g crude drug/kg orally could exert hypotensive effects on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) for 8 weeks. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of the plasma samples suggested that the anti-hypertension effect of URE in SHRs was associated with the reorganization of the perturbed metabolic network, such as the pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. For the targeted metabolomics, twenty-eight arachidonic acid metabolites in SHRs were quantitatively analyzed for the first time based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method after URE administration. URE restored the functions of these cardiovascular active compounds and rebalanced the dynamics of arachidonic acid metabolic flux. Among them, the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme activity and up-regulation of vasodilators epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) were identified as contributors to the anti-hypertension effect of URE on SHRs, and sEH represented an attractive and promising drug-binding target of URE. With the molecular docking approach, 13 potential anti-hypertension ingredients as well as sEH inhibitors were discovered, which were worthy of further investigation and verification in future studies.

The urinary lipid profile in cats with idiopathic cystitis

Although feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) distresses of many cats, its pathogenesis is unknown and the diagnosis is challenging. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are metabolized into various lipid mediators. Lipid mediators such as prostaglandins (PGs) modulate inflammation and many of them are excreted into the urine. Thus, the investigation of the urinary lipid profile may reveal pathogenesis and help diagnosis of FIC. We collected urine samples from five FIC cats by spontaneous urination and analyzed 158 types of lipid mediators in urines using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The urinary levels of PUFAs were higher in FIC compared to those of the healthy group. The excretions of a major inflammatory mediator, PGD2, were less in FIC. Other well-known inflammatory mediators such as PGE2, PGI2, and their metabolites did not show a difference. In contrast, the levels of PGF2α and its 2 metabolites and PGF3α were higher in FIC. These results may provide new insights into the future management of cat FIC.

α-Lipoic acid ameliorates inflammation state and oxidative stress by reducing the content of bioactive lipid derivatives in the left ventricle of rats fed a high-fat diet

Lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) are implicated with the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative stress. The current knowledge of AA metabolism focuses on searching for the therapeutic strategy to subvert affected AA metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of chronic α-lipoic acid (α-LA) supplementation on myocardial inflammation state and oxidative stress in obesity-related cardiovascular dysfunction. The experiment was carried out on male Wistar rats receiving a standard or a high-fat diets with intragastric α-LA administration for 8 weeks. Plasma and myocardial AA concentration was determined using gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The Western blot technique was used to examine the expression of proteins from the inflammatory pathway. The content of selected cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indicators was detected by ELISA, colorimetric, and multiplex assay kits. Our results revealed that α-LA caused a notable reduction in AA content, mainly in the phospholipid fraction with a simultaneous diminishment in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, i.e., prostaglandin E2, leukotrienes B4 and C4 by decreasing the expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX. α-LA also augmented the level of antioxidative SOD2 and GSH and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation products, which improved oxidative system impairment in the left ventricle tissue. The data clearly showed that α-lipoic acid has a significant role in inflammation and oxidative stress development ameliorating the risk of cardiac obesity induced by high-fat feeding.

Lipidomic Profiling in Synovial Tissue

The analysis of synovial tissue offers the potential for the comprehensive characterization of cell types involved in arthritis pathogenesis. The studies performed to date in synovial tissue have made it possible to define synovial pathotypes, which relate to disease severity and response to treatment. Lipidomics is the branch of metabolomics that allows the quantification and identification of lipids in different biological samples. Studies in animal models of arthritis and in serum/plasma from patients with arthritis suggest the involvement of different types of lipids (glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, oxylipins, fatty acids) in the pathogenesis of arthritis. We reviewed studies that quantified lipids in different types of tissues and their relationship with inflammation. We propose that combining lipidomics with currently used “omics” techniques can improve the information obtained from the analysis of synovial tissue, for a better understanding of pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Involvement of Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites in the Development of Inflammation in Atherosclerosis

Despite all the advances of modern medicine, atherosclerosis continues to be one of the most important medical and social problems. Atherosclerosis is the cause of several cardiovascular diseases, which are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. The development of atherosclerosis is associated with the accumulation of lipids in the arterial intima and the disruption of mechanisms that maintain the balance between the development and resolution of inflammation. Fatty acids are involved in many mechanisms of inflammation development and maintenance. Endothelial cells demonstrate multiple cross-linkages between lipid metabolism and innate immunity. In addition, these processes are linked to hemodynamics and the function of other cells in the vascular wall, highlighting the central role of the endothelium in vascular biology.

Inflammation, Fibrosis and Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Options and Challenges

Uncontrolled inflammation is a salient factor in multiple chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. In this review, we provided an in-depth analysis of the relationships and distinctions between uncontrolled inflammation, fibrosis and cancers, while emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of developing novel therapies for the treatment and/or management of these diseases. We described how drug delivery systems, combination therapy and the integration of tissue-targeted and/or pathways selective strategies could overcome the challenges of current agents for managing and/or treating chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. We also recognized the value of the re-evaluation of the disease-specific roles of multiple pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers-as well as the application of data from single-cell RNA sequencing in the success of future drug discovery endeavors.

Metabolite G-Protein Coupled Receptors in Cardio-Metabolic Diseases

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have originally been described as a family of receptors activated by hormones, neurotransmitters, and other mediators. However, in recent years GPCRs have shown to bind endogenous metabolites, which serve functions other than as signaling mediators. These receptors respond to fatty acids, mono- and disaccharides, amino acids, or various intermediates and products of metabolism, including ketone bodies, lactate, succinate, or bile acids. Given that many of these metabolic processes are dysregulated under pathological conditions, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity, receptors of endogenous metabolites have also been recognized as potential drug targets to prevent and/or treat metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. This review describes G protein-coupled receptors activated by endogenous metabolites and summarizes their physiological, pathophysiological, and potential pharmacological roles.

Treprostinil alleviates hepatic mitochondrial injury during rat renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) causes acute kidney injury as well as liver injury. Renal IRI depletes hepatic antioxidants, promotes hepatic inflammation and dysfunction through Tlr9 upregulation. There is no treatment available for liver injury during renal IRI. This study examines the hepatoprotective role of treprostinil, a prostacyclin analog, during renal IRI.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, sham, IRI-placebo, or IRI-treprostinil and subjected to bilateral ischemia (45 min) followed by reperfusion (1-72 h). Placebo or treprostinil (100 ng/kg/min) was administered subcutaneously via an osmotic minipump.

RESULTS

Treprostinil significantly reduced peak serum creatinine, BUN, ALT and AST levels vs. IRI-placebo. Treprostinil also restored hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, and Gclc expression to baseline, while reducing lipid peroxidation vs. IRI-placebo. Additionally, treprostinil significantly reduced elevated hepatic Tlr9, Il-1β, Ccl2, Vcam1, and Serpine1 mRNA expression. Renal IRI increased hepatic apoptosis which was inhibited by treprostinil through reduced cytochrome c and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. Treprostinil enhanced hepatic ATP concentrations and mitochondrial DNA copy number and improved mitochondrial dynamics by restoring Pgc-1α expression and significantly upregulating Mfn1, Mfn2, and Sirt3 levels, while reducing Drp-1 protein vs. IRI-placebo. Non-targeted semi-quantitative proteomics showed improved oxidative stress indices and ATP subunits in the IRI-treprostinil group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treprostinil improved hepatic function and antioxidant levels, while suppressing the inflammatory response and alleviating Tlr9-mediated apoptotic injury during renal IRI. Our study provides evidence of treprostinil's hepatoprotective effect, which supports the therapeutic potential of treprostinil in reducing hepatic injury during renal IRI.

Inflammation, It's Regulation and Antiphlogistic Effect of the Cyanogenic Glycoside Amygdalin

The inflammatory reaction accompanies in part or in full any disease process in the vascularized metazoan. This complicated reaction is controlled by regulatory mechanisms, some of which produce unpleasant symptomatic manifestations of inflammation. Therefore, there has been an effort to develop selective drugs aimed at removing pain, fever, or swelling. Gradually, however, serious adverse side effects of such inhibitors became apparent. Scientific research has therefore continued to explore new possibilities, including naturally available substances. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside present, e.g., in bitter almonds. This glycoside has already sparked many discussions among scientists, especially about its anticancer potential and related toxic cyanides. However, toxicity at different doses made it generally unacceptable. Although amygdalin given at the correct oral dose may not lead to poisoning, it has not yet been accurately quantified, as its action is often affected by different intestinal microbial consortia. Its pharmacological activities have been studied, but its effects on the body's inflammatory response are lacking. This review discusses the chemical structure, toxicity, and current knowledge of the molecular mechanism of amygdalin activity on immune functions, including the anti-inflammatory effect, but also discusses inflammation as such, its mediators with diverse functions, which are usually targeted by drugs.

Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D Synthase Inhibitor PK007 Decreases Muscle Necrosis in DMD mdx Model Mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to the lack of dystrophin protein. The acute phase of DMD is characterized by muscle necrosis and increased levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Inhibiting the production of PGD2 by inhibiting hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS) may alleviate inflammation and decrease muscle necrosis. We tested our novel HPGDS inhibitor, PK007, in the mdx mouse model of DMD. Our results show that hindlimb grip strength was two-fold greater in the PK007-treated mdx group, compared to untreated mdx mice, and displayed similar muscle strength to strain control mice (C57BL/10ScSn). Histological analyses showed a decreased percentage of regenerating muscle fibers (~20% less) in tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius muscles and reduced fibrosis in the TA muscle in PK007-treated mice. Lastly, we confirmed that the DMD blood biomarker, muscle creatine kinase activity, was also reduced by ~50% in PK007-treated mdx mice. We conclude that our HPGDS inhibitor, PK007, has effectively reduced muscle inflammation and fibrosis in a DMD mdx mouse model.

Resolution of inflammation in bone regeneration: From understandings to therapeutic applications

Impaired bone healing occurs in 5-10% of cases following injury, leading to a significant economic and clinical impact. While an inflammatory response upon injury is necessary to facilitate healing, its resolution is critical for bone tissue repair as elevated acute or chronic inflammation is associated with impaired healing in patients and animal models. This process is governed by important crosstalk between immune cells through mediators that contribute to resolution of inflammation in the local healing environment. Approaches modulating the initial inflammatory phase followed by its resolution leads to a pro-regenerative environment for bone regeneration. In this review, we discuss the role of inflammation in bone repair, the negative impact of dysregulated inflammation on bone tissue regeneration, and how timely resolution of inflammation is necessary to achieve normal healing. We will discuss applications of biomaterials to treat large bone defects with a specific focus on resolution of inflammation to modulate the immune environment following bone injury, and their observed functional benefits. We conclude the review by discussing future strategies that could lead to the realization of anti-inflammatory therapeutics for bone tissue repair.

Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Inhaled Treprostinil for Patients at Risk for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Rationale: Inhaled treprostinil may improve oxygenation and have additional antiinflammatory effects in early acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, potentially preventing or reducing the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Objectives: To determine whether administration of inhaled treprostinil to patients at risk for ARDS is feasible, safe, and efficacious.Methods: We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center randomized pilot trial at a quaternary care academic medical center. Patients with acute hypoxemia due to pneumonia or signs of low-pressure pulmonary edema with a unilateral or bilateral infiltrate on chest imaging and a 4 L/min supplemental oxygen requirement not requiring positive pressure ventilation were evaluated. Randomized patients received study drug or placebo (2:1 ratio). Treatment was initiated at 6 breaths every 4 hours and titrated up to 12 breaths. Subjects were maintained on treatment for 7 days and then tapered off over a period of 4 days. Study drug was stopped if positive pressure ventilation was required (invasive or noninvasive).Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled over a period of 31 months. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between treatment groups with respect to age, sex, race, Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation score, lung injury prediction score, or baseline mean oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry (Sp_O2):fraction of inspired oxygen (Fi_O2) ratio. Trends in daily baseline and 30-minute postdose Sp_O2:Fi_O2 ratio for all treatment points were not significantly different between placebo and treprostinil. Four patients required positive pressure ventilation in the treprostinil group versus one in the placebo group.Conclusions: Inhaled treprostinil administration is feasible in patients at risk for ARDS but was not associated with improvement in the Sp_O2:Fi_O2 ratio relative to placebo. Drug-associated adverse events were not severe nor unexpected based on the known adverse effect profile of inhaled treprostinil. The clinical benefit of this intervention is unclear at this time in the absence of larger studies.Clinical trial registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02370095).

Prostaglandin regulation of type 2 inflammation: From basic biology to therapeutic interventions

Type 2 immunity is critical for the protective and repair responses that mediate resistance to parasitic helminth infection. This immune response also drives aberrant inflammation during atopic diseases. Prostaglandins are a class of critical lipid mediators that are released during type 2 inflammation and are integral in controlling the initiation, activation, maintenance, effector functions, and resolution of Type 2 inflammation. In this review, we explore the roles of the different prostaglandin family members and the receptors they bind to during allergen‐ and helminth‐induced Type 2 inflammation and the mechanism through which prostaglandins promote or suppress Type 2 inflammation. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of prostaglandins produced by helminth parasites in the regulation of host–pathogen interactions, and how prostaglandins may regulate the inverse relationship between helminth infection and allergy. Finally, we discuss opportunities to capitalize on our understanding of prostaglandin pathways to develop new therapeutic options for humans experiencing Type 2 inflammatory disorders that have a significant prostaglandin‐driven component including allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Prostanoids and Resolution of Inflammation - Beyond the Lipid-Mediator Class Switch

Bioactive lipid mediators play a major role in regulating inflammatory processes. Herein, early pro-inflammatory phases are characterized and regulated by prostanoids and leukotrienes, whereas specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM), including lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, dominate during the resolution phase. While pro-inflammatory properties of prostanoids have been studied extensively, their impact on later phases of the inflammatory process has been attributed mainly to their ability to initiate the lipid-mediator class switch towards SPM. Yet, there is accumulating evidence that prostanoids directly contribute to the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. In this mini review, we summarize the current knowledge of the resolution-regulatory properties of prostanoids and discuss potential implications for anti-inflammatory, prostanoid-targeted therapeutic interventions.

Reduced levels of prostaglandin I2 synthase: a distinctive feature of the cancer-free trichothiodystrophy

The cancer-free photosensitive trichothiodystrophy (PS-TTD) and the cancer-prone xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) are rare monogenic disorders that can arise from mutations in the same genes, namely ERCC2/XPD or ERCC3/XPB Both XPD and XPB proteins belong to the 10-subunit complex transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) that plays a key role in transcription and nucleotide excision repair, the DNA repair pathway devoted to the removal of ultraviolet-induced DNA lesions. Compelling evidence suggests that mutations affecting the DNA repair activity of TFIIH are responsible for the pathological features of XP, whereas those also impairing transcription give rise to TTD. By adopting a relatives-based whole transcriptome sequencing approach followed by specific gene expression profiling in primary fibroblasts from a large cohort of TTD or XP cases with mutations in ERCC2/XPD gene, we identify the expression alterations specific for TTD primary dermal fibroblasts. While most of these transcription deregulations do not impact on the protein level, very low amounts of prostaglandin I₂ synthase (PTGIS) are found in TTD cells. PTGIS catalyzes the last step of prostaglandin I₂ synthesis, a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Its reduction characterizes all TTD cases so far investigated, both the PS-TTD with mutations in TFIIH coding genes as well as the nonphotosensitive (NPS)-TTD. A severe impairment of TFIIH and RNA polymerase II recruitment on the PTGIS promoter is found in TTD but not in XP cells. Thus, PTGIS represents a biomarker that combines all PS- and NPS-TTD cases and distinguishes them from XP.

Emerging Role of Phospholipase-Derived Cleavage Products in Regulating Eosinophil Activity: Focus on Lysophospholipids, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids

Eosinophils are important effector cells involved in allergic inflammation. When stimulated, eosinophils release a variety of mediators initiating, propagating, and maintaining local inflammation. Both, the activity and concentration of secreted and cytosolic phospholipases (PLAs) are increased in allergic inflammation, promoting the cleavage of phospholipids and thus the production of reactive lipid mediators. Eosinophils express high levels of secreted phospholipase A2 compared to other leukocytes, indicating their direct involvement in the production of lipid mediators during allergic inflammation. On the other side, eosinophils have also been recognized as crucial mediators with regulatory and homeostatic roles in local immunity and repair. Thus, targeting the complex network of lipid mediators offer a unique opportunity to target the over-activation and 'pro-inflammatory' phenotype of eosinophils without compromising the survival and functions of tissue-resident and homeostatic eosinophils. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the critical role of phospholipase-derived lipid mediators in modulating eosinophil activity in health and disease. We focus on lysophospholipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and eicosanoids with exciting new perspectives for future drug development.

Prostaglandin I2 signaling licenses Treg suppressive function and prevents pathogenic reprogramming

Tregs restrain both the innate and adaptive immune systems to maintain homeostasis. Allergic airway inflammation, characterized by a Th2 response that results from a breakdown of tolerance to innocuous environmental antigens, is negatively regulated by Tregs. We previously reported that prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) promoted immune tolerance in models of allergic inflammation; however, the effect of PGI2 on Treg function was not investigated. Tregs from mice deficient in the PGI2 receptor IP (IP KO) had impaired suppressive capabilities during allergic airway inflammatory responses compared with mice in which PGI2 signaling was intact. IP KO Tregs had significantly enhanced expression of immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3) compared with WT Tregs, which may contribute to the impairment of the IP KO Treg's ability to suppress Th2 responses. Using fate-mapping mice, we reported that PGI2 signaling prevents Treg reprogramming toward a pathogenic phenotype. PGI2 analogs promoted the differentiation of naive T cells to Tregs in both mice and humans via repression of β-catenin signaling. Finally, a missense variant in IP in humans was strongly associated with chronic obstructive asthma. Together, these data support that PGI2 signaling licenses Treg suppressive function and that PGI2 is a therapeutic target for enhancing Treg function.

Exogenous Integrin αIIbβ3 Inhibitors Revisited: Past, Present and Future Applications

The integrin αIIbβ3 is the most abundant integrin on platelets. Upon platelet activation, the integrin changes its conformation (inside-out signalling) and outside-in signalling takes place leading to platelet spreading, platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Bloodsucking parasites such as mosquitoes, leeches and ticks express anticoagulant and antiplatelet proteins, which represent major sources of lead compounds for the development of useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of haemostatic disorders or cardiovascular diseases. In addition to hematophagous parasites, snakes also possess anticoagulant and antiplatelet proteins in their salivary glands. Two snake venom proteins have been developed into two antiplatelet drugs that are currently used in the clinic. The group of proteins discussed in this review are disintegrins, low molecular weight integrin-binding cysteine-rich proteins, found in snakes, ticks, leeches, worms and horseflies. Finally, we highlight various oral antagonists, which have been tested in clinical trials but were discontinued due to an increase in mortality. No new αIIbβ3 inhibitors are developed since the approval of current platelet antagonists, and structure-function analysis of exogenous disintegrins could help find platelet antagonists with fewer adverse side effects.

[Role of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 in pulmonary hyper-permeability induced by mechanical ventilation in rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in lung hyper-permeability induced by mechanical ventilation (MV) in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE

Forty-eight healthy Japanese white rabbits were randomly allocated to vehicle treatment group (group V), tranylcypromine (a PGI2 synthase inhibitor) treatment group (group T), dazoxiben (a TXA2 synthase inhibitor) treatment group (group D), vehicle-treated MV group (group VM), tranylcyprominetreated MV group (group TM) and dazoxiben-treated MV group (group DM). The contents of PGI2 and TXA2 in the lung tissues and TNF-α level in BALF and lung tissues were measured by ELISA. The lung wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, lung permeability index and pulmonary expressions of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) protein and mRNA were detected to evaluate the pulmonary permeability. The severities of lung injury were assessed by lung histological scores.

OBJECTIVE

The measured parameters did not differ significantly among the rabbits receiving different treatments without MV. In rabbits in group VM, the contents of PGI2 and TXA2 in the lungs, TNF-α in BALF and lung tissues, PGI2/TXA2 ratio, lung W/D ratio, lung permeability index, pulmonary expressions of MLCK protein and mRNA and histological scores of the lungs all increased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared with those in group V, group T and group D. In rabbits undergoing MV, inhibition of PGI2 production by tranylcypromine significantly decreased the PGI2/TXA2 ratio (P < 0.05), further enhanced the production of TNF-α in the BALF and lung tissue (P < 0.05), and worsened lung hyper-permeability and lung injury (P < 0.05), while treatment with dazoxiben significantly reduced TXA2 production in the lung tissue (P < 0.05), increased the PGI2/TXA2 ratio (P < 0.05) and decreased TNF-α production in the BALF and lung tissue (P < 0.05), thus resulting in alleviated lung hyperpermeability and lung injury (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

PGI2 plays a protective role against MV-induced lung hyper-permeability and lung injury by downregulating TNF-α/MLCK signaling pathway, while TXA2 can exacerbate MV-induced lung hyperpermeability in rabbits by up-regulating TNF-α/ MLCK signaling pathway.

Acute effect of inhaled iloprost on exercise dynamic hyperinflation in COPD patients: A randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

We tested whether the prostacyclin analog inhaled iloprost modulates dead space, dynamic hyperinflation (DH), and systemic inflammation/oxidative stress during maximal exercise in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were not selected based on pulmonary hypertension (PH).

METHODS

Twenty-four COPD patients with moderate-severe obstruction (age 59 ± 7 years, FEV₁ 53 ± 13% predicted) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Each subject received a single nebulized dose of 5.0 μg iloprost or placebo on non-consecutive days followed by maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests. The primary outcome was DH quantified by end-expiratory lung volume/total lung capacity ratio (EELV/TLC) at metabolic isotime.

RESULTS

Inhaled iloprost was well-tolerated and reduced submaximal alveolar dead-space fraction but did not significantly reduce DH (0.70 ± 0.09 vs 0.69 ± 0.07 following placebo and iloprost, respectively, p = 0.38). Maximal exercise time (9.1 ± 2.3 vs 9.3 ± 2.2 min, p = 0.31) and peak oxygen uptake (17.4 ± 6.3 vs 17.9 ± 6.9 mL/kg/min, p = 0.30) were not significantly different following placebo versus iloprost.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of inhaled iloprost was safe and reduced alveolar dead space fraction; however, it was not efficacious in modulating DH or improving exercise capacity in COPD patients who were not selected for the presence of PH.

Effects of tart cherry and its metabolites on aging and inflammatory conditions: Efficacy and possible mechanisms

Inflammation is an underlying cause of or a contributing factor to a number of chronic conditions, including hypertension, insulin resistance, arthritis, and cognitive disorders. A chronic inflammatory state is also associated with aging. Tart cherry (TC) has been extensively studied for its ability to prevent or treat inflammatory diseases and their associated risk factors. TC contains active compounds, including polyphenols that may contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammatory signaling pathways regulate the recruitment of inflammatory cells important for the pathogenesis of disease. Whole TC, individual compounds, and their metabolites may be viable treatment options because they can target molecules involved in inflammatory pathways. In this review, the effectiveness of TC in reducing inflammatory markers associated with chronic diseases and the effects of the active compounds in TC and their metabolites on inflammatory pathways are discussed. The main polyphenols present in TC include cyanidins, kaempferol, quercetin, melatonin, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 3-coumaroylquinic acid. Evidence supports an association between TC intake and reduced risk for inflammatory disease, which may be due to the effects of active compounds in TC on inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase.