Interleukin-1 Family Cytokines in Liver Diseases

The Novel Tetra-Specific Drug C-192, Conjugated Using UniStac, Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in an MCD Diet-Induced Mouse Model

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a complex disease resulting from chronic liver injury associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. Recently, the importance of developing multi-target drugs as a strategy to address complex diseases such as NASH has been growing; however, their manufacturing processes remain time- and cost-intensive and inefficient. To overcome these limitations, we developed UniStac, a novel enzyme-mediated conjugation platform for multi-specific drug development. UniStac demonstrated high conjugation yields, optimal thermal stabilities, and robust biological activities. We designed a tetra-specific compound, C-192, targeting glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucagon (GCG), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) simultaneously for the treatment of NASH using UniStac. The biological activity and treatment efficacy of C-192 were confirmed both in vitro and in vivo using a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced mouse model. C-192 exhibited profound therapeutic efficacies compared to conventional drugs, including liraglutide and dulaglutide. C-192 significantly improved alanine transaminase levels, triglyceride accumulation, and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of UniStac in creating multi-specific drugs and confirmed the therapeutic potential of C-192, a drug that integrates multiple mechanisms into a single molecule for the treatment of NASH.

Interleukin-36γ is causative for liver damage upon infection with Rift Valley fever virus in type I interferon receptor-deficient mice

Type I interferons (IFN) are pro-inflammatory cytokines which can also exert anti-inflammatory effects via the regulation of interleukin (IL)-1 family members. Several studies showed that interferon receptor (IFNAR)-deficient mice develop severe liver damage upon treatment with artificial agonists such as acetaminophen or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid. In order to investigate if these mechanisms also play a role in an acute viral infection, experiments with the Bunyaviridae family member Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) were performed. Upon RVFV clone (cl)13 infection, IFNAR-deficient mice develop a severe liver injury as indicated by high activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histological analyses. Infected IFNAR-/- mice expressed high amounts of IL-36γ within the liver, which was not observed in infected wildtype (WT) animals. In line with this, treatment of WT mice with recombinant IL-36γ induced ALT activity. Furthermore, administration of an IL-36 receptor antagonist prior to infection prevented the formation of liver injury in IFNAR-/- mice, indicating that IL-36γ is causative for the observed liver damage. Mice deficient for adaptor molecules of certain pattern recognition receptors indicated that IL-36γ induction was dependent on mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein and the retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptor. Consequently, cell type-specific IFNAR knockouts revealed that type I IFN signaling in myeloid cells is critical in order to prevent IL-36γ expression and liver injury upon viral infection. Our data demonstrate an anti-inflammatory role of type I IFN in a model for virus-induced hepatitis by preventing the expression of the novel IL-1 family member IL-36γ.

IL-33 promotes double negative T cell survival via the NF-κB pathway

IL-33, which is a crucial modulator of adaptive immune responses far beyond type 2 response, can enhance the function of several T cell subsets and maintain the immune homeostasis. However, the contribution of IL-33 to double negative T (DNT) cell remains unappreciated. Here, we demonstrated that the IL-33 receptor ST2 was expressed on DNT cells, and that IL-33 stimulation increased DNT cells proliferation and survival in vivo and in vitro. Transcriptome sequencing analysis also demonstrated that IL-33 enhanced the biological function of DNT cells, especially effects on proliferation and survival. IL-33 promoted DNT cells survival by regulating Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Survivin expression. IL-33-TRAF4/6-NF-κB axis activation promoted the transmission of essential division and survival signals in DNT cells. However, IL-33 failed to enhance the expression of immunoregulatory molecules in DNT cells. DNT cells therapy combined with IL-33 inhibited T cells survival and further ameliorated ConA-induced liver injury, which mainly depended on the proliferative effect of IL-33 on DNT cells in vivo. Finally, we stimulated human DNT cells with IL-33, and similar results were observed. In conclusion, we revealed a cell intrinsic role of IL-33 in the regulation of DNT cells, thereby identifying a previously unappreciated pathway supporting the expansion of DNT cells in the immune environment.

Oroxylin A relieves intrauterine adhesion in mice through inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis via SIRT3-SOD2-ROS pathway

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is manifested by endometrial fibrosis and inflammation, which seriously affects female reproductive health. Macrophages are mainly inflammatory cells and have been reported to participate in the fibrosis of IUA. Oroxylin A (OA), a kind of flavonoid compounds, was showed to possess the inhibitory effects on inflammation and fibrosis. However, the role of OA in IUA remains unclear. In the present study, we found that OA effectively alleviated the level of inflammation and uterine fibrosis in IUA mice. OA also decreased the macrophage pyroptosis which increased in uteri of IUA mice. Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death accompanied by an inflammatory response. Moreover, OA repressed the mediators of pyroptosis including the expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the release of IL-1β, IL-18 and cleaved-caspase-1 in J774A.1 cells induced by LPS/ATP in vitro. Mechanistically, the alleviation of OA on uterine fibrosis is achieved by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis via SIRT3-SOD2-ROS pathway. Our data indicate that OA may serve as an effective agent for the treatment of the endometrial fibrosis with IUA.

Theroleofinterleukin-1familyinfibroticdiseases

Fibrosis refers to the phenomenon that fibrous connective tissues are increased and parenchymal cells are decreased in organs or tissues such as lung, heart, liver, kidney, skin and so on. It usually occurs at the late stage of repair of chronic or recurrent tissue damage. Fibrotic disease is the main factor for the morbidity and mortality of all tissues and organ systems. Long-term fibrosis can lead to organ and tissue dysfunction and even failure. Interleukin -1 family cytokines are a series of classical inflammatory factors and involved in the occurrence and development process of multiple fibrotic diseases, its biological function, relationship with diseases and application are more and more favored by scientists from various countries. So far, 11 cytokines and 10 receptors of IL-1 family have been identified. In this paper, the cytokines, receptors, signaling pathways and biological functions of IL-1 family are summarized, and the correlation with fibrosis diseases is analyzed.

Therapeutic Perspectives of IL1 Family Members in Liver Diseases: An Update

Interleukin (IL) 1 superfamily members are a cornerstone of a variety of inflammatory processes occurring in various organs including the liver. Progression of acute and chronic liver diseases regardless of etiology depends on the stage of hepatocyte damage, the release of inflammatory cytokines and disturbances in gut microbiota. IL1 cytokines and receptors can have pro- or anti-inflammatory roles, even dual functionalities conditioned by the microenvironment. Developing novel therapeutic strategies to block the IL1/IL1R signaling pathways seems like a reasonable option. This mode of action is now exploited by anakinra and canakinumab, which are used to treat different inflammatory illnesses, and studies in liver diseases are on the way. In this mini review, we have focused on the IL1 superfamily members, given their crucial role in liver inflammation diseases, specifically discussing their potential role in developing new treatment strategies.

Neutrophil extracellular traps enriched with IL-1β and IL-17A participate in the hepatic inflammatory process of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of various non-infectious inflammatory and thrombotic diseases. We investigated the presence and possible associations of NETs with various histopathologic parameters in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We retrospectively assessed 20 liver biopsy specimens from patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including 17 specimens with NASH, and 14 control specimens. NETs were identified with confocal microscopy as extracellular structures with co-localization of neutrophil elastase (NE) and citrullinated histone-3. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-17A were assessed with the same methodology. Histologic features of NAFLD were semi-quantitatively evaluated, and correlated with presence of NETs, neutrophil density, and platelet density/aggregates (assessed by immunohistochemistry for NE and CD42b, respectively). NETs were identified in 94.1% (16/17) of the NASH biopsy specimens; they were absent from all other NAFLD and control specimens. The presence of NETs was strongly correlated with steatosis (p = 0.003), ballooning degeneration (p < 0.001), lobular inflammation (p < 0.001), portal inflammation (p < 0.001), NAS score (p = 0.001), stage (p = 0.001), and diagnosis of NASH (p < 0.001). NETs were decorated with IL-1β and IL-17A. Platelet aggregates were much larger in NASH specimens, as compared to controls. In conclusion, NETs are implicated in the pathogenesis of NASH. Their associations with inflammation, ballooning degeneration (a hallmark of NASH), and stage emphasize their role in the disease process. In this setting, NETs provide a vehicle for IL-1β and IL-17A. In addition, platelet aggregation in hepatic sinusoids implies a role for thromboinflammation in NASH, and may explain the low peripheral blood platelet counts reported in patients with NASH.

Similarities and differences of estrogen in the regulation of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) and knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) are two kinds of common osteoarthritis (OA) that are characterized by chronic degeneration of soft and hard tissues around joints. Their gender and age differences suggest that there are similarities and differences between the pathogenic mechanisms of TMJOA and knee OA.

OBJECTIVE

To review recent studies on the effect of estrogen on TMJOA and knee OA, and summarize their possible pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms.

SOURCES

Articles up to present reporting the relationship of estrogen and TMJOA or knee OA are included. An extensive electronic search was conducted of databases including PubMed, Web of science core collection.

CONCLUSION

According to epidemiological investigations, TMJOA primarily happens to females of puberty and childbearing age, while knee OA mainly affects postmenopausal women. Epidemiological investigation and experimental research suggest that estrogen may have a different effect on TMJ and on knee. Though estrogen regulates TMJOA and knee OA via estrogen-related receptors (ERR), their pathogenesis and pathway of estrogen regulation are different. To find out the accurate regulation of estrogen on TMJOA and knee OA, specific pathways and molecular mechanisms still need further exploration.

The Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Superfamily Cytokines and Their Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Interleukins (ILs)—which are important members of cytokines—consist of a vast group of molecules, including a wide range of immune mediators that contribute to the immunological responses of many cells and tissues. ILs are immune-glycoproteins, which directly contribute to the growth, activation, adhesion, differentiation, migration, proliferation, and maturation of immune cells; and subsequently, they are involved in the pro and anti-inflammatory responses of the body, by their interaction with a wide range of receptors. Due to the importance of immune system in different organisms, the genes belonging to immune elements, such as ILs, have been studied vigorously. The results of recent investigations showed that the genes pertaining to the immune system undergo progressive evolution with a constant rate. The occurrence of any mutation or polymorphism in IL genes may result in substantial changes in their biology and function and may be associated with a wide range of diseases and disorders. Among these abnormalities, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can represent as important disruptive factors. The present review aims at concisely summarizing the current knowledge available on the occurrence, properties, role, and biological consequences of SNPs within the IL-1 family members.

An overview of the biological and multifunctional roles of IL-38 in different infectious diseases and COVID-19

Undoubtfully, the normal immune system can make a potential response to variable pathogens and neutralize or kill them depending on the type of infection through innate and acquired immunity. Cytokines have poly-peptide nature and are considered as signaling molecules that could amplify or alleviate immune responses besides their other biological functions. Interleukin 38 (IL-38) is a member of the IL-1 family cytokine that, however, its anti-inflammatory role has been observed in different autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis, and Sjogren’s syndrome; there is a controversy about the cytokine pro-inflammatory function. In the current review, we skimmed IL-38 structure, signaling mechanism, and its immunological functions, IL-38-producing immune cells. Also, we argued about the role of this cytokine in viral infections including hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), influenza (Flu), and COVID-19. Also, it illustrated the IL-38 protective effects on sepsis. Moreover, we explained the modulatory role of IL-38 in the COVID-19 cytokine storm.

Role of the Inflammasome in Liver Disease

The involvement of inflammasomes in the proinflammatory response observed in chronic liver diseases, such as alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is widely recognized. Although there are different types of inflammasomes, most studies to date have given attention to NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) in the pathogenesis of ALD, NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Canonical inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes that are assembled after the sensing of danger signals and activate caspase-1, which matures interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and IL-37 and also induces a form of cell death called pyroptosis. Noncanonical inflammasomes activate caspase-11 to induce pyroptosis. We discuss the different types of inflammasomes involved in liver diseases with a focus on (a) signals and mechanisms of inflammasome activation, (b) the role of different types of inflammasomes and their products in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, and (c) potential therapeutic strategies targeting components of the inflammasomes or cytokines produced upon inflammasome activation.

Immunobiological Properties and Clinical Applications of Interleukin-38 for Immune-Mediated Disorders: A Systematic Review Study

Exponential growth in the usage of "cytokines" (as seroimmunobiomarkers) has facilitated more accurate prognosis, early diagnosis, novel, and efficient immunotherapeutics. Numerous studies have reported immunopathophysiological and immunopathological processes of interleukin-38 (IL-38). Therefore, in this systematic review article, the authors aimed to present an updated comprehensive overview on the immunobiological mechanisms, diagnostic, and immune gene-based therapeutic potentials of IL-38. According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 216 articles were collected from several search engines and databases from the January 2012 to July 2021 time interval by using six main keywords. Physiologic or pathologic microenvironments, optimal dosage, and involved receptors affect the functionalities of IL-38. Alterations in serum levels of IL-38 play a major role in the immunopathogenesis of a wide array of immune-mediated disorders. IL-38 shows anti-inflammatory activities by reduction or inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, supporting the therapeutic aspects of IL-38 in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. According to the importance of pre-clinical studies, it seems that manipulation of the immune system by immunomodulatory properties of IL-38 can increase the accuracy of diagnosis, and decipher optimal clinical outcomes. To promote our knowledge, more collaboration is highly recommended among laboratory scientists, internal/infectious diseases specialists, oncologists, immunologists, diseases-specific biomarkers scientists, and basic medical researchers.

Ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves ameliorates carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rat

Background

Mucuna pruriens (L.) has been used for the treatment of several ailments in folkloric medicine. The present study therefore investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of its leaves extract with a view to providing a potent alternative in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Methodology

Forty male albino rats were randomly placed into eight groups comprising five animals each. Animals in group I were administered with the distilled water, while groups II and VI were exposed to CCl₄ and rifampicin respectively. Animals in groups III and IV were initially exposed CCl₄ and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Similarly, groups VII and VIII animals were exposed to rifampicin and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Animals in group V were treated with 100 mg/kg bw silymarin by oral gavage after an initial exposure to CCl₄. Selected biomarkers of liver and kidney damage were determined in the serum and organs homogenate. Liver and kidney slices of experimental animals were also stained for histopathological examination.

Results

Exposure to CCl₄ and rifampicin respectively resulted in marked distortion in lipid profile, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes and a surge in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and creatine kinase. Treatment with M. pruriens extract reversed all deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Extract of M. pruriens leaves restored deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in the liver and kidney with similar potency to silymarin. Hence, leaf extract of M. pruriens is a potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent that can be exploited in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Concerted hepatoprotective effect of bradykinin potentiating factor and low dose of γ- radiation on Naja haje envenomed rats via Bax/Bcl2 pathway

This study investigates the concerted hepatoprotective effects for three doses of bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) and/or followed by exposure to a low dose of γ-radiation (LDR) against Naja haje envenoming in rats. Male rats were injected with three consecutive doses of BPF (1 μg/g i.p. for 3 days), followed by exposure to a low dose of gamma radiation (0.5 Gy), and then rats were injected with a dose of Naja haje venom (250 μg/kg i.p.). Results showed that Naja haje causes liver damage, significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cytochrome c, Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant depletion in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) contents. In addition, significant depletion in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and significant elevation in BcL-2 associated X (Bax protein), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in hepatocytes. Bradykinin potentiating factor and/or low dose of γ-radiation caused improvement in liver damage caused by Naja haje venom by a significant decrease in ALT, AST, ALP levels, Bax, cytochrome c, NF-κB, IL-1β, NO and MDA contents, BPF alone or combined with low dose radiation caused a significant increase in Bcl2 and GPx contents. In conclusion, the concerted impact of BPF and LDR may provide an effective venom detoxification tool that helps to reduce hepatic toxicity and extends the lifespan.

Cross talk between hepatitis B virus and innate immunity of hepatocytes

Innate immunity plays a major role in controlling viral infections. Recent exploration of sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide receptor as specific hepatitis B virus (HBV) receptor in human hepatocytes has provided appropriate cell culture tools to study the innate immunity of hepatocytes and its cross talk with HBV. In this review, we give a brief update on interaction between HBV and innate immunity using the currently available in vitro cellular models that support the complete life cycle of HBV. We will discuss how HBV can act as a 'stealth' virus to counteract the innate immune responses mediated by the pathogen recognition receptors of hepatocytes and escape the first line of surveillance of the host immune system. We give an overview of the cellular components of innate immunity that present in these in vitro models and discuss how activating these innate immunity components may contribute to the eradication of HBV infection.

Evaluating the Consistency of Gene Methylation in Liver Cancer Using Bisulfite Sequencing Data

Bisulfite sequencing is considered as the gold standard approach for measuring DNA methylation, which acts as a pivotal part in regulating a variety of biological processes without changes in DNA sequences. In this study, we introduced the most prevalent methods for processing bisulfite sequencing data and evaluated the consistency of the data acquired from different measurements in liver cancer. Firstly, we introduced three commonly used bisulfite sequencing assays, i.e., reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), and targeted bisulfite sequencing (targeted BS). Next, we discussed the principles and compared different methods for alignment, quality assessment, methylation level scoring, and differentially methylated region identification. After that, we screened differential methylated genes in liver cancer through the three bisulfite sequencing assays and evaluated the consistency of their results. Ultimately, we compared bisulfite sequencing to 450 k beadchip and assessed the statistical similarity and functional association of differentially methylated genes (DMGs) among the four assays. Our results demonstrated that the DMGs measured by WGBS, RRBS, targeted BS and 450 k beadchip are consistently hypo-methylated in liver cancer with high functional similarity.

Modulation of Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis by Interleukin-37

Background and Aims: Chronic inflammation induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and potentially liver cancer. Kupffer cells modulate hepatic stellate cells by secreting immunologically active proteins as TGF-β. TGF-β promotes liver fibrosis via the activation of Sma- and Mad-related protein 3. IL-37 broadly suppresses innate and adaptive immune responses. Intracellular IL-37 interacts with Smad3. We hypothesize that IL-37 downregulates the activation of hepatic Kupffer and stellate cells and interferes with the TGF-β signaling cascade to modulate liver fibrogenesis. Methods: The role of IL-37 on liver inflammation and fibrogenesis was assessed in three mouse models as well as isolated Kupffer- and stellate cells. Serum IL-37 was tested by ELISA in a clinical cohort and correlated with liver disease severity. Results: Transgene expression of IL-37 in mice extends survival, reduces hepatic damage, expression of early markers of fibrosis and histologically assessed liver fibrosis after bile duct ligation. IL-37tg mice were protected against CCl4-induced liver inflammation. Colitis-associated liver inflammation and fibrosis was less severe in IL-10 knockout IL-37tg mice. Spontaneous and LPS/TGF-β-induced cytokine release and profibrogenic gene expression was lower in HSC and KC isolated from IL-37tg mice and IL-37 overexpressing, IL-1β stimulated human LX-2 stellate cells. However, administration of recombinant human IL-37 did not modulate fibrosis pathways after BDL in mice, LX2 cells or murine HSCs. In a large clinical cohort, we observed a positive correlation of serum IL-37 levels with disease severity in liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Predominantly intracellular IL-37 downregulates liver inflammation and fibrosis. The correlation of serum IL-37 with disease severity in cirrhosis suggests its potential as a novel target modulating the course of liver fibrosis.

Immunopathobiology and therapeutic targets related to cytokines in liver diseases

Chronic liver injury with any etiology can progress to fibrosis and the end-stage diseases cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The progression of liver disease is controlled by a variety of factors, including liver injury, inflammatory cells, inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and the gut microbiome. In the current review, we discuss recent data on a large number of cytokines that play important roles in regulating liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and regeneration, with a focus on interferons and T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th9, Th17, interleukin (IL)-1 family, IL-6 family, and IL-20 family cytokines. Hepatocytes can also produce certain cytokines (such as IL-7, IL-11, and IL-33), and the functions of these cytokines in the liver are briefly summarized. Several cytokines have great therapeutic potential, and some are currently being tested as therapeutic targets in clinical trials for the treatment of liver diseases, which are also described.

Therapeutic Interventions into Innate Immune Diseases by Means of Aptamers

The immune system plays a crucial role in the body's defense system against various pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as recognizes non-self- and self-molecules. The innate immune system is composed of special receptors known as pattern recognition receptors, which play a crucial role in the identification of pathogen-associated molecular patterns from diverse microorganisms. Any disequilibrium in the activation of a particular pattern recognition receptor leads to various inflammatory, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency diseases. Aptamers are short single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid molecules, also termed "chemical antibodies," which have tremendous specificity and affinity for their target molecules. Their features, such as stability, low immunogenicity, ease of manufacturing, and facile screening against a target, make them preferable as therapeutics. Immune-system-targeting aptamers have a great potential as a targeted therapeutic strategy against immune diseases. This review summarizes components of the innate immune system, aptamer production, pharmacokinetic characteristics of aptamers, and aptamers related to innate-immune-system diseases.

High Expression of Interleukin-33/ST2 Predicts the Progression and Poor Prognosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Hepatic Flare

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-33 (IL-33), along with its receptor suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), is capable of regulating immune responses. Immunologically mediated events play a critical role in the acute phase of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. The present study primarily aimed to determine whether the IL-33/ST2 axis could be used as a reliable biomarker to predict disease progression and prognosis.

METHODS

The study included 130 cases of CHB, with 48 cases in stable condition, 50 cases of progression to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and 32 cases of progression to HBV related pre-ACLF. The demographic data and laboratory test results were recorded and compared among the groups. The blood samples for the measurement of serum IL-33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) levels were collected at admission and evaluated twice using the ELISA method.

RESULTS

The patients in which the disease progressed to HBV-ACLF had the highest serum IL-33 and sST2 levels among the three groups (p<0.001). The correlation analysis showed that the serum IL-33 levels were associated with the levels of ALT (r = 0.367, p<0.001), AST (r = 0.456, p<0.001) and the MELD score (r = 0.377, p = 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of IL-33 and sST2 levels for differentiation of disease progression were 0.861 (95% CI: 0.787-0.934, p<0.001) and 0.788 (95% CI: 0.692-0.884, p<0.001), respectively. The serum IL-33 levels combined with the MELD score had the highest 90-day mortality prediction efficiency, with an AUC of 0.918 (95% CI: 0.859-0.977, p<0.001), a sensitivity of 92.3%, and a specificity of 88.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The IL-33/sST2 axis could be used to evaluate the progression and mortality in CHB patients with hepatic flare. The combinatorial use of multiple indicators could achieve the highest diagnostic and predictive accuracy.

Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody treatment ameliorates postoperative adhesion formation

Postoperative adhesion formation often ruins the quality of life or is an obstacle to illnesses with curative operation such as cancer. Previously we demonstrated that interferon-γ-promoted fibrin deposition drove postoperative adhesion formation. However, its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We found that myofibroblasts of the adhesion predominantly expressed signature molecules of mesothelial cells that line the serosa. Microarray analysis revealed IL-6 as a key underlying player, supported by elevated IL-6 levels in the peritoneal fluid of post-laparotomy human subjects. Injured serosa of cecum-cauterized mice also exhibited induction of Il6, which was followed by Tnf, concomitant with rapid accumulation of neutrophils, substantial population of which expressed TGF-β1, a master regulator of fibrosis. Besides, neutrophil-ablated mice showed reduction in induction of the adhesion, suggesting that TGF-β1⁺neutrophils triggered the adhesion. Human neutrophils expressed TGFB1 in response to TNF-α and TNF in response to IL-6. Moreover, anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody abrogated neutrophil recruitment and adhesion formation. Thus, IL-6 signaling represents a potential target for the prevention of postoperative adhesions.

The Influence of Photoperiod on the Action of Exogenous Leptin on Gene Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Their Receptors in the Thoracic Perivascular Adipose Tissue (PVAT) in Ewes

Leptin resistance is either a condition induced by human obesity or a natural phenomenon associated with seasonality in ruminants. In the cardiovascular system, the leptin resistance state presence is a complex issue. Moreover, the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) appears to be crucial as a source of proinflammatory cytokines and as a site of interaction for leptin contributing to endothelium dysfunction and atherosclerosis progression. So the aim of this study was to examine the influence of the photoperiod on the action of exogenous leptin on gene expression of selected proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors in thoracic PVAT of ewe with or without prior lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The experiment was conducted on 48 adult, female ewes divided into 4 group (n = 6 in each): control, with LPS intravenous (iv.) injection (400 ng/kg of BW), with leptin iv. injection (20 μg/kg BW), and with LPS and 30-minute-later leptin injection, during short-day (SD) and long-day (LD) seasons. Three hours after LPS/control treatment, animals were euthanized to collect the PVAT adherent to the aorta wall. The leptin injection enhanced IL1B gene expression only in the LD season; however, in both seasons leptin injection intensified LPS-induced increase in IL1B gene expression. IL1R2 gene expression was increased by leptin injection only in the SD season. Neither IL6 nor its receptor and signal transducer gene expressions were influenced by leptin administration. Leptin injection increased TNFA gene expression regardless of photoperiodic conditions. Only in the SD season did leptin treatment increase the gene expression of both TNFα receptors. To conclude, leptin may modulate the inflammatory reaction progress in PVAT. In ewe, the sensitivity of PVAT on leptin action is dependent upon the photoperiodic condition with stronger effects stated in the SD season.

Mild profile improvement of immune biomarkers in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who removed hepatitis C after HCV treatment: A prospective study

OBJECTIVE

There are a lack of consistency among articles in regards to the evolution of peripheral immune biomarkers after HCV therapy. We aimed to detect the most relevant changes in peripheral immune biomarkers among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) following peg-IFN-α/ribavirin therapy and to evaluate its normalization with respect to an HIV-monoinfected control group.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study in 99 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with samples at baseline (HIV/HCV-b-group) and at week 24 after SVR (HIV/HCV-f-group). We also used a control group of 39 HIV-monoinfected patients (HIV-group) negative for HCV and HBV infections, and who had undetectable HIV viral load and CD4⁺ >500 cells/mm³. Peripheral T cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry and plasma biomarkers by immunoassays.

RESULTS

HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had higher values of in IL-10, IL-4, IP-10, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, TNF-α, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and sTNFR-1 than HIV control subjects, both at the beginning and at the end of follow-up. Moreover, three biomarkers (CD4⁺CD38⁺, telomere length, and IL-1RA) were normalized in relation to the control group at the end of follow-up (the HIV/HCV-b group had higher values and the HIV/HCV-f group had similar values as the HIV-group). Additionally, LPS, IL-2, and IL-17A levels were higher in the HIV/HCV-f group than the HIV-group (24 weeks after SVR). During the follow-up, HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had a significant decrease by the end of follow-up in CD8⁺CD45RA^-CD28⁺, CD4⁺CD38⁺, CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^-/low, CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^-/low CD45RA^-, FABP2, LBP, IP-10, sVCAM1. Only CD4⁺CD38⁺ was normalized.

CONCLUSION

HIV/HCV-patients showed a slight improvement in the overall profile of immune biomarkers after achieving SVR.

Human skin-derived ABCB5+ stem cell injection improves liver disease parameters in Mdr2KO mice

Although liver transplantation is a potential effective cure for patients with end-stage liver diseases, this strategy has several drawbacks including high cost, long waiting list, and limited availability of liver organs. Therefore, stem cell-based therapy is presented as an alternative option, which showed promising results in animal models of acute and chronic liver injuries. ABCB5+ cells isolated from skin dermis represent an easy accessible and expandable source of homogenous stem cell populations. In addition, ABCB5+ cells showed already promising results in the treatment of corneal and skin injury. To date, the effect of these cells on liver injury is still unknown. In the current study, sixteen weeks old Mdr2KO mice were i.v. injected with 500,000 ABCB5+ cells using different experimental setups. The effects of cellular therapy on inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation were analyzed in the collected liver tissues. Toxicity of ABCB5+ cells was additionally investigated in mice with partial liver resection. In vitro, the fibrosis- and inflammatory-modulating effects of supernatant from ABCB5+ cells were examined in the human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2). Cell injections into fibrotic Mdr2KO mice as well as into mice upon partial liver resection have no signs of toxicity with regard to cell transformation, cellular damage, fibrosis or inflammation as compared to controls. We next investigated the effects of ABCB5+ cells on established biliary liver fibrosis in the Mdr2KO mice. ABCB5+ cells to some extent influenced the shape of the liver inflammatory response and significantly reduced the amount of collagen deposition, as estimated from quantification of sirius red staining. Furthermore, reduced apoptosis and enhanced death compensatory proliferation resulted from ABCB5+ cell transformation. The stem cells secreted several trophic factors that activated TGF-β family signaling in cultured LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), therewith shaping cell fate to an αSMAhigh, Vimentinlow phenotype. Taken together, ABCB5+ cells can represent a safe and feasible strategy to support liver regeneration and to reduce liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases.

Interleukin-1 Family Cytokines: Keystones in Liver Inflammatory Diseases

The pyrogenic property being the first activity described, members of the interleukin-1 superfamily (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, and the newest members: IL-33, IL-36, IL-37, and IL-38) are now known to be involved in several inflammatory diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, cancer, viral and parasite infections, and auto-inflammatory syndromes as well as liver diseases. Inflammation processes are keystones of chronic liver diseases, of which the etiology may be viral or toxic, as in alcoholic or non-alcoholic liver diseases. Inflammation is also at stake in acute liver failure involving massive necrosis, and in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the setting of liver transplantation. The role of the IL-1 superfamily of cytokines and receptors in liver diseases can be either protective or pro-inflammatory, depending on timing and the environment. Our review provides an overview of current understanding of the IL-1 family members in liver inflammation, highlighting recent key investigations, and therapeutic perspectives. We have tried to apply the concept of trained immunity to liver diseases, based on the role of the members of the IL-1 superfamily, first of all IL-1β but also IL-18 and IL-33, in modulating innate lymphoid immunity carried by natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells or innate T-αβ lymphocytes.

Human Amnion Epithelial Cell Therapy for Chronic Liver Disease

Liver fibrosis is a common consequence of chronic liver disease. Over time, liver fibrosis can develop into liver cirrhosis. Current therapies for liver fibrosis are limited, and liver transplant is the only curative therapy for patients who progress to end-stage disease. A potential approach to treat chronic liver disease with increasing interest is cell-based therapy. Among the multiple cell types which have been proposed for therapeutic uses, human amnion epithelial cells and amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal cells are promising. These cells are highly abundant, and their use poses no ethical concern. Furthermore, they exert potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in animal models of liver injury. This review highlights the therapeutic characteristics and discusses how human amnion epithelial cells can be utilised as a therapeutic tool for chronic liver disease.

Iranian crack induces hepatic injury through mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in the liver of Wistar rat

Objectives

Iranian crack (IC) is a heroin-based substance manifesting various pathologic side effects. Herein, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of IC-induced liver injuries in Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control, and IC (0.9 mg/kg/day/IP, for 30 days). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by DCF fluorescence staining. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK) were assessed by immunoblotting assay. The intensity of collagen fiber in the liver was also determined by Trichrome-Masson staining. Furthermore, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were measured using colorimetric methods.

Results

Our results showed that ROS production, p38 MAPK, c-JNK phosphorylation levels, and expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly elevated in the liver tissue of IC group as compared to the control group. Moreover, collagen fiber and ALT activity were increased in the liver tissue of IC group compared to the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of ALP between two groups. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the intensity of collagen fiber and the ALT activity, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β and liver enzymes activities including ALP, ALT, and AST.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that IC-induced liver cells injury is partially mediated by MAPK stress kinases. Therefore, regular liver examination in substance abuse is strongly recommended.

NLRP3 Inflammasome and IL-33: Novel Players in Sterile Liver Inflammation

In sterile liver inflammation, danger signals are released in response to tissue injury to alert the immune system; e.g., by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Recently, IL-33 has been identified as a novel type of danger signal or “alarmin”, which is released from damaged and necrotic cells. IL-33 is a pleiotropic cytokine that targets a broad range of immune cells and exhibits pro- and anti-inflammatory properties dependent on the disease. This review summarizes the immunomodulatory roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-33 in sterile liver inflammation and highlights potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways in liver disease.

Cytokinome of adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells: immunological and inflammatory features

Background

Being non-immunogenic and capable of achieving major metabolic liver functions, adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSCs) are of special interest in the field of liver cell therapy. The cytokine repertoire of engrafted cells may have critical impacts on the immune response balance, particularly during cell transplantation.

Methods

In this work, we analyzed the cytokinome of ADHLSCs during hepatogenic differentiation (HD) following stimulation with a mixture of inflammatory cytokines (I) in vitro and compared it to that of mature hepatocytes.

Results

Independent of their hepatic state, ADHLSCs showed no constitutive expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which were significantly induced by inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CCL5, IL-12a, IL-12b, IL-23p19, IL-27p28 and EBI-3). IL1-RA and IDO-1, as immunoregulatory cytokines, were highly induced in undifferentiated ADHLSCs, whereas TGF-β was downregulated by both hepatic and inflammatory events. Interestingly, TDO-1 was exclusively expressed in ADHLSCs after hepatic differentiation and enhanced by inflammatory cytokines. Compared to mature hepatocytes, hepatic-differentiated ADHLSCs showed significantly different cytokine expression patterns.

Conclusions

By establishing the cytokinome of ADHLSCs and highlighting their immunological and inflammatory features, we can enhance our knowledge about the safety and efficiency of the transplantation strategy.

Sexual dimorphism of estrogen-sensitized synoviocytes contributes to gender difference in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is approximately twice as prevalent in women than in men. Synoviocytes are believed to play a critical role in joint inflammation. However, it is unknown whether synoviocytes from different genders possess sexual dimorphisms that contribute to female-predominant TMJOA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Freund's complete adjuvant combined with monosodium iodoacetate was used to induce TMJOA in female and male rats. Histologic and radiographic features were used to evaluate TMJOA. The expression of CD68, MCP-1, iNOS, and IL-1β was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) isolated from the synovial membrane of female and male rats were used for in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Female rats showed aggravated TMJOA features as compared to male rats. Increased expression of iNOS and IL-1β was detected in synovial membrane from female TMJOA rats as compared to male rats. Furthermore, greater amounts of CD68-positive macrophage infiltration and increased MCP-1 expression around the synovial membrane were detected in female TMJOA rats compared to males. Primary cultured FLSs from female rats showed higher sensitivity to TNF-α treatment and recruited increased macrophage migration than male FLSs. More important, ovariectomy (OVX) by ablation in female rats repressed the sensitivity of female FLSs to TNF-α treatment due to the loss of estrogen production. Blockage of the estrogen receptor repressed estrogen-potentiated TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in OVX-FLSs. Moreover, the injection of estrogen receptor antagonists relieved the cartilage destruction and bone deterioration of TMJOA in female rats.

CONCLUSION

Estrogen-sensitized synoviocytes in female rats may contribute to gender differences in the incidence and progression of TMJOA.

NOD-Like Receptor Protein 3 Inflammasome-Dependent IL-1β Accelerated ConA-Induced Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive inflammatory disorders of unknown etiology, characterized by immune-mediated destruction of hepatocytes and massive production of cytokines. Interleukin-1β is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine and well known to be critical in a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, the role of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in AIH is still indistinct. Here, we first investigated the significance of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-dependent IL-1β in the pathogenesis of AIH with a murine model of immune-mediated hepatitis induced by Concanavalin A (ConA). In ConA-treated mice, pathogenic elevated NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β levels, as well as an inflammatory cell death known as pyroptosis predominantly occurred in the livers. Strikingly, NLRP3^−/− and caspase-1^−/− mice were broadly protected from hepatitis as determined by decreased histological liver injury, serum aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate transaminase levels, and pyroptosis. In vivo intervention with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1Ra) strongly suppressed ConA-induced hepatitis by decreasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) secretion, and inflammatory cell infiltration into livers. Additionally, rhIL-1Ra-pretreated mice developed significantly reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Scavenging of ROS by N-acetyl-cysteine also attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and liver inflammation, indicating that the essential role of ROS in mediating NLRP3 inflammasome activation in ConA-induced hepatitis. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent IL-1β production was crucial in the pathogenesis of ConA-induced hepatitis, which shed light on the development of promising therapeutic strategies for AIH by blocking NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β.

A comparison of Illumina and Ion Torrent sequencing platforms in the context of differential gene expression

Background

Though Illumina has largely dominated the RNA-Seq field, the simultaneous availability of Ion Torrent has left scientists wondering which platform is most effective for differential gene expression (DGE) analysis. Previous investigations of this question have typically used reference samples derived from cell lines and brain tissue, and do not involve biological variability. While these comparisons might inform studies of tissue-specific expression, marked by large-scale transcriptional differences, this is not the common use case.

Results

Here we employ a standard treatment/control experimental design, which enables us to evaluate these platforms in the context of the expression differences common in differential gene expression experiments. Specifically, we assessed the hepatic inflammatory response of mice by assaying liver RNA from control and IL-1β treated animals with both the Illumina HiSeq and the Ion Torrent Proton sequencing platforms. We found the greatest difference between the platforms at the level of read alignment, a moderate level of concordance at the level of DGE analysis, and nearly identical results at the level of differentially affected pathways. Interestingly, we also observed a strong interaction between sequencing platform and choice of aligner. By aligning both real and simulated Illumina and Ion Torrent data with the twelve most commonly-cited aligners in the literature, we observed that different aligner and platform combinations were better suited to probing different genomic features; for example, disentangling the source of expression in gene-pseudogene pairs.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results indicate that while Illumina and Ion Torrent have similar capacities to detect changes in biology from a treatment/control experiment, these platforms may be tailored to interrogate different transcriptional phenomena through careful selection of alignment software.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-4011-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Human hepatic stellate cells and inflammation: A regulated cytokine network balance

AIM

Uncertainty about the safety of cell therapy continues to be a major challenge to the medical community. Inflammation and the associated immune response represent a major safety concern hampering the development of long-term clinical therapy. In vivo interactions between the cell graft and the host immune system are mediated by functional environmental sensors and stressors that play significant roles in the immunobiology of the graft. Within this context, human liver stellate cells (HSC) demonstrated marked immunological plasticity that has main importance for future liver cell therapy application.

METHODS

By using qPCR technique, we established the cytokine gene expression profile of HSCs and investigated the effect of an inflammatory environment on the immunobiology of HSCs.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

HSCs present a specific immunological profile as demonstrated by the expression and modulation of major immunological cytokines. Under constitutive conditions, the cytokine pattern expressed by HSCs was characterized by the high expression of IL-6. Inflammation critically modulated the expression of major immunological cytokines. As evidenced by the induction of the expression of several inflammatory genes, HSCs acquire a pro-inflammatory profile that ultimately might have critical implications for their immunological shape.

CONCLUSION

These new observations have to be taken into account in any future liver cell therapy application based on the use of HSCs.

Interleukin-37 expression and its potential role in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Interleukin 37 (IL-37) has been reported to play a significant role in innate immune response and to be involved in several kinds of cancers. However, the investigation of association between IL-37 and oral mucosa carcinogenesis hasn't been clearly established. The aim of the study was to assess IL-37 expression and explore its role in oral mucosa carcinogenesis. The expression of IL-37 increased from normal control (NC) to Oral leukoplakia (OLK) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Moreover, statistically highly significant difference was present between scores of OLK with and without mild/moderate dysplasia (P < 0.001). In addition, IL-37 expression was lower in OSCC with lymph node metastasis than those without metastasis (P < 0.01). What's more, overexpression of IL-37 in RAW264.7 cells remarkably reduced the pseudopodia, vacuolization and the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Finally, we found IL-37 and its receptor IL-18Rα but not its binding partner IL-18BP have similar tissue location and expression trend in different stages of oral mucosa carcinogenesis. Overall, IL-37 can be used as a biomarker for early oral tumorigenesis and for malignant transformation risk assessment of premalignant lesions.