MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression in the prostatic tissue of two ethanol-preferring rat models

In Silico Study and Effects of BDMC33 on TNBS-Induced BMP Gene Expressions in Zebrafish Gut Inflammation-Associated Arthritis

The bone morphogenic protein (BMP) family is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily and plays a crucial role during the onset of gut inflammation and arthritis diseases. Recent studies have reported a connection with the gut-joint axis; however, the genetic players are still less explored. Meanwhile, BDMC33 is a newly synthesized anti-inflammatory drug candidate. Therefore, in our present study, we analysed the genome-wide features of the BMP family as well as the role of BMP members in gut-associated arthritis in an inflammatory state and the ability of BDMC33 to attenuate this inflammation. Firstly, genome-wide analyses were performed on the BMP family in the zebrafish genome, employing several in silico techniques. Afterwards, the effects of curcumin analogues on BMP gene expression in zebrafish larvae induced with TNBS (0.78 mg/mL) were determined using real time-qPCR. A total of 38 identified BMP proteins were revealed to be clustered in five major clades and contain TGF beta and TGF beta pro peptide domains. Furthermore, BDMC33 suppressed the expression of four selected BMP genes in the TNBS-induced larvae, where the highest gene suppression was in the BMP2a gene (an eight-fold decrement), followed by BMP7b (four-fold decrement), BMP4 (four-fold decrement), and BMP6 (three-fold decrement). Therefore, this study reveals the role of BMPs in gut-associated arthritis and proves the ability of BDMC33 to act as a potential anti-inflammatory drug for suppressing TNBS-induced BMP genes in zebrafish larvae.

IL-6 Signaling Link between Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment and Prostatic Tumorigenesis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are tumoral pathologies characterized by the overexpression of inflammatory processes. The exploration of tumor microenvironment and understanding the sequential events that take place in the stromal area of the prostate could help for an early management of these pathologies. This way, it is feasible the hypothesis that normalizing the stromal environment would help to suppress or even to reverse tumor fenotype. A number of immunological and genetic factors, endocrine dysfunctions, metabolic disorders, infectious foci, nutritional deficiencies, and chemical irritants could be involved in prostate tumor development by maintaining inflammation, affecting local microcirculation, and promoting oxidative stress. Inflammatory processes activate hyperproliferative programs that ensure fibromuscular growth of the prostate and a number of extracellular changes. Acute and chronic inflammations cause accumulation of immunocompetent cells in affected prostate tissue (T cells, macrophages, mastocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes). Prostate epithelial and stromal cells, peri-prostatic fat cells, prostatic microvascular endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells produce cytokines, generating a local inflammatory environment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) proved to be involved in the prostate tumor pathogenesis. IL-6 ability to induce pro- and anti-inflammatory responses by three mechanisms of signal transduction (classical signaling, transsignaling, cluster signaling), to interact with a diversity of target cells, to induce endocrine effects in an autocrine/paracrine manner, and the identification of an IL-6 endogenous antagonist that blocks the transmission of IL-6 mediated intracellular signals could justify current theories on the protective effects of this cytokine or by alleviating inflammatory reactions or by exacerbating tissue damage. This analysis presents recent data about the role of the inflammatory process as a determining factor in the development of benign and malign prostate tumors. The presented findings could bring improvements in the field of physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment in patients with prostate tumors. Modulation of the expression and activity of interleukin-6 could be a mean of preventing or improving these pathologies.

Gingival Response to Dental Implant: Comparison Study on the Effects of New Nanopored Laser-Treated vs. Traditional Healing Abutments

The health of peri-implant soft tissues is important for the long-term success rate of dental implants and the surface topography is pivotal in influencing it. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate, in human patients, the inflammatory mucosal microenvironment in the tissue surrounding a new, nanoscale, laser-treated healing abutment characterized by engineered nanopores versus a standard machined-surface. Analyses of anti- and pro-inflammatory markers, cytokeratins, desmosomal proteins and scanning electron microscopy were performed in 30 soft-tissue biopsies retrieved during second-stage surgery. The results demonstrate that the soft tissue surrounding the laser-treated surface was characterized by a lower grade of inflammation than the one facing the machined-surface, which, in turn, showed a disrupted epithelium and altered desmosomes. Moreover, higher adhesion of the epithelial cells on the laser-treated surface was detected compared to the machined one. In conclusion, the laser-treated surface topography seems to play an important role not only in cell adhesion, but also on the inflammatory makers’ expression of the soft tissue microenvironment. Thus, from a clinical point of view, the use of this kind of topography may be of crucial importance not only on healing abutments but also on prosthetic ones.