Dynamics of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine release during acute inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an ex vivo study

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) chemokine CXCL11

Chemokines are small, secreted proteins with chemoattractive properties, which play an important role in the recruitment and activation of immune cells. CXCL11 is a CXC chemokine specific for the CXCR3 receptors, which has been shown to mediate the generation of Th1-type immune responses and have bactericidal effects similar to defensins. Herein, we cloned the full-length cDNA of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) CXCL11, designated as PsCXCL11, which consist of an open reading frame (ORF) of 282 bp encoding 93 amino acids, with estimated molecular weight of 10.055 kDa and isoelectric point of 10.37. The deduced PsCXCL11 sequence had a signal peptide, a highly conserved family-specific small cytokine (SCY) domain, one putative N-glycosylation site and ten potential phosphorylation sites. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship between P. sinensis and Chelydra Serpentina CXCL11. P. sinensis CXCL11 basal expression levels were higher in heart, kidney and spleen than in other organs of health turtles. Infections of Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus led to significant upregulation of P. sinensis CXCL11 in the blood, while significant upregulation of PsCXCL11 were observed in liver and spleen after infection of A. hydrophila, but not S. aureus. PsCXCL11 recombinant protein with His-tag was successfully expressed by an auto-inducible expression system, and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. These findings laid a solid foundation for further research towards development of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle as a model for the role of CXCL11 in regulating inflammatory responses to stimulation by invading pathogens.

Association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and biomarkers indicative of inflammation and oxidative stress: a cross-sectional study using KoGES-HEXA data

BACKGROUND

Air pollution-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are hypothesized to be the major biological mechanisms underlying pathological outcomes. We examined the association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in 2199 general middle-aged Korean population residing in metropolitan areas.

METHODS

Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured. Daily concentrations of a series of air pollutants (particulate matter [PM]10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) were predicted using the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system, and participant-level pollutant exposure was determined using geocoded residential addresses. Short-term exposure was defined as the 1- to 7-day moving averages.

RESULTS

The multivariable-adjusted linear models controlling for the sociodemographic, lifestyle, temporal, and meteorological factors identified positive associations of PM with IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and 8-OHdG levels; SO2 with IL-10 levels, CO with IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α levels; and O3 with IL-1β, IL-8, and 8-OHdG levels. O3 levels were inversely associated with IL-10 levels. For each pollutant, the strongest associations were observed for the 7-day average PM and CO with IL-1β (per 10-µg/m3 increase in PM10: 2.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.6-4.8; per 10-µg/m3 increase in PM2.5: 6.4%, 95% CI = 2.4-10.5; per 0.1-ppm increase in CO: 3.3%, 95% CI = 0.3-6.5); the 2-day average SO2 with IL-10 levels (per 1-ppb increase in SO2: 1.1%, 95% CI = 0.1-2.1); and the 7-day average O3 with IL-8 levels (per 1-ppb increase in O3: 1.3%, 95% CI = 0.7-1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollutants may induce oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory roles, together with counter-regulatory anti-inflammatory response.

Processing stimulus dynamics by the NF-κB network in single cells

Cells at the site of an infection experience numerous biochemical signals that vary in amplitude, space, and time. Despite the diversity of dynamic signals produced by pathogens and sentinel cells, information-processing pathways converge on a limited number of central signaling nodes to ultimately control cellular responses. In particular, the NF-κB pathway responds to dozens of signals from pathogens and self, and plays a vital role in processing proinflammatory inputs. Studies addressing the influence of stimulus dynamics on NF-κB signaling are rare due to technical limitations with live-cell measurements. However, recent advances in microfluidics, automation, and image analysis have enabled investigations that yield high temporal resolution at the single-cell level. Here, we summarize the recent research which measures and models the NF-κB response to pulsatile and fluctuating stimulus concentrations, as well as different combinations and sequences of signaling molecules. Collectively, these studies show that the NF-κB network integrates external inflammatory signals and translates these into downstream transcriptional responses.

Da-Yuan-Yin decoction polyphenol fraction attenuates acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide

CONTEXT

Da-Yuan-Yin is a Chinese traditional prescription.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the therapeutic effects of the Da-Yuan-Yin decoction polyphenol fraction (DYY-4) on acute lung injury (ALI) in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mice (n = 10) were orally administrated with DYY-4 (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) or DXM (5 mg/kg), half an hour after LPS (2 mg/kg) instilled intratracheally. The protein content and the levels of inflammatory factors, the levels of complements, the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the expression of the IkB kinase (IKK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), the lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio and lung tissue were evaluated, 24 h after LPS challenge. Network pharmacology predicted potential targets.

RESULTS

DYY-4 (30, 60 mg/kg, p < 0.01, p < 0.01) decreased the lung W/D ratio, total protein concentration, the levels of C3, C3c and C5a, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, while increased the levels of IL-4 and IL-10. DYY-4 (60 mg/kg) decreased the levels of C5aR1, C5b-9 and COX-2 mRNA (p < 0.05), the levels of MPO and iNOS mRNA, the activation of the IKK/NF-κB pathway (p < 0.01), and increased the levels of IL-13 and SOD (p < 0.01). DYY-4 (60 mg/kg) relieved the lung tissue pathological changes and reduced the C3c deposition.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Network pharmacology combined with animal experiments revealed the targets of DYY-4 alleviating ALI.

Blood myeloid cells differentiate to lung resident cells and respond to pathogen stimuli in a 3D human tissue-engineered lung model

Introduction: Respiratory infections remain a leading global health concern. Models that recapitulate the cellular complexity of the lower airway of humans will provide important information about how the immune response reflects the interactions between diverse cell types during infection. We developed a 3D human tissue-engineered lung model (3D-HTLM) composed of primary human pulmonary epithelial and endothelial cells with added blood myeloid cells that allows assessment of the innate immune response to respiratory infection. Methods: The 3D-HTLM consists of small airway epithelial cells grown at air-liquid interface layered on fibroblasts within a collagen matrix atop a permeable membrane with pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells layered underneath. After the epithelial and endothelial layers had reached confluency, an enriched blood monocyte population, containing mostly CD14+ monocytes (Mo) with minor subsets of CD1c+ classical dendritic cells (cDC2s), monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs), and CD16+ non-classical monocytes, was added to the endothelial side of the model. Results: Immunofluorescence imaging showed the myeloid cells migrate through and reside within each layer of the model. The myeloid cell subsets adapted to the lung environment in the 3D-HTLM, with increased proportions of the recovered cells expressing lung tissue resident markers CD206, CD169, and CD163 compared with blood myeloid cells, including a population with features of alveolar macrophages. Myeloid subsets recovered from the 3D-HTLM displayed increased expression of HLA-DR and the co-stimulatory markers CD86, CD40, and PDL1. Upon stimulation of the 3D-HTLM with the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the CD31+ endothelial cells increased expression of ICAM-1 and the production of IL-10 and TNFα was dependent on the presence of myeloid cells. Challenge with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) led to increased expression of macrophage activation and antiviral pathway genes by cells in the 3D-HTLM. Discussion: The 3D-HTLM provides a lower airway environment that promotes differentiation of blood myeloid cells into lung tissue resident cells and enables the study of respiratory infection in a physiological cellular context.

Perspective for Discovery of Small Molecule IL-6 Inhibitors through Study of Structure–Activity Relationships and Molecular Docking

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis and physiology of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as coronary heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and most recently COVID-19. IL-6 and its signaling pathway are promising targets in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although, anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies are currently being used in clinics, huge unmet medical needs remain because of the high cost, administration-related toxicity, lack of opportunity for oral dosing, and potential immunogenicity of monoclonal antibody therapy. Furthermore, nonresponse or loss of response to monoclonal antibody therapy has been reported, which increases the importance of optimizing drug therapy with small molecule drugs. This work aims to provide a perspective for the discovery of novel small molecule IL-6 inhibitors by the analysis of the structure-activity relationships and computational studies for protein-protein inhibitors targeting the IL-6/IL-6 receptor/gp130 complex.

Screening and identification of tissue-infiltrating immune cells and genes for patients with emphysema phenotype of COPD

Objective

To study the tissue-infiltrating immune cells of the emphysema phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and find the molecular mechanism related to the development of emphysema to offer potential targets for more precise treatment of patients with COPD.

Methods

Combined analyses of COPD emphysema phenotype lung tissue-related datasets, GSE47460 and GSE1122, were performed. CIBERSORT was used to assess the distribution of tissue-infiltrating immune cells. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to select immune key genes closely related to clinical features. Rt-qPCR experiments were used for the validation of key genes. Emphysema risk prediction models were constructed by logistic regression analysis and a nomogram was developed.

Results

In this study, three immune cells significantly associated with clinical features of emphysema (FEV1 post-bronchodilator % predicted, GOLD Stage, and DLCO) were found. The proportion of neutrophils (p=0.025) infiltrating in the emphysema phenotype was significantly increased compared with the non-emphysema phenotype, while the proportions of M2 macrophages (p=0.004) and resting mast cells (p=0.01) were significantly decreased. Five immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found. WGCNA and clinical lung tissue validation of patients with emphysema phenotype were performed to further screen immune-related genes closely related to clinical features. A key gene (SERPINA3) was selected and included in the emphysema risk prediction model. Compared with the traditional clinical prediction model (AUC=0.923), the combined prediction model, including SERPINA3 and resting mast cells (AUC=0.941), had better discrimination power and higher net benefit.

Conclusion

This study comprehensively analyzed the tissue-infiltrating immune cells significantly associated with emphysema phenotype, including M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and resting mast cells, and identified SERPINA3 as a key immune-related gene.

NF-κB memory coordinates transcriptional responses to dynamic inflammatory stimuli

Many scenarios in cellular communication require cells to interpret multiple dynamic signals. It is unclear how exposure to inflammatory stimuli alters transcriptional responses to subsequent stimulus. Using high-throughput microfluidic live-cell analysis, we systematically profile the NF-κB response to different signal sequences in single cells. We find that NF-κB dynamics store the short-term history of received signals: depending on the prior pathogenic or cytokine signal, the NF-κB response to subsequent stimuli varies from no response to full activation. Using information theory, we reveal that these stimulus-dependent changes in the NF-κB response encode and reflect information about the identity and dose of the prior stimulus. Small-molecule inhibition, computational modeling, and gene expression profiling show that this encoding is driven by stimulus-dependent engagement of negative feedback modules. These results provide a model for how signal transduction networks process sequences of inflammatory stimuli to coordinate cellular responses in complex dynamic environments.

Interlocked feedback loops balance the adaptive immune response

Adaptive immune responses can be activated by harmful stimuli. Upon activation, a cascade of biochemical events ensues the proliferation and the differentiation of T cells, which can remove the stimuli and undergo cell death to maintain immune cell homeostasis. However, normal immune processes can be disrupted by certain dysregulations, leading to pathological responses, such as cytokine storms and immune escape. In this paper, a qualitative mathematical model, composed of key feedback loops within the immune system, was developed to study the dynamics of various response behaviors. First, simulation results of the model well reproduce the results of several immune response processes, particularly pathological immune responses. Next, we demonstrated how the interaction of positive and negative feedback loops leads to irreversible bistable, reversible bistable and monostable, which characterize different immune response processes: cytokine storm, normal immune response, immune escape. The stability analyses suggest that the switch-like behavior is the basis of rapid activation of the immune system, and a balance between positive and negative regulation loops is necessary to prevent pathological responses. Furthermore, we have shown how the treatment moves the system back to a healthy state from the pathological immune response. The bistable mechanism that revealed in this work is helpful to understand the dynamics of different immune response processes.

The strong correlation between ADAM33 expression and airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and candidate for biomarker and treatment of COPD

Airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an amplified response of the normal immune system that occurs as a result of chronic irritation by toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke. This leads to the characteristic pathological changes in the inflammatory cells of COPD patients. ADAM33 has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD in East Asia by affecting airway inflammation and other immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of ADAM33 (mRNA and soluble levels) as a biomarker of inflammation in COPD patients. This is a case control study using consecutive sampling. The COPD case and control (non-COPD) groups comprised 37 and 29 patients, respectively. We used univariate analysis to assess differences in the parameters between the groups and bivariate analysis to non-parametrically compare these parameters between the two groups. We observed significantly higher mRNA levels of ADAM33 in the COPD patients (10.39 ± 1.76) as compared to that in the non-COPD individuals (6.93 ± 0.39; P < 0.001). The levels of soluble ADAM33 were also significantly higher in the COPD patients (2.188 ± 1.142 ng/ml) compared to the non-COPD individuals (0.487 ± 0.105 ng/ml; P < 0.001). The mRNA and soluble ADAM33 levels were significantly higher in COPD patients compared to those in the parameter-matched non-COPD individuals. Thus, ADAM33 is a potential biomarker and treatment for inflammation in COPD patients.

Vitamin D3 protects turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.) from bacterial infection

Accumulating evidence supports that vitamin D₃ (VD₃) possesses immunomodulatory properties besides its classical actions in calcium and bone homeostasis. In this study, juvenile turbots were fed with the diets containing 0 IU/kg VD₃ or the optimum dose of 400 IU/kg VD₃ for 8 weeks. To investigate the effects of VD₃ on anti-infectious immunity in fish, 10⁷ CFU Edwardsiella tarda was injected intraperitoneally to each juvenile turbot after the feeding trial. Our results showed that the mortality of infected turbots with dietary VD₃ was much lower than that in VD₃ deficient group, and the supplementation of dietary VD₃ significantly reduced the bacterial load in the spleen of infected turbots. Further analysis demonstrated that the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in haemocytes and lysozyme activity in serum was elevated, and the responses of T cells and B cells were modulated in VD₃-supplemented turbots. Moreover, the inflammation was significantly exacerbated in the infected turbots fed with 0 IU/kg VD₃ compared to the fish fed with 400 IU/kg VD₃. In addition, the head kidney macrophages (HKMs) in turbots were isolated and incubated with VD₃in vitro, the results showed that VD₃ significantly promoted the bactericidal activity in HKMs. In conclusion, our study has shown clear evidence that VD₃ positively regulates the innate and adaptive immunity in fish, which is beneficial to the defense in fish against pathogen infection.

Inflammation Induces Changes in the Functional Expression of P-gp, BCRP, and MRP2: An Overview of Different Models and Consequences for Drug Disposition

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play a key role in drug pharmacokinetics. These membrane transporters expressed within physiological barriers can be a source of pharmacokinetic variability. Changes in ABC transporter expression and functionality may consequently affect the disposition of substrate drugs, resulting in different drug exposure. Inflammation, present in several acute and chronic diseases, has been identified as a source of modulation in drug transporter expression leading to variability in drug response. Its regulation may be particularly dangerous for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. In this context, numerous in vitro and in vivo models have shown up- or downregulation in the expression and functionality of ABC transporters under inflammatory conditions. Nevertheless, the existence of contradictory data and the lack of standardization for the models used have led to a less conclusive interpretation of these data.

α-Mangostin Alleviated Inflammation in Rats With Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis by Disrupting Adipocytes-Mediated Metabolism-Immune Feedback

A previously identified anti-rheumatic compound α-mangostin (MAN) possesses notable metabolism regulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the immune implication of MAN-altered fat metabolism on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats. Seven days after AIA induction, the rats received oral treatment of MAN at 50 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Metabolic indicators and basic clinical parameters were evaluated using samples collected on day 20 and 38 since immunization. Expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), stearoyl-coa desaturase 1 (SCD-1), toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2), (p)-JNK, (p)-p65 and IL-1β were investigated by either RT-qPCR or immunobloting methods. In in vitro experiments, we treated (pre)-adipocytes with monocytes/macrophages and MAN, and investigated the changes of macrophages brought by pre-adipocytes co-culture. Generally, MAN restored the impaired fat anabolism in AIA rats, indicated by increased fat reservoir, leptin and adiponectin secretion, and PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression. Meanwhile, it decreased circulating IL-1β and IL-6 levels, restored serological lipid profile changes, and relieved oxidative stresses, demonstrating potent therapeutic effects on AIA. AIA rats-derived monocytes inhibited mRNA PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression in pre-adipocytes. Contrarily, MAN facilitated adipocyte differentiation in vitro, and increased free fatty acids production. It also significantly increased PPAR-γ and SCD-1 expression, which can be abrogated by PPAR-γ inhibitor T0070907. Similarly, lipopolysaccharide-primed macrophages inhibited PPAR-γ expression in the co-cultured pre-adipocytes, which was reversed by MAN. In the same co-culture system, lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation was amplified by the co-existence of pre-adipocytes. More secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 and higher levels expression of COX-2, p-JNK, p-p65 and TLR4 were observed in lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages when co-cultured by pre-adipocytes. The intensified inflammatory situation was eased by MAN. The treatment with pre-adipocytes culture medium achieved similar effects. Medium from lipopolysaccharide-treated adipocytes promoted IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 production in separately cultured macrophages, and COX-2, p-JNK, p-p65 and TLR4 expression were increased at the meantime. MAN treatment on pre-adipocytes impaired these changes. It suggests that fat anabolism in AIA rats was deficient due to increased energy expenditure caused by inflammatory conditions. MAN restored fat metabolism homeostasis by up-regulating PPAR-γ, and reshaped secretion profile of adipocytes.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide-elicited NAMPT signaling activation aggravated adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by affecting peripheral immune cells differentiation

Supplement of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), the direct precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) has gained prominence due to the significant anti-aging potentials of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferas (NAMPT)/NAD⁺ signaling. Because over-expression of NAMPT is deeply implicated in inflammatory arthritis, we investigated the effects of NMN supplement on rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Tested rats were given oral treatment of NMN at 200 mg/kg/day for 25 days. Arthritis score and body weight were periodically recorded. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on arthritic manifestations, ELISA analysis and histological examination. T cells subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Expressions of protein and mRNA were assessed by immunoblotting and PCR methods, respectively. Levels of CD172a, CD43, and NAMPT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were investigated by immunofluorescence approach. Obtained results were further validated by experiments in vitro. Generally, NMN exacerbated AIA severity in rats. It deteriorated MMP3-controlled tissues damages, and altered immune profile by increasing Th17/Treg cells ratio. The up-regulation of NAMPT in PBMCs from NMN-treated rats was confirmed by both immunofluorescence and PCR experiments, which was synchronized with significant increase in iNOS, MCP-1, IL-1β expression. NMN-primed AIA PBMCs were potent in up-regulating MCP-1, IL-1β, MMP3 and p-JNK expression in synovioblast. NMN stimulus barely affected Th17 cells count in in vitro cultured splenocytes, but it greatly potentiated the capability of AIA monocytes in inducing IL-17α secretion and Th17 cells differentiation in the co-cultured splenocytes. It suggested that long-term NMN supplement could exacerbate inflammatory arthritis by reshaping the immune milieu through the up-regulation of NAMPT.

The Relationship Between Chemokine and Chemokine Receptor Genes Polymorphisms and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Susceptibility in Tatar Population from Russia: A Case Control Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease affecting primarily distal respiratory pathways and lung parenchyma. This study aimed to determine possible genetic association of chemokine and chemokine receptor genes polymorphisms with COPD in a Tatar population from Russia. SNPs of CCL20, CCR6, CXCL8, CXCR1, CXCR2, CCL8, CCL23, CCR2, and CX3CL1 genes and their gene-gene interactions were analyzed for association with COPD in cohort of 601 patients and 617 controls. As a result statistically significant associations with COPD in the study group under the biologically plausible assumption of additive genetic model were identified in CCL20 (rs6749704) (P = 0.00001, OR 1.55), CCR6 (rs3093024) (P = 0.0003, OR 0.74), CCL8 (rs3138035) (P = 0.0001, OR 0.67), CX3CL1 (rs170364) (P = 0.023, OR 1.21), CXCL8 (rs4073) (P = 0.007, OR 1.23), CXCR2 (rs2230054) (P = 0.0002, OR 1.32). Following SNPs CCL20 (rs6749704), CX3CL1 (rs170364), CCL8 (rs3138035), CXCL8 (rs4073), CXCR2 (rs2230054) showed statistically significant association with COPD only in smokers. The association of CCR6 (rs3093024) with COPD was confirmed both in smokers and in non-smokers. A relationship between smoking index and CCL20 (rs6749704) (P = 0.04), CCR6 (rs3093024) (P = 0.007), CCL8 (rs3138035) (P = 0.0043), and CX3CL1 (rs170364) (P = 0.04) was revealed. A significant genotype-dependent variation of Forced Vital Capacity was observed for CCL23 (rs854655) (P = 0.04). Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s / Forced Vital Capacity ratio was affected by CCL23 (rs854655) (P = 0.05) and CXCR2 (rs1126579) (P = 0.02). Using the APSampler algorithm, we obtained nine gene-gene combinations that remained significantly associated with COPD; loci CCR2 (rs1799864) and CCL8 (rs3138035) were involved in the largest number of the combinations. Our results indicate that CCL20 (rs6749704), CCR6 (rs3093024), CCR2 (rs1799864), CCL8 (rs3138035), CXCL8 (rs4073), CXCR1 (rs2234671), CXCR2 (rs2230054), and CX3CL1 (rs170364) polymorphisms are strongly associated with COPD in Tatar population from Russia, alone and in combinations. For the first time combination of the corresponding SNPs were considered and as a result 8 SNP patterns were associated with increased risk of COPD.

Hemodynamic changes in cytokines, chemokines, acute phase proteins and prostaglandins in mares with subclinical endometritis

Apparently healthy mares with conception failure or embryonic loss may have subclinical endometritis (SE). Our objective was to document evidence of systemic immune responses against SE in mares. In apparently healthy (control) mares as well as those with chronic endometritis (ChE) or subacute suppurative endometritis (SSE), both considered classes of SE, serum concentrations of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF_-α), chemokines (IL-8), acute phase protein (SAA), and plasma concentrations of prostaglandins (PGF_2α and PGE₂) were measured using validated enzyme linked immunoassays (EIA). Mixed-breed mares of known reproductive history, were used. Based on an endometrial cytological examination, mares were allocated into the following groups: healthy (control), ChE, and SSE (12, 26 and 11 mares, respectively). Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 and plasma PGF_2α concentrations were increased (P < 0.01) in mares with SSE compared to healthy mares. Furthermore, serum concentrations of IL-6 (P < 0.05) and IL-10 (P < 0.05) were elevated in the ChE group compared to the healthy group whereas serum SAA (P < 0.01) and plasma PGE₂ (P < 0.05) were higher in healthy mares compared to ChE and SSE mares. However, serum concentrations of IL-1β and TNF_-α were not significantly different among groups. In conclusion, there were two novel findings: (1) development of serum testing for a set of biochemical markers has promise to explore the pathogenesis of inflammation in mares with SE; and (2) none of the individual biomarkers studied, excluding IL-8, was a significant predictor of SE. However, serum IL-6:IL-10 and IL-6:TNF_-α concentrations, as well as plasma PGE₂:PGF_2α ratios, may yield a novel diagnostic marker for chronic subclinical endometritis.

The in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of triterpene saponins from Clematis florida

Clematis florida is widely used in She Ethnopharmacy in China owing to its significant anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the active fraction of C. florida (CFAF) in an arthritis animal model and its possible mechanism. Pre-inflammatory cytokine levels were examined by ELISA. CFAF can significantly improve the symptoms of arthritis such as paw swelling, arthritic index, and histological condition in AA rat. CFAF can also reduce levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Further studies showed that triterpene saponins from CFAF induced anti-inflammatory activity inhibited inflammatory mediators by blocking JAK/STAT signalling pathways in the LPS-treated macrophages.

Lack of CD34 delays bacterial endotoxin-induced lung inflammation

Background

CD34, a pan-selectin binding protein when glycosylated, has been shown to be involved in leukocyte migration to the site of inflammation. However, only one report is available on the expression and role of CD34 in neutrophil recruitment during acute lung inflammation.

Methods

We proceeded to study the role of CD34 in lung neutrophil migration using mouse model of endotoxin induced acute lung inflammation and studied over multiple time points, in generic CD34 knock-out (KO) strain.

Results

While there was no difference in BAL total or differential leukocyte counts, lung MPO content was lower in LPS exposed KO compared to WT group at 3 h time-point (p = 0.0308). The MPO levels in CD34 KO mice begin to rise at 9 h (p = 0.0021), as opposed to an early 3 h rise in WT mice (p = 0.0001), indicating that KO mice display delays in lung neutrophil recruitment kinetics. KO mice do not loose endotoxin induced lung vascular barrier properties as suggested by lower BAL total protein at 3 h (p = 0.0452) and 24 h (p = 0.0113) time-points. Several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, KC, MIP-1α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 p70 sub-unit; p < 0.05) had higher levels in WT compared to KO group, at 3 h. Lung immunofluorescence in healthy WT mice reveals CD34 expression in the bronchiolar epithelium, in addition to alveolar septa.

Conclusion

Thus, given CD34′s pan-selectin affinity, and expression in the bronchiolar epithelium as well as alveolar septa, our study points towards a role of CD34 in lung neutrophil recruitment but not alveolar migration, cytokine expression and lung inflammation.

NF-κB responds to absolute differences in cytokine concentrations

Cells receive a wide range of dynamic signaling inputs during immune regulation, but how gene regulatory networks measure such dynamic inputs is not well understood. Here, we used microfluidic single-cell analysis and mathematical modeling to study how the NF-κB pathway responds to immune inputs that vary over time such as increasing, decreasing, or fluctuating cytokine signals. We found that NF-κB activity responded to the absolute difference in cytokine concentration and not to the concentration itself. Our analyses revealed that negative feedback by the regulatory proteins A20 and IκBα enabled differential responses to changes in cytokine dose by providing a short-term memory of previous cytokine concentrations and by continuously resetting kinase cycling and receptor abundance. Investigation of NF-κB target gene expression showed that cells exhibited distinct transcriptional responses under different dynamic cytokine profiles. Our results demonstrate how cells use simple network motifs and transcription factor dynamics to efficiently extract information from complex signaling environments.

Intrauterine infusion of killed semen adversely affects uterine blood flow and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis

Persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) is a leading cause of infertility in mares. The objective of the study was to assess genital perfusion and endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in mares classified as susceptible (n = 5) or resistant (n = 5) to PBIE. Ten mares were examined daily during estrus until 6 d after hCG-induced ovulation for two estrous cycles. Twenty-four hours after application of 1500 IU hCG, 4 mL of killed (by repeated freezing in liquid nitrogen and thawing at 50 °C) deep-frozen semen or sterile saline was instilled into the uterine body and examinations were carried out immediately before and 3, 6, and 12 h after intrauterine infusion. Examinations included blood sampling to determine plasma progesterone (P₄) concentrations, and transrectal ultrasonography in B- and color Doppler mode to determine follicular and luteal size and blood flow, the extent of intrauterine fluid, as well as time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), blood flow volume (BFV), and blood flow resistance (expressed as pulsatility index, PI) of the uterine arteries. Additionally, endometrial biopsies were obtained at 24 h before, and 2 and 7 d after infusion, and mRNA expressions of IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNF, CASP3, and COX2 were determined by qRT-PCR. Statistical analyses were performed with mixed models. Intrauterine fluid retention (diameter >20 mm for at least 3 d) was found after infusion of killed semen in five susceptible mares. There was no treatment effect (semen vs saline; P > 0.05) on genital blood flow, plasma P₄ concentration, and endometrial gene expression. In comparison to resistant mares, susceptible mares had an increased (P = 0.04) BFV of the uterine arteries at 24 h before intrauterine infusion of killed semen, and an increased (P = 0.03) PI at 2 d after infusion. The TAMV, plasma P₄ concentrations, and follicular and luteal size and blood flow did not differ (P > 0.05) between resistant and susceptible mares. Endometrial mRNA expression of IL1B increased (P = 0.05) at 2 d after the infusion of killed semen in the susceptible mares, and the expression of IL10 increased (P = 0.003) at 7 d after the infusion within the resistant mares. Interleukin 6 mRNA was increased (P = 0.05) in susceptible compared to resistant mares at 2 d after infusion. In summary, an intrauterine infusion of killed semen increases uterine blood flow resistance and alters endometrial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines for at least 7 d but does not affect ovarian blood supply and luteal function in mares susceptible to PBIE.

Tetrachlorobisphenol A induced immunosuppression and uterine injury in mice

Tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA) is used as flame retardant, and it has been widely detected in the environmental and human samples. TCBPA is an endocrine disrupting chemical, but its effects on the immune system remains poorly understood. Here the effects of TCBPA on immune system were studied using combined in vivo and in vitro assays. Results showed that TCBPA could suppress the immune response in BALB/c mice via reducing the ratio of CD3⁺ T lymphocytes to regulatory T cells. Moreover, TCBPA exposure significantly induced the increasing secretion of four pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and four anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, GM-CSF) in mice serum. Interestingly, uterine edema was observed in over 80% TCBPA-treated mice after 14- day exposure. TCBPA was detected in 18.6% serum samples of 150 female volunteers in this study. Therefore, our findings provided evidence that TCBPA exposure may cause adverse outcomes on immune system and uterus, suggesting that environmental exposure of TCBPA, as well as its adverse effects on human health should be of concern.

Hydrogen gas (XEN) inhalation ameliorates airway inflammation in asthma and COPD patients

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen was proven to have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation effects to various diseases.

AIM

We wish to investigate the acute effects of inhaled hydrogen on airway inflammation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHODS

In total, 2.4% hydrogen containing steam mixed gas (XEN) was inhaled once for 45 min in 10 patients with asthma and 10 patients with COPD. The levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-γ, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and so on in peripheral blood and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) before and after 'XEN' inhalation were measured.

RESULTS

45 minutes 'XEN' inhalation once decreased monocyte chemotactic protein 1 level in both COPD (564.70-451.51 pg/mL, P = 0.019) and asthma (386.39-332.76 pg/mL, P = 0.033) group, while decreased IL-8 level only in asthma group (5.25-4.49 pg/mL, P = 0.023). The level of EBC soluble cluster of differentiation-40 ligand in COPD group increased after inhalation (1.07-1.16 pg/mL, P = 0.031), while IL-4 and IL-6 levels in EBC were significantly lower after inhalation in the COPD (0.80-0.64 pg/mL, P = 0.025) and asthma (0.06-0.05 pg/mL, P = 0.007) group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A single inhalation of hydrogen for 45 min attenuated inflammatory status in airways in patients with asthma and COPD.

Macrophage-polarizing stimuli differentially modulate the inflammatory profile induced by the secreted phospholipase A2 group IA in human lung macrophages

In this study we investigated the effects of snake venom Group IA secreted phospholipase A₂ (svGIA) on the release of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators from human lung macrophages (HLMs). HLMs were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or svGIA with or without macrophage-polarizing stimuli (IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ or the adenosine analogue NECA). M2-polarizing cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, CXCL8 and CCL1 release induced by both LPS and svGIA. IL-4 inhibited also the release of IL-10. IFN-γ reduced IL-10 and IL-12 and increased CCL1 release by both the LPS and svGIA-stimulated HLMs, conversely IFN-γ reduced IL-1β only by svGIA-stimulated HLMs. In addition, IFNγ promoted TNF-α and IL-6 release from svGIA-stimulated HLMs to a greater extent than LPS. NECA inhibited TNF-α and IL-12 but promoted IL-10 release from LPS-stimulated HLMs according to the well-known effect of adenosine in down-regulating M1 activation. By contrast NECA reduced TNF-α, IL-10, CCL1 and IL-1β release from svGIA-activated HLM. IL-10 and NECA increased both LPS- and svGIA-induced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) release. By contrast, IL-10 reduced angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1) production from activated HLMs. IFN-γ and IL-4 reduced VEGF-A and ANGPT1 release from both LPS- and svGIA-activated HLMs. Moreover, IL-10 inhibited LPS-induced ANGPT2 production. In conclusion, we demonstrated a fine-tuning modulation of svGIA-activated HLMs differentially exerted by the classical macrophage-polarizing cytokines.

Chitotriosidase Activity in Plasma and COPD Exacerbations

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine the association between plasma chitotriosidase activity and the clinical characteristics and exacerbation rate of COPD patients.

METHODS

The study comprised 97 patients with COPD. Their clinical characteristics and a history of exacerbations in the last 12 months were noted. Plasma chitotriosidase activity was determined. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and the number of moderate and severe exacerbations during this period was recorded.

RESULTS

Chitotriosidase activity positively correlated with patient age (rho = 0.217, p = 0.036) and inversely with CAT (rho = - 0.240, p = 0.020). There was no correlation with lung function. Chitotriosidase activity was significantly lower in patients with a history of ≥ 2 exacerbations compared to patients without a history of exacerbations (93 [38-312] vs. 264 [168-408] nmol/h/mL, p = 0.033). Overall, there was no difference in chitotriosidase activity between patients with or without observed exacerbations. Patients with a history of ≥ 1 exacerbation and ≥ 1 observed exacerbation had higher chitotriosidase activity compared to patients without further exacerbations (240 [144-456] vs. 52 [39-240] nmol/h/mL, p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis identified FEV₁ (HR 0.976, 95% CI 0.956-0.996, p = 0.016) and blood eosinophil percentage (HR 1.222, 95% CI 1.048-1.424, p = 0.011) as independent predictors of future exacerbations in the total patient population, while in patients with a history of ≥ 1 exacerbation ,the only independent predictor was chitotriosidase activity (HR per 10 nmol/h/mL 1.028, 95% CI 1.002-1.055, p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

While mixed associations between chitotriosidase activity and clinical outcomes were seen, chitotriosidase activity could be a predictor of future exacerbations in patients with a history of ≥ 1 exacerbation in the past  12 months.

The toxic potential of a fourth-generation E-cigarette on human lung cell lines and tissue explants

The use of electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) is rapidly increasing. The latest generation of E-cigs is highly customizable, allowing for high heating coil temperatures. The aim of this study was to assess the toxic potential of a fourth-generation E-cig. Aerosols generated from E-liquid with (24 mg/mL) and without nicotine, using a fourth-generation E-cig, were chemically analysed and compared with cigarette smoke (K3R4F). Human lung epithelial cell lines and distal lung tissue explants were exposed to E-cig vapour extract (EVE) and cigarette smoke extract for 24 hours and assessed for viability, inflammation, oxidative stress and genotoxicity. E-cig aerosols contained measurable levels of volatile organic compounds, aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in general, to a much lesser extent than cigarette smoke. Higher levels of certain carbonyls, e.g. formaldehyde, were detected in the E-cig aerosols. EVEs decreased cell viability of BEAS-2B cells, whereas little effect was seen in A549 cells and distal lung tissue. The nicotine-containing EVE caused a greater decrease in cell viability and significant increase in DNA damage than the nicotine-free EVE. Increased cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species production and genotoxicity were seen with cells and tissue exposed to cigarette smoke extract compared with EVEs. Although E-cig aerosols were less toxic than cigarette smoke, it was not benign. Moreover, the EVE containing nicotine was more toxic than the nicotine-free EVE. More research is needed on the short- and long-term health effects of vaping and the usage of newly emerging E-cig devices to evaluate better the potential negative effects of E-cigs on human health.

Modulation of Bronchomotor Tone Pathways in Airway Smooth Muscle Function and Bronchomotor Tone in Asthma

Airway smooth muscle is the primary cell mediating bronchomotor tone. The milieu created in the asthmatic lung modulates airway smooth muscle contractility and relaxation. Experimental findings suggest intrinsic abnormalities in airway smooth muscle derived from patients with asthma in comparison with airway smooth muscle from those without asthma. These changes to excitation-contraction pathways may underlie airway hyperresponsiveness and increased airway resistance associated with asthma.

Effects of repeated cigarette smoke extract exposure over one month on human bronchial epithelial organotypic culture

Cigarette smoke is a known risk factor for inflammatory diseases in the respiratory tract, and inflammatory exacerbation is considered pivotal to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Here, we performed two repeated exposure studies in which we exposed human bronchial epithelial tissues in an organotypic culture model to cigarette smoke extract (CSE); the first study was conducted over a four-day period to determine the suitable dose range for the extended exposure period, and the second was a one-month exposure study to elucidate the exposure-by-exposure effects in bronchial tissues. We focused on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and -1/3 and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-8 and growth factor related oncogene to evaluate the transition into an inflammatory state. Even at CSE doses with no or low toxicity for a single exposure, the repetition of exposure induced cumulative effects on both the inflammatory responses, specifically the IL-8 and MMPs levels, and tissue morphology. Interestingly, untreated controls initially had relatively high baseline levels of these secreted proteins; these levels gradually declined, after which they showed periodic level changes, suggesting an acclimation period may be needed for this system. These results demonstrate the usability of this system for the elucidation of sub-chronic effects in vitro.

Changes in Th1/Th2-producing cytokines during acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective This study aimed to explore cytokine serum levels and the ratio of type 1 T helper (Th1)/Th2 cells in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods A total 245 patients diagnosed with AECOPD and 193 patients who progressed to stable COPD after the initiation of treatment in hospital were selected, while a further 50 healthy individuals served as controls. All patients with COPD were diagnosed using Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. Serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and immunoglobulin (Ig)E were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results AECOPD patients had higher levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and IgE than those with stable COPD or controls. Intriguingly, the ratios of Th1/Th2 and IL-17/IgE were lower in AECOPD patients compared with the other two groups. These data suggest that AECOPD patients produce more IgE and have more differentiated Th2 cells than other groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that an imbalance of circulating CD4⁺ T cell subsets correlates with AECOPD, and that a shift of Th1/Th2 and IL-17/IgE ratios may be caused by increased Th2 cell production.

Hecogenin exhibits anti-arthritic activity in rats through suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis

Hecogenin is a steroidal sapogenin isolated from the leaves of Agave genus species that plays an important role in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of hecogenin in Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. The hecogenin (40 µl of 50 µg/kg, orally) and hecogenin + fluticasone (40 µl of 25 µg/kg, each, orally) was tested against Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by evaluating various parameters such as paw volume, arthritic score, joint diameter, spleen weight, thymus weight, haematological and biochemical parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Histopathological and radiological analyzes of ankle joints were also carried out. Treatment of rats with hecogenin and its combination elicited significant reduction in paw edema, arthritic score and joint diameter. Hecogenin and its combination also inhibited joint destruction in histopathological and radiological analyzes of ankle joint. Hecogenin and its combination significantly increased the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin but decreased the white blood cell count. The anti-arthritic activity was also confirmed with the change in biochemical parameters and myeloperoxidase assay. In the present investigation, hecogenin and its combination prevent destruction of cartilage and protect synovial membrane with improving health status through haematonic properties and down regulation of various cytokines. Hence, hecogenin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Hydrogen coadministration slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive pulmonary disease caused by harmful gases or particles. Recent studies have shown that 2% hydrogen or hydrogen water is effective in the treatment and prevention of a variety of diseases. This study investigated the beneficial effects and the possible mechanisms of different hydrogen concentrations on COPD.

Methods

A rat COPD model was established through smoke exposure methods, and inhalation of different concentrations of hydrogen was used as the intervention. The daily condition of rats and the weight changes were observed; lung function and right ventricular hypertrophy index were assessed. Also, white blood cells were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Pathologic changes in the lung tissue were analyzed using light microscopy and electron microscopy; cardiovascular structure and pulmonary arterial pressure changes in rats were observed using ultrasonography. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, caspase-3, caspase-8 protein, and mRNA levels in the lung tissue were determined using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The results showed that hydrogen inhalation significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metalloproteinase-12, caspase-3, and caspase-8, but increased the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression. Furthermore, hydrogen inhalation ameliorated lung pathology, lung function, and cardiovascular function and reduced the right ventricular hypertrophy index. Inhalation of 22% and 41.6% hydrogen showed better outcome than inhalation of 2% hydrogen.

Conclusion

These results suggest that hydrogen inhalation slows the development of COPD-like lung disease in a cigarette smoke-induced rat model. Higher concentrations of hydrogen may represent a more effective way for the rat model.

Defining the inflammatory signature of human lung explant tissue in the presence and absence of glucocorticoid

Background: Airway inflammation is a feature of many respiratory diseases and there is a need for newer, more effective anti-inflammatory compounds. The aim of this study was to develop an ex vivo human lung explant model which can be used to help study the mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses and which can provide a tool to aid drug discovery for inflammatory respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.

Method: Parenchymal lung tissue from 6 individual donors was dissected and cultured with two pro-inflammatory stimuli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/ml) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) (10 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of dexamethasone (1 µM).  Inflammatory responses were assessed using Luminex analysis of tissue culture supernatants to measure levels of 21 chemokines, growth factors and cytokines.

Results: A robust and reproducible inflammatory signal was detected across all donors for 12 of the analytes measured following LPS stimulation with a modest fold increase (<2-fold) in levels of CCL22, IL-4, and IL-2; increases of 2-4-fold in levels of CXCL8, VEGF and IL-6 and increases >4-fold in CCL3, CCL4, GM-CSF, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-1β.  The inflammatory signal induced by IL-1β stimulation was less than that observed with LPS but resulted in elevated levels of 7 analytes (CXCL8, CCL3, CCL4, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α).  The inflammatory responses induced by both stimulations was supressed by dexamethasone for the majority of analytes.

Conclusions: These data provide proof of concept that this ex vivo human lung explant model is responsive to inflammatory signals and could be used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of existing and novel compounds.  In addition this model could be used to help define the mechanisms and pathways involved in development of inflammatory airway disease.

Abbreviations: COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; IL-1β: interleukin-1 beta; PSF: penicillin, streptomycin and fungizone

HDAC1-3 inhibitor MS-275 enhances IL10 expression in RAW264.7 macrophages and reduces cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in mice

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) constitutes a major health burden. Studying underlying molecular mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic targets. Macrophages are orchestrators of COPD, by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. This process relies on transcription factors such as NF-κB, among others. NF-κB is regulated by lysine acetylation; a post-translational modification installed by histone acetyltransferases and removed by histone deacetylases (HDACs). We hypothesized that small molecule HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) targeting class I HDACs members that can regulate NF-κB could attenuate inflammatory responses in COPD via modulation of the NF-κB signaling output. MS-275 is an isoform-selective inhibitor of HDAC1-3. In precision-cut lung slices and RAW264.7 macrophages, MS-275 upregulated the expression of both pro- and anti-inflammatory genes, implying mixed effects. Interestingly, anti-inflammatory IL10 expression was upregulated in these model systems. In the macrophages, this was associated with increased NF-κB activity, acetylation, nuclear translocation, and binding to the IL10 promoter. Importantly, in an in vivo model of cigarette smoke-exposed C57Bl/6 mice, MS-275 robustly attenuated inflammatory expression of KC and neutrophil influx in the lungs. This study highlights for the first time the potential of isoform-selective HDACi for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases like COPD.

Inhibitory effects of Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch. -Bip. on adjuvant arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Saussurea involucrate (Kar. et Kir.) Sch. -Bip is an endangered species of the Compositae family, and this species has long been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, stomachache, and altitude sickness in Uighur folk and Chinese medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the different therapeutic efficacy of alcohol infusion (SEI) and water decoction (SWD) of S. involucrata in treating rheumatoid arthritis using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis (AA) in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats (160-180g) were immunized by intradermal injection of 0.1mL of CFA into the left hind metatarsal footpad. Aspirin was chosen as the positive drug. Alcohol infusion (SEI, 400 and 800mg/kg) and water decoction (SWD, 443 and 886mg/kg) of S. involucrata aerial parts were orally administered from day 1 and continued for 21 days. Arthritis severity was evaluated by arthritic score, body weight loss, and paw swelling. The levels of TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6 in the serum of AA rats were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological changes in the ankle joint were also analyzed in the AA rats.

RESULTS

Both SEI and SWD significantly ameliorated AA severity, as suggested by the modulatory effects on body weight loss, paw swelling, and arthritic score. Histopathological improvement in the joint architecture was also observed in the SEI- and SWD-treated AA rats. The overproduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was remarkably attenuated in the serum of all treated rats. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of SWD was more potent than that of SEI in treating rheumatoid arthritis using AA in a rat model, which was reported for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the extract of S. involucrata significantly attenuated adjuvant arthritis in rats by decreasing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum. S. involucrata has the potential to be regarded as a candidate for the treatment of human arthritis. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of SWD was much better than alcohol infusion, indicting that active constituents are mainly in the water extract, which is helpful for the clinical treatments to choose the appropriate process.

IL-12B and IL-10 gene polymorphisms in the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Functional genetic polymorphisms that altered gene expression of cytokines are candidate genetic factors that could modulate the development and progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). IL-12B gene encoded the IL-12p40 subunit, which is included in the pro-inflammatory heterodimeric cytokines IL-12p70 and IL-23. IL-10 is an important Treg cytokine suppressing inflammatory cytokine production and autoimmunity. This study was designed to compare -1082A/GIL-10 and +1188A/C3'UTRIL-12B genotype distribution in 130 patients with HT to a group of 157 healthy controls in attempts to determine an association with HT development. Genotyping for the 3'UTRA/C IL-12B polymorphism was performed using RFLP-PCR and genotyping for -1082A/G IL-10 by ARMS-PCR assay. Patients with HT were divided into euthyroid and hypothyroid stages. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-12B polymorphism between patients with HT and controls. We observed higher euthyroid HT risk for individuals with CC genotype, unlike to develop hypothyroidism with OR = 1.68. Regarding the polymorphism rs1800896, it was shown the significantly higher frequency of homozygous genotype GG in cases vs controls (OR = 2.19; P = 0.024). Moreover, the combination of genotype AA of 3'UTRIL-12B with GG of -1082IL-10 was associated with a threefold increasing risk (OR = 3.188; P = 0.022) of developing HT compared to individuals with the presence of 3'UTR allele C (AC+CC) simultaneously with AA genotype of -1082IL-10. Our data raise the possibility that the combined effect of polymorphisms from proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may be more decisive to HT development.

Characterization of TLR-induced inflammatory responses in COPD and control lung tissue explants

PURPOSE

Viruses are a common cause of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They activate toll-like receptors (TLRs) 3, 7, and 8, leading to a pro-inflammatory response. We have characterized the responses of TLR3 and TLR7/8 in lung tissue explants from COPD patients and control smokers.

METHODS

We prepared lung whole tissue explants (WTEs) from patients undergoing surgery for confirmed or suspected lung cancer. In order to mimic the conditions of viral infection, we used poly(I:C) for TLR3 stimulation and R848 for TLR7/8 stimulation. These TLR ligands were used alone and in combination. The effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) neutralization and dexamethasone on TLR responses were examined. Inflammatory cytokine release was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

WTEs from COPD patients released higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with WTEs from smokers. Activation of multiple TLRs led to a greater than additive release of TNFα and CCL5. TNFα neutralization and dexamethasone treatment decreased cytokine release.

CONCLUSION

This WTE model shows an enhanced response of COPD compared with controls, suggesting an increased response to viral infection. There was amplification of innate immune responses with multiple TLR stimulation.

Imbalance between subsets of CD8(+) peripheral blood T cells in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background. CD8⁺ T lymphocytes are known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, systematic analyses of CD8⁺ T cell (Cytotoxic T cells, Tc) subsets in COPD patients have yet to be well conducted.

Methods. The whole Tc subsets, including Tc1/2/10/17, CD8⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8⁺α7⁺ T cells, were quantified by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 24 stable COPD subjects (SCOPD), 14 patients during acute exacerbations (AECOPD), and 14 healthy nonsmokers (HN).

Results. Acute exacerbations of COPD were accompanied by elevated levels of circulating CD8⁺ T cells. Tc1 cells were increased in both SCOPD and AECOPD patients, whereas the percentage of Tc2 cells was decreased in SCOPD patients but remained normal in AECOPD patients. Tc17 cells were increased only in AECOPD patients, and the percentage of Tc10 cells was reduced in both SCOPD and AECOPD patients. The imbalances of pro/anti-inflammatory Tc subsets observed in COPD may be caused by the lack of Tc10 cells and the impaired anti-inflammatory capacity of CD8⁺ Tregs.

Conclusions. The imbalances between subsets of CD8⁺ peripheral blood T cells contribute to the immune response dysfunction in COPD pathogenesis.

Design of a novel thiophene inhibitor of 15-lipoxygenase-1 with both anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties

The enzyme 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) plays a dual role in diseases with an inflammatory component. On one hand 15-LOX-1 plays a role in pro-inflammatory gene expression and on the other hand it has been shown to be involved in central nervous system (CNS) disorders by its ability to mediate oxidative stress and damage of mitochondrial membranes under hypoxic conditions. In order to further explore applications in the CNS, novel 15-LOX-1 inhibitors with favorable physicochemical properties need to be developed. Here, we present Substitution Oriented Screening (SOS) in combination with Multi Component Chemistry (MCR) as an effective strategy to identify a diversely substituted small heterocyclic inhibitors for 15-LOX-1, denoted ThioLox, with physicochemical properties superior to previously identified inhibitors. Ex vivo biological evaluation in precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) showed inhibition of pro-inflammatory gene expression and in vitro studies on neuronal HT-22 cells showed a strong protection against glutamate toxicity for this 15-LOX-1 inhibitor. This provides a novel approach to identify novel small with favorable physicochemical properties for exploring 15-LOX-1 as a drug target in inflammatory diseases and neurodegeneration.

HDAC 3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in RAW 264.7 macrophages and mouse precision-cut lung slices by attenuating NF-κB p65 transcriptional activity

The increasing number of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a major and increasing health problem. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Class I HDACs 1, 2 and 3 play key roles in the regulation of inflammatory gene expression with a particular pro-inflammatory role for HDAC 3. HDAC 3 has been reported to be an important player in inflammation by deacetylating NF-κB p65, which has been implicated in the pathology of COPD. Here, we applied the pharmacological HDAC 3-selective inhibitor RGFP966, which attenuated pro-inflammatory gene expression in models for inflammatory lung diseases. Consistent with this, a robust decrease of the transcriptional activity of NF-κB p65 was observed. HDAC 3 inhibition affected neither the acetylation status of NF-κB p65 nor histone H3 or histone H4. This indicates that HDAC 3 inhibition does not inhibit NF-κB p65 transcriptional activity by affecting its deacetylation but rather by inhibiting enzymatic activity of HDAC 3. Taken together, our findings indicate that pharmacological HDAC 3-selective inhibition by inhibitors such as RGFP966 may provide a novel and effective approach toward development of therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases.

Inflammatory Diseases of the Lung Induced by Conventional Cigarette Smoke: A Review

Smoking-induced lung diseases were extremely rare prior to the 20th century. With commercialization and introduction of machine-made cigarettes, worldwide use skyrocketed and several new pulmonary diseases have been recognized. The majority of pulmonary diseases caused by cigarette smoke (CS) are inflammatory in origin. Airway epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages have altered inflammatory signaling in response to CS, which leads to recruitment of lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells to the lungs-depending on the signaling pathway (nuclear factor-κB, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activated. Multiple proteins are upregulated and secreted in response to CS exposure, and many of these have immunomodulatory activities that contribute to disease pathogenesis. In particular, metalloproteases 9 and 12, surfactant protein D, antimicrobial peptides (LL-37 and human β defensin 2), and IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17 have been found in higher quantities in the lungs of smokers with ongoing inflammation. However, many underlying mechanisms of smoking-induced inflammatory diseases are not yet known. We review here the known cellular and molecular mechanisms of CS-induced diseases, including COPD, respiratory bronchiolitis-interstitial lung disease, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, chronic rhinosinusitis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and chronic bacterial infections. We also discuss inflammation induced by secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure and the pulmonary diseases that result. New targeted antiinflammatory therapeutic options are currently under investigation and hopefully will yield promising results for the treatment of these highly prevalent smoking-induced diseases.

Air pollution and childhood bronchitis: Interaction with xenobiotic, immune regulatory and DNA repair genes

BACKGROUND

Gene-environment interactions have been investigated for diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer etc. but acute disease like bronchitis has rarely been studied. We investigated interactions between air pollution (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM2.5)) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in EPHX1, IL10, STAT4 and XPC genes in relation to bronchitis in children aged 0-2 years.

METHODS

A stratified random sample of 1133 Czech children, born between 1994 and 1998 in two districts, were followed since birth, of which 626 were genotyped. Pediatrician-diagnosed bronchitis episodes were obtained from the medical records. Central-site monitors measured air pollution exposure. We used multivariable logistic regression and estimated coefficients using generalized estimating equations. Interaction was assessed between pollutants and genes and associations in genotype-specific strata were presented. False discovery rate was used to adjust for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

There were 803 episodes of bronchitis with an incidence rate of 56 per 1000 child-months. We found significant gene-environment interaction between PAH and four SNPs (EPHX1, (rs2854461), STAT4 (rs16833215), XPC (rs2228001 and rs2733532)), which became non-significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. PM2.5 interactions with two XPC SNPs (rs2228001 and rs2733532) remained significant after accounting for multiple comparisons and those with CC alleles had a more than doubling of odds, OR=2.65 (95% CI: 1.91, 3.69) and 2.72 (95% CI: 1.95, 3.78), respectively, per 25 μg/m(3) increase in exposure.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the DNA repair gene XPC may play an important role in the air pollution-induced pathogenesis of the inflammatory disease bronchitis.