Salivary histatin 3 inhibits heat shock cognate protein 70-mediated inflammatory cytokine production through toll-like receptors in human gingival fibroblasts

Comparative Study of Ozonated Glycerol and Macrogol Ointment on Bone Matrix Production by Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line Saos-2

Ozonated glycerol is glycerol containing ozone, has no unpleasant odor, and has a long half-life. To apply ozonated glycerol for clinical use, ozonated macrogol ointment has been developed by adding macrogol ointment to ozonated glycerol to increase the retention in the affected area. However, the effects of ozone on this macrogol ointment were unclear. The viscosity of the ozonated macrogol ointment was approximately two times higher than that of ozonated glycerol. The effect of the ozonated macrogol ointment on the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2 (Saos-2 cells) proliferation, type 1 collagen production, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were studied. The proliferation of Saos-2 cells was assessed using MTT and DNA synthesis assays. Type 1 collagen production and ALP activity were studied using ELISA and ALP assays. Cells were treated for 24 h with or without 0.05, 0.5, or 5 ppm ozonated macrogol ointment. The 0.5 ppm ozonated macrogol ointment significantly elevated Saos-2 cell proliferation, type 1 collagen production, and ALP activity. These results also showed almost the same trend as for ozonated glycerol.

Inhibitory Mechanism of IL-6 Production by Orento in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line CAL27 Stimulated by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns from Periodontopathogenic Porphyromonas gingivalis

Orento is a traditional Japanese medicinal kampo preparation that is also prescribed in oral care. In oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line CAL27, orento significantly inhibited periodontopathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoproteins (PAMP)-stimulated production of interleukin (IL)-6. This suggests that orento negatively regulates PAMP-mediated toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Orento significantly suppressed PAMP-stimulated activation of the IL-6 promoter, indicating that orento may suppress the production of IL-6 by PAMP at the transcriptional level. Orento also suppressed TLR-mediated activation of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) that was stimulated by PAMP. This finding indicates that orento may suppress the function and activation of factors involved in TLR signaling, thereby suppressing NF-kB-dependent expression of various genes. Orento suppressed IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK4), IRAK1, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in PAMP-stimulated CAL27 cells. This result indicates that orento is involved in the initiation of TLR signaling by PAMP and suppresses the downstream signaling pathways of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-kB cascades. These findings suggest that orento has an inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Histatin-1 is an endogenous ligand of the sigma-2 receptor

The Sigma-2 receptor (S2R) (a.k.a TMEM97) is an important endoplasmic reticular protein involved in cancer, cholesterol processing, cell migration, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Niemann-Pick Type C. While several S2R pharmacologic agents have been discovered, its recent (2017) cloning has limited biological investigation, and no endogenous ligands of the S2R are known. Histatins are a family of endogenous antimicrobial peptides that have numerous important effects in multiple biological systems, including antifungal, antibacterial, cancer pathogenesis, immunomodulation, and wound healing. Histatin-1 (Hst1) has important roles in epithelial wound healing and cell migration, and is the primary wound healing agent in saliva. Little is understood about the downstream machinery that underpins the effects of histatins, and no mammalian receptor is known to date. In this study, we show, using biophysical methods and functional assays, that Hst1 is an endogenous ligand for S2R and that S2R is a mammalian receptor for Hst1.

The phenotype of gingival fibroblasts and their potential use in advanced therapies

Advanced therapies in medicine use stem cells, gene editing, and tissues to treat a wide range of conditions. One of their goals is to stimulate endogenous repair of tissues and organs by manipulating stem cells and their niche, as well as to optimize the intrinsic characteristics and plasticity of differentiated cells in adult tissues. In this context, fibroblasts emerge as an alternative source to stem cells because they share phenotypic and regenerative characteristics. Specifically, fibroblasts of the oral mucosae have been shown to have improved regenerative capacity compared to other fibroblast populations. Additionally, their easy access by means of minimally invasive procedures without generating aesthetic problems, with easy and rapid in vitro expansion and with great capacity to respond to extrinsic factors, make oral fibroblasts an attractive and interesting resource for regenerative medicine. This review summarizes current concepts regarding the phenotypic and functional aspects of human Gingival Fibroblasts and their niche, differentiating them from other fibroblast populations of oral-lining mucosa and skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, some applications are presented in regenerative medicine, emphasizing on the biological potential of human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Effect of Orento, a Traditional Japanese Medicine, on IL-6, IL-8 Secretion, Type 1 Collagen Production and Alkaline Phosphatase Secretion in the Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line Saos-2

Background: Orento, a traditional Japanese medicine, is known as Kampo medicine in Japan. We investigated the possible efficacy of Kampo medicine for periodontal disease. In this study, we examined the in vitro effects of orento on the proliferation of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, the production of type 1 collagen, and the secretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2 (Saos-2 cells). Methods: The proliferation of Saos-2 cells was assessed by MTT assay. IL-6 and IL-8 levels, type 1 collagen production and ALP secretion were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ALP assays. Saos-2 cells were treated with or without 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 μg/mL of orento for 24 h. Results: Orento (10 μg/mL) significantly induced the proliferation of Saos-2 cells. At this concentration, orento suppressed IL-6 and IL-8 and enhanced type 1 collagen production and ALP secretion. Conclusions: These results indicate that orento controls the IL-6 and IL-8 secretion and cellular metabolism of osteoblasts, resulting in the secretion of early bone-related biomarkers.

CSF Proteomics of Patients with Hydrocephalus and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Background

The pathophysiology of brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is associated with numerous mediators. The aim of the study is to analyse protein changes after SAH in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using mass spectrometry (MS).

Methods

CSF samples were obtained from forty-four control subjects, seven good outcome and ten poor outcome SAH patients. CSF samples were collected at specific time intervals after SAH (days 1, 5 and 10). MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight) and ClinProTools software were utilised for MS, MS/MS (Mass Spectrometry) spectra collection and analysis. Selected masses were identified. The MALDI-TOF profiling experiments allowed for the targeted selection of potential markers in SAH. The study was performed in three steps by comparison of CSF samples: (1) from the control group and SAH patients (both good and poor outcome groups); (2) collected on days 1, 5 and 10 within the groups of poor SAH and good SAH patients, respectively; (3) from poor outcome SAH and good outcome patients at days 1, 5 and 10.

Results

15 new proteins whose CSF level is alternated by SAH presence, SAH treatment outcome and time passed since aneurysm rupture were identified.

Conclusions

We demonstrated new proteins which might play a role in different stages of subarachnoid haemorrhage and could be a new target for further investigation.

Presence of Histatin-1 in Human Tears and Association with Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study

The aims of this study were to determine if histatin-1 (H1) is present in normal human tears and whether tear levels of H1 varied between normal patients and those with aqueous deficient dry eye disease (ADDE). Patient samples were obtained from 11 normal patients and 11 severe ADDE patients. Relevant patient characteristics, including age, sex, and dry eye disease (DED) diagnostic parameters were collected. Multiple qualitative and quantitative methods were used to compare the concentration of H1 between patient groups. Mixed linear modeling was used to compare H1 levels between groups, and diagnostic performance was assessed using the receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC). ADDE patients had significantly lower H1 concentrations (85.9 ± 63.7 ng/ml) than the normal group (891.6 ± 196.5 ng/ml) (p < 0.001), while controlling for age and sex. ROC analysis indicated that H1 concentration is potentially a biomarker for ADDE (area under curve = 0.96). Reclassification of patients by DED parameters including, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) (≤13, >13) and Schirmer I (without anesthesia) (<10 mm, ≥10 mm) showed significant differences in H1 level (OSDI, p = 0.004) and Schirmer I ((p = 0.010). In conclusion, this is the first preliminary report of the presence of H1 in human tears. H1 concentrations are lower in ADDE patients and H1 may have diagnostic potential in evaluation ADDE patients.

Concise Review: Therapeutic Potential of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Secretome and Extracellular Vesicles for Radiation-Induced Lung Injury: Progress and Hypotheses

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication in radiotherapy of thoracic tumors and limits the therapeutic dose of radiation that can be given to effectively control tumors. RILI develops through a complex pathological process, resulting in induction and activation of various cytokines, infiltration by inflammatory cells, cytokine-induced activation of fibroblasts, and subsequent tissue remodeling by activated fibroblasts, ultimately leading to impaired lung function and respiratory failure. Increasing evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may play a main role in modulating inflammation and immune responses, promoting survival and repair of damaged resident cells and enhancing regeneration of damaged tissue through soluble paracrine factors and therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Therefore, the use of the MSC-derived secretome and exosomes holds promising potential for RILI therapy. Here, we review recent progress on the potential mechanisms of MSC therapy for RILI, with an emphasis on soluble paracrine factors of MSCs. Hypotheses on how MSC derived exosomes or MSC-released exosomal miRNAs could attenuate RILI are also proposed. Problems and translational challenges of the therapies based on the MSC-derived secretome and exosomes are further summarized and underline the need for caution on rapid clinical translation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:344-354.

Recognition of Candida albicans by gingival fibroblasts: The role of TLR2, TLR4/CD14, and MyD88

Recent evidence indicates that nonprofessional immune cells such as epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts also contribute to innate immunity via secretion of cytokines. Fibroblasts are the principal type of cell found in the periodontal connective tissues and they are involved in the immune response during periodontal disease. The role of fibroblasts in the recognition of pathogens via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) has been established; however, few studies have been conducted concerning the involvement of innate immune receptors in the recognition of Candida albicans by gingival fibroblast. In the current study, we investigate the functional activity of TLR2, cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) molecules in the recognition of C. albicans by gingival fibroblast. First, we identified that gingival fibroblasts expressed TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4. Our results showed that TLR agonists had no effect on these receptors' expression by TLR2, MyD88, and CD14-deficient cells. Notably, C. albicans and a synthetic triacylated lipoprotein (Pam3CSK4) induced a remarkable increase of TLR3 expression on MyD88-deficient gingival fibroblasts. TLR4 expression levels were lower than TLR2 and TLR3 levels and remained unchanged after TLR agonist stimulation. Gingival fibroblasts presented morphological similarities; however, TLR2 deficiency on these cells leads to a lower proliferative response, whereas the deficiency on CD14 expression resulted in lower levels of type I collagen by these cells. In addition, the recognition of C. albicans by gingival fibroblasts had an effect on the secretion of cytokines and it was dependent on a specific recognition molecule. Specifically, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production after the recognition of C. albicans was dependent on MyD88, CD14, and TLR2 molecules, whereas the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-13 was dependent on TLR2. These findings are the first to describe a role of gingival fibroblast in the recognition of C. albicans and the pathways involved in this process. An understanding of these pathways may lead to alternative treatments for patients with periodontal disease.

The salivary proteome profile in patients affected by SAPHO syndrome characterized by a top-down RP-HPLC-ESI-MS platform

SAPHO syndrome is a rare and often unrecognized disease with prominent inflammatory cutaneous and articular symptoms characterized by musculoskeletal manifestations (synovitis, hyperostosis, osteomyelitis) associated with dermatological conditions (severe acne and pustulosis). The acidic soluble fraction of whole saliva from 10 adult women affected by SAPHO syndrome and from a group of 28 healthy women was analysed by RP-HPLC-ESI-MS with the aim of discovering salivary biomarkers of the disorder. The levels of the oral proteins and peptides were correlated with clinical data. The following proteins showed a significant decreased concentration in saliva of SAPHO subjects with respect to controls: cystatin S1 and SN, histatins, the major acidic PRPs, P-C and P-B peptides. The cystatin SN abundance lowered according to the disease duration and histatins showed positive correlations with the C reactive protein. Statistical analysis performed excluding one patient with a different pattern of salivary proteins/peptides highlighted a positive relationship between cystatin S1, histatins 3, histatin 5, and the neutrophil count. Moreover, histatin 3 correlated positively with the total white cell count and negatively with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Levels and frequency of S100A12 protein showed a trend to increase in SAPHO patients. The high expression of this pro-inflammatory protein is probably related to the inflammatory response and to the altered neutrophil responses to functional stimuli that characterize SAPHO syndrome suggesting a possible application as a salivary biomarker.

Salivary protein histatin 3 regulates cell proliferation by enhancing p27(Kip1) and heat shock cognate protein 70 ubiquitination

Histatins are salivary proteins with antimicrobial activities. We previously reported that histatin 3 binds to heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70), which is constitutively expressed, and induces DNA synthesis stimulation and promotes human gingival fibroblast (HGF) survival. However, the underlying mechanisms of histatin 3 remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the KRHH sequence of histatin 3 at the amino acid positions 5-8 was essential for enhancing p27(Kip1) (a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor) binding to HSC70 that occurred in a dose-dependent manner; histatin 3 enhanced the binding between p27(Kip1) and HSC70 during the G1/S transition of HGFs as opposed to histatin 3-M(5-8) (substitution of KRHH for EEDD in histatin 3). Histatin 3, but not histatin 3-M(5-8), stimulated DNA synthesis and promoted HGF survival. Histatin 3 dose-dependently enhanced both p27(Kip1) and HSC70 ubiquitination, whereas histatin 3-M(5-8) did not. These findings provide further evidence that histatin 3 may be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, particularly during G1/S transition, via the ubiquitin-proteasome system of p27(Kip1) and HSC70.

An immortalized rat pancreatic stellate cell line RP-2 as a new cell model for evaluating pancreatic fibrosis, inflammation and immunity

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic fibrosis and have emerging functions as progenitor cells, immune cells or intermediaries in pancreatic exocrine secretion. Increasing evidence has shown that desmin as an exclusive cytoskeleton marker of PSC is only expressed in part of these cells. This study was to establish a desmin-positive PSC cell line and evaluate its actions on pancreatic fibrosis, inflammation and immunity.

METHODS

The presence of cytoskeletal proteins, integrin α5β1 or TLR4, was determined by immunocytochemistry while the production of desmin, collagen I, MMP-1, MMP-2, TIMP-2, or CD14 was evaluated by Western blotting. The levels of desmin, collagen I, IL-1 and IL-6 mRNA were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. The secretion of cytokines was detected by ELISA. Cell function was assessed using adhesion, migration, or proliferation assays.

RESULTS

A stable activated rat PSC cell line (designated as RP-2) was established by RSV promoter/enhancer-driven SV40 large T antigen expression. RP-2 cells retained typical PSC properties, exhibited a myofibroblast-like phenotype and persistently produced desmin. The cells produced collagen I protein, matrix metalloproteinases and inhibitors thereof. RP-2 cells demonstrated typical PSC functions, including proliferation, adherence, and migration, the latter two of which occurred in response to fibronectin and were mediated by integrin α5β1. TLR4 and its response genes including proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and chemotactic cytokines (MCP-1, MIP-1α, Rantes) were produced by RP-2 cells and activated by LPS. LPS-induced IL-1 or IL-6 mRNA expression in this cell line was fully blocked with MyD88 inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

RP-2 cells provide a novel tool for analyzing the properties and functions of PSCs in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, inflammation and immunity in the pancreas.

Salivary microbiota reflects changes in gut microbiota in cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy

Altered gut microbiome is associated with systemic inflammation and cirrhosis decompensation. However, the correlation of the oral microbiome with inflammation in cirrhosis is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the oral microbiome in cirrhosis and compare with stool microbiome. Outpatients with cirrhosis (with/without hepatic encephalopathy [HE]) and controls underwent stool/saliva microbiome analysis (for composition and function) and also systemic inflammatory evaluation. Ninety-day liver-related hospitalizations were recorded. Salivary inflammation was studied using T helper 1 cytokines/secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), histatins and lysozyme in a subsequent group. A total of 102 patients with cirrhosis (43 previous HE) and 32 age-matched controls were included. On principal component analysis (PCA), stool and saliva microbiome clustered far apart, showing differences between sites as a whole. In salivary microbiome, with previous HE, relative abundance of autochthonous families decreased whereas potentially pathogenic ones (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae) increased in saliva. Endotoxin-related predicted functions were significantly higher in cirrhotic saliva. In stool microbiome, relative autochthonous taxa abundance reduced in previous HE, along with increased Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae. Cirrhotic stool microbiota demonstrated a significantly higher correlation with systemic inflammation, compared to saliva microbiota, on correlation networks. Thirty-eight patients were hospitalized within 90 days. Their salivary dysbiosis was significantly worse and predicted this outcome independent of cirrhosis severity. Salivary inflammation was studied in an additional 86 age-matched subjects (43 controls/43 patients with cirrhosis); significantly higher interleukin (IL)-6/IL-1β, secretory IgA, and lower lysozyme, and histatins 1 and 5 were found in patients with cirrhosis, compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysbiosis, represented by reduction in autochthonous bacteria, is present in both saliva and stool in patients with cirrhosis, compared to controls. Patients with cirrhosis have impaired salivary defenses and worse inflammation. Salivary dysbiosis was greater in patients with cirrhosis who developed 90-day hospitalizations. These findings could represent a global mucosal-immune interface change in cirrhosis.

Exogenous heat shock cognate protein 70 pretreatment attenuates cardiac and hepatic dysfunction with associated anti-inflammatory responses in experimental septic shock

It has been recently demonstrated that intracellular heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) can be released into extracellular space with physiologic effects. However, its extracellular function in sepsis is not clear. In this study, we hypothesize that extracellular HSC70 can protect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial and hepatic dysfunction because of its anti-inflammatory actions. In Wistar rats, septic shock developed with hypotension, tachycardia, and myocardial and hepatic dysfunction at 4 h following LPS administration (10 mg/kg, i.v.). Pretreatment with recombinant bovine HSC70 (20 μg/kg, i.v.) attenuated LPS-induced hypotension and tachycardia by 21% and 23%, respectively (P < 0.05), improved myocardial dysfunction (left ventricular systolic pressure: 33%; max dP/dt: 20%; min dP/dt: 33%, P < 0.05), and prevented hepatic dysfunction (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase: 81 vs. 593 IU/L; glutamic-pyruvic transaminase: 15 vs. 136 IU/L, P < 0.05) compared with LPS-treated rats at 4 h. Heat shock cognate protein 70 also prevented LPS-induced hypoglycemia (217 vs. 59 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (1,312 vs. 6,301 IU/L, P < 0.05). Furthermore, HSC70 decreased LPS-induced elevation of circulating tumor necrosis factor α and nitrite/nitrate, and tissue expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the heart and liver. To investigate underlying mechanisms, we found that HSC70 attenuated LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB subunit p65 by blocking the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor κB. Finally, we showed that HSC70 repressed the activation of MAPKs caused by LPS. These results demonstrate that in LPS-induced septic shock, extracellular HSC70 conveys pleiotropic protection on myocardial, hepatic, and systemic derangements, with associated inhibition of proinflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor α, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, through mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor κB signaling pathways. Therefore, extracellular HSC70 may have a promising role in the prophylactic treatment of sepsis.

Diagnostic model of saliva peptide finger print analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients using weak cation exchange magnetic beads

Whole saliva (WS) was used for diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); two polypeptides may be used for OSCC diagnosis.

Saliva diagnostics utilizing nanotechnology and molecular technologies to detect oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has become an attractive field of study. However, no specific methods have been established. To refine the diagnostic power of saliva peptide fingerprints for the early detection of OSCC, we screened the expression spectrum of salivary peptides in 40 T1 stage OSCC patients (and healthy controls) using MALDI-TOF-MS combined with magnetic beads. Fifty proteins showed significantly different expression levels in the OSCC samples (P<0.05). Potential biomarkers were also predicted. The novel diagnostic proteomic model with m/z peaks of 1285.6 Da and 1432.2 Da are of certain value for early diagnosis of OSCC.

Antimicrobial peptides: an alternative for innovative medicines?

Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules with activity against bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and even tumor cells that make these molecules attractive as therapeutic agents. Due to the alarming increase of antimicrobial resistance, interest in alternative antimicrobial agents has led to the exploitation of antimicrobial peptides, both synthetic and from natural sources. Thus, many peptide-based drugs are currently commercially available for the treatment of numerous ailments, such as hepatitis C, myeloma, skin infections, and diabetes. Initial barriers are being increasingly overcome with the development of cost-effective, more stable peptides. Herein, we review the available strategies for their synthesis, bioinformatics tools for the rational design of antimicrobial peptides with enhanced therapeutic indices, hurdles and shortcomings limiting the large-scale production of AMPs, as well as the challenges that the pharmaceutical industry faces on their use as therapeutic agents.