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Zhang L, Stamer UM, Huang MYY, Stüber F. Interactions between the Nociceptin and Toll-like Receptor Systems. Cells 2022; 11:1085. [PMID: 35406649 PMCID: PMC8997556 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin and the nociceptin receptor (NOP) have been described as targets for treatment of pain and inflammation, whereas toll-like receptors (TLRs) play key roles in inflammation and impact opioid receptors and endogenous opioids expression. In this study, interactions between the nociceptin and TLR systems were investigated. Human THP-1 cells were cultured with or without phorbol myristate acetate (PMA 5 ng/mL), agonists specific for TLR2 (lipoteichoic acid, LTA 10 µg/mL), TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide, LPS 100 ng/mL), TLR7 (imiquimod, IMQ 10 µg/mL), TLR9 (oligonucleotide (ODN) 2216 1 µM), PMA+TLR agonists, or nociceptin (0.01−100 nM). Prepronociceptin (ppNOC), NOP, and TLR mRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR. Proteins were measured using flow cytometry. PMA upregulated ppNOC mRNA, intracellular nociceptin, and cell membrane NOP proteins (all p < 0.05). LTA and LPS prevented PMA’s upregulating effects on ppNOC mRNA and nociceptin protein (both p < 0.05). IMQ and ODN 2216 attenuated PMA’s effects on ppNOC mRNA. PMA, LPS, IMQ, and ODN 2216 increased NOP protein levels (all p < 0.05). PMA+TLR agonists had no effects on NOP compared to PMA controls. Nociceptin dose-dependently suppressed TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 proteins (all p < 0.01). Antagonistic effects observed between the nociceptin and TLR systems suggest that the nociceptin system plays an anti-inflammatory role in monocytes under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (U.M.S.); (M.Y.-Y.H.); (F.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike M. Stamer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (U.M.S.); (M.Y.-Y.H.); (F.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melody Ying-Yu Huang
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (U.M.S.); (M.Y.-Y.H.); (F.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Frank Stüber
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (U.M.S.); (M.Y.-Y.H.); (F.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Loite U, Raam L, Reimann E, Reemann P, Prans E, Traks T, Vasar E, Silm H, Kingo K, Kõks S. The Expression Pattern of Genes Related to Melanogenesis and Endogenous Opioids in Psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313056. [PMID: 34884858 PMCID: PMC8657874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system is a major regulator of stress responses in the skin and is responsible for the induction of melanin synthesis through activation of melanogenesis enzymes. The expression of both melanocortin system genes and melanogenesis enzyme genes is altered in psoriasis, and the focus here was on twelve genes related to the signal transduction between them. Additionally, five endogenous opioid system genes that are involved in cutaneous inflammation were examined. Quantitative real-time-PCR was utilized to measure mRNA expression in punch biopsies from lesional and non-lesional skin of psoriasis patients and from the skin of healthy control subjects. Most of the genes related to melanogenesis were down-regulated in patients (CREB1, MITF, LEF1, USF1, MAPK14, ICAM1, PIK3CB, RPS6KB1, KIT, and ATRN). Conversely, an up-regulation occurred in the case of opioids (PENK, PDYN, and PNOC). The suppression of genes related to melanogenesis is in agreement with the reported reduction in pigmentation signaling in psoriatic skin and potentially results from the pro-inflammatory environment. The increase in endogenous opioids can be associated with their involvement in inflammatory dysregulation in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulvi Loite
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Tartu, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia; (U.L.); (L.R.); (P.R.); (H.S.); (K.K.)
| | - Liisi Raam
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Tartu, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia; (U.L.); (L.R.); (P.R.); (H.S.); (K.K.)
- Dermatology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ene Reimann
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 23b/2 Riia, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Paula Reemann
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Tartu, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia; (U.L.); (L.R.); (P.R.); (H.S.); (K.K.)
| | - Ele Prans
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Tartu University Hospital, 8 L. Puusepa, 51014 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Tanel Traks
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Tartu, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia; (U.L.); (L.R.); (P.R.); (H.S.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Helgi Silm
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Tartu, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia; (U.L.); (L.R.); (P.R.); (H.S.); (K.K.)
- Dermatology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Külli Kingo
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Tartu, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia; (U.L.); (L.R.); (P.R.); (H.S.); (K.K.)
- Dermatology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, 31 Raja, 50417 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sulev Kõks
- The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, 8 Verdun St., Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, 90 South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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3
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Chen Z, Yu M, Yan J, Guo L, Zhang B, Liu S, Lei J, Zhang W, Zhou B, Gao J, Yang Z, Li X, Zhou J, Fan J, Ye Q, Li H, Xu Y, Xiao Y. PNOC Expressed by B Cells in Cholangiocarcinoma Was Survival Related and LAIR2 Could Be a T Cell Exhaustion Biomarker in Tumor Microenvironment: Characterization of Immune Microenvironment Combining Single-Cell and Bulk Sequencing Technology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:647209. [PMID: 33841428 PMCID: PMC8024580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.647209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma was a highly malignant liver cancer with poor prognosis, and immune infiltration status was considered an important factor in response to immunotherapy. In this investigation, we tried to locate immune infiltration related genes of cholangiocarcinoma through combination of bulk-sequencing and single-cell sequencing technology. Methods Single sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to annotate immune infiltration status in datasets of TCGA CHOL, GSE32225, and GSE26566. Differentially expressed genes between high- and low-infiltrated groups in TCGA dataset were yielded and further compressed in other two datasets through backward stepwise regression in R environment. Single-cell sequencing data of GSE138709 was loaded by Seurat software and was used to examined the expression of infiltration-related gene set. Pathway changes in malignant cell populations were analyzed through scTPA web tool. Results There were 43 genes differentially expressed between high- and low-immune infiltrated patients, and after further compression, PNOC and LAIR2 were significantly correlated with high immune infiltration status in cholangiocarcinoma. Through analysis of single-cell sequencing data, PNOC was mainly expressed by infiltrated B cells in tumor microenvironment, while LAIR2 was expressed by Treg cells and partial GZMB+ CD8 T cells, which were survival related and increased in tumor tissues. High B cell infiltration levels were related to better overall survival. Also, malignant cell populations demonstrated functionally different roles in tumor progression. Conclusion PNOC and LAIR2 were biomarkers for immune infiltration evaluation in cholangiocarcinoma. PNOC, expressed by B cells, could predict better survival of patients, while LAIR2 was a potential marker for exhaustive T cell populations, correlating with worse survival of patients.
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MESH Headings
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Bile Duct Neoplasms/genetics
- Bile Duct Neoplasms/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cholangiocarcinoma/genetics
- Cholangiocarcinoma/metabolism
- Databases, Genetic
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Protein Precursors/genetics
- Protein Precursors/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
- Single-Cell Analysis/methods
- Survival Analysis
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Mincheng Yu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuliang Yan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Neurosurgery Department of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Lei
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Binghai Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhangfu Yang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghai Ye
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongfeng Xu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsheng Xiao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Development of a prognostic model based on an immunogenomic landscape analysis of medulloblastoma. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227393. [PMID: 33345275 PMCID: PMC7791544 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common central nervous system tumors in children. At present, the vital role of immune abnormalities has been proved in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the immune mechanism in MB is still poorly understood. In the present study, 51 differentially expressed immune-related genes (DE-IRGs) and 226 survival associated immune-related genes (Sur-IRGs) were screened by an integrated analysis of multi-array. Moreover, the potential pathways were enriched by functional analysis, such as ‘cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction’, ‘Ras signaling pathway’, ‘PI3K-Akt signaling pathway’ and ‘pathways in cancer’. Furthermore, 10 core IRGs were identified from DE-IRGs and Sur-IRGs. And the potential regulatory mechanisms of core IRGs were also explored. Additionally, a new prognostic model, including 7 genes (HDGF, CSK, PNOC, S100A13, RORB, FPR1, and ICAM2) based on IRGs, was established by multivariable COX analysis. In summary, our study revealed the underlying immune mechanism of MB. Moreover, we developed a prognostic model associated with clinical characteristics and could reflect the infiltration of immune cells.
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Suntsov V, Jovanovic F, Knezevic E, Candido KD, Knezevic NN. Can Implementation of Genetics and Pharmacogenomics Improve Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain? Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12090894. [PMID: 32967120 PMCID: PMC7558486 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Etiology of back pain is multifactorial and not completely understood, and for the majority of people who suffer from chronic low back pain (cLBP), the precise cause cannot be determined. We know that back pain is somewhat heritable, chronic pain more so than acute. The aim of this review is to compile the genes identified by numerous genetic association studies of chronic pain conditions, focusing on cLBP specifically. Higher-order neurologic processes involved in pain maintenance and generation may explain genetic contributions and functional predisposition to formation of cLBP that does not involve spine pathology. Several genes have been identified in genetic association studies of cLBP and roughly, these genes could be grouped into several categories, coding for: receptors, enzymes, cytokines and related molecules, and transcription factors. Treatment of cLBP should be multimodal. In this review, we discuss how an individual's genotype could affect their response to therapy, as well as how genetic polymorphisms in CYP450 and other enzymes are crucial for affecting the metabolic profile of drugs used for the treatment of cLBP. Implementation of gene-focused pharmacotherapy has the potential to deliver select, more efficacious drugs and avoid unnecessary, polypharmacy-related adverse events in many painful conditions, including cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Suntsov
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington Ave. Suite 4815, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (V.S.); (F.J.); (E.K.); (K.D.C.)
| | - Filip Jovanovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington Ave. Suite 4815, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (V.S.); (F.J.); (E.K.); (K.D.C.)
| | - Emilija Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington Ave. Suite 4815, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (V.S.); (F.J.); (E.K.); (K.D.C.)
| | - Kenneth D. Candido
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington Ave. Suite 4815, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (V.S.); (F.J.); (E.K.); (K.D.C.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nebojsa Nick Knezevic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, 836 W. Wellington Ave. Suite 4815, Chicago, IL 60657, USA; (V.S.); (F.J.); (E.K.); (K.D.C.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-773-296-5619; Fax: +1-773-296-5362
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6
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Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals Hub Genes and Inflammation State of Rheumatoid Arthritis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:6943103. [PMID: 32802866 PMCID: PMC7424395 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6943103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by erosive arthritis, which has not been thoroughly cured yet, and standardized treatment is helpful for alleviating clinical symptoms. Here, various bioinformatics analysis tools were comprehensively utilized, aiming to identify critical biomarkers and possible pathogenesis of RA. Three gene expression datasets profiled by microarray were obtained from GEO database. Dataset GSE55235 and GSE55457 were merged for subsequent analyses. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RStudio with limma package, performing functional enrichment analysis based on GSEA software and clusterProfiler package. Next, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was set up through STRING database and Cytoscape. Moreover, CIBERSORT website was used to assess the inflammatory state of RA. Finally, we validated the candidate hub genes with dataset GSE77298. As a result, we identified 106 DEGs (72 upregulated and 34 downregulated genes). Through GO, KEGG, and GSEA analysis, we found that DEGs were mainly involved in immune response and inflammatory signaling pathway. With the help of Cytoscape software and MCODE plug-in, the most prominent subnetwork was screened out, containing 14 genes and 45 edges. For ROC curve analysis, eight genes with AUC >0.80 were considered as hub genes of RA. In conclusion, compared with healthy controls, the DEGs and their closely related biological functions were analyzed, and we held that chemokines and immune cells infiltration promote the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Targeting the eight biomarkers we identified may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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7
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Xu M, Li Y, Li W, Zhao Q, Zhang Q, Le K, Huang Z, Yi P. Immune and Stroma Related Genes in Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tumor Microenvironment Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Database. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:64. [PMID: 32195260 PMCID: PMC7066229 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor microenvironment is essential for breast cancer progression and metastasis. Our study sets out to examine the genes affecting stromal and immune infiltration in breast cancer progression and prognosis. Materials and Methods: This work provides an approach for quantifying stromal and immune scores by using ESTIMATE algorithm based on gene expression matrix of breast cancer patients in TCGA database. We found differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through limma R package. Functional enrichments were accessed through Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Besides, we constructed a protein-protein network, identified several hub genes in Cytoscape, and discovered functionally similar genes in GeneMANIA. Hub genes were validated with prognostic data by Kaplan-Meier analysis both in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) database and a meta-analysis of hub genes prognosis data was utilized in multiple databases. Furthermore, their relationship with infiltrating immune cells was evaluated by Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) web tool. Cox regression was utilized for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in TCGA database and OS in METABRIC database in order to evaluate the impact of stromal and immune scores on patients prognosis. Results: One thousand and eighty-five breast cancer patients were investigated and 480 differentiated expressed genes (DEGs) were found based on the analysis of mRNA expression profiles. Functional analysis of DEGs revealed their potential functions in immune response and extracellular interaction. Protein-protein interaction network gave evidence of 10 hub genes. Some of the hub genes could be used as predictive markers for patients prognosis. In this study, we found that tumor purity and specific immune cells infiltration varied in response to hub genes expression. The multivariate cox regression highlighted the fact that immune score played a detrimental role in overall survival (HR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27–0.74, p = 0.002) and recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22–0.77, p = 0.006) in TCGA database. These result was confirmed in METABRIC database that immune score was a protector of OS (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77–0.99, p = 0.039). Conclusions: Our findings promote a better understanding of the potential genes behind the regulation of tumor microenvironment and cells infiltration. Immune score should be considered as a prognostic factor for patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuyang Zhao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiulei Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kehao Le
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengfei Yi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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8
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Zhang L, Stüber F, Lippuner C, Schiff M, M Stamer U. ERK and p38 contribute to the regulation of nociceptin and the nociceptin receptor in human peripheral blood leukocytes. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919828921. [PMID: 30665329 PMCID: PMC6378488 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919828921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the mechanisms involved in the regulation of nociceptin and its receptor (nociceptin opioid peptide receptor, NOP) in response to inflammation and pain in humans. In this study, specific signaling pathways contributing to the regulation of nociceptin and NOP in human peripheral blood leukocytes were investigated. After approval by the ethics committee, peripheral blood obtained from healthy donors was cultured with or without phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Prepronociceptin (ppNOC) and NOP mRNA were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and nociceptin concentrations in culture supernatants by fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. Nociceptin and NOP protein levels in blood leukocyte subsets were determined using flow cytometry. To examine the contribution of signaling pathways to ppNOC and NOP regulation, blood was pre-treated with kinase inhibitors specific for ERK, JNK, p38, and NFκB pathways prior to culturing with or without PMA. PMA dose-dependently upregulated ppNOC mRNA but downregulated NOP mRNA in human peripheral blood leukocytes. PMA 10 ng/ml increased ppNOC after 6 h and suppressed NOP after 3 h compared to controls (both P <0.005). Nociceptin concentrations were increased in supernatants of PMA-induced blood samples after 24 h ( P <0.005), whereas expression of cell-membrane NOP was decreased by PMA in blood leukocyte subsets (all P <0.05). Blockade of ERK or p38 pathways partially prevented PMA effects on ppNOC and NOP mRNA (all P <0.05). The combination of ERK and p38 inhibitors completely reversed the effects of PMA ( P <0.05). ERK and p38 are two major signaling pathways regulating nociceptin and its receptor in human peripheral blood leukocytes under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Frank Stüber
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Lippuner
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Schiff
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike M Stamer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Caputi FF, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Regulation of the Genes Encoding the ppN/OFQ and NOP Receptor. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 254:141-162. [PMID: 30689088 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, the ability of N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in modulating several physiological functions, including the release of neurotransmitters, anxiety-like behavior responses, modulation of the reward circuitry, inflammatory signaling, nociception, and motor function, has been examined in several brain regions and at spinal level. This chapter collects information related to the genes encoding the ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor, their regulation, and relative transcriptional control mechanisms. Furthermore, genetic manipulations, polymorphisms, and epigenetic alterations associated with different pathological conditions are discussed. The evidence here collected indicates that the study of ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor gene expression may offer novel opportunities in the field of personalized therapies and highlights this system as a good "druggable target" for different pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Bird MF, Guerrini R, Willets JM, Thompson JP, Caló G, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) conjugated to ATTO594: a novel fluorescent probe for the N/OFQ (NOP) receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4496-4506. [PMID: 30276802 PMCID: PMC6255954 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) is a member of the opioid receptor family and is involved in a number of physiological responses, pain and immune regulation as examples. In this study, we conjugated a red fluorophore-ATTO594 to the peptide ligand N/OFQ (N/OFQATTO594 ) for the NOP receptor and explored NOP receptor function at high (in recombinant systems) and low (on immune cells) expression. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed N/OFQATTO594 receptor binding, selectivity and functional activity in recombinant (CHO) cell lines. Live cell N/OFQATTO594 binding was measured in (i) HEK cells expressing NOP and NOPGFP receptors, (ii) CHO cells expressing the hNOPGαqi5 chimera (to force coupling to measurable Ca2+ responses) and (iii) freshly isolated human polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). KEY RESULTS N/OFQATTO594 bound to NOP receptor with nM affinity and high selectivity. N/OFQATTO594 activated NOP receptor by reducing cAMP formation and increasing Ca2+ levels in CHOhNOPGαqi5 cells. N/OFQATTO594 was also able to visualize NOP receptors at low expression levels on PMN cells. In NOP-GFP-tagged receptors, N/OFQATTO594 was used in a FRET protocol where GFP emission activated ATTO, visualizing ligand-receptor interaction. When the NOPGFP receptor is activated by N/OFQATTO594 , movement of ligand and receptor from the cell surface to the cytosol can be measured. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In the absence of validated NOP receptor antibodies and issues surrounding the use of radiolabels (especially in low expression systems), these data indicate the utility of N/OFQATTO594 to study a wide range of N/OFQ-driven cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Bird
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - R Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTAUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - J M Willets
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - J P Thompson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
| | - G Caló
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal InfirmaryUniversity of LeicesterLeicesterUK
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Starkweather AR, Ramesh D, Lyon DE, Siangphoe U, Deng X, Sturgill J, Heineman A, Elswick RK, Dorsey SG, Greenspan J. Acute Low Back Pain: Differential Somatosensory Function and Gene Expression Compared With Healthy No-Pain Controls. Clin J Pain 2017; 32:933-939. [PMID: 26736025 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low back pain (LBP) is the second most frequently diagnosed pain condition in the United States, and although a majority of individuals have resolution of pain during the acute period, an estimated 40% of individuals will experience persistent pain. Given the heterogenous nature of LBP, this study sought to describe and compare somatosensory and molecular (gene expression) profiles between individuals with acute LBP and healthy no-pain controls. METHODS Using a previously established protocol, we comprehensively assessed somatosensory parameters among 31 no-pain control participants and 31 participants with acute LBP. Samples of whole blood were drawn to examine mRNA expression of candidate genes involved in the transduction, maintenance, and modulation of pain. RESULTS The acute LBP group exhibited increased pain sensitivity to cold stimuli, mechanical stimuli, including mechanical temporal summation at both the painful back area and remote location suggesting a mechanism of enhanced central nervous system excitability. In addition, deep tissue-specific peripheral sensitization was suggested due to significant differences in pressure pain threshold of the painful back area, but not the remote body site. Several genes that were differentially expressed were significantly associated with somatosensory alterations identified in the acute LBP group. DISCUSSION Acute LBP participants showed selective pain sensitivity enhancement and differential gene expression profiles compared with pain-free controls. Further research to characterize pain-associated somatosensory changes in the context of altered mRNA expression levels may provide insight on the molecular underpinnings of maladaptive chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Starkweather
- *University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Storrs, CT †University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL ‡Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Nursing, Richmond, VA §University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
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12
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Bedini A, Baiula M, Vincelli G, Formaggio F, Lombardi S, Caprini M, Spampinato S. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ antagonizes lipopolysaccharide-stimulated proliferation, migration and inflammatory signaling in human glioblastoma U87 cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 140:89-104. [PMID: 28583844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is among the most aggressive brain tumors and has an exceedingly poor prognosis. Recently, the importance of the tumor microenvironment in glioblastoma cell growth and progression has been emphasized. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endogenous ligands originating from dying cells or the extracellular matrix involved in host defense and in inflammation. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have gained interest in anti-tumor drug discovery due to the role that they directly or indirectly play by transactivating other receptors, causing cell migration and proliferation. A proteomic analysis showed that the nociceptin receptor (NOPr) is among the GPCRs significantly expressed in glioblastoma cells, including U87 cells. We describe a novel role of the peptide nociceptin (N/OFQ), the endogenous ligand of the NOPr that counteracts cell migration, proliferation and increase in IL-1β mRNA elicited by LPS via TLR4 in U87 glioblastoma cells. Signaling pathways through which N/OFQ inhibits LPS-mediated cell migration and elevation of [Ca2+]i require β-arrestin 2 and are sensitive to TNFR-associated factor 6, c-Src and protein kinase C (PKC). LPS-induced cell proliferation and increase in IL-1β mRNA are counteracted by N/OFQ via β-arrestin 2, PKC and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; furthermore, the contributions of the transcription factors NF-kB and AP-1 were investigated. Independent of LPS, N/OFQ induces a significant increase in cell apoptosis. Contrary to what was observed in other cell models, a prolonged exposure to this endotoxin did not promote any tolerance of the cellular effects above described, including NOPr down-regulation while N/OFQ loses its inhibitory role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bedini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Vincelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Formaggio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Caprini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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13
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Zhang L, Stuber F, Lippuner C, Schiff M, Stamer UM. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate induces nociceptin in human Mono Mac 6 cells via multiple transduction signalling pathways. Br J Anaesth 2016; 117:250-7. [PMID: 27307289 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aew063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nociceptin in the peripheral circulation has been proposed to have an immunoregulatory role with regards to inflammation and pain. However, the mechanisms involved in its regulation are still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate signalling pathways contributing to the regulation of the expression of nociceptin under inflammatory conditions. METHODS Mono Mac 6 cells (MM6) were cultured with or without phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Prepronociceptin (ppNOC) mRNA was detected by RT-qPCR and extracellular nociceptin by fluorescent-enzyme immunoassay. Intracellular nociceptin and phosphorylated kinases were measured using flow cytometry. To evaluate the contribution of various signalling pathways to the regulation of ppNOC mRNA and nociceptin protein, cells were pre-treated with specific kinase inhibitors before co-culturing with PMA. RESULTS ppNOC mRNA was expressed in untreated MM6 at low concentrations. Exposure of cells to PMA upregulated ppNOC after nine h compared with controls without PMA (median normalized ratio with IQR: 0.18 (0.15-0.26) vs. 0 (0-0.02), P<0.01). Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases specific for signal transduction reversed the PMA effects (all P<0.001). Induction of nociceptin protein concentrations in PMA stimulated MM6 was prevented predominantly by identity of ERK inhibitor (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Upregulation of nociceptin expression by PMA in MM6 cells involves several pathways. Underlying mechanisms involved in nociceptin expression may lead to new insights in the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - F Stuber
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Lippuner
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Schiff
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - U M Stamer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Gáspár R, Deák BH, Klukovits A, Ducza E, Tekes K. Effects of nociceptin and nocistatin on uterine contraction. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2015; 97:223-40. [PMID: 25677774 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The presence and effects of nociceptin (N/OFQ) and nocistatin (NST) in the central nervous system have been reasonably well described, but less data are available on their peripheral functions. Besides their presence in several peripheral organs (white blood cells, airway, liver, skin, vascular and intestinal smooth muscles, ovary, and testis), they have been found in the pregnant myometrium in both rat and human. The level of their precursor prepronociceptin is elevated in the preterm human myometrium as compared with full-term samples, whereas it gradually increases toward term in the pregnant rat uterus. Both N/OFQ and NST inhibit myometrial contractions, an effect which can be enhanced by naloxone and blocked by Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channel (BK(Ca)) inhibitors. Both compounds increase the myometrial cAMP level which may be responsible for the activation of this channel and subsequent intracellular hyperpolarization. NST releases calcitonin gene-related peptide from the sensory nerve ends, which explains its cAMP-elevating effect. In contrast with the nervous system, where they behave as antagonists, N/OFQ and NST are able to potentiate the uterine-relaxing effect of each other in both rat and human tissues. Further studies are required to clarify the roles of N/OFQ and NST in the regulation of the myometrial contractions and the perception of pain during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Gáspár
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Beáta H Deák
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Klukovits
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eszter Ducza
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kornélia Tekes
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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16
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Thomas R, Stover C, Lambert DG, Thompson JP. Nociceptin system as a target in sepsis? J Anesth 2014; 28:759-67. [PMID: 24728719 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-014-1818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin system comprises the nociceptin receptor (NOP) and the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) that binds to the receptor. The archetypal role of the system is in pain processing but the NOP receptor is also expressed on immune cells. Activation of the NOP receptor is known to modulate inflammatory responses, such as mast-cell degranulation, neutrophil rolling, vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, adhesion molecule regulation and leucocyte recruitment. As there is a loss of regulation of inflammatory responses during sepsis, the nociceptin system could be a target for therapies aimed at modulating sepsis. This review details the known effects of NOP activation on leucocytes and the vascular endothelium and discusses the most recent human and animal data on the role of the nociceptin system in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róisín Thomas
- University Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
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