Anti-Inflammatory Effects of HDL in Mice With Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced by Collagen

Associations of HDL-C and ApoA-I with Mortality Risk in PCI Patients Across Different hsCRP Levels

Purpose

The association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease remains inconsistent. Recent investigations indicated potential dysfunctionality of HDL under inflammation. This study endeavors to explore whether the inflammatory status modifies the effects of HDL-C and ApoA-I on cardiovascular risk in individuals with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Patients and Methods

Consecutive 10,724 PCI patients at Fuwai hospital in 2013 were enrolled. Inflammation status was defined by high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins (hsCRP) ≥ 2 mg/L. The study endpoint was cardiac mortality.

Results

Among 9569 PCI patients eventually included, 225 (2.4%) cardiac mortality happened during 5 years. In hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L group, an U-shaped curve was observed for HDL-C and multivariate Cox regression showed that elevated risks of cardiac mortality correlated to both the lowest quintile (hazard ratio [HR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-4.71) and the highest quintile of HDL-C (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.23-4.25). However, an L-shaped curve existed in ApoA-I, indicating only the lowest quintile level of ApoA-I was associated with an increased cardiac mortality risk (HR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.28-3.75). Nevertheless, in hsCRP < 2 mg/L group, no significant correlations between HDL-C and ApoA-I and cardiac mortality risk were identified (both P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In PCI patients with hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L. both low and high HDL-C levels correlated with higher cardiac mortality risk (U-shaped), while only low ApoA-I levels were linked to elevated risk (L-shaped). However, in patients with hsCRP < 2 mg/L, neither HDL-C nor ApoA-I levels were associated with higher cardiac mortality risk. These findings shed light on the importance of considering inflammation status, particularly hsCRP levels, in managing HDL-C and ApoA-I levels, and suggest targeting elevated ApoA-I levels as a potential therapeutic approach for PCI patients with hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L.

Targeting the vivid facets of apolipoproteins as a cardiovascular risk factor in rheumatoid arthritis

Mostly, cardiovascular diseases are blamed for casualties in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Customarily, dyslipidemia is probably the most prevalent underlying cause of untimely demise in people suffering from RA as it hastens the expansion of atherosclerosis. The engagement of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), etc., is crucial in the progression and proliferation of both RA and abnormal lipid parameters. Thus, lipid abnormalities should be monitored frequently in patients with both primary and advanced RA stages. An advanced lipid profile examination, i.e., direct role of apolipoproteins associated with various lipid molecules is a more dependable approach for better understanding of the disease and selecting suitable therapeutic targets. Therefore, studying their apolipoproteins is more relevant than assessing RA patients' altered lipid profile levels. Among the various apolipoprotein classes, Apo A1 and Apo B are primarily being focused. In addition, it also addresses how calculating Apo B:Apo A1 ratio can aid in analyzing the disease's risk. The marketed therapies available to control lipid abnormalities are associated with many other risk factors. Hence, directly targeting Apo A1 and Apo B would provide a better and safer option.

C-reactive protein lowers the serum level of IL-17, but not TNF-α, and decreases the incidence of collagen-induced arthritis in mice

The biosynthesis of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the liver is increased in inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Previously published data suggest a protective function of CRP in arthritis; however, the mechanism of action of CRP remains undefined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of human CRP on the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice which is an animal model of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Two CRP species were employed: wild-type CRP which binds to aggregated IgG at acidic pH and a CRP mutant which binds to aggregated IgG at physiological pH. Ten CRP injections were given on alternate days during the development of CIA. Both wild-type and mutant CRP reduced the incidence of CIA, that is, reduced the number of mice developing CIA; however, CRP did not affect the severity of the disease in arthritic mice. The serum levels of IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-1β were measured: both wild-type and mutant CRP decreased the level of IL-17 and IL-6 but not of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-1β. These data suggest that CRP recognizes and binds to immune complexes, although it was not clear whether CRP functioned in its native pentameric or in its structurally altered pentameric form in the CIA model. Consequently, ligand-complexed CRP, through an as-yet undefined mechanism, directly or indirectly, inhibits the production of IL-17 and eventually protects against the initiation of the development of arthritis. The data also suggest that IL-17, not TNF-α, is critical for the development of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis.

Association between the gut microbiota and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Increasing studies have shown that there is a significant association between gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIMS

To show the potential association between gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

METHODS

We analyzed summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and conducted Mendelian randomization studies to evaluate relationships between these factors.

RESULTS

Of the 211 gut microbiota taxa examined, the inverse variance weighted method identified Lactobacillaceae (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72 - 0.95, P = 0.007), Christensenellaceae (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59 - 0.92, P = 0.007), and Intestinibacter (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73 - 0.99, P = 0.035) were negatively correlated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And Coriobacteriia (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.42, P = 0.038), Actinomycetales (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.02 - 1.53, P = 0.031), Oxalobacteraceae (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.21, P = 0.036), Ruminococcaceae_UCG005 (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.38, P = 0.033) are positively associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that the abundance of certain strains was associated with the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Apolipoprotein A-I attenuates peritoneal fibrosis associated with peritoneal dialysis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), 90% of which is present in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is the main constituent of HDL, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and has received extensive attention in anti-atherosclerosis. Yet little is known about apoA-I 's role in peritoneal dialysis. In this study, by analyzing PD patients (n = 81), we found that decreased apoA/HDL-C ratio is significantly associated with rapid decline in peritoneal function. Further studies were performed in animal experiments to determine the ascendancy of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide (D-4F) on peritoneum, we found that D-4F administration reduced peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal endothelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) induced by high glucose peritoneal dialysate, such as N-cadherin, Fibronectin, Vimentin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression decreased. In mechanism, D-4F can significantly inhibit Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which is the major pathway leading to fibrosis. Furthermore, D-4F treatment inhibited NADPH oxidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) expression, increased the activity of certain enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Finally, treatment with D-4F inhibits the expression of interleukins-6(IL-6), Interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Taken together, based on the above research evidence, apoA-I and its peptide mimic may regulate the oxidative stress, TGF- β1/Smads signaling pathway and inflammatory response to reduce peritoneal fibrosis due to peritoneal dialysis.

SARS-CoV-2 induced HDL dysfunction may affect the host's response to and recovery from COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Furthermore, SARS-Co-2 infection is associated with noteworthy changes in lipid profile, which is suggested as a possible biomarker to support the diagnosis and management of Covid-19.

METHODS

This paper adopts the literature review method to obtain information about how Covid-19 affects high-risk group patients and may cause severe and critical effects due to the development of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. A narrative and comprehensive review is presented.

RESULTS

Reducing HDL in Covid-19 is connected to the disease severity and poor clinical outcomes, suggesting that high HDL serum levels could benefit Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 binds HDL, and this complex is attached to the co-localized receptors, facilitating viral entry. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce the development of dysfunctional HDL through different mechanisms, including induction of inflammatory and oxidative stress with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In turn, the induction of dysfunctional HDL induces the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress, increasing Covid-19 severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia in general and dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Therefore, the present study aimed to overview the causal relationship between dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein and Covid-19.

Correlation of apolipoprotein A‐I with T cell subsets and interferon‐ү in coronary artery disease

Background

The association of Apolipoprotein A‐I (APOAI) with T cell subsets and interferon‐ү (IFN‐γ) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been not reported. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of APOAI with T cell subsets and IFN‐γ in CAD.

Methods

This study included a total of 107 patients with CAD including acute coronary syndrome and chronic coronary syndrome. T cell subsets, and CD3‐CD56+ natural killer cells were quantified by flow cytometric analysis. The serum concentrations of IFN‐ү were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Lipid profiles, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen were measured in the clinical laboratory. Clinical data was obtained duration hospitalization.

Results

The CD4+ T cells were higher in patients of the low‐APOAI group (<median: 1.2 mmol/L) than in patients of the high‐APOAI group(≥median: 1.2 mmol/L) (p < .05). The CD8+ T cells were lower in patients of the low APOAI group than in patients of the high‐APOAI group (p < .05). APOAI was inversely associated with CD4+ T cells, IFN‐γ, and was positively associated with CD8+ T cells (p < .05). No correlation was observed between CD3 + CD56+ cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD3‐CD56+ natural killer cells and APOAI (p > .05). The high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was also inversely associated with CD4+ T cells (p < .05), and positively associated with CD8+ T cells (p < .05). Lastly, APOA1 and HDL‐C did not correlated with fibrinogen and CRP (p > .05).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated the correlation of APOAI with T cell subsets and IFN‐γ in CAD. These results provided novel information for the regulatory action between APOAI and T cell subsets and inflammatory immunity in CAD.

Risk for Behçet's disease gauged via high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a nationwide population-based study in Korea

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Low levels of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with Crohn’s disease, another chronic inflammatory disease. However, the effects of low HDL-C levels on BD are unclear. We investigated the effects of HDL-C levels, and variability therein, on the risk for BD. We used the Korean National Health Insurance System database to identify 5,587,754 adults without a history of BD who underwent ≥ 3 medical examinations between 2010 and 2013. Mean HDL-C levels at each visit were used to calculate variability independent of the mean (VIM) and the coefficient of variation (CV). There were 676 new cases of BD (0.012%). The risk for BD was increased in participants with highly variable and low mean HDL-C levels. In a multivariate-adjusted model, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for BD incidence were 1.335 (1.058–1.684) in a high mean/high VIM group, 1.527 (1.211–1.925) in a low mean/low VIM group, and 2.096 (1.67–2.63) in a low mean/high VIM group compared to a high mean/low VIM group. Low mean HDL-C levels, and high variability therein, are independent risk factors for BD.

Transplantation of IL‑1β siRNA‑modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates type II collagen‑induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes erosion of articular cartilage and bone and has adverse effects on both patients and livestock animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the pathogenesis of RA, and to further determine whether injection of IL-1β small interfering RNA (siRNA) or transplantation of IL-1β siRNA + bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can ameliorate RA in rats. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established by injecting type II collagen for 4 weeks. Next, CIA rats were randomly divided into three groups and injected or transplanted with PBS, IL-1β siRNA and IL-1β siRNA + BMSCs for another 4 weeks. The CIA rat model was successfully established, as demonstrated by the higher toe swelling value, thymus and spleen/body weight, immobility time and serum IL-1β concentration, as well as lower body weight, climbing time and mRNA expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) in the spleen, compared with control rats. Furthermore, histopathology results demonstrated that joint swelling and redness were observed in the knee joints of CIA rats. H&E results revealed that CIA rats presented erosive destruction of the bone and ulceration of the articular cartilage. In addition, in vitro results demonstrated that IL-1β expression was successfully silenced after IL-1β siRNA transfection in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BMSCs. When compared with the results of PBS rats, both IL-1β siRNA injection and IL-1β siRNA + BMSC transplantation significantly increased the body weight, climbing time and mRNA expression of PD-1, TGF-β1 and Foxp3 in the spleen, while significantly reduced the immobility time and serum IL-1β concentration. In addition, when compared with that of IL-1β siRNA injection, IL-1β siRNA + BMSC transplantation exhibited markedly higher therapeutic efficacy against CIA. These results demonstrated that higher IL-1β contributed to the pathogenesis of CIA, and that IL-1β siRNA injection ameliorated CIA, while its combination with BMSCs exerted synergistic effects, which may be beneficial against RA.

High Density Lipoproteins and Diabetes

Epidemiological studies have established that a high plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. However, recent randomised clinical trials of interventions that increase HDL-C levels have failed to establish a causal basis for this relationship. This has led to a shift in HDL research efforts towards developing strategies that improve the cardioprotective functions of HDLs, rather than simply increasing HDL-C levels. These efforts are also leading to the discovery of novel HDL functions that are unrelated to cardiovascular disease. One of the most recently identified functions of HDLs is their potent antidiabetic properties. The antidiabetic functions of HDLs, and recent key advances in this area are the subject of this review. Given that all forms of diabetes are increasing at an alarming rate globally, there is a clear unmet need to identify and develop new approaches that will complement existing therapies and reduce disease progression as well as reverse established disease. Exploration of a potential role for HDLs and their constituent lipids and apolipoproteins in this area is clearly warranted. This review highlights focus areas that have yet to be investigated and potential strategies for exploiting the antidiabetic functions of HDLs.

Interaction between high-density lipoproteins and inflammation: Function matters more than concentration!

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in lipid metabolism and especially contributes to the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. Over recent years it has become clear that the effect of HDL on immune-modulation is not only dependent on HDL concentration but also and perhaps even more so on HDL function. This review will provide a concise general introduction to HDL followed by an overview of post-translational modifications of HDL and a detailed overview of the role of HDL in inflammatory diseases. The clinical potential of HDL and its main apolipoprotein constituent, apoA-I, is also addressed in this context. Finally, some conclusions and remarks that are important for future HDL-based research and further development of HDL-focused therapies are discussed.

Interferon gamma/interleukin-4 modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of hesperidin in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model of rats

BACKGROUND

This study sought to assess the effect of hesperidin on serum inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage in liver of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats.

METHOD

Fifty-six adult female Wistar rats (220-250 g) were acclimatized for two weeks. Intraplantar injection of CFA was done for the induction of arthritis and confirmed on the 14th day prior to oral administration of 40 and 80 mg/kg of hesperidin or dexamethasone for 45 days.

RESULT

The result showed that treatment with both doses of hesperidin and dexamethasone in the joint of arthritic rats significantly (p < .05) diminished paw swelling/edema and arthritis score as well as enhanced latency in thermal hyperalgesia test. In addition, hesperidin treatment in arthritis rats showed significant (p < .01) improvement in red blood cells and platelets counts as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to the arthritis control rat group. Furthermore, hesperidin treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels in arthritic rat. In addition, treatment with hesperidin significantly (p < .05) decreased the liver of thiobarbituric acid reactive species and reactive oxygen species levels but raised the levels of total and non-protein thiols of rat induced with CFA. The reduced activities of liver δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase, catalase, glutathione-S transferase in arthritic rats were significantly (p < .05) increased with hesperidin treatment in arthritic rats. This study suggests that hesperidin demonstrated an anti-arthritic effect via modulation of serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels as well as protection against oxidative damage.

CONCLUSION

Hence, hesperidin could be a potential immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent.

Modeling of the immune response in the pathogenesis of solid tumors and its prognostic significance

BACKGROUND

Tumor initiation and subsequent progression are usually long-term processes, spread over time and conditioned by diverse aspects. Many cancers develop on the basis of chronic inflammation; however, despite dozens of years of research, little is known about the factors triggering neoplastic transformation under these conditions. Molecular characterization of both pathogenetic states, i.e., similarities and differences between chronic inflammation and cancer, is also poorly defined. The secretory activity of tumor cells may change the immunophenotype of immune cells and modify the extracellular microenvironment, which allows the bypass of host defense mechanisms and seems to have diagnostic and prognostic value. The phenomenon of immunosuppression is also present during chronic inflammation, and the development of cancer, due to its duration, predisposes patients to the promotion of chronic inflammation. The aim of our work was to discuss the above issues based on the latest scientific insights. A theoretical mechanism of cancer immunosuppression is also proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of solid tumors may occur both during acute and chronic phases of inflammation. Differences in the regulation of immune responses between precancerous states and the cancers resulting from them emphasize the importance of immunosuppressive factors in oncogenesis. Cancer cells may, through their secretory activity and extracellular transport mechanisms, enhance deterioration of the immune system which, in turn, may have prognostic implications.

Recent Advances in Nanotheranostics for Treat-to-Target of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early diagnosis, standardized treatment, and regular monitoring are the clinical treatment principle of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The overarching principles and recommendations of treat-to-target (T2T) in RA advocate remission as the optimum aim, especially for patients with very early disease who are initiating therapy with anti-RA medications. However, traditional anti-RA drugs cannot selectively target the inflammatory areas and may cause serious side effects due to its short biological half-life and poor bioavailability. These limitations have significantly driven the research and application of nanomaterial-based drugs in theranostics of RA. Nanomedicines have appropriate sizes and easily modified surfaces which can enhance their biological compatibility and prolong circulation time of drug-loading systems in vivo. Traditional T2T regimens cannot evaluate the efficacy of drugs in real time, while clinical drug nanosizing can realize the integration of diagnosis and treatment of RA. This review bridges clinically proposed T2T concepts and nanomedicine in an integrated system for RA early-stage diagnosis and treatment. The most advanced progress in various nanodrug delivery systems for theranostics of RA is summarized, establishing a clear path and a new perspective for further optimization of T2T. Finally, the key facing challenges are discussed and prospects are addressed.