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Sharma M, Pal P, Gupta SK. Microglial mediators in autoimmune Uveitis: Bridging neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112309. [PMID: 38810304 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune uveitis, a severe inflammatory condition of the eye, poses significant challenges due to its complex pathophysiology and the critical balance between protective and detrimental immune responses. Central to this balance are microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, whose roles in autoimmune uveitis are multifaceted and dynamic. This review article delves into the dual nature of microglial functions, oscillating between neuroprotective and neurotoxic outcomes in the context of autoimmune uveitis. Initially, we explore the fundamental aspects of microglia, including their activation states and basic functions, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of their involvement in autoimmune uveitis. The review then navigates through the intricate mechanisms by which microglia contribute to disease onset and progression, highlighting both their protective actions in immune regulation and tissue repair, and their shift towards a pro-inflammatory, neurotoxic profile. Special emphasis is placed on the detailed pathways and cellular interactions underpinning these dual roles. Additionally, the review examines the potential of microglial markers as diagnostic and prognostic indicators, offering insights into their clinical relevance. The article culminates in discussing future research directions, and the ongoing challenges in translating these findings into effective clinical applications. By providing a comprehensive overview of microglial mechanisms in autoimmune uveitis, this review underscores the critical balance of microglial activities and its implications for disease management and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pankaj Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Sukesh Kumar Gupta
- KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India; Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS), School of Medicine, Wayne State University, USA.
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2
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Zhang M, Zhong J, Song Z, Xu Q, Chen Y, Zhang Z. Regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in precancerous lesions of gastric cancer: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117068. [PMID: 39018877 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) represent a critical pathological stage in the transformation from normal gastric mucosa to gastric cancer (GC). The global incidence of PLGC has been rising over the past few decades, with a trend towards younger onset ages. Increasing evidence suggests that early prevention and treatment of PLGC can effectively reverse the malignant development of gastric mucosal epithelial cells. However, there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs and methods. Recent years have witnessed substantial advancements in PLGC research, with the elucidation of novel regulatory mechanisms offering promising avenues for clinical intervention and drug development. This review aims to delineate potential targets for early prevention and diagnosis of GC while exploring innovative approaches to PLGC management. This article focuses on elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of the inflammatory microenvironment, bile acids (BA), glycolysis, autophagy, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and cellular senescence. We pay particular attention to potential therapeutic targets for PLGC, with the goal of providing insights and theoretical basis for clinical research on PLGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maofu Zhang
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jialin Zhong
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Zhongyang Song
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730020, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yuchan Chen
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, China.
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Li D, Dong J, Xiong T, Zhou X, Li Y, Chen C, Li S, Song Z, Xu N, Yang M, Yan X, Liu T, Liu S. Transdermal delivery of iguratimod and colchicine ethosome by dissolving microneedle patch for the treatment of recurrent gout. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 242:114087. [PMID: 39003846 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
This study introduces a novel approach of repetitive modeling to simulate the pathological process of recurrent gout attacks in humans. This methodology addresses the instability issues present in rat models of gout, providing a more accurate representation of the damage recurrent gout episodes inflict on human skeletal systems. A soluble nanoneedle system encapsulating colchicine and iguratimod ethosomal formulations was developed. This system aims to modulate inflammatory cytokines and inhibit osteoclast activity, thereby treating inflammatory pain and bone damage associated with recurrent gout. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation of the microneedles' appearance, morphology, mechanical properties, and penetration capability confirmed their effectiveness in penetrating the stratum corneum. Dissolution tests and skin irritation assessments demonstrated that these microneedles dissolve rapidly without irritating the skin. In vitro permeation studies indicated that transdermal drug delivery via these microneedles is more efficient and incurs lower drug loss compared to traditional topical applications. In vivo pharmacodynamic assessments conducted in animal models revealed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when both types of microneedles were used together. Further analyses, including X-ray imaging, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Safranin-O/fast green staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and quantification of osteoclasts, confirmed the bone-protective effects of the microneedle combination. In conclusion, the findings of this research underscore the potential of this novel therapeutic approach for clinical application in the treatment of recurrent gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Li
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jindian Dong
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Tong Xiong
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xingyu Zhou
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yanhui Li
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Chuncheng Chen
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Shijie Li
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Zhuoyue Song
- Bioengineering Laboratory, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510070, PR China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Mingjing Yang
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Yan
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Tao Liu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Shihui Liu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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Kerkis I, da Silva ÁP, Araldi RP. The impact of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived IL-6 on neurological conditions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400533. [PMID: 39015561 PMCID: PMC11249726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a versatile cytokine crucial for immune response modulation, inflammation regulation, and various physiological processes in the body. Its wide-ranging functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Dysregulated IL-6 is closely associated with many diseases, making it a key research and therapeutic target. Elevated IL-6 levels in the central nervous system worsen neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases by activating microglia and astrocytes and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic molecules. Moreover, dysregulated IL-6 weakens the blood-brain barrier, exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal damage by allowing peripheral immune cells and inflammatory mediators to enter the brain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in modulating neuroinflammation by regulating IL-6 levels. They effectively suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, while promoting anti-inflammatory factors. This therapeutic approach highlights the importance of targeting IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators to alleviate neuroinflammation and its adverse effects on neurological disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IL-6's involvement in neurological disorders, examining endogenous IL-6 and IL-6 derived from MSCs. We explore IL-6's mechanisms affecting neuronal function, survival, and immune modulation in the central nervous system. Additionally, we discuss the potential of MSC-derived IL-6 in neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. By elucidating IL-6's interplay with neurological pathologies, this review offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting IL-6 signaling pathways for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Center of Development and Innovation, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Prieto da Silva
- Genetics Laboratory, Center of Development and Innovation, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- BioDecision Analytics Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Paulista School of Medicine Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Wei W, Li X, Li Z. Exploration of the sensitization effect of Chaihu Shugan powder on chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer and its active ingredients. Biopolymers 2024:e23605. [PMID: 38864249 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the clinical treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but drug resistance limits its clinical application. The active ingredients of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP; Bupleurum Liver-Coursing Powder), quercetin and luteolin, both belong to flavonoid compounds and have significant anti-tumor potential, which can promote chemotherapy sensitivity. However, the correlation between the two and TNBC paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy sensitivity is unknown. We collected herbal components of CSP from the TCMSP database, and screened effective molecules and corresponding targets. STRING database was utilized to construct a protein-protein interaction network combining effective molecules and target genes. The top 50 nodes ranked by affinity were chosen for subsequent functional analysis, and the drug-active ingredient-gene interaction network was established using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was used to determine the small molecules that target TNBC PTX resistance. The "clusterProfiler" package was utilized for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses on the top 50 genes to determine the pathways affected by CSP. Cell counting and colony formation assays evaluated cell viability, IC50 values, and proliferation capacity. Flow cytometry tested PTX intracellular accumulation. Western blot assayed the expression of TNF pathway-related proteins. Active ingredients of CSP, quercetin and luteolin, could inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and promote PTX chemotherapy sensitization. Quercetin and luteolin repressed the TNF signaling pathway and promoted PTX chemotherapy sensitization. Quercetin and luteolin could inhibit TNBC cell proliferation and promote PTX chemotherapy sensitization through the TNF signaling pathway. Therefore, the use of quercetin and luteolin plus PTX treatment provides a prospective strategy for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Surgical ward 2, Wuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Surgical ward 2, Wuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wuzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Department of Surgical ward 2, Wuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wuzhou, China
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Shen C, Zong D, Peng Y, Zhou L, Liu T, Ouyang R. Effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and a preliminary study on its mechanism. Sleep Breath 2024; 28:1231-1243. [PMID: 38308751 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-024-02997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be considered a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts all bodily systems, including the immune system. This study aims to assess the Th17/Treg pattern in patients with OSA and the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment. METHODS OSA patients and healthy controls were recruited. OSA patients recommended for CPAP treatment were followed up for three months. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting were utilized to detect the mRNA and protein levels of receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and forkhead/winged helix transcription factor (Foxp3), respectively, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-6, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α). RESULTS A total of 56 OSA patients and 40 healthy controls were recruited. The proportion of Th17 cells, Th17/Treg ratio, mRNA and protein levels of RORγt, and serum IL-17, IL-6, and HIF-1α levels were higher in OSA patients. Conversely, the proportion of Treg cells, mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3, and serum TGF-β1 levels were decreased in OSA patients. The proportion of Th17 and Treg cells in OSA can be predicted by the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), IL-6, TGF-β1 and, HIF-1α. 30 moderate-to-severe OSA patients were adherent to three-month CPAP treatment, with improved Th17/Treg imbalance, IL-17, IL-6, TGF-β1, and HIF-1α levels compared to pre-treatment values. CONCLUSION There was a Th17/Treg imbalance in OSA patients. The prediction of Th17 and Treg cell proportions in OSA can be facilitated by AHI, as well as serum IL-6, TGF-β1, and HIF-1α levels. Furthermore, CPAP treatment can potentially improve the Th17/Treg imbalance and reduce proinflammatory cytokines in OSA patients.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/therapy
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/immunology
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/blood
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
- Th17 Cells/immunology
- Male
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- Female
- Middle Aged
- Adult
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/blood
- Interleukin-17/blood
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/blood
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/blood
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/blood
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/genetics
- Interleukin-6/blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Shen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Dandan Zong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yating Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Ruoyun Ouyang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, 410011, Hunan Province, China.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Huang GH, Liu GL, Huang DZ, Diao XW, Lv SQ. Single-cell analysis of a progressive Rosai-Dorfman disease affecting the cerebral parenchyma: a case report. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:78. [PMID: 38769536 PMCID: PMC11103976 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01794-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurologic Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that affects the central nervous system. Most neurologic RDDs grow like meningiomas, have clear boundaries, and can be completely resected. However, a few RDDs are invasive and aggressive, and no effective treatment options are available because the molecular mechanisms involved remain unknown. Here, we report a case of deadly and glucocorticoid-resistant neurologic RDD and explore its possible pathogenic mechanisms via single-cell RNA sequencing. First, we identified two distinct but evolutionarily related histiocyte subpopulations (the C1Q+ and SPP1+ histiocytes) that accumulated in the biopsy sample. The expression of genes in the KRAS signaling pathway was upregulated, indicating gain-of-function of KRAS mutations. The C1Q+ and SPP1+ histiocytes were highly differentiated and arrested in the G1 phase, excluding the idea that RDD is a lympho-histio-proliferative disorder. Second, although C1Q+ histiocytes were the primary RDD cell type, SPP1+ histiocytes highly expressed several severe inflammation-related and invasive factors, such as WNT5A, IL-6, and MMP12, suggesting that SPP1+ histiocytes plays a central role in driving the progression of this disease. Third, oligodendrocytes were found to be the prominent cell type that initiates RDD via MIF and may resist glucocorticoid treatment via the MDK and PTN signaling pathways. In summary, in this case, we report a rare presentation of neurologic RDD and provided new insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of progressive neurologic RDD. This study will also offer evidence for developing precision therapies targeting this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Guo-Long Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - De-Zhi Huang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Xin-Wei Diao
- Department of Pathology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Sheng-Qing Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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Reynolds J, Huang M, Li Y, Meineck M, Moeckel T, Weinmann-Menke J, Mohan C, Schwarting A, Putterman C. Constitutive knockout of interleukin-6 ameliorates memory deficits and entorhinal astrocytosis in the MRL/lpr mouse model of neuropsychiatric lupus. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:89. [PMID: 38600510 PMCID: PMC11007930 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) describes the cognitive, memory, and affective emotional burdens faced by many lupus patients. While NPSLE's pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, clinical imaging studies and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, namely elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, point to ongoing neuroinflammation in affected patients. Not only linked to systemic autoimmunity, IL-6 can also activate neurotoxic glial cells the brain. A prior pre-clinical study demonstrated that IL-6 can acutely induce a loss of sucrose preference; the present study sought to assess the necessity of chronic IL-6 exposure in the NPSLE-like disease of MRL/lpr lupus mice. METHODS We quantified 1308 proteins in individual serum or pooled CSF samples from MRL/lpr and control MRL/mpj mice using protein microarrays. Serum IL-6 levels were plotted against characteristic NPSLE neurobehavioral deficits. Next, IL-6 knockout MRL/lpr (IL-6 KO; n = 15) and IL-6 wildtype MRL/lpr mice (IL-6 WT; n = 15) underwent behavioral testing, focusing on murine correlates of learning and memory deficits, depression, and anxiety. Using qPCR, we quantified the expression of inflammatory genes in the cortex and hippocampus of MRL/lpr IL-6 KO and WT mice. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to quantify numbers of microglia (Iba1 +) and astrocytes (GFAP +) in multiple cortical regions, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. RESULTS MRL/lpr CSF analyses revealed increases in IL-17, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 (a priori p-value < 0.1). Serum levels of IL-6 correlated with learning and memory performance (R2 = 0.58; p = 0.03), but not motivated behavior, in MRL/lpr mice. Compared to MRL/lpr IL-6 WT, IL-6 KO mice exhibited improved novelty preference on object placement (45.4% vs 60.2%, p < 0.0001) and object recognition (48.9% vs 67.9%, p = 0.002) but equivalent performance in tests for anxiety-like disease and depression-like behavior. IL-6 KO mice displayed decreased cortical expression of aif1 (microglia; p = 0.049) and gfap (astrocytes; p = 0.044). Correspondingly, IL-6 KO mice exhibited decreased density of GFAP + cells compared to IL-6 WT in the entorhinal cortex (89 vs 148 cells/mm2, p = 0.037), an area vital to memory. CONCLUSIONS The inflammatory composition of MRL/lpr CSF resembles that of human NPSLE patients. Increased in the CNS, IL-6 is necessary to the development of learning and memory deficits in the MRL/lpr model of NPSLE. Furthermore, the stimulation of entorhinal astrocytosis appears to be a key mechanism by which IL-6 promotes these behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Reynolds
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Huang
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yaxi Li
- University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Myriam Meineck
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tamara Moeckel
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Schwarting
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Chaim Putterman
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York, NY, USA.
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel.
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Stangis M, Adesse D, Sharma B, Castro E, Kumar K, Kumar N, Minevich M, Toborek M. The S1 subunits of SARS-CoV-2 variants differentially trigger the IL-6 signaling pathway in human brain endothelial cells and downstream impact on microglia activation. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2024; 3:7-15. [PMID: 38532784 PMCID: PMC10961483 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Cerebrovascular complications are prevalent in COVID-19 infection and post-COVID conditions; therefore, interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with cerebral microvascular cells became an emerging concern. Methods We examined the inflammatory responses of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC), the main structural element of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), following exposure to the S1 subunit of the spike protein of different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Specifically, we used the S1 subunit derived from the D614 variant of SARS-CoV-2, which started widely circulating in March of 2020, and from the Delta variant, which started widely circulating in early 2021. We then further examined the impact of the HBMEC secretome, produced in response to the S1 exposure, on microglial proinflammatory responses. Results Treatment with S1 derived from the D614 variant and from the Delta variant resulted in differential alterations of the IL-6 signaling pathway. Moreover, the HBMEC secretome obtained after exposure to the S1 subunit of the D614 variant activated STAT3 in microglial cells, indicating that proinflammatory signals from endothelial cells can propagate to other cells of the neurovascular unit. Overall, these results indicate the potential for different SARS-CoV-2 variants to induce unique cellular signatures and warrant individualized treatment strategies. The findings from this study also bring further awareness to proinflammatory responses involving brain microvasculature in COVID-19 and demonstrate how the surrounding microglia react to each unique variant derived response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stangis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ21040-360, Brazil
| | - Bhavya Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Eduardo Castro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Kush Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Neil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Masha Minevich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL33136, USA
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