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Ko JKY, Chen SPL, Lam KKW, Li RHW, Ng EHY. Association of serum vitamin D concentration and miscarriage rate in women with first-trimester threatened miscarriage. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104076. [PMID: 38959531 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104076] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in women who presented with threatened miscarriage to the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC)? DESIGN This was a secondary retrospective analysis using archived serum samples from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Stored serum samples from 371 women presenting to the EPAC with threatened miscarriage during the first trimester were assayed for 25(OH)D by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The overall miscarriage rate was 45/371 (12.1%) in the whole cohort. After grouping vitamin D insufficiency and vitamin D sufficiency together into a 'non-deficient' group and excluding participants who underwent termination of pregnancy, there was no difference in the miscarriage rate between those who were vitamin D deficient compared with those who were not (25/205, 12.2% versus 20/157, 12.7%, P= 0.877, odds ratio 0.951, 95% CI 0.507-1.784). When analysed according to the number of gestational weeks, the miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the vitamin D non-deficient group than the vitamin D-deficient group in women who presented at 6 gestational weeks or earlier (13/33 [39.4%] versus 10/58 [17.2%], P= 0.019), but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups presenting at later gestations. There was no difference in the vitamin D level in women who had a miscarriage compared with those who had a live birth (48 [37-57] versus 47 [37-58] nmol/l, P= 0.725 median [25th-75th percentile]). CONCLUSIONS A low serum vitamin D concentration was not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in women with threatened miscarriage presenting to the EPAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Y Ko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sammy P L Chen
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond H W Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong..
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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2
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Bognár Z, Csabai- Tanics TJ, Görgey É, Mikó É, Horváth-Szalai Z, Szekeres-Barthó J. The effect of calcitriol on the development and implantation capacity of embryos from hyper-stimulated mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200704. [PMID: 37545525 PMCID: PMC10401042 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The evidence concerning the role of vitamin D (VD) in reproduction is still inconclusive. Calcitriol was given to superovulated female mice at the time of FSH injection (Group A), or at day 0.5 of pregnancy (Group B). The retrieved and cultured embryos were transferred to the uteri of pseudopregnant females. Ten animals from each group conceived naturally, and at day 7.5 of pregnancy, the implantation sites were counted. Serum hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA. The expression of CD70, PD-L1, OX-40L, and PIBF on extracellular vesicles (EVs) was tested by flow cytometry. Calcitriol treatment did not alter serum oestradiol concentrations, while 25(OH) D levels significantly decreased in both treated groups. Progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in group A and lower in group B than in the controls. On EVs produced by group B embryos PIBF, CD70, and OX-40L expression were significantly lower, while that of PD-L1 was significantly higher than that of controls. Calcitriol treatment decreased the fertilization rate in group A, and the blastulation rate of cultured embryos in group B, while the implantation capacity of the embryos was not affected, suggesting that depending on the time of administration, VD has an adverse effect on oocyte maturation and embryo development, but not on the implantation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Bognár
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Medical School, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Research Center, Pecs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- MTA - PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Timea Judith Csabai- Tanics
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Medical School, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Research Center, Pecs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Éva Görgey
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Medical School, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Research Center, Pecs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Éva Mikó
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Medical School, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
| | | | - Júlia Szekeres-Barthó
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Medical School, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Research Center, Pecs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Pecs University, Pecs, Hungary
- MTA - PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, Pecs, Hungary
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3
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Cutolo M, Smith V, Paolino S, Gotelli E. Involvement of the secosteroid vitamin D in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and COVID-19. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:265-287. [PMID: 36977791 PMCID: PMC10043872 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00944-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence supporting the extra-skeletal role of vitamin D in modulating immune responses is centred on the effects of its final metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3, also known as calcitriol), which is regarded as a true steroid hormone. 1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D, can modulate the innate immune system in response to invading pathogens, downregulate inflammatory responses and support the adaptive arm of the immune system. Serum concentrations of its inactive precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3, also known as calcidiol) fluctuate seasonally (being lowest in winter) and correlate negatively with the activation of the immune system as well as with the incidence and severity of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Thus, a low serum concentration of 25(OH)D3 is considered to be a risk factor for autoimmune rheumatic diseases and vitamin D3 supplementation seems to improve the prognosis; moreover, long-term vitamin D3 supplementation seems to reduce their incidence (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis). In the setting of COVID-19, 1,25(OH)2D3 seems to downregulate the early viral phase (SARS-CoV-2 infection), by enhancing innate antiviral effector mechanisms, as well as the later cytokine-mediated hyperinflammatory phase. This Review provides an update of the latest scientific and clinical evidence concerning vitamin D and immune response in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and COVID-19, which justify the need for monitoring of serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations and for appropriate supplementation following clinical trial-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova-IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova-IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiMI), University of Genova-IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
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Sharma S, Rodrigues PR, Zaher S, Davies LC, Ghazal P. Immune-metabolic adaptations in pregnancy: A potential stepping-stone to sepsis. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104337. [PMID: 36470829 PMCID: PMC9782817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological shifts during pregnancy predispose women to a higher risk of developing sepsis resulting from a maladapted host-response to infection. Insightful studies have delineated subtle point-changes to the immune system during pregnancy. Here, we present an overlay of these point-changes, asking what changes and when, at a physiological, cellular, and molecular systems-level in the context of sepsis. We identify distinct immune phases in pregnancy delineated by placental hormone-driven changes in homeostasis setpoints of the immune and metabolic systems that subtly mirrors changes observed in sepsis. We propose that pregnancy immune-metabolic setpoint changes impact feedback thresholds that increase risk for a maladapted host-response to infection and thus act as a stepping-stone to sepsis. Defining maternal immune-metabolic setpoint changes is not only vital for tailoring the right diagnostic tools for early management of maternal sepsis but will facilitate an unravelling of the pathophysiological pathways that predispose an individual to sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Sharma
- Project Sepsis, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK,Corresponding author. Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
| | - Patricia R.S. Rodrigues
- Project Sepsis, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Summia Zaher
- Project Sepsis, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Luke C. Davies
- Project Sepsis, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK,Biomedical Sciences Unit, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Peter Ghazal
- Project Sepsis, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK,Corresponding author. Systems Immunity Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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Filip-Psurska B, Zachary H, Strzykalska A, Wietrzyk J. Vitamin D, Th17 Lymphocytes, and Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153649. [PMID: 35954312 PMCID: PMC9367508 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The effect of vitamin D3 on the development of breast cancer (favorable, ineffective, or even unfavorable) depends on many factors, such as age, menopausal status, or obesity. The immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D may be unfavorable in case of breast cancer progression. The effect of vitamin D on Th17 cells may depend on disease type and patients’ age. Our goal was to summarize the data available and to find indications of vitamin D treatment failure or success. Therefore, in this review, we present data describing the effects of vitamin D3 on Th17 cells, mainly in breast cancer. Abstract Vitamin D3, which is well known to maintain calcium homeostasis, plays an important role in various cellular processes. It regulates the proliferation and differentiation of several normal cells, including immune and neoplastic cells, influences the cell cycle, and stimulates cell maturation and apoptosis through a mechanism dependent on the vitamin D receptor. The involvement of vitamin D3 in breast cancer development has been observed in numerous clinical studies. However, not all studies support the protective effect of vitamin D3 against the development of this condition. Furthermore, animal studies have revealed that calcitriol or its analogs may stimulate tumor growth or metastasis in some breast cancer models. It has been postulated that the effect of vitamin D3 on T helper (Th) 17 lymphocytes is one of the mechanisms promoting metastasis in these murine models. Herein we present a literature review on the existing data according to the interplay between vitamin D, Th17 cell and breast cancer. We also discuss the effects of this vitamin on Th17 lymphocytes in various disease entities known to date, due to the scarcity of scientific data on Th17 lymphocytes and breast cancer. The presented data indicate that the effect of vitamin D3 on breast cancer development depends on many factors, such as age, menopausal status, or obesity. According to that, more extensive clinical trials and studies are needed to assess the importance of vitamin D in breast cancer, especially when no correlations seem to be obvious.
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Koetzier SC, van Langelaar J, Wierenga-Wolf AF, Melief MJ, Pol K, Musters S, Lubberts E, Dik WA, Smolders J, van Luijn MM. Improving Glucocorticoid Sensitivity of Brain-Homing CD4+ T Helper Cells by Steroid Hormone Crosstalk. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893702. [PMID: 35693770 PMCID: PMC9178273 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In early multiple sclerosis (MS), an IFN-γhighGM-CSFhighIL-17low CD4+ T-cell subset termed T helper 17.1 (Th17.1) reveals enhanced capacity to infiltrate the central nervous system. Th17.1 cells express high levels of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), which contributes to their poor glucocorticoid responsiveness. In this study, we explored whether glucocorticoid sensitivity of Th17.1 cells can generically be improved through synergy between steroid hormones, including calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). We showed that human blood Th17.1 cells were less sensitive to 1,25(OH)2D3 than Th17 cells, as reflected by lower vitamin D receptor (VDR) levels and reduced modulation of MDR1, IFN-γ and GM-CSF expression after 1,25(OH)2D3 exposure. Upon T-cell activation, VDR levels were increased, but still lower in Th17.1 versus Th17 cells, which was accompanied by a 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated decline in MDR1 surface expression as well as secretion of IFN-γ and GM-CSF. In activated Th17.1 cells, 1,25(OH)2D3 amplified the suppressive effects of methylprednisolone (MP) on proliferation, MDR1 surface levels, secretion of IFN-γ and granzyme B, as well as expression of brain-homing markers CCR6 and VLA-4. The addition of P4 to 1,25(OH)2D3 further enhanced MP-mediated reduction in proliferation, CD25, CCR6 and CXCR3. Overall, this study indicates that glucocorticoid sensitivity of Th17.1 cells can be enhanced by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 and further improved with P4. Our observations implicate steroid hormone crosstalk as a therapeutic avenue in Th17.1-associated inflammatory diseases including MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Koetzier
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jamie van Langelaar
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annet F. Wierenga-Wolf
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Melief
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kim Pol
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Musters
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Erik Lubberts
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willem A. Dik
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joost Smolders
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marvin M. van Luijn
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center ErasMS, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Marvin M. van Luijn,
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Castillo P, Aisagbonhi O, Saenz CC, ElShamy WM. Novel insights linking BRCA1-IRIS role in mammary gland development to formation of aggressive PABCs: the case for longer breastfeeding. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:396-426. [PMID: 35141026 PMCID: PMC8822284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is diagnosed during or shortly after pregnancy. Although rare, PABC is a serious occurrence often of the triple negative (TNBC) subtype. Here we show progesterone, prolactin, and RANKL upregulate BRCA1-IRIS (IRIS) in separate and overlapping subpopulations of human mammary epithelial cell lines, which exacerbates the proliferation, survival, and the TNBC-like phenotype in them. Conversely, vitamin D3 reduces IRIS expression in TNBC cell lines, which attenuates growth, survival, and the TNBC-like phenotype in them. In the mouse, Brca1-Iris (Iris, mouse IRIS homolog) is expressed at low-level in nulliparous mice, increases ~10-fold in pregnant/lactating mice, to completely disappear in involuting mice, and reappears at low-level in regressed glands. Mice underwent 3 constitutive pregnancies followed by a forced involution (after 5 days of lactation) contained ~10-fold higher Iris in their mammary glands compared to those underwent physiological involution (after 21 days of lactation). While protein extracts from lactating glands promote proliferation in IRISlow and IRIS overexpressing (IRISOE) cells, extracts from involuting glands promote apoptosis in IRISlow, and aneuploidy in IRISOE cells. In a cohort of breast cancer patients, lack of breastfeeding was associated with formation of chemotherapy resistant, metastatic IRISOE breast cancers. We propose that terminal differentiation triggered by long-term breastfeeding reduces IRIS expression in mammary cells allowing their elimination by the inflammatory microenvironment during physiological involution. No/short-term breastfeeding retains in the mammary gland IRISOE cells that thrive in the inflammatory microenvironment during forced involution to become precursors for aggressive breast cancers shortly after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Castillo
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Omonigho Aisagbonhi
- Department of Pathology, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Cheryl C Saenz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Wael M ElShamy
- Breast Cancer Program, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego Health SystemSan Diego, CA 92121, USA
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Shah SB. COVID-19 and Progesterone: Part 2. Unraveling High Severity, Immunity Patterns, Immunity grading, Progesterone and its potential clinical use. ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC SCIENCE 2021; 5:100110. [PMID: 34396354 PMCID: PMC8349364 DOI: 10.1016/j.endmts.2021.100110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Severely ill COVID–19 (Corona Virus Disease of 2019) patients have a hyperinflammatory condition with a high concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines termed the cytokine storm. This milieu is reported to cause acute lung injury, oxygen deprivation, multiorgan damage, critical illness, and often death. Post SARS–CoV–2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection, the fight between the invading virus and the host's immune system would either terminate in recovery, with eradication of the infection and regulation of the immune system; or there would be a continuation of immune attacks even after the virus has been cleared, leading to immune dysregulation and disease. This outcome is chiefly dependent on two factors: (1) the patient's immune response, and (2) sufficiency plus efficiency of the regulator(s). Concerning the first, the present research introduces a framework based on different types of immune responses to SARS–CoV–2 along with known disease examples, and how this relates to varying clinical outcomes and treatment needs for COVID–19 patients. About the second factor of ‘regulator(s)’, part 1 of the manuscript described in depth the regulatory role of progesterone in COVID–19. The present study investigates five immunity patterns and the status of the regulatory hormone progesterone with respect to the two established demographic risk factors for COVID–19 high-severity: male sex, and old age. The study evaluates the status of progesterone as a credible determinant of immune regulation and dysregulation. It duly relates the immunity patterns to clinical outcomes and evinces indications for clinical use of progesterone in COVID–19. It proposes a clear answer to the question: "why are males and old patients most likely to have critical illness due to COVID–19?" The study highlights clinical domains for the use of progesterone in COVID–19. Part 2 of this research introduces the concept of immunity patterns and immunity grading. These concepts herewith provided for the clinical course of COVID–19 also apply to other hyperinflammatory conditions. Possible clinical applications of progesterone to treat critically ill COVID–19 patients will open an avenue for hormonal treatments of infections and other immune-related diseases.
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Matorras R, Valls R, Azkargorta M, Burgos J, Rabanal A, Elortza F, Mas JM, Sardon T. Proteomics based drug repositioning applied to improve in vitro fertilization implantation: an artificial intelligence model. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:281-297. [PMID: 34126818 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1928792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation is one of the most inefficient steps in assisted reproduction, so the identifying drugs with a potential clinical application to improve it has a strong interest. This work applies artificial intelligence and systems biology-based mathematical modeling strategies to unveil potential treatments by computationally analyzing and integrating available molecular and clinical data from patients. The mathematical models of embryo implantation computationally generated here simulate the molecular networks underneath this biological process. Once generated, these models were analyzed in order to identify potential repositioned drugs (drugs already used for other indications) able to improve embryo implantation by modulating the molecular pathways involved. Interestingly, the repositioning analysis has identified drugs considering two endpoints: (1) drugs able to modulate the activity of proteins whose role in embryo implantation is already bibliographically acknowledged, and (2) drugs that modulate key proteins in embryo implantation previously predicted through a mechanistic analysis of the mathematical models. This second approach increases the scope open for examination and potential novelty of the repositioning strategy. As a result, a list of 23 drug candidates to improve embryo implantation after IVF was identified by the mathematical models. This list includes many of the compounds already tested for this purpose, which reinforces the predictive capacity of our approach, together with novel repositioned candidates (e.g., Infliximab, Polaprezinc, and Amrinone). In conclusion, the present study exploits existing molecular and clinical information to offer new hypotheses regarding molecular mechanisms in embryo implantation and therapeutic candidates to improve it. This information will be very useful to guide future research.Abbreviations: IVF: in vitro fertilization; EI: Embryo implantation; TPMS: Therapeutic Performance Mapping System; MM: mathematical models; ANN: Artificial Neuronal Networks; TNFα: tumour necrosis factor factor-alpha; HSPs: heat shock proteins; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; PPARA: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α PXR: pregnane X receptor; TTR: transthyretin; BED: Biological Effectors Database; MLP: multilayer perceptron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matorras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain.,IVIRMA Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Mikel Azkargorta
- Proteomics Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), CIBERehd, ProteoRed-ISCIII, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Derio, Spain
| | - Jorge Burgos
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute. Osakidetza. Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Aintzane Rabanal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Felix Elortza
- Proteomics Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), CIBERehd, ProteoRed-ISCIII, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, Derio, Spain
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Bezerra Espinola MS, Bilotta G, Aragona C. Positive effect of a new supplementation of vitamin D 3 with myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin on IVF outcomes: a prospective randomized and controlled pilot study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:251-254. [PMID: 32367738 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1760820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess whether oral supplementation of vitamin D3, myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin affects IVF outcomes. One hundred and twenty consecutive infertile women attending IVF treatment were 1:1 randomly distributed in two groups. Women in group A (control) were assigned to receive myo-inositol, alpha-lactalbumin and folic acid in the morning, and myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin in the evening. Women in group B (treated) were assigned to receive analogous treatment, with the addition of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the evening from the early beginning of the luteal phase. 50 patients in group A and 50 in group B underwent blastocyst transfer and were considered in the statistical analysis. Vitamin D3 levels significantly increased after 45 days of treatment: 33.2 ng/ml in group B Vs. 24.3 ng/ml in group A (p < .0001). The implantation rate increased as well: 37.1% in group B Vs. 19.2% in group A (p < .0151). Overall, the results indicate that increased vitamin D3 levels positively correlate with the implantation rate in IVF. Because of the low number of participants, these findings need to be confirmed with larger cohorts of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cesare Aragona
- cSystem Biology Group, University of Rome, Alma Res Fertility Center, Rome, Italy
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Song J, Chen X, Cheng L, Rao M, Chen K, Zhang N, Meng J, Li M, Liu ZQ, Yang PC. Vitamin D receptor restricts T helper 2-biased inflammation in the heart. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:870-879. [PMID: 29444238 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The aberrant immune responses play a critical role in the pathogenesis of myocarditis. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) has immune regulatory functions. This study aims to investigate the role of VDR in restricting the immune inflammation in the heart. Methods and results The human heart samples were obtained from the heart transplantation. T helper (Th)2 and Th1 responses in the heart tissue were characterized by histology and immune assay. VDR-/- mice and recombination activating gene 2-/- mice were used in the experiments to test the role of VDR in maintaining the homeostasis in the heart. The results showed that, besides tissue damage, lower expression of VDR, high frequency of Th2 cells and increase in Th2 cytokines in the hearts of patients with myocarditis at the end stage of heart failure. The spontaneous Th2-biased inflammation was observed in the hearts of VDR-/- mice. CD4+ T cells from the VDR-/- mouse hearts were at highly activating status. The naïve VDR-/- CD4+ T cells and naïve CD4+ T cells from human hearts with myocarditis were prone to differentiate into Th2 cells. VDR formed complexes with GATA3, the interleukin (IL)-4 transcription factor, to prevent the Il4 gene transcription. Transplantation with VDR-/-CD4+ T cells induced the Th2-biased inflammation in the hearts of Rag2-/- mice. Reconstitution of VDR in CD4+ T cells inhibited the Th2-biased inflammation in the heart. Conclusions VDR-deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of myocarditis. To enhance the VDR expression in CD4+, T cells haves the therapeutic potential for the treatment of myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Man Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Jian Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167A Beilishi Road, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China.,Brain Body Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Ping-Chang Yang
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China
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12
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Gharbaran R, Zhang B, Valerio L, Onwumere O, Wong M, Mighty J, Redenti S. Effects of vitamin D3 and its chemical analogs on the growth of Hodgkin's lymphoma, in vitro. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:216. [PMID: 30961641 PMCID: PMC6454773 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vitamin D receptor (VDR) activities have been noted for a number of B cell malignancies which showed varying sensitivities to vitamin D3 (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, VD3, calcitriol) and its synthetic analogs. The objective of this study was to address the potential effects of VD3 and vitamin D3 analogs (VDAs) on the growth of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL), a malignant pathology of B cell origin, in vitro. Results Immunofluorescence staining showed the expression of VDR by primary Hodgkin’s (H) and Reed–Sternberg (RS)—HRS-tumor cells in HL histological sections. Western blot analyses revealed expression of VDR in the HL cell lines Hs445, HDLM2, KMH2, and L428. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on data obtained from water-soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) cell proliferation assay showed decreased cell growth in HDLM2 and L428, 72 h after treatment with 10 µM of either VD3 of VDAs. Western blot analyses showed that treatment of L428 cells with the VDAs (calcipotriol and EB1089) resulted in modest increases in nuclear accumulation of VDR (nuVDR) compared to either dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or VD3 treatments. nuVDR for DMSO control and VD3 was comparable. These results suggest that VD3 or VDAs may affect growth of HL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Gharbaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College, The City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10453, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Luis Valerio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College, The City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10453, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Onyekwere Onwumere
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Madeline Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Jason Mighty
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Stephen Redenti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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13
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Rafiee M, Naseri M, Akbari-Fakhrabadi M, Motamedi N, Ghahiri A, Mehrabian F, Rezaei A. Vitamin D3 induces the expression of membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) on naive CD4 + T lymphocyte cells in women of reproductive age. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 72:55-61. [PMID: 30959372 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vitamin D3 and progesterone (P4) both belong to steroid hormones. These hormones have effects on the function of each other in different ways. The immunomodulatory activity of vitamin D3 and P4 and their role in inducing maternal tolerance for fetus have been shown in various studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 on the expression of membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) on CD4+ T cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Naive CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of 38 healthy women of childbearing age. After stimulating by anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAb), these cells were exposed to either various concentrations of vitamin D3 or no exposure at all in a culture medium at 37 °C for 3 days. In the final stage, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of mPRα and mPRβ were evaluated using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and several gating strategies on CD4+ T cells. RESULTS Vitamin D3 significantly increased the expression of mPR α and mPR β on the surface of CD4+ T cells (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated the potential effect of vitamin D3 on increasing the expression of P4 receptors on CD4+ T cells. This study shows a new aspect of correlation between vitamin D3 and P4 that may influence P4 performance. Therefore, our findings suggest that the appropriate level of this vitamin may affect the optimum P4 immunomodulatory activity during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Rafiee
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Naseri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Narges Motamedi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ataollah Ghahiri
- Al-Zahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ferdous Mehrabian
- Al-Zahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology, Isfahan, Iran; Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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14
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Robertson SA, Green ES, Care AS, Moldenhauer LM, Prins JR, Hull ML, Barry SC, Dekker G. Therapeutic Potential of Regulatory T Cells in Preeclampsia-Opportunities and Challenges. Front Immunol 2019; 10:478. [PMID: 30984163 PMCID: PMC6448013 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a central feature and is implicated as a causal factor in preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Inflammatory mediators and leukocytes, which are elevated in peripheral blood and gestational tissues, contribute to the uterine vascular anomalies and compromised placental function that characterize particularly the severe, early onset form of disease. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are central mediators of pregnancy tolerance and direct other immune cells to counteract inflammation and promote robust placentation. Treg cells are commonly perturbed in preeclampsia, and there is evidence Treg cell insufficiency predates onset of symptoms. A causal role is implied by mouse studies showing sufficient numbers of functionally competent Treg cells must be present in the uterus from conception, to support maternal vascular adaptation and prevent later placental inflammatory pathology. Treg cells may therefore provide a tractable target for both preventative strategies and treatment interventions in preeclampsia. Steps to boost Treg cell activity require investigation and could be incorporated into pregnancy planning and preconception care. Pharmacological interventions developed to target Treg cells in autoimmune conditions warrant consideration for evaluation, utilizing rigorous clinical trial methodology, and ensuring safety is paramount. Emerging cell therapy tools involving in vitro Treg cell generation and/or expansion may in time become relevant. The success of preventative and therapeutic approaches will depend on resolving several challenges including developing informative diagnostic tests for Treg cell activity applicable before conception or during early pregnancy, selection of relevant patient subgroups, and identification of appropriate windows of gestation for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ella S. Green
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alison S. Care
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lachlan M. Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - M. Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon C. Barry
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gustaaf Dekker
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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15
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Melnik BC, John SM, Chen W, Plewig G. T helper 17 cell/regulatory T-cell imbalance in hidradenitis suppurativa/acne inversa: the link to hair follicle dissection, obesity, smoking and autoimmune comorbidities. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:260-272. [PMID: 29573406 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.16561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disintegration of the infundibula of terminal hair follicles (HFs) in intertriginous skin areas exhibits the histological hallmark of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)/acne inversa, featuring a dissecting terminal hair folliculitis. Elevated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-17 and local increase in the ratio of proinflammatory T helper (Th)17 cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported. Perifollicular Tregs play a key role in HF stem cell homeostasis and infundibular integrity. OBJECTIVES In this review, we evaluate the Th17/Treg ratio in HS, its aggravating conditions and associated comorbidities. Furthermore, we intended to clarify whether drugs with reported beneficial effects in the treatment of HS readjust the deviated Th17/Treg axis. METHODS PubMed-listed, peer-reviewed original research articles characterizing Th17/Treg regulation in HS/acne inversa and associated comorbidities were selected for this review. RESULTS This review presents HS as a disease that exhibits an increased Th17/Treg ratio. Perifollicular deficiencies in Treg numbers or function may disturb HF stem cell homeostasis, initiating infundibular dissection of terminal HFs and perifollicular inflammation. The Th17/Treg imbalance is aggravated by obesity, smoking and decreased Notch signalling. In addition, HS-associated autoimmune diseases exhibit a disturbed Th17/Treg axis resulting in a Th17-dominant state. All drugs that have beneficial effects in the treatment of HS normalize the Th17/Treg ratio. CONCLUSIONS HS immunopathogenesis is closely related to deviations of the Th17/Treg balance, which may negatively affect Treg-controlled HF stem cell homeostasis and infundibular integrity. Pharmacological intervention should not only attenuate Th17/IL-17 signalling, but should also improve Treg function in order to stabilize HF stem cell homeostasis and infundibular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Melnik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - S M John
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - W Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - G Plewig
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Yavropoulou MP, Panagiotou G, Topouridou K, Karayannopoulou G, Koletsa T, Zarampoukas T, Goropoulos A, Chatzaki E, Yovos JG, Pazaitou-Panayiotou K. Vitamin D receptor and progesterone receptor protein and gene expression in papillary thyroid carcinomas: associations with histological features. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:1327-1335. [PMID: 28589382 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression has been described in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but data regarding association with tumor histological characteristics and localization of the protein expression are scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from 45 patients with PTC (cases) were retrieved and tumor histological data were recorded. We analyzed gene and protein expression of VDR and PR and gene expression of vitamin D-inactivating 24-hyroxylase (CYP24A1) and the activating 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) enzymes in follicular cancer cells and the adjacent non-neoplastic thyroid tissue (NNTT). RESULTS VDR mRNA and protein expression was higher in PTC compared with NNTT (p < 0.05). The protein was globally localized in the cytoplasm and cell membranes of the neoplastic cells in all cases, with differences in intensity. Cytoplasmic positivity was stronger in the majority of cases. Membranous positivity was also evident in cases, whereas in NNTT was generally weak and in a low percentage of the cells. Expression of CYP 24A1, but not CYP27B1, was increased in approximately all PTC specimens and was associated with lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension. PR mRNA was increased in 34% and protein expression was present in 57% of cases, and none of NNTT. PR, but not VDR, mRNA expression was significantly associated with the tumor size (r = 0.645, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence for the expression pattern of VDR, PR and CYP24A1 in the progression of PTC. Rapid anti-tumor responses of vitamin D in PTC may be blocked due to inactivation of local vitamin D metabolism.
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MESH Headings
- 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics
- 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase/metabolism
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Papillary/genetics
- Carcinoma, Papillary/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology
- Carcinoma, Papillary/secondary
- Case-Control Studies
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Calcitriol/genetics
- Receptors, Calcitriol/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary
- Thyroid Gland/metabolism
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Vitamin D3 24-Hydroxylase/genetics
- Vitamin D3 24-Hydroxylase/metabolism
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Yavropoulou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Panagiotou
- Department of Endocrinology-Endocrine Oncology, Theagenio Cancer Hospital, 2 Al Simeonidi Str, 54007, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - K Topouridou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Karayannopoulou
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Koletsa
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Zarampoukas
- Histopathology Laboratory, Istodierevnitiki S.A, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Goropoulos
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Saint Luke's General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Chatzaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - J G Yovos
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - K Pazaitou-Panayiotou
- Department of Endocrinology-Endocrine Oncology, Theagenio Cancer Hospital, 2 Al Simeonidi Str, 54007, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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17
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Lu H, Xie RD, Lin R, Zhang C, Xiao XJ, Li LJ, Liu ZQ, Yang LT, Feng BS, Liu ZJ, Yang PC. Vitamin D-deficiency induces eosinophil spontaneous activation. Cell Immunol 2017; 322:56-63. [PMID: 29050663 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Eosinophils (Eo) play a critical role in immunity and immune inflammation. The maintenance of Eo homeostasis is not fully understood yet. Vitamin D (VitD) is involved in the regulation of a large number of biochemical reactions. This study tests a hypothesis that VitD receptor (VDR) contributes to the homeostasis of Eos. In this study, EoL-1 cells (an Eo cell line) were cultured in the presence or absence of calcitriol. The Eo-mediators, including major basic protein (MBP), Eo peroxidase (EPX), Eo cationic protein (ECP) and Eo-derived neurotoxin (EDN), were assessed in the culture supernatant and in EoL-1 cells. We observed that, in a VitD deficient environment, EoL-1 cells produced high levels of the Eo-mediators, including MBP, EPX, ECP and EDN, which could be suppressed by the addition of calcitriol to the culture. EoL-1 cells expressed VitD receptor (VDR), which was up regulated by exposure to calcitriol. VDR formed complexes with the transcription factors of the Eo-mediators, which prevented the transcription factors to bind to the promoters of the Eo-mediators, and therefore prevented the Eo-mediated gene transcription. The Eo spontaneous activation was also found in the intestinal mucosa of VDR-deficient mice, in which the intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction was observed. In conclusion, VDR contributes to the maintenance of the homeostasis of Eos by regulating the gene transcription of the Eo mediators. The VDR-deficiency is one of the causative factors inducing Eo spontaneous activation. This phenomenon may be taken into account in the management of the Eo-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Rui-Di Xie
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ritian Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Cuicui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Xiao
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Lin-Jing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Brain Body Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Li-Tao Yang
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China; The Brain Body Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Bai-Sui Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Zhan-Ju Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Ping-Chang Yang
- The Research Center of Allergy & Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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18
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Pierrot-Deseilligny C, Souberbielle JC. Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: An update. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 14:35-45. [PMID: 28619429 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The most recent findings linking exposure to sun and vitamin D insufficiency to multiple sclerosis (MS) are reviewed. Due to insufficient sunshine and changing lifestyles, hypovitaminosis D is widespread in temperate countries. Numerous epidemiological studies have strongly suggested that sunshine and vitamin D insufficiency contributes to MS risk in these countries. Moreover, several large genetic studies in MS patients have recently stated unequivocally that diverse abnormalities involving vitamin D metabolism are related to the risk of the disease. The important implications of such results are discussed here. Then, the interactions of hypovitaminosis D with the other genetic and environmental protective and risk factors, such as the allele HLA DRB1*1501, Epstein-Barr virus infection, obesity, smoking and sexual hormones, are summarized. Vitamin D insufficiency and sufficiency could be a risk and a protective factor, respectively, among many other factors possibly continuously modulating the global MS risk from the mother's pregnancy to the triggering of MS in adulthood. However, many interactions between these different factors occur more particularly between conception and the end of adolescence, which corresponds to the period of maturation of the immune system and thymus and may be related to the dysimmune nature of the disease. The main mechanisms of action of vitamin D in MS appear to be immunomodulatory, involving the various categories of T and B lymphocytes in the general immune system, but neuroprotector and neurotrophic mechanisms could also be exerted at the central nervous system level. Furthermore, several controlled immunological studies performed in MS patients have recently confirmed that vitamin D supplementation has multiple beneficial immunomodulatory effects. However, there is still an enduring absence of major conclusive randomized clinical trials testing vitamin D supplementation in MS patients because of the quasi-insurmountable practical difficulties that exist nowadays in conducting and completing over several years such studies involving the use of a vitamin. Nevertheless, it should be noted that similar robust statistical models used in five different association studies have already predicted a favorable vitamin D effect reducing relapses by 50-70%. If there is now little doubt that vitamin D exerts a beneficial action on the inflammatory component of MS, the results are as yet much less clear for the progressive degenerative component. Lastly, until more information becomes available, vitamin D supplementation of MS patients, using a moderate physiological dose essentially correcting their vitamin insufficiency, is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Pierrot-Deseilligny
- Département de Neurologie, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), 47 bd de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Jean-Claude Souberbielle
- Service d'explorations fonctionnelles, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université René Descartes (Paris V),149 rue de Sèvres, 75915 Paris, France.
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19
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Characterisation of vitamin D-related molecules and calcium-sensing receptor in human Fallopian tube during the menstrual cycle and in ectopic pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 368:201-213. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2519-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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20
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Rolf L, Damoiseaux J, Hupperts R, Huitinga I, Smolders J. Network of nuclear receptor ligands in multiple sclerosis: Common pathways and interactions of sex-steroids, corticosteroids and vitamin D3-derived molecules. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 15:900-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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21
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Abdelbaset-Ismail A, Suszynska M, Borkowska S, Adamiak M, Ratajczak J, Kucia M, Ratajczak MZ. Human haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells express several functional sex hormone receptors. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 20:134-46. [PMID: 26515267 PMCID: PMC4717849 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated that murine haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) share several markers with the germline, a connection supported by recent reports that pituitary and gonadal sex hormones (SexHs) regulate development of murine HSPCs. It has also been reported that human HSPCs, like their murine counterparts, respond to certain SexHs (e.g. androgens). However, to better address the effects of SexHs, particularly pituitary SexHs, on human haematopoiesis, we tested for expression of receptors for pituitary SexHs, including follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL), as well as the receptors for gonadal SexHs, including progesterone, oestrogens, and androgen, on HSPCs purified from human umbilical cord blood (UCB) and peripheral blood (PB). We then tested the functionality of these receptors in ex vivo signal transduction studies and in vitro clonogenic assays. In parallel, we tested the effect of SexHs on human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Finally, based on our observation that at least some of the UCB‐derived, CD45− very small embryonic‐like stem cells (VSELs) become specified into CD45+HSPCs, we also evaluated the expression of pituitary and gonadal SexH receptors on these cells. We report for the first time that human HSPCs and VSELs, like their murine counterparts, express pituitary and gonadal SexH receptors at the mRNA and protein levels. Most importantly, SexH if added to suboptimal doses of haematopoietic cytokines and growth factors enhance clonogenic growth of human HSPCs as well as directly stimulate proliferation of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abdelbaset-Ismail
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Malwina Suszynska
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Borkowska
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Mateusz Adamiak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Janina Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Magda Kucia
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland.,Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Z Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
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Kim CH. A functional relay from progesterone to vitamin D in the immune system. DNA Cell Biol 2015; 34:379-82. [PMID: 25826095 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2015.2857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that promotes and maintains pregnancy. Vitamin D (vit. D), another steroid hormone, regulates calcium levels and bone health among many of its functions. The two hormones play important roles also in regulating the immune system. Recently, we discovered that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is induced in T cells by progesterone. This finding connects the function of progesterone to that of vit. D and suggests that the two steroid hormones cooperate with each other for sequential and effective regulation of the immune system. Potential implications of the regulation in health and disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang H Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Hematopoiesis, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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