Neutrophils in Inflammatory Diseases: Unraveling the Impact of Their Derived Molecules and Heterogeneity

Inflammatory diseases involve numerous disorders and medical conditions defined by an insufficient level of self-tolerance. These diseases evolve over the course of a multi-step process through which environmental variables play a crucial role in the emergence of aberrant innate and adaptive immunological responses. According to experimental data accumulated over the past decade, neutrophils play a significant role as effector cells in innate immunity. However, neutrophils are also involved in the progression of numerous diseases through participation in the onset and maintenance of immune-mediated dysregulation by releasing neutrophil-derived molecules and forming neutrophil extracellular traps, ultimately causing destruction of tissues. Additionally, neutrophils have a wide variety of functional heterogeneity with adverse effects on inflammatory diseases. However, the complicated role of neutrophil biology and its heterogeneity in inflammatory diseases remains unclear. Moreover, neutrophils are considered an intriguing target of interventional therapies due to their multifaceted role in a number of diseases. Several approaches have been developed to therapeutically target neutrophils, involving strategies to improve neutrophil function, with various compounds and inhibitors currently undergoing clinical trials, although challenges and contradictions in the field persist. This review outlines the current literature on roles of neutrophils, neutrophil-derived molecules, and neutrophil heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with potential future therapeutic strategies.

Characterization of immune responses associated with ERAP-1 expression in HSV-induced Behçet's disease mouse model

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder. Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) polymorphism has been reported as a risk factor for BD. However, the immunological role of ERAP1 in BD remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immunological role of ERAP1 in BD using a mouse model. ERAP1 incomplete expressing mice (ERAP1 hetero, +/-) were generated and inoculated with herpes simplex virus 1 to produce a BD mouse model. In these mice, dendritic cell activation markers and other immune response-related markers were analyzed. Among them, the factor showing a significant difference between ERAP+/- BD mice and WT BD mice was IL-17. In ERAP+/-, BD had significantly different expression levels of CD80, CD11b, Ly6G, RORγt, IFNγ, and IL-17 compared to asymptomatic controls. This study demonstrates ERAP1 defective expressions play an important role in BD development through inappropriate regulation of Th17.

CD83 Regulates the Immune Responses in Inflammatory Disorders

Activating the immune system plays an important role in maintaining physiological homeostasis and defending the body against harmful infections. However, abnormalities in the immune response can lead to various immunopathological responses and severe inflammation. The activation of dendritic cells (DCs) can influence immunological responses by promoting the differentiation of T cells into various functional subtypes crucial for the eradication of pathogens. CD83 is a molecule known to be expressed on mature DCs, activated B cells, and T cells. Two isotypes of CD83, a membrane-bound form and a soluble form, are subjects of extensive scientific research. It has been suggested that CD83 is not only a ubiquitous co-stimulatory molecule but also a crucial player in monitoring and resolving inflammatory reactions. Although CD83 has been involved in immunological responses, its functions in autoimmune diseases and effects on pathogen immune evasion remain unclear. Herein, we outline current immunological findings and the proposed function of CD83 in inflammatory disorders.

Eubacterium rectale Attenuates HSV-1 Induced Systemic Inflammation in Mice by Inhibiting CD83

The purpose of this study was to determine whether administration of the microorganism Eubacterium rectale (E. rectale) could regulate dendritic cell (DC) activation and systemic inflammation in herpes simplex virus type 1-induced Behçet's disease (BD). E. rectale, butyrate-producing bacteria, was administered to BD mice. Peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and lymph node cells were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis was performed in the feces of mice to determine the differences in the composition of the microbial population between normal and BD mice. Serum cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The frequency of DC activation marker CD83 positive cells was significantly increased in PBL of BD mice. Frequencies of CD83+ cells were also significantly increased in patients with active BD. 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis revealed different gut microbiota composition between normal and BD mice. The administration of E. rectale to BD mice reduced the frequency of CD83+ cells and significantly increased the frequency of NK1.1+ cells with the improvement of symptoms. The co-administration of colchicine and E. rectale also significantly reduced the frequency of CD83+ cells. Differences in gut microbiota were observed between normal mice and BD mice, and the administration of E. rectale downregulated the frequency of CD83, which was associated with BD deterioration. These data indicate that E. rectale could be a new therapeutic adjuvant for BD management.

Interrelationship of Stress, Environment, and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 on Behçet's Disease: Using a Mouse Model

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of stress and environment factors on the induction of Behçet's disease (BD) using HSV-1 infected mouse model. BD is a chronic multisystemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Environmental factors, immune dysfunction, and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV) infection might be triggers of BD. To investigate effects of environmental factors on the incidence of BD, HSV was inoculated into mice. Mice were then maintained in conventional facility or SPF facility to compare BD incidence rates. The incidence of BD was also tracked by adding stressors such as substance P (anxiety stress), 4°C (cold stress), xanthine sodium salt (oxidative stress), or 77 dB noise (noise stress). To clarify immune mechanisms involved in the difference in BD incidence caused by various stresses, dendritic cell activation markers were analyzed using flow cytometry. The combination of conventional environment, noise stress, and HSV had the highest rate of BD (38.1%) among all groups. However, HSV inoculated group in a SPF environment had the lowest incidence (2.2%). Frequencies of dendritic cell activation markers such as CD40, CD83, CD80, and CD86 were expressed differently under various stresses. Noise stress increased frequencies of CD83 positive cells. Noise stress also upregulated transcription factors T-bet and ROR-γt. Different gut microbiota compositions were observed between SPF and conventional environment by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Environment and stress influenced the incidence of HSV-induced BD. Microbial diversity due to environmental differences might be one explanation for regional differences in the incidence of BD.

Effects of psychological behaviour management programme on dental fear and anxiety in children: A randomised controlled clinical trial

AIM

A psychological behaviour management programme with information and communications technology was developed that includes symbolic modelling, tell-show-do, positive reinforcement and distraction, and provides real-time treatment information. We hypothesised that the programme would help patients feel less stressed and show less uncooperative behaviours and subjective pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight paediatric patients were recruited from May 2016 to January 2017, and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. In the control, patients watched cartoon animations during the first and second treatments. The experimental group watched cartoon animations during the first treatment, and they used the programme during the second treatment. To measure stress, uncooperative behaviour and subjective pain, we recorded the heart rate, Procedure Behaviour Checklist (PBCL) and Wong and Baker's Faces Pain Rating Scale (FPRS).

RESULTS

The experimental group resulted in a significantly lower mean heart rate, uncooperative behaviour and subjective pain in the second treatment than did the control group (p<0.001). The differences in heart rate and uncooperative behaviour between the treatments were also significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The programme was effective in relieving fear and anxiety as well as learning cooperative behaviour.

Differences in Expression of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II Subtypes and T Cell Subsets in Behçet's Disease with Arthritis

It has been reported Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene polymorphism is a risk factor for the development of Behçet’s disease (BD). In this study, the association of HLA class II subtypes HLA-DP, DQ, DR, and T cell subsets in BD patients with arthritis was evaluated. Frequencies of HLA-DP, DQ, DR positive cells, and T cell subsets in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were measured by flow cytometric analysis in BD, and compared to rheumatoid arthritis as disease controls and healthy controls. Frequencies of HLA-DQ were significantly decreased in whole PBL and granulocytes of BD active patients as compared to healthy controls. In monocytes populations, proportions of HLA-DR positive cells were significantly increased in BD active patients as compared to healthy controls. Proportions of CD4+CCR7+ and CD8+CCR7+ cells were significantly higher in BD active patients than in BD inactive in whole PBL. Frequencies of CD4+CD62L- and CD8+CD62L- cells in lymphocytes were significantly decreased in active BD than those in inactive BD. There were also correlations between disease activity markers and T cell subsets. Our results revealed HLA-DP, DQ, and DR expressing cell frequencies and several T cell subsets were significantly correlated with BD arthritis symptoms.

Inhibition of CD83 Alleviates Systemic Inflammation in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Induced Behçet's Disease Model Mouse

Behçet's disease (BD) is an autoinflammatory disease that can lead to life- and sight-threating complications. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells that can regulate multiple inflammatory pathways. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of the DC stimulatory molecule CD83 with BD. Frequencies of costimulatory molecules expressing DCs in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) were measured by flow cytometry (FACS). The severity of symptoms in HSV-1-induced BD symptomatic mice was also assessed. Frequencies of CD83-positive cells were significantly increased in mice exhibiting BD symptoms, compared to those in asymptomatic mice. Abatacept, a CD80/86 blocker, significantly decreased the frequencies of CD83-positive cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. BD symptomatic mice treated with Abatacept showed gradual reduction in the severity score of symptoms. Intraperitoneal injection of CD83 siRNA significantly reduced the frequencies of CD83-positive cells in PBL and peritoneal macrophages. After CD83 siRNA injection, BD symptoms of mice were improved and disease severity was decreased. Discontinuation of CD83 siRNA deteriorated symptoms while readministration of CD83 siRNA again improved BD symptoms of mice. These results clearly indicate the involvement of CD83-expressing cells in the inflammatory symptoms of BD. Therefore, CD83 might be useful as a therapeutic target for BD.

The role of CCR1 and therapeutic effects of anti-CCL3 antibody in herpes simplex virus-induced Behçet's disease mouse model

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with unclear etiopathogenesis. Although gene variants of CC chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) have been reported, the protein expression of CCR1 in patients with BD remains unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequencies of CCR1⁺ cells in a herpes simplex virus‐induced mouse model of BD. The frequencies of CCR1⁺ cells on the surface and in the cytoplasm of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The CCR1⁺ cells were significantly down‐regulated in BD mice compared with the normal control and symptom‐free control mice. Colchicine and pentoxifylline treatment improved the symptoms of BD and increased the frequencies of CCR1⁺ cells in BD mice. Treatment with chemokine CC motif ligand 3 (CCL3), a ligand of CCR1, caused BD symptoms to deteriorate in 10 of 16 BD mice (62·5%) via down‐regulation of CCR1⁺ cells. Anti‐CCL3 antibody treatment ameliorated BD symptoms in 10 of 20 mice (50%) and significantly decreased the disease severity score compared with CCL3‐treated BD mice (P = 0·01) via up‐regulation of CCR1⁺ cell frequencies. In patients with BD, plasma levels of CCL3 in an active state were significantly higher than in healthy control individuals (P = 0·02). These results show that the up‐regulation of CCR1⁺ cells was related to the control of systemic inflammation of BD in mouse models.

Inhibition of PP2A activity by H2O2 during mitosis disrupts nuclear envelope reassembly and alters nuclear shape

Many types of cancer cells exhibit abnormal nuclear shapes induced by various molecular changes. However, whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce nuclear deformation has not been fully addressed. Here, we show that hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) treatment induced concentration-dependent alterations in nuclear shape that were abolished by pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine or by catalase overexpression. Interestingly, treatment with H₂O₂ induced nuclear shape alterations significantly more frequently in mitotic cells than in asynchronous cells, suggesting that H₂O₂ mainly affects nuclear envelope disassembly and/or reassembly processes. Because protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) activity is reported to be involved in nuclear envelope reassembly during mitosis, we investigated the possible involvement of PP2A. Indeed, H₂O₂ reduced the activity of PP2A, an effect that was mimicked by the PP1 and PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid. Moreover, overexpression of PP2A but not PP1 or PP4 partially rescued H₂O₂-induced alterations in nuclear shape, indicating that the decrease in PP2A activity induced by H₂O₂ is specifically involved in the observed nuclear shape alterations. We further show that treatment of mitotic cells with H₂O₂ induced the mislocalization of BAF (barrier-to-autointegration factor), a substrate of PP2A, during telophase. This effect was associated with Lamin A/C mislocalization and was rescued by PP2A overexpression. Collectively, our findings suggest that H₂O₂ preferentially affects mitotic cells through PP2A inhibition, which induces the subsequent mislocalization of BAF and Lamin A/C during nuclear envelope reassembly, leading to the formation of an abnormal nuclear shape.

A class of harmful chemical compounds produces morphological abnormalities in the nucleus that may help promote tumor growth. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are DNA- and protein-damaging molecules that originate both from environmental contaminants and as a byproduct of cellular metabolism or stress. Jae-Ho Lee and colleagues at Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea have now identified a mechanism by which ROS can disrupt the shape and structure of the nucleus. They show that ROS exposure reduces the ativity of an enzyme called PP2A, which is required for the targeted recruitment of proteins that rebuild the membrane envelope surrounding the nucleus after cell division. Perturbations in this envelope can potentially contribute to damage to the chromosomal DNA within the nucleus, creating conditions that can trigger or accelerate the process of tumorigenesis.

Characteristic patterns of HLA presentation and T cell differentiation in adult-onset Still's disease

We examined the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and composition of differentiated T cells in the peripheral blood to understand the characteristics of the immune changes in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). This study enrolled patients with AOSD (n = 14), patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 20), and healthy controls (HC, n = 20). The percentage of surface-stained cells with HLA-DP, DQ, and DR alleles and the composition of differentiated T cells in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) were evaluated by flow cytometry. AOSD patients exhibited significantly higher percentages of lymphocytes presenting HLA-DP and HLA-DR, and lower percentages of cells presenting HLA-DQ, than RA patients or HC. The proportions of CD4+, CD4+CCR7+, CD4+CD62L–, and CD8+CD62L– cells from PBLs were decreased in AOSD patients relative to RA patients or HCs. By contrast, AOSD patients had higher proportions of CD8+naïve T cells in whole blood relative to RA patients or HC. The proportions of CD4+ effector memory T cells, CD8+ naïve T cells, and CD8+ effector memory T cells in whole blood cells and CD4+ effector memory T cell in lymphocytes were significantly associated with the systemic score. While the proportions of CD4+, CD8+, CCR7+, CD4+CCR7+, CD4+CD62L–, and CD8+CD62L– cells were significantly decreased in AOSD patients, and the proportion of CD8+naïve T cells was elevated in AOSD and correlated with the systemic score. Further studies of a large cohort of AOSD patients will be necessary to evaluate these markers in the pathogenesis of AOSD.

HSV-Induced Systemic Inflammation as an Animal Model for Behçet's Disease and Therapeutic Applications

Behçet’s disease (BD) affects multiple organs. It is mainly characterized by recurrent oral, skin, and genital aphthous ulcers, and eye involvement. Successful management of BD is increasing, although its etiology remains unclear. A number of etiologies have been proposed, including environmental, genetic, viral, and immunological factors. To understand its complex etiology and improve its management, animal models of BD have been used to enable more effective therapeutic applications with increased clinical significance. An herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1-induced BD mouse model has shown disease characteristics similar to those seen in BD patients. An HSV-induced BD animal model has been used to test various therapeutic modalities. The applied modalities are several materials that are derived from natural products, conventional therapeutics, and possible biologics. In this review, we provided how they regulate inflammation in an HSV-induced BD model.

Usefulness of asthma predictive index in ascertaining asthma status of children using medical records: An explorative study

BACKGROUND

Frequent wheezing in original asthma predictive index (API) was defined by parental report of recurrent wheezing within 1 year during the first 3 years of life. The nature of frequent wheezing in children, particularly aged over 3 years, has not been studied. We aimed to assess the frequency and interval of wheezing to define frequent wheezing in ascertaining asthma for children using medical records.

METHODS

Among children who participated in a previous study (n = 427), all wheezing episodes documented in medical records were collected for children who had ≥2 wheezing episodes PLUS met one major criterion or two minor criteria of API. We compared the distribution of known risk factors for asthma between subjects having two consecutive wheezing episodes with shorter interval (≤1 year) compared to those with longer interval (1 to 3 years).

RESULTS

A total of 62 children met API at median age of 2.3 years. During follow-up period (median age: 11.3 years), a total of 198 wheezing episodes were observed. 81% of wheezing intervals were within 3 years from the earlier wheezing episode, including 60% within 1 year. Children who met API based on 1-year interval (n = 40) vs 1- to 3-year interval (n = 13) appeared to be similar in regard to the known risk factors for asthma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our exploratory study finding suggests that children who had frequent wheezing episodes with longer interval (<3 years) need to be considered to be determined as asthma cases when API is applied to retrospective medical records. Prospective studies with a larger sample size need to replicate this finding.

Frequencies of IL-15Rα+ cells in patients with Behçet's disease and the effects of overexpressing IL-15Rα+ on disease symptoms in mice

It has been suggested higher serum levels of IL-15 and lower expression levels of IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) are correlated with pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). However, whether overexpressing IL-15Rα could be used as a therapeutic candidate for BD is currently unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether overexpressing IL-15Rα could affect BD symptoms in a mouse model. IL-15/IL-15Rα complex expressing vector or protein complex of IL-15/IL-15Rα-Fc was used to treat BD mice. Frequencies of IL-15Rα+ cells in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and lymph node cells were determined using a flow cytometer. BD symptoms in mice improved after treatment with IL-15/15Rα expression vector or IL-15/IL-15Rα-Fc protein complex. In addition, treatment with pIL-15/15Rα significantly (p = .016) decreased disease severity score of BD mice compared to treatment with control vector. Frequencies of IL-15Rα+ cells were also significantly (p = .01) higher in peritoneal macrophages of pIL-15/15Rα treated BD mice than those of mice treated with control vector. Frequencies of IL-15Rα+ PBL were also significantly higher in BD mice treated with IL-15/IL-15Rα-Fc protein complex than those in the control group. These results suggest up-regulating IL-15Rα+ cells could be used as novel therapeutic strategies to control BD in the future.

Role of N-acetyl galactosamine-4-SO4, a ligand of CD206 in HSV-induced mouse model of Behçet's disease

CD206 is a macrophage mannose receptor involved in variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to identify the pathogenic role of CD206 in a herpes simplex virus (HSV) induced Behçet's disease (BD) mouse model. CD206 positive cells were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and quantified by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. CD206 was found to be down-regulated both in vitro (10^-6M) and in vivo (200μg/mouse) after treatment with N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), a ligand for CD206. The down-regulation of CD206 was correlated with improvement in BD symptoms. Colchicine (2μg/mouse) or pentoxifylline (400μg/mouse) treated mice displayed improvement in BD symptoms with fewer CD206 positive cells. The prevalence of CD206-positive cells differed between ligand-responsive and non-responsive BD mice. Inhibition of CD206 was associated with down-regulated serum level of interleukin-17 in GalNAc-treated BD mice. These results suggest that the expression of CD206 is correlated with HSV-induced BD symptoms in mice, implicating that CD206 might have a pathogenic role in BD.

Low-Level Light Therapy with 410 nm Light Emitting Diode Suppresses Collagen Synthesis in Human Keloid Fibroblasts: An In Vitro Study

Background

Keloids are characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the dermis, in which transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling plays an important role. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is reported as effective in preventing keloids in clinical reports, recently. To date, studies investigating the effect of LLLT on keloid fibroblasts are extremely rare.

Objective

We investigated the effect of LLLT with blue (410 nm), red (630 nm), and infrared (830 nm) light on the collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts.

Methods

Keloid fibroblasts were isolated from keloid-revision surgery samples and irradiated using 410-, 630-, 830-nm light emitting diode twice, with a 24-hour interval at 10 J/cm². After irradiation, cells were incubated for 24 and 48 hours and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed. Western blot analysis was also performed in 48 hours after last irradiation. The genes and proteins of collagen type I, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 were analyzed.

Results

We observed no statistically significant change in the viability of keloid fibroblasts after irradiation. Collagen type I was the only gene whose expression significantly decreased after irradiation at 410 nm when compared to the non-irradiated control. Western blot analysis showed that LLLT at 410 nm lowered the protein levels of collagen type I compared to the control.

Conclusion

LLLT at 410 nm decreased the expression of collagen type I in keloid fibroblasts and might be effective in preventing keloid formation in their initial stage.

Highly Expression of CD11b and CD32 on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Adult-Onset Still's Disease

BACKGROUND

We investigated the potential role of several pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs; CD11b, CD11c, CD32, CD206, CD209, and dectin-1) in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

METHODS

The study included 13 untreated AOSD patients, 19 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (as a disease control), and 19 healthy controls (HCs). The PRRs were quantified in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. The serum levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-18, and IL-23 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Significantly higher mean frequencies of cells presenting CD11b and CD32 from whole blood were observed in patients with AOSD than in patients with RA or HC. The levels of IL-17, IL-18, and IL-23 were elevated in AOSD patients compared to HCs. CD11b frequencies from whole cells correlated with systemic scores, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, aspartate transaminase levels, interleukin-23 (IL-23) levels, and IL-18. Frequencies of CD209 from granulocytes were significantly correlated with systemic scores, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and levels of C-reactive protein, ferritin, LDH, IL-23, and interleukin-18 (IL-18).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated frequencies of circulating CD11b-positive cells and positive correlations with disease activity markers suggest that circulating CD11b-positive cells contribute to the pathogenesis of AOSD.

Serum reactivity against herpes simplex virus type 1 UL48 protein in Behçet's disease patients and a Behçet's disease-like mouse model

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a possible pathogenic factor in Behçet's disease (BD). Using proteomics analysis, this study detected a target HSV protein. Serum IgA and IgG reactivities against the identified protein were evaluated in patients with BD and in BD-like mice. A total of 4 protein bands generated by immunoprecipitation were analysed by proteomics, and HSV UL48 was commonly found in both IgA- and IgG-reactive protein bands. Compared with controls, patients with BD and BD-like mice exhibited higher titres of IgA reacting with recombinant HSV UL48 protein. Further proteomics analysis revealed that human heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (Hsc71) is a cross-reacting target antigen against anti-HSV UL48 antibody. In addition, our data demonstrated a very strong association between serum IgG reactivity against recombinant human Hsc71 and recombinant HSV UL48 in patients with BD. We suggest that HSV infection and impaired human Hsc71 activity may be associated with the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes.

The Role of ORAI1 in the Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Pulp capping, or placing dental materials directly onto the vital pulp tissues of affected teeth, is a dental procedure that aims to regenerate reparative dentin. Several pulp capping materials are clinically being used, and calcium ion (Ca(2+)) released from these materials is known to mediate reparative dentin formation. ORAI1 is an essential pore subunit of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), which is a major Ca(2+) influx pathway in most nonexcitable cells. Here, we evaluated the role of ORAI1 in mediating the odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). During the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs, the expression of ORAI1 increased in a time-dependent manner. DPSCs knocked down with ORAI1 shRNA (DPSC/ORAI1sh) or overexpressed with dominant negative mutant ORAI1(E106Q) (DPSC/E106Q) exhibited the inhibition of Ca(2+) influx and suppression of odontogenic differentiation and mineralization as demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity/staining as well as alizarin red S staining when compared with DPSCs of their respective control groups (DPSC/CTLsh and DPSC/CTL). The gene expression for odontogenic differentiation markers such as osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) was also suppressed. When DPSC/CTL or DPSC/E106Q cells were subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice, DPSC/CTL cells induced mineralized tissue formation with significant increases in ALP and DMP1 staining in vivo, whereas DPSC/E106Q cells did not. Collectively, our data showed that ORAI1 plays critical roles in the odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of DPSCs by regulating Ca(2+) influx and that ORAI1 may be a therapeutic target to enhance reparative dentin formation.

IL-2/IL-2 antibody immune complex regulates HSV-induced inflammation through induction of IL-2 receptor alpha, beta, and gamma in a mouse model

The differences of serum IL-2 levels were not consistent between Behçet's Disease (BD) patients and healthy controls, however, the correlation of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) and BD has not been investigated. IL-2R is composed of three subunits; alpha, beta, and gamma. The expression frequencies of IL-2R subunits were analyzed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, spleens, and lymph node (LN) cells. The expression of IL-2R subunits was different between BD mice and controls. IL-2R beta expressing cell frequencies were also different between BD patients and healthy controls. The IL-2/anti-mIL-2 antibody complex administration regulated the IL-2R subunits in mice. The change of expression in IL-2R was accompanied by the increase of CD8+CD44+ memory T cells, CD3-NK1.1+CD11b+CD27+ natural killer cells, and improvement of symptoms. In this study, we elucidated the role of IL-2R subunits on BD, a finding that can be connected to therapeutic strategy for patients based on the results from the treatment of BD mice.

The relevance of miRNA-21 in HSV-induced inflammation in a mouse model

The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlation between microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression and inflammation in a herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced Behçet’s Disease (BD) mouse model. miR-21 was compared between BD patients and healthy controls in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). For miR-21 inhibition, miR-21 antagomir was applied to BD mice. The change of symptoms was monitored. The levels of cytokines and related molecules were determined by ELISA and real time qPCR. Treatment with colchicine or pentoxifylline down-regulated the level of miR-21 with improved symptoms in mice. miR-21 inhibition was accompanied by down-regulated serum levels of IL-17 and IL-6. The expression levels of PDCD4, RhoB, PD-1, IL-12p35, and toll-like receptor-4 were also regulated by miR-21 inhibition. miR-21 was correlated with HSV-induced BD-like inflammation in mice and BD patients. The expression of miR-21 was regulated by antagomir in mice.

Tocotrienols enhance melanosome degradation through endosome docking/fusion proteins in B16F10 melanoma cells

Vitamin E inhibits tyrosinase activity and acts as a melanogenesis inhibitor in epidermal melanocytes in vitro. However, there is no direct evidence indicating that melanosomes are degraded in lysosomes in the presence of vitamin E. To determine whether vitamin E-induced melanosome disintegration is related to the expression of endosome docking/fusion proteins in B16F10 melanoma cells, electron microscopy, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and real-time PCR were used to observe the effects of tocomin (α-tocopherols and α,γ,δ-tocotrienols in palm oil) on B16F10 melanoma cells. Melanosomal integrity was lost in lysosomes of B16F10 melanoma cells when treated with tocomin, indicating that tocomin caused the degradation of melanosomes in the lysosomal compartment. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analysis demonstrated mRNA expression of tyrosinase and the endosome docking/fusion proteins (syntaxin7, Rab7, Vps11, Vps16, Vps33, Vps39, and Vps41). Expression of syntaxin7, Vps16, Vps33, and Vps41 mRNA increased significantly in cells treated with tocomin compared with that in controls. These results indicate that the tocomin-induced degradation of melanosomes in the lysosomal compartment occurs with an increase in endosome docking/fusion proteins (syntaxin7, Vps16, Vps33, and Vps41) in cultured B16F10 melanoma cells.

Immunopathogenic Role of Herpes Simplex Virus in Behçet's Disease

The role of viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD) has been investigated for many years. HSV has been detected in peripheral blood leukocytes, saliva, and genital ulcers of patients with BD. Various cell adhesion molecules on cultured endothelial cells have been induced by HSV in a TNF- α dependent manner. In addition, a BD-like animal model was developed by inoculating ICR mouse earlobes with HSV, and antiviral treatment was effective in improving BD-like symptoms in this model. Still, there are several incompletely characterized proteins that possess antiviral properties and are being investigated as mediators of viral infection-related chronic inflammatory reactions. Although the role of HSV in the pathogenesis of BD remains to be fully established, recent research findings regarding HSV in BD have expanded our understanding of the disease and will hopefully lead to the development of more effective therapeutic agents in the near future.

Detection of the inflammatory process in a Behçet's disease-like mouse model using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography

OBJECTIVES

The major role of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infection in Behçet's disease (BD) immunopathogenesis has been demonstrated and inoculating the earlobes of ICR mice with HSV produced a BD-like mouse model. (18)Ffluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) is widely used for diagnosing numerous human diseases other than malignancies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the inflammatory activities of BD-like symptoms in a HSV type 1-induced BD-like mouse model by small-animal FDG PET.

METHODS

Five HSV-infected ICR mice with BD-like lesions, two asymptomatic HSV-infected mice, and two untreated mice were scanned with microPET, and autopsy specimens were histopathologically assessed to evaluate for infiltration by mixed inflammatory cells.

RESULTS

The histopathological evaluation of the inflammatory process in knee and elbow joints significantly correlated with the quantitative assessment of FDG accumulation in the same joints in BD-like ICR mice, HSV-infected asymptomatic mice, and untreated control mice. Small-animal FDG PET clearly detected asymptomatic joint inflammatory processes in both BD-like mice and HSV-infected asymptomatic mice. In addition, genital ulcers and skin ulcers with associated perilesional lymphadenopathies in BD-like models were detected by microPET. However, biodistributed PET-positive images from the stasis of secreted FDG into the bowel lumen could not be distinguished from the inflammatory bowel lesions of BD when compared to FDG uptake in control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that FDG PET can non-invasively and quantitatively detect the inflammatory process in an HSV-induced BD-like mouse model.

Therapeutic potency of Poly I:C in HSV-induced inflammation through up-regulation of IL-15 receptor alpha

Interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) forms stable complex with IL-15 on the cell surface of activated monocytes and mediates the proliferation of memory CD8+ T cells. Recent studies informed that polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) is an immunostimulant which boosts the generation of memory T cells through induction of IL-15Rα. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relevance of IL-15Rα in Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced Behçet's disease (BD) mouse model and BD patients. The frequencies of IL-15Rα expression in PBMCs of BD patients and BD-like symptomatic mice were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, Poly I:C supplementation could reduce inflammation through the up-regulation of memory T cells and IL-15Rα+ cells accompany with down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-17A in BD mice. In BD patients, the frequencies of IL-15Rα expression in PBMCs were also significantly different between the inactive and active disease states. These results suggest that IL-15Rα is a relevant factor in BD.

CCL21 attenuates HSV-induced inflammation through up-regulation of CD8+ memory cells

CCR7 and its ligand, CCL21, are known to establish microenvironments for the initiation of immune responses in secondary lymphoid tissue. It has also been reported that CCR7 ligand gene-deleted mice have defects in lymphocyte homing. In addition, the injection of the CCR7 ligand was shown to induce the expression of memory T cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CCR7 and its ligand in HSV-induced Behçet's disease (BD)-like inflammation of mice. Additionally, plasmids containing the CCR7 ligand CCL19 or CCL21, pcDNA3.1-CCL19 or pcDNA3.1-CCL21, respectively, were injected into symptomatic mice, and changes in the population of memory T cells were determined. After administration of pcDNA3.1-CCL21, the frequencies of CD8+CD44+, CD8+CD62L- memory T cells were significantly up-regulated and the symptoms were not deteriorated when compared to the control vector injected group. Specifically, the difference in frequencies of CCR7+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells between active BD patients and inactive BD patients was similar to that of HSV-induced BD-like mice. These results suggest that CCR7, its ligand, and CD8+ memory cells are correlated with the regulation of BD symptoms.

Caries-preventive Activity of Fluoride-containing Resin-based Desensitizers

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different desensitizing agents on the prevention of root caries when applied to root surfaces.

Materials and Methods

Thirty human roots were sectioned into quarters with a 3 × 4 mm window. A desensitizer (VX, Clinpro™ XT Varnish; SP, Seal & Protect®; or PB, Clearfil™ Protect Bond) was applied to three of the quarters in each window. Teeth were stored separately in water for one day, 30 days, or 60 days. The remaining quarter, without the application of desensitizer, served as a control. After storage in water, all specimens were subjected to pH cycling. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the demineralization bands created on the subsurface layer. The weight percentages of fluorine (F), silica, and calcium (Ca) were determined using electron probe microanalysis to quantify the elemental distributions in the root dentin. The concentrations of F released during a pH cycling were measured.

Results

For the control group, the average lesion depth was 18.92 ± 5.42 μm, and the average Ca loss was 15.66% ± 6.80% in the superficial layer and 30.44% ± 9.61% in the subsurface layer. No Ca loss occurred in the desensitizer-treated groups. All desensitizing agents remained intact for at least 60 days. F levels were increased in the hybrid layer but not in the subhybrid area. Outward release of F diminished with time.

Conclusion

The F-containing resin-based desensitizers protected exposed root surfaces from demineralization. F liberated from the desensitizers was detected only at minimal levels.

Learning from HSV-infected mice as a model of Behçet's disease

Several animal models of Behçet's disease (BD) have been proposed according to putative etiology. Among these models, the herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced model produced the most similar disease attributes observe in patients. Inoculation of HSV type 1 to the scratched earlobe of mice produced the appropriate symptoms, including oral, genital, and skin ulcers, eye lesions, arthritis, and intestinal involvement. This HSV-induced BD model is the only continuously used model, to which various therapeutic modalities have been applied.

Autophagy induction by tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄) deficiency is a genetic disorder associated with a variety of metabolic syndromes such as phenylketonuria (PKU). In this article, the signaling pathway by which BH₄ deficiency inactivates mTORC1 leading to the activation of the autophagic pathway was studied utilizing BH₄-deficient Spr(-/-) mice generated by the knockout of the gene encoding sepiapterin reductase (SR) catalyzing BH₄ synthesis. We found that mTORC1 signaling was inactivated and autophagic pathway was activated in tissues from Spr(-/-) mice. This study demonstrates that tyrosine deficiency causes mTORC1 inactivation and subsequent activation of autophagic pathway in Spr(-/-) mice. Therapeutic tyrosine diet completely rescued dwarfism and mTORC1 inhibition but inactivated autophagic pathway in Spr(-/-) mice. Tyrosine-dependent inactivation of mTORC1 was further supported by mTORC1 inactivation in Pah(enu2) mouse model lacking phenylalanine hydroxylase (Pah). NIH3T3 cells grown under the condition of tyrosine restriction exhibited autophagy induction. However, mTORC1 activation by RhebQ64L, a positive regulator of mTORC1, inactivated autophagic pathway in NIH3T3 cells under tyrosine-deficient conditions. In addition, this study first documents mTORC1 inactivation and autophagy induction in PKU patients with BH₄ deficiency.

[Public reporting in health care: the impact of publicly reported quality data on patient steerage]

BACKGROUND

Public reporting (PR) has been gaining more weight as a mechanism for patient steerage. According to the theory of PR, patients use information about the quality of health care providers before making decisions and selecting health-care providers. This paper contributes further knowledge on the effectiveness of PR and identifies critical success factors. These should be taken into account when implementing PR in the German health care system.

METHODOLOGY

The peer-reviewed English, Spanish, and German language literature was searched in the following five databases: The Cochrane Library, Medline (via PubMed), ISI Web of Knowledge, EconLit, and PsycINFO (since 2005). In addition, reference lists of the included studies and reviews were screened in order to identify previously published studies.

RESULTS

In total, 21 studies were identified regarding the impact of 12 different PR instruments on patient steerage. An impact could be demonstrated in 9 studies, 7 studies showed mixed results, while 5 studies could not show any effect on patient steerage. 20 studies were carried out in the US environment, 1 study in Germany. The most researched instrument is the New York State Cardiac Surgery Reporting System (N=8).

CONCLUSION

PR can be effective in steering patients when seeking a health-care provider, especially for elective procedures. To be successful, information provided must be reliable, easily understandable, should further represent real news, and be disseminated widely. Besides this, it has to be applicable and modifiable according to individual preferences.

Vitamin D3 ameliorates herpes simplex virus-induced Behçet's disease-like inflammation in a mouse model through down-regulation of Toll-like receptors

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to understand the role of vitamin D3 through the regulation of Toll like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines in herpes simplex virus-induced Behçet's disease (BD)-like mice.

METHODS

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) levels were measured in BD-like mice, as well as virus injected and asymptomatic appearance BD normal mice (BDN). The frequencies of TLRs of peritoneal macrophages were compared by FACS. To determine the effect of vitamin D3 in vitro, peritoneal macrophages were isolated and then incubated with 1,25(OH)2D3. To identify the mechanism of improvement of BD-like symptoms induced by 1,25(OH)2D3, mice were orally administered 1,25(OH)2D3.

RESULTS

The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in BD-like mice were 12.4 ± 5.4ng/ml, while they were 17.5 ± 7.2ng/ml in BDN mice. The frequency of TLR2 in BD-like mice was 32.91 ± 20.88%, while it was 12.73 ± 7.67% in BDN. The frequency of TLR4 was 26.09 ± 10.20% in BD-like mice and 9.72 ± 5.30% in BDN. In a 72 h culture of peritoneal macrophages in 10-8 M 1,25(OH)2D3, the frequency of TLR2 was 25.0 ± 2.7%, while it was 37.3 ± 5.8% in the control group. The frequency of TLR4 was 18.9 ± 5.3% with 1,25(OH)2D3, while it was 30.3 ± 0.1% in the control group. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 improved the symptoms in six out of 11 BD-like mice and downregulated the frequency of TLR2 and TLR4. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 influenced Interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha expression in the sera of BD-like mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D improved BD-like symptoms by down-regulating the expression of TLRs and pro-inflammatory cytokines in in vivo mouse models.

Synthesized pyridine compound derivatives decreased TNF alpha and adhesion molecules and ameliorated HSV-induced inflammation in a mouse model

Synthesized pyridine compound derivatives (SK94, SK126) from a natural lead source were administered to mice to test for possible anti-TNF alpha and anti-inflammatory activities. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF alpha production was analyzed in the endothelial cells, Raw 264.7 cells, and serum of normal mice after treatment with SK compounds. These compounds were also orally administered to a herpes simplex virus (HSV)-induced Behcet's disease mouse model to investigate their anti-inflammatory therapeutic effect. TNF alpha production was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner in the SK94 treated cells. E-selectin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 mRNA levels were also down-regulated. Treatment with 30mg/kg SK94 inhibited 55% of the TNF alpha production in LPS challenged Balb/c mice (n=8). SK94 and SK126 were administered to the Behcet's disease-like mice for five consecutive days and SK94 improved in five out of six mice (83%), while it only improved in one out of nine mice (11%) in the pH 1.2 saline (artificial gastric juice) group (P<0.005), four out of ten mice (40%) in the thalidomide group (P<0.05), and six out of seven (86%) in the SK126 group (P<0.005). Soluble ICAM-1 was inhibited by 23.8% in the sera of SK94 treated mice and by 34.6% in SK126 treated mice when compared to artificial gastric juice. Based on these findings, SK compounds could be candidates for clinical trials.

Role of Amino Acids and Vitamins in Nutrition of Mesophilic Methanococcus spp

In this study we found that autotrophic methanococci similar to Methanococcus maripaludis obtained up to 57% of their cellular carbon from exogenous amino acids. About 85% of the incorporation was into protein. Primarily nonpolar and basic amino acids and glycine were incorporated; only small amounts of acidic and some polar amino acids were taken up. An additional 10% of the incorporation was into the nucleic acid fraction. Because little CO(2) was formed from the C-amino acids, little metabolism of the amino acids occurred. Therefore the growth stimulation by amino acids was probably due to the sparing of anabolic energy requirements. Of the amino acids incorporated, only alanine was also a sole nitrogen source for these methanococci. In contrast, Methanococcus vannielii and "Methanococcus aeolicus" are autotrophic methanococci which did not incorporate amino acids and did not utilize alanine as a sole nitrogen source. Although glutamine served as a sole nitrogen source for the autotrophic methanococci and Methanococcus voltae, a heterotrophic methanococcus, growth was due to chemical deamination in the medium. M. voltae requires leucine and isoleucine for growth. However, these amino acids were not significant nitrogen sources, and alanine was not a sole nitrogen source for the growth of M. voltae. The branched-chain amino acids were not extensively metabolized by M. voltae. Pantoyl lactone and pantoic acid were readily incorporated by M. voltae. The intact vitamin pantothenate was neither stimulatory to growth nor incorporated. In conclusion, although amino acids and vitamins are nutritionally important to both autotrophic and heterotrophic methanococci, generally they are not subject to extensive catabolism.

The role of Qa-2, the functional homolog of HLA-G, in a Behcet's disease-like mouse model induced by the herpes virus simplex

Background

It has been suggested that the HLA-G molecule is a genetic risk factor for Behcet's disease (BD). In this study, we evaluated the level of Qa-2, a murine nonclassical class I MHC molecule and possible functional homolog of HLA-G, to determine if it was associated with various symptoms of BD-like mice. In addition, we investigated siRNA (small interfering RNA) treatment to determine if it inhibited Qa-2 expression, thereby changing the symptoms of mice.

Methods

RNA interference (RNAi) and vector transfection were employed to manipulate gene expression in vivo in mice. siRNA (small interfering RNA) or Qa-2 expression vector was applied to inhibit or up-regulate Qa-2 expression, respectively.

Results

The Qa-2 levels in granulocytes were lower in BD-like mice than in normal controls. The silencing of Qa-2 by intravenous injection of siRNA (500 nmol/mouse, 4 times at 3-day intervals) specifically reduced the Qa-2 levels and worsened the BD-like symptoms.

Conclusions

Silencing Qa-2 by injecting siRNA into mice resulted in deterioration of symptoms in BD-like mice.