Health effects and known pathology associated with the use of E-cigarettes

In recent years, new nicotine delivery methods have emerged, and many users are choosing electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) over traditional tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarette use is very popular among adolescents, with more than 3.5 million currently using these products in the US. Despite the increased prevalence of e-cigarette use, there is limited knowledge regarding the health impact of e-cigarettes on the general population. Based on published findings by others, E-cigarette is associated with lung injury outbreak, which increased health and safety concerns related to consuming this product. Different components of e-cigarettes, including food-safe liquid solvents and flavorings, can cause health issues related to pneumonia, pulmonary injury, and bronchiolitis. In addition, e-cigarettes contain alarmingly high levels of carcinogens and toxicants that may have long-lasting effects on other organ systems, including the development of neurological manifestations, lung cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and tooth decay. Despite the well- documented potential for harm, e-cigarettes do not appear to increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV- 2 infection. Furthermore, some studies have found that e-cigarette users experience improvements in lung health and minimal adverse effects. Therefore, more studies are needed to provide a definitive conclusion on the long-term safety of e-cigarettes. The purpose of this review is to inform the readers about the possible health-risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes, especially among the group of young and young-adults, from a molecular biology point of view.

Understanding the physiological functions of the host xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors PXR and CAR on the gut microbiome using genetically modified mice

Pharmacological activation of the xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is well-known to increase drug metabolism and reduce inflammation. Little is known regarding their physiological functions on the gut microbiome. In this study, we discovered bivalent hormetic functions of PXR/CAR modulating the richness of the gut microbiome using genetically engineered mice. The absence of PXR or CAR increased microbial richness, and absence of both receptors synergistically increased microbial richness. PXR and CAR deficiency increased the pro-inflammatory bacteria Helicobacteraceae and Helicobacter. Deficiency in both PXR and CAR increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, which has bile salt hydrolase activity, corresponding to decreased primary taurine-conjugated bile acids (BAs) in feces, which may lead to higher internal burden of taurine and unconjugated BAs, both of which are linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cytotoxicity. The basal effect of PXR/CAR on the gut microbiome was distinct from pharmacological and toxicological activation of these receptors. Common PXR/CAR-targeted bacteria were identified, the majority of which were suppressed by these receptors. hPXR-TG mice had a distinct microbial profile as compared to wild-type mice. This study is the first to unveil the basal functions of PXR and CAR on the gut microbiome.

Recommendations for the use of the acetaminophen hepatotoxicity model for mechanistic studies and how to avoid common pitfalls

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, which is safe at therapeutic doses but can cause severe liver injury and even liver failure after overdoses. The mouse model of APAP hepatotoxicity recapitulates closely the human pathophysiology. As a result, this clinically relevant model is frequently used to study mechanisms of drug-induced liver injury and even more so to test potential therapeutic interventions. However, the complexity of the model requires a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology to obtain valid results and mechanistic information that is translatable to the clinic. However, many studies using this model are flawed, which jeopardizes the scientific and clinical relevance. The purpose of this review is to provide a framework of the model where mechanistically sound and clinically relevant data can be obtained. The discussion provides insight into the injury mechanisms and how to study it including the critical roles of drug metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, necrotic cell death, autophagy and the sterile inflammatory response. In addition, the most frequently made mistakes when using this model are discussed. Thus, considering these recommendations when studying APAP hepatotoxicity will facilitate the discovery of more clinically relevant interventions.

Proteomics and metabolic phenotyping define principal roles for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in mouse liver

Dioxin-like molecules have been associated with endocrine disruption and liver disease. To better understand aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) biology, metabolic phenotyping and liver proteomics were performed in mice following ligand-activation or whole-body genetic ablation of this receptor. Male wild type (WT) and Ahr^–/– mice (Taconic) were fed a control diet and exposed to 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) (61 nmol/kg by gavage) or vehicle for two weeks. PCB126 increased expression of canonical AHR targets (Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2) in WT but not Ahr^–/–. Knockouts had increased adiposity with decreased glucose tolerance; smaller livers with increased steatosis and perilipin-2; and paradoxically decreased blood lipids. PCB126 was associated with increased hepatic triglycerides in Ahr^–/–. The liver proteome was impacted more so by Ahr^–/– genotype than ligand-activation, but top gene ontology (GO) processes were similar. The PCB126-associated liver proteome was Ahr-dependent. Ahr principally regulated liver metabolism (e.g., lipids, xenobiotics, organic acids) and bioenergetics, but it also impacted liver endocrine response (e.g., the insulin receptor) and function, including the production of steroids, hepatokines, and pheromone binding proteins. These effects could have been indirectly mediated by interacting transcription factors or microRNAs. The biologic roles of the AHR and its ligands warrant more research in liver metabolic health and disease.

Korean Red Ginseng exerts anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting activities in aged mice

BACKGROUND

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herb that has several beneficial properties including anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy regulatory effects. However, the mechanisms of these effects are not well understood. In this report, the underlying mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting effects were investigated in aged mice treated with KRG-water extract (WE) over a long period.

METHODS

The mechanisms of anti-inflammatory and autophagy-promoting activities of KRG-WE were evaluated in kidney, lung, liver, stomach, and colon of aged mice using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

KRG-WE significantly suppressed the mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related genes such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and IL-6 in kidney, lung, liver, stomach, and colon of the aged mice. Furthermore, KRG-WE downregulated the expression of transcription factors and their protein levels associated with inflammation in lung and kidney of aged mice. KRG-WE also increased the expression of autophagy-related genes and their protein levels in colon, liver, and stomach.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that KRG can suppress inflammatory responses and recover autophagy activity in aged mice.

Deficiency of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α attenuates apoptosis and promotes migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α is widely expressed in the vasculature and has pleiotropic and lipid-lowering independent effects, but its role in the growth and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during vascular pathophysiology is still unclear. Herein, VSMC-specific PPARα-deficient mice (Ppara ^ΔSMC) were generated by Cre-LoxP site-specific recombinase technology and VSMCs were isolated from mice aorta. PPARα deficiency attenuated VSMC apoptosis induced by angiotensin (Ang) II and hydrogen peroxide, and increased the migration of Ang II-challenged cells.

Vehicle emissions-exposure alters expression of systemic and tissue-specific components of the renin-angiotensin system and promotes outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease and obesity in wild-type C57BL/6 male mice

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Vehicle emission-exposure increases systemic and adipose renin-angiotensin signaling.

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Emission-exposure promotes renal, vascular, and adipocyte AT1 receptor expression.

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Diet and emission-exposure are associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and weight gain.

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Emission-exposure promotes expression of adipokines and adipose inflammatory factors.

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High-fat diet promotes an obese adipose phenotype, exacerbated by emission-exposure.

Exposure to air pollution from traffic-generated sources is known to contribute to the etiology of inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity; however, the signaling pathways involved are still under investigation. Dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can contribute to CVD and alter lipid storage and inflammation in adipose tissue. Our previous exposure studies revealed that traffic-generated emissions increase RAS signaling, further exacerbated by a high-fat diet. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis that exposure to engine emissions increases systemic and local adipocyte RAS signaling, promoting the expression of factors involved in CVD and obesity. Male C57BL/6 mice (6–8 wk old) were fed either a high-fat (HF, n = 16) or low-fat (LF, n = 16) diet, beginning 30d prior to exposures, and then exposed via inhalation to either filtered air (FA, controls) or a mixture of diesel engine + gasoline engine vehicle emissions (MVE: 100 μg PM/m³) via whole-body inhalation for 6 h/d, 7 d/wk, 30d. Endpoints were assessed via immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. MVE-exposure promoted vascular adhesion factors (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) expression, monocyte/macrophage sequestration, and oxidative stress in the vasculature, associated with increased angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) expression. In the kidney, MVE-exposure promoted the expression of renin, AT1, and AT2 receptors. In adipose tissue, both HF-diet and MVE-exposure mediated increased epididymal fat pad weight and adipocyte hypertrophy, associated with increased angiotensinogen and AT1 receptor expression; however, these outcomes were further exacerbated in the MVE + HF group. MVE-exposure also induced inflammation, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and leptin, while reducing insulin receptor and glucose transporter, GLUT4, expression in adipose tissue. Our results indicate that MVE-exposure promotes systemic and local adipose RAS signaling, associated with increased expression of factors contributing to CVD and obesity, further exacerbated by HF diet consumption.

Genetic or pharmacological reduction of cholangiocyte senescence improves inflammation and fibrosis in the Mdr2 -/- mouse

Background & Aims

Cholangiocyte senescence is important in the pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We found that CDKN2A (p16), a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and mediator of senescence, was increased in cholangiocytes of patients with PSC and from a PSC mouse model (multidrug resistance 2; Mdr2^-/-). Given that recent data suggest that a reduction of senescent cells is beneficial in different diseases, we hypothesised that inhibition of cholangiocyte senescence would ameliorate disease in Mdr2^-/- mice.

Methods

We used 2 novel genetic murine models to reduce cholangiocyte senescence: (i) p16^Ink4a apoptosis through targeted activation of caspase (INK-ATTAC)xMdr2^-/-, in which the dimerizing molecule AP20187 promotes selective apoptotic removal of p16-expressing cells; and (ii) mice deficient in both p16 and Mdr2. Mdr2^-/- mice were also treated with fisetin, a flavonoid molecule that selectively kills senescent cells. p16, p21, and inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, IL-1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1]) were measured by PCR, and hepatic fibrosis via a hydroxyproline assay and Sirius red staining.

Results

AP20187 treatment reduced p16 and p21 expression by ~35% and ~70% (p >0.05), respectively. Expression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1) decreased (by 60%, 40%, and 60%, respectively), and fibrosis was reduced by ~60% (p >0.05). Similarly, p16^-/-xMdr2^-/- mice exhibited reduced p21 expression (70%), decreased expression of TNF-α, IL-1β (60%), and MCP-1 (65%) and reduced fibrosis (~50%) (p >0.05) compared with Mdr2^-/- mice. Fisetin treatment reduced expression of p16 and p21 (80% and 90%, respectively), TNF-α (50%), IL-1β (50%), MCP-1 (70%), and fibrosis (60%) (p >0.05).

Conclusions

Our data support a pathophysiological role of cholangiocyte senescence in the progression of PSC, and that targeted removal of senescent cholangiocytes is a plausible therapeutic approach.

Lay summary

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a fibroinflammatory, incurable biliary disease. We previously reported that biliary epithelial cell senescence (cell-cycle arrest and hypersecretion of profibrotic molecules) is an important phenotype in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Herein, we demonstrate that reducing the number of senescent cholangiocytes leads to a reduction in the expression of inflammatory, fibrotic, and senescence markers associated with the disease.

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p16 and p21 are major mediators of cellular senescence and are highly expressed in cholangiocytes in a Mdr2^-/- murine model of PSC.

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The senescence-associated secretory phenotype markers are all increased in cholangiocytes of Mdr2^-/- mice.

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Genetic and pharmacological elimination of senescent cholangiocytes reduces peribiliary inflammation and fibrosis in Mdr2^-/- mice.

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Preclinical work suggests that fisetin, a naturally occurring and safe senolytic flavonoid, has the potential to be tested in patients with PSC.

Inhibition of long noncoding RNA HIF1A-AS2 confers protection against atherosclerosis via ATF2 downregulation

Introduction

In atherosclerotic lesions, extensive inflammation of the vessel wall contributes to plaque instability. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in diverse biological processes in atherosclerosis.

Objectives

Here, we aim to identify the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha-antisense RNA 2 (HIF1A-AS2) in atherosclerotic inflammation.

Methods

An atherosclerotic mouse model was induced in ApoE-/- mice by high fat diet (HFD). Endothelial cells (ECs), human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) or human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were exposed to ox-LDL to develop the in vitro model. The effects of lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 on inflammation were evaluated by determining levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and levels of adhesion molecules vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and macrophage cationic peptide 1 (MCP-1).

Results

It was established that lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 and ATF2 were highly expressed in atherosclerotic ApoE-/- mice. Downregulating lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 in ox-LDL-exposed ECs, SMCs and HCAECs inhibited inflammation by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory factors and adhesion molecules. LncRNA HIF1A-AS2 bound to the transcription factor USF1 to elevate ATF2 expression. USF1 overexpression counteracted the suppressive effect of lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 silencing on ox-LDL-induced inflammation. Knockdown of lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 or ATF2 could also attenuate inflammation in atherosclerotic mice. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that downregulation of lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 represses the binding of USF1 to the ATF2 promoter region and then inhibits ATF2 expression, thereby suppressing atherosclerotic inflammation.

Conclusion

This study suggests lncRNA HIF1A-AS2 as an promising therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.

Saponins from Panax japonicus ameliorate age-related renal fibrosis by inhibition of inflammation mediated by NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad signaling and suppression of oxidative stress via activation of Nrf2-ARE signaling

Background

The decreased renal function is known to be associated with biological aging, of which the main pathological features are chronic inflammation and renal interstitial fibrosis. In previous studies, we reported that total saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJs) can availably protect acute myocardial ischemia. We proposed that SPJs might have similar protective effects for aging-associated renal interstitial fibrosis. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the overall effect of SPJs on renal fibrosis.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) aging rats were given SPJs by gavage beginning from 18 months old, at 10 mg/kg/d and 60 mg/kg/d, up to 24 months old. After the experiment, changes in morphology, function and fibrosis of their kidneys were detected. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and cystatin C (Cys C) were assayed with ELISA kits. The levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), inflammatory factors and changes of oxidative stress parameters were examined.

Results

After SPJs treatment, SD rats showed significantly histopathological changes in kidneys accompanied by decreased renal fibrosis and increased renal function; As compared with those in 3-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in 24-month group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the 24-month group, the levels of serum UA, Cys C and β2-MG in the SPJ-H group were significantly decreased. While ECM was reduced and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased, the levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling were decreased; the expression level of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) was down-regulated with reduced inflammatory factors; meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling was aggrandized.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SPJs treatment can improve age-associated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad, NFκB signaling pathways and activating Nrf2-ARE signaling pathways and that SPJs can be a potentially valuable anti-renal fibrosis drug.

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses: A systematic review

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COVID-19 is a common pathology that may affect diverse organs, including the central and peripheral nervous system.

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Coronaviruses have important neurotropic potential and they cause neurological alterations that range from mild to severe.

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CoV may affect any age group; the main symptoms are headache, dizziness, and altered consciousness.

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The neurological symptoms caused by CoV (MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2) are similar.

Objective

To describe the main neurological manifestations related to coronavirus infection in humans.

Methodology

A systematic review was conducted regarding clinical studies on cases that had neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. The search was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS with the following keywords: “coronavirus” or “Sars-CoV-2” or “COVID-19” and “neurologic manifestations” or “neurological symptoms” or “meningitis” or “encephalitis” or “encephalopathy,” following the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Seven studies were included. Neurological alterations after CoV infection may vary from 17.3% to 36.4% and, in the pediatric age range, encephalitis may be as frequent as respiratory disorders, affecting 11 % and 12 % of patients, respectively. The Investigation included 409 patients diagnosed with CoV infection who presented neurological symptoms, with median age range varying from 3 to 62 years. The main neurological alterations were headache (69; 16.8 %), dizziness (57, 13.9 %), altered consciousness (46; 11.2 %), vomiting (26; 6.3 %), epileptic crises (7; 1.7 %), neuralgia (5; 1.2 %), and ataxia (3; 0.7 %). The main presumed diagnoses were acute viral meningitis/encephalitis in 25 (6.1 %) patients, hypoxic encephalopathy in 23 (5.6 %) patients, acute cerebrovascular disease in 6 (1.4 %) patients, 1 (0.2 %) patient with possible acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, 1 (0.2 %) patient with acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy, and 2 (1.4 %) patients with CoV related to Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Conclusion

Coronaviruses have important neurotropic potential and they cause neurological alterations that range from mild to severe. The main neurological manifestations found were headache, dizziness and altered consciousness.

Natural products, PGC-1 , and Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a transcriptional coactivator that binds to a diverse range of transcription factors. PPARγ coactivator 1 (PGC-1) coactivators possess an extensive range of biological effects in different tissues, and play a key part in the regulation of the oxidative metabolism, consequently modulating the production of reactive oxygen species, autophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Owing to these findings, a large body of studies, aiming to establish the role of PGC-1 in the neuromuscular system, has shown that PGC-1 could be a promising target for therapies targeting neuromuscular diseases. Among these, some evidence has shown that various signaling pathways linked to PGC-1α are deregulated in muscular dystrophy, leading to a reduced capacity for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In the light of these results, any intervention aimed at activating PGC-1 could contribute towards ameliorating the progression of muscular dystrophies. PGC-1α is influenced by different patho-physiological/pharmacological stimuli. Natural products have been reported to display modulatory effects on PPARγ activation with fewer side effects in comparison to synthetic drugs. Taken together, this review summarizes the current knowledge on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, focusing on the potential effects of natural compounds, acting as regulators of PGC-1α.

Oral exposure to low dose bisphenol A aggravates allergic airway inflammation in mice

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Oral exposure to BPA relevant to human exposure aggravated allergic asthma.

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Low dose BPA with allergen reduced lung mRNA levels of hormone receptors.

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Low dose BPA with allergen altered lymph node and bone marrow microenvironments.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in many consumer products and has adverse effects on human health including allergic diseases. We investigated the effects of low dose BPA, comparable to actual human oral exposure, on allergic asthma in mice. C3H/HeJ male mice were fed a chow diet containing BPA (equivalent to 0.09, 0.90, or 9.01 μg/kg/day) and were intratracheally administered ovalbumin (OVA, 1 μg/animal) every two weeks from 5–11 weeks of age. All doses of BPA plus OVA enhanced pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased lung mRNA levels of Th2 cytokine/chemokine, and serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG₁ compared to OVA alone, with greater effects observed in the middle- and high-dose BPA plus OVA groups. Furthermore, high-dose BPA with OVA decreased lung mRNA levels of ERβ and AR compared with OVA. Furthermore, BPA enhanced OVA-restimulated cell proliferation and protein levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in mediastinal lymph node (MLN) cells in OVA-sensitized mice. In bone marrow (BM) cells, middle-dose BPA with OVA increased Gr-1 expression. In conclusion, oral exposure to low-dose BPA at levels equivalent to human exposure can aggravate allergic asthmatic responses through enhancement of Th2-skewed responses, lung hormone receptor downregulation, and MLN and BM microenvironment change.

Mesenchymal stromal cells for bone sarcoma treatment: Roadmap to clinical practice

Over the past few decades, there has been growing interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis and progression, as it is still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current management of large bone sarcomas typically includes the complex therapeutic approach of limb salvage or sacrifice combined with pre- and postoperative multidrug chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and is still associated with high recurrence rates. The development of cellular strategies against specific characteristics of tumour cells appears to be promising, as they can target cancer cells selectively. Recently, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) have been the subject of significant research in orthopaedic clinical practice through their use in regenerative medicine. Further research has been directed at the use of MSCs for more personalized bone sarcoma treatments, taking advantage of their wide range of potential biological functions, which can be augmented by using tissue engineering approaches to promote healing of large defects. In this review, we explore the use of MSCs in bone sarcoma treatment, by analyzing MSCs and tumour cell interactions, transduction of MSCs to target sarcoma, and their clinical applications on humans concerning bone regeneration after bone sarcoma extraction.

Long-term interleukin-33 treatment delays disease onset and alleviates astrocytic activation in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

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Th2-type cytokine IL-33 delayed the disease onset of female SOD1-G93 A transgenic ALS mice.

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IL-33 decreased the proportion of T cells in the spleens and lymph nodes of female mice.

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IL-33 decreased astrocytic activation in the spinal cord of female mice.

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Male mice were unresponsive to the treatment.

Inflammation is a prominent feature of the neuropathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Emerging evidence suggests that inflammatory cascades contributing to the disease progression are not restricted to the central nervous system (CNS) but also occur peripherally. Indeed, alterations in T cell responses and their secreted cytokines have been detected in ALS patients and in animal models of ALS. One key cytokine responsible for the shift in T cell responses is interleukin-33 (IL-33), which stimulates innate type 2 immune cells to produce a large amount of Th2 cytokines that are possibly beneficial in the recovery processes of CNS injuries. Since the levels of IL-33 have been shown to be decreased in patients affected with ALS, we sought to determine whether a long-term recombinant IL-33 treatment of a transgenic mouse model of ALS expressing G93A-superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1-G93A) alters the disease progression and ameliorates the ALS-like disease pathology. SOD1-G93A mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of IL-33 and effects on disease onset and inflammatory status were determined. Spinal cord (SC) neurons, astrocytes and T-cells were exposed to IL-33 to evaluate the cell specific responses to IL-33. Treatment of SOD1-G93A mice with IL-33 delayed the disease onset in female mice, decreased the proportion of CD4+ and CD8 + T cell populations in the spleen and lymph nodes, and alleviated astrocytic activation in the ventral horn of the lumbar SC. Male SOD1-G93A mice were unresponsive to the treatment. In vitro studies showed that IL-33 is most likely not acting directly on neurons and astrocytes, but rather conveying its effects through peripheral T-cells. Our results suggest that strategies directed to the peripheral immune system may have therapeutic potential in ALS. The effect of gender dimorphisms to the treatment efficacy needs to be taken into consideration when designing new therapeutic strategies for CNS diseases.

Medicinal potential of Panax ginseng and its ginsenosides in atopic dermatitis treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disease that affects 1%-20% of people worldwide. Despite affecting many people, AD current treatments, such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, have not only harmful secondary effects but are also often ineffective. Therefore, natural nontoxic compounds are on high demand for developing new effective AD treatments. Panax ginseng Meyer has been used traditionally for its promising healing and restorative properties to treat many diseases including skin disorders, reason why in this review we want to explore the research performed with AD and P. ginseng as well as determining its potential for new drug development. Previous researches have shown that P. ginseng has positive effects in AD patients such as lower eczema area and severity index, transepidermal water loss, and immunoglobulin E levels and better quality of sleep. In vivo animal models, as well, have shown positive results to P. ginseng and derived ginsenosides, such as the decrease of transepidermal water loss, immunoglobulin E levels in serum, allergy-related cytokines, and downregulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and Ikaros pathways. All of these previous data suggest that P. ginseng and its derived ginsenosides are undoubtedly a nontoxic effective option to treat AD.

Hot water extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice by inhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation

Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, has long been used as a medicinal herb with various biological effects. A hot water extract of C. longa (WEC) has been reported to show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but its effect on hepatic inflammation is poorly understood. In the present study, to investigate the effect of WEC on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-methionine, choline-deficient diet with 0·175 % WEC (WEC group) or without WEC (control group) for 6 or 12 weeks. Although hepatic steatosis was similar in the WEC group and the control group, WEC suppressed the elevation of plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, which are markers of hepatocellular damage. Compared with the control group, the WEC group had higher hepatic levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase, as well as a lower hepatic level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. WEC also reduced hepatic expression of mRNA for inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, F4/80 and CC motif chemokine receptor 2. Histological examination revealed that WEC suppressed hepatic recruitment of F4/80⁺ monocytes/macrophages and inhibited hepatic fibrosis. Furthermore, WEC inhibited hepatic expression of mRNA for molecules related to fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β, α-smooth muscle actin, type I collagen (α1-chain) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. These findings suggest that dietary intake of WEC prevents the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by alleviating hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation.

Fish oil prevents excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat caused by an adverse effect of pioglitazone treatment and positively changes adipocytes in KK mice

Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione (TZD), is widely used as an insulin sensitizer in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, body weight gain is frequently observed in TZD-treated patients. Fish oil improves lipid metabolism dysfunction and obesity. In this study, we demonstrated suppression of body weight gain in response to pioglitazone administration by combination therapy of pioglitazone and fish oil in type 2 diabetic KK mice. Male KK mice were fed experimental diets for 8 weeks. In safflower oil (SO), safflower oil/low-dose pioglitazone (S/PL), and safflower oil/high-dose pioglitazone (S/PH) diets, 20% of calories were provided by safflower oil containing 0%, 0.006%, or 0.012% (wt/wt) pioglitazone, respectively. In fish oil (FO), fish oil/low-dose pioglitazone (F/PL), and fish oil/high-dose pioglitazone (F/PH) diets, 20% of calories were provided by a mixture of fish oil and safflower oil. Increased body weight and subcutaneous fat mass were observed in the S/PL and S/PH groups; however, diets containing fish oil were found to ameliorate these changes. Hepatic mRNA levels of lipogenic enzymes were significantly decreased in fish oil-fed groups. These findings demonstrate that the combination of pioglitazone and fish oil decreases subcutaneous fat accumulation, ameliorating pioglitazone-induced body weight gain, through fish oil-mediated inhibition of hepatic de novo lipogenesis.

Comparison of fetal toxicity of various multi-wall carbon nanotubes in mice

The fetal toxicities of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with various sizes were compared in CD1(ICR) mice. MWCNTs were suspended in 2% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution in phosphate-buffered saline. On day 9 of gestation, dams were administered a single intraperitoneal dose of MWCNTs (4 mg/kg body weight), while dams in the control group were administered vehicle (10 mL/kg body weight). The rectal temperatures of the dams were monitored 2 h after administaration to asses statuses of the dams. The dams and fetuses were examined on day 18 of gestation. The number of live fetus per dam decreased in some MWCNTs-administered groups. The mean percentages of live fetuses in total implantations in the MWCNTs-administered groups markedly varied from 0% to 95%, and the highest mean percentage of live fetuses in the MWCNTs-administered group was equivalent to that of the control group. The decrease in live fetuses depended on an increased number of early dead fetuses. In the groups with markedly lowered rectal temperature after administration, the fetal loss were evident. The blood levels of interleukin-6 and/or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in dam 2 h after administration of MWCNTs markedlyr increased, especially in the goups with significant decrease in live fetuses. These results indicated a relationship between inflammation in the dam, which probabely depended on the particular length of the MWCNTs, and the fetal toxicioty of MWCNTs in mice.

Antagonism of toll-like receptor 2 attenuates the formation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an inflammatory vascular disorder with high mortality. Accumulating evidence shows that toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays a critical role in the regulation of wound-repairing process after tissue injury. We wondered if TLR2 signaling contributed to the pathogenesis of AAA and that targeting TLR2 would attenuate AAA development and progression. In this study, enhanced expression of TLR2 and its ligands were observed in human AAA tissue. Neutralization of TLR2 protected against AAA development and caused established AAA to regress in mouse models of AAA. In addition, TLR2-deficient mice also failed to develop AAA. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of blocking TLR2 were accompanied by a significant resolution of inflammation and vascular remodeling, as indicated by the decreased expression or activity of MMP-2/9, α-SMA, inflammatory cytokines, and transcription factors NF-κB, AP-1 and STAT1/3 in AAA tissue. Mechanistically, blocking TLR2 decreased the expression and interaction of TLR2 and several endogenous ligands, which diminished chronic inflammation and vascular remodeling in the vascular tissue of AAA. Our studies indicate that the interactions between TLR2 and its endogenous ligands contribute to the pathogenesis of AAA and that targeting TLR2 offers great potential toward the development of therapeutic agents against AAA.

Experimental model for ELF-EMF exposure: Concern for human health

Low frequency (LF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are abundantly present in modern society and in the last 20 years the interest about the possible effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) EMFs on human health has increased progressively. Epidemiological studies, designed to verify whether EMF exposure may be a potential risk factor for health, have led to controversial results. The possible association between EMFs and an increased incidence of childhood leukemia, brain tumors or neurodegenerative diseases was not fully elucidated. On the other hand, EMFs are widely used, in neurology, psychiatry, rheumatology, orthopedics and dermatology, both in diagnosis and in therapy. In vitro studies may help to evaluate the mechanism by which LF-EMFs affect biological systems. In vitro model of wound healing used keratinocytes (HaCaT), neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) as a model for analysis of differentiation, metabolism and functions related to neurodegenerative processes, and monocytic cell line (THP-1) was used as a model for inflammation and cytokines production, while leukemic cell line (K562) was used as a model for hematopoietic differentiation. MCP-1, a chemokine that regulates the migration and infiltration of memory T cells, natural killer (NK), monocytes and epithelial cells, has been demonstrated to be induced and involved in various diseases. Since, varying the parameters of EMFs different effects may be observed, we have studied MCP-1 expression in HaCaT, SH-SY5Y, THP-1 and K562 exposed to a sinusoidal EMF at 50 Hz frequency with a flux density of 1 mT (rms). Our preliminary results showed that EMF-exposure differently modifies the expression of MCP-1 in different cell types. Thus, the MCP-1 expression needs to be better determined, with additional studies, with different parameters and times of exposure to ELF-EMF.

Inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 redox activity rescues human retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress and reduces choroidal neovascularization

The effectiveness of current treatment for age related macular degeneration (AMD) by targeting one molecule is limited due to its multifactorial nature and heterogeneous pathologies. Treatment strategy to target multiple signaling pathways or pathological components in AMD pathogenesis is under investigation for better clinical outcome. Inhibition of the redox function of apurinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1) was found to suppress endothelial angiogenesis and promote neuronal cell recovery, thereby may serve as a potential treatment for AMD. In the current study, we for the first time have found that a specific inhibitor of APE1 redox function by a small molecule compound E3330 regulates retinal pigment epithelium (RPEs) cell response to oxidative stress. E3330 significantly blocked sub-lethal doses of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induced proliferation decline and senescence advancement of RPEs. At the same time, E3330 remarkably decreased the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and down-regulated the productions of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as attenuated the level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 in RPEs. A panel of stress and toxicity responsive transcription factors that were significantly upregulated by oxLDL was restored by E3330, including Nrf2/Nrf1, p53, NF-κB, HIF1, CBF/NF-Y/YY1, and MTF-1. Further, a single intravitreal injection of E3330 effectively reduced the progression of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mouse eyes. These data revealed that E3330 effectively rescued RPEs from oxidative stress induced senescence and dysfunctions in multiple aspects in vitro, and attenuated laser-induced damages to RPE–Bruch׳s membrane complex in vivo. Together with its previously established anti-angiogenic and neuroprotection benefits, E3330 is implicated for potential use for AMD treatment.

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Specific inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 redox function with E3330 blocked RPE proliferation decline and senescence-like phenotype advancement induced by oxLDL.

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E3330 suppressed intracellular ROS, down-regulated the MCP-1 and VEGF production, and reduced nuclear NF-κB p65 in RPEs.

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E3330 repressed the redox sensitive transcription factors Nrf2/Nrf1, p53, NF-κB, HIF1, CBF/NF-Y/YY1, and MTF-1 that stimulated by oxLDL in RPEs.

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Intravitreal injection of E3330 markedly reduced the laser-induced CNV in mouse eyes.

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E3330 holds great potential for the management of AMD.

Ursolic acid protects monocytes against metabolic stress-induced priming and dysfunction by preventing the induction of Nox4

AIMS

Dietary supplementation with ursolic acid (UA) prevents monocyte dysfunction in diabetic mice and protects mice against atherosclerosis and loss of renal function. The goal of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism by which UA prevents monocyte dysfunction induced by metabolic stress.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Metabolic stress sensitizes or "primes" human THP-1 monocytes and murine peritoneal macrophages to the chemoattractant MCP-1, converting these cells into a hyper-chemotactic phenotype. UA protected THP-1 monocytes and peritoneal macrophages against metabolic priming and prevented their hyper-reactivity to MCP-1. UA blocked the metabolic stress-induced increase in global protein-S-glutathionylation, a measure of cellular thiol oxidative stress, and normalized actin-S-glutathionylation. UA also restored MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP1) protein expression and phosphatase activity, decreased by metabolic priming, and normalized p38 MAPK activation. Neither metabolic stress nor UA supplementation altered mRNA or protein levels of glutaredoxin-1, the principal enzyme responsible for the reduction of mixed disulfides between glutathione and protein thiols in these cells. However, the induction of Nox4 by metabolic stress, required for metabolic priming, was inhibited by UA in both THP-1 monocytes and peritoneal macrophages.

CONCLUSION

UA protects THP-1 monocytes against dysfunction by suppressing metabolic stress-induced Nox4 expression, thereby preventing the Nox4-dependent dysregulation of redox-sensitive processes, including actin turnover and MAPK-signaling, two key processes that control monocyte migration and adhesion. This study provides a novel mechanism for the anti-inflammatory and athero- and renoprotective properties of UA and suggests that dysfunctional blood monocytes may be primary targets of UA and related compounds.