In vitro and vivo anti-tumor activity and mechanisms of the new cryptotanshinone derivative 11 against hepatocellular carcinoma

Global burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the prevailing options for therapy. Developing new therapeutic strategies for HCC patients is still highly desirable. Recent studies demonstrate that cryptotanshinone is capable of inhibiting tumor growth in HCC and induces antitumor immunity in vitro. In our previous research, we discovered a new cryptotanshinone derivative 11 as an effective immunoregulatory enzyme indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor. This study aims to evaluate its in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma. 11 displayed robust anti-proliferative activity against HCC cell lines and promoted apoptosis of HCC cell line through the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway. In H22 tumor-bearing mice models, 11 exhibited significant in vivo anti-tumor activity with different administration routes. And no obvious toxicity was observed. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated the differential expressed genes and alteration of key pathways associated with immune responses after administration of 11. Up-regulation of anti-tumor cytokines and down-regulation of cytokines that promote tumor growth were indicated and further validated. Our study demonstrates that 11 exhibits promising anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo against hepatocellular carcinoma cancer. It is a lead compound for HCC immunotherapy and is worthy for further development.

UV-stimulated riboflavin exerts immunosuppressive effects in BALB/c mice and human PBMCs

Riboflavin (RF) as a photosensitizer has been used in corneal surgery and the inactivation of blood products. However, the effect of RF on immune cells after ultraviolet (UV) light stimulation has not been investigated. This study pioneered a novel application method of RF. Firstly, UV-stimulated RF was co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, and the apoptosis rate of lymphocyte subsets, cell proliferation inhibition rate and concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α were assessed. UV-stimulated RF was then administered intravenously to mice via the tail vein for a consecutive period of 5 days. The levels of immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA), complement (C3, C4) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL17, TGF-β) were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the populations of CD3+T, CD4+T, CD8+T and CD4+T/CD8+T cells in spleen lymphocytes of mice. The data showed that UV-stimulated RF can effectively induce apoptosis in lymphocytes, and different lymphocyte subtypes exhibited varying degrees of treatment tolerance. Additionally, the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes was suppressed, while their cytokine secretion capability was augmented. The animal experiments demonstrated that UV-stimulated RF led to a significant reduction observed in serum immunoglobulin and complement levels, accompanied by an elevation in IFN-γ, IL-17 and TGF-β levels, as well as a decline in IL-4 level. In summary, the results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that UV-stimulated RF, exhibits the ability to partially inhibit immune function. This novel approach utilizing RF may offer innovative perspectives for diseases requiring immunosuppressive treatment.

Protective Effects of Glatiramer Acetate Against Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats: A Role for Inflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major challenge for cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy with paclitaxel. Therefore, finding effective therapies for CIPN is crucial. Glatiramer acetate is used to treat multiple sclerosis that exerts neuroprotective properties in various studies. We hypothesized that glatiramer acetate could also improve the paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. We used a rat model of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg/every other day for 7 doses)-induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were treated with either different doses of glatiramer acetate (1, 2, 4 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle for 14 days in separate groups. The mechanical and thermal sensitivity of the rats by using the Von Frey test and the Hot Plate test, respectively, were assessed during the study. The levels of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-10, NF-kB), and nerve damage (H&E and S100B staining) in the sciatic nerves of the rats were also measured at the end of study. Glatiramer acetate (2 and 4 mg/kg) exerted beneficial effects on thermal and mechanical allodynia tests. It also modulated the inflammatory response by reducing TNF-α and NF-κB levels, enhancing IL-10 production, and improving the oxidative stress status by lowering malondialdehyde and increasing superoxide dismutase activity in the sciatic nerve of the rats. Furthermore, glatiramer acetate enhanced nerve conduction velocity in all treatment groups. Histological analysis revealed that glatiramer acetate (2 and 4 mg/kg) prevented paclitaxel-induced damage to the nerve structure. These results suggest that glatiramer acetate can alleviate the peripheral neuropathy induced by paclitaxel.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the associations between altered gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines during pregnancy

For embryo implantation and fetal development, the maternal immune system undergoes dramatic changes. The mechanisms involved in inducing alterations of maternal immunity have not been fully clarified. Gut microbiome and metabolites were thought to influence the host immune response. During normal pregnancy, notable changes occur in the gut microbiota and metabolites. However, the relationship of these alterations to immune function during pregnancy remains unclear. In this study, we examined gut microbiota, fecal metabolites, plasma metabolites, and cytokines in pregnant women and non-pregnant women. Our findings revealed that, in comparison to non-pregnant women, pregnant women exhibit a significant increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and notable differences in metabolic pathways related to bile acid secretion. Furthermore, there was a marked reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in pregnant women. Correlation analyses indicated that these alterations in cytokines may be linked to specific gut bacteria and metabolites. Bacteria within the same microbial modules exhibited consistent effects on cytokines, suggesting that gut bacteria may function as functional groups. Mediation analysis further identified that certain bacteria might influence cytokines through metabolites, such as bile acids and arachidonic acid. Our findings propose potential biological connections between bacteria, metabolites, and immunity, which require further validation in future studies.IMPORTANCEA great number of studies have focused on diseases induced by intestinal microecological disorders and immune imbalances. However, the understanding of how intestinal microbiota interacts with immunity during normal pregnancy, which is fundamental to studying pathological pregnancies related to intestinal microbiota disturbances, has not been well elucidated. Our study employed multi-omics analysis to discover that changes in gut microbiota and metabolites during pregnancy can impact immune function. In addition, we identified several metabolites that may mediate the effect of gut microbes on plasma cytokines. Our study offered new insights into our understanding of the connections between the gut microbiome, metabolome, and the immune system during pregnancy.

Proinflammatory polarization of engineered heat-inducible macrophages reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment during cancer immunotherapy

The success of macrophage-based adoptive cell therapy is largely constrained by poor polarization from alternatively activated (M2-like) to classically activated (M1-like) phenotype in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we show that the engineered macrophage (eMac) with a heat-inducible genetic switch can induce both self-polarization of adoptively transferred eMac and re-polarization of tumour-associated macrophages in response to mild temperature elevation in a mouse model. The locoregional production of proinflammatory cytokines by eMac in the TME dose not only induces the strong polarization of macrophages into a classically activated phenotype, but also ensures that the side effects typical for systemically administrate proinflammatory cytokines are avoided. We also present a wearable warming device which is adaptable for human patients and can be remotely controlled by a smartphone. In summary, our work represents a safe and efficient adoptive transfer immunotherapy method with potential for human translation.

Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Ameliorative Effect of Oridonin on Septic Liver Injury

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome leading to hemodynamic instability and potential organ dysfunction. Oridonin, commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exhibits significant anti-inflammation activity. To explore the protective mechanisms of oridonin against the pathophysiological changes, the authors conducted single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis on septic liver models induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). They obtained a total of 63,486 cells, distributed across 11 major cell clusters, and concentrated their analysis on four specific clusters (hepatocytes/Heps, macrophages, endothelial/Endos and T/NK) based on their changes in proportion during sepsis and under oridonin treatment. Firstly, biological changes in Hep, which are related to metabolic dysregulation and pro-inflammatory signaling, are observed during sepsis. Secondly, they uncovered the dynamic profiles of macrophage's phenotype, indicating that a substantial number of macrophages exhibited a M1-skewed phenotype associated with pro-inflammatory characteristics in septic model. Thirdly, they detected an upregulation of both inflammatory cytokines and transcriptomic factor Nfkb1 expression within Endo, along with slight capillarization during sepsis. Moreover, excessive accumulation of cytotoxic NK led to an immune imbalance. Though, oridonin ameliorated inflammatory-related responses and improved the liver dysfunction in septic mice. This study provides fundamental evidence of the protective effects of oridonin against sepsis-induced cytokine storm.

The interplay between biochemical mediators and mechanotransduction in chondrocytes: Unravelling the differential responses in primary knee osteoarthritis

In primary or idiopathic osteoarthritis (OA), it is unclear which factors trigger the shift of articular chondrocyte activity from pro-anabolic to pro-catabolic. In fact, there is a controversy about the aetiology of primary OA, either mechanical or inflammatory. Chondrocytes are mechanosensitive cells, that integrate mechanical stimuli into cellular responses in a process known as mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction occurs thanks to the activation of mechanosensors, a set of specialized proteins that convert physical cues into intracellular signalling cascades. Moderate levels of mechanical loads maintain normal tissue function and have anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, mechanical over- or under-loading might lead to cartilage destruction and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Simultaneously, mechanotransduction processes can regulate and be regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory soluble mediators, both local (cells of the same joint, i.e., the chondrocytes themselves, infiltrating macrophages, fibroblasts or osteoclasts) and systemic (from other tissues, e.g., adipokines). Thus, the complex process of mechanotransduction might be altered in OA, so that cartilage-preserving chondrocytes adopt a different sensitivity to mechanical signals, and mechanic stimuli positively transduced in the healthy cartilage may become deleterious under OA conditions. This review aims to provide an overview of how the biochemical exposome of chondrocytes can alter important mechanotransduction processes in these cells. Four principal mechanosensors, i.e., integrins, Ca2+ channels, primary cilium and Wnt signalling (canonical and non-canonical) were targeted. For each of these mechanosensors, a brief summary of the response to mechanical loads under healthy or OA conditions is followed by a concise overview of published works that focus on the further regulation of the mechanotransduction pathways by biochemical factors. In conclusion, this paper discusses and explores how biological mediators influence the differential behaviour of chondrocytes under mechanical loads in healthy and primary OA.

Perifascial areolar tissue graft promotes angiogenesis and wound healing in an exposed ischemic component rabbit model

Multiple studies have reported the use of perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) grafts to treat wounds involving exposed ischemic tissues, avascular structures, and defective membrane structures. Our objective was to assess the quantitative effects of PAT grafts and their suitability for wounds with ischemic tissue exposure and to qualitatively determine the factors through which PAT promotes wound healing and repair. We conducted histological, immunohistochemical, and mass spectrometric analyses of the PAT grafts. PAT grafts contain numerous CD34+ progenitor/stem cells, extracellular matrix, growth factors, and cytokines that promote wound healing and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we established a male rabbit model to compare the efficacy of PAT grafting with that of an occlusive dressing treatment (control) for wounds with cartilage exposure. PAT grafts could cover ischemic components with granulation tissue and promote angiogenesis. Macroscopic and histological observations of the PAT graft on postoperative day seven revealed capillaries bridging the ischemic tissue (vascular bridging). Additionally, the PAT graft suppressed wound contraction and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) levels and promoted epithelialization. These findings suggested that PAT can serve as a platform to enhance wound healing and promote angiogenesis. This is the first study to quantify the therapeutic efficacy of PAT grafts, revealing their high value for the treatment of wounds involving exposed ischemic structures. The effectiveness of PAT grafts can be attributed to two primary factors: vascular bridging and the provision of three essential elements (progenitor/stem cells, extracellular matrix molecules, and growth factors/cytokines). Moreover, PAT grafts may be used as transplant materials to mitigate excessive wound contraction and the development of hypertrophic scarring.

6-formylindolo[3, 2-b]carbazole alters gut microbiota and prevents the progression of ankylosing spondylitis in mice

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), is known as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, there is evidence to suggest that gut microbiota disorders may be related to the occurrence and development of AS. Studies have shown that 6-formylindolo[3, 2-b]carbazole (FICZ) has the ability to modulate intestinal homeostasis and inhibit inflammatory responses. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the protective role of FICZ in treating AS and elucidate potential mechanisms. FICZ was administered to the proteoglycan (PG)-induced AS mice for 7 consecutive weeks. The effects of FICZ on AS mice were evaluated by the disease severity, intestinal histopathology, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and intestinal mucosal barrier function. The gut microbiota compositions were profiled through 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. We found that FICZ significantly reduced the severity of AS and resulted in the downregulating of TNF-α and IL-17A inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, FICZ ameliorated pathological changes in the ileal and improved intestinal mucosal barrier function. Furthermore, FICZ altered the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes phylum ratio and enriched the genes related to "glycan biosynthesis and metabolism", thus reversing the process of AS. In conclusion, FICZ suppressed the progression of AS and altered gut microbiota in AS mice, which provided new insight into AS therapy strategy.

Enhanced responses to inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 in micropatterned networks of cultured cortical neurons

Cortical neurons in dissociated cultures are an indispensable model system for pharmacological research that provides insights into chemical responses in well-defined environments. However, cortical neurons plated on homogeneous substrates develop an unstructured network that exhibits excessively synchronized activity, which occasionally masks the consequences induced by external substances. Here, we show that hyperactivity and excessive synchrony in cultured cortical networks can be effectively suppressed by growing neurons in microfluidic devices. These devices feature a hierarchically modular design that resembles the in vivo network. We focused on interleukin-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and assessed its acute and chronic effects. Fluorescence calcium imaging of spontaneous neural activity for up to 20 days of culture showed detectable modulation of collective activity events and neural correlation in micropatterned neurons, which was not apparent in neurons cultured on homogeneous substrates. Our results indicate that engineered neuronal networks provide a unique platform for detecting and understanding the fundamental effects of biochemical compounds on neuronal networks.

IL-35: New Target for Immunotherapy Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment

Interleukin 35(IL-35) is a newly discovered inhibitory cytokine of the IL12 family. More recently, IL-35 was found to be increased in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and peripheral blood of many patients with cancer, indicating that it plays an important role in the TME. Tumors secrete cytokines that recruit myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Treg) into the TME to promote malignant progression, which is a great challenge for cancer treatment. Radiotherapy causes serious adverse effects, and tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is still an unsolved challenge. Thus, new cancer therapy approaches are urgently needed. Numerous studies have shown that IL-35 can recruit immunosuppressive cells to enable tumor immune escape by promoting the conversion of immune cells into a tumor growth-promoting phenotype as well as facilitating tumor angiogenesis. IL-35-neutralizing antibodies were found to boost the chemotherapeutic effect of gemcitabine and considerably reduce the microvascular density of pancreatic cancer in mice. Therefore, targeting IL-35 in the TME provides a promising cancer treatment target. In addition, IL-35 may be used as an independent prognostic factor for some tumors in the near future. This review intends to reveal the interplay of IL-35 with immune cells in the TME, which may provide new options for the treatment of cancer.

Brilaroxazine lipogel displays antipsoriatic activity in imiquimod-induced mouse model

BACKGROUND

Dopamine (D) and serotonin (5-HT) pathways contribute to psoriasis pathobiology. Disruptions incite increased inflammatory mediators, keratinocyte activation and deterioration, and worsening symptoms. Brilaroxazine (RP5063), which displays potent high binding affinity to D2/3/4 and 5-HT1A/2A/2B/7 receptors and a moderate affinity to serotonin transporter (SERT), may affect the underlying psoriasis pathology.

METHODS

An imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model (BALB/c) evaluated brilaroxazine's activity in a topical liposomal-aqueous gel (Lipogel) formulation. Two of the three groups (n = 6 per) underwent induction with 5% imiquimod, and one group received topical brilaroxazine Lipogel (Days 1-11). Assessments included (1) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores (Days 1-12), skin histology for Baker score based on H&E stained tissue (Day 12), and serum blood collection for serum cytokine analysis (Day 12). One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Dunnett's t-test evaluated significance (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Imiquimod-induced animal Baker scores were higher versus Sham non-induced control's results (p < 0.001). Brilaroxazine Lipogel had significantly (p = 0.003) lower Baker scores versus the induced Psoriasis group. Brilaroxazine PASI scores were lower (p = 0.03) versus the induced Psoriasis group (Days 3-12), with the greatest effect in the last 3 days. The induced Psoriasis group showed higher Ki-67 and TGF-β levels versus non-induced Sham controls (p = 0.001). The brilaroxazine Lipogel group displayed lower levels of these cytokines versus the induced Psoriasis group, Ki-67 (p = 0.001) and TGF-β (p = 0.008), and no difference in TNF-α levels versus Sham non-induced controls.

CONCLUSION

Brilaroxazine Lipogel displayed significant activity in imiquimod-induced psoriatic animals, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.

Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor exerts dominant effects over macrophage colony stimulating factor during macrophage differentiation in vitro to induce an inflammatory phenotype

BACKGROUND

Macrophages (Mφ) can exist along a spectrum of phenotypes that include pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) immune cells. Mφ colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and granulocyte Mφ colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are cytokines important in hematopoiesis, polarization and activation of Mφ.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To gain a greater understanding of the relationship between GM-CSF and M-CSF, we investigated an in vitro model of differentiation to determine if GM-CSF and M-CSF can antagonize each other, in terms of Mφ phenotype and functions. We determined that Mφ cultured in mixed M-CSF: GM-CSF ratios exhibit M1-like GM-CSF-treated macrophage phenotype when the ratios of the two cytokines are 1:1 in culture. Moreover, GM-CSF is dominant over M-CSF in influencing Mφ production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNFα, and IL-12p40, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data established that GM-CSF is more dominant over M-CSF, triggering the Mφ to become pro-inflammatory cells. These findings provide insight into how GM-CSF can influence Mφ activation with implications in inflammatory diseases where the Mφ status can play a significant role in supporting the inflammatory conditions.

Total flavonoids of Litchi chinensis Sonn. seed inhibit prostate cancer growth in bone by regulating the bone microenvironment via inactivation of the HGFR/NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Litchi chinensis Sonn. (Litchi) seed, a traditional Chinese medicine, is habitually used in the clinical treatment of prostate cancer (PCa)-induced bone pain. In our previous study, flavonoids have been identified as the active ingredient of litchi seed against PCa. However, its anti-tumor activities in bone and associated molecular mechanisms are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of total flavonoids of litchi seed (TFLS) on the growth of PCa in bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of TFLS on the growth of PCa in bone was observed using a mouse model constructed with tibial injection of luciferase-expressing RM1-luc cells. Conditioned medium (CM) from bone marrow stromal cells OP9 and CM treated with TFLS (T-CM) was used to investigate the effect on the proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis of PCa cells (LNCaP, PC3, RM1). An antibody microarray was performed to detect cytokine expression in the supernatant fraction of OP9 cell cultures treated with TFLS or left untreated. Western blot assay was employed to determine the expression and activity of HGFR and its key downstream proteins, Akt, mTOR, NF-κB, and Erk, in PCa cells. The potential target was further verified using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays.

RESULTS

Treatment with TFLS (80 mg/kg, 24 days) significantly suppressed the growth of RM1 cells in bone. CM from bone marrow stromal cells OP9 stimulated the proliferation and colony formation of the PCa cells as well as inhibited the apoptosis of PC3 cells, while T-CM reversed the effects mediated by OP9 cells in vitro. In an antibody array assay, TFLS regulated the majority of cytokines in OP9 cell culture supernatant, among which HGF, HGFR, IGF-1R, and PDGF-AA showed the greatest fold changes. Mechanistically, CM upregulated HGFR and promoted phosphorylation of NF-κB while T-CM induced reduction of HGFR and dephosphorylation of NF-κB in PC3 cells. Moreover, T-CM inhibited NF-κB entry into PC3 cell nuclei. Data from in vivo experiments further confirmed the inhibitory effects of TFLS on NF-κB.

CONCLUSION

TFLS suppresses the growth of PCa in bone through regulating bone microenvironment and the underlying mechanism potentially involves attenuation of the HGFR/NF-κB signaling axis.

Nonspecific Inhibition of IL6 Family Cytokine Signalling by Soluble gp130

IL6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that binds to membrane-bound IL6 receptor (IL6R) or soluble IL6R to signal via gp130 in cis or trans, respectively. We tested the hypothesis that sgp130Fc, which is believed to be a selective IL6 trans-signalling inhibitor, is in fact a non-specific inhibitor of gp130 signalling. In human cancer and primary cells, sgp130Fc inhibited IL6, IL11, OSM and CT1 cis-signalling. The IC50 values of sgp130Fc for IL6 and OSM cis-signalling were markedly (20- to 200-fold) lower than the concentrations of sgp130Fc used in mouse studies and clinical trials. sgp130 inhibited IL6 and OSM signalling in the presence of an ADAM10/17 inhibitor and the absence of soluble IL6R or OSMR, with effects that were indistinguishable from those of a gp130 neutralising antibody. These data show that sgp130Fc does not exclusively block IL6 trans-signalling and reveal instead that broad inhibition of gp130 signalling likely underlies its therapeutic effects. This proposes global or modular inhibition of gp130 as a therapeutic approach for treating human disease.

Endothelial Protein C Receptor and 3K3A-Activated Protein C Protect Mice from Allergic Contact Dermatitis in a Contact Hypersensitivity Model

Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is a receptor for the natural anti-coagulant activated protein C (aPC). It mediates the anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective functions of aPC through the cleavage of protease-activated receptor (PAR)1/2. Allergic contact dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by inflammation and defective skin barrier. This study investigated the effect of EPCR and 3K3A-aPC on allergic contact dermatitis using a contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model. CHS was induced using 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in EPCR-deficient (KO) and matched wild-type mice and mice treated with 3K3A-aPC, a mutant form of aPC with diminished anti-coagulant activity. Changes in clinical and histological features, cytokines, and immune cells were examined. EPCRKO mice displayed more severe CHS, with increased immune cell infiltration in the skin and higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and IgE than wild-type mice. EPCR, aPC, and PAR1/2 were expressed by the skin epidermis, with EPCR presenting almost exclusively in the basal layer. EPCRKO increased the epidermal expression of aPC and PAR1, whereas in CHS, their expression was reduced compared to wild-type mice. 3K3A-aPC reduced CHS severity in wild-type and EPCRKO mice by suppressing immune cell infiltration/activation and inflammatory cytokines. In summary, EPCRKO exacerbated CHS, whereas 3K3A-aPC could reduce the severity of CHS in both EPCRKO and wild-type mice.

Neutrophil-targeted combinatorial nanosystems for suppressing bacteremia-associated hyperinflammation and MRSA infection to improve survival rates

There is currently no specific and effective treatment for bacteremia-mediated sepsis. Hence, this study engineered a combinatorial nanosystem containing neutrophil-targeted roflumilast-loaded nanocarriers and non-targeted fusidic acid-loaded nanoparticles to enable the dual mitigation of bacteremia-associated inflammation and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The targeted nanoparticles were developed by conjugating anti-lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly6G) antibody fragment on the nanoparticulate surface. The particle size and zeta potential of the as-prepared nanosystem were about 200 nm and -25 mV, respectively. The antibody-conjugated nanoparticles showed a three-fold increase in neutrophil internalization compared to the unfunctionalized nanoparticles. As a selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor, the roflumilast in the nanocarriers largely inhibited cytokine/chemokine release from the activated neutrophils. The fusidic acid-loaded nanocarriers were vital to eliminate biofilm MRSA colony by 3 log units. The nanoparticles drastically decreased the intracellular bacterial count compared to the free antibiotic. The in vivo mouse bioimaging demonstrated prolonged retention of the nanosystem in the circulation with limited organ distribution and liver metabolism. In the mouse bacteremia model, the multifunctional nanosystem produced a 1‒2 log reduction of MRSA burden in peripheral organs and blood. The functionalized nanosystem arrested the cytokine/chemokine overexpression greater than the unfunctionalized nanocarriers and free drugs. The combinatory nanosystem also extended the median survival time from 50 to 103 h. No toxicity from the nanoformulation was found based on histology and serum biochemistry. Furthermore, our data proved that the active neutrophil targeting by the versatile nanosystem efficiently alleviated MRSA infection and organ dysfunction caused by bacteremia. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bacteremia-mediated sepsis poses a significant challenge in clinical practice, as there is currently no specific and effective treatment available. In our study, we have developed a novel combinatorial nanosystem to address this issue. Our nanosystem consists of neutrophil-targeted roflumilast-loaded nanocarriers and non-targeted fusidic acid-loaded nanoparticles, enabling the simultaneous mitigation of bacteremia-associated inflammation and MRSA infection. Our nanosystem demonstrated the decreased neutrophil activation, effective inhibition of cytokine release, elimination of MRSA biofilm colonies, and reduced intracellular bacterial counts. In vivo experiments showed prolonged circulation, limited organ distribution, and increased survival rates in a mouse bacteremia model. Importantly, our nanosystem exhibited no toxicity based on comprehensive assessments.

Modified Simiaowan prevents and treats gouty arthritis via the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Modified Simiaowan (MSM) is a six-herb formula that has been shown to be effective in gouty arthritis (GA) has been proven, but its regulatory mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of MSM on gouty arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse J774A.1 macrophages were induced with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then stimulated with Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or Nigericin (Nig.) in presence or absence of MSM. Expression of key indicators of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway were investigated by western blot, ELISA and qRT-PCR. Fluorescence staining and flow cytometry were performed to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Another study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of MSM were evaluated in rats with monosodium urate (MSU) -induced gouty arthritis using ELISA, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and oxidative stress kits to measure relevant inflammatory markers and oxidative stress-related biomarkers.

RESULTS

ELISA and qRT-PCR results demonstrated that MSM effectively reduced the secretion and the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Western blot results indicated that MSM can suppress the expression of NLRP3, an inflamasomes-related protein. In addition, MSM regulated the transition from M1 to M2 macrophages and upregulated the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. The flow cytometry results and the fluorescence staining result were consistent with hypothesis that a large amount of ROS could be effectively cleared by MSM. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of MSM was attenuated after the use of ML385. In vivo experiments demonstrated that joint swelling was significantly attenuated and knee neutrophil infiltration was alleviated in rats given MSM. SOD and GSH-px levels were elevated significantly, while COX-2 and MDA levels decreased. The immunohistochemical results suggested that MSM could effectively inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the regulation of macrophage polarization in rat synovial tissue, and remarkably enhance the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1.

CONCLUSION

MSM has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on MSU-induced gouty arthritis. MSM alleviates GA through Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Genetically engineered macrophages derived from iPSCs for self-regulating delivery of anti-inflammatory biologic drugs

In rheumatoid arthritis, dysregulated cytokine signaling has been implicated as a primary factor in chronic inflammation. Many antirheumatic and biological therapies are used to suppress joint inflammation, but despite these advances, effectiveness is not universal, and delivery is often at high doses, which can predispose patients to significant off-target effects. During chronic inflammation, the inappropriate regulation of signaling factors by macrophages accelerates progression of disease by driving an imbalance of inflammatory cytokines, making macrophages an ideal cellular target. To develop a macrophage-based therapy to treat chronic inflammation, we engineered a novel induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived macrophage capable of delivering soluble TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), an anti-inflammatory biologic inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in an auto-regulated manner in response to TNF-α. Murine iPSCs were differentiated into macrophages (iMACs) over a 17-day optimized protocol with continued successful differentiation confirmed at key timepoints. Varying inflammatory and immunomodulatory stimuli demonstrated traditional macrophage function and phenotypes. In response to TNF-α, therapeutic iMACs produced high levels of sTNFR1 in an autoregulated manner, which inhibited inflammatory signaling. This self-regulating iMAC system demonstrated the potential for macrophage-based drug delivery as a novel therapeutic approach for a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases.

A comprehensive battery of flow cytometric immunoassays for the in vitro testing of chemical effects in human blood cells

Background

There is a growing need for immunological assays to test toxic and modulatory effects of chemicals. The assays should be easy to use, reproducible and superior to cell line-based assays. We have therefore developed a comprehensive portfolio of assays based on primary human blood cells that are suitable for testing chemical effects.

Methods

The flow cytometry-based assays were designed to target a wide range of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood, including T cells, NK cells, B cells, basophils and innate-like T cells such as γδT, MAIT and NKT cells. We have selected a set of activation markers for each immune cell, e.g: CD154 (T cells), CD137, CD107a (NK cells), CD63 (basophils), CD69, CD83 (B cells), CD69, IFN-γ (MAIT cells) and we selected cell specific stimuli: aCD3 antibodies (T cells); E. coli and cytokines IL-12/15/18 (MAIT cells); CpG ODN2006, R848 or aCD40 antibodies (B cells), fMLP or aFcϵR1 (basophils) or K562 cells (NK cells).

Results

By selecting immune cell-specific markers and cell-specific stimuli, we were able to induce particular immune responses from the targeted immune cells. For example, the response to stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies was in 36.8% of CD107a+CD8+ cells. Cytokine stimulation induced the production of IFN-γ in 30% of MAIT cells. After stimulation with E. coli, around 50% of MAIT cells produced TNF. About 40% of basophils responded to aFcƐR1 stimulation. Similar activation ranges were achieved in K562-stimulated NK cells.

Conclusion

Our test portfolio covers the most relevant immune cells present in human blood, providing a solid basis for in vitro toxicity and immunomodulatory testing of chemicals. By using human blood, the natural composition of cells found in the blood can be determined and the effects of chemicals can be detected at the cellular level.

Emerging delivery approaches for targeted pulmonary fibrosis treatment

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive, and life-threatening interstitial lung disease which causes scarring in the lung parenchyma and thereby affects architecture and functioning of lung. It is an irreversible damage to lung functioning which is related to epithelial cell injury, immense accumulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, and irregular recruitment of extracellular matrix. The inflammatory cytokines trigger the differentiation of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts, which further increase the production and deposition of collagen at the injury sites in the lung. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with PF, there is no available treatment that efficiently and effectively treats the disease by reversing their underlying pathologies. In recent years, many therapeutic regimens, for instance, rho kinase inhibitors, Smad signaling pathway inhibitors, p38, BCL-xL/ BCL-2 and JNK pathway inhibitors, have been found to be potent and effective in treating PF, in preclinical stages. However, due to non-selectivity and non-specificity, the therapeutic molecules also result in toxicity mediated severe side effects. Hence, this review demonstrates recent advances on PF pathology, mechanism and targets related to PF, development of various drug delivery systems based on small molecules, RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, exosomes, and stem cells for the treatment of PF and the progress of various therapeutic treatments in clinical trials to advance PF treatment.

Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate diabetic kidney disease by modulating the T helper 17 cell/ regulatory T-cell balance through the programmed death 1 / programmed death-ligand 1 pathway

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic effects and immunomodulatory mechanisms of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

METHODS

Streptozotocin-induced DKD rats were administered an equivalent volume of saline or PMSCs (1 × 106 in 2 mL phosphate-buffered saline per rat) for 3 weeks. Eight weeks after treatment, we examined the biochemical parameters in the blood and urine, the ratio of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in the blood, cytokine levels in the kidney and blood, and renal histopathological changes. In addition, we performed PMSC tracing and renal transcriptomic analyses using RNA-sequencing. Finally, we determined whether PMSCs modulated the Th17/Treg balance by upregulating programmed death 1 (PD-1) in vitro.

RESULTS

The PMSCs significantly improved renal function, which was assessed by serum creatinine levels, urea nitrogen, cystatin C levels, urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, and the kidney index. Further, PMSCs alleviated pathological changes, including tubular vacuolar degeneration, mesangial matrix expansion, and glomerular filtration barrier injury. In the DKD rats in our study, PMSCs were mainly recruited to immune organs, rather than to the kidney or pancreas. PMSCs markedly promoted the Th17/Treg balance and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-17A and IL-1β) in the kidney and blood of DKD rats. In vitro experiments showed that PMSCs significantly reduced the proportion of Th17 cells and increased the proportion of Treg cells by upregulating PD-1 in a cell-cell contact manner and downregulating programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in PMSCs, which reversed the Th17/Treg balance.

CONCLUSION

We found that PMSCs improved renal function and pathological damage in DKD rats and modulated Th17/Treg balance through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. These findings provide a novel mechanism and basis for the clinical use of PMSCs in the treatment of DKD.

The Impact of Behavioral Lifestyle Intervention on Inflammatory Cytokines in Older Adults Living With Type 2 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effects of a behavioral lifestyle intervention on inflammatory cytokines and frailty in older adults (≥ 65 years) with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHOD

We conducted a single-arm, 6-month intervention supplemented with diet and activity self-monitoring technology. We assessed frailty using Fried criteria and quantified inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating-factor [GM-CSF], interferon [IFN-γ], tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]) using a multiplex assay. We used paired t-tests with significance at P < .05. We calculated the Spearman correlation and evaluated the relationship between frailty, BMI, and inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

Eighteen participants completed the study (mean ± SD: 71.5 ± 5.3 years; BMI: 34 ± 6 kg/m2). At baseline, we had 4 frail, 13 pre-frail, and 1 non-frail participant. At 6 months, we observed the therapeutic effects of the intervention on frailty score, BMI, IL-2, IFN-y, and GM-CSF.

DISCUSSION

The study highlights the importance of behavioral lifestyle intervention in improving inflammatory cytokines and frailty in older adults.

Hollow Cu2MoS4 nanoparticles loaded with immune checkpoint inhibitors reshape the tumor microenvironment to enhance immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease that responds poorly to single-drug immunotherapy with PD-L1 (CD274) inhibitors. Here, we prepared mesoporous nanomaterials Cu2MoS4 (CMS)/PEG loaded with PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-1 and CXCR4 inhibitor Plerixafor to form the nanodrug CMS/PEG-B-P. In vitro experiments, CMS/PEG-B-P have a more substantial inhibitory effect on the expression of PD-L1 and CXCR4 as well as to promote the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells KPC and suppressed KPC cell proliferation were detected by flow cytometry, qPCR and Western blotting (WB). Promotes the release of the cytotoxic substance reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the production of the immunogenic cell death (ICD) marker calreticulin (CRT) in KPC cells. CMS/PEG-B-P was also detected to have a certain activating effect on mouse immune cells, dendritic cells (mDC) and macrophage RAW264.7. Subcutaneous tumorigenicity experiments in C57BL/6 mice verified that CMS/PEG-B-P had an inhibitory effect on the growth of tumors and remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, including infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and polarization of macrophages, as well as reduction of immunosuppressive cells. Meanwhile, CMS/PEG-B-P was found to have different effects on the release of cytokines in the tumor immune microenvironment, including The levels of immunostimulatory cytokines INF-γ and IL-12 are increased and the levels of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-α are decreased. In conclusion, nanomaterial-loaded immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies can enhance the immune response and reduce side effects, a combination that shows great potential as a new immunotherapeutic approach. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease that has a low response to single-drug immunotherapy with PD-L1 (CD274) inhibitors. We preared PEG-modified mesoporous nanomaterials Cu2MoS4 (CMS) loaded with PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-1 and CXCR4 inhibitor Plerixafor to form the nanodrug CMS/PEG-B-P. Our study demonstrated that Nanomaterial-loaded immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies can enhance the immune response and reduce side effects, a combination that shows great potential as a new immunotherapeutic approach.

Using PBMCs in a Multiplex FluoroSpot Assay for Detection of Innate Immune Response-Modulating Impurities (IIRMIs)

The ELISA-based monocyte activation test (MAT) facilitates the replacement of the rabbit pyrogen test (RPT) for the detection of Innate Immune Response-Modulating Impurities (IIRMIs) in injectable drugs by activation of monocytes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We describe the use of a triple-color IL-1β/IL-6/TNF-α FluoroSpot assay as a sensitive tool for quantification of the frequencies of IIRMI-activated monocytes as well as determination of the relative amount of pyrogenic cytokine(s) produced by each activated cell.

cFLIPL acts as a suppressor of TRAIL- and Fas-initiated inflammation by inhibiting assembly of caspase-8/FADD/RIPK1 NF-κB-activating complexes

TRAIL and FasL are potent inducers of apoptosis but can also promote inflammation through assembly of cytoplasmic caspase-8/FADD/RIPK1 (FADDosome) complexes, wherein caspase-8 acts as a scaffold to drive FADD/RIPK1-mediated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation. cFLIP is also recruited to FADDosomes and restricts caspase-8 activity and apoptosis, but whether cFLIP also regulates death receptor-initiated inflammation is unclear. Here, we show that silencing or deletion of cFLIP leads to robustly enhanced Fas-, TRAIL-, or TLR3-induced inflammatory cytokine production, which can be uncoupled from the effects of cFLIP on caspase-8 activation and apoptosis. Mechanistically, cFLIPL suppresses Fas- or TRAIL-initiated NF-κB activation through inhibiting the assembly of caspase-8/FADD/RIPK1 FADDosome complexes, due to the low affinity of cFLIPL for FADD. Consequently, increased cFLIPL occupancy of FADDosomes diminishes recruitment of FADD/RIPK1 to caspase-8, thereby suppressing NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production downstream. Thus, cFLIP acts as a dual suppressor of apoptosis and inflammation via distinct modes of action.

Impact of a High-Fat Diet at a Young Age on Wound Healing in Mice

As the prevalence of juvenile-onset obesity rises globally, the multitude of related health consequences gain significant importance. In this context, obesity is associated with impaired cutaneous wound healing. In experimental settings, mice are the most frequently used model for investigating the effect of high-fat diet (HFD) chow on wound healing in wild-type or genetically manipulated animals, e.g., diabetic ob/ob and db/db mice. However, these studies have mainly been performed on adult animals. Thus, in the present study, we introduced a mouse model for a juvenile onset of obesity. We exposed 4-week-old mice to an investigational feeding period of 9 weeks with an HFD compared to a regular diet (RD). At a mouse age of 13 weeks, we performed excisional and incisional wounding and measured the healing rate. Wound healing was examined by serial photographs with daily wound size measurements of the excisional wounds. Histology from incisional wounds was performed to quantify granulation tissue (thickness, quality) and angiogenesis (number of blood vessels per mm2). The expression of extracellular matrix proteins (collagen types I/III/IV, fibronectin 1, elastin), inflammatory cytokines (MIF, MIF-2, IL-6, TNF-α), myofibroblast differentiation (α-SMA) and macrophage polarization (CD11c, CD301b) in the incisional wounds were evaluated by RT-qPCR and by immunohistochemistry. There was a marked delay of wound closure in the HFD group with a decrease in granulation tissue quality and thickness. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines (MIF, IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly up-regulated in HFD- when compared to RD-fed mice measured at day 3. By contrast, MIF-2 and blood vessel expression were significantly reduced in the HFD animals, starting at day 1. No significant changes were observed in macrophage polarization, collagen expression, and levels of TGF-β1 and PDGF-A. Our findings support that an early exposition to HFD resulted in juvenile obesity in mice with impaired wound repair mechanisms, which may be used as a murine model for obesity-related studies in the future.

Double Emulsion-Mediated Delivery of Polyphenol Mixture Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis

Although the polyphenols have been studied to alleviate inflammation, there are still challenges to delivering the polyphenols with stabilized formulation due to their low water solubility and susceptibility to oxidation. Herein, the transdermal delivery system of polyphenol mixture (PM), including quercetin (Q), phloretin (P), and ellagic acid (E), is developed using double emulsion for applying to atopic dermatitis (AD). Through the in vitro anti-degranulation assay, the optimal molar ratio of each polyphenol (Q:P:E = 5:1:1) is obtained, and the PM shows at most a 43.6% reduction of degranulation of immune cells, which is the primary factor of AD. Moreover, the water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion (W/O/W) enhances the PM's stability and has a higher anti-degranulation effect than the oil-in-water emulsion (O/W). In the in vivo 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced mice AD model, PM reduces more AD symptoms than every single polyphenol. The PM-encapsulated W/O/W (PM_W/O/W) shows the most effectiveness in AD by decreasing dermatitis score, i.e., skin/ear thickness, mast cells, and serum IgE level. Finally, this suggests that the findings on the optimal ratio of PM and double emulsion-based delivery would be beneficial in treating AD and can be applied to other allergic diseases.

Clinical observation of concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with iliac cancellous bone and composite bone material graft on postoperative osteogenesis and inflammation in the repair of extensive mandibular defects

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of concentrated growth factor (CGF), combined with a mixture of iliac cancellous and composite bone materials, on the repair of extensive mandibular defects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This clinical trial involved patients with mandibular defects caused by large cystic lesions. The test group comprised 16 patients who underwent CGF combined with iliac cancellous bone and composite bone materials to repair extensive mandibular defects, whereas the control group comprised eight patients who underwent vascularised free fibula grafts for mandibular segmental defects. Postoperative exudatum was collected from patients on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days postoperatively, and osteogenic factor, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (BGP), and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), and inflammatory cytokines were performed. Additionally, regular cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were conducted before and after surgery.

RESULTS

On postoperative days 1-4, the expression levels of ALP, BGP, and PINP were higher in the test group, while those of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, which were identified as co-differentially expressing inflammatory cytokines, were all down-regulated in the exudatum of the test group. Regular CBCT radiological scans revealed a significant osteogenic effect in the test group.

CONCLUSION

The use of CGF combined with iliac cancellous bone and composite bone materials to repair extensive mandibular jaw defects facilitates bone formation and reductions in inflammation in the defect area in the short term, which deserves further research in clinical practice.

Metal-amino acid complexes (Zn, Se, Cu, Fe, and Mn) enhance immune response, antioxidant capacity, liver function enzymes, and expression of cytokine genes in Nile Tilapia reared under field conditions

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we investigated the effects of partial or total replacement of dietary inorganic trace materials (ITM) with metal-amino acid complexes (MAACs) on immune response, antioxidant capacity, cytokine genes expression, and overall health status of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared in in-pond hapas (mesh cages) under field conditions.

METHODS

All-male Nile Tilapia with an average initial weight of about 90 g fish-1 were stocked into the hapas, in quadruplicates, at a density of 60 fish per hapa (30 fish m-3 ). The fish in each hapa were acclimatized to culture conditions and test diets for 1 week. Water quality parameters, including temperature (°C), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg L-1 ), and total ammonia (mg L-1 ), were monitored regularly. The MAACs were formulated to contain the same mineral concentrations found in the inorganic premix. Metal-amino acid complexes replaced the ITM premix at 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% levels (Table 1). The diets were fed to caged Nile Tilapia twice a day, for 80 days, at a daily rate of 3% of their body weights. The fish were weighed every 10 days, and the daily rations were readjusted. At harvest, fish in each hapa were collected, counted, and weighed collectively. Five fish from each hapa were rapidly anesthetized, and used for chemical and physiological analyses, including antioxidant and immune response analyses, liver function analysis, and gene expression.

RESULT

The activities of lysozyme, respiratory burst (%), alternative complement (ACH50), phagocytic cells, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and liver function enzymes were all improved with increasing supplemental MAACs up to the 50% substitution level. The expression of cytokine genes, including interferon, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, serum alkaline phosphatase, the integrated microbial genomes, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and transforming growth factor genes, was significantly upregulated in fish fed on MAAC-supplemented diets compared with the control group. The 50% MAAC level produced the highest upregulation of these genes, whereas gene expression decreased with increasing dietary MAAC levels to 75% and 100%. The quadratic regression analysis indicated that about 60-65% MAAC is required for maximum promotion of immunological and oxidative stress responses, gene expression, and overall health status of Nile Tilapia reared in in-pond hapas under field conditions.

CONCLUSION

Replacement of the ITM premix with a MAAC premix enhanced the immune and antioxidant responses of Nile Tilapia.

Identification of HHT-9041P1: A novel potent and selective JAK1 inhibitor in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease associated with long-term disability and premature mortality. If left untreated, it can seriously affect patients' quality of life. The JAK-STAT signal transduction process is known to affect the occurrence and development of RA, and small molecule JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, have been identified as treatments for RA. However, tofacitinib is a non-selective JAK inhibitor that was found to be associated with dose-limiting tolerability and safety issues, such as anemia in phase 2 dose-ranging studies. Therefore, we developed a selective JAK1 inhibitor, HHT-9041P1, to overcome target-related adverse reactions. We used enzyme and cytokine potency assays in vitro as well as the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in vivo to explore the efficacy and mechanism. In vitro, HHT-9041P1 was diluted (0.017 nM-1 mM) in DMSO) and mixed with JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 or TYK2 kinases for use in the respective assays for inhibitory activity and selectivity evaluation. Fresh human PBMCs were activated and incubated with 100 ng/mL cytokine IL-6 or 20 ng/mL GM-CSF for use in the investigation of the immune mechanism. In vivo, HHT-9041P1 (1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage twice daily to CIA model Lewis rats from Day 8 to Day 29 for paw swelling and arthritis score evaluation. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed before collection of the hind ankle joint, spleen and blood for analysis of inflammation, arthritis phenotypes, inflammatory cytokine expression and Th1 cell proportions. As expected, HHT-9041P1 showed 10-fold greater selectivity for JAK1 over JAK2, and 23-fold greater selectivity over JAK3 in cellular assays. The high selectivity of HHT-9041P1 was also validated by in vivo safety studies. HHT-9041P1 demonstrated significant efficacy in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and was associated with reduced helper T Cell 1 (Th1) cell differentiation. HHT-9041P1 also exhibited excellent pharmacokinetics properties. Thus, HHT-9041P1 was identified as a candidate for clinical development with many options for the treatment of RA.

Quercetin alleviates DEHP exposure-induced pyroptosis and cytokine expression changes in grass carp L8824 cell line by inhibiting ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is not only a widely used plasticizer but also a common endocrine disruptor that frequently lingers in water, posing a threat to the health of aquatic organisms. Quercetin (Que) is a common flavonol found in the plant kingdom known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, it is still unclear whether DEHP can cause pyroptosis and affect the expression of cytokines of grass carp L8824 cells and whether Que has antagonistic effect in this process. In our study, grass carp L8824 cells were treated into four groups after 24 h, namely NC group, DEHP group (1000 μM DEHP), Que group (5 μM Que), and DEHP + Que group (1000 μM DEHP + 5 μM Que). Our results indicate a significant increase in the level of ROS in L8824 cells after exposure to DEHP. DEHP upregulated oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) and downregulated antioxidant markers (CAT, GSH, SOD, and T-AOC). DEHP also upregulated MAPK and NF-κB signal pathway-related proteins and mRNA expressions (p-p38, p-JNK, p-EPK, and p65). As for cell pyroptosis and its related pathways, DEHP upregulated pyroptosis-related protein and mRNA expressions (GSDMD, IL-1β, NLRP3, Caspase-1, LDH, pro-IL-18, IL-18, and ASC). Finally, DEHP can up-regulated cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) expression, down-regulated cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) expression, and antimicrobial peptides (β-defensin, LEAP2, and HEPC). The co-treatment of L8824 cells with DEHP and Que inhibited the activation of the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB axis, alleviated pyroptosis, and restored expression of immune-related indicators. Finally, NAC was applied to reverse intervention of oxidative stress. In summary, Que inhibited DEHP-induced pyroptosis and the influence on cytokine and antimicrobial peptide expression in L8824 cells by regulating the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Our results demonstrate the threat to fish health from DEHP exposure and confirmed the harm of DEHP to the aquatic ecological environment and the detoxification effect of Que to DEHP, which provides a theoretical basis for environmental toxicology.

Engineering Nanotrap Hydrogel for Immune Modulation in Wound Healing

Imbalanced immune regulation leads to the abnormal wound healing process, e.g., chronic unhealing wound or hypertrophic scar formation. Thus, the attenuation of the overflowing inflammatory factors is a viable approach to maintain the homeostatic immune regulation to facilitate normal wound healing. A versatile telodendrimer (TD) nanotrap (NT) platform is developed for efficient biomolecular protein binding. The conjugation of TD NT in size-exclusive biocompatible hydrogel resin allows for topical application for cytokine scavenging. Fine-tuning the TD NT density/valency in hydrogel resin controls resin swelling, optimizes molecular diffusion, and improves cytokine capture for effective immune modulation. The hydrogel with reduced TD NT density allows for higher protein/cytokine adsorption capacity with faster kinetics, due to the reduced barrier of TD NT nano-assembly. The positively charged TD NT hydrogel exhibits superior removal of negatively charged proinflammatory cytokines from the lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a potent endotoxin) primed immune cell culture medium. The negatively charged TD NT hydrogel removes positively charged anti-inflammatory cytokines efficiently from cell culture medium. TD NT hydrogel effectively constrains the local inflammation induced by subcutaneous LPS injection in mice. These results indicate the great potential applications of the engineered TD NT hydrogel as topical immune modulatory treatments to attenuate local inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid N-Acylethanolamines Mediated by Macrophage Activity In Vitro and In Vivo

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in studying the anti-inflammatory activity of polyunsaturated fatty acid ethanolamides (N-acylethanolamines, NAE), which are highly active lipid mediators. The results of this study demonstrate that a dietary supplement (DS) of fatty acid-derived NAEs reduces LPS-induced inflammation. The processes of cell proliferation, as well as the dynamics of Iba-1-, CD68-, and CD163-positive macrophage activity within the thymus and spleen were studied. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1β, IL6, and INFγ), ROS, NO, and nitrites was evaluated in the blood serum, thymus, and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. In vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that DS (1) prevents LPS-induced changes in the morphological structure of the thymus and spleen; (2) levels out changes in cell proliferation; (3) inhibits the activity of Iba-1 and CD68-positive cells; (4) reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL1β, IL6, and INFγ), ROS, and CD68; and (5) enhances the activity of CD-163-positive cells. In general, the results of this study demonstrate the complex effect of DS on inflammatory processes in the central and peripheral immune systems.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor as a weapon against cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the severe opportunistic infections faced by severely immunocompromised patients. High viral loads cause tissue-invasive disease and expose to death or various indirect effects. Substantial progress was made in monitoring active infection, and antiviral drugs were developed. However, dose-limiting toxicities and genotypic resistance limit therapeutic efficacy and vaccine development is hampered by the complex biology of the virus. In this issue of EMBO Molecular Medicine, Kandalla et al (2023) suggest an innovative strategy using the cytokine macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) whose clinical development was left behind two decades ago. By stimulating an endogenous immune defense mechanism, M-CSF promotes viral clearance in a mouse model of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, without impairing stem cell engraftment. These results reactivate the interest in the potential therapeutic use of this cytokine.

Disruption of Intranasal GnRH Neuronal Migration Route into the Brain Induced by Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-6: Ex Vivo and In Vivo Rodent Models

Maternal immune activation results in altered levels of cytokines in the maternal-fetal system, which has a negative impact on fetal development, including the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system, which is crucial for the reproduction. Suppression of GnRH-neuron migration may be associated with cytokine imbalances, and primarily with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6. This study aimed to determine the effects of IL-6 and monoclonal antibody to IL-6 or IL-6R or polyclonal IgG on the formation of migration route of GnRH-neurons in ex vivo and in vivo rodent models on day 11.5 of embryonic development. The increased level of IL-6 in mouse nasal explants suppressed peripherin-positive fiber outgrowth, while this led to an increase in the number of GnRH-neurons in the nose and olfactory bulbs and a decrease in their number in the fetal brain. This effect is likely to be realized via IL-6 receptors along the olfactory nerves. The suppressive effect of IL-6 was diminished by monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 or its receptors and by IgG.

HSP90AB1 Is a Host Factor Required for Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Infection

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is an important swine enteric coronavirus causing viral diarrhea in pigs of all ages. Currently, the development of antiviral agents targeting host proteins to combat viral infection has received great attention. The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a critical host factor and has important regulatory effects on the infection of various viruses. However, its roles in porcine coronavirus infection remain unclear. In this study, the effect of HSP90 on TGEV infection was evaluated. In addition, the influence of its inhibitor VER-82576 on proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, CXCL10, and CXCL11) production induced by TGEV infection was further analyzed. The results showed that the knockdown of HSP90AB1 and HSP90 inhibitor VER-82576 treatment resulted in a reduction in TGEV M gene mRNA levels, the N protein level, and virus titers in a dose-dependent manner, while the knockdown of HSP90AA1 and KW-2478 treatment had no significant effect on TGEV infection. A time-of-addition assay indicated that the inhibitory effect of VER-82576 on TGEV infection mainly occurred at the early stage of viral replication. Moreover, the TGEV-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, CXCL10, and CXCL11) expression was significantly inhibited by VER-82576. In summary, these findings indicated that HSP90AB1 is a host factor enhancing TGEV infection, and the HSP90 inhibitor VER-82576 could reduce TGEV infection and proinflammatory cytokine production, providing a new perspective for TGEV antiviral drug target design.

In vitro modelling of local gene therapy with IL-15/IL-15Rα and a PD-L1 antagonist in melanoma reveals an interplay between NK cells and CD4+ T cells

Blockade of the immune checkpoint axis consisting of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 alleviates the functional inhibition of tumor-infiltrating lymphoid cells yet weakly induces their expansion. Exogenous cytokines could further expand lymphoid cells and thus synergize with αPD-L1 therapy. However, systemic delivery of most cytokines causes severe toxicity due to unspecific expansion of immune cells in the periphery. Here, we modelled local delivery of cytokines and αPD-L1 therapeutics to immune cell-containing in vitro melanoma tumors. Three-dimensional tumor models consisting of 624-MEL cells were co-cultured with human peripheral blood lymphoid cells (PBLs) in presence of the cytokines IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21 and IFN-γ. To model local gene therapy, melanoma tumors were modified with lentiviral vectors encoding IL-15 fused to IL-15Rα (IL-15/IL-15Rα) and K2-Fc, a fusion of a human PD-L1 specific single domain antibody to immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 Fc. To evaluate the interplay between PBL fractions, NK cells, CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells were depleted. Tumor cell killing was followed up using real time imaging and immune cell expansion and activation was evaluated with flow cytometry. Among the tested cytokines, IL-15 was the most potent cytokine in stimulating tumor cell killing and expanding both natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. Gene-based delivery of IL-15/IL-15Rα to tumor cells, shows expansion of NK cells, activation of NK cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and killing of tumor spheroids. Both NK cells and CD8+ T cells are necessary for tumor cell killing and CD4+ T-cell activation was reduced without NK cells. Co-delivery of K2-Fc improved tumor cell killing coinciding with increased activation of NK cells, which was independent of bystander T cells. CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were not affected by the co-delivery of K2-Fc even though NK-cell activation impacted CD4+ T-cell activation. This study demonstrates that gene-based delivery of IL-15/IL-15Rα to tumor cells effectively mediates anti-tumor activity and sensitizes the tumor microenvironment for therapy with αPD-L1 therapeutics mainly by impacting NK cells. These findings warrant further investigation of gene-based IL-15 and K2-Fc delivery in vivo.

Protective Effects of Rhamnetin in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-Induced Sepsis Model and the Underlying Mechanism

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a well-known harmful bacterium that causes severe health disorders and dysregulates the host immune response associated with inflammation. Upon examining the suppressive activity of natural flavonoid rhamnetin on various pro-inflammatory cytokines in a CRAB-induced septic shock mouse model, we found that rhamnetin inhibited the production of IL-1β and IL-18, two pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with pyroptotic cell death, a process dependent on caspase-1. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of rhamnetin and the underlying mechanism of action in a CRAB infection. In the CRAB-induced septic shock mouse model, rhamnetin reduced the level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in lung lysates, resulting in the inhibition of TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling. Notably, rhamnetin reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in macrophages and inhibited apoptotic and pyroptotic cell injury induced by CRAB infection. Therefore, rhamnetin inhibited LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators, hindering apoptotic and pyroptotic processes and contributing to a recovery effect in CRAB-induced sepsis mice by suppressing oxidative stress. Taken together, our study presents the potential role of rhamnetin in protecting against oxidative damage induced by CRAB infection through a TLR4 and ROS-mediated pyroptotic pathway, showing an alternative mechanism for sepsis prevention. Therefore, rhamnetin is a promising therapeutic candidate for treating CRAB-induced sepsis.

The effects of Phycocyanobilin on experimental arthritis involve the reduction in nociception and synovial neutrophil infiltration, inhibition of cytokine production, and modulation of the neuronal proteome

Introduction

The antinociceptive and pharmacological activities of C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) and Phycocyanobilin (PCB) in the context of inflammatory arthritis remain unexplored so far. In the present study, we aimed to assess the protective actions of these compounds in an experimental mice model that replicates key aspects of human rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was established by intradermal injection of methylated bovine serum albumin in C57BL/6 mice, and one hour before the antigen challenge, either C-PC (2, 4, or 8 mg/kg) or PCB (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. Proteome profiling was also conducted on glutamate-exposed SH-SY5Y neuronal cells to evaluate the PCB impact on this key signaling pathway associated with nociceptive neuronal sensitization.

Results and discussion

C-PC and PCB notably ameliorated hypernociception, synovial neutrophil infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and the periarticular cytokine concentration of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-4 dose-dependently in AIA mice. In addition, 1 mg/kg PCB downregulated the gene expression for T-bet, RORγ, and IFN-γ in the popliteal lymph nodes, accompanied by a significant reduction in the pathological arthritic index of AIA mice. Noteworthy, neuronal proteome analysis revealed that PCB modulated biological processes such as pain, inflammation, and glutamatergic transmission, all of which are involved in arthritic pathology.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the remarkable efficacy of PCB in alleviating the nociception and inflammation in the AIA mice model and shed new light on mechanisms underlying the PCB modulation of the neuronal proteome. This research work opens a new avenue to explore the translational potential of PCB in developing a therapeutic strategy for inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis.

Mitigating Age-Related Ovarian Dysfunction with the Anti-Inflammatory Agent MIT-001

Ovarian aging is a major obstacle in assisted reproductive medicine because it leads to ovarian dysfunction in women of advanced age. Currently, there are no effective treatments to cure age-related ovarian dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effect of MIT-001 on the function of aged ovaries. Young and old mice were utilized in this study. MIT-001 was intraperitoneally administered, and the number of follicles and oocytes was analyzed. Each group was then retrieved for RNA and protein isolation. Total RNA was subjected to mRNA next-generation sequencing. Protein extracts from ovarian lysates were used to evaluate various cytokine levels in the ovaries. MIT-001 enhanced follicles and the number of oocytes were compared with non-treated old mice. MIT-001 downregulated immune response-related transcripts and cytokines in the ovaries of old mice. MIT-001 modulates the immune complex responsible for generating inflammatory signals and has the potential to restore the function of old ovaries and improve female fertility.

The novel immunobiotic Clostridium butyricum S-45-5 displays broad-spectrum antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo by inducing immune modulation

Clostridium butyricum is known as a probiotic butyric acid bacterium that can improve the intestinal environment. In this study, we isolated a new strain of C. butyricum from infant feces and evaluated its physiological characteristics and antiviral efficacy by modulating the innate immune responses in vitro and in vivo. The isolated C. butyricum S-45-5 showed typical characteristics of C. butyricum including bile acid resistance, antibacterial ability, and growth promotion of various lactic acid bacteria. As an antiviral effect, C. butyricum S-45-5 markedly reduced the replication of influenza A virus (PR8), Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in RAW264.7 cells in vitro. This suppression can be explained by the induction of antiviral state in cells by the induction of antiviral, IFN-related genes and secretion of IFNs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In vivo, oral administration of C. butyricum S-45-5 exhibited prophylactic effects on BALB/c mice against fatal doses of highly pathogenic mouse-adapted influenza A subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H9N2). Before challenge with influenza virus, C. butyricum S-45-5-treated BALB/c mice showed increased levels of IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-12 in serum, the small intestine, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), which correlated with observed prophylactic effects. Interestingly, after challenge with influenza virus, C. butyricum S-45-5-treated BALB/c mice showed reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and relatively higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines at day 7 post-infection. Taken together, these findings suggest that C. butyricum S-45-5 plays an antiviral role in vitro and in vivo by inducing an antiviral state and affects immune modulation to alleviate local and systemic inflammatory responses caused by influenza virus infection. Our study provides the beneficial effects of the new C. butyricum S-45-5 with antiviral effects as a probiotic.

Keras/TensorFlow in Drug Design for Immunity Disorders

Homeostasis of the host immune system is regulated by white blood cells with a variety of cell surface receptors for cytokines. Chemotactic cytokines (chemokines) activate their receptors to evoke the chemotaxis of immune cells in homeostatic migrations or inflammatory conditions towards inflamed tissue or pathogens. Dysregulation of the immune system leading to disorders such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, or cancer requires efficient, fast-acting drugs to minimize the long-term effects of chronic inflammation. Here, we performed structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) assisted by the Keras/TensorFlow neural network (NN) to find novel compound scaffolds acting on three chemokine receptors: CCR2, CCR3, and one CXC receptor, CXCR3. Keras/TensorFlow NN was used here not as a typically used binary classifier but as an efficient multi-class classifier that can discard not only inactive compounds but also low- or medium-activity compounds. Several compounds proposed by SBVS and NN were tested in 100 ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to confirm their binding affinity. To improve the basic binding affinity of the compounds, new chemical modifications were proposed. The modified compounds were compared with known antagonists of these three chemokine receptors. Known CXCR3 compounds were among the top predicted compounds; thus, the benefits of using Keras/TensorFlow in drug discovery have been shown in addition to structure-based approaches. Furthermore, we showed that Keras/TensorFlow NN can accurately predict the receptor subtype selectivity of compounds, for which SBVS often fails. We cross-tested chemokine receptor datasets retrieved from ChEMBL and curated datasets for cannabinoid receptors. The NN model trained on the cannabinoid receptor datasets retrieved from ChEMBL was the most accurate in the receptor subtype selectivity prediction. Among NN models trained on the chemokine receptor datasets, the CXCR3 model showed the highest accuracy in differentiating the receptor subtype for a given compound dataset.

Deucravacitinib, a tyrosine kinase 2 pseudokinase inhibitor, protects human EndoC-βH1 β-cells against proinflammatory insults

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by pancreatic islet inflammation and autoimmune-driven pancreatic β-cell destruction. Interferon-α (IFNα) is a key player in early human type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. IFNα activates the tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, leading to inflammation, HLA class I overexpression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and β-cell apoptosis (in synergy with IL-1β). As TYK2 inhibition has raised as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of type 1 diabetes, we investigated whether the selective TYK2 inhibitor deucravacitinib could protect β-cells from the effects of IFNα and other proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., IFNγ and IL-1β).

Methods

All experiments were performed in the human EndoC-βH1 β-cell line. HLA class I expression, inflammation, and ER stress were evaluated by real-time PCR, immunoblotting, and/or immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was assessed by the DNA-binding dyes Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide or caspase 3/7 activity. The promoter activity was assessed by luciferase assay.

Results

Deucravacitinib prevented IFNα effects, such as STAT1 and STAT2 activation and MHC class I hyperexpression, in a dose-dependent manner without affecting β-cell survival and function. A comparison between deucravacitinib and two Janus kinase inhibitors, ruxolitinib and baricitinib, showed that deucravacitinib blocked IFNα- but not IFNγ-induced signaling pathway. Deucravacitinib protected β-cells from the effects of two different combinations of cytokines: IFNα + IL-1β and IFNγ + IL-1β. Moreover, this TYK2 inhibitor could partially reduce apoptosis and inflammation in cells pre-treated with IFNα + IL-1β or IFNγ + IL-1β.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that, by protecting β-cells against the deleterious effects of proinflammatory cytokines without affecting β-cell function and survival, deucravacitinib could be repurposed for the prevention or treatment of early type 1 diabetes.

Eculizumab suppresses zymosan-induced release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-2 in autologous serum-substituted PBMC cultures: Relevance to cytokine storm in Covid-19

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cytokine storm (CS) is a major contributor to the fatal outcome of severe infectious diseases, including Covid-19. Treatment with the complement (C) C5 inhibitor eculizumab was beneficial in end-stage Covid-19, however, the mechanism of this effect is unknown. To clarify this, we analyzed the relationship between C activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a PBMC model.

METHODS

Human PBMC with or without 20 % autologous serum was incubated with C3a, C5a, zymosan or zymosan-pre-activated serum (ZAS) for 24 h with or without eculizumab or the C5a receptor antagonist, DF2593A. C activation (sC5b-9) and 9 inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

In serum-free unstimulated PBMC only IL-8 release could be measured during incubation. Addition of C5a increased IL-8 secretion only, ZAS induced both IL-2 and IL-8, while zymosan led to significant production of all cytokines, most abundantly IL-8. In the presence of serum the above effects were greatly enhanced, and the zymosan-induced rises of IL-1α, IL-1β IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly attenuated by eculizumab but not by DF2593a.

CONCLUSIONS

These data highlight the complexity of interrelationships between C activation and cytokine secretion under different experimental conditions. The clinically relevant findings include the abundant formation of the chemokine IL-8, which was stimulated by C5a, and the suppression of numerous inflammatory cytokines by eculizumab, which explains its therapeutic efficacy in severe Covid-19. These data strengthen the clinical relevance of the applied PBMC model for drug screening against CS, enabling the separation of complex innate immune cross-talks.

Erythromycin Attenuates Hyperoxia Induced Lung Injury by Enhancing GSH Expression and Inhibiting Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines

Introduction: Oxidative stress and inflammation have proven to be key factors contributing to the occurrence of BPD. Erythromycin has been shown to be effective in treating the redox imbalance seen in many non-bacterial infectious chronic inflammatory diseases. Methods: Ninety-six premature rats were randomly divided into air + saline chloride group, air + erythromycin group, hyperoxia + saline chloride group and hyperoxia + erythromycin group. Lung tissue specimens were collected from 8 premature rats in each group on days 1, 7 and 14, respectively. Results: Pulmonary pathological changes in premature rats after hyperoxia exposure were similar to those of BPD. Hyperoxia exposure induced high expression of GSH, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Erythromycin intervention caused a further increase in GSH expression and a decrease in TNF-α and IL-1β expression. Conclusion: GSH, TNF-α and IL-1β are all involved in the development of BPD. Erythromycin may alleviate BPD by enhancing the expression of GSH and inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Relieving Chemotherapy-Induced Bone Marrow Suppression: A Systematic Review with a Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

Objective: Bone marrow suppression is the most common side effect of chemotherapy that may lead to discontinuation for treatment pertaining to patients during the therapy course. Acupuncture may relieve bone marrow suppression with regulation hematopoietic function during chemotherapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression and determine the effects of acupuncture on bone marrow function. Design: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline OVID, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and Chinese articles in the Airiti Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched up to February 2023. Publications in both English and Chinese were eligible for inclusion without any limitations on the publication date. Only randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression were considered. In addition, a trial sequential analysis was performed to assess the adequacy of the current sample size. Results: A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Acupuncture was found to increase the levels of hematopoietic cytokine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (Hedges' g = 0.79, p < 0.001), as well as stimulate the production of white blood cells (Hedges' g = 0.69, p < 0.001), red blood cells (Hedges' g = 0.37, p = 0.01), neutrophils (Hedges' g = 0.66, p < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (Hedges' g = 0.89, p = 0.01), hemoglobin (Hb) (Hedges' g = 0.37, p = 0.02), platelets (Hedges' g = 0.50, p < 0.001), and natural killer (NK) cells (Hedges' g = 1.30, p = 0.02). Further, the levels of platelets and NK cells were observed to increase cumulatively over time. Conclusions: Acupuncture may improve chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression due to increasing levels of the hematopoietic cytokine, G-CSF and further relieving chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression. PROSPERO Registration: This review was registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42020185813).

Pharmacological assessment of the antineoplastic and immunomodulatory properties of a new spiroindolone derivative (7',8'-Dimethoxy-1',3'-dimethyl-1,2,3',4'-tetrahydrospiro[indole-3,5'-pyrazolo[3,4-c]isoquinolin]-2-one) in chronic myeloid leukemia

The discovery and development of effective novel compounds is paramount in oncology for improving cancer therapy. In this study, we developed a new derivative of spiroindolone (7',8'-Dimethoxy-1',3'-dimethyl-1,2,3',4'-tetrahydrospiro[indole-3,5'- pyrazolo[3,4-c]isoquinolin]-2-one) and evaluated its anticancer- and immunomodulatory potential in a vitro model of chronic leukemia. We utilized the chronic leukemia cell line K562, as well as non-cancerous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Vero cells (kidney epithelium of Cercopithecus aethiops). We assessed the cytotoxicity of the compound using the MTT assay, and performed cell cycle assays to determine its impact on different stages of the cell cycle. To evaluate its antineoplastic activity, we conducted a colony formation test to measure the effect of the compound on the clonal growth of cancer cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of the compound by measuring the levels of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The study findings demonstrate that the spiroindolone-derived compound exerted noteworthy cytotoxic effects against K562 cells, with an IC50 value of 25.27 µg/mL. Additionally, it was observed that the compound inhibited the clonal proliferation of K562 cells while displaying minimal toxicity to normal cells. The compound exhibited its antiproliferative activity by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, preventing the entry of K562 cells into mitosis. Notably, the compound demonstrated an immunomodulatory effect by upregulating the production of cytokines IL-6 and IL-12/23p40. In conclusion, the spiroindolone-derived compound evaluated in this study has demonstrated significant potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Further investigations are warranted to explore its clinical applications.

Fraxin represses NF-κB pathway via inhibiting the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor to ameliorate diabetic renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RIF), featured by epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells and collagen deposition in the renal interstitial region, is the main pathological change of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Fraxin, the main active component of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance with anti-inflammatory activity, has been demonstrated to ameliorate glomerulosclerosis. However, the regulatory role of Fraxin on diabetic RIF remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the renal protective benefits of Fraxin against diabetic RIF and elucidated its mechanisms. In vitro, Fraxin inhibited the abnormal expression of EMT-related markers and proinflammatory cytokines, improved cellular morphology, and subsequently reduced the extracellular matrix (ECM) production in high glucose (HG)-induced NRK-52E cells. In vivo, Fraxin effectively ameliorated renal function, inhibited the abnormal expression of EMT-related markers and proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced ECM deposition in renal tubule interstitium in db/db mice. Notably, Fraxin could directly bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which contributed to the inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation and counteracted the activation of c-Src/NF-κB pathway, eventually ameliorating RIF. Thus, Fraxin may be a potential drug candidate for treating DN.

Aging exaggerates pulpal pain sensation by increasing the expression levels of nociceptive neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines

BACKGROUND

Dental pain is a main clinical problem in the elderly population and its assessment and treatment make special challenges for health care services. However, the age-induced alteration in dental pain perception and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) has not yet been fully clarified.

METHODS

Here, the effect of aging on nociceptive behaviors following inflammatory dental pulp pain was evaluated. Since prostaglandins, nociceptive neuropeptides, and inflammatory cytokines have critical roles in the development of aging as well as pain signaling, the expression levels of COX-2, CGRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and its converting enzyme TACE were assessed in the trigeminal ganglion of young and aged rats with dental pain. Dental pulp pain was induced by intradental application of capsaicin (100 μg). The immunofluorescence (COX-2 and CGRP) and western blot techniques were used.

RESULTS

The data showed that aged animals have different pattern of pain. So that, the mean of nociceptive scores was significantly greater in aged rats at 10 and 15 min after capsaicin injection. In aged rats, dental pain was persisting over 7 h, while it was disappeared at 300 min in young rats. Molecular data showed that dental pain significantly increased the expression of COX-2, CGRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TACE in the trigeminal ganglion of the young and aged rats. In addition, the amount of those parameters, except TACE, in capsaicin-treated aged animals were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in capsaicin-treated young rats.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in an acute inflammatory pulpal pain model may contribute, at least in part to the increased nociceptive behaviors and pain perception in aged rats.