[Association between cognitive function and probability of prodromal Parkinson's disease in middle aged and elderly people aged 55 years and above in 4 provinces in China]

Objective: To analyze probability of prodromal Parkinson's disease (pPD) and assess the association between global cognitive function and cognitive domain function and probability of pPD in ≥55 years old middle-aged and elderly people in Hebei, Zhejiang, Shaanxi and Hunan Provinces in China. Methods: Data were collected from dataset of the Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Disease 2020. We selected 4 634 Alzheimer disease and Parkinson's disease free persons aged ≥55 years with completed information on demographics, disease history, cognitive test, and risk factors of Parkinson's disease for this study. Cognitive function was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (Chinese version). Calculation of probability of pPD and assessment of possible/probable pPD were performed according to the criteria published by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Multivariate linear regression model was used to analyze the association between cognitive function and probability of pPD. Results: The M (Q1,Q3) of global cognitive function and cognitive domains in terms of memory, execution, visuospatial function, language, attention and orientation were 25 (20, 30), 13 (11, 15), 10 (7, 12), 6 (4, 7), 5 (4, 6), 15 (12, 18) and 6 (6, 6) points, respectively. The M(Q1,Q3) of probability of pPD was 0.42% (0.80%, 1.73%), and the proportion of the study subjects with possible/probable pPD was 0.4%. Differences in the distribution of probability of pPD were significant among groups by total cognitive score quartiles (P<0.001), and the difference in proportions of study subjects with possible/probable pPD was significant and showed decline trend (P=0.001). After adjusted for confounders, the results of multivariate linear regression analyses showed that probability of pPD in the Q2, Q3 and Q4 group decreased by 23.4%, 31.2% and 20.1% compared with Q1 group, and corresponding β values were 0.766 (95%CI: 0.702-0.836), 0.688 (95%CI: 0.631-0.751) and 0.799 (95%CI: 0.730-0.875), respectively, the trend was significant (P<0.001). Higher index scores of execution, visuospatial function, language, attention and orientation were highly related to lower probability of pPD (P<0.001). Conclusion: Declines in global cognitive function and cognitive domains of execution, visuospatial function, language, attention and orientation might increase the probability of pPD in middle-aged and elderly people, suggesting the importance of cognitive intervention in early stage for pPD prevention.

[Epidemiological characteristics of cardio-metabolic risk factors among children and adolescents aged 7-17 years in 4 provinces of China]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of cardio-metabolic risk factors among children and adolescents aged 7-17 years in (Hebei, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Hunan) 4 provinces of China and the influence of demographic and economic characteristics on them. Methods: A total of 1 747 children and adolescents aged 7-17 from a Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Disease in 2018 were selected. High waist circumference, central obesity, elevated TG, elevated TC, elevated LDL-C, decreased HDL-C, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and clustering of risk factors was analyzed. χ² test was used for univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between demographic and economic factors and risk factors, and the Cochran-Armitage trend test was used for trend analysis. Results: The detection rates of high waist circumference, decreased HDL-C, elevated blood pressure, elevated TG, elevated blood glucose, central obesity, elevated TC, and elevated LDL-C were 29.08%, 15.28%, 13.17%, 13.05%, 11.79%, 7.33%, 6.53%, and 5.15%, respectively. The rate of clustering of risk factors was 18.37%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of high waist circumference in girls was higher than that in boys (OR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.26-2.22), and the risk of elevated blood glucose and clustering of risk factors was lower than that in boys (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.49-0.99; OR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.53-0.99). The risk of high waist circumference, decreased HDL-C, and clustering of risk factors in 13-17 years old group was higher than that in the 7-year-olds group (OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.65-3.04; OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.20-2.11; OR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.26-2.44), but the risk of central obesity was lower (OR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.37-0.78). The risk of elevated TC, elevated TG, and decreased HDL-C in children and adolescents in southern was higher than that in northern parts of China (OR=1.88, 95%CI: 1.25-2.83; OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.17-2.22; OR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.19-2.04), but the risk of high waist circumference and central obesity was lower than that in northern China (OR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.43-0.75; OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.42-0.90). The risk of decreased HDL-C in rural children and adolescents was higher than in urban children and adolescents (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.02-1.83). The risk of multiple risk factors increased with the increase in average monthly household income per capita and BMI level. Conclusions: High waist circumference, decreased HDL-C and elevated blood pressure were prominent cardio-metabolic risk factors among children and adolescents aged 7-17 years in 4 provinces of China in 2018. The region, average monthly household income per capita, and BMI were the main influencing factors of cardio-metabolic risk factors.

[Association between fasting plasma glucose and mild cognitive impairment in Chinese 55 and older population from four provinces]

Objective: To analyze the association of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the Chinese middle-aged and elderly population from four provinces. Methods: Data were drawn from the baseline data of the Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Disease 2018-2019. We selected 3 272 subjects aged 55 and above with completed information on demographics, lifestyle, disease history, cognitive test, psychological assessment, and bio-chemistries measurement, and who were capable of performing basic activities of daily living but without Alzheimer's disease during recruitment. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the association between FPG and MCI. Results: Median level of FPG in the study population was 5.5 mmol/L. The prevalence of MCI was 24.8%, and those in groups of the FPG quintile were 19.4%, 22.2%, 29.2%, 26.6%, and 26.1%, respectively, which significantly increased the trend (P=0.002). After adjustment of confounders, multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the MCI risk of subjects in the Q₃,Q₄ and Q₅ groups was 1.641 (95%CI: 1.226-2.131), 1.373 (95%CI: 1.036-1.825), 1.402 (95%CI: 1.054-1.871) times as high as that in the Q₁ group, respectively. Conclusion: High FPG level might serve as a risk factor for MCI in the middle-aged and elderly population, suggesting the importance of monitoring and controlling plasma glucose even without diabetes.

[Association between obesity and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese adults aged 18-65 years in 15 provinces in 2018]

Objective: To analyze the association between different types of obesity, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey data in 2018, different types of obesity were defined across different BMI and WC combinations based on Criteria of weight for adults (WS/T 428-2013), including non-obesity, simple general obesity, simple central obesity, and complex obesity. The associations of different types of obesity, BMI, and WC with T2DM risk were explored using two-level mixed-effects logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models. Results: A total of 7 030 subjects aged 18-65 were included in this study. The prevalence of general obesity and central obesity were 16.29% (502/3 082), 42.28% (1 303/3 082) in males, and 14.41% (569/3 948), 37.87% (1 495/3 948) in females. The prevalence of complex obesity was 14.70% and 12.97% in males and females, respectively. The prevalence of T2DM was 11.28% in participants, and the prevalence in complex obesity (18.98%, 22.07%) was higher than in simple central obesity (16.24%, 15.26%) and non-obesity (9.65%, 5.18%) in males and females, respectively. Multilevel regressions showed that males with simple central obesity and complex obesity had 1.61 (95%CI: 1.24-2.08) and 2.11 (95%CI: 1.56-2.86) times the odds of T2DM, respectively, as compared with the non-obesity; and the odds of T2DM in females were 2.70 (95%CI: 1.16-6.28) times for simple general obesity, 2.62 (95%CI: 2.01-3.40) times for simple central obesity, and 4.47 (95%CI: 3.35-5.98) times for complex obesity. A nearly linear positive association was observed between BMI and T2DM risk. WC was also positively associated with T2DM risk and a non-linearly increased risk in females (P for non-linear=0.024). The risk of T2DM increased when BMI ≥22.5 kg/m² and 23.0 kg/m², WC ≥85.0 cm and 80.0 cm in males and females, respectively. Conclusions: Complex obesity adults are more likely to suffer from T2DM. The risk of T2DM increases significantly when BMI is at the normal high values and waist circumference at the stage of pre-central obesity.

[Epidemiological characteristics and trends of cardiometabolic risk factors in residents aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces of China]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and trends of cardiometabolic risk factors in residents aged 18-64 years in 15 provinces (autonomous regions,municipalities) of China, and to analyze the impact of demographic characteristics on cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: 19 827 adults aged 18-64 from the "China Health and Nutrition Survey" in 2009, 2015 and 2018 were selected as subjects. Using the data of demographic and economic factors, blood biochemical measurements and physical measurements, the trend of detection rates of metabolic risk factors in different years was analyzed by Joinpoint regression model. The association between risk factors and demographic characteristics was analyzed by multinomial logit model. Results: Among all the risk factors, overweight and central obesity had the highest detection rates (36.41% and 39.93%, respectively). In addition, among the three years, the clustering of risk factors was highest in 2015 and decreased slightly in 2018. Joinpoint regression model analysis showed that the detection rates of most metabolic risk factors expressing an overall upward trend from 2009 to 2018 but there was no significantly statistical difference in annual percentage change (APC). Among the risk factors under APC>0, the APC of obesity and diabetes was the largest (APC=5.37%, t=3.26, P=0.190; APC=5.52%, t=7.70, P=0.082), while among the risk factors with APC<0, high hs-CRP appeared as the largest (APC=-6.95%, t=-4.17, P=0.150). Multinomial logit model showed that male had higher risk of developing all metabolic risk factors than female except LDL-C, TC and hs-CRP. The risk of other risk factors except HDL-C in adults aged 45-64 years was higher than that in the younger age group aged 18-44 years, and was more significant in hypertension and elevated HbA1c, which were 4.67 (95%CI:4.07-5.37) times and 3.73 (95%CI:2.91-4.77) times of the younger age group, respectively. Residents living in the eastern areas had the highest risk of obesity, borderline high LDL-C, hypertension, elevated blood glucose and diabetes, and the lowest risk of elevated TG and high hs-CRP. People from the western region had the lowest risk of central obesity, elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Conclusions: In the three years, the detection rate and clustering of most risk factors were the highest in 2015, and there was little change in 2018. Gender, age and geographical distribution were the main influencing factors of cadiometabolic risk factors. It is suggested to adopt targeted prevention strategies and intervention measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Monitoring mild cognitive impairment of workers exposed to occupational aluminium based on quantitative susceptibility mapping

AIM

To investigate the diagnostic value of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of aluminium (Al) workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The basic data of 53 workers in an Al factory were collected and divided into the MCI group and normal control (NC) group by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. All participants were tested for plasma Al concentration and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The QSM values of many areas of the brain were delineated and measured. Independent two-sample t-tests or non-parametric tests were used to compare the parameter values between the two groups. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed between QSM values, MoCA scores, and plasma Al concentration. The receiver operating characteristic curve and z test were performed to assess diagnostic efficacy and the best parameter.

RESULTS

There was no difference in age and educational level. Plasma Al concentration of the MCI group was higher than that of NC group (p=0.057). QSM values of the left hippocampus, left dentate nucleus, right substantia nigra, and left putamen in MCI group were higher than that of NC group (p<0.05), and the left hippocampus had the best diagnostic efficacy. QSM values correlated negatively with MoCA scores. No correlation was found between QSM values and plasma Al concentration (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

QSM might be a neuroimaging marker for the diagnosis of MCI. The left hippocampus showed the best diagnostic efficacy. Plasma Al concentration of the MCI group was higher than that of the NC group. A correlation between QSM and plasma Al concentration was not found.

Anti-CD52 antibody treatment in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induces dynamic and differential modulation of innate immune cells in peripheral immune and central nervous systems

Anti‐CD52 antibody (anti‐CD52‐Ab) leads to a rapid depletion of T and B cells, followed by reconstitution of immune cells with tolerogenic characteristics. However, very little is known about its effect on innate immune cells. In this study, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice were administered murine anti‐CD52‐Ab to investigate its effect on dendritic cells and monocytes/macrophages in the periphery lymphoid organs and the central nervous system (CNS). Our data show that blood and splenic innate immune cells exhibited significantly increased expression of MHC‐II and costimulatory molecules, which was associated with increased capacity of activating antigen‐specific T cells, at first day but not three weeks after five daily treatment with anti‐CD52‐Ab in comparison with controls. In contrast to the periphery, microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the CNS exhibited reduced expression levels of MHC‐II and costimulatory molecules after antibody treatment at both time‐points investigated when compared to controls. Furthermore, the transit response of peripheral innate immune cells to anti‐CD52‐Ab treatment was also observed in the lymphocyte‐deficient SCID mice, suggesting the changes are not a direct consequence of the mass depletion of lymphocytes in the periphery. Our study demonstrates a dynamic and tissue‐specific modulation of the innate immune cells in their phenotype and function following the antibody treatment. The findings of differential modulation of the microglia and infiltrating macrophages in the CNS in comparison with the innate immune cells in the peripheral organs support the CNS‐specific beneficial effect of alemtuzumab treatment on inhibiting neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis patients.

On-Site Fluorination for Enhancing Utilization of Lithium in a Lithium-Sulfur Full Battery

The rechargeability of the lithium anode in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is an issue for this type of battery. In this work, we demonstrate a Li-S full battery comprising a protected anode scaffold and a Li₂S cathode. The stabilized performance is attained by an on-site fluorination strategy, using BiF₃ for the interfacial coating of the anode. Unlike previously reported LiF protective coating derived from the vapor/solution depositions, BiF₃ nanocrystals would be lithiated on-site to the anode surface and server as the protective layer. The chemically inertial Li₃Bi alloy can provide additional ion-conductive paths and stitch the LiF to form a seamless protective layer, thereby suppressing the dendrite propagation and parasitic reactions effectively. With the designed anode structures and compositions, the high-loading full battery (8.05 mg cm^-2) can achieve an exceptional utilization of both sulfur (898 mAh g_S^-1) and lithium (1533 mAh g_Li^-1) over 200 cycles, marking a step toward cyclable Li metal batteries at a high capacity.

[Analysis on detection status of cardio-metabolic related risk factors in women aged 15-49 years in 15 provinces in China]

Objective: To analyze the prevalence, co-prevalence of cardiovascular metabolic (CM) risk factors in women aged 15-49 years in China, and describe the influence of social economic factors on them. Methods: The project data of Nutritional Status and Health Transition of Chinese Residents in 2015 were used. The changes in epidemiological characteristics of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, FPG and TG, decreased HDL-C and co-prevalence of the risk factors in women aged 15-49 years were analyzed. According to the definition of the metabolic syndrome released by the International Diabetes Federation in 2005, five cardio-metabolic risk factors appeared as central obesity, increased triglycerides, decreased HDL-C, increased blood pressure and increased plasma glucose. Co-prevalence of risk factors was defined as detecting 2 or more risk factors in a person at the same time. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and metabolic risk factors. Results: In 2015, in women aged 15-49 years in 15 provinces, the detection number (rates) of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, FPG and TG, decreased HDL-C, at least one CM risk factor and co-detection rate of CM risk factors were 944 (47.4%), 464 (23.3%), 123 (6.2%), 327 (16.4%), 1 025 (51.5%), 1 501 (75.4%), and 874 (43.9%), respectively. Compared with women aged 15-19 years, the women in age group of 25-, 30-, 35-, 40-, and 45-49 years were more likely to have central obesity (P<0.05), the women in age group of 30- 35-, 40-, and 45-49 years were more likely to have elevated blood pressure (P<0.05), the women aged 45-49 years were more likely to be affected by one or more CM risk factors (P<0.05), but the women in age group 25-29 years group had lower risk for elevated FPG (P<0.05). The odds of having central obesity, elevated blood pressure, FPG and TG, decreased HDL-C, at least one CM risk factor and co-prevalence of CM risk factors in women with BMI≥24.0 kg/m(2) were 14.16, 3.05, 2.46, 2.49, 2.42, 9.79 and 7.39 times higher than those in the women with BMI of 18.5-24.0 kg/m(2), respectively. The odds of having elevated FPG and TG in women aged 15-49 years in western China and the odds of having elevated blood pressure and FPG in women aged 15-49 years in eastern China were significantly higher than those in central China. No significant correlations were found between the prevalence and co-prevalence of CM risk factors and income level or urban and rural area residences in women aged 15-49 years. Conclusions: Age, BMI level and living area were the major influencing CM risk factors. The precise prevention and control measures should be taken in time for the adverse changes in CM risk factor prevalence.

Quantification of the influence of drugs on zebrafish larvae swimming kinematics and energetics

The use of zebrafish larvae has aroused wide interest in the medical field for its potential role in the development of new therapies. The larvae grow extremely quickly and the embryos are nearly transparent which allows easy examination of its internal structures using fluorescent imaging techniques. Medical treatment of zebrafish larvae can directly influence its swimming behaviours. These behaviour changes are related to functional changes of central nervous system and transformations of the zebrafish body such as muscle mechanical power and force variation, which cannot be measured directly by pure experiment observation. To quantify the influence of drugs on zebrafish larvae swimming behaviours and energetics, we have developed a novel methodology to exploit intravital changes based on observed zebrafish locomotion. Specifically, by using an in-house MATLAB code to process the recorded live zebrafish swimming video, the kinematic locomotion equation of a 3D zebrafish larvae was obtained, and a customised Computational Fluid Dynamics tool was used to solve the fluid flow around the fish model which was geometrically the same as experimentally tested zebrafish. The developed methodology was firstly verified against experiment, and further applied to quantify the fish internal body force, torque and power consumption associated with a group of normal zebrafish larvae vs. those immersed in acetic acid and two neuroactive drugs. As indicated by our results, zebrafish larvae immersed in 0.01% acetic acid display approximately 30% higher hydrodynamic power and 10% higher cost of transport than control group. In addition, 500 μM diphenylhydantoin significantly decreases the locomotion activity for approximately 50% lower hydrodynamic power, whereas 100 mg/L yohimbine has not caused any significant influences on 5 dpf zebrafish larvae locomotion. The approach has potential to evaluate the influence of drugs on the aquatic animal’s behaviour changes and thus support the development of new analgesic and neuroactive drugs.

[Dietary sodium intake of adult residents in 15 provinces of China in 2015]

Objective: To analyze the status of dietary sodium intake of Chinese adult residents in fifteen provinces in 2015. Methods: Data were collected from 2015 China Nutrition Transition Cohort Study. This cohort study used a three consecutive 24-h retrospective method to record food intake and weighing method to record household condiment consumption. In this study, 14 847 residents aged 18 years and over with complete data from 15 provinces in 2015 were selected for the comparison of dietary sodium intake (median) with different characteristics. Results: Among the 14 847 residents, 47.1% were males, and the rural and northern residents accounted for 60.1% and 37.7%, respectively. Median sodium intake was 3 960.0 mg/d among residents in 2015. The sodium intake of males (4 272.1 mg/d) was higher than that of females (3 716.6 mg/d). Across age subgroups, sodium intake was highest among residents aged 45-59 years (4 257.0 mg/d; 18-44 years old, 3 867.1 mg/d; ≥60 years old, 3 799.0 mg/d). Sodium intake was higher in rural area (4 042.9 mg/d) than in urban area (3 866.8 mg/d), higher in north (4 229.2 mg/d) than in south (3 806.8 mg/d) (all P values <0.05). 11.8% of residents with dietary sodium intake were below 2 000 mg/d. The main sources of dietary sodium were condiments (79.4%), regular cooking foods (11.9%) and processed foods (8.7%). Among the condiments, the salt and soy sauce accounted for 63.6% and 10.4%, respectively. Conclusion: In 2015, Chinese adult residents had higher dietary sodium intake with gender and regional differences. Condiments were the main source of dietary sodium.

Rational design of spontaneous reactions for protecting porous lithium electrodes in lithium-sulfur batteries

A rechargeable lithium anode requires a porous structure for a high capacity, and a stable electrode/electrolyte interface against dendrite formation and polysulfide crossover when used in a lithium-sulfur battery. Here, we design two simple steps of spontaneous reactions for protecting porous lithium electrodes. First, a reaction between molten lithium and sulfur-impregnated carbon nanofiber forms a fibrous network with a lithium shell and a carbon core. Second, we coat the surface of this porous lithium electrode with a composite of lithium bismuth alloys and lithium fluoride through another spontaneous reaction between lithium and bismuth trifluoride, solvated with phosphorous pentasulfide, which also polymerizes with lithium sulfide residual in the electrode to form a solid electrolyte layer. This protected porous lithium electrode enables stable operation of a lithium-sulfur battery with a sulfur loading of 10.2 mg cm-2 at 6.0 mA cm-2 for 200 cycles.

Role of IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in systemic sclerosis and other fibrotic diseases

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterised by fibrosis of the skin and multiple internal organs. Interleukin 33 (IL-33) has recently been investigated as a potential key player in the pathogenesis of SSc and other fibrotic diseases, owing to its effects on tissue fibrosis. Understanding how IL-33 is regulated and how it contributes to the development of fibrosis will be important to elucidate disease pathogenesis and may shed light on new areas for therapeutic development for patients. Here we discuss the recent research progress in our understanding of the role and the underlying mechanisms of IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in SSc and other fibrotic diseases.

Interleukin-16 inhibits sodium channel function and GluA1 phosphorylation via CD4- and CD9-independent mechanisms to reduce hippocampal neuronal excitability and synaptic activity

Interleukin 16 (IL-16) is a cytokine that is primarily associated with CD4⁺ T cell function, but also exists as a multi-domain PDZ protein expressed within cerebellar and hippocampal neurons. We have previously shown that lymphocyte-derived IL-16 is neuroprotective against excitotoxicity, but evidence of how it affects neuronal function is limited. Here, we have investigated whether IL-16 modulates neuronal excitability and synaptic activity in mouse primary hippocampal cultures. Application of recombinant IL-16 impairs both glutamate-induced increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ and sEPSC frequency and amplitude in a CD4- and CD9-independent manner. We examined the mechanisms underlying these effects, with rIL-16 reducing GluA1 S831 phosphorylation and inhibiting Na⁺ channel function. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-16 reduces neuronal excitability and synaptic activity via multiple mechanisms and adds further evidence that alternative receptors may exist for IL-16.

Expression and Function of IL-33/ST2 Axis in the Central Nervous System Under Normal and Diseased Conditions

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a well-recognized immunomodulatory cytokine which plays critical roles in tissue function and immune-mediated diseases. The abundant expression of IL-33 in brain and spinal cord prompted many scientists to explore its unique role in the central nervous system (CNS) under physiological and pathological conditions. Indeed emerging evidence from over a decade's research suggests that IL-33 acts as one of the key molecular signaling cues coordinating the network between the immune and CNS systems, particularly during the development of neurological diseases. Here, we highlight the recent advances in our knowledge regarding the distribution and cellular localization of IL-33 and its receptor ST2 in specific CNS regions, and more importantly the key roles IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway play in CNS function under normal and diseased conditions.

Failure of the Anti-Inflammatory Parasitic Worm Product ES-62 to Provide Protection in Mouse Models of Type I Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Parasitic helminths and their isolated secreted products show promise as novel treatments for allergic and autoimmune conditions in humans. Foremost amongst the secreted products is ES-62, a glycoprotein derived from Acanthocheilonema viteae, a filarial nematode parasite of gerbils, which is anti-inflammatory by virtue of covalently-attached phosphorylcholine (PC) moieties. ES-62 has been found to protect against disease in mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and airway hyper-responsiveness. Furthermore, novel PC-based synthetic small molecule analogues (SMAs) of ES-62 have recently been demonstrated to show similar anti-inflammatory properties to the parent molecule. In spite of these successes, we now show that ES-62 and its SMAs are unable to provide protection in mouse models of certain autoimmune conditions where other helminth species or their secreted products can prevent disease development, namely type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. We speculate on the reasons underlying ES-62's failures in these conditions and how the negative data generated may help us to further understand ES-62's mechanism of action.

Longissimus dorsi muscle transcriptomic analysis of Yunling and Chinese simmental cattle differing in intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acid (FA) composition vary significantly across beef cattle breeds, which play an important role in taste and nutritional value. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypic differences remain unknown. The present study compared meat quality traits between Yunling cattle and Chinese Simmental cattle. Yunling cattle showed a lower IMF content and proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), as well as higher proportions of saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and short-chain fatty acids (sc-FA) in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle than Chinese Simmental cattle. To further identify the candidate genes and pathways responsible for these phenotypic differences, the transcriptome of LD muscle from the two breeds were measured using RNA-seq. A total of 1347 differentially expressed genes were identified. The major metabolic pathways that were differentially modulated were lipolysis and glycometabolism. Yunling cattle showed a higher expression of lipolysis genes (ALDH9A1, ACSL5, ACADM, ACAT2, ACOT2) and a lower expression of genes related to glycometabolism (PGM1, GALM, PGM1, GPI, LDHA). This research identified candidate genes and pathways for IMF content and FA composition in the LD muscle of beef cattle, which may facilitate the design of new selection strategies to improve meat quality.

Treatment efficiency and stability of skeletal Class III malocclusion with a surgery-first approach

OBJECTIVES

To compare treatment duration in skeletal Class III malocclusion patients managed with a 2-step treatment (surgery-first approach, SFA) and conventional 3-step treatment, and to compare stability of surgical outcomes between segmentation and non-segmentation in the 2-step treatment group.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

The sample population consisted of 37 patients who completed orthognathic surgery (OGS) and orthodontic correction at the Charm Aesthetic Surgery Clinic (Taipei, Taiwan) between 2012 and 2015. Of these, 26 received 2-step treatment and 11 received 3-step treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To compare treatment efficiency and stability, three time points were analysed: T₀ , before treatment (before OGS in the 2-step group and before orthodontic treatment in the 3-step group); T₁ , after OGS but before orthodontic correction (cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was obtained within 2 weeks of OGS); and T₂ , after orthodontic correction (CBCT was obtained on the day of bracket removal). The post-OGS (T₁ ) CBCT items were individually superimposed on the pre-treatment (T₀ ) CBCT items to determine the distance of B point migration.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found in treatment times between 2-step treatment and conventional 3-step treatment. In addition, no significant difference was found when comparing B-X (mm) and B-Y (mm) at T₂ -T₁ for the segmentation and non-segmentation groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Using SFA for skeletal Class III malocclusions saves approximately 6 months of treatment time over 3-step treatment; the stability of the segmentation group was comparable to that of the non-segmentation group, a result that is possibly associated with the fixation of 2 miniplates.

The therapeutic effect of anti-CD52 treatment in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is associated with altered IL-33 and ST2 expression levels

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice were administered with murine anti-CD52 antibody to investigate its therapeutic effect and whether the treatment modulates IL-33 and ST2 expression. EAE severity and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation were reduced following the treatment, which was accompanied by peripheral T and B lymphocyte depletion and reduced production of various cytokines including IL-33, while sST2 was increased. In spinal cords of EAE mice, while the number of IL-33⁺ cells remained unchanged, the extracellular level of IL-33 protein was significantly reduced in anti-CD52 antibody treated mice compared with controls. Furthermore the number of ST2⁺ cells in the spinal cord of treated EAE mice was downregulated due to decreased inflammation and immune cell infiltration in the CNS. These results suggest that treatment with anti-CD52 antibody differentially alters expression of IL-33 and ST2, both systemically and within the CNS, which may indicate IL-33/ST2 axis is involved in the action of the antibody in inhibiting EAE.

Role of IL-33 and ST2 signalling pathway in multiple sclerosis: expression by oligodendrocytes and inhibition of myelination in central nervous system

Recent research findings have provided convincing evidence indicating a role for Interleukin-33 (IL-33) signalling pathway in a number of central nervous system (CNS) diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease. However, the exact function of IL-33 molecule within the CNS under normal and pathological conditions is currently unknown. In this study, we have mapped cellular expression of IL-33 and its receptor ST2 by immunohistochemistry in the brain tissues of MS patients and appropriate controls; and investigated the functional significance of these findings in vitro using a myelinating culture system. Our results demonstrate that IL-33 is expressed by neurons, astrocytes and microglia as well as oligodendrocytes, while ST2 is expressed in the lesions by oligodendrocytes and within and around axons. Furthermore, the expression levels and patterns of IL-33 and ST2 in the lesions of acute and chronic MS patient brain samples are enhanced compared with the healthy brain tissues. Finally, our data using rat myelinating co-cultures suggest that IL-33 may play an important role in MS development by inhibiting CNS myelination.

Role of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors, sphingosine kinases and sphingosine in cancer and inflammation

Sphingosine kinase (there are two isoforms, SK1 and SK2) catalyses the formation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid that can be released from cells to activate a family of G protein-coupled receptors, termed S1P1-5. In addition, S1P can bind to intracellular target proteins, such as HDAC1/2, to induce cell responses. There is increasing evidence of a role for S1P receptors (e.g. S1P4) and SK1 in cancer, where high expression of these proteins in ER negative breast cancer patient tumours is linked with poor prognosis. Indeed, evidence will be presented here to demonstrate that S1P4 is functionally linked with SK1 and the oncogene HER2 (ErbB2) to regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and growth of breast cancer cells. Although much emphasis is placed on SK1 in terms of involvement in oncogenesis, evidence will also be presented for a role of SK2 in both T-cell and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In patient T-ALL lymphoblasts and T-ALL cell lines, we have demonstrated that SK2 inhibitors promote T-ALL cell death via autophagy and induce suppression of c-myc and PI3K/AKT pathways. We will also present evidence demonstrating that certain SK inhibitors promote oxidative stress and protein turnover via proteasomal degradative pathways linked with induction of p53-and p21-induced growth arrest. In addition, the SK1 inhibitor, PF-543 exacerbates disease progression in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model indicating that SK1 functions in an anti-inflammatory manner. Indeed, sphingosine, which accumulates upon inhibition of SK1 activity, and sphingosine-like compounds promote activation of the inflammasome, which is linked with multiple sclerosis, to stimulate formation of the pro-inflammatory mediator, IL-1β. Such compounds could be exploited to produce antagonists that diminish exaggerated inflammation in disease. The therapeutic potential of modifying the SK-S1P receptor pathway in cancer and inflammation will therefore, be reviewed.

Interleukin-33 predicts poor prognosis and promotes ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis through regulating ERK and JNK signaling pathways

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer, it remains a huge challenge to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the aggressive behavior of EOC cells. Here we investigated the role of an immunomodulatory cytokine IL-33 and its receptor ST2 in mediating the growth and metastasis of EOC. Our data show that both IL-33 and ST2 were highly up-regulated in EOC tumors compared with normal ovary and ovarian benign tumors, and the expression levels were further increased in tumor tissues at the metastatic site. The expression levels of IL-33 and ST2 were positively correlated with the Ki-67 expression, and negatively correlated with the patient survival time. Using EOC cell lines, we observed that cells knocked down of IL-33 gene by siRNA had reduced migratory and invasive potential, while full length human IL-33 (fl-hIL-33) promoted the invasive, migratory and proliferative capacity of EOC cells and this process could be inhibited by IL-33 decoy receptor sST2. Signaling pathway analysis suggested that IL-33 increased the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK which was blocked by sST2. Fl-hIL-33-induced increases in EOC cell migration, invasive potential and proliferation were specifically abrogated by treatment with the ERK inhibitor U0126 while JNK inhibitor SP600125 only disrupted IL-33-induced enhancement of cell viability. Taken together, our data suggest that IL-33/ST2 axis closely associates with poor prognosis of EOC patients, and it promotes ovarian cancer growth and metastasis through regulating ERK and JNK signaling pathways. Thus IL-33/ST2 might be potential prognosis markers and therapeutic targets for EOC patients.

Effect of ether glycerol lipids on interleukin-1β release and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

We have assessed the effect of two ether glycerol lipids, 77-6 ((2S, 3R)-4-(Tetradecyloxy)-2-amino-1,3-butanediol) and 56-5 ((S)-2-Amino-3-O-hexadecyl-1-propanol), which are substrates for sphingosine kinases, on inflammatory responses. Treatment of differentiated U937 macrophage-like cells with 77-6 but not 56-5 enhanced IL-1β release; either alone or in the presence of LPS. The stimulatory effect of sphingosine or 77-6 on LPS-stimulated IL-1β release was reduced by pretreatment of cells with the caspase-1 inhibitor, Ac-YVAD-CHO, thereby indicating a role for the inflammasome. The enhancement of LPS-stimulated IL-1β release in response to sphingosine, but not 77-6, was reduced by pretreatment of cells with the cathepsin B inhibitor, CA074Me, indicating a role for lysosomal destabilization in the effect of sphingosine. Administration of 56-5 to mice increased disease progression in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model and this was associated with a considerable increase in the infiltration of CD4(+) T-cells, CD11b(+) monocytes and F4/80(+) macrophages in the spinal cord. 56-5 and 77-6 were without effect on the degradation of myc-tagged sphingosine 1-phosphate 1 receptor in CCL39 cells. Therefore, the effect of 56-5 on EAE disease progression is likely to be independent of the inflammasome or the sphingosine 1-phosphate 1 receptor. However, 56-5 is chemically similar to platelet activating factor and the exacerbation of EAE disease progression might be linked to platelet activating factor receptor signaling.

IL-33 attenuates the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is associated with several important immune-mediated disorders. However, its role in uveitis, an important eye inflammatory disease, is unknown. Here, we investigated the function of IL-33 in the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). IL-33 and IL-33 receptor (ST2) were expressed in murine retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture, and IL-33 increased the expression of Il33 and Mcp1 mRNA in RPE cells. In situ, IL-33 was highly expressed in the inner nuclear cells of the retina of naïve mice, and its expression was elevated in EAU mice. ST2-deficient mice developed exacerbated EAU compared with WT mice, and administration of IL-33 to WT mice significantly reduced EAU severity. The attenuated EAU in IL-33-treated mice was accompanied by decreased frequency of IFN-γ+ and IL-17(+) CD4+ T cells and reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 production but with increased frequency of IL-5(+) and IL-4(+) CD4 T cells and IL-5 production in the draining lymph node and spleen. Macrophages from the IL-33-treated mice show a significantly higher polarization toward an alternatively activated macrophage phenotype. Our results therefore demonstrate that the endogenous IL-33/ST2 pathway plays an important role in EAU, and suggest that IL-33 represents a potential option for treatment of uveitis.

Secular trends in meat and seafood consumption patterns among Chinese adults, 1991-2011

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Several studies have suggested differential health effects in relation to different meat composition in Western population. The purpose of the study was to examine secular trends in meat and seafood consumption patterns among Chinese adults between 1991 and 2011.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Our longitudinal data are from 21,144 adults aged 18-75 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey, prospective cohort study. We assessed the intakes of meat and subtypes with three 24-h dietary recalls. We conducted multilevel mixed-effect logistic and linear regression models to examine meat consumption dynamics.

RESULTS

The proportions of Chinese adults who consumed red meat, poultry and seafood increased from 65.7% in 1991 to 86.1% in 2011, from 7.5 to 20.9% and from 27.4 to 37.8%, respectively. With rapid decrease in meat intakes since 2009, the intakes of total meat, red meat, poultry and seafood among their consumers were 86.7 g/day, 86.4 g/day, 71.0 g/day and 70.3 g/day in 2011, respectively, which were just slightly higher compared with those in 1991. Fatty fresh pork has been predominantly component of total meat overtime, which consituted 54.0% of total meat intake, 80.0% of fresh red meat intake and 98.7% of fatty fresh red meat intake in 2011.

CONCLUSION

Over the past two decades, meat consumption patterns of Chinese adults have been characterized by having a predominant intake of fatty fresh pork, suboptimal intakes of seafood and increased proportion of adults having excessive intakes of red meat and poultry overtime.

Emerging role of interleukin-33 in autoimmune diseases

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family. It predominantly induces type 2 immune responses and thus is protective against atherosclerosis and nematode infections but contributes to allergic airway inflammation. Interleukin-33 also plays a pivotal role in the development of many autoimmune diseases through mechanisms that are still not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in understanding of the expression and function of IL-33 in some autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide insight into its potential role in disease development.

Regulation of autologous immunity to the mouse 5T4 oncofoetal antigen: implications for immunotherapy

Effective vaccination against tumour-associated antigens (TAA) such as the 5T4 oncofoetal glycoprotein may be limited by the nature of the T cell repertoire and the influence of immunomodulatory factors in particular T regulatory cells (Treg). Here, we identified mouse 5T4-specific T cell epitopes using a 5T4 knock out (5T4KO) mouse and evaluated corresponding wild-type (WT) responses as a model to refine and improve immunogenicity. We have shown that 5T4KO mice vaccinated by replication defective adenovirus encoding mouse 5T4 (Adm5T4) generate potent 5T4-specific IFN-γ CD8 and CD4 T cell responses which mediate significant protection against 5T4 positive tumour challenge. 5T4KO CD8 but not CD4 primed T cells also produced IL-17. By contrast, Adm5T4-immunized WT mice showed no tumour protection consistent with only low avidity CD8 IFN-γ, no IL-17 T cell responses and no detectable CD4 T cell effectors producing IFN-γ or IL-17. Treatment with anti-folate receptor 4 (FR4) antibody significantly reduced the frequency of Tregs in WT mice and enhanced 5T4-specific IFN-γ but reduced IL-10 T cell responses but did not reveal IL-17-producing effectors. This altered balance of effectors by treatment with FR4 antibody after Adm5T4 vaccination provided modest protection against autologous B16m5T4 melanoma challenge. The efficacy of 5T4 and some other TAA vaccines may be limited by the combination of TAA-specific T regs, the deletion and/or alternative differentiation of CD4 T cells as well as the absence of distinct subsets of CD8 T cells.

IL-33 attenuates EAE by suppressing IL-17 and IFN-γ production and inducing alternatively activated macrophages

Interleukin (IL)-33, a member of the IL-1 cytokine family, is an important modulator of the immune system associated with several immune-mediated disorders. High levels of IL-33 are expressed by the central nervous system (CNS) suggesting a potential role of IL-33 in autoimmune CNS diseases. We have investigated the expression and function of IL-33 in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. We report here that IL-33 and its receptor ST2 (IL-33Rα) are highly expressed in spinal cord tissue, and ST2 expression is markedly increased in the spinal cords of mice with EAE. Furthermore, ST2-deficient (ST2(-/-) ) mice developed exacerbated EAE compared with wild-type (WT) mice while WT, but not ST2(-/-) EAE mice treated with IL-33 developed significantly attenuated disease. IL-33-treated mice had reduced levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ but produced increased amounts of IL-5 and IL-13. Lymph node and splenic macrophages of IL-33-treated mice showed polarization toward an alternatively activated macrophage (M2) phenotype with significantly increased frequency of MR(+) PD-L2(+) cells. Importantly, adoptive transfer of these IL-33-treated macrophages attenuated EAE development. Our data therefore demonstrate that IL-33 plays a therapeutic role in autoimmune CNS disease by switching a predominantly pathogenic Th17/Th1 response to Th2 activity, and by polarization of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages.

IL-33 exacerbates autoantibody-induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis comprises dysregulation in both innate and adaptive immunity. There is therefore intense interest in the factors that integrate these immunologic pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper, we report that IL-33, a novel member of the IL-1 family, can exacerbate anti-glucose-6-phosphate isomerase autoantibody-induced arthritis (AIA). Mice lacking ST2 (ST2(-/-)), the IL-33 receptor alpha-chain, developed attenuated AIA and reduced expression of articular proinflammatory cytokines. Conversely, treatment of wild-type mice with rIL-33 significantly exacerbated AIA and markedly enhanced proinflammatory cytokine production. However, IL-33 failed to increase the severity of the disease in mast cell-deficient or ST2(-/-) mice. Furthermore, mast cells from wild-type, but not ST2(-/-), mice restored the ability of ST2(-/-) recipients to mount an IL-33-mediated exacerbation of AIA. IL-33 also enhanced autoantibody-mediated mast cell degranulation in vitro and in synovial tissue in vivo. Together these results demonstrate that IL-33 can enhance autoantibody-mediated articular inflammation via promoting mast cell degranulation and proinflammatory cytokine production. Because IL-33 is derived predominantly from synovial fibroblasts, this finding provides a novel mechanism whereby a host tissue-derived cytokine can regulate effector adaptive immune response via enhancing innate cellular activation in inflammatory arthritis.

Galectin-3 deficiency reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (99.5)

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a member of β-galactoside-binding lectin family and plays an important role in inflammatory. However, the precise role of Gal-3 in autoimmune diseases remains obscure. We have investigated the functional role of Gal-3 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelititis (EAE) following immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 peptide. Gal-3 deficient (Gal-3-/-) mice developed significantly milder EAE and markedly reduced leukocyte infiltration in the CNS compared with similarly treated wild-type (WT) mice. Gal-3-/- mice also contained fewer monocytes and macrophages but more apoptotic cells in the CNS than did WT mice. Following Ag stimulation in vitro, lymph node cells from the immunized Gal-3-/- mice produced less IL-17 and IFN-γ than did those of the WT mice. In contrast, Gal-3-/- mice produced more serum IL-10, IL-5 and IL-13 and contained higher frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the CNS than did the WT mice. Furthermore, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells from Gal-3-/- mice produced more IL-10 in response to LPS or bacterial lipoprotein than did WT marrow-derived dendritic cells. Moreover, Gal-3-/- dendritic cells induced AG-specific T cells to produce more IL-10, IL-5 and IL-12, but less IL-17 than did WT dendritic cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Gal-3 plays an important disease-exacerbating role in EAE through its multifunctions roles in preventing cell apoptosis and increasing IL-17 and IFN-γ synthesis, but decreasing IL-10 production.

Galectin-3 deficiency reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a member of the beta-galactoside-binding lectin family and plays an important role in inflammation. However, the precise role of Gal-3 in autoimmune diseases remains obscure. We have investigated the functional role of Gal-3 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) following immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 peptide. Gal-3 deficient (Gal-3-/-) mice developed significantly milder EAE and markedly reduced leukocyte infiltration in the CNS compared with similarly treated wild-type (WT) mice. Gal-3-/- mice also contained fewer monocytes and macrophages but more apoptotic cells in the CNS than did WT mice. Following Ag stimulation in vitro, lymph node cells from the immunized Gal-3-/- mice produced less IL-17 and IFN-gamma than did those of the WT mice. In contrast, Gal-3-/- mice produced more serum IL-10, IL-5, and IL-13 and contained higher frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the CNS than did the WT mice. Furthermore, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells from Gal-3-/- mice produced more IL-10 in response to LPS or bacterial lipoprotein than did WT marrow-derived dendritic cells. Moreover, Gal-3-/- dendritic cells induced Ag-specific T cells to produce more IL-10, IL-5, and IL-12, but less IL-17, than did WT dendritic cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Gal-3 plays an important disease-exacerbating role in EAE through its multifunctional roles in preventing cell apoptosis and increasing IL-17 and IFN-gamma synthesis, but decreasing IL-10 production.

Influence of Slc11a1 (formerly Nramp1) on DSS-induced colitis in mice

Multiple genetic studies in humans indicate a role for solute carrier family 11a member 1 [SLC11A1; formerly natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1)] in autoimmune disease susceptibility, including ulcerative colitis. Murine Slc11a1 has many pleiotropic effects on macrophage activation and proinflammatory responses. To determine which of these are important in ulcerative colitis, we established a phenotype for oral dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in congenic Slc11a1 wild-type (wt) and mutant (mt) mice on a B10 background. For over 7 days of treatment with 2% DSS in the drinking water, Slc11a1 wt mice showed enhanced acute ulcerative colitis, as demonstrated by significantly greater body weight loss and reduction in colon length, as well as a marked increase in monocyte/macrophage inflammatory infiltrates and histopathology changes in the colon. This was accompanied by a clear, inverse relationship between IFN-gamma and IL-10 responses in Slc11a1 wt compared with mt mice, resulting in a significantly higher ratio of IFN-gamma:IL-10 in wt compared with mt mice in lymph node and splenic T cells. RNase protection assays confirmed the presence of significantly higher IFN-gamma at the RNA level in the colons of wt compared with mt mice at Day 7 of treatment. Interestingly this was accompanied by significantly enhanced RNA levels for the acute-phase protein IL-6, which is known to inhibit the generation of forkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells and help to drive the differentiation of Th17 from naive T cells and not by differences in RNA for IL-12p35 or IL-12p40 molecules that dimerize to form the Th1-inducing cytokine IL-12.

Combination of vaccination and chimeric receptor expressing T cells provides improved active therapy of tumors

We have generated murine T cells expressing chimeric immune receptors (CR) against human 5T4 oncofetal Ag (h5T4) and evaluated their tumor therapeutic efficacy alone and in combination with immunization using a replication-defective adenovirus encoding h5T4 (Rad.h5T4) and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC). The h5T4-specific engineered T cells demonstrated Ag-specific, non-MHC-restricted cytolysis of h5T4-positive B16 and CT26 tumor cells in vitro by cytotoxicity assay and antitumor activity in vivo using a Winn assay. In the s.c. injected B16h5T4 melanoma model, early local but not systemic i.v. administration of syngeneic h5T4-specific CR T cells significantly increased mice survival. This improvement was further enhanced when combined with immunization with Rad.h5T4, followed by post-CR T cell treatment with BMDC in the active therapy model, possibly through mechanisms of enhancing Ag-specific cellular immune responses. This synergistic effect was lost without delivery of the BMDC. Our findings suggest that combining engineered T cells with specific vaccination strategies can improve the active tumor therapy.

Sialoadhesin promotes the inflammatory response in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis

Macrophages are a prominent component of the effector cell compartment in a number of CD4+ T cell-mediated organ-specific autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of the sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin sialoadhesin (Sn, Siglec-1) in a model of interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein peptide-induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in mice with targeted deletion of Sn. Our data show that compared with wild-type mice, experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis is reduced in severity in the initial stages in the Sn knockout (KO) mice. In addition, there is a reduction in the proliferative capacity of T cells from the KO mice draining lymph nodes after immunization with interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein peptides, which is manifest some days before disease onset and persists for the duration of disease. Furthermore, activated T cells from the draining lymph nodes of Sn KO mice secrete lower levels of IFN-gamma. The data suggest a role for Sn in "fine tuning" the immune response to autoantigens by modulating T cell priming.

Cd8 T-cell recognition of human 5T4 oncofetal antigen

The 5T4 oncofetal antigen is expressed by a wide variety of human carcinomas, including colorectal, ovarian and gastric carcinomas. The restricted expression of 5T4 on tumor tissues as well as its implication in tumor progression and bad prognosis makes 5T4 a promising new candidate for immunotherapy. An MVA vaccine encoding 5T4 antigen has been successfully evaluated in preclinical studies in a murine tumor model. Here, we report the generation of human CD8 T cells specific for the 5T4 antigen by stimulation with autologous monocyte derived DC infected with a replication defective adenovirus encoding the 5T4 cDNA (Ad5T4). Analysis of several donors confirms a repertoire of such CD8 responses. In a parallel approach, incorporating the results of proteasome-mediated digestion of 5T4 derived 35-mer peptides and the potential high affinity epitopes predicted by a computer-based algorithm, we identified 8 putative HLA-A*0201-presented CD8 MHC class I epitopes of 5T4 antigen. Two of these generated specific CD8 T cells after restimulation with peptide loaded autologous DC and assay by cytotoxicity and IFN gamma ELISPOT. Moreover these particular peptide generated T cells recognized naturally 5T4 positive tumor cells only if they expressed HLA-A*0201 as judged by IFN gamma ELISPOT or ELISA. Also, HLA-A*0201 CD8 T cells recognized these peptides in a DC-Ad5T4 polyclonal response. In conclusion, there is a repertoire of CD8 T cell recognition of 5T4 in normal human donors and some candidate HLA-A*0201 epitopes have been identified.

Recruitment of IFN-gamma-producing (Th1-like) cells into the inflamed retina in vivo is preferentially regulated by P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1:P/E-selectin interactions

Although there is evidence that altering the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th2 cells may be important in the resolution of Th1-type autoimmune disease, adoptive transfer of Th2 cells is not effective in protecting against Th1-type disease and may cause disease. Therefore, we examined the recruitment of Th1- and Th2-like cells into the retina in the murine autoimmune disease experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis. CD4 T cells were polarized in vitro to IFN-gamma-producing Th1-like cells and non-IFN-gamma-producing Th2-like cells, labeled, and adoptively transferred. Trafficking to the retina in vivo was evaluated by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and infiltration by confocal microscopy. There were more rolling and adherent Th1-like cells and they rolled more slowly than did Th2-like cells. Th1-like cells were preferentially recruited into the retinal parenchyma at both initiation and resolution. Surface P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) and LFA-1 were up-regulated on both populations but were expressed at higher levels on Th1-like cells. Up-regulation of CD44 expression was higher on Th2-like cells. P-selectin, E-selectin, and ICAM-1 are up-regulated on postcapillary venules in the retina. Pretreatment of Th1-like cells with anti-PSGL-1 inhibited rolling and infiltration of Th1-like cells but not Th2-like cells, providing direct in vivo evidence for the inability of Th2 to respond to P/E-selectin despite increased expression of PSGL-1. Anti-LFA-1 pretreatment inhibited infiltration of both Th1- and Th2-like cells, but more so Th-1. We suggest that random trafficking of activated T cells (both Th1 and Th2) across the blood-retina barrier is mediated by CD44:CD44R and LFA-1:ICAM-1, whereas preferential recruitment of Th1 cells is mediated by PSGL-1:P/E-selectin.

Reduction in shear stress, activation of the endothelium, and leukocyte priming are all required for leukocyte passage across the blood--retina barrier

The passage of leukocytes across the blood-retina barrier at the early stages of an inflammatory reaction is influenced by a complex series of interactions about which little is known. In particular, the relationship between hydrodynamic factors, such as shear stress and leukocyte velocity, to the adherence and subsequent extravasation of leukocytes into the retina is unclear. We have used a physiological method, scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, to track labeled leukocytes circulating in the retina, followed by confocal microscopy of retinal flatmounts to detect infiltrating cells at the early stage of experimental autoimmune uveitis. This has shown that retinal vessels are subjected to high shear stress under normal circumstances. During the inflammatory reaction, shear stress in retinal veins is reduced 24 h before leukocyte infiltration. This reduction is negatively correlated with leukocyte rolling and sticking in veins and postcapillary venules, the sites of leukocyte extravasation. Activation of vascular endothelial cells is also a prerequisite for leukocyte rolling and infiltration. In addition, antigen priming of leukocytes is influential at the early stage of inflammation, and this is seen clearly in the reduction in rolling velocity and adherence of the primed leukocytes in activated retinal venules, 9 days postimmunization.

Antigen-specific inhibition of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by bone marrow-derived immature dendritic cells

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of maturation status of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) on the in vivo immune response to interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) 161-180 peptide in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU).

METHODS

Immature and mature BMDCs were generated without or with the stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and their mRNA cytokine profile and phenotype were analyzed by RNase protection assay and flow cytometry. The effect of immature and mature DCs in inducing antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and cytokine profile was further investigated in an IRBP peptide-induced model of EAU.

RESULTS

BMDCs generated in granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were relatively immature (i)DCs, as determined by flow cytometry and cytokine profile. However, stimulation with LPS induced these cells to become mature (m)DCs with higher levels of surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II and costimulatory molecules and higher mRNA expression of IL-1alpha, -1beta, -6, and -12. Subcutaneous administration of iDCs induced a state of relative tolerance to the peptide induced-EAU, and the effect was lost after the DCs underwent maturation induced by in vitro exposure to LPS. In vitro, both iDCs and mDCs induced typical peptide-specific T-cell proliferation, but IFN-gamma production by uveitogenic T cells was markedly inhibited by iDCs. In vivo, peptide-loaded iDCs induced draining lymph node (DLN) cells to secrete a distinct pattern of cytokine: namely, increased IL-10 and IL-5 and decreased IFN-gamma and IL-2, indicating an altered immune responses to a low T-helper (Th) cell type 1 profile and a high Th2 profile after uveitogenic challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that induction of tolerance to an autoantigen by peptide-loaded DCs requires presentation of antigen by iDCs and involves the generation of a high-level IL-10 and IL-5 immune response in DLN cells.

Secretion of interleukin-10 or interleukin-12 by LPS-activated dendritic cells is critically dependent on time of stimulus relative to initiation of purified DC culture

Dendritic cells (DC) are key regulators of adaptive immunity with the potential to induce T cell activation/immunity or T cell suppression/tolerance. DC are themselves induced by "maturation" signals such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We demonstrate here that LPS can stimulate DC to display similar maturation phenotypes but to differentiate toward an interleukin (IL)-10(high)- or IL-12(high)-secretor profile depending on the timing of maturation signal induction. Immediate/early administration of LPS induced purified bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) to differentiate as IL-10(high)IL-12(low)-secreting cells, termed early DC (eDC). Conversely, delayed administration of LPS altered the DC cytokine profile to IL-10(low)IL-12(high), termed later DC (lDC). The presence of IL-4 enhanced the yield and maturation of BMDC but inhibited LPS-induced IL-10 production by eDC. In contrast, interferon-gamma reduced the yield of DC but promoted the level of LPS-induced IL-10 production by lDC. Our data provide new evidence that ex vivo manipulation and the cytokine environment regulate DC maturation status and cytokine-secretor phenotype with implications for the control of T cell differentiation and function via DC-based immunotherapeutic strategies.

Total dose and frequency of administration critically affect success of nasal mucosal tolerance induction

AIMS

Nasal tolerance induction with autoantigens can effectively protect against a variety of experimental models of autoimmune disease. The aims of this study were to characterise the dosage and kinetics of inhibition of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) via intranasal administration of the uveitogenic antigen interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein (IRBP) in the murine model of IRBP induced EAU.

METHODS

B10RIII mice were tolerised by intranasal administration of IRBP either with a long term multiple low dose or a short term/high dosing regimen before subcutaneous immunisation with IRBP in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). On day 15 post-immunisation, mice were killed and eyes were removed for histological examination and quantification of inflammatory cell infiltration and degree of target organ (rod outer segment, ROS) destruction.

RESULTS

Nasal administration of multiple low doses of IRBP (1 microg or 3 microg IRBP per mouse per day for 10 days) significantly protected mice from IRBP induced EAU. Short term/high dose regimens were only effective when given either as a single or, at most, as two consecutive doses (40 microg per dose). Multiple doses in the range of 45-120 microg over 3 days afforded no protection.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that both dose and frequency of intranasal antigen administration are pivotal to tolerance induction and subsequent suppression of T cell mediated autoimmune disease.

IL-18 not required for IRBP peptide-induced EAU: studies in gene-deficient mice

PURPOSE

Interleukin (IL)-18 has been described as a proinflammatory cytokine in rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial infectious diseases. The present study was designed to determine the role of IL-18 in a model of ocular experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). The initial studies were conducted to detect the expression of IL-18 in normal mouse eye tissue, and the later studies investigated induction of EAU in mice with an IL-18(-/-) phenotype.

METHODS

IL-18 detection was performed by using 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl-ss--D-galactopyranoside (X-Gal) staining on frozen sections of eyes from mice (129/CD1, DBA1, and Balb/c), either of normal phenotype (+/+) or of deficiency (+/-, -/-) in the IL-18 gene which had been replaced by introduced genes including LacZ under the control of an IL-18 promotor. Severity of EAU was assessed in DBA1 and 129/CD1 wild-type (WT) or IL-18 knockout (KO) mice after immunization with the uveitogenic antigen: interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein (IRBP) peptide 161-180. Lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were also measured in WT and IL-18 KO DBA1 mice 15 days after immunization.

RESULTS

IL-18 is constitutively expressed in the epithelial cells in iris, ciliary body, and retina. EAU-resistant mice (129/CD1) with an IL-18(-/-) phenotype remained resistant after immunization with IRBP peptide (P161-180). However, EAU-susceptible mice (DBA1) exhibited disease with similar histologic characteristics, despite a generalized reduction of interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on an IL-18(-/-) phenotype. DBA1 IL-18(-/-) also demonstrated reduced IL-10 production.

CONCLUSIONS

The IL-18 gene is not necessary for the initiation or pathogenesis of EAU induced by IRBP peptide 161-180. IL-18 is expressed in the epithelial cells in iris, ciliary body, and retina in the eyes, but its role in the eye remains undetermined.

Macrophages and dendritic cells in IRBP-induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in B10RIII mice

PURPOSE

To investigate the characteristics of the mononuclear cell infiltrate in murine experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU).

METHODS

EAU was induced by immunization with bovine interphotoreceptor retinal binding protein (IRBP) in Freund's complete adjuvant (subcutaneous injection) and pertussis toxin (intraperitoneal injection) in B10RIII mouse. Then animals were killed on days 7, 9, 12, 15, 20, 26, and 39 after immunization. Eyes were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining to characterize the disease and to assess the severity and extent of the EAU. Single and dual immunohistochemical staining in various combinations with monoclonal antibodies against CD45, CD4, CD8, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD11c, NLDC-145, and a variety of macrophage markers was performed.

RESULTS

The authors' results showed that vitritis, vasculitis and perivasculitis, retinal detachment, and granuloma formation in retina and choroid were the predominant features of IRBP-induced B10RIII mice EAU. Immunohistologic results showed that CD4+ T cells and macrophages were the main infiltrating cells in retina and choroid throughout the entire course of the disease. MHC class II negative macrophages expressing antigens reacting with MOMA-2, F4/80, sialoadhesin, and CD11b were prominent during the peak phase of tissue damage in the retina and choroid. Dendritic cells (DCs) characterized by dual positivity for MHC class II and CD11c and negative for sialoadhesin appeared at time of disease onset and continued to be recruited during the inflammatory process. DCs at the site of inflammation were NLDC-145 weak and CD8 negative, indicating that they were of the myeloid rather than the lymphoid lineage.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that EAU in B10RIII mice is initiated by local-infiltrating, dendritic antigen-presenting cells, whereas tissue damage is associated with sialoadhesin-positive, phagocytic nonantigen-presenting macrophages during the effector stage.