Galectin-9 alleviates acute graft-versus-host disease after haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by regulating regulatory T cell/effector T cell imbalance

BACKGROUND

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) arises from the imbalance of host T cells. Galectin-9 negatively regulates CD4 effector T cell (Th1 and Th17) function by binding to Tim-3. However, the relationship between Galectin-9/Tim-3 and CD4+ T subsets in patients with aGVHD after Haplo-HSCT (haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of Galectin-9 and CD4+ T subsets in aGVHD after haplo-HSCT.

METHODS

Forty-two patients underwent Haplo-HSCT (26 without aGVHD and 16 with aGVHD), and 20 healthy controls were included. The concentrations of Galectin-9, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and IL-17 in the serum and culture supernatant were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or cytometric bead array. The expression levels of Galectin-9, PI3K, p-PI3K, and p-mTOR protein were detected by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportions of CD4+ T cell subsets. Bioinformatics analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In patients with aGVHD, regulatory T (Treg) cells and Galectin-9 decreased, and the Th1, Th17, and Treg cells were significantly imbalanced. Moreover, Treg and Galectin-9 were rapidly reconstituted in the early stage of patients without aGVHD after Haplo-HSCT, but Th17 cells were reconstituted slowly. Furthermore, Tim-3 upregulation on Th17 and Th1 cells was associated with excessive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in patients with aGVHD. Specifically, in vitro treatment with Galectin-9 reduced IFN-γ and IL-17 production while augmenting TGF-β secretion. Bioinformatics analysis suggested the potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in aGVHD. Mechanistically, exogenous Galectin-9 was found to mitigate aGVHD by restoring the Treg/Teffs (effector T cells) balance and suppressing PI3K.

CONCLUSION

Galectin-9 may ameliorate aGVHD after haplo-HSCT by modulating Treg/Teffs balance and regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Targeting Galectin-9 may hold potential value for the treatment of aGVHD.

Serum TNF-α level and probing depth as a combined indicator for peri-implant disease

Peri-implant disease (PID) is a general term for inflammatory diseases of soft and hard tissues that occur around implants, including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Cytokines are a class of small molecule proteins, which have various functions such as regulating innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and repairing damaged tissues. In order to explore the characteristics and clinical significance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression levels in serum of patients with peri-implant disease, 31 patients with PID and 31 patients without PID were enrolled. The modified plaque index (mPLI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and peri-implant probing depth (PD) were recorded. The levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β1 were detected by ELISA. TNF-α, mPLI, mSBI, and PD levels were significantly higher in the PID group. TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between TNF-α and mPLI, mSBI, and PD. TGF-β1 was negatively associated with TNF-α, mPLI, mSBI, and PD. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TNF-α and PD were risk factors for the severity of PID. The receiver operating curve analysis showed that high TNF-α levels (cut-off value of 140 pg/mL) and greater PD values (cut-off value of 4 mm) were good predictors of PID severity with an area under the curve of 0.922. These results indicated that TNF-α and PD can be used as a biological indicator for diagnosing the occurrence and progression of PID.

The level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells can serve as a potential marker for evaluating the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease after haplo-PBSCT

Early and accurate diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is crucial for the prognosis of patients. This study identified a potential biomarker for the severity of aGVHD after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT). We included 20 healthy subjects and 57 patients who underwent haplo-PBSCT. Of these patients, 22 developed aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT. The results showed that patients with aGVHD had significantly increased levels of Tim-3+/Perforin+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells, but significantly decreased Galectin-9. The differences in Galectin-9 and Tim-3+/Granzyme B+CD8+ T cells between grade I-II aGVHD and III-IV aGVHD were also significant. In vitro, the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells from aGVHD patients was significantly increased after Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway activation, which decreased Granzyme B secretion. As revealed by univariate analysis, the level of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells was a risk factor for severe aGVHD. ROC analysis demonstrated that high levels of Tim-3+CD8+ T cells had a significant diagnostic value for severe aGVHD, with an area under the curve of 0.854 and cut-off value of 14.155%. In conclusion, the binding of Tim-3 with exogenous Galectin-9 can promote apoptosis of CD8+ T cells and affect the secretion of Granzyme B. Tim-3+CD8+ T cells have the potential to serve as immunological markers for assessing the severity of aGVHD after haplo-PBSCT and identifying patients at a higher risk for severe aGVHD.

The Activation of M1 Macrophages is Associated with the JNK-m6A-p38 Axis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

Excessive activation of M1 macrophages affects the chronic inflammatory response of the airways and leads to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, it needs to be closely monitored and investigated. MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the activation of M1 macrophages, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. However, it is unknown whether activation of the MAPK signaling pathway is mediated by m6A in M1 macrophages in COPD.

Methods

The GEO data were analyzed using bioinformatics techniques to assess the differences between COPD and healthy individuals in the levels of M1 macrophages, their secreted cytokines, and m6A regulators. The MAPK signaling pathway was significantly enriched in the list of differentially regulated genes between COPD and healthy individuals. We further analyzed the correlation between M1 macrophages, m6A, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Next, blood samples from COPD and healthy individuals were collected and analyzed by using flow cytometry, ELISA, and RT-PCR. Western blotting was performed using CSE-induced THP-1 cells. COPD and healthy mice were used for Me-RIP sequencing and flow cytometry experiments. Validation of the results of the above bioinformatics analysis by molecular biology experiments and sequencing techniques.

Results

We found that GEO data and blood specimens from COPD patients showed increased M1 macrophages, higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and higher mRNA expression of key mediators of the MAPK signaling pathway (p38, ERK, and JNK). Western blotting showed increased expression of p38, ERK, and JNK in the CSE group. In contrast, the expression of m6A regulators was low. Also, M1 macrophages in COPD mice were hyperactivated and had reduced m6A modifications of p38, ERK, and JNK compared with control.

Conclusion

m6A may be involved in M1 macrophage hyperactivation by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby influencing the development of COPD.

Galectin-9 and myeloid-derived suppressor cell as prognostic indicators for chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Galectin-9 and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have an important role in tumors, but their clinical values in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to analyze the prognosis values of Galectin-9 and MDSCs in CLL.

METHODS

The concentrations of Galectin-9, argininase-1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The expression of Tim-3 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cell was detected by Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentages of Tim-3 on T-cells (CD3⁺ T, CD4⁺ T, and CD8⁺ T cells) and MDSCs.

RESULTS

Our results showed that Galectin-9 and MDSCs significantly increased in CLL patients and were closely related to the disease progression. Patient's receiver operating characteristic, progression-free survival, and Cox regression analysis showed that Galectin9 and MDSCs were poor prognostic factors of CLL.

CONCLUSION

Galectin-9 and MDSCs were associated with clinical progression and could be important prognostic indicators for CLL.

Unique Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation Protocol for Patients with Hematologic Malignancy

Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) haploidentical (haplo-) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires more hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells (HPSCs) to promote engraftment and immune reconstitution and needs a stronger graft-versus-leukemia effect. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) offer advantages over bone marrow; however, the use of higher-dose non-T cell-depleted (non-TCD) in vitro PBSCs may increase the occurrence of severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This prospective, single-arm clinical study was performed to investigate using high-dose non-TCD in vitro PBSCs as the graft source, using fludarabine/Ara-C/busulfan (FAB) as the conditioning regimen, using rabbit antithymocyte globulin to remove T cells in vivo, and enhancing GVHD prophylaxis with an IL-2 receptor antagonist in RIC-haplo-HSCT in patients with hematologic malignancies age 50 to 70 years or <50 years with comorbidities (Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index score ≥2) classified as intermediate to high risk. The primary endpoint was day 100 acute GVHD (aGVHD). A total of 47 patients were enrolled; the median age was 52 years (range, 30 to 68 years), the median duration of follow-up was 34 months (range, 2 to 99 months), and the medium-infused doses of mononuclear cells, CD34⁺ cells, and CD3⁺ cells were 15.93 × 10⁸/kg, 8.68 × 10⁶/kg, and 5.57 × 10⁸/kg, respectively. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD at day 100 was 30.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.9% to 44.8%), and that of grade III-IV aGVHD was 10.2% (95% CI, .6% to 19.8%). The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 34.9% (95% CI, 19.0% to 50.8%). The 2-year cumulative incidences of localized and extensive cGVHD were 26.1% (95% CI, 11.80% to 40.40%) and 8.7% (95% CI, 3.26% to 20.65%), respectively. The 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 17.3% (95% CI, 5.1% to 29.5%), the 2-year overall survival rate was 71.2% (95% CI, 57.9% to 84.5%), and the 2-year disease-free survival rate was 66.2% (95% CI, 52.1% to 80.3%). The incidence of aGVHD was not high, and the overall efficacy was good. This study demonstrates that this unique RIC-haplo-PBSC transplantation protocol was effective in treating hematologic malignancies. Nonetheless, larger prospective multicenter clinical trials and experimental studies should be performed to further confirm our findings.

High Expression of Tim-3 in Alveolar Echinococcosis Mediates Depletion of CD8+ T Cell Function

OBJECTIVE

CD8⁺ T cells can participate in immune action by secreting various cytokines, which have a killing effect on certain viruses, tumor cells, and other antigenic substances. However, in studies such as chronic viral infections and some parasitic infections, CD8⁺ T lymphocyte showed functional depletion, and its immune dysfunction was an important reason for the persistence of infection. Tim-3 has been shown to be a negative regulator of CD8⁺ T cell function, causing depletion of CD8⁺ T cells in cancer and chronic infection. However, the relationship between Tim-3 and CD8⁺ T cells in Echinococcus multilocularis infection is not clear.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed peripheral blood CD8⁺ T cells from 62 alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients and 30 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy control group, the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood of AE patients increased significantly, while the levels of perforin, granzyme B and IFN-γ in peripheral blood CD8⁺ T cell related factors of metabolically active alveolar echinococcosis (MAAE) patients decreased significantly. Later detection revealed that the expression of Tim-3 on CD8⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood of MAAE patients was significantly higher than that of metabolically inactive alveolar echinococcosis (MIAE) patients and healthy controls. The expression levels of function-related factors perforin, granzyme B and IFN-γ in CD8⁺ Tim-3⁺ T cell were significantly lower in the CD8⁺Tim-3^- T cells of AE patients. In vitro, the secretion of CD8⁺ T cell-associated factors was significantly restored by inhibiting Tim-3 expression.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the depletion of CD8⁺ T lymphocyte in patients with alveolar echinococcosis disease is considered to be related to the high expression of Tim-3 on the surface.

The role of Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway in T-cell function and prognosis of patients with human papilloma virus-associated cervical carcinoma

The interaction between Tim-3 on T cell and its ligand, Galectin-9, negatively regulates cellular immune responses. However, the role of Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway in the immune evasion of cervical cancer remains unknown. This study is to investigate the expression, function, and regulation of Tim-3/Galectin-9 signaling pathway in human papilloma virus (HPV) positive cervical cancer. Flow cytometry showed that Tim-3 expression on T cell and Galectin-9 expression on monocytes in HPV positive cervical cancer patients were significantly higher compared to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and benign uterine fibroids Tim-3 + CD4+ Th1 cells and Tim-3 + CD8+ T cells in HPV positive cervical cancer patients were significantly reduced after surgery. Serum TGF-β and IL-10 levels were positively correlated with Tim-3 + Treg cells, while IFN-γ and IL-2 were negatively correlated with Tim-3 + Th1 cells. Additionally, Tim-3 + CD4+ T cells were positively correlated with Galectin-9 + monocytes. Survival curve analysis showed that Tim-3 + CD4+ T cells were negatively correlated with patient survival, and closely related to FIGO stage, degree of differentiation, and lymph node metastasis of HPV positive cervical cancer. In vitro experiments showed that by blocking the Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway, the proliferation of T cells and their ability to express IFN-γ, IL-2, perforin, and granzyme B was significantly restored. In conclusion, high levels of Tim-3 and Galectin-9 in HPV positive cervical cancer patients play roles in the progression of disease by promoting Treg cells to inhibit the cytotoxic function of Th1 and CD8+ T cells. Tim-3/Galectin-9 may serve as a new immunotherapy target for patients with HPV positive cervical cancer.

Activated Galectin-9/Tim3 promotes Treg and suppresses Th1 effector function in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Tim-3 is a negative immunoregulator in anti-tumor response, but its mechanism in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to understand the role of Galectin-9/Tim-3 signaling pathway in the regulation of CD4⁺ T cell subsets in CLL patients. Flow cytometry results showed that the number of Treg cells obviously increased, and there was a significant Treg/Th17 imbalance in CLL patients. In addition, Tim-3 overexpressed on the surface of Th1 and Treg cells in CLL patients. The levels of Galectin-9 and IL-10 were significantly elevated in patients of CLL, especially in stages of Binet B, and C. However, IFN-γ decreased. Moreover, Galectin-9 in CLL patients was positively correlated with the number of Tim-3⁺ Treg cells and the level of IL-10. Interestingly, when the Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway was blocked in vitro, the level of IL-10 in the culture supernatant of CD4⁺ T was significantly reduced, while the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were increased. After co-culture with activated Th1 cells, the apoptosis of CLL cells was significantly increased, and this effect was reversed after treatment with Tim-3⁺ Tregs. In summary, Galectin-9/Tim-3 are elevated in CLL and associated with disease progression. By the negative regulation of CD4⁺ T cells, activated Galectin-9/Tim-3 suppresses Th1 effector function and also promotes Treg to be involved in immune escape of CLL. This pathway might become the potential target of immunotherapy in CLL patients.

[TIM-3/galectin-9 is involved in negative regulation of T cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective To investigate the regulation and clinical significance of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3)/galectin-9 signaling pathway in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods The study enrolled 36 healthy individuals and 40 newly diagnosed CLL patients. The Tregs, Th17 cells, TIM-3⁺ Tregs and TIM-3⁺ Th17 cells were detected by the flow cytometry in their peripheral blood. Concentrations of IL-10, IL-17 and galectin-9 in serum were measured by the ELISA. Results Compared with the healthy controls, the CLL group had the higher levels of TIM-3⁺ Tregs, Tregs/Th17 cell ratio, TIM-3⁺ Tregs/TIM-3⁺ Th17 cell ratio, IL-10, galectin-9, and IL-10/IL-17 ratio. The level of TIM-3 expression on T cells, galectin-9 and the IL-10/IL-17 ratio in the CLL patients increased with the advance of Binet stage. Conclusion The TIM-3/galectin-9 signaling pathway is involved in the negative regulation of T cells in patients with CLL.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

Abamectin induces cytotoxicity via the ROS, JNK, and ATM/ATR pathways

Abamectin has been widely used in agriculture and animal husbandry. It has been shown that abamectin exposure could induce multiple toxic effects on non-target organisms, but the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. In the current study, the mechanism of abamectin-induced cytotoxicity was investigated in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Abamectin treatment could cause oxidative stress in cells (beginning at 0.4 μg/ml, 0.5 μM) and the ROS overproduction was mainly induced by the impacts of abamectin on the activities of CAT (beginning at 4.4 μg/mL, 5 μM), SOD (beginning at 8.7 μg/mL, 10 μM), GPx (beginning at 4.4 μg/mL, 5 μM), and contents of GSH (beginning at 4.4 μg/mL, 5 μM), which are important components of the ROS elimination pathway in mammal cells. Abamectin could impair DNA integrity (as demonstrated by increased 8-OHdG/dG ratio) in cells, even at environmental level (0.4 μg/mL, NOAEL), and abamectin-induced oxidative stress was one of the main reasons for the DNA damage that occurred in cells. Moreover, pretreatment with the inhibitor of JNK and ATM/ATR signaling pathway could partially rescue the decreased cell viability, indicating that oxidative stress and DNA damage might be involved in abamectin-induced cytotoxicity. These findings could provide new insights into the mechanism of abamectin-induced cytotoxicity and should be useful for a more comprehensive assessment of the adverse effects of abamectin.

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells modulate immune function in vivo and promote long-term hematopoiesis in vitro using the aGVHD model

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on acute graft vs. host disease (aGVHD) and hematopoietic recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. ADSCs, bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) and fibroblasts were cultured. ADSCs were cocultured with hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Then, ADSCs were infused into the aGVHD rat model. The survival of the rats was recorded. Livers and small intestines were obtained from sacrificed rats for pathological examinations. Expression of the Sry gene in recipient rats that survived longer than 21 days was examined by real-time PCR to detect the presence of donor Y chromosome. Expression of serum interferon (INF)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 was detected by ELISA at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 50 days after transplantation. Transplantation of ADSCs improved the survival of aGVHD rats. Survived ADSCs participated in hematopoietic reconstitution in aGVHD rats. ADSCs decreased aGVHD severity by immunomodulation. ADSCs support the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vitro. The present study demonstrated that ADSCs may reduce aGVHD by influencing the balance of IL-4 and INF-γ and can promote long-term hematopoiesis.

Dynamics and dietary risk assessment of thiamethoxam in wheat, lettuce and tomato using field experiments and computational simulation

Thiamethoxam is a widely used pesticide applied to different field crops. To inform risk assessment for this pesticide across relevant crops, we usually rely on field trials, which require time, costs and energy. For providing reliable data across crops and reduce experimental efforts, field trials should be complemented with dynamic modelling. In the present work, we hence focused on combining field trials with dynamic modelling to simulate mass evolutions of the pesticide-plant-system for thiamethoxam applied to wheat, lettuce and tomato as three major food crops. Field trials were conducted with QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, which gave consistent maximum residue concentrations for thiamethoxam in wheat, lettuce and tomato. We used these residues to evaluate the related dietary risk of humans consuming these food crops. Our results indicated that thiamethoxam did not provide any unacceptable dietary risk for humans across these three food crops, which is in line with findings from previous studies. Results for the studied crops could be extrapolated to other crops and with that, our study constitutes a cost- and time-efficient way of providing reliable input for risk assessment of pesticides across crops, which is relevant for both practitioners and regulators.

Residue behaviours, dissipation kinetics and dietary risk assessment of pyaclostrobin, cyazofamid and its metabolite in grape

BACKGROUND

Grape is an important fruit consumed either fresh or processed, therefore, fungicide misuse of grape has become an issue of global food safety and human health. Pyraclostrobin, and cyazofamid have been applied to grape frequently.

RESULTS

Here a simple QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) liquid chromatography mass spectrometry technique has been developed and validated for the determination of pyraclostrobin, cyazofamid and its metabolite CCIM in open field grape samples. The recoveries of these three in the range of 0.01 to 5 mg kg^-1 (n = 5) ranged from 73.1% to 97.9%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 12% for all cases. The limits of quantitation of each analyte was 0.005 mg kg^-1 , which was lower than maximum residue limits of not only pyraclostrobin but also cyazofamid. Not only dissipation kinetics but also residue determination was obtained in grape for those three pesticides. Furthermore, their half-lives in grapes were 10.7-30.1 days, recommending the pre-harvest intervals for these three of 14 days. The calculated hazard quotient and acute hazard index lower than 100% illustrated the safety of intake of grape for the Chinese population for not only long-term but also short-term dietary risk assessment.

CONSLUSIONS

The less than 30 day half-life illustrated that pyraclostrobin and cyazofamid could degrade relatively easily in the environment. The long-term and short-term dietary risk assessment also illustrated the intake safety of these three. Thus, a 14 day pre-harvest interval was safe and recommended. The results of this study contributed to environmental protection, food safety and human health. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

ROS generation and DNA damage contribute to abamectin-induced cytotoxicity in mouse macrophage cells

The widespread use of abamectin has recently raised safety concerns as abamectin has yielded various toxicities to non-target organisms. However, the underlying mechanisms of abamectin-induced toxicity are still largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the abamectin-induced cytotoxicity in mouse macrophage cells (RAW264.7) and its underlying mechanisms. Abamectin treatment caused oxidative stress as characterized by increased intensity of the ROS indicator. Abamectin also led to DNA damage as demonstrated by increased 8-OHdG/dG ratio in cells even at a relatively low dose (NOAEL). Pretreatment with catalase-PEG, a ROS inhibitor, attenuated abamectin-induced DNA damage, indicating that ROS overproduction should be the reason for abamectin-induced DNA damage. The effects of abamectin on ROS elimination and generation were also investigated, and the results showed that abamectin induced concentration-dependent alteration in the expression and activities of CAT, SOD, GPx enzymes and GSH level (ROS elimination), but had limited effects on the expression and activities of NOX, mitochondrial complex I and III (ROS production) in RAW264.7 cells. Therefore, the effects of abamectin on ROS elimination should be the main reason for abamectin-induced oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells. Abamectin treatment activated MAPK and ATM/ATR signaling pathways as demonstrated by increased phosphorylation of JNK, ATM and ATR. In addition, inhibiting JNK and ATM/ATR signaling pathways partially rescued the decrease in cell viability, indicating that abamectin-induced ROS overproduction and DNA damage might finally lead to cytotoxicity through JNK and ATM/ATR signaling pathways. These findings should be useful for the more comprehensive assessment of the toxic effects of abamectin.

PD-1/PD-L1 pathway activation restores the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and treg/Th17 cells subtypes in immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients

This study aims to investigate the changes of cytokines and the effect of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway on T cell function in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Totally, 40 untreated ITP patients were recruited and 30 healthy people were recruited as the healthy control. Then whole blood of ITP patients and healthy control was collected, respectively. The sPD-L1/anti-PD-1 was used to activate or block the programmed death (PD-1)/PD-L1 signaling pathway. The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected by flow cytometry. PBMCs were treated with cluster of differentiation (CD3), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) for 48 hours. Serum levels of sPD-1, sPD-L1, and cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Compared with the healthy control group, the percentages of PD-1+CD3+CD4+ T cells and PD-L1+HLA-DR+CD11c+ DC cells were increased in ITP patients. The levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and sPD-1 in the serum of ITP patients were increased, while IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were decreased. Additionally, the level of sPD-1 was negatively correlated with the platelet count. Consistently, after treatment with CD3, CD28, and PHA, IFN-γ and IL-17 levels in culture supernatant of PBMCs from ITP patients were significantly higher than those from healthy controls whereas IL-4 and TGF-β levels were significantly lower. Furthermore, IFN-γ and IL-17 levels secreted by PBMCs from ITP patients decreased after sPD-L1 administration, however, IL-4 and TGF-β levels were increased. The level of IFN-γ in ITP group remained higher after anti-PD-1 blockage, but the levels of IL-4, TGF-β, and IL-17 were not significantly influenced.sPD-1 may cause the dysfunction of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway, and its level is related to the severity of ITP patients. Activation of PD-1/PD-L1 with sPD-L1 may restore the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cell subtypes in ITP patients but anti-PD-1 may exacerbate disease by enhancing IFN-γ production.

[Advances in the research of smart dressings]

Smart dressings, which show obvious advantage and potential in wound treatment and real-time monitoring, attract widespread attention in recent years. Real-time and dynamic acquiring wound information is vital to the treatment and prognosis of wound. Further research on smart dressings is helpful for wound management, personalized treatment, and realization of medical application translation of health monitoring technology. In the article, we categorize smart dressings and conclude their functions according to the type of micro-environment information of wound gathered by smart dressings.

Photodegradation of fluazaindolizine in aqueous solution with graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets under simulated sunlight illumination

The photodegradation of fluazaindolizine (FZDL) under simulated sunlight irradiation was accelerated by the catalysis of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). Under optimum conditions, such as 5 mg of amount and dispersion, the photodegradation half-life was dramatically enhanced to 2.7 h. More importantly, the pathway of degradation by g-C₃N₄ was different from both direct photolysis and the catalysis by titanium oxide, with particular negative ions of m/z 221 and 195, corresponding to the cleavage of sulfamide bond and the ring opening of imidazole, respectively. In addition, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals played important roles in photodegradation. The results enriched not only the study of FZDL photodegradation but also the application of g-C₃N₄. It also suggested the possibility of the water purification by photodegradation for pesticide removal in real life.

[A family with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome due to SLC16A2 gene mutation]

Objective: To report a family diagnosed with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS) due to SLC16A2 gene mutation and to summarize the phenotypes, genotypes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Methods: The clinical features of a family of AHDS diagnosed in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in November 2017 were analyzed. Related literature was searched at Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang database (from the establishment of databases to June 2018) by using "Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome" , and "AHDS" as keywords and the case reports from April 2013 to June 2018 were reviewed. Results: The proband was a boy aged 8 months who presented with global developmental retardation, inability to hold up the head, disability to sit independently or grab, no language development, elongated face, big ears, esotropia, scoliosis, hypotonia in the trunk, hypertonia in extremities, and hyperreflexia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed widening of the extracerebral space and delayed myelination. Thyroid function tests revealed increased FT3, decreased FT4 and normal TSH. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed the SLC16A2 gene c.431-1 (IVS1) G>C hemizygous mutation. The infant's mother and grandmother are carriers, but whose father had no related mutation. One uncle from maternal side had severe psychomotor retardation as well as dystonia and died at one year of age with unknown etiology. A total of 97 articles were retrieved in which 19 case reports were reviewed. Forty-two cases (22 from 8 families and 20 sporadic) were reported. Among these 42 cases (all males), all of them presented with moderate to severe cognitive dysfunction, 15 with seizures; 36 were bedridden, only 4 could walk; 31 had no language development, 2 could speak sentences, 4 could speak few words, 1 had babbling sounds. Furthermore,16 had microcephaly, 18 had facial dysmorphism, 6 had esotropia, 2 had hearing loss,14 had scoliosis, 11 had joint contracture, 30 had low body weight/muscle wasting, 37 had hypotonia in trunk or extremities, 32 had progressive spastic paraplegia or hypertonia. In terms of thyroid function, 33 had abnormal results, within whom 30 had increased T3, 25 had decreased T4 and 3 had increased TSH. Brain MRI showed delayed myelination in 22 cases, within which one normalized with development. Genetic tests showed that 31 had missense mutation (14 sporadic), 5 had deletion mutation (3 sporadic, and 1 due to frameshift mutation), 5 had insertion mutation (2 sporadic), and 1 had repeated mutation. The prognosis was poor as patients often died of recurrent respiratory tract infection. Conclusions: The main clinical manifestations of AHDS are severe global developmental retardation, hypotonia, spastic paraplegia, abnormal serum levels of thyroid hormone and delayed brain myelination. SLC16A2 c. 431-1 (IVS1) G > C mutation is accountable for this disease.

Control of body temperature and immune function in patients undergoing open surgery for gastric cancer

The influence of mild perioperative hypothermia on the immune function and incidence of postoperative wound infections has been suggested, but the specific mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to analyze the body temperature, immune function, and wound infection rates in patients receiving open surgery for gastric cancer. Body temperature was controlled in each patient using one of four different methods: wrapping limbs, head and neck; insulated blankets; warming infusion fluids and insulated blankets; and warming fluids without insulated blankets. One hundred patients were randomly divided into four groups of 25 patients each, and every group received a different intraoperative treatment for maintaining normal body temperature. Nasopharyngeal and rectal temperatures, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels, and cluster of differentiation (CD)3+T and CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg) counts were measured before surgery and at 2 and 4 hours postoperatively. Patients were evaluated at one week after surgery for signs of infection. Intraoperative body temperature and measures of immune function varied significantly between the four groups, with the largest temperature changes observed in the group in which only the limbs were wrapped in cotton pads to control the body temperature. The lowest temperature change (i.e., close to normal temperature) and cytokine response after surgery were observed in the group in which infusion fluids and transfused blood (if needed) were heated to 37℃, peritoneal irrigation fluid was heated to 37℃, and an insulation blanket was heated to 39℃ and placed under the patient. No intergroup differences were found in the infection rates at one week after surgery. In conclusion, body temperature variation during surgery affects the immune function of patients, and maintaining body temperature close to normal results in the least variation of immune function.

Percentages of PD-1+CD4+T cells and PD-L1+DCs are increased and sPD-1 level is elevated in patients with immune thrombocytopenia

The present study is to measure the expression of programmed death (PD)-1 / programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) negative costimulatory molecules, soluble format sPD-1 in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and to investigate their correlation with the secretion of cytokines. A total of 35 patients with ITP were included in the present study. Twenty healthy subjects who received physical examination at our hospital were included as control group. Peripheral blood was collected from all ITP patients and healthy subjects. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the percentages of PD-1+CD4+T cells and PD-L1+DCs in ITP patients and healthy subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17 and sPD-1 in peripheral blood from ITP patients and healthy subjects. Percentages of PD-1+CD4+T cells and PD-L1+DCs in peripheral blood from ITP patients before treatment were significantly higher than that from healthy subjects, but were not different from those after treatment. Serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-17 and sPD-1 in ITP patients before treatment were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects, and these concentrations were significantly reduced after treatment. The concentration of sPD-1 was positively correlated with the concentration of IFN-γ, and negatively correlated with platelet count. Percentages of PD-1+CD4+T cells and PD-L1+DCs in ITP patients are higher than those in healthy subjects, but elevated sPD-1 concentration in the blood blocks PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway, leading to unaffected Th cell function. Elevated concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-17 in the blood may participate in the occurrence and development of ITP.

Increased levels of CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5+ CD4+ T cells, and associated factors Bcl-6, CXCR5, IL-21 and IL-6 contribute to repeated implantation failure

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) can be used by infertile couples to assist with reproduction; however, failure of the embryo to implant into the endometrial lining results in failure of the IVF treatment. The present study investigated the expression of chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7)(lo) programmed death-1(PD-1)(hi) chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5)⁺ cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)⁺ T cells and associated factors in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF). A total of 30 females with RIF and 30 healthy females were enrolled in the current study. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood. Cytokine bead arrays were performed to detect the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, −4 and −2 in the serum. ELISAs were used to detect the level of IL-21 in the serum. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the expression of B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6), chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) and IL-21 in the endometrium. The results revealed that the percentage of CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells was increased in the RIF group compared with the control group during the mid luteal phase. The mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-6, IL-21 and CXCR5 in the endometrium and the concentrations of IL-21 and IL-6 in the serum were significantly increased in the RIF group; however, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in regards to the expression of IL-4 and IL-2. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was identified between the percentage of CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells and IL-21 and IL-6 levels. The expression of IL-21 also had a positive correlation with Bcl-6 and CXCR5 expression in the RIF group. These results suggest that increased levels of CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells and associated factors contribute to RIF and could therefore be a potential therapeutic target.

Peripheral blood Th9 cells reconstitution and its relationship with acute graft-versus-host disease after matched-sibling peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

T helper type 9 (Th9) cells have recently been identified as a new effector T cell subset. This study is to analyze the reconstitution of Th9 cell after matched sibling peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (MS-PBSCT) and the relationship between Th9 cell and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to analyze the percentages of Th9 cell, levels of IL-9, TGF-β, IFN-γ, and IL-4. The results showed that for patients without aGVHD, Th9 cells recovery started from day 60 after transplantation and reached normal level on day 90. Serum TGF-β, IL-4, and IFN-γ reached normal levels on day 60, 60, and 90 post transplantation respectively. The serum IL-9 recovery is slower than that of IFN-γ and IL-4. For patients suffering from aGVHD, they had declined Th9 cell numbers, lower IL-9 and TGF-β levels, but higher serum IFN-γ level when compared with those without aGVHD after transplantation. Serum IFN-γ/IL-9 ratios increased linearly with grades of aGVHD. In conclusion, Th9 cells recovery is delayed after MS-PBSCT in patients with aGVHD but early in patients without aGVHD, indicating quick immune reconstitution of Th9 cells and IL-9 after MS-PBSCT may promote the immune tolerance.

Olanzapine-induced Pancytopenia: A Rare but Worrying Complication

Unlike clozapine, and despite its structural similarities, olanzapine is not usually associated with haematological suppression. Nonetheless this case report highlights an incident of olanzapine-induced thrombocytopenia and neutropenia in a first-contact patient. We report on a 50-year-old male who presented with 7 years of delusions and hallucinations. A diagnosis of schizophrenia was made in the absence of any suggestive features of mood disorders, substance abuse or organicity, and olanzapine as second-line treatment. Within a week of starting treatment he developed biochemical neutropenia and thrombocytopenia without any clinical symptoms that resolved after cessation of the offending drug. An organic workup for infective, inflammatory, and neoplastic causes was unremarkable. Comparison with other case reports and 3 postulated mechanisms are discussed. Despite its comparative rarity, the addition of this case report to a growing corpus suggests that clinicians should maintain heightened surveillance of patients prescribed olanzapine, to identify any untoward iatrogenic haematological abnormalities or immunosuppression.

Weather dependent dynamics of the herbicides florasulam, carfentrazone-ethyl, fluroxypyr-meptyl and fluroxypyr in wheat fields through field studies and computational simulation

A dynamic model of dynamiCROP was applied to study environmental fate and behavior of four herbicides in wheat including florasulam, carfentrazone-ethyl, fluroxypyr-meptyl, and fluroxypyr. Meantime, their residue in wheat and dissipation half-lives in plant determined by field trials using QuEChERS liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were used to verify modelling results. The combination of experimental verification and modelling prediction deciphered the fate of four pesticides in wheat field ecosystem. Besides, temperature difference of 3 °C only resulted in lower than 15% half-life difference. By quantifying the contribution of temperature, the predominant role of rain on pesticide dissipation was highlighted for the first time, namely higher precipitation leaded to faster degradation and vice versa.

Increased IL-10/IL-17 ratio is aggravated along with the prognosis of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

OBJECTIVE

This study is to investigate the association between the Treg/Th17 cells and prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

METHODS

Totally 50 CLL patients and 20 Health controls were included in this study. Regulatory T (Treg) cells and the cell subset secreting IL-17 (Th17) in peripheral blood were detected with flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were determined with ELISA, and expression of Foxp3 and RORγt was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Treg and Th17 cell proportions in peripheral blood in the CLL patients were significantly higher than control. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17, and expression of Foxp3 and RORγt, were significantly increased in the CLL patients. Ratios of Treg/Th17 and IL-10/IL-17 were significantly elevated in the CLL patients. Compared with those before treatment, Treg/Th17 and IL-10/IL-17 ratios were declined in the CLL patients in remission. Compared with the non-remission group, Treg cells were significantly decreased, while Th17 cells were significantly increased, resulting in decreased Treg/Th17 ratio, in the remission group. Moreover, the serum IL-10 level was significantly decreased, while the serum IL-17 level was significantly increased, resulting in declined IL-10/IL-17 ratio, in the remission group. Correlation analysis showed that, Treg and Th17 cell counts were significantly associated with CD38 and ZAP-70 expression in the CLL patients. Moreover, the IL-10/IL-17 ratio was also significantly associated with CLL prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Altered Treg/Th17 and IL-10/IL-17 ratios in CLL would be aggravated along with the disease progression, which might be used as indicators for the disease prognosis.

CCR7(lo)PD-1(hi) CXCR5(+) CD4(+) T cells are positively correlated with levels of IL-21 in active and transitional cystic echinococcosis patients

Background

In our study, we investigated whether circulating T follicular helper (Tfh) and the related cytokines are involved in human cystic echinococcosis (CE).

Methods

A total of 64 patients with CE and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Percentages of CCR7^loPD-1^hi cells within CXCR5⁺ CD4⁺ T cells (circulating Tfh cells) were detected by flow cytometry. Levels of IL-21 and IL-4 in peripheral blood were detected by cytometric bead array. The mRNA expression of IL-21, IL-4, Bcl-6, and Blimp-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by real-time PCR. Levels of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 in the patients’ sera were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Percentages of circulating Tfh cells were significantly increased in the CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups (p < 0.05). The concentrations of IL-21 and IL-4 in the serum were significantly increased in CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups (p < 0.05). IL-21 was positively correlated with circulating Tfh cells in CE3 group (r = 0.779, p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of IL-21, IL-4, and Bcl-6 were increased in CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups. Levels of IgG1 and IgG4 in patients’ sera were increased in CE1, CE2, and CE3 groups. Levels of IgG2 and IgG3 were increased in CE4-5 group. Additionally, after stimulation with hydatid fluid in vitro, the levels of circulating Tfh cells, IL-21 and IL-4 in PBMCs isolated from CE patients were significantly increased (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The levels of circulating Tfh and related cytokines were significantly increased in CE patients, suggesting that they are involved in human CE.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-1156-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reconstitution and clinical significance of T cell subsets in the early stage after related HLA-mismatched peripheral blood hematopoietic SCT without T-cell depletion in vitro

Related HLA-haploidentical HSCT has been applied more and more recently, but the reconstitution of T lymphocyte subsets and its clinical significance in patients received related HLA-haploidentical non T-cell depleted in vitro high-dose peripheral blood hematopoietic SCT (RHNT-PSCT) are incompletely defined. In the present study of our RHNT-PSCT, we found that in non-aGVHD group, CD3(+) T lymphocyte recovered to normal levels gradually between 60 and 90 days, and the recovery of CD4(+) T lymphocyte was retarded significantly, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was apparently inverted. Whereas, the ratio of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells was significantly lower in aGVHD group than in healthy control group and non-aGVHD group, and also in grade III-IV aGVHD patients than in grade I-II aGVHD patients. Meanwhile, we observed the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gradually increased in serum of patients without aGVHD, but decreased in III-IV aGVHD patients significantly. Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum IL-10 level was negatively correlated with the grade of aGVHD. These results suggest that the reconstitution of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets is good, and dynamic detection of Treg cells and serum IL-10 level might predict aGVHD in the early stage after our RHNT-PSCT.

The effect of single course high dose dexamethasone on CD28/CTLA-4 balance in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed primary immune thrombocytopenia

To evaluate the effect of a single course of high dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) on CD28 and CTLA-4 expression in patients with newly-diagnosed primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Twenty-8 ITP patients (18 females and 10 males, age range 18–65 years, median age 38.5 years) enrolled in this study and 26 healthy volunteers (19 women and 7 men, age range 16–66 years, median age 37 years) served as a control group. The patients were treated with HD-DXM (40 mg/day) for 4 consecutive days. CD28 and CTLA-4 expression was assessed by flow cytometry once-monthly for 6 months. Plasma levels of the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One month after treatment, a platelet response was observed in 23 (82%) of the patients. The response rates over the next 5 months were 71%, 57%, 53%, 46%, and 39%, chronologically. We observed a significant decrease in CD28 expression after the first month (34.7 ± 4.8% vs. 44.5 ± 4.4% before treatment), after which the CD28 levels gradually increased. In contrast, CTLA-4 expression increased after the first month (3.2 ± 0.5% vs. 0.8 ± 0.4 before treatment), after which the CTLA-4 levels gradually decreased. Similar dynamic changes were seen in the levels of IFN-γ and IL-10. The dynamic changes of CD28 and CTLA-4 were consistent with those of IFN-γ and IL-10 and with the effectiveness of HD-DXM in the treatment of ITP. Our results suggest that a disturbed CD28/CTLA-4 balance may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of ITP.

Upregulation of PD-1 on CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells is associated with immunosuppression in liver of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis

Alveolar echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) infection. The relationship between PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and Tregs at different stages of E. multilocularis infection has rarely been reported. This study aims to investigate the role of PD-1/PD-L1 in immunosuppression of Tregs in E. multilocularis infection. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, cytometric bead array and MTT assay were used to analyze liver pathological changes, percentages of PD-1(+) Tregs and PD-L1(+) dendritic cells (DCs), expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1 and Foxp3, levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and proliferation of lymphocytes. During middle-late stage (day 30 to day 330) the percentages of PD-1(+) Tregs and PD-L1(+) DCs together with levels of Foxp3, IL-10 and TGF-β increased significantly and maintained at high level. The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was increased with the enlarging erosion of E. multilocularis, and was mainly distributed in hepatic sinus, fibrous wall of alveolar hydatid and germinal layer around foci of infection. PD-1/PD-L1 promoted the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β. Our results indicate that engagement of the PD-1 and PD-L1 correlates with inhibition of T-cell effector function, cytokine secretion and proliferation. High expression of PD-1/PD-L1 may play an important role in stimulating CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells, and maintaining peripheral tolerance and immune evasion during chronic infection of E. multilocularis.

Th17 cells are associated with the Th1/Th2‑cell balance during Echinococcus multilocularis infection

The present study investigated the immunopathological effect of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) using cytokine detection. Expression of the T‑helper (Th) 17‑cytokine, interleukin 17 (IL‑17), was observed using immunohistochemical staining, and levels of cytokines, including IL‑17, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‑β1), IL‑6, interferon γ (IFN‑γ) and IL‑4, were assessed using ELISA at different stages of infection. IL‑17 expression occurred in hepatic cells at 1 month post‑infection, reached a maximum at 3 months post‑infection and then decreased gradually. Compared with the uninfected control, levels of the cytokines IL‑17, TGF‑β1, IL‑6, IFN‑γ and IL‑4 exhibited different dynamic patterns when infected with Em. In the immune response during the whole infection period, Th17 cells play an important role by secreting IL‑17, which may be involved in the Th1/Th2‑cell balance during the immune response. Th17 cells are associated with immunopathology in Em infection.

TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway regulates Th17/Treg balance during Echinococcus multilocularis infection

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe parasitic disease caused by the infection of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em). Very little is known on the relationship between TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and Treg/Th17 balance in the infected liver at different periods after Em infection. Using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and CBA assay, we measured the expression levels of TGF-β, Smad2/3/7, ROR-γt, Foxp3, IL-17, IL-10 and percentages of Th17 cells and Treg cells in mouse AE model, from day 2 to day 270 after infection. In the early stage of infection (day 2 to day 30), Smad7 was up-regulated and the TGF-β pathway was inactivated. In the middle stage of infection (day 30 to day 90), TGF-β and Smad2/3 were up-regulated. And levels of Treg cells, Foxp3, Th17 cells, RORγt, IL-17, IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly increased. In the late stage of infection (day 90 to day 270), Treg cells, Foxp3, TGF-β and IL-10 maintained at high levels whereas Th17 cells and IL-17 decreased significantly. TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway was activated during the chronic infection. Our data suggest that there were Treg/Th17 imbalance in the middle and especially in the late stage of Em infection and that Treg/Th17 imbalance may be regulated by TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Treg and Th17 subsets may be involved in regulating immune tolerance and tissue inflammation, and facilitating the long-term survival of Em in the host.

[The percentage of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients and the correlations with clinical prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the percentage of CD4(+);CD25(+);Foxp3(+); regulatory T cells (Treg) in peripheral blood of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and the correlations with clinical prognosis.

METHODS

The study enrolled 30 healthy individuals and 28 CLL patients. The CD4(+);CD25(+); Treg and CD4(+);CD25(+);Foxp3(+); Treg were detected by the flow cytometry in their peripheral blood. Of the 28 CLL patients, 19 received treatment and follow-up.

RESULTS

The number of CD4(+);CD25(+); Treg in the pre-treated cases (n = 28) was higher than that in the healthy controls (n = 30) with significant statistical difference (P < 0.05). The number of CD4(+);CD25(+);Foxp3(+); Treg was higher in the pre-treated cases (n = 28) than that in the treated cases (n = 19) and in the healthy controls (n = 30) (P < 0.05). Compared with the healthy controls, the treated cases (n = 19) had the higher level of CD4(+);CD25(+);Foxp3(+); Treg (P < 0.05). The CD4(+);CD25(+);Foxp3(+); Treg was positively correlated with the expressions of CD38, β2-microglobulin (β(2);-MG), zeta-associated protein 70(ZAP-70) and the clinical Binet and Rai stages.

CONCLUSION

The CD4(+);CD25(+);Foxp3(+); Treg might be a valuable indicator for assessing the therapeutic efficacy, disease progression and prognosis of the CLL patients.

The Th17/Treg balance and the expression of related cytokines in Uygur cervical cancer patients

Background

The fine balance of Th17/Treg is crucial for maintenance of immune homeostasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the balance of Th17/Treg and the expression of related cytokines in Uighur cervical cancer patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from 65 cases of cervical cancer patients, 42 cases of cervical CIN patients and 40 healthy people. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentages of T cell subsets, including CD3⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, Treg cells and Th17 cells. ELISA assay was conducted to detect expression levels of TGF-β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23 and IFN-γ.

Results

There were no significant difference in the levels of CD3⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ among the cervical cancer group, the CIN group and the healthy control group. However, compared with the healthy control group, the percentages of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Treg, CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127^- Treg, CD4⁺IL17⁺ Th17, CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺, CD4⁺CD25^- Foxp3⁺, CD8⁺CD25⁺CD127^-Treg and CD8⁺CD25⁺Foxp3 were significantly higher in the cervical cancer group and the CIN group. Similar results were also found in the Th17/Treg ratio and the related cytokines. There was no significant difference between the cervical cancer group and the CIN group. Additionally, Th17 cell levels were positively correlated with IL-6, IL-23 and IL-17. Also, Treg cell levels were positively correlated with TGF-β, IL-10 and IL-6. Contrarily, Treg cell levels and IFN-γ were negatively correlated.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that the Th17/Treg balance was broken in peripheral blood of cervical cancer patients. Analysis of Th17/Treg balance may have a significant implication in diagnosing cervical cancer.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1813823795931511

The understanding of spirituality and the potential role of spiritual care in end-of-life and palliative care: a meta-study of qualitative research

Spirituality and spiritual care are gaining increasing attention but their potential contribution to palliative care remains unclear. The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative literature on spirituality and spiritual care at the end of life using a systematic ('meta-study') review. Eleven patient articles and eight with healthcare providers were included, incorporating data from 178 patients and 116 healthcare providers, mainly from elderly White and Judaeo-Christian origin patients with cancer. Spirituality principally focused on relationships, rather than just meaning making, and was given as a relationship. Spirituality was a broader term that may or may not encompass religion. A 'spirit to spirit' framework for spiritual care-giving respects individual personhood. This was achieved in the way physical care was given, by focusing on presence, journeying together, listening, connecting, creating openings, and engaging in reciprocal sharing. Affirmative relationships supported patients, enabling them to respond to their spiritual needs. The engagement of family caregivers in spiritual care appears underutilized. Relationships formed an integral part of spirituality as they were a spiritual need, caused spiritual distress when broken and were the way spiritual care was given. Barriers to spiritual care include lack of time, personal, cultural or institutional factors, and professional educational needs. By addressing these, we may make an important contribution to the improvement of patient care towards the end of life.

[Simultaneous determination of four components in Gastrodia elata by RP-HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reversed-phase HPLC method for simultaneous determination of gastrodin, adenosin, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde in Rhizoma Gastrodia.

METHOD

A Kromasil C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was used with a methanol-water-0.1% acetic acid gradient elution system. The eluates were detected at 270 nm, the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was 35 degrees C.

RESULT

The linear range of gastrodin, adenosin, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde were 19.1-383 (r = 0.999 9), 0.620-12.4 (r = 0.999 9), 2.45-49.0 (r = 0.999 9), 0.280-5.63 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 6), respectively. The average recoveries (n = 9) of the four components were 96.7% -97.7%, RSD < 1.6%.

CONCLUSION

The method is accurate, sensitive and reliable for determination of gastrodin, adenosin, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde in Rhizoma Gastrodia.

Synergistic design of electric field and membrane in facilitating continuous adsorption for cleanup and enrichment of proteins in direct ESI-MS analysis

We designed and fabricated a novel microdevice to facilitate continuous adsorption phenomena for biological sample preparation. Using the device, we also developed an online, highly integrated, multifunctional strategy, with a promise of accepting a large volume of crude tissue extracts with the end point generation of a reliable MS identification within 20 min. Under an external electric field, charged membranes can adsorb multiple layers of proteins, which exceed the capacity limit of common resins or membranes. It enlarges sample loading and trapping efficiency, thus bypasses the tradeoff between sample capacity and downstream detection sensitivity. This integrated approach, formed by synergistic utilization among electric field, membrane, and fluidic handling at the microscale, reduces the overall complexity of crude samples in one step for direct MS analysis. The sample preparation goals, including enrichment, desalting, removal of noncharged contaminants, and initial fractionation, can be rapidly performed in a single device. The strategy facilitates reproducible MS quantification by circumventing traditional laborious and time-consuming sample preparation steps. In addition, MEPD extended the ion trap linear dynamic range from 2 to at least 4 orders of magnitude by eliminating ion suppression effect, enriching target analyte(s), and decreasing sample loss during integrated sample preparation.