Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1): an overview

Circulating monocyte adhesion repairs endothelium-denuded injury through downstream of kinase 3-mediated endothelialization

The integrity of the endothelial monolayer is critical for preventing life-threatening hemorrhaging and thrombosis. However, how severe endothelium-denuded injury is rapidly repaired remains unknown. Given the common biological properties between endothelial cells and circulating monocytes, we aimed to examine whether blood monocytes are involved in endothelium wound healing. The in vivo common carotid artery endothelium-denuded (CCAED) model was established through a wire-induced injury. Monocyte adhesion was assessed using immunofluorescence and a parallel plate flow chamber. We initially observed that the circulating monocyte-mediated endothelialization was better downstream of kinase 3 deficient mice (DOK3-/-) than that of wild-type (WT) mice following induction of the CCAED model. Rapid endothelialization increased endothelial integrity, prevented coagulation, and decreased thrombosis. Mechanistically, following endothelium-denuded injury, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) disassociated from DOK3 and C-C chemokine receptor type 2B (CCR2B), increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and promoted adhesion in circulating monocytes. However, this process was inhibited by the CCR2B inhibitor INCB3344. Moreover, the adhesive functions of circulating monocytes isolated from DOK3-/- mice were stronger than those from WT mice. Furthermore, adhered monocytes expressed endothelial-specific markers and compensated for endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in WT mice. Similarly, these effects were enhanced in DOK3-/- mice. Bindarit, a selective MCP1 inhibitor, suppressed endothelialization following CCAED surgery in WT mice but not in DOK3-/- mice. In conclusion, endothelialization mediated by circulating monocytes repairs endothelium-denuded injury to compensate for endothelial functions through MCP1/DOK3/CCR2B/Ca2+ signaling. Our findings indicate that circulating monocyte adhesion is an important endothelial wound healing mechanism.

Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2/CCR2/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signal Induced through Cancer Cell-Macrophage Interaction Contributes to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

Tumor-infiltrating macrophages, known as tumor-associated macrophages, play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, immunohistochemistry revealed that intratumoral CD68-positive macrophages are associated with poor prognosis and clinicopathologic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Subsequently, an indirect co-culture system involving HCC cells and peripheral blood-derived macrophages was developed. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) was highly expressed in HCC cells co-cultured with macrophages. CCL2 neutralization suppressed proliferation, migration, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) in HCC cells and macrophages enhanced through co-culture. In contrast, recombinant human CCL2 (rhCCL2) addition facilitated these malignant phenotypes and increased Erk phosphorylation levels in HCC cells and macrophages. The primary CCL2 receptor, CCR2, was expressed in HCC cells and macrophages and was up-regulated in co-cultured HCC cells. CCR2 inhibition suppressed malignant phenotypes and reduced phosphorylated levels of Erk enhanced by rhCCL2. Additionally, the inhibition of Erk signal suppressed rhCCL2-enhanced malignant phenotypes. Moreover, serum CCL2 levels were higher in patients with HCC than those in healthy donors. On the basis of immunohistochemistry, CCL2-positive cases with high CCR2 expression and phosphorylated Erk-positive cases exhibited poor survival outcomes. Therefore, CCL2 up-regulation through interactions between HCC cells and macrophages contributed to HCC progression, making the CCL2/CCR2/Erk signal a potential target for HCC treatment.

Gene expression profiles of angiogenesis markers and microRNA-128 from the secretome of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from Macaca fascicularis

Background and Aim

Angiogenesis and anti-apoptosis play crucial roles in ischemic stroke recovery. The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secretome, rich in bioactive molecules, presents a promising therapeutic avenue. However, optimizing the culture conditions to enhance the expression of angiogenic markers remains a challenge. This study examines the effect of hypoxic preconditioning on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and microRNA (miRNA-128) in the secretome of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) from Macaca fascicularis.

Materials and Methods

UC-MSCs were cultured under normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic conditions (1%, 3%, and 5% O2) for 48 h. The secretome was isolated, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the expression of VEGF, MCP-1, MMP-2, and miRNA-128. Expression levels were normalized to housekeeping genes and analyzed using statistical methods to determine significant differences among groups.

Results

Hypoxic preconditioning significantly upregulated VEGF (1% O2), MCP-1 (5% O2), and miRNA-128 (5% O2) expression compared to normoxic conditions. Conversely, MMP-2 expression was highest in normoxic conditions and downregulated under hypoxia. In addition, miRNA-128 was found to be predominantly secreted into the extracellular space under hypoxic conditions rather than retained within cells.

Conclusion

Hypoxic preconditioning effectively modulates the expression of key angiogenesis and anti-apoptotic markers in UC-MSCs. The study highlights the importance of optimizing oxygen levels to enhance the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived secretomes for ischemic stroke treatment. Future research should focus on in vivo validation and clinical translation of these findings.

Circulatory CCL2 distinguishes Duchenne muscular dystrophy dogs

To establish a minimally invasive approach to studying body-wide muscle inflammation in the canine Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) model, we evaluated 13 cytokines/chemokines in frozen sera from 90 affected (239 sera) and 73 normal (189 sera) dogs (0.00 to 45.2 months of age). Linear mixed-effects model analysis suggested that ten cytokines/chemokines were significantly elevated in affected dogs, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Further, cytokine/chemokine elevation coincided with the onset of muscle disease. Importantly, only CCL2 showed consistent changes at all ages, with the most pronounced increase occurring between 3 and 9 months. To study the effects of sample storage and type, we compared fresh versus frozen, and serum versus plasma, samples from the same dog. Similar readings were often obtained in fresh and frozen sera. Although plasma readings were significantly lower for many cytokines/chemokines, this did not compromise the robustness of CCL2 as a biomarker. Our study establishes a baseline for using circulatory cytokines/chemokines as biomarkers in canine DMD studies.

Effects of Emissions From Oriented Strand Board on the Development of Atopic Dermatitis Using Two Different Experimental Mouse Models

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic skin disease widespread in children, which later in life can predispose them to asthma. Oriented strand board (OSB), increasingly used in the construction industry, emits volatile organic compounds in the indoor air, some of which may exacerbate AD development in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of OSB emissions on the development of AD and lung inflammation. Two different murine AD models, induced by calcipotriol or oxazolone, were exposed to higher- or lower-emitting OSB throughout the experiments. Physiological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of skin disease development, as well as lung inflammatory parameters, were evaluated. Exposure to higher-emitting OSB, characterised especially by high 3-carene emissions, exacerbated some parameters of AD, such as skin barrier function and thickness, with accumulation of eosinophils and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX)-driven mediators in both models, whereas IL-4 or 5-LOX-positive cells were increased in only the calcipotriol or oxazolone model, respectively. In the lungs of calcipotriol-treated mice, higher-emitting OSB increased lung eosinophil recruitment. Exposure to lower-emitting OSB had no or even beneficial effects on the skin or lungs of murine AD models. 3-carene in OSB emissions, alone or in combination with other substances, may promote the development of AD and prime the lungs towards an allergic phenotype. Identification and quantification of potentially harmful emitting sources in indoor air may be important for AD prevention or control.

Engineered endothelium model enables recapitulation of vascular function and early atherosclerosis development

Human health relies heavily on the vascular endothelium. Here, we propose a novel engineered endothelium model (EEM), which recapitulated both normal vascular function and pathology. An artificial basement membrane (aBM), where porous polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel was securely integrated with human fibroblast-derived, decellularized extracellular matrix on both sides was fabricated first and followed by endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes (PCs) adhesion, respectively. Our EEM formed robust adherens junction (VE-cad) and built an impermeable barrier with time, along with the nitric oxide (NO) secretion. In our EEM, ECs and PCs interacted each other via aBM and led to hemoglobin alpha 1 (Hb-α1) development, which was involved in NO control and was strongly interconnected with VE-cad as well. A resilient property of EEM under inflammatory milieu was also confirmed by VE-cad and barrier recovery with time. In particular interest, foam cells formation, a hallmark of atherosclerotic initiation was successfully recapitulated in our EEM, where a series of sequential events were confirmed: human monocytes adhesion, transendothelial migration, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake by macrophages. Collectively, our EEM is excellent in recapitulating not only normal endothelium but early pathologic one, thereby enabling EEM to be a physiologically relevant model for vascular study and disease modeling.

Contemporary clinical perspectives on chronic low back pain: The biology, mechanics, etc. underpinning clinical and radiological evaluation

Background

Pain of a chronic nature remains the foremost concern in tertiary spine clinics, yet its elusive nature and quantification challenges persist. Despite extensive research and education on low back pain (LBP), the realm of diagnostic practices lacks a unified approach. Clinically, LBP exhibits a multifaceted character, encompassing conventional assessments of severity and disability, alongside nuanced attributes like pain characterization, duration, and patient expectations. Common instigators of LBP encountered in spine surgical settings comprise degenerated intervertebral discs (IVD), herniated IVD, canal and foraminal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. However, addressing the root cause necessitates its identification and substantiation through visualization.

Methods

This perspective reviews the diagnostic complexities of LBP. Thorough history-taking and physical examinations offer preliminary insights into the underlying source of pain, whether it arises from discogenic origins, neural compression, or sagittal imbalance. The importance of classifying chronic LBP into the underlying pathophysiology is explored. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of aligning clinical observations with imaging findings to guide personalized treatment strategies.

Results

Currently, there exists a disparity globally between evidence-based recommendations and actual applications. Recent discoveries behind the pathophysiology of pain phenotypes signify the importance of classifying LBP into its neuropathic or nociceptive origins. The pivotal role of radiological investigations in validating clinical findings for an accurate diagnosis cannot be overstated. However, radiology should not operate in isolation; the disconnect between the clinical and radiological realms ultimately benefits neither the patient nor the surgeon. Additionally, more sensitive measures of IVD prolapse and the corresponding inflammatory pathway triggered are required to provide information on the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of pain generation.

Conclusion

This perspective article underscores the imperative fusion of clinical acumen and radiological precision in the intricate landscape of LBP diagnosis. These findings advocate for a paradigm shift towards personalized medicine. By offering a compass for surgeons to navigate this complex terrain and deliver more effective, patient-centered care with targeted interventions this article aims to enhance management outcomes for chronic LBP.

TissueGene-C induces anti-inflammatory activity and M2 macrophage polarization via activation of prostaglandin E2 signaling

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knees, hips and hands. OA is a mechano-inflammatory disease characterized by low-grade inflammation, which results in breakdown of the cartilage extracellular matrix within joints, leading to pain, stiffness and inflammation. TissueGene-C (TG-C) is a cell and gene therapy investigational drug for treating knee OA that comprises human allogeneic chondrocytes and an irradiated modified cell line stably expressing transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Previous pre-clinical animal studies have shown that TG-C provides pain relief via its anti-inflammatory effects and cartilage structural improvement in a rat OA model. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of TG-C, explore its anti-inflammatory activity and identify the TG-C-derived active factor(s) responsible for its efficacy.

METHODS

In this study, we utilized THP-1 cell line to develop an macrophage polarization model to test the anti-inflammatory activity of TG-C.

RESULTS

Our data showed that TG-C induces the polarization of M2 macrophages and the upregulation of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) while inhibiting tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression. Additionally, this study identified prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as the main bioactive factor responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of TG-C.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that PGE2 is expressed by the TG-C chondrocyte component and modulated by TGF-β1 derived from the second component of TG-C. Finally, the present study provides insight into the mechanism of action of TG-C in the treatment of OA.

The intersection of endocrine signaling and neuroimmune communication regulates muscle inflammation-induced nociception in neonatal mice

Neonatal pain is a significant clinical issue but the mechanisms by which pain is produced early in life are poorly understood. Our recent work has linked the transcription factor serum response factor downstream of local growth hormone (GH) signaling to incision-related hypersensitivity in neonates. However, it remains unclear if similar mechanisms contribute to inflammatory pain in neonates. We found that local GH treatment inhibited neonatal inflammatory myalgia but appeared to do so through a unique signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) dependent pathway within sensory neurons. The STAT1 transcription factor appeared to regulate peripheral inflammation itself by modulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1/C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (MCP1/CCL2) release from sensory neurons. Data suggests that STAT1 upregulation, downstream of GH signaling, contributes to neonatal nociception during muscle inflammation through a novel neuroimmune loop involving chemokine release from primary afferents. Results could uncover new ways to treat muscle pain and inflammation in neonates.

Features of the monocyte inflammatory response in patients with premature coronary artery disease

The purpose of this study was to examine the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by cultured monocytes/macrophages in patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD). The study included 38 patients with premature CAD and 35 patients without CAD. A primary culture of CD14+ monocytes was obtained by immunomagnetic separation. The inflammatory response was induced by incubation of a cell culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours on Days 1 and 6. Basal and LPS-stimulated secretion of the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was assessed by enzyme immunoassay on Days 2 and 7 of cultivation. The level of basal secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 was higher in patients with CAD compared to patients in the control group. The levels of re-stimulated TNF-α secretion and the levels of LPS-stimulated and re-stimulated IL-1β secretion on the second and sixth days were also higher in patients with CAD. LPS-stimulated MCP-1 secretion on the second day did not differ in patients of both groups, but re-stimulated MCP-1 secretion was higher in patients with CAD. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the basal secretion levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were independently associated with premature CAD, along with smoking, body mass index and serum HDL-cholesterol levels.

CCR2 Regulates Referred Somatic Hyperalgesia by Mediating T-Type Ca2+ Channel Currents of Small-Diameter DRG Neurons in Gastric Ulcer Mice

Background: Referred pain frequently co-exists with visceral pain. However, the exact mechanism governing referred somatic hyperalgesia remains elusive. Methods: By injecting 20% acetic acid into the stomach, we established a mouse model of gastric ulcer (GU). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used as the evaluation criterion for the gastric ulcer model. Evan's blue (EB) and von Frey tests detected the somatic sensitized area. The DRG neurons distributed among the spinal segments of the sensitized area were prepared for biochemical and electrophysiological experiments. The CCR2 antagonist was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into GU mice to test the effect of blocking CCR2 on somatic neurogenic inflammation. Results: GU not only instigated neurogenic plasma extravasation and referred somatic allodynia in the upper back regions spanning the T9 to T11 segments but also augmented the co-expression of T-type Ca2+ channels and CCR2 and led to the gating properties of T-type Ca2+ channel alteration in T9-T11 small-diameter DRG neurons. Moreover, the administration of the CCR2 antagonist inhibited the T-type Ca2+ channel activation, consequently mitigating neurogenic inflammation and referred somatic hyperalgesia. The application of the CCR2 agonist to normal T9-T11 small-diameter DRG neurons simulates the changes in the gating properties of T-type Ca2+ channel that occur in the GU group. Conclusions: Therefore, these findings indicate that CCR2 may function as a critical regulator in the generation of neurogenic inflammation and mechanical allodynia by modulating the gating properties of the T-type Ca2+ channels.

Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Upregulates RANTES Expression in A172 Glioblastoma Cells

SARS-CoV-2, the pathogenic virus that induces COVID-19 disease, contains four structural proteins in its virion. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the four structural proteins that play a crucial role in the assembly of viral RNA into ribonucleoprotein. In addition, the N protein contributes to viral pathogenesis. One of the functions attributed to the N protein is the triggering of cytokine release by lung epithelial cells, macrophages, and monocytes. This study addresses the cellular effects of the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 on cells of glial origin. We report the upregulation of the RANTES chemokine in A172 glioblastoma cells at both the mRNA and protein levels in response to exposure to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. The N protein did not have an effect on cell viability and cell migration.

TWEAK-Fn14 signaling protects mice from pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast activation and recruiting pro-regenerative macrophages

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease characterized by excess accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The role of macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk in lung fibrogenesis is incompletely understood. Here we found that fibroblast growth factor-inducible molecule 14 (Fn14), the receptor for tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is highly induced in myofibroblasts in the lungs of IPF patients and the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model. TWEAK-Fn14 signaling inhibits fibroblast activation and ECM synthesis and induces chemokine expression to recruit monocytes/macrophages into the lung. Fn14 deficiency increases ECM production and impairs macrophage infiltration and differentiation, leading to exacerbated lung fibrosis and impaired alveolar regeneration in a bleomycin model. Interestingly, Fn14 deficiency diminishes an injury-induced SiglecF- CD11b- MHCIIlo intermediate macrophage (IntermM) subpopulation, which promotes alveolar type II (AT2) cell proliferation in organoid cultures. These results collectively demonstrate a protective role of TWEAK-Fn14 signaling in lung fibrosis, highlighting the complexities and multilayered regulation of macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk.

Focal Adhesion Regulation as a Strategy against Kidney Fibrosis

Chronic kidney fibrosis poses a significant global health challenge with effective therapeutic strategies remaining elusive. While cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are known to drive fibrosis progression, the specific role of focal adhesions (FAs) in kidney fibrosis is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of FAs in kidney tubular epithelial cell fibrosis by employing precise nanogold patterning to modulate integrin distribution. We demonstrate that increasing ligand spacing disrupts integrin clustering, thereby inhibiting FA formation and attenuating fibrosis. Importantly, enhanced FA activity is associated with kidney fibrosis in both human disease specimens and murine models. Mechanistically, FAs regulate fibrosis through mechanotransduction pathways, and our in vivo experiments show that suppressing mechanotransduction significantly mitigates kidney fibrosis in mice. These findings highlight the potential of targeting FAs as a therapeutic strategy, offering new insights into clinical intervention in kidney fibrosis.

Mendelian randomization study identifying immune cell phenotypes associated with breast cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Globally, breast cancer is among the most frequent cancers, and tumor progression is greatly impacted by the immune system. Studies have revealed a correlation between the phenotypes of immune cells and the incidence of breast cancer; nevertheless, the causal relationship has yet to be fully elucidated. Hence, we sought to ascertain the causal relationship between immune cell subtypes and breast cancer through the implementation of Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

MR analysis utilized freely available genetic data to explore the causation link between 731 immune cell phenotypes and the susceptibility to breast cancer, distinguishing between estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and negative (ER-) subtypes. ER+ patients are sensitive to endocrine drugs, and one more way to treat with endocrine drugs than ER- patients. Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods were employed to evaluate MR. The IVW analysis was used as the primary research methodology.

RESULTS

Among 731 immune phenotypes, we found that breast cancer was causally related to eight immune phenotypes, six of which were protective against breast cancer, while two were risk factors. After grouping breast cancers based on the ER expression, ER+ breast cancer patients were significantly causally related to seven immune phenotypes, among which three were protective against ER+ breast cancers, and four were risk factors. Furthermore, ER-breast cancer patients were significantly causally related to 10 immune phenotypes, with four being protective against ER-breast cancers and six being risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This MR Study proved that there is a certain genetic relationship between immune cell phenotype and breast cancer, and the related genes may have certain significance for the treatment and drug development of breast cancer.

Autophagy in Tissue Repair and Regeneration

Autophagy is a cellular recycling system that, through the sequestration and degradation of intracellular components regulates multiple cellular functions to maintain cellular homeostasis and survival. Dysregulation of autophagy is closely associated with the development of physiological alterations and human diseases, including the loss of regenerative capacity. Tissue regeneration is a highly complex process that relies on the coordinated interplay of several cellular processes, such as injury sensing, defense responses, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cellular senescence. These processes act synergistically to repair or replace damaged tissues and restore their morphology and function. In this review, we examine the evidence supporting the involvement of the autophagy pathway in the different cellular mechanisms comprising the processes of regeneration and repair across different regenerative contexts. Additionally, we explore how modulating autophagy can enhance or accelerate regeneration and repair, highlighting autophagy as a promising therapeutic target in regenerative medicine for the development of autophagy-based treatments for human diseases.

Biomarkers to predict or measure steroid resistance in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: A systematic review

In this systematic review we have sought to summarise the current knowledge concerning biomarkers that can distinguish between steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Additionally, we aim to select biomarkers that have the best evidence-base and should be prioritised for further research. Pub med and web of science databases were searched using "steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome AND biomarker". Papers published between 01/01/2012 and 10/05/2022 were included. Papers that did not compare steroid resistant and steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, did not report sensitivity/specificity or area under curve and reviews/letters were excluded. The selected papers were then assessed for bias using the QUADAS-2 tool. The source of the biomarker, cut off, sensitivity/specificity, area under curve and sample size were all extracted. Quality assessment was performed using the BIOCROSS tool. 17 studies were included, comprising 15 case-control studies and 2 cross-sectional studies. Given the rarity of nephrotic syndrome and difficulty in recruiting large cohorts, case-control studies were accepted despite their limitations. We present a range of candidate biomarkers along with scores relating to the quality of the original publications and the risk of bias to inform future investigations. None of the selected papers stated whether the authors were blinded to the patient's disease when assessing the index test in the cohort. Highlighting a key problem in the field that needs to be addressed. These candidate biomarkers must now be tested with much larger sample sizes. Using new biobanks such as the one built by the NURTuRE-INS team will be very helpful in this regard.

Cp40-mediated complement C3 inhibition dampens inflammasome activation and inflammatory mediators storm induced by Bitis arietans venom

The complement system plays a crucial role in various pathophysiological conditions, including snake envenomation. In this study, we investigated the effects of Bitis arietans venom on the complement system using an ex vivo human whole blood model. Our findings demonstrate that B. arietans venom was able to activate the complement system, leading to a significant increase in the production of anaphylatoxins (C3a/C3a-desArg, C5a/C5a-desArg) and the soluble Terminal Complement Complex (sTCC). Inhibition of the C3 component by Cp40, a C3-C3b inhibitor, resulted in the reduction of C3a/C3a-desArg, C5a/C5a-desArg, and sTCC levels to baseline in venom-stimulated samples. Furthermore, treatment with Cp40 promoted a substantial decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), IL-8/CXCL8, MCP-1/CCL2, and MIG/CXCL9. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms, we utilized the THP-1 cell line differentiated into M0 macrophages. Incubation of these macrophages with human plasma, from the human whole blood treated with B. arietans venom, resulted in the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the production of IL-8 and IL-1β. Importantly, Cp40 was able to diminish the production of these cytokines, as well as the levels of ASC and caspase-1 proteins. In conclusion, our results indicate that the inhibition of the complement by Cp40 at C3/C3b level can modulate the inflammatory response and inflammasome activation induced by B. arietans venom. These findings suggest that complement inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach for managing the inflammatory complications associated with this snake envenomation.

The natural polyphenol fisetin in atherosclerosis prevention: a mechanistic review

The incidence and mortality rate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is increasing yearly worldwide. Recently, a growing body of evidence has unveiled the anti-atherosclerotic properties of fisetin, a natural polyphenol compound. In this article, we reviewed the pharmacologic actions of fisetin on experimental atherosclerosis and its protective effects on disease-relevant cell types such as endothelial cells, macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, and platelets. Based on its profound cardiovascular actions, fisetin holds potential for clinical translation and could be developed as a potential therapeutic option for atherosclerosis and its related complications. Large-scale randomized clinical trials are warranted to ascertain the safety and efficacy of fisetin in patients with or high risk for ASCVD.

Mapping Inflammatory Markers in Cerebrospinal Fluid Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Age- and Sex-Matched Analysis

Despite extensive research on aneurysm treatment and neurocritical care, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still a life-threatening disease, often leaving survivors with lasting neurological and cognitive impairments. Early brain injury (EBI) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) are the main contributors to brain damage, with neuroinflammation being a critical shared pathophysiological process. While numerous inflammatory markers and their temporal profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have already been identified, comparisons with age- and sex-matched controls are limited. This study analyzed CSF from 17 SAH patients requiring an external ventricular drain (EVD) due to symptomatic hydrocephalus, sampled on days 4 and 10 post-ictus. An age- and sex-matched control group included 17 cerebrovascularly healthy patients requiring lumbar drains during aortic surgery. Chemokines and cytokines were quantified using immunoassays. Significantly elevated markers in SAH patients across both time points included MCP-1, CXCL-13, Eotaxin-1, CXCL-10, IL-8, and MIF. MIP-1α and MIP-1β showed significant differences at particular time points, indicating a distinct temporal profile for each parameter. These findings highlight neuroinflammation's key role in intracranial and systemic pathophysiology following SAH, emphasizing its complexity and individual variability. Knowing demographic factors impact the specific manifestations of pathophysiological processes, the comparison with an age- and sex-matched control group is meaningful.

Formoterol alters chemokine expression and ameliorates pain behaviors after moderate spinal cord injury in female mice

Secondary spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by increased cytokines and chemokines at the site of injury that have been associated with the development of neuropathic pain. Nearly 80% of SCI patients report suffering from chronic pain, which is poorly managed with available analgesics. While treatment with the US Food and Drug Administration-approved β2-adrenergic receptor agonist formoterol improves various aspects of recovery post-SCI in vivo, its effects on cytokines, chemokines, and neuropathic pain remain unknown. Female mice were subjected to moderate (60 kilodynes [kdyn]) or severe (80 kdyn) SCI followed by daily treatment with vehicle or formoterol (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) beginning 8 hours after injury. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines, such as interferon gamma-induced protein 10, macrophage inflammatory protein 1a, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, B-cell attracting chemokine 1, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells, was increased in the injury site of vehicle-treated mice 24 hours post-SCI, which was ameliorated with formoterol treatment, regardless of injury severity. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, as measured by Hargreaves infrared apparatus and von Frey filaments, respectively, were assessed prior to SCI and then weekly beginning 21 days post-injury (DPI). While all injured mice exhibited decreased withdrawal latency following thermal stimulation compared with baseline, formoterol treatment reduced this response ∼15% by 35 DPI. Vehicle-treated mice displayed significant mechanical allodynia, as evidenced by a 55% decrease in withdrawal threshold from baseline. In contrast, mice treated with formoterol maintained a consistent withdrawal time at all times tested. These data indicate that formoterol reduces inflammation post-SCI, likely contributing to mitigation of neuropathic pain and further supporting the therapeutic potential of this treatment strategy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Chronic pain is a detrimental consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). We show that treatment with the US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug formoterol after SCI decreases injury site proinflammatory chemo-/cytokines and alters markers of glial cell activation and infiltration. Additionally, formoterol treatment improves locomotor function and body composition, and decreases lesion volume. Finally, formoterol treatment decreased mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia post-SCI. These data are suggestive of the mechanism of formoterol-induced recovery, and further indicate its potential as a therapeutic strategy for SCI.

High rates of placental inflammation among samples collected by the Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants consortium

BACKGROUND

The Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants consortium aims to improve birth outcomes. Preterm birth is a major obstetrical complication globally and causes significant infant and childhood morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed placental samples (basal plate, placenta or chorionic villi, and the chorionic plate) collected by the 5 Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants sites, namely The Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement Bangladesh, The Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement Pakistan, The Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement Tanzania, The Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth Bangladesh, and The Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth Zambia. The goal was to analyze the morphology and gene expression of samples collected from preterm and uncomplicated term births.

STUDY DESIGN

The teams provided biopsies from 166 singleton preterm (<37 weeks' gestation) and 175 term (≥37 weeks' gestation) deliveries. The samples were fixed in formalin and paraffin embedded. Tissue sections from these samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and subjected to morphologic analyses. Other placental biopsies (n=35 preterm, 21 term) were flash frozen, which enabled RNA purification for bulk transcriptomics.

RESULTS

The morphologic analyses revealed a surprisingly high rate of inflammation that involved the basal plate, placenta or chorionic villi, and the chorionic plate. The rate of inflammation in chorionic villus samples, likely attributable to chronic villitis, ranged from 25% (Pakistan site) to 60% (Zambia site) of cases. Leukocyte infiltration in this location vs in the basal plate or chorionic plate correlated with preterm birth. Our transcriptomic analyses identified 267 genes that were differentially expressed between placentas from preterm vs those from term births (123 upregulated, 144 downregulated). Mapping the differentially expressed genes onto single-cell RNA sequencing data from human placentas suggested that all the component cell types, either singly or in subsets, contributed to the observed dysregulation. Consistent with the histopathologic findings, gene ontology analyses highlighted the presence of leukocyte infiltration or activation and inflammatory responses in both the fetal and maternal compartments.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between placental inflammation and preterm birth is appreciated in developed countries. In this study, we showed that this link also exists in developing geographies. In addition, among the participating sites, we found geographic- and population-based differences in placental inflammation and preterm birth, suggesting the importance of local factors.

Ageing-Related Macrophage Polarisation in the Trigeminal Ganglion Enhances Incisional Intraoral Pain

OBJECTIVE

Although macrophage polarisation in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) is crucial in orofacial pain hypersensitivity, the effect of ageing-related changes and their involvement in intra-oral nociception remains unclear. We assessed the effect of ageing-related macrophage polarisation in TG on intra-oral mechanical pain hypersensitivity following palatal mucosal incision using senescence-accelerated mice (SAM)-prone8 (SAMP8) and SAM-resistant 1 (SAMR1).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mechanical head-withdrawal reflex threshold (MHWRT) of the palatal mucosa was measured for 21 days after palatal mucosal incision. On days 3 and 14, the abundance of Iba-1-immunoreactive (IR) cells, CD11c-IR cells (pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1)), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2)-IR M1-macrophages, CD206-IR cells (anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2)) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-IR M2-macrophages in the TG was analysed. The effect of continuous intra-TG administration of CCL2-neutralising antibody or recombinant-CCL2 on MHWRT was examined.

RESULTS

Incision-induced decrease in MHWRT was enhanced in SAMP8 compared with that in SAMR1. On days 3 and 14, the number of CCL2-IR M1-macrophages in TG was increased in SAMP8 compared with that in SAMR1. CCL2-neutralising antibody suppressed, whereas recombinant-CCL2 increased pain hypersensitivity in SAMP8.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical pain hypersensitivity after oral mucosal injury is potentiated and sustained by age-related enhancement of CCL2 signalling via M1-macrophage hyperactivation in TG.

Elucidation of cytotoxicity of α-Synuclein fibrils on immune cells

Progressive aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn), a small cytosolic protein involved in cell vesicle trafficking, in the midbrain, hypothalamus, and thalamus is linked to Parkinson's disease (PD). Amyloid oligomers and fibrils formed as a result of such aggregation are highly toxic to neurons. However, it remains unclear whether amyloid-induced toxicity of neurons is the primary mechanism of the progressive neurodegeneration observed upon PD. In the current study, we investigated cytotoxicity exerted by α-Syn fibrils formed in the lipid-free environment, as well as in the presence of two phospholipids, on macrophages, dendritic cells, and microglia. We found that α-Syn fibrils are far more toxic to dendritic cells and microglia compared to neurons. We also observe low toxicity levels of such amyloids to macrophages. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results suggest that toxicity of amyloids aggregates is linked to the levels of autophagy in cells. These results suggest that a strong impairment of the immune system in the brain may be the first stop of neurodegenerative processes that are taking place upon the onset of PD.

Interleukin-6 trans-signalling regulates monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy

OBJECTIVE

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is pathologically characterized by diffuse myofibre necrosis and regeneration, myophagocytosis and a sparse inflammatory infiltrate. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a key chemokine that regulates monocyte/macrophage infiltration into injured tissues. IL-6 signalling in the induction of MCP-1 expression has not been investigated in IMNM.

METHODS

MCP-1 expression in muscle specimens was assessed using immunohistochemistry and Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Levels of multiple serological cytokines were evaluated using the electrochemiluminescence-based immunoassays. Flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, dual-luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation qPCR were performed to explore the effects of IL-6 signalling on MCP-1 production in human myoblasts.

RESULTS

MCP-1 was scattered and was positively expressed within myofibres and a few inflammatory cells in the muscles of patients with IMNM. Sarcoplasmic MCP-1 expression significantly correlated with myonecrosis, myoregeneration and inflammatory infiltration. Serum MCP-1, IL-6 and the soluble form of the IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) were elevated in patients with IMNM compared with controls. Serological MCP-1 levels were significantly associated with serum IL-6 expression and clinical disease severity in IMNM patients. The IL-6/sIL-6R complex induced MCP-1 expression via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in human myoblasts. Mechanistically, phospho-STAT3 was enriched in the MCP-1 promoter region and promoted the transcription.

CONCLUSION

IL-6 trans-signalling may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of IMNM by augmenting inflammation through regulation of MCP-1 expression in IMNM.

Maternal obesity changes the small intestine endocannabinoid system and fecal metabolites of weanling rats associated with reduced intestinal permeability and impaired glucose homeostasis

The small intestine, including the endocannabinoid system (ECS), regulates the energy homeostasis. If maternal obesity modifies the intestinal ECS of the offspring favoring metabolic disorders throughout life is unexplored. Regardless maternal insults, overaction of the ECS has been related to obesity, mainly via type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) signaling, while type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) signaling and the endocannabinoid-like compounds, such as oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), have been associated with anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that maternal obesity changes the ECS in the small intestine of weanling rat offspring in a sex-specific manner associated with altered fecal metabolites. Female rats received a control diet (C; 9% fat) or an obesogenic diet (OD; 37.2% fat, 11.8% sucrose) 9 weeks before mating, gestation and lactation. Offspring were euthanized at weaning. Maternal obesity increased CB2 protein content and mRNA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the small intestine in male offspring, while decreased fecal content of PEA and OEA in both sexes. Maternal obesity decreased gut permeability, but impaired glycemic homeostasis. Concerning fecal levels of γ-aminobutyric acid, amino acids and hypoxanthine, maternal obesity induced a fecal signature related to inflammatory and glycemic homeostasis impairment and dysbiosis. Maternal obesity induced intestinal inflammation and the signaling of CB2, PEA, and OEA might be part of a counter-regulatory response, contributing to reduced gut permeability, but not enough to avoid overweight and glycemic impairment in the offspring at weaning. Our findings provide molecular insights into the intestinal and fecal biomarkers for metabolic disorders.

A Cross Sectional Study of Cytokines in Women with Refractory Detrusor Overactivity versus Controls

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Previous work has suggested that refractory detrusor overactivity (DO) was commonly associated with urinary tract infection (UTI), which can lead to inflammatory changes in the bladder. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of urinary cytokines in a large sample of women with refractory detrusor overactivity (DO) and age matched controls.

METHODS

The urinary concentration of 27 cytokines in 140 women (95 with refractory DO and 45 age matched controls (women without urge incontinence)) was determined using the Human Cytokine 27-plex Assay. Cytokine concentrations were correlated with a "UTI score", the presence or absence of bacteriuria or pyuria on the day of sample collection and a previous history of UTI.

RESULTS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in refractory DO women compared to the controls. In women with refractory DO, the UTI score significantly correlated with urinary cytokine concentrations in 15 of the 22 cytokines detected. A previous history of UTI did not affect urinary cytokine concentrations in refractory DO women with no current UTI. Increasing pyuria was associated with increasing concentrations of urinary cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Careful comparison of cytokine concentrations in women with refractory DO versus age matched controls has shown that changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines are related to the UTI disease burden, suggesting that an underlying inflammatory response, together with UTI, may be an aetiological contributor to the development of refractory DO.

Elevated protein lactylation promotes immunosuppressive microenvironment and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Metabolic reprogramming shapes the tumor microenvironment (TME) and may lead to immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Elucidating the impact of pancreatic cancer cell metabolism in the TME is essential to therapeutic interventions. "Immune cold" PDAC is characterized by elevated lactate levels resulting from tumor cell metabolism, abundance of protumor macrophages, and reduced cytotoxic T cells in the TME. Analysis of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in patients showed that increased global protein lactylation in PDAC correlates with worse clinical outcomes in immunotherapy. Inhibition of lactate production in pancreatic tumors via glycolysis or mutant-KRAS inhibition reshaped the TME, thereby increasing their sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. In pancreatic tumor cells, lactate induces K63 lactylation of endosulfine α (ENSA-K63la), a crucial step that triggers STAT3/CCL2 signaling. Consequently, elevated CCL2 secreted by tumor cells facilitates tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment to the TME. High levels of lactate also drive transcriptional reprogramming in TAMs via ENSA-STAT3 signaling, promoting an immunosuppressive environment. Targeting ENSA-K63la or CCL2 enhances the efficacy of ICB therapy in murine and humanized pancreatic tumor models. In conclusion, elevated lactylation reshapes the TME and promotes immunotherapy resistance in PDAC. A therapeutic approach targeting ENSA-K63la or CCL2 has shown promise in sensitizing pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.

Quercetin attenuates cisplatin-induced fatigue through mechanisms associated with the regulation of the HPA axis and MCP-1 signaling

Introduction

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom induced by chemotherapy. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether quercetin regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) signaling, two factors contributing to CRF in mice exposed to cisplatin.

Methods

Male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to the following five groups for 15 weeks: Control, CDDP, CDDP+TAK779 (an antagonist of MCP-1 receptor, human CC chemokine receptor R2 (CCR2)), CDDP+OQ (a diet containing 1% quercetin) and CDDP+IQ (quercetin given by ip, 10 mg/kg, 3 times/week).

Results

The results first showed that OQ and IQ significantly increased grip strength and locomotor activity, decreased plasma cortisol/corticosterone levels, and decreased the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA level in the brain tissues in mice exposed to CDDP. OQ and IQ also decreased CDDP-induced plasma levels of MCP-1 as well as the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and CCR2 in the brain stem. TAK779 significantly increased grip strength and tended to decrease the cortisol/corticosterone levels in CDDP-exposed mice, indicating the association between the HPA axis and MCP-1 signaling.

Conclusion

Taken together, the study suggests that quercetin could attenuate CDDP-induced CRF through the mechanisms associated with downregulation of the HPA axis and MCP-1 signaling in mice.

Single-cell multiomics reveal divergent effects of DNMT3A- and TET2-mutant clonal hematopoiesis in inflammatory response

ABSTRACT

DNMT3A and TET2 are epigenetic regulator genes commonly mutated in age-related clonal hematopoiesis (CH). Despite having opposed epigenetic functions, these mutations are associated with increased all-cause mortality and a low risk for progression to hematologic neoplasms. Although individual impacts on the epigenome have been described using different model systems, the phenotypic complexity in humans remains to be elucidated. Here, we make use of a natural inflammatory response occurring during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to understand the association of these mutations with inflammatory morbidity (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS]) and mortality. We demonstrate the age-independent, negative impact of DNMT3A mutant (DNMT3Amt) CH on COVID-19-related ARDS and mortality. Using single-cell proteogenomics we show that DNMT3A mutations involve myeloid and lymphoid lineage cells. Using single-cell multiomics sequencing, we identify cell-specific gene expression changes associated with DNMT3A mutations, along with significant epigenomic deregulation affecting enhancer accessibility, resulting in overexpression of interleukin-32 (IL-32), a proinflammatory cytokine that can result in inflammasome activation in monocytes and macrophages. Finally, we show with single-cell resolution that the loss of function of DNMT3A is directly associated with increased chromatin accessibility in mutant cells. Hence, we demonstrate the negative prognostic impact of DNMT3Amt CH on COVID-19-related ARDS and mortality. DNMT3Amt CH in the context of COVID-19, was associated with inflammatory transcriptional priming, resulting in overexpression of IL32. This overexpression was secondary to increased chromatic accessibility, specific to DNMT3Amt CH cells. DNMT3Amt CH can thus serve as a potential biomarker for adverse outcomes in COVID-19.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Inflammation Biomarkers in the Tolvaptan Era

With the approval of tolvaptan as the first specific medicine for the treatment of rapidly progressive Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), biomarker discovery has gained renewed interest as it is widely recognized that these will be crucial in clinical decision-making, serving as either prognostic or predictive tools. Since the marketing authorization was first issued in 2015 for ADPKD, tolvaptan has remained the sole pharmacological compound specifically targeting the disease. For ADPKD patients it is an invaluable medicine for retarding disease progression. Although the field of overall biomarker discovery and validation has been detailed in several publications, the role of inflammation remains largely overlooked in ADPKD. The current work aims to provide the reader with an updated review of inflammation biomarkers research in ADPKD, highlighting the role of urinary MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) as the most promising tool.

Arginine Metabolism Reprogramming in Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)-Induced Liver Injury

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent pollutant that has gained worldwide attention, owing to its widespread presence in the environment. Previous studies have reported that PFOA upregulates lipid metabolism and is associated with liver injury in humans. However, when the fatty acid degradation pathway is activated, lipid accumulation still occurs, suggesting the presence of unknown pathways and mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. In this study, adult C57BL/6N mice were exposed to PFOA at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg/day. Using integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics, it was uncovered that arginine metabolism was differentially downregulated in all three groups. In vitro studies confirmed the downregulation of arginine metabolism in MIHA cell lines treated with PFOA. Supplementation of arginine could effectively rescue liver injury and downregulate the chemokine levels caused by PFOA. This finding highlights the contribution of arginine metabolism in maintaining liver health following PFOA exposure and suggests potential mechanisms of metabolic and immune modulation.

Protein profile in urinary extracellular vesicles is a marker of malignancy and correlates with muscle invasiveness in urinary bladder cancer

Urinary Bladder Cancer (UBC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, has a high recurrence rate and unpredictable treatment responses. Thus, biomarkers are urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from both cancer- and immune cells and provide a snapshot of the originating cell. They are abundant in urine and are therefore candidate biomarkers for UBC. Isolated urinary EVs from 39 UBC patients were compared with EVs from healthy controls, prostate cancer patients and whole urine. Samples were from bladder urine at time of both transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURB) and cystectomy, as well as urine taken from the ureter at cystectomy. EVs were isolated by tangential flow filtration and differential ultracentrifugation and their protein composition was detected by Proximity Extension Assay (PEA; Olink, immuno-oncology panel). In UBC patients, the proteomic signature of bladder urine EVs differed from ureter urine EVs from the same individuals, and from bladder urine derived EVs of both healthy and prostate cancer controls. Pairwise comparison was performed with matched whole urine revealing proteins solely detected in isolated vesicles. Additionally, a distinct signature was identified in bladder urine EVs correlating with muscle invasiveness, and a trained classifier could predict UBC with 92 % accuracy. Some differentially expressed proteins, HO-1 and MMP7, were analysed by bead-based flow cytometry, where HO-1 was detected on the EV surface. Taken together, these results strengthen the rationale of using EVs as non-invasive biomarkers and prognostic tools for UBC.

Sleep deprivation-induced shifts in gut microbiota: Implications for neurological disorders

Sleep deprivation is a prevalent issue in contemporary society, with significant ramifications for both physical and mental well-being. Emerging scientific evidence illuminates its intricate interplay with the gut-brain axis, a vital determinant of neurological function. Disruptions in sleep patterns disturb the delicate equilibrium of the gut microbiota, resulting in dysbiosis characterized by alterations in microbial composition and function. This dysbiosis contributes to the exacerbation of neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline through multifaceted mechanisms, including heightened neuroinflammation, disturbances in neurotransmitter signalling, and compromised integrity of the gut barrier. In response to these challenges, there is a burgeoning interest in therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring gut microbial balance and alleviating neurological symptoms precipitated by sleep deprivation. Probiotics, dietary modifications, and behavioural strategies represent promising avenues for modulating the gut microbiota and mitigating the adverse effects of sleep disturbances on neurological health. Moreover, the advent of personalized interventions guided by advanced omics technologies holds considerable potential for tailoring treatments to individualized needs and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration and concerted research efforts are imperative for elucidating the underlying mechanisms linking sleep, gut microbiota, and neurological function. Longitudinal studies, translational research endeavours, and advancements in technology are pivotal for unravelling the complex interplay between these intricate systems.

Molecular and Functional Analysis of TLR 1, 2 and 6 in Peripheral Blood Monocytes of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic disabling mental disorder with high heritability, and several immune-regulating genes have been implicated in its pathophysiology In this study, we investigated the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1, 2, and 6 in peripheral blood monocytes from SZ patients and healthy control subjects (HCSs) in the Mexican population, focusing on specific SZ-associated gene variants. Gene expressions were assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was measured using flow cytometry. The secretory profiles of MALP2-stimulated monocytes were evaluated through immunoproteomic arrays. Our results indicate that patients with SZ carrying the rs4833093/TLR1 GG genotype exhibited significantly lower TLR1 gene expression compared to TT carriers. Notably, HCSs with the TT genotype showed markedly higher TLR1 protein expression, while all patients with SZ exhibited significantly reduced protein levels regardless of genotype. Furthermore, monocytes from patients with SZ displayed altered secretion profiles upon TLR stimulation, with significant elevations in IL-18, uPAR, angiopoietin-2, and serpin E1, alongside reductions in MCP-1, IL-17A, IL-24, MIF, and myeloperoxidase compared to HCSs. These findings suggest a dysfunctional TLR-mediated innate immune response in SZ.

Reduced autoimmunity associated with deletion of host CD73

CD73 is ubiquitously expressed and regulates critical functions across multiple organ systems. The sequential actions of CD39 and CD73 accomplish the conversion of adenosine triphosphate to adenosine and shift the adenosine triphosphate-driven proinflammatory immune cell milieu toward an anti-inflammatory state. This immunological switch is a major mechanism by which regulatory T (Treg) cells control inflammation. Foxp3 engages in Treg development and function. Foxp3 mutations result in the scurfy (SF) mouse phenotype and a rapidly lethal lymphoproliferative syndrome. We generated double knockout (KO) mouse (CD73KOSF) by breeding heterozygous Foxp3sf/J females to CD73KO male mice to remove host CD73. We initially aimed to use these mice to identify a specific probiotic-CD73 effect, previously shown for Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. We expected CD73 deletion to enhance the severity of autoimmunity in SF mice. However, we unexpectedly observed that KO of host CD73 in SF mice clinically reduced the severity of autoimmunity including reduced ear thickness, increased ear size, and less deformed ears, along with less dry and brittle skin. KO of CD73 in SF mice significantly reduced the numbers of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in spleen and blood. We identified that KO of CD73 in SF mice reduced the numbers of T cells in the thymus compared with those in SF mice, indicating that the milder clinical phenotype may be due to reduced central and peripheral lymphoproliferation. These new findings suggest targeting CD73 could improve T cell-mediated dermatitis, one of the most common symptoms in Treg deficiency-associated primary immune deficiencies.

Targeting QPCTL: An Emerging Therapeutic Opportunity

Glutaminyl cyclases, including glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT) and glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like protein (QPCTL), primarily catalyze the cyclization of N-terminal glutamine or glutamate to pyroglutamate (pGlu). QPCTL, in particular, modifies the N-terminus of CD47, thereby regulating its interaction with signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) and modulating phagocytosis of tumor cells by immune cells. Additionally, QPCTL cyclizes the N-termini of CCL2, CCL7, and CX3CL1, influencing the tumor microenvironment and inflammatory responses in cancer and other disorders. Consequently, QPCTL is considered a valuable therapeutic target for several human diseases. However, the development of QPCTL inhibitors remains in its early stages. This perspective summarizes the structural features, catalytic mechanisms, and biological functions of QPCTL, along with its recent advances in small-molecule inhibitors. It provides valuable insights into the development of novel QPCTL inhibitors.

Immunological composition of human milk before and during subclinical and clinical mastitis

Mastitis, an inflammatory condition affecting more than 25% of breastfeeding women, is usually associated with reduced milk secretion, pain, and discomfort, which often leads to early cessation of breastfeeding. Although the etiology of mastitis is multifactorial, a pro-inflammatory state of the mammary gland might be a risk factor. However, changes in milk composition, and specifically in the milk immune profile, prior to and during mastitis have not been well described. To help close this research gap, we documented the immune profiles of milk produced by both breasts of 10 women experiencing clinical (CM) and 8 women experiencing subclinical (SCM) mastitis during the week of sign/symptom development as well as the week prior and compared them with milk produced by 14 healthy controls. CM was defined as having signs/symptoms of mastitis, whereas SCM was presumed if the participant did not have signs/symptoms of CM, but her milk had a somatic cell count >400,000 cell/mL and/or sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio >1.0. Concentration of 36 immune factors (including immunoglobulins, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) was quantified via immunoassays. Milk produced by women who developed CM had distinct immune profiles the week prior to diagnosis, particularly elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and regulatory cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10. In contrast, immune profiles in milk produced by women with SCM did not differ from that produced by healthy women or those with CM the week prior to mastitis onset. Once mastitis appeared, marked changes in milk's immune profile were observed in both CM and SCM groups. CM was characterized by elevated concentrations of 27 compounds, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1ra, and TNFα) and chemokines (including IL-8, eotaxin, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP1α, and MIP1β), compared to healthy controls. Milk's immune profile during SCM was intermediate, showing higher levels of IL-6, IFNγ, and MCP-1 compared to healthy controls, suggesting a milder, more controlled immune response compared to CM. Only milk produced by the mastitis-affected breast had altered immune profiles. Further research is needed to determine if these differences in milk's immune profiles can be used to improve mastitis risk prediction prior to onset of symptoms.

Suppression of MCP-1, IFN-γ and IL-6 production of HNSCC ex vivo by pembrolizumab added to docetaxel and cisplatin (TP) exceeding those of TP alone is linked to improved survival

Background

Adding pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody approved for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to neoadjuvant (induction-) chemotherapy utilizing docetaxel and cisplatin (TP) followed by radiotherapy may improve outcome in larynx organ-preservation (LOP) that is investigated in the European Larynx-Organ preservation Study (ELOS). As biomarkers for response to TP and pembrolizumab +TP are missing but may include cytokines, this work aims on determining cytokines potentially linked to outcome as prognostic markers sufficient to predict and/or monitor response to successful LOP.

Methods

Collagenase IV digests were generated from 47 histopathological confirmed HNSCC tumor samples and seeded in 96-well plates containing pembrolizumab, docetaxel, cisplatin either solely or in binary or ternary combination. According to the FLAVINO protocol, supernatants were collected after 3 days, adherent cells fixed using ethanol, air-dried and pan-cytokeratin positive epithelial cells counted using fluorescence microscopy. The cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF in the supernatant were quantified by sandwich ELISA.

Results

The mode of interaction between pembrolizumab and TP was assessed and correlated to outcome (overall, disease-specific and progression-free survival of patients). Suppression of MCP-1, IFN-γ and IL-6 production by pembrolizumab + TP exceeding the suppressive effect of TP was detected in the majority of samples and linked to improved survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression modeling revealed MCP-1, IFN-γ and IL-6 as independent outcome predictors.

Conclusions

Comparing response to TP vs. pembrolizumab vs. TP + pembrolizumab may allow for identification of patients with superior outcome independent from treatment applied.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in carcinogenesis

In contemporary times, cancer poses the most significant threat to human life and safety. Scientists have relentlessly pursued the intricacies of carcinogenesis and explored ways to prevent and treat cancer. Carcinogenesis is a complex, multi-faceted, and multi-stage process, with numerous underlying causes, including inflammation and fibrosis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), however, occupy a pivotal and substantial role within the tumor microenvironment, facilitating carcinogenesis through diverse mechanisms such as creating inflammation, fostering a fibrotic tumor microenvironment, and immunosuppression. In this paper, we introduce the concept of carcinogenesis, explain its causes, describe the characteristics of CAFs and their sources, and highlight the roles and mechanisms of CAFs in promoting carcinogenesis. Ultimately, our aim is to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Backpack-carrying macrophage immunotherapy for periodontitis

Cell immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic modality to combat unmet medical needs. Macrophages offer a prominent cell therapy modality since their phenotypic plasticity allows them to perform a variety of roles including defending against pathogens, inducing/suppressing adaptive immunity, and aiding in wound healing. At the same time, this plasticity is a major hurdle in implementation of macrophage therapy. This hurdle can be overcome by cellular backpacks (BPs), discoidal particles that adhere on the macrophage surface and regulate M1/M2 phenotypic shift in an environment-independent manner. In this study, we engineered IL-4 BPs for maintaining macrophages in the M2 phenotype to regulate excess inflammation in periodontitis, a major oral infectious disease. IL-4 BPs induced and maintained M2 phenotype in macrophages in vitro for several days. After injection of macrophages carrying IL-4 BPs into the gingiva, the cells stayed in the tissue for over 5 days and maintained the M2 phenotype in the disease sites. Furthermore, treatment with IL-4 BP-macrophages significantly suppressed the disease progression. Altogether, a treatment with BP-carrying macrophages offers a promising local therapy against periodontitis.

Inflammatory changes in the choroid plexus following subarachnoid hemorrhage: the role of innate immune receptors and inflammatory molecules

Introduction

The choroid plexus is located in the cerebral ventricles. It consists of a stromal core and a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells that forms the blood-cerebrospinal barrier. The main function of the choroid plexus is to produce cerebrospinal fluid. Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysm rupture is a devastating type of hemorrhagic stroke. Following subarachnoid hemorrhage, blood and the blood degradation products that disperse into the cerebrospinal fluid come in direct contact with choroid plexus epithelial cells. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the pathophysiological cascades responsible for the inflammatory reaction that is seen in the choroid plexus following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods

Subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced in rats by injecting non-heparinized autologous blood to the cisterna magna. Increased intracranial pressure following subarachnoid hemorrhage was modeled by using artificial cerebrospinal fluid instead of blood. Subarachnoid hemorrhage and artificial cerebrospinal fluid animals were left to survive for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days. Immunohistochemical staining of TLR4, TLR9, FPR2, CCL2, TNFα, IL-1β, CCR2 and CX3CR1 was performed on the cryostat sections of choroid plexus tissue. The level of TLR4, TLR9, FPR2, CCL2, TNFα, IL-1β was detected by measuring immunofluorescence intensity in randomly selected epithelial cells. The number of CCR2 and CX3CR1 positive cells per choroid plexus area was manually counted. Immunohistochemical changes were confirmed by Western blot analyses.

Results

Immunohistochemical methods and Western blot showed increased levels of TLR9 and a slight increase in TLR4 and FRP2 following both subarachnoid hemorrhage as well as the application of artificial cerebrospinal fluid over time, although the individual periods were different. The levels of TNFα and IL-1β increased, while CCL2 level decreased slightly. Accumulation of macrophages positive for CCR2 and CX3CR1 was found in all periods after subarachnoid hemorrhage as well as after the application of artificial cerebrospinal fluid.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the inflammation develops in the choroid plexus and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in response to blood components as well as acutely increased intracranial pressure following subarachnoid hemorrhage. These pro-inflammatory changes include accumulation in the choroid plexus of pro-inflammatory cytokines, innate immune receptors, and monocyte-derived macrophages.

Emerging targets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): The promise of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter modulation

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative primarily affecting motor neurons, leading to disability and neuronal death, and ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter due to their role in drug efflux and modulation of various cellular pathways contributes to the pathogenesis of ALS. In this article, we extensively investigated various molecular and mechanistic pathways linking ALS transporter to the pathogenesis of ALS; this involves inflammatory pathways such as Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Toll-Like Receptor (TLR), Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK-3β), Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-κB), and Cyclooxygenase (COX). Oxidative pathways such as Astrocytes, Glutamate, Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1), Forkhead box protein O (FOXO), Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Additionally, we delve into the role of autophagic pathways like TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and lastly, the apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, by understanding these intricate interactions, we aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting ABC transporters, improving drug delivery, and ultimately offering a promising avenue for treating ALS.

Association of The MCP-1 rs1024611 Polymorphism with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in A Population of Indian Women: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine conditions that significantly impact the life quality of reproductive-aged women. In the Indian population, its prevalence varies from 3.7 to 22.5% depending on ethnicity and diagnostic criteria. Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in PCOS pathogenesis. The monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is an important chemotactic factor for inflammatory response of monocytes. Genetic variations in the MCP-1) gene may modulate MCP-1 expression. Although the association of the MCP-1 promoter polymorphism (-2518A/G) was extensively studied in different inflammatory conditions, there is only one report in PCOS conditions. Since no study was reported from the Indian population, we aimed to explore the association of the MCP-1 -2518A/G polymorphism (rs1024611) with PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, to analyse the distribution and association of rs1024611 with PCOS, polymerase chain reaction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was carried out in 202 patients who exhibited PCOS from menarche onwards or with higher severity of symptoms and 122 age-matched controls.

RESULTS

In our study, no significant correlation was observed in rs1024611 polymorphism with PCOS patients in comparison with control. In addition to this, we found no significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies between obese and non-obese PCOS patients.

CONCLUSION

Our finding suggests that the MCP-1 -2518 A/G polymorphism has not been associated with PCOS predisposition.

Ambient Air Pollution and Congenital Heart Disease: Updated Evidence and Future Challenges

Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents the major cause of infant mortality related to congenital anomalies globally. The etiology of CHD is mostly multifactorial, with environmental determinants, including maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants, assumed to contribute to CHD development. While particulate matter (PM) is responsible for millions of premature deaths every year, overall ambient air pollutants (PM, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide) are known to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this literature review, we provide an overview regarding the updated evidence related to the association between maternal exposure to outdoor air pollutants and CHD occurrence, also exploring the underlying biological mechanisms from human and experimental studies. With the exception of PM, for which there is currently moderate evidence of its positive association with overall CHD risk following exposure during the periconception and throughout pregnancy, and for ozone which shows a signal of association with increased risk of pooled CHD and certain CHD subtypes in the periconceptional period, for the other pollutants, the data are inconsistent, and no conclusion can be drawn about their role in CHD onset. Future epidemiological cohort studies in countries with different degree of air pollution and experimental research on animal models are warranted to gain a comprehensive picture of the possible involvement of ambient air pollutants in CHD etiopathogenesis. While on the one hand this information could also be useful for timely intervention to reduce the risk of CHD, on the other hand, it is mandatory to scale up the use of technologies for pollutant monitoring, as well as the use of Artificial Intelligence for data analysis to identify the non-linear relationships that will eventually exist between environmental and clinical variables.

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Reverse Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Pigs with Metabolic Syndrome and Renovascular Hypertension

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with low-grade inflammation, which can be exacerbated by renal artery stenosis (RAS) and renovascular hypertension, potentially worsening outcomes through pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigated whether mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) could reduce fat inflammation in pigs with MetS and RAS. Twenty-four pigs were divided into Lean (control), MetS, MetS + RAS, and MetS + RAS + MSCs. In the MSC-treated group, autologous adipose-derived MSCs (107 cells) were injected into the renal artery six weeks after RAS induction. After four weeks, fat volumes and inflammatory markers were assessed. MSC treatment reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-a, IL-6) in the renal vein blood and in perirenal fat. The MSCs also decreased fat fibrosis, restored adipocyte size, and altered adipogenesis-related gene expression, particularly in the perirenal fat. These effects were less pronounced in subcutaneous fat. The MSC therapy attenuated fat inflammation and improved metabolic outcomes in pigs with MetS + RAS, suggesting that adipose-derived MSCs may offer a promising therapeutic approach for metabolic disorders.

Investigation of the in vitro effects of cannabidiol, cannabidiolic acid, and the terpene β-caryophyllene on lymphocytes harvested from atopic and healthy dogs: A preliminary study

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties without the significant psychoactive effects. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of, and the production of cytokines after exposure to CBD, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and β-caryophyllene (BCP), alone and in combination, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy and atopic dogs. Six healthy and five atopic, privately-owned dogs were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were harvested and incubated for 24 h with different concentrations of CBD, CBDA, and BCP alone or in combination. Cell viability and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. There was no difference in cell viability between baseline and tested concentrations of CBD, CBDA, or BCP in either healthy or in atopic PBMC. There was no effect of CBD, CBDA and BCP on the secretion of cytokines compared to baseline in healthy or atopic PMBC. The only exception was interleukin (IL)-10, increased in healthy PMBC exposed to CBD 100 ng/mL (p = 0.031) or CBDA 600 ng/mL (p = 0.017). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), IL-2, and IL-18 were higher in atopic PBMC exposed to combinations of CBD, CBDA, and BCP compared to healthy post-exposure PBMC. This is the first study that tested the effect of CBD, CBDA, and BCP at different concentrations on atopic and healthy canine PBMC. The results of this study show that CBD, CBDA and BCP, at the tested concentrations, are safe for canine PBMC. However, CBD, CBDA and BCP did not show any direct anti-inflammatory effect under these experimental conditions. Further research is needed to confirm these results in a larger canine population.

A potential target for the future treatment of malignant pleural effusion: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)

Background and Aim: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common clinical problem. Management options are mainly pleurodesis and drainage, and have remained unchanged for years. Novel therapies that target the molecules responsible for fluid formation are needed to reduce the need for invasive procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of MCP-1 in the development of MPE in patients with metastatic pleural malignancies. Methods: Pleural effusion samples (8-10 ml) were collected from 100 patients who were divided into three groups: Group 1 (MPE, n = 56), Group 2 (benign exudate, n = 27) and Group 3 (transudate, n = 17). The collected effusions were promptly centrifuged at 4°C, and the supernatants were stored at -80°C. MCP-1 levels were determined by ELISA kit (USCN, Wuhan). Results: Median MCP-1 levels were found to be significantly different between the three groups (Group 1: 1303 pg/ml, Group 2: 926 pg/ml, Group 3: 211 pg/ml) (p < 0.001). MCP-1 levels were markedly higher but similar in Group 1 and Group 2, as compared to Group 3. When patients from Group 1 and Group 2 were combined, a positive correlation was observed between pleural fluid MCP-1 and LDH levels (r = 0.38; p = 0.001). Additionally, MCP-1 levels were observed to increase significantly as the volume of pleural fluid increased (p = 0.007). Conclusion: MCP-1 levels were found to be similarly high in both Group 1 (MPE) and Group 2 (Benign exudate), indicating that inflammation accompanying the tumor could play a role in the formation of pleural effusion. This suggests that the development of biological therapies targeting MCP-1 could be a promising approach in the future management of MPE.

Bindarit attenuates neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage by regulating the CCL2/CCR2/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The poor prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is closely linked to neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. The CCL2/CCR2 signaling axis, a cytoplasmic pathway responsible for recruiting immune cells, plays a significant role in regulating neuroinflammation in neurological diseases. Bindarit, an inhibitor of chemokine CC motif ligand 2(CCL2), has been shown to demonstrate neuroprotective effects in various central nervous system diseases. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Bindarit after SAH.

METHODS

Pre-processed RNA-seq transcriptome datasets GSE79416 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to identify genes differentially expressed between mice with SAH and control mice using bioinformatics methods. Bindarit, a CCL2 inhibitor, was administered intraperitoneally one hour after SAH. Recombinant CCL2 protein was administered via the lateral ventricle one hour before SAH induction. HT22 cells were cultured and stimulated by oxyhemoglobin to establish an in vitro model of SAH.

RESULTS

Analysis of GSE79416 datasets revealed upregulation of CCL2 expression, identifying it as a hub gene in SAH. Following SAH, CCL2 expression increased in rat brain tissue, reaching the highest level 24 h after SAH. Bindarit improved the short-term and long-term neurological deficits after SAH and also exhibited the anti-inflammatory effects following SAH. Conversely, administration of recombinant CCL2 protein attenuated the protective effects of Bindarit. In vitro, Bindarit significantly reduced neuronal inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous CCL2 expression was upregulated in the rat SAH model. Bindarit improved neurological functions and reduced neuroinflammation by regulating the CCL2/CCR2/NF-κB pathway in early brain injury after SAH.