Inflammation, ageing and chronic disease

Clinical manifestations of hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma and treatment outcomes according to age at diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to assess the clinical manifestations and prognostic value of age on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.

METHODS

Patients with hypopharynx SCC were extracted from the SEER database between 2004 and 2014. We examined the clinicopathological variables using Chi-squared tests and we evaluated the association between survival and different variables, including age, race, grade, tumour location, T category, N category and surgery therapies to the primary tumour, using the methods of Kaplan-Meier. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the effects of each variable on survival.

RESULTS

A total of 3702 patients were analysed. The patients aged 25-49 tended to be black and present withN3 and stage IV (P <.01). In multivariate analyses, the patients aged 25-39 had better survival rates, and the risk of death became higher with increasing age. Compared with patients aged 25 to 39 years, the hazard ratios for patients aged 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80-95 years were 1.190 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.584-2.423), 1.156 (95% CI 0.575-2.324), 1.315 (95% CI 0.654-2.642), 1.780 (95% CI 0.884-3.584) and 2.614 (95% CI 1.292-5.288) respectively. Subgroups analysis shows that the effect of advancing age was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor survival in patients who harboured moderately/poorly differentiated (all P <.05), T1-T4a, N0-N2b or stage I-IVa disease (all P <.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Younger patients tended to present with advanced N classification. Increasing age at diagnosis was associated with a significantly higher risk of poorer OS. However, when considering patients affected by more aggressive disease, age was not significantly associated with higher risk of dying from hypopharynx SCC. In high-risk patients, tumour characteristics rather than age should be considered when making treatment decisions.

Inflammaging: Blame the sons. Relationships between the number of sons and the level of inflammatory mediators among post-reproductive women

OBJECTIVES

Reproduction is costly, but sons and daughters differently influence maternal physiology, also in older age. In particular, having sons may negatively influence maternal health and may be associated with a shorter life span of mothers. Sons may also contribute to increased inflammaging, a chronic sub-clinical systemic inflammatory state characterized by elevated levels of serum inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the total number of children, and the number of daughters and sons separately on concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), and proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The participants were 378 women aged 45-92 who had 3.9 (SD 2.12, median = 4, range = 0-13) children, including 2.1 (SD 1.46, median = 2, range = 0-8) sons and 1.8 (SD 1.44, median = 2, range = 0-7) daughters on average.

RESULTS

We found a positive relationship between the overall number of children and IL-6 levels. CRP and IL-6 concentrations were positively associated with the number of sons but not with the number of daughters. Each son increased maternal CRP level by 11%, and IL-6 level by 6%. Neither the total number of children nor the number of daughters or sons were related to the TNF-α concentration.

DISCUSSION

Aging-associated inflammation in post-reproductive mothers with a higher number of sons supports the hypothesis of trade-offs between reproduction and health. Furthermore, these results provide new evidence contributing to the idea that having sons may have more detrimental effects on the maternal organism than having daughters.

Uncovering the Bone-Muscle Interaction and Its Implications for the Health and Function of Older Adults (the Wellderly Project): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

Bone and muscle are closely linked anatomically, biochemically, and metabolically. Acute exercise affects both bone and muscle, implying a crosstalk between the two systems. However, how these two systems communicate is still largely unknown. We will explore the role of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) in this crosstalk. ucOC is involved in glucose metabolism and has a potential role in muscle maintenance and metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

The proposed trial will determine if circulating ucOC levels in older adults at baseline and following acute exercise are associated with parameters of muscle function and if the ucOC response to exercise varies between older adults with low muscle quality and those with normal or high muscle quality.

METHODS

A total of 54 men and women aged 60 years or older with no history of diabetes and warfarin and vitamin K use will be recruited. Screening tests will be performed, including those for functional, anthropometric, and clinical presentation. On the basis of muscle quality, a combined equation of lean mass (leg appendicular skeletal muscle mass in kg) and strength (leg press; one-repetition maximum), participants will be stratified into a high or low muscle function group and randomized into the controlled crossover acute intervention. Three visits will be performed approximately 7 days apart, and acute aerobic exercise, acute resistance exercise, and a control session (rest) will be completed in any order. Our primary outcome for this study is the effect of acute exercise on ucOC in older adults with low muscle function and those with high muscle function.

RESULTS

The trial is active and ongoing. Recruitment began in February 2018, and 38 participants have completed the study as of May 26, 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide novel insights into bone and muscle crosstalk in older adults, potentially identifying new clinical biomarkers and mechanistic targets for drug treatments for sarcopenia and other related musculoskeletal conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618001756213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375925.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/18777.

Research progress on the potential delaying skin aging effect and mechanism of tea for oral and external use

Skin aging is characterized by the gradual loss of elasticity, the formation of wrinkles and various color spots, the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, and the structural changes of the dermis. With the increasingly prominent problems of environmental pollution, social pressure, ozone layer thinning and food safety, skin problems have become more and more complex. The skin can reflect the overall health of the body. Skincare products for external use alone cannot fundamentally solve skin problems; it needs to improve the overall health of the body. Based on the literature review in recent 20 years, this paper systematically reviewed the potential delaying effect of tea and its active ingredients on skin aging by oral and external use. Tea is the second-largest health drink after water. It is rich in tea polyphenols, l-theanine, tea pigments, caffeine, tea saponins, tea polysaccharides and other secondary metabolites. Tea and its active substances have whitening, nourishing, anti-wrinkle, removing spots and other skincare effects. Its mechanism of action is ultraviolet absorption, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, inhibition of extracellular matrix aging, inhibiting the accumulation of melanin and toxic oxidation products, balancing intestinal and skin microorganisms, and improving mood and sleep, among other effects. At present, tea elements skincare products are deeply loved by consumers. This paper provides a scientific theoretical basis for tea-assisted beauty and the high-end application of tea in skincare products.

RAGE: A potential therapeutic target during FGF1 treatment of diabetes-mediated liver injury

As a serious metabolic disease, diabetes causes series of complications that seriously endanger human health. The liver is a key organ for metabolizing glucose and lipids, which substantially contributes to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Exogenous fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) has a great potential for the treatment of diabetes. Receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a receptor for advanced glycation end products that involved in the development of diabetes‐triggered complications. Previous study has demonstrated that FGF1 significantly ameliorates diabetes‐mediated liver damage (DMLD). However, whether RAGE is involved in this process is still unknown. In this study, we intraperitoneally injected db/db mice with 0.5 mg/kg FGF1. We confirmed that FGF1 treatment not only significantly ameliorates diabetes‐induced elevated apoptosis in the liver, but also attenuates diabetes‐induced inflammation, then contributes to ameliorate liver dysfunction. Moreover, we found that diabetes triggers the elevated RAGE in hepatocytes, and FGF1 treatment blocks it, suggesting that RAGE may be a key target during FGF1 treatment of diabetes‐induced liver injury. Thus, we further confirmed the role of RAGE in FGF1 treatment of AML12 cells under high glucose condition. We found that D‐ribose, a RAGE agonist, reverses the protective role of FGF1 in AML12 cells. These findings suggest that FGF1 ameliorates diabetes‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis and elevated inflammation via suppressing RAGE pathway. These results suggest that RAGE may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of DMLD.

Modulation of Local Overactive Inflammation via Injectable Hydrogel Microspheres

Although injectable hydrogel microsphere has demonstrated tremendous promise in clinical applications, local overactive inflammation in degenerative diseases could jeopardize biomaterial implantation's therapeutic efficacy. Herein, an injectable "peptide-cell-hydrogel" microsphere was constructed by covalently coupling of APETx2 and further loading of nucleus pulposus cells, which could inhibit local inflammatory cytokine storms to regulate the metabolic balance of ECM in vitro. The covalent coupling of APETx2 preserved the biocompatibility of the microspheres and achieved a controlled release of APETx2 for more than 28 days in an acidic environment. By delivering "peptide-cell-hydrogel" microspheres to a rat degenerative intervertebral disc at 4 weeks, the expression of ASIC-3 and IL-1β was significantly decreased for 3.53-fold and 7.29-fold, respectively. Also, the content of ECM was significantly recovered at 8 weeks. In summary, the proposed strategy provides an effective approach for tissue regeneration under overactive inflammatory responses.

Amphibian regeneration and mammalian cancer: Similarities and contrasts from an evolutionary biology perspective: Comparing the regenerative potential of mammalian embryos and urodeles to develop effective strategies against human cancer

Here we review and discuss the link between regeneration capacity and tumor suppression comparing mammals (embryos versus adults) with highly regenerative vertebrates. Similar to mammal embryo morphogenesis, in amphibians (essentially newts and salamanders) the reparative process relies on a precise molecular and cellular machinery capable of sensing abnormal signals and actively reprograming or eliminating them. As the embryo's evil twin, tumor also retains common functional attributes. The immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining a physiological balance to provide surveillance against tumor initiation or to support its initiation and progression. We speculate that susceptibility to cancer development in adult mammals may be determined by the loss of an advanced regenerative capability during evolution and believe that gaining mechanistic insights into how regenerative capacity linked to tumor suppression is postnatally lost in mammals might illuminate an as yet unrecognized route to cancer treatment.

Early- and late-occurring damage in bone marrow cells of male CBA/Ca mice exposed whole-body to 1 GeV/n 48Ti ions

PURPOSE

To determine the early- and late-occurring damage in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood cells of male CBA/Ca mice after exposure to 0, 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5 Gy of 1 GeV/n titanium (48Ti) ions (one type of space radiation).

METHOD

We used the mouse in vivo blood-erythrocyte micronucleus (MN) assay for evaluating the cytogenetic effects of various doses of 1 GeV/n 48Ti ions. The MN assay was coupled with the characterization of epigenetic alterations (the levels of global 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine) in DNA samples isolated from BM cells. These analyses were performed in samples collected at an early time-point (1 week) and a late time-point (6 months) post-irradiation.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 48Ti ions induced genomic instability in exposed mice. Significant dose-dependent loss of global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was found but there were no changes in global 5-methylcytosine levels.

CONCLUSION

Since persistent genomic instability and loss of global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine are linked to cancer, our findings suggest that exposure to 48Ti ions may pose health risks.

Benchside to the bedside of frailty and cardiovascular aging: Main shared cellular and molecular mechanisms

Due to the impact that frailty and cardiac aging have on society and health systems, the mechanisms surrounding these conditions must be known. If the frailty and cardiovascular complications are due to numerous controllable factors or not, different strategies must be considered to improve the elderly patient's prognosis and improve their quality of life. This review aimed to investigate the main shared mechanisms of cardiac aging and frailty. MEDLINE-PubMed, Cohrane and EMBASE databases were searched to perform this review. The mesh-terms used for this search was frailty, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular aging, or heart failure (HF). Frailty frequently coexists with heart conditions since they share predisposing pathophysiological alterations, the aging process, and elevated comorbidity burden, contributing to fast functional decline and sarcopenia. Mitochondrial dysfunctions and decreased protein synthesis lead to protein degradation, denervation, atrophy, impairment in the fatty acid oxidation, resulting in cardiomyopathy. The homeostasis of muscle metabolism deteriorates with aging, leading to a reduction in muscle quality and quantity. The installation of a low-grade and chronic inflammatory process adds to an impairment in glucose, protein and lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular conditions, sarcopenia, and HF. The exacerbated rise in inflammatory biomarkers and impaired insulin resistance leads to worsening of the patient's general condition. The good news is that frailty is a dynamic syndrome, fluctuating between different states of seriousness but still has potential for reversibility based on physical activity, cognitive training, nutrition intervention, and a plethora of other approaches that can be performed by a multi-disciplinary team.

Plasma C-reactive protein is lower among marijuana using HIV-negative individuals but not among persons living with HIV

The use of marijuana is highly prevalent among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Past work has also shown that inflammation is elevated among YMSM, independent of HIV status. Here, we aim to examine the relationship between marijuana use and inflammation among this high-risk cohort, relative to use of other substances. Data were collected among YMSM aged 16-29 in Chicago. Multiplex cytokine and inflammatory biomarker assays were run on plasma from all persons living with HIV (PLWH) (n = 195) and a subset of HIV-negative participants (n = 489). Bivariate analyses and multivariable models assessed relationships between various substances and inflammatory biomarkers. Models were stratified by HIV status and adjusted for demographic characteristics. Most participants reported use of marijuana in the past 30 days (416, 60.8%). Mean blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were above the upper limit of normal (3.0 mg/L), indicative of increased risk for cardiovascular disease (mean CRP was 3.9 mg/L; SD = 8.5). In adjusted, stratified analyses, CRP was significantly lower among participants reporting frequent marijuana use (≥ 6 times per month), relative to those reporting never using marijuana, (β = - 0.38; 95% CI: - 0.73, - 0.03). However, this was entirely accounted for by an association among the HIV-negative participants and there was no significant association between marijuana use and blood CRP level among the PLWH. In summary, YMSM had markedly elevated marijuana use and blood CRP levels. Frequent marijuana use was associated with lower inflammation among only those not diagnosed with HIV. Further research is needed to explicate why there are differences between HIV-negative participants and PLWH and to leverage this information to characterize biological mechanisms by which marijuana decreases inflammation.

Association of clinical and laboratory variables with in-hospital incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients after acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective study

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Early prediction of DVT could enable physicians to perform a proper prevention strategy. We analyzed the association of clinical and laboratory variables with DVT to evaluate the risk of DVT in patients after AIS.AIS patients admitted to the Changsha Central Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 with length of stay in hospital ≥7 days were included. Clinical and laboratory variables for DVT at baseline were collected, and the diagnosis of DVT was confirmed by ultrasonography. Independent factors were developed by Multivariate logistic regression analysis.A total of 101 patients were included in the study. The in-hospital incidence of DVT after AIS was 19.8%(20/101). The average level of D-dimer when DVT detected was significant increased around 4-fold than that on admission (P < .001). Pulmonary infection (odds ratio [OR] = 5.4, 95%CI:1.10-26.65, P = .037)) and increased muscle tone (OR = 0.11, 95%CI:0.02-0.58, P = .010) as independent relevant factors for DVT were confirmed.Pulmonary infection as a risk factor and increased muscle tone as a protective factor for DVT were identified in patients after AIS. The level of D-dimer which increased around 4-fold compared to the initial level could be an indicator for DVT occurrence.

The Use of Curcumin for the Treatment of Renal Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which could develop and progress to end-stage renal disease. Increased inflammation and reduced antioxidant capacity commonly occur in CKD and hemodialysis patients. Curcumin is a natural bioactive compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review was undertaken with the main aim of assessing the effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on renal diseases based on clinical trials. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception up to April 6, 2020 to identify clinical trials assessing the effects of curcumin or turmeric alone, or in combination with other herbs or nutrients on renal diseases. Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. These randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprised 631 patients with either chronic kidney diseases (CKD), hemodialysis, diabetic proteinuria and nephropathy, and lupus nephritis. Curcumin/turmeric supplementation had favorable effects on renal diseases, particularly in terms of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, with the exception for proteinuria, their impact on clinical parameters, such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and serum albumin, was weak and not significant. No serious adverse effects were reported following curcumin/turmeric supplementation. Within the limitations of this review, it can be concluded that curcumin/turmeric supplementation might have some beneficial effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters of patients but no considerable positive impact on clinical outcomes of kidney diseases, apart from proteinuria.

The Anti-inflammatory Effects of the Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Alpinia officinarum Hance Mediated by the Suppression of NF-kappaB and MAPK Signaling

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Alpinia officinarum Hance extract (AOE) and identify its main active ingredients. AOE was obtained using a 95% ethanol extraction method. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to induce an inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that AOE exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of prostaglandin E2 secretion and cyclooxygenase -2 (COX-2) production. We further analyzed the components of AOE using high-performance liquid chromatography and found that AOE is comprised of several bioactive flavonoids including quercetin (Q), kaempferol (K), galangin (G), and curcumin (C). These four flavonoids effectively inhibited nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α production. Moreover, they reduced COX-2 and inducible NO synthase expressions via regulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathways. Furthermore, we compared and contrasted the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of these four flavonoids at the same dose in the LPS-induced cell inflammation model. The results showed that C is the most effective inhibitor of LPS-induced NO production. However, only Q and K effectively attenuated LPS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 elevations. In conclusion, AOE and its major bioactive compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced inflammation. As A. officinarum Hance is much cheaper than any of its four flavonoids, especially G, we suggest using AOE as an anti-inflammatory agent.

A highly sensitive multiplex immunoassay for inflammatory cytokines in dried blood spots

OBJECTIVES

Inflammatory cytokines are key regulators of inflammation, but current measurement approaches require venous blood to quantify low circulating concentrations associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation. This article describes a highly sensitive multiplex immunoassay protocol for the measurement of IL6, IL8, IL10, and TNFα in finger stick dried blood spot (DBS) samples.

METHODS

The protocol uses a multiplex electrochemiluminescent immunoassay platform. The following measures of assay performance were evaluated: reliability (inter-assay percent coefficient of variation; %CV), precision (intra-assay %CV), lower limit of detection (LLD), linearity of dilution, and agreement with results from matched plasma samples.

RESULTS

Analysis of three control samples across the assay range indicated an acceptable level of precision and reliability for each cytokine. Linearity of dilution returned average values that ranged from 104.1 to 127.6% of expected. Lower limits of detection for IL6, IL8, and IL10 were <0.5, and <1.0 pg/ml for TNFα. Level of agreement in results between matched DBS and plasma samples was high for all cytokines except for IL8.

CONCLUSIONS

Finger stick DBS sampling provides a viable alternative to venipuncture for the quantification of IL6, IL10, and TNFα at low concentrations associated with chronic inflammation. The presence of red blood cells may interfere with the quantification of IL8 in DBS. In facilitating blood collection in nonclinical settings this method can advance scientific understandings of how social and ecological contexts shape immune function and health over the life course.

Inflammasome Proteins as Inflammatory Biomarkers of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can result in severe vision loss and blurriness in the older population. The early and intermediate stages of AMD typically start without noticeable symptoms and can only be detected with a comprehensive eye exam. Because of the quiet onset of the disease, it is necessary to identify potential biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis, staging, and association with disease onset. Inflammasome signaling proteins are prominent biomarkers in the central nervous system, and the inflammasome has been shown to play a role in the innate inflammatory response in aging and AMD.

Methods

Serum from healthy controls and AMD patients were analyzed for the protein levels of Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), interleukin (IL)-18 and C-reactive protein (CRP) to determine cutoff points, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver operator characteristic curves, as well as univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression models.

Results

ASC, IL-18, and CRP were elevated in the serum of AMD patients when compared to healthy controls. The area under the curve (AUC) for ASC was 0.98 with a cutoff point of 365.6 pg/mL, whereas IL-18 had an AUC of 0.73 and a cutoff point of 242.4 pg/mL, and the AUC for CRP was 0.67 with a cutoff point of 8,684,152 pg/mL. Levels of IL-18 had a statistically significant linear correlation with that of ASC with an adjusted R² of 0.1906, indicating that 19% of IL-18 could be explained by ASC protein levels in serum. Moreover, a logistic regression model for the diagnosis of AMD consists of ASC and having a diagnosis of hypertension, indicating that these two factors (elevated levels of ASC and a diagnosis of hypertension [HTN]) are associated with the diagnosis of AMD.

Conclusions

ASC, IL-18, and CRP are elevated in patients with AMD, and the protein levels of IL-18 are partially the result of ASC protein expression. Moreover, elevated protein levels of ASC in serum and a diagnosis of HTN increase the odds of patients having a diagnosis of AMD.

Translational Relevance

Biomarkers of AMD may be used to monitor disease risk, response to treatment and disease progression.

A nuclear factor kappa B reporter cell line used to evaluate ex vivo the net inflammatory effect of plasma samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The overall clinical outcome of inflammatory conditions is the result of the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Because nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ĸB) is at the bottom of many inflammatory conditions, methods to evaluate the net effect of inflammation modulators on this master regulator have been conceptualized for years.

METHODS

Using an ex vivo NF-ĸB reporter cell line-based assay, plasma samples of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 27), psoriasis (n = 15), or severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) (n = 21) were investigated for NF-ĸB activation compared to plasma samples from 9 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

When separated by C-reactive protein (CRP) threshold levels, samples of patients exhibiting increased CRP levels (≥5 mg/l) activated NF-ĸB more efficiently than samples from patients with levels below 5 mg/l (P = 0.0001) or healthy controls (P = 0.04). Overall, there was a moderate association of CRP levels with NF-ĸB activation (Spearman r = 0.66; p < 0.0001). Plasma from COVID-19 patients activated NF-ĸB more efficiently (mean 2.4-fold compared to untreated reporter cells) than samples from any other condition (healthy controls, 1.8-fold, P = 0.0025; rheumatoid arthritis, 1.7-fold, P < 0.0001; psoriasis, 1.7-fold, P < 0.0001). In contrast, effects of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or healthy volunteer samples did not differ.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that a NF-ĸB reporter cell line can be used to evaluate the net inflammatory effect of clinical plasma samples. Patients with chronic but stable rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis do not exhibit increased plasma levels of NF-ĸB-activating compounds as opposed to COVID-19 patients with high inflammatory burden.

Flavonoid supplements increase neurotrophin activity to modulate inflammation in retinal genetic diseases

Retinal degenerative disorders induce loss of photoreceptors associated with inflammation, and negative remodeling and plasticity of neural retina. Retinal degenerative diseases may have genetic and/or environmental causes. Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium cells initiates a vicious circle increasing the ongoing inflammation in both retina and choroid. Flavonoids are polyphenolic molecules with antioxidant activity and  dietary intake, specifically of anthocyanins and flavanols, improves oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation. In vitro and ex vivo studies have also revealed biological effects of flavonoids on retinal protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. In this brief review, the protective role of flavonoids against retinal degeneration and inflammation will be discussed along with their therapeutic potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.

Impact of Age Stratification on the Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival Outcomes on Stage IV Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

To assess clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value of age stratification on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for stage IV oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 1357 patients were extracted from the SEER database between 2010 and 2014.

RESULTS

Younger patients tended to be male and present with advanced N classification and advancing age increases the risk of cancer related death. Subgroups analysis shows that the effect of advancing age was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor survival in non-Asian who harbored T2/T3/T4a, N2b/N2c or non-metastatic disease (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In high-risk patients, tumor characteristics rather than age should be considered when making treatment decisions.

Age-related CCL12 Aggravates Intracerebral Hemorrhage-induced Brain Injury via Recruitment of Macrophages and T Lymphocytes

Circulating factors associated with aging have been shown to be involved in the development of age-related chronic and acute brain diseases. Here, we aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of CCL12, a circulating factor that is highly expressed in the plasma of aged rodents after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) using parabiosis and ICH models. Neurological deficit score (NDS), mortality rate, brain water content (BWC), and levels of inflammatory factors were determined to assess the degree of ICH-induced brain injury. Peripheral inflammatory cell infiltration was examined using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. After confirming that acute brain injury after ICH was aggravated with age, we found that brain and plasma CCL12 levels were markedly higher in old mice than in young mice after ICH, and that plasma CCL12 was able to enter the brain. Using CCL12^-/- mice, we showed that the degree of damage in the brain—as determined by NDS, mortality rate, BWC, levels of inflammatory factors, and numbers of degenerative and apoptotic neural cells and surviving neurons was significantly attenuated compared to that observed in old wild-type (WT) mice. These effects were reversed in CCL12-treated old mice. The detrimental effects caused by CCL12 may involve its ability to recruit macrophages and T cells. Finally, the administration of an anti-CCL12 antibody markedly improved the outcomes of ICH mice. Our results are the first to indicate that elevated peripheral CCL12 levels in old mice aggravates ICH-induced brain injury by recruiting macrophages and T cells. Thus, CCL12 may be a new target for ICH treatment.

Inflammation as a risk factor for the development of frailty in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

Background

Research suggests that frailty is associated with higher inflammation levels. We investigated the longitudinal association between chronic inflammation and frailty progression.

Methods

Participants of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, aged 70 at baseline were tested four times over 12 years (wave 1: n = 1091, wave 4: n = 550). Frailty was assessed by; the Frailty Index at waves 1–4 and Fried phenotype at waves 1, 3 and 4. Two blood-based inflammatory biomarkers were measured at wave 1: Fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results

Fully-adjusted, linear mixed effects models showed higher Fibrinogen was significantly associated with higher wave 1 Frailty Index score (β = 0.011, 95% CI[0.002,0.020], p < .05). Over 12 year follow-up, higher wave 1 CRP (β = 0.001, 95% CI[0.000,0.002], p < .05) and Fibrinogen (β = 0.004, 95% CI[0.001,0.007], p < .05) were significantly associated with increased Frailty Index change. For the Fried phenotype, wave 1 Pre-frail and Frail participants had higher CRP and Fibrinogen than Non-frail participants (p < .001). Logistic regression models calculated risk of worsening frailty over follow-up and we observed no significant association of CRP or Fibrinogen in minimally-adjusted nor fully-adjusted models.

Conclusions

Findings showed a longitudinal association of higher wave 1 CRP and Fibrinogen on worsening frailty in the Frailty Index, but not Fried Phenotype. A possible explanation for this disparity may lie in the conceptual differences between frailty measures (a biopsychosocial vs physical approach). Future research, which further explores different domains of frailty, as well the associations between improving frailty and inflammation levels, may elucidate the pathway through which inflammation influences frailty progression. This may improve earlier identification of those at high frailty risk.

•

Research exploring inflammation and frailty change over time is lacking.

•

Inflammation is associated with frailty over time when measured by a Frailty Index.

•

Understanding this association may help improve frailty interventions.

•

Results differ according to the tool used to measure frailty.

•

Future research should continue to compare different ways of measuring frailty.

Deficiency of the SMOC2 matricellular protein impairs bone healing and produces age-dependent bone loss

Secreted extracellular matrix components which regulate craniofacial development could be reactivated and play roles in adult wound healing. We report a patient with a loss-of-function of the secreted matricellular protein SMOC2 (SPARC related modular calcium binding 2) presenting severe oligodontia, microdontia, tooth root deficiencies, alveolar bone hypoplasia, and a range of skeletal malformations. Turning to a mouse model, Smoc2-GFP reporter expression indicates SMOC2 dynamically marks a range of dental and bone progenitors. While germline Smoc2 homozygous mutants are viable, tooth number anomalies, reduced tooth size, altered enamel prism patterning, and spontaneous age-induced periodontal bone and root loss are observed in this mouse model. Whole-genome RNA-sequencing analysis of embryonic day (E) 14.5 cap stage molars revealed reductions in early expressed enamel matrix components (Odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein) and dentin dysplasia targets (Dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1). We tested if like other matricellular proteins SMOC2 was required for regenerative repair. We found that the Smoc2-GFP reporter was reactivated in adjacent periodontal tissues 4 days after tooth avulsion injury. Following maxillary tooth injury, Smoc2^−/− mutants had increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption surrounding the extracted molar. Interestingly, a 10-day treatment with the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitor ibuprofen (30 mg/kg body weight) blocked tooth injury-induced bone loss in Smoc2^−/− mutants, reducing matrix metalloprotease (Mmp)9. Collectively, our results indicate that endogenous SMOC2 blocks injury-induced jaw bone osteonecrosis and offsets age-induced periodontal decay.

Myeloproliferative blood cancers as a human neuroinflammation model for development of Alzheimer's disease: evidences and perspectives

Chronic inflammation and involvement of myeloid blood cells are associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Chronic inflammation is a highly important driving force for the development and progression of the chronic myeloproliferative blood cancers (MPNs), which are characterized by repeated thrombotic episodes years before MPN-diagnosis, being elicited by elevated erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets. Mutations in blood cells, the JAK2V617F and TET2-mutations, contribute to the inflammatory and thrombogenic state. Herein, we discuss the MPNs as a human neuroinflammation model for AD development, taking into account the many shared cellular mechanisms for reduction in cerebral blood, including capillary stalling with plugging of blood cells in the cerebral microcirculation. The therapeutic consequences of an association between MPNs and AD are immense, including reduction in elevated cell counts by interferon-alpha2 or hydroxyurea and targeting the chronic inflammatory state by JAK1-2 inhibitors, e.g., ruxolitinib, in the future treatment of AD.

Transcriptomic analysis highlights cochlear inflammation associated with age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mice using next generation sequencing

Background

In our aging society, age-related hearing loss (AHL) is the most common sensory disorder in old people. Much progress has been made in understanding the pathological process of AHL over the past few decades. However, the mechanism of cochlear degeneration during aging is still not fully understood.

Methods

Next generation sequencing technique was used to sequence the whole transcriptome of the cochlea of C57BL/6 mice, a mouse model of AHL. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Cuffdiff software. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were implemented by using the GOseq R package and KOBAS software, respectively.

Results

A total of 731 genes (379 up- and 352 down-regulated) were revealed to be differentially expressed in the cochlea of aged mice compared to the young. Many genes associated with aging, apoptosis, necroptosis and particularly, inflammation were identified as being significantly modulated in the aged cochlea. GO and KEGG analyses of the upregulated DEGs revealed that the most enriched terms were associated with immune responses and inflammatory pathways, whereas many of the downregulated genes are involved in ion channel function and neuronal signaling. Real-time qPCR showed that H₂O₂ treatment significantly induced the expression of multiple inflammation and necroptosis-related genes in HEI-OC1 cells.

Conclusion

Using next generation sequencing, our transcriptomic analysis revealed the differences of gene expression pattern with age in the cochlea of C57BL/6 mice. Our study also revealed multiple immune and inflammatory transcriptomic changes during cochlear aging and provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cochlear inflammation in AHL.

Robustness during Aging-Molecular Biological and Physiological Aspects

Understanding the process of aging is still an important challenge to enable healthy aging and to prevent age-related diseases. Most studies in age research investigate the decline in organ functionality and gene activity with age. The focus on decline can even be considered a paradigm in that field. However, there are certain aspects that remain surprisingly stable and keep the organism robust. Here, we present and discuss various properties of robust behavior during human and animal aging, including physiological and molecular biological features, such as the hematocrit, body temperature, immunity against infectious diseases and others. We examine, in the context of robustness, the different theories of how aging occurs. We regard the role of aging in the light of evolution.

Bereavement is associated with reduced systemic inflammation: C-reactive protein before and after widowhood

BACKGROUND

Bereavement is associated with poorer health and early mortality. Increased systemic inflammation is one pathophysiological pathway thought to explain this health risk. However, few studies have examined systemic inflammation before and after widowhood.

PURPOSE

The current study examined the associations between inflammation and widowhood status before and after bereavement in a sample of married adults who became widowed between assessments in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

METHODS

We examined levels and change over time in systemic inflammation, as assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP), among participants who became bereaved (n = 199). We then compared these results to a sample of participants whose spouse remained living, selected using a propensity score matching algorithm (n = 199).

RESULTS

Contrary to expectations, widowed participants' CRP decreased following bereavement, d = -0.29, p < 0.001. Change in CRP was not associated with pre-loss depression levels, caregiving status, marital quality, number of chronic diseases, prescribed medications, body mass index, age, or sex. Compared to continuously married participants, widowed participants' evidenced a significantly greater decrease in CRP after their spouse's death, β = -0.14, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Widowed adults' systemic inflammation decreased significantly following bereavement, both as a group and compared to people who remained married. We discuss possible explanations for this counterintuitive finding, including the measure of inflammation used in the study and the timing of the study measurements.

A pretargeting nanoplatform for imaging and enhancing anti-inflammatory drug delivery

This work details a newly developed “sandwich” nanoplatform via neutravidin-biotin system for the detection and treatment of inflammation. First, biotinylated- and folate-conjugated optical imaging micelles targeted activated macrophages via folate/folate receptor interactions. Second, multivalent neutravidin proteins in an optimal concentration accumulated on the biotinylated macrophages. Finally, biotinylated anti-inflammatory drug-loaded micelles delivered drugs effectively at the inflammatory sites via a highly specific neutravidin-biotin affinity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the “sandwich” pretargeting platform was able to diagnose inflammation by targeting activated macrophages as well as improve the therapeutic efficacy by amplifying the drug delivery to the inflamed tissue. The overall results support that our new pretargeting platform has the potential for inflammatory disease diagnosis and treatment.

•

A “sandwich” nanoplatform system is developed for the improved detection and treatment of inflammation.

•

Biotinylated- and folate-conjugated optical imaging micelles are designed to pre-target activated macrophages.

•

Multivalent neutravidins accumulate on the biotinylated macrophages via neutravidin-biotin reactions.

•

Biotinylated micelles can deliver drugs effectively at the inflammatory sites via specific neutravidin/biotin affinity.

Chronic Pancreatitis and Nutrition Therapy

Chronic pancreatitis is a complex and irreversible disease of the pancreas and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nutrition deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis are common and can be atypical in nature. As such, the management of these deficiencies can be individualized for patients. The aim of this review is to discuss the components of nutrition deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis, their management, and the current areas of research that are being explored. The clinical guidelines of major national and international societies were analyzed for recommendations on the nutrition management of chronic pancreatitis. The etiology of nutrition deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis is multifactorial and includes aspects of exocrine and/or endocrine dysfunction, significant abdominal pain, often persistent alcohol consumption, and increased metabolic activity. A large number of patients with nutrition deficiencies are underrecognized and undertreated. Although the majority of these patients can be managed by oral and pancreatic enzyme supplementation, some patients may require enteral tube feeding and, in rare cases, parenteral feeding. Current areas of research include the accurate identification of patients at risk for nutrition deficiencies, optimization of feeding regimens, and research into islet cell autotransplantation.

Frailty is independently associated with mortality in 11 001 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of older adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is increasing. Frailty is an important predictor of outcomes in many chronic disease states. The implications of frailty have not been well-delineated in IBD.

AIMS

To report the prevalence of a frailty-associated diagnosis and determine the association between frailty and mortality in a cohort of IBD patients.

METHODS

In a cohort of 11 001 IBD patients, we applied a validated definition of frailty using International Classification of Disease codes. We compared frail IBD patients to those without a frailty-related code ("fit"). We constructed multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for clinically pertinent confounders (age, gender, race, IBD type, follow-up, IBD-related surgery, ≥1 comorbidity in the Charlson comorbidity index [CCI], and immunosuppression use) to determine whether frailty predicts mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 675 (6%) IBD patients had a frailty-related diagnosis. The prevalence of frailty increased with age, rising from 4% in 20-29 year olds to 25% in patients 90 years or older. The most prevalent frailty diagnosis was protein-energy malnutrition. The strongest predictors of frailty were non-IBD comorbidity, all-cause and IBD-related, hospitalisations. Frailty remained independently associated with mortality after adjusting for age, sex, duration of follow-up, comorbidity, need for IBD-related surgery and immunosuppression (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 2.29-3.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is prevalent in IBD patients and increases with age. Frailty nearly triples the odds of mortality for IBD patients. Risk stratifying patients by frailty may improve outcomes.

The Inflammasome Adaptor Protein ASC in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by memory loss in the absence of dementia and is considered the translational stage between normal aging and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Patients with MCI have a greater risk of advancing to AD. Thus, identifying early markers of MCI has the potential to increase the therapeutic window to treat and manage the disease. Protein levels of the inflammasome signaling proteins apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and interleukin (IL)-18 were analyzed in the serum of patients with MCI, AD and healthy age-matched donors as possible biomarkers, as well as levels of soluble amyloid precursor proteins α/β (sAPP α/β) and neurofilament light (NfL). Cut-off points and positive and negative predictive values, as well as receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, likelihood ratios and accuracy were determined for these proteins. Although the levels of ASC were higher in MCI and AD than in age-matched controls, protein levels of ASC were higher in MCI than in AD cases. For control vs. MCI, the area under the curve (AUC) for ASC was 0.974, with a cut-off point of 264.9 pg/mL. These data were comparable to the AUC for sAPP α and β of 0.9687 and 0.9068, respectively, as well as 0.7734 for NfL. Moreover, similar results were obtained for control vs. AD and MCI vs. AD. These results indicate that ASC is a promising biomarker of MCI and AD.

Ectopic Lymphoid Organs and Immune-Mediated Diseases: Molecular Basis for Pharmacological Approaches

Chronic inflammation is the result a persistent increase in the expression of several proinflammatory pathways with impaired inflammatory resolution. Ectopic lymphoid organs (ELOs), untypical lymphoid annexes, emerge during chronic inflammation and contribute to the physiopathology of chronic inflammatory disorders. This review discusses the pathophysiological role of ELOs in the progression of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), atherosclerosis, and Sjögren syndrome (SSj). The molecular pathways underlying the emergence of ELOs are of interest for the development of novel pharmacological approaches for the management of chronic inflammatory diseases.

The NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Critical Actor in the Inflammaging Process

As a consequence of the considerable increase in the human lifespan over the last century, we are experiencing the appearance and impact of new age-related diseases. The causal relationships between aging and an enhanced susceptibility of suffering from a broad spectrum of diseases need to be better understood. However, one specific shared feature seems to be of capital relevance for most of these conditions: the low-grade chronic inflammatory state inherently associated with aging, i.e., inflammaging. Here, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms that link aging and inflammaging, focusing on the role of the innate immunity and more concretely on the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, as well as how the chronic activation of this inflammasome has a detrimental effect on different age-related disorders.

Time to test antibacterial therapy in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is associated with cerebral accumulation of amyloid-β peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau. In the past 28 years, huge efforts have been made in attempting to treat the disease by reducing brain accumulation of amyloid-β in patients with Alzheimer's disease, with no success. While anti-amyloid-β therapies continue to be tested in prodromal patients with Alzheimer's disease and in subjects at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, there is an urgent need to provide therapeutic support to patients with established Alzheimer's disease for whom current symptomatic treatment (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl d-aspartate antagonist) provide limited help. The possibility of an infectious aetiology for Alzheimer's disease has been repeatedly postulated over the past three decades. Infiltration of the brain by pathogens may act as a trigger or co-factor for Alzheimer's disease, with Herpes simplex virus type 1, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Porphyromonas gingivalis being most frequently implicated. These pathogens may directly cross a weakened blood-brain barrier, reach the CNS and cause neurological damage by eliciting neuroinflammation. Alternatively, pathogens may cross a weakened intestinal barrier, reach vascular circulation and then cross blood-brain barrier or cause low grade chronic inflammation and subsequent neuroinflammation from the periphery. The gut microbiota comprises a complex community of microorganisms. Increased permeability of the gut and blood-brain barrier induced by microbiota dysbiosis may impact Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Inflammatory microorganisms in gut microbiota are associated with peripheral inflammation and brain amyloid-β deposition in subjects with cognitive impairment. Oral microbiota may also influence Alzheimer's disease risk through circulatory or neural access to the brain. At least two possibilities can be envisaged to explain the association of suspected pathogens and Alzheimer's disease. One is that patients with Alzheimer's disease are particularly prone to microbial infections. The other is that microbial infection is a contributing cause of Alzheimer's disease. Therapeutic trials with antivirals and/or antibacterials could resolve this dilemma. Indeed, antiviral agents are being tested in patients with Alzheimer's disease in double-blind placebo-controlled studies. Although combined antibiotic therapy was found to be effective in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, antibacterial drugs are not being widely investigated in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This is because it is not clear which bacterial populations in the gut of patients with Alzheimer's disease are overexpressed and if safe, selective antibacterials are available for them. On the other hand, a bacterial protease inhibitor targeting P. gingivalis toxins is now being tested in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Clinical studies are needed to test if countering bacterial infection may be beneficial in patients with established Alzheimer's disease.

Effects of edible plant polyphenols on gluten protein functionality and potential applications of polyphenol-gluten interactions

Expanding plant-based protein applications is increasingly popular. Polyphenol interactions with wheat gluten proteins can be exploited to create novel functional foods and food ingredients. Polyphenols are antioxidants, thus generally decrease gluten strength by reducing disulfide cross-linking. Monomeric polyphenols can be used to reduce dough mix time and improve flexibility of the gluten network, including to plasticize gluten films. However, high-molecular-weight polyphenols (tannins) cross-link gluten proteins, thereby increasing protein network density and strength. Tannin-gluten interactions can greatly increase gluten tensile strength in dough matrices, as well as batter viscosity and stability. This could be leveraged to reduce detrimental effects of healthful inclusions, like bran and fiber, to loaf breads and other wheat-based products. Further, the dual functions of tannins as an antioxidant and gluten cross-linker could help restructure gluten proteins and improve the texture of plant-based meat alternatives. Tannin-gluten interactions may also be used to reduce inflammatory effects of gluten experienced by those with gluten allergies and celiac disease. Other potential applications of tannin-gluten interactions include formation of food matrices to reduce starch digestibility; creation of novel biomaterials for edible films or medical second skin type bandages; or targeted distribution of micronutrients in the digestive tract. This review focuses on the effects of polyphenols on wheat gluten functionality and discusses emerging opportunities to employ polyphenol-gluten interactions.

Modelling biological age based on plasma peptides in Han Chinese adults

Age-related disease burdens increased over time, and whether plasma peptides can be used to accurately predict age in order to explain the variation in biological indicators remains inadequately understood. Here we first developed a biological age model based on plasma peptides in 1890 Chinese Han adults. Based on mass spectrometry, 84 peptides were detected with masses in the range of 0.6-10.0 kDa, and 13 of these peptides were identified as known amino acid sequences. Five of these thirteen plasma peptides, including fragments of apolipoprotein A-I (m/z 2883.99), fibrinogen alpha chain (m/z 3060.13), complement C3 (m/z 2190.59), complement C4-A (m/z 1898.21), and breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein (m/z 1607.84) were finally included in the final model by performing a multivariate linear regression with stepwise selection. This biological age model accounted for 72.3% of the variation in chronological age. Furthermore, the linear correlation between the actual age and biological age was 0.851 (95% confidence interval: 0.836-0.864) and 0.842 (95% confidence interval: 0.810-0.869) in the training and validation sets, respectively. The biological age based on plasma peptides has potential positive effects on primary prevention, and its biological meaning warrants further investigation.

The impact of age-related sub-chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos on metabolic indexes in male rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphorus pesticide (OP), has been implicated in metabolic diseases; however, the data are controversial. Rising age has been found as a main risk factor for metabolic diseases, and it has been proposed that advanced age increases susceptibility to the toxic effects of OPs. Therefore, this investigation aimed to evaluate the impact of CPF on hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammation in animals with different ages. CPF (5 mg/kg) for 45 consecutive days was administered orally to male Wistar rats with different ages including 2-, 10-, and 20-month-old. The results indicated an increase in glucose and inflammatory indices, and also lipid profile was changed in the serum of aged animals in comparison with the 2-month-old animals. CPF administration amplified these parameters in the 20-month-old rats in comparison with that of aged-matched controls. The histopathological examination also indicated that CPF caused slight to moderate changes in the liver of 2-, 10-, and 20-month-old animals. Cholestasis was also observed in the CPF-administrated 20-month-old rats. In conclusion, aging may increase the susceptibility to CPF-induced metabolic disturbances in the animal models. It is proposed that advancing in age elevates the susceptibility to the metabolic effects of CPF.

Pretreatment Frailty Is Independently Associated With Increased Risk of Infections After Immunosuppression in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Infections are an important adverse effect of immunosuppression for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, risk of infection cannot be sufficiently determined based on patients' ages or comorbidities. Frailty has been associated with outcomes of patients with other inflammatory diseases. We aimed to determine the association between frailty and risk of infections after immunosuppression for IBD.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study of 11,001 patients with IBD, using a validated frailty definition based on International Classification of Disease codes to identify patients who were frail vs fit in the 2 years before initiation of an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or immunomodulator therapy, from 1996 through 2010. Our primary outcome was an infection in the first year after treatment. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for clinically pertinent confounders (age, comorbidities, steroid use, and combination therapy) to determine the association between frailty and posttreatment infections.

RESULTS

There were 1299 patients treated with an anti-TNF agent and 2676 patients treated with an immunomodulator. In this cohort, 5% of patients who received anti-TNF therapy and 7% of patients who received an immunomodulator were frail in the 2 years before immunosuppression. Frail patients were older and had more comorbidities. Higher proportions of frail patients developed infections after treatment (19% after TNF and 17% after immunomodulators) compared with fit patients (9% after TNF and 7% after immunomodulators; P < .01 for frail vs fit in both groups). Frail patients had an increased risk of infection after we adjusted for age, comorbidities, and concomitant medications (anti-TNF adjusted odds ratio, 2.05 [95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.93] and immunomodulator adjusted odds ratio, 1.81 [95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.70]).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty was associated with infections after immunosuppression in patients with IBD after we adjust for age and comorbidities. Systematic assessment and strategies to improve frailty might reduce infection risk in patients with IBD.

Fibroblast growth factor 1 ameliorates diabetes-induced splenomegaly via suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a common metabolic disorder, which causes several physiological and pathological complications. Spleen is regarded as an important organ, which regulates immune system and iron metabolism in the body. Precious few studies have been conducted to explore the pathological and deleterious roles of diabetes on spleen. In our current study, we have explored and confirmed the pathological effects of diabetes on spleen in db/db experimental mice model. In our current study, 0.5 mg/kg fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) dose was intraperitoneally administrated to db/db mice. We found that diabetes evidently induced spleen enlargement and fibrosis progression in the db/db mice. Additionally, our studies demonstrate that iron has hugely deposited in the spleen in db/db mice. Several studies have documented that diabetes largely disrupts the inflammatory cells distribution, immune homeostasis, proliferation and oxidative stress with the down-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant activities. Moreover, we have observed that FGF1 administration significantly reversed the deleterious effect of diabetes on spleen enlargement and dysfunction. In summary, these substantial findings clearly demonstrate that diabetes plays deleterious roles in maintaining the spleen structure and functions. Therefore, our investigations suggest that FGF1 can effectively prevent diabetes-mediated splenomegaly progression.

Inflammatory Markers and Plasma Fatty Acids in Predicting WBC Level Alterations in Association With Glucose-Related Markers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aging leads to immune function changes which contribute to occurrence of chronic conditions. White blood cell (WBC) level is a marker widely known to reflect the immune function, thus, prediction of WBC level changes by using certain biomarkers is needed to prevent chronic conditions and to decrease the burdens of aging. In this respect, the present study aimed to explore the relationships between inflammatory markers and plasma fatty acid (FA) composition according to WBC levels for verifying potential predictors of WBC levels. Study subjects were divided into three groups according to their WBC count: moderate-low WBC (MLW), normal WBC, and moderate-high WBC (MHW). Inflammatory markers were measured, and plasma FA profiles were constructed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the MHW group, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interferon (IFN)-γ showed significant increases compared to those in the other groups. In addition, the granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR) significantly increased according to the WBC levels, whereas the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) showed the opposite result. Total ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) showed significant differences among the groups. Regarding ω-6 PUFAs, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and docosatetraenoic acid levels were significantly increased in the MHW group compared to the other groups. Finally, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that GGT, hs-CRP, IFN-γ, ω-3 PUFAs, and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid were independent factors for altering WBC levels. In conclusion, elevated WBC levels accompanied by an increased GLR and a decreased PLR were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes based on increased insulin and HOMA-IR levels and decreased adiponectin levels. Additionally, GGT, hs-CRP, IFN-γ, ω-3 PUFAs, and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid levels emerged as independent biomarkers for predicting WBC level alterations. Therefore, this study showed that these inflammatory markers and plasma FAs not only affect WBC level alterations but also may play roles in the risk of type 2 diabetes as one of the chronic conditions by certain mechanisms, which should be further studied. Finally, checking these biomarkers along with WBC levels can be helpful to prevent the chronic conditions.

Antioxidant Antagonises Chemotherapeutic Drug Effect in Lung Cancer Cell Line A549

Objective:

This study aimed to find whether antioxidants increase or decrease the effect of chemotherapeutic drug in the in vitro model.

Methods:

Small lung Cancer cell line (A549) was treated with anticancer drug 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) at different concentration viz., 1, 10, 50 and 100μM and the proliferation was measured using MTT assay. The antioxidant N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in different ratios viz., 1mM, 5mM and 10mM were assayed for their effect in proliferation on the A549 cells alone and in combination with 6-TG.

Results:

Our experiment proves that anticancer drug 6-TG decreases the proliferation and the antioxidant NAC enhances the proliferation of A549 cells. Strikingly when co-treated with 6-TG, the antioxidant NAC diminished the proliferation reduction action of 6-TG on A549 cells.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that antioxidants in fact benefit the tumor cell growth when treated alone and when in combination with anticancer drug, it severely impair the activity of the drug. We propose that extreme care should be taken when prescribing antioxidants alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics.

Advances in Research on the Bioactivity of Alginate Oligosaccharides

Alginate is a natural polysaccharide present in various marine brown seaweeds. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a degradation product of alginate, which has received increasing attention due to its low molecular weight and promising biological activity. The wide-ranging biological activity of AOS is closely related to the diversity of their structures. AOS with a specific structure and distinct applications can be obtained by different methods of alginate degradation. This review focuses on recent advances in the biological activity of alginate and its derivatives, including their anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and hypoglycemic properties, as well as the ability to suppress obesity and promote cell proliferation and regulate plant growth. We hope that this review will provide theoretical basis and inspiration for the high-value research developments and utilization of AOS-related products.

Antimicrobial prescribing in older adults

Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to older adult health and well-being. Determining the appropriate use and selection of antimicrobials in older adults can be challenging. Age-related physiologic changes, multiple comorbidities, and polypharmacy are factors that can make prescribing antimicrobials complicated and the effectiveness of therapy unpredictable.

Roles of Carotenoids in Invertebrate Immunology

Carotenoids are biologically active pigments that are well-known to enhance the defense and immunity of the vertebrate system. However, in invertebrates, the role of carotenoids in immunity is not clear. Therefore, this study aims to review the scientific evidence for the role of carotenoids in invertebrate immunization. From the analysis of published literatures and recent studies from our laboratory, it is obvious that carotenoids are involved in invertebrate immunity in two ways. On the one hand, carotenoids can act as antioxidant enzymes to remove singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radicals, and hydroxyl radicals, thereby reducing SOD activity and reducing the cost of immunity. In some organisms, carotenoids have been shown to promote SOD activity by up-regulating the expression of the ZnCuSOD gene. Carotenoids, on the other hand, play a role in the expression and regulation of many genes involved in invertebrate immunity, including thioredoxins (TRX), peptidoglycan recognition receptor proteins (PGRPs), ferritins, prophenoloxidase (ProPO), vitellogenin (Vg), toll-like receptor (TLRs), heat shock proteins (HSPs), and CuZnSOD gene. The information in this review is very useful for updating our understanding of the progress of carotenoid research in invertebrate immunology and to help identify topics for future topics.

Adaptive in vivo device for theranostics of inflammation: Real-time monitoring of interferon-γ and aspirin

Cytokines mediate and control immune and inflammatory responses. Complex interactions exist among cytokines, inflammation, and the innate and adaptive immune responses in maintaining homeostasis, health, and well-being. On-demand, local delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to target tissues provides an approach for more effective drug dosing while reducing the adverse effects of systemic drug delivery. This work demonstrates a proof-of-concept theranostic approach for inflammation based on analyte-kissing induced signaling, whereby a drug (in this report, aspirin) can be released upon the detection of a target level of a proinflammatory cytokine (i.e., interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) in real time. The structure-switching aptamer-based biosensor described here is capable of quantitatively and dynamically detecting IFN-γ both in vitro and in vivo with a sensitivity of 10 pg mL^-1. Moreover, the released aspirin triggered by the immunoregulatory cytokine IFN-γ is able to inhibit inflammation in a rat model, and the release of aspirin can be quantitatively controlled. The data reported here provide a new and promising strategy for the in vivo detection of proinflammatory cytokines and the subsequent therapeutic delivery of anti-inflammatory molecules. This universal theranostic platform is expected to have great potential for patient-specific personalized medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We developed an adaptive in vivo sensing device whereby a drug, aspirin, can be released upon the detection of a proinflammatory cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), in real time with a sensitivity of 10 pg mL^-1. Moreover, the aspirin triggered by IFN-γ depressed inflammation in the rat model and was delivered indirectly through blood and cerebrospinal fluid or directly to the inflammation tissue or organ without adverse gastrointestinal effects observed in the liver and kidney. We envision that, for the first time, patients with chronic inflammatory disease can receive the right intervention and treatment at the right time. Additionally, this technology may empower patients to monitor their personalized health and disease management program, allowing real-time diagnostics, disease monitoring, and precise and effective treatments.

The effect of ageing on the resolution of inflammation

•

Age-related chronic inflammation (inflammaging) contributes to diseases of ageing.

•

Inflammaging suggests age-associated impairment of the resolution of inflammation.

•

Human models of inflammation in ageing will be useful in defining these defects.

Ageing is associated with the development of a low-level, systemic, chronic inflammation known as “inflammaging”. This chronic inflammatory state can contribute to diseases of ageing such as sarcopenia and frailty. The presence of inflammaging suggests a failure of the cell clearance mechanisms that ordinarily aid in the resolution of inflammation after pathogen infiltration or tissue injury. This review aims to explore what is known of how the processes involved in the resolution of inflammation might become defective with age.

Deacetyl Ganoderic Acid F Inhibits LPS-Induced Neural Inflammation via NF-κB Pathway Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Microglia mediated neuronal inflammation has been widely reported to be responsible for neurodegenerative disease. Deacetyl ganoderic acid F (DeGA F) is a triterpenoid isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, which is a famous edible and medicinal mushroom used for treatment of dizziness and insomnia in traditional medicine for a long time. In this study the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of DeGA F against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation both in vitro and in vivo were investigated. On murine microglial cell line BV-2 cells, DeGA F treatment inhibited LPS-triggered NO production and iNOS expression and affected the secretion and mRNA levels of relative inflammatory cytokines. DeGA F inhibited LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of IKK and IκB and the nuclear translocation of P65. In vivo, DeGA F treatment effectively inhibited NO production in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, DeGA F suppressed the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated mice model. DeGA F reduced inflammatory response by suppressing microglia and astrocytes activation and also suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation in mice brains. Taken together, DeGA F exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory effects and promising therapeutic potential for neural inflammation associated diseases.

Metal nanomaterials: Immune effects and implications of physicochemical properties on sensitization, elicitation, and exacerbation of allergic disease

The recent surge in incorporation of metallic and metal oxide nanomaterials into consumer products and their corresponding use in occupational settings have raised concerns over the potential for metals to induce size-specific adverse toxicological effects. Although nano-metals have been shown to induce greater lung injury and inflammation than their larger metal counterparts, their size-related effects on the immune system and allergic disease remain largely unknown. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning since metals are historically recognized as common inducers of allergic contact dermatitis, occupational asthma, and allergic adjuvancy. The investigation into the potential for adverse immune effects following exposure to metal nanomaterials is becoming an area of scientific interest since these characteristically lightweight materials are easily aerosolized and inhaled, and their small size may allow for penetration of the skin, which may promote unique size-specific immune effects with implications for allergic disease. Additionally, alterations in physicochemical properties of metals in the nano-scale greatly influence their interactions with components of biological systems, potentially leading to implications for inducing or exacerbating allergic disease. Although some research has been directed toward addressing these concerns, many aspects of metal nanomaterial-induced immune effects remain unclear. Overall, more scientific knowledge exists in regards to the potential for metal nanomaterials to exacerbate allergic disease than to their potential to induce allergic disease. Furthermore, effects of metal nanomaterial exposure on respiratory allergy have been more thoroughly-characterized than their potential influence on dermal allergy. Current knowledge regarding metal nanomaterials and their potential to induce/exacerbate dermal and respiratory allergy are summarized in this review. In addition, an examination of several remaining knowledge gaps and considerations for future studies is provided.

Cellular aging over 13 years associated with incident antinuclear antibody positivity in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Age-associated increases in antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the general population are commonly noted but the mechanisms underlying this observation are unclear. This study aims to evaluate whether shorter peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) telomere length, a marker of more advanced biological age, is associated with ANA positivity prevalence and incidence in middle and older aged autoimmune disease-free individuals from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Telomere length was measured by Southern Blot and categorized into tertiles. ANA was measured in a 1:80 and a 1:160 dilution of sera by immunofluorescence using HEp-2 cells (seropositive = 3 or 4). Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of ANA positivity comparing the shorter tertiles of telomere length to the longest tertile for two cross-sectional points in time and then longitudinally to assess the association between shorter telomere length and incident ANA positivity. Cross-sectional analyses were adjusted for sex, race and BMI (N = 368 baseline, N = 370 follow-up) and longitudinal analyses were adjusted for sex, race, BMI and time between baseline and follow-up (N = 246). No statistically significant cross-sectional associations were observed at baseline or follow-up. Among those where ANA negative at baseline, individuals with shorter telomeres were more likely to be ANA positive at follow-up, an average 13 years later. Individuals with short telomeres at both time periods were more likely to be ANA positive. Findings suggest that ANA positivity in the general population may be indicative of immune dysfunction resulting from advanced cellular aging processes.

Healthy in a crummy world: Implications of primal world beliefs for health psychology

Aaron Beck's insight-that beliefs about one's self, future, and environment shape behavior-had major implications for health psychology research and practice. Yet, beliefs about one's environment have remained relatively understudied. A recent comprehensive empirically-driven effort has led to the identification of 26 primal world beliefs, or primals, (e.g., the world is: harmless vs. threatening, stable vs. fragile, just vs. unjust, meaningful vs. meaningless, improvable vs. too hard to improve, beautiful vs. ugly). Primals have been theorized to influence many outcomes of interest to different psychological subdisciplines, and a psychometrically rigorous effort has developed a Primals Inventory to measure them. In this brief report, we aim to introduce primals' potential implications for health psychology research and practice. After summarizing primals' theorized general function, we illustrate their connection to health processes and outcomes via five illustrative hypotheses. These hypotheses concern how primals might influence (a) the cardiotoxic stress axis; (b) conserved transcriptional response to adversity gene expression patterns; (c) health behaviors; (d) treatment effectiveness; and (e) risk of developing chronic diseases. Further research on primals in relation to health processes and outcomes might lead to new avenues of scientific inquiry and innovative methods of improving the trajectory of our society's health and well-being.