Redox Role of ROS and Inflammation in Pulmonary Diseases

ZC3H13 promotes ITGA6 m6A modification for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease progression

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is potentially fatal, and as society ages, its effects on human health are predicted to deteriorate. The potential function of m6A modifications within COPD has become a hot topic recently. This study was conducted to clarify the function and related mechanisms of the m6A methylation transferase ZC3H13 in COPD. The expression of m6A-associated protease and ITGA6 in COPD tissues was assessed using GEO data, qRT-PCR, and western blot. COPD models in cells and mice were established through cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and smoke exposure. Inflammatory marker levels were measured by ELISA, apoptosis by flow cytometry, and mRNA stability with Actinomycin D assay. m6A modification levels were checked by MeRIP-PCR. HE and Masson staining evaluated lung pathology, and alveolar lavage fluid analysis included total cell count and Giemsa staining. ZC3H13 and METTL3 were differentially expressed m6A regulators in COPD, with ZC3H13 being more significantly upregulated. Further analysis revealed the ZC3H13 expression-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) functions were enriched in the immunoinflammatory pathway, indicating ZC3H13's involvement in COPD pathogenesis through inflammation, and immune responses. Knockdown studies in cellular and mouse models demonstrated ZC3H13's role in exacerbating COPD symptoms, including inflammation, apoptosis, and EMT, and its suppression led to significant improvements. The identification of ITGA6 as a target gene further elucidated the mechanism, showing that ZC3H13 enhances ITGA6 expression and mRNA stability through m6A modification, influencing bronchial epithelial cell inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, targeting ZC3H13/ITGA6 could be an underlying therapeutic approach for treating COPD.

Targeted delivery of NO donor and ROS scavenger for synergistic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines, which facilitate the activation of the inflammatory signaling such as NF-κB pathway and exacerbate the development of inflammation. Herein, we designed a nanodrug by encapsulating the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) into an emulsion and coating the surface with a polydopamine (PDA) layer to yield GSNO@PDA, which simultaneously scavenged the extra ROS and suppressed NF-κB signaling for potent RA treatment. To enhance the cellular uptake and NO generation efficiency, dextran sulfate (DS) and Cu2+ were anchored on the surface of GSNO@PDA to obtain the final formulation GSNO@PDA@DS. Our results demonstrated that GSNO@PDA@DS were successfully prepared and the modification of DS effectively boosted the cellular uptake of GSNO@PDA@DS. Moreover, GSNO@PDA@DS lowered cellular ROS and elevated intracellular NO, resulting in a decrease of M1 phenotype, inhibition of NF-κB pathway and down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Further in vivo studies confirmed that GSNO@PDA@DS significantly relieved symptoms and bone erosion by regulating the microenvironment of RA, highlighting the potential of GSNO@PDA@DS for RA therapy through ROS scavenging and NO-mediated suppression of inflammatory signaling.

Effect fraction of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f. alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting p47phox/NOX2 and promoting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The effect fraction of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f. (EFBS), a phenolic-rich extract, has significant protective effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI), but its composition and molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study elucidated its chemical composition and possible protective mechanisms against LPS-induced ALI from an antioxidant perspective.

METHODS

EFBS was prepared by ethanol extraction, enriched by polyamide column chromatography, and characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The LPS-induced ALI model and the RAW264.7 model were used to evaluate the regulatory effects of EFBS on oxidative stress, and transcriptome analysis was performed to explore its possible molecular mechanism. Then, the pathway by which EFBS regulates oxidative stress was validated through inhibitor intervention, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 22 compounds in EFBS were identified. The transcriptome analyses of RAW264.7 cells indicated that EFBS might reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by inhibiting the p47phox/NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) pathway and upregulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. Both in vitro and in vivo data confirmed that EFBS significantly inhibited the expression and phosphorylation of p47phox protein, thereby weakening the p47phox/NOX2 pathway and reducing ROS production. EFBS significantly increased the expression of Nrf2 in primary peritoneal macrophages and lung tissue and promoted its nuclear translocation, dose-dependent increase in HO-1 levels, and enhancement of antioxidant activity. In vitro, both Nrf2 and HO-1 inhibitors significantly reduced the scavenging effects of EFBS on ROS, further confirming that EFBS exerts antioxidant effects at least partially by upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

EFBS contains abundant phenanthrenes and dibenzyl polyphenols, which can reduce ROS production by inhibiting the p47phox/NOX2 pathway and enhance ROS clearance activity by upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby exerting regulatory effects on oxidative stress and improving LPS-induced ALI.

Loranthus tanakae Franch. and Sav. Attenuates Respiratory Inflammation Caused by Asian Sand Dust

Asian sand dust (ASD), generally produced in East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, directly leads to the development of pulmonary disease and exacerbates underlying pulmonary diseases. Loranthus tanakae Franch. and Sav. is a traditional herbal medicine applied to improve various inflammatory conditions. Here, we evaluated the curative properties of L. tanakae ethanol extract (LTE) against pulmonary inflammation caused by ASD. Additionally, to investigate the mechanism of action of LTE, we performed network pharmacological analysis. ASD was administrated on day 1, 3, and 5 by intranasal instillation, and LTE was orally administered for 6 days. Administration of LTE significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines and the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, which was accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory cell accumulation in pulmonary tissue. Administration of LTE decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in mice exposed to ASD with the decline in p65 phosphorylation. Additionally, administration of LTE significantly elevated hemeoxygenase (HO)-1 expression in the pulmonary tissue of mice exposed to ASD. These results were consistent with the data of network pharmacological analysis. This experiment showed that LTE attenuated pulmonary inflammation caused by ASD via inhibition of NF-κB and elevation of HO-1. Therefore, LTE may have potential as a therapeutic agent to treat pulmonary inflammation caused by ASD.

MSCs alleviate LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the proinflammatory function of macrophages in mouse lung organoid-macrophage model

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an inflammatory disease associated with alveolar injury, subsequent macrophage activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokine production. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are beneficial for application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases due to their immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms of regulatory effects by MSCs on macrophages in ALI need more in-depth study. Lung tissues were collected from mice for mouse lung organoid construction. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) derived from bronchoalveolar lavage and interstitial macrophages (IMs) derived from lung tissue were co-cultured, with novel matrigel-spreading lung organoids to construct an in vitro model of lung organoids-immune cells. Mouse compact bone-derived MSCs were co-cultured with organoids-macrophages to confirm their therapeutic effect on acute lung injury. Changes in transcriptome expression profile were analyzed by RNA sequencing. Well-established lung organoids expressed various lung cell type-specific markers. Lung organoids grown on spreading matrigel had the property of functional cells growing outside the lumen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury promoted macrophage chemotaxis toward lung organoids and enhanced the expression of inflammation-associated genes in inflammation-injured lung organoids-macrophages compared with controls. Treatment with MSCs inhibited the injury progress and reduced the levels of inflammatory components. Furthermore, through the nuclear factor-κB pathway, MSC treatment inhibited inflammatory and phenotypic transformation of AMs and modulated the antigen-presenting function of IMs, thereby affecting the inflammatory phenotype of lung organoids. Lung organoids grown by spreading matrigel facilitate the reception of external stimuli and the construction of in vitro models containing immune cells, which is a potential novel model for disease research. MSCs exert protective effects against lung injury by regulating different functions of AMs and IMs in the lung, indicating a potential mechanism for therapeutic intervention.

Metabolomics in Animal Models of Bronchial Asthma and Its Translational Importance for Clinics

Bronchial asthma is an extremely heterogenous chronic respiratory disorder with several distinct endotypes and phenotypes. These subtypes differ not only in the pathophysiological changes and/or clinical features but also in their response to the treatment. Therefore, precise diagnostics represent a fundamental condition for effective therapy. In the diagnostic process, metabolomic approaches have been increasingly used, providing detailed information on the metabolic alterations associated with human asthma. Further information is brought by metabolomic analysis of samples obtained from animal models. This article summarizes the current knowledge on metabolomic changes in human and animal studies of asthma and reveals that alterations in lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, purine metabolism, glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle found in the animal studies resemble, to a large extent, the changes found in human patients with asthma. The findings indicate that, despite the limitations of animal modeling in asthma, pre-clinical testing and metabolomic analysis of animal samples may, together with metabolomic analysis of human samples, contribute to a novel way of personalized treatment of asthma patients.

Selection and validation of genes related to oxidative stress production and clearance in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Background

In the fight against tuberculosis, besides chemotherapy, the regulation of oxidative stress (OS) has also aroused people's interest in host-oriented therapy. However, there is limited research on the genes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and clearance in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). This study analyzes and explores this to provide a basis for exploring new targets for antituberculosis treatments.

Methods

We established a macrophage model infected with MTB, counted intracellular bacteria, and determined the ROS produced using flow cytometry. We conducted ribonucleic acid sequencing, screened differentially expressed genes through transcriptomic methods, and validated the expression of them through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The ROS of macrophages increased with intracellular bacteria at 4 h after infection with MTB and reached its peak at 48 h, surpassing the uninfected macrophages (p < 0.05). A total of 1,613 differentially expressed genes were identified after infection with MTB, of which 458 were associated with ROS, with over 50% involved in the response of organelles and biological processes to stimuli. We analyzed and identified six genes. After macrophage infection with MTB, the expression of CAMK2B increased, whereas the expression of CYBB decreased (p < 0.05). The expression of GPX3 and SOD2 increased, whereas the expression of CAT decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ROS-related differentially expressed genes between MTB infected and uninfected macrophages may be related to some organelles and involved in various biological processes, molecular functions, and signaling pathways. Among them, CAMK2B, GPX3, and SOD2 may be related to ROS.

LncRNA H19 Contributes to Smoke-Related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Targeting miR-181/PDCD4 Axis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) kills more than 3 million people worldwide every year. Despite progress in the treatment of symptoms and prevention of acute exacerbations, few advances have been made to ameliorate disease progression or affect mortality. Exercise plays a positive role in the prevention and treatment of diaphragm dysfunction in COPD, and the changes in diaphragm structure and function induced by exercise are closely related to the regulation of oxidative stress. But the mechanism remains unclear. So the aim of this study was to reveal the therapeutic mechanism of exercise to COPD using both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In this study, cigarette smoke (CS) induced COPD mice model, treadmill aerobic training for COPD mice were constructed and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) induced bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) model were used for COPD study. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporting analysis, and RT-qPCR detection were used to clarify the interacted relationship among lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA. ROS, inflammatory cytokines expression, and EMT relative protein α-SMA were detected using immunofluorescence and ELISA detection. The result shows that exercise ameliorates COPD induced lung injury by inhibit ROS, inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) relative protein α-SMA expression. RT-qPCR detection shows that lnc-H19 expression was increased in lung tissues of COPD mice. Exercise decreased COPD induced lnc-H19 expression. Downregulation lnc-H19 inhibits COPD mediated lung injury. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporting analysis confirmed that miR-181 and PDCD4 were downstream targets of lnc-H19. Upregulation of PDCD4 or downregulation of miR-181 reversed the protective effect of si-lnc-H19 to BECs after exposure to CSE. In conclusion, lncRNA H19 contributes to smoke-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by targeting miR-181/PDCD4 Axis.

Effects of multimodal exercise program on postural balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence has shown that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease present significant deficits in the control of postural balance when compared to healthy subjects. In view of this, it is pertinent to investigate the effects of different therapeutic strategies used alone or in association with pulmonary rehabilitation with the potential to improve postural balance and other outcomes with clinical significance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study will investigate the effects of an 8-week (short-term) multimodal exercise program [inspiratory muscle training (IMT) plus neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)] on postural balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program compared to individualized addition of IMT or NMES to pulmonary rehabilitation or standard pulmonary rehabilitation.

METHODS

This is a randomized, single-blind, 4-parallel-group trial. Forty patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be included prospectively to this study during a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: multimodal exercise program (IMT + NMES + pulmonary rehabilitation group) or (IMT + pulmonary rehabilitation group) or (NMES + pulmonary rehabilitation group) or standard pulmonary rehabilitation group. Patients will receive two sessions per week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be static postural balance and secondary outcomes will include as follows: static and dynamic postural balance, fear of falling, muscle strength and endurance (peripheral and respiratory), functional capacity, health-related quality of life, muscle architecture (quadriceps femoris and diaphragm), and laboratory biomarkers.

DISCUSSION

This randomized clinical trial will investigate the effects of adding of short-term multimodal exercise program, in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation program, in postural balance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation. Furthermore, this randomized control trial will enable important directions regarding the effectiveness of short-term intervention as part of the need to expand the focus of pulmonary rehabilitation to include balance management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients which will be generated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04387318. Registered on May 13, 2020.

Regulatory Cues in Pulmonary Fibrosis-With Emphasis on the AIM2 Inflammasome

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disorder characterized by the presence of scarred and thickened lung tissues. Although the Food and Drug Administration approved two antifibrotic drugs, pirfenidone, and nintedanib, that are currently utilized for treating idiopathic PF (IPF), the clinical therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory. It is crucial to develop new drugs or treatment schemes that combine pirfenidone or nintedanib to achieve more effective outcomes for PF patients. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying PF could potentially facilitate drug discovery. Previous studies have found that the activation of inflammasomes, including nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein (NLRP)1, NLRP3, NOD-like receptor C4, and absent in melanoma (AIM)2, contributes to lung inflammation and fibrosis. This article aims to summarize the cellular and molecular regulatory cues that contribute to PF with a particular emphasis on the role of AIM2 inflammasome in mediating pathophysiologic events during PF development. The insights gained from this research may pave the way for the development of more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of PF.

Characterisation of changes in global genes expression in the lung of ICR mice in response to the inflammation and fibrosis induced by polystyrene nanoplastics inhalation

This study characterised the changes in global gene expression in the lung of ICR mice in response to the inflammation and fibrosis induced by the inhalation of 0.5 μm polystyrene (PS)-nanoplastics (NPs) at various concentrations (4, 8, and 16 μg/mL) for 2 weeks. The total RNA extracted from the lung tissue of NPs-inhaled mice was hybridised into oligonucleotide microarrays. Significant upregulation was detected in several inflammatory responses, including the number of immune cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the expression level of inflammatory cytokines, mucin secretion, and histopathological changes, while they accumulated average of 13.38 ± 1.0 μg/g in the lungs of the inhaled ICR mice. Similar responses were observed regarding the levels of fibrosis-related factors in the NPs-inhaled lung of ICR mice, such as pulmonary parenchymal area, expression of pro-fibrotic marker genes, and TGF-β1 downstream signalling without any significant hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In microarray analyses, 60 genes were upregulated, and 55 genes were downregulated in the lung of ICR mice during inflammation and fibrosis induced by NPs inhalation compared to the Vehicle-inhaled mice. Among these genes, many were categorised into several ontology categories, including the anatomical structure, binding, membrane, and metabolic process. Furthermore, the major genes in the upregulated categories included Igkv14-126000, Egr1, Scel, Lamb3, and Upk3b. In contrast, the major genes in the down-regulated categories were Olfr417, Olfr519, Rps16, Rap2b, and Vmn1r193. These results suggest several gene functional groups and individual genes as specific biomarkers respond to inflammation and fibrosis induced by PS-NPs inhalation in ICR mice.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00188-y.

SIRT1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and lung function decline. It is well established that COPD represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Due to the substantial economic and social burdens associated with COPD, it is necessary to discover new targets and develop novel beneficial therapies. Although the pathogenesis of COPD is complex and remains to be robustly elucidated, numerous studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis, autophagy, and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase belonging to the silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) family. Multiple studies have indicated that SIRT1 plays an important role in oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy, and cellular senescence, which contributes to the pathogenesis and development of COPD. This review aimed to discuss the functions and mechanisms of SIRT1 in the progression of COPD and concluded that SIRT1 activation might be a potential therapeutic strategy for COPD.

Apelin-13 facilitates mitochondria homeostasis via mitophagy to prevent against airway oxidative injury in asthma

Oxidative stress is a major mediator in the pathogenesis of allergens-induced asthma. Mitochondria damage and dysfunction is considered to be closely related with oxidative stress. Apelin-13 is a novel multifunctional protein with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in neuroinflammation and ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, its role in mitochondria homeostasis under asthma-associated airway oxidative injury and the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. A murine model of asthma was established by house dust mite (HDM) allergen sensitization and challenge. The mice were received Apelin-13 protein through intraperitoneal administration before HDM challenge. Airway inflammation, histopathological changes and oxidative stress were examined. The regulatory effects of Apelin-13 on mitochondria function were evaluated using airway epithelial BEAS-2B cells, including mitochondria membrane potential (MMP), mitophagy and the possible signaling pathway. The HDM-challenged mice group exhibited robust inflammation and apoptosis in airway epithelium compared to the control group. The airway impairment in asthmatic mice was partly lessened after Apelin-13 administration. Meanwhile, protein expressions of mitophagy-related markers PINK1, Parkin, Tomm20 and LC3 were significantly increased in the lungs of Apelin-13-treated asthmatic mice. In vitro, Apelin-13 treatment significantly improved MMP levels and reduced ROS production in BEAS-2B cells exposed to HDM, accompanied with the increase of cell viability. Furthermore, Apelin-13 was found to promote the activation of PINK1/Parkin signaling in BEAS-2B cells, thereby increasing mitophagy activity and facilitating mitochondria homeostasis. These results demonstrate that Apelin-13 acts as a regulator of mitochondria homeostasis by driving mitophagy to protect against HDM allergen-induced airway oxidative injury. Apelin-13 may serve as a promising protective agent for treating asthma.

Ferroptosis triggers airway inflammation in asthma

Ferroptosis is a regulatory cell death characterized by intracellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation that leads to oxidative stress. Many signaling pathways such as iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism precisely regulate the process of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is involved in a variety of lung diseases, such as acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis. Increasing studies suggest that ferroptosis is involved in the development of asthma. Ferroptosis plays an important role in asthma. Iron metabolism disorders, lipid peroxidation, amino acid metabolism disorders lead to the occurrence of ferroptosis in airway epithelial cells, and then aggravate clinical symptoms in asthmatic patients. Moreover, several regulators of ferroptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, such as Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1, mevalonate pathway, and ferroptosis inhibitor protein 1. Importantly, ferroptosis inhibitors improve asthma. Thus, the pathogenesis of ferroptosis and its contribution to the pathogenesis of asthma help us better understand the occurrence and development of asthma, and provide new directions in asthma treatment. This article aimed to review the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in asthma, describing the relationship between ferroptosis and asthma based on signaling pathways and related regulatory factors. At the same time, we summarized current observations of ferroptosis in eosinophils, airway epithelial cells, and airway smooth muscle cells in asthmatic patients.

HIF-1α promotes paraquat induced acute lung injury and implicates a role NF-κB and Rac2 activity

Paraquat (PQ) is a bipyridine herbicide and oral exposure is the main way of PQ exposure with a very high mortality. At present, it is believed that large number of oxygen free radicals are generated and cause lipid peroxidation of tissue and organ cell membranes after PQ is absorbed. PQ exposure could cause multiple organ dysfunction, among which acute lung injury is the most common and most serious. However, its specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the C57BL/6J mouse (alveolar epithelial cell-specific knockout HIF-1α) model of acute lung injury (40 mg/kg PQ) at several time pointes and a model of acute type II alveolar epithelial cell (A549, 800 μM PQ) injury constructed. The oxidative stress (ROS, MDA) and inflammatory response (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly inhibited in the alveolar epithelial cell-specific knockout of HIF-1α mice and siRNA technology to inhibit HIF-1α in alveolar epithelial cells. Further proteomic analysis showed that the expression of Rac2 protein, which is closely related to oxidative stress, was significantly increased after PQ exposure. And the inhibition of Rac2 expression in vitro significantly alleviated PQ-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The expression of Rac2 protein was regulated by HIF-1α. The above suggests that HIF-1α may promote oxidative stress and inflammatory response in alveolar epithelial cells by regulating the expression of Rac2, and then participate in the promotion of PQ exposure-induced acute lung injury.

Resolvins Lipid Mediators: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease

Inflammation and resolution are highly programmed processes involving a plethora of immune cells. Lipid mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid metabolism play a pivotal role in orchestrating the signaling cascades in the game of inflammation. The majority of the studies carried out so far on inflammation were aimed at inhibiting the generation of inflammatory molecules, whereas recent research has shifted more towards understanding the resolution of inflammation. Owing to chronic inflammation as evident in neuropathophysiology, the resolution of inflammation together with the class of lipid mediators actively involved in its regulation has attracted the attention of the scientific community as therapeutic targets. Both omega-three polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, orchestrate a vital regulatory role in inflammation development. Resolvins derived from these fatty acids comprise the D-and E-series resolvins. A growing body of evidence using in vitro and in vivo models has revealed the pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory potential of resolvins. This systematic review sheds light on the synthesis, specialized receptors, and resolution of inflammation mediated by resolvins in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The sex-specific metabolic signature of C57BL/6NRj mice during aging

Due to intact reactive oxygen species homeostasis and glucose metabolism, C57BL/6NRj mice are especially suitable to study cellular alterations in metabolism. We applied Nuclear Magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze five different tissues of this mouse strain during aging and included female and male mice aged 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Metabolite signatures allowed separation between the age groups in all tissues, and we identified the most prominently changing metabolites in female and male tissues. A refined analysis of individual metabolite levels during aging revealed an early onset of age-related changes at 6 months, sex-specific differences in the liver, and a biphasic pattern for various metabolites in the brain, heart, liver, and lung. In contrast, a linear decrease of amino acids was apparent in muscle tissues. Based on these results, we assume that age-related metabolic alterations happen at a comparably early aging state and are potentially associated with a metabolic switch. Moreover, identified differences between female and male tissues stress the importance of distinguishing between sexes when studying age-related changes and developing new treatment approaches. Besides, metabolomic features seem to be highly dependent on the genetic background of mouse strains.

Glutathione: A Samsonian life-sustaining small molecule that protects against oxidative stress, ageing and damaging inflammation

Many local and systemic diseases especially diseases that are leading causes of death globally like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis with ischemic heart disease and stroke, cancer and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), involve both, (1) oxidative stress with excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lower glutathione (GSH) levels, and (2) inflammation. The GSH tripeptide (γ- L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine), the most abundant water-soluble non-protein thiol in the cell (1-10 mM) is fundamental for life by (a) sustaining the adequate redox cell signaling needed to maintain physiologic levels of oxidative stress fundamental to control life processes, and (b) limiting excessive oxidative stress that causes cell and tissue damage. GSH activity is facilitated by activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) redox regulator pathway, releasing Nrf2 that regulates expression of genes controlling antioxidant, inflammatory and immune system responses. GSH exists in the thiol-reduced (>98% of total GSH) and disulfide-oxidized (GSSG) forms, and the concentrations of GSH and GSSG and their molar ratio are indicators of the functionality of the cell. GSH depletion may play a central role in inflammatory diseases and COVID-19 pathophysiology, host immune response and disease severity and mortality. Therapies enhancing GSH could become a cornerstone to reduce severity and fatal outcomes of inflammatory diseases and COVID-19 and increasing GSH levels may prevent and subdue these diseases. The life value of GSH makes for a paramount research field in biology and medicine and may be key against systemic inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. In this review, we emphasize on (1) GSH depletion as a fundamental risk factor for diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atherosclerosis (ischemic heart disease and stroke), (2) importance of oxidative stress and antioxidants in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease, (3) significance of GSH to counteract persistent damaging inflammation, inflammaging and early (premature) inflammaging associated with cell and tissue damage caused by excessive oxidative stress and lack of adequate antioxidant defenses in younger individuals, and (4) new therapies that include antioxidant defenses restoration.

Targeting the mitochondria in chronic respiratory diseases

Mitochondria are one of the basic essential components for eukaryotic life survival. It is also the source of respiratory ATP. Recently published studies have demonstrated that mitochondria may have more roles to play aside from energy production. There is an increasing body of evidence which suggest that mitochondrial activities involved in normal and pathological states contribute to significant impact to the lung airway morphology and epithelial function in respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. This review summarizes the pathophysiological pathways involved in asthma, COPD, lung cancer and highlights potential treatment strategies that target the malfunctioning mitochondria in such ailments. Mitochondria are responsive to environmental stimuli such as infection, tobacco smoke, and inflammation, which are essential in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. They may affect mitochondrial shape, protein production and ultimately cause dysfunction. The impairment of mitochondrial function has downstream impact on the cytosolic components, calcium control, response towards oxidative stress, regulation of genes and proteins and metabolic activities. Several novel compounds and alternative medicines that target mitochondria in asthma and chronic lung diseases have been discussed here. Moreover, mitochondrial enzymes or proteins that may serve as excellent therapeutic targets in COPD are also covered. The role of mitochondria in respiratory diseases is gaining much attention and mitochondria-based treatment strategies and personalized medicine targeting the mitochondria may materialize in the near future. Nevertheless, more in-depth studies are urgently needed to validate the advantages and efficacy of drugs that affect mitochondria in pathological states.

The role of synthetic coolants, WS-3 and WS-23, in modulating E-cigarette-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung epithelial cells

There has been a substantial rise in e-cigarette (e-cig) use or vaping in the past decade, prompting growing concerns about their adverse health effects. Recently, e-cig manufacturers have been using synthetic cooling agents, like WS-23 and WS-3, to provide a cooling sensation without the "menthol taste". Studies have shown that aerosols/vapes generated by e-cigs can contain significant levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, studies investigating the role of synthetic coolants in modulating ROS levels generated by e-cigs are lacking. This study seeks to understand how synthetic coolants, e-cig additives that have become increasingly prevalent in e-liquids sold in the United States (US), impact acellular ROS production from e-liquid aerosols as well as cellular ROS levels from pulmonary epithelial cells exposed to these e-liquids. To further explain, our study aims to understand whether the addition of WS-3 and WS-23 to e-liquid base and e-liquid base with nicotine significantly modifies generated acellular ROS levels within aerosolized e-liquids, as well as cellular ROS within BEAS-2B cells treated with these same e-liquids. Aerosols were generated from e-liquids with and without synthetic coolants through a single-puff aerosol generator; subsequently, acellular ROS was semi-quantified in H2O2 equivalents via fluorescence spectroscopy. Our acellular ROS data suggest that adding WS-3 to e-liquid base (PG:VG), regardless of nicotine content, has a minimal impact on modifying e-cig generated acellular ROS levels. Additionally, we also measured cellular ROS in lung epithelial cells using both e-liquids containing and not containing synthetic coolants via the CellROX Green fluorescent sensor. Similar comparable results were found in BEAS2B cells though ROS was increased by WS-3 and WS-23 treated in e-cig nicotine groups. Altogether, our data suggest that neither the addition of WS-23 nor WS-3 to e-liquid base solution, with and without nicotine, significantly modifies e-cig generated acellular ROS levels within aerosolized e-liquids and cellular ROS levels within treated BEAS-2B cells. Together, our data provide insight into whether synthetic coolants added to e-liquids could impact vaping-induced oxidative stress in the lungs.

Pathological Mechanism and Targeted Drugs of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and small airway obstruction. Incompletely reversible airflow limitation, inflammation, excessive mucus secretion and bronchial mucosal epithelial lesions are the main pathological basis of the disease. The prevalence of COPD is increasingly worldwide, which has caused the burden on individuals and society. This paper summarizes the pathogenesis of COPD and clarifies the effect and mechanism of the latest targeted drugs for COPD. Besides, we focus on NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 inflammasome (NLRP3 inflammasome). NLRP3 can promote production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). NLRP3 is an important factor in the migratory aggregation of macrophages and neutrophils and the generation of oxidative stress. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome indirectly blocks the inflammatory effects of IL-1β and IL-18, which may be regarded as an ideal target for COPD treatment.

Peroxiredoxin 6 mediates the protective function of curcumin pretreatment in acute lung injury induced by serum from patients undergoing one-lung ventilation in vitro

Background

Curcumin has attracted much attention due to its wide range of therapeutic effects. In this study, we used serum collected from patients undergoing one-lung ventilation (OLV) to establish an in vitro acute lung injury (ALI) model to explore the potential protective mechanism of curcumin on ALI. Our study provides a new reference for the prevention and treatment of ALI induced by OLV.

Methods

A549 cells were treated with 20% serum from patients undergoing OLV to establish an in vitro ALI model. Curcumin, at a dose of 40 μg/ml, was administered two hours prior to this model. The levels of inflammation and oxidative stress markers were observed by Western blot, qRT–PCR, ELISA and reactive oxygen species assay. Additionally, the expression of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) and proteins involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway was evaluated.

Results

Twenty percent of serum collected from patients undergoing OLV downregulated the expression of Prdx6, leading to the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which was associated with the subsequent overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Pretreatment with curcumin restored Prdx6 downregulation and inhibited NF-κB pathway activation by suppressing the nuclear translocation of P65, eventually reducing inflammation and oxidative stress damage in A549 cells.

Conclusions

Prdx6 mediated the protective function of curcumin by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway in ALI in vitro.

The Role of Glutamine and Glutaminase in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to a clinical and pathophysiological syndrome in which pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure are increased due to structural or functional changes in pulmonary vasculature caused by a variety of etiologies and different pathogenic mechanisms. It is followed by the development of right heart failure and even death. In recent years, most studies have found that PH and cancer shared a complex common pathological metabolic disturbance, such as the shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. During the shifting process, there is an upregulation of glutamine decomposition driven by glutaminase. However, the relationship between PH and glutamine hydrolysis, especially by glutaminase is yet unclear. This review aims to explore the special linking among glutamine hydrolysis, glutaminase and PH, so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical precision treatment in PH.

Prenatal Fine Particulate Matter, Maternal Micronutrient Antioxidant Intake, and Early Childhood Repeated Wheeze: Effect Modification by Race/Ethnicity and Sex

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) potentiates in utero oxidative stress influencing fetal development while antioxidants have potential protective effects. We examined associations among prenatal PM2.5, maternal antioxidant intake, and childhood wheeze in an urban pregnancy cohort (n = 530). Daily PM2.5 exposure over gestation was estimated using a satellite-based spatiotemporally resolved model. Mothers completed the modified Block98 food frequency questionnaire. Average energy-adjusted percentile intake of β-carotene, vitamins (A, C, E), and trace minerals (zinc, magnesium, selenium) constituted an antioxidant index (AI). Maternal-reported child wheeze was ascertained up to 4.1 ± 2.8 years. Bayesian distributed lag interaction models (BDLIMs) were used to examine time-varying associations between prenatal PM2.5 and repeated wheeze (≥2 episodes) and effect modification by AI, race/ethnicity, and child sex. Covariates included maternal age, education, asthma, and temperature. Women were 39% Black and 33% Hispanic, 36% with ≤high school education; 21% of children had repeated wheeze. Higher AI was associated with decreased wheeze in Blacks (OR = 0.37 (0.19-0.73), per IQR increase). BDLIMs identified a sensitive window for PM2.5 effects on wheeze among boys born to Black mothers with low AI (at 33-40 weeks gestation; OR = 1.74 (1.19-2.54), per µg/m3 increase in PM2.5). Relationships among prenatal PM2.5, antioxidant intake, and child wheeze were modified by race/ethnicity and sex.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction Associates With Acute T Lymphocytopenia and Impaired Functionality in COVID-19 Patients

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in rapid T lymphocytopenia and functional impairment of T cells. The underlying mechanism, however, remains incompletely understood. In this study, we focused on characterizing the phenotype and kinetics of T-cell subsets with mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) by multicolor flow cytometry and investigating the association between MD and T-cell functionality. While 73.9% of study subjects displayed clinical lymphocytopenia upon hospital admission, a significant reduction of CD4 or CD8 T-cell frequency was found in all asymptomatic, symptomatic, and convalescent cases. CD4 and CD8 T cells with increased MD were found in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients within the first week of symptom onset. Lower proportion of memory CD8 T cell with MD was found in severe patients than in mild ones at the stage of disease progression. Critically, the frequency of T cells with MD in symptomatic patients was preferentially associated with CD4 T-cell loss and CD8 T-cell hyperactivation, respectively. Patients bearing effector memory CD4 and CD8 T cells with the phenotype of high MD exhibited poorer T-cell responses upon either phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin or SARS-CoV-2 peptide stimulation than those with low MD. Our findings demonstrated an MD-associated mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2-induced T lymphocytopenia and functional impairment during the acute phase of infection.

Antioxidants as Therapeutic Agents in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Treatment-From Mice to Men

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of patient mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Considering that no causative treatment but only symptomatic care is available, it is obvious that there is a high unmet medical need for a new therapeutic concept. One reason for a missing etiologic therapy strategy is the multifactorial origin of ARDS, which leads to a large heterogeneity of patients. This review summarizes the various kinds of ARDS onset with a special focus on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generally linked to ARDS development and progression. Taking a closer look at the data which already have been established in mouse models, this review finally proposes the translation of these results on successful antioxidant use in a personalized approach to the ICU patient as a potential adjuvant to standard ARDS treatment.

Melatonin and Pathological Cell Interactions: Mitochondrial Glucose Processing in Cancer Cells

Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland at night. Since melatonin is produced in the mitochondria of all other cells in a non-circadian manner, the amount synthesized by the pineal gland is less than 5% of the total. Melatonin produced in mitochondria influences glucose metabolism in all cells. Many pathological cells adopt aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) in which pyruvate is excluded from the mitochondria and remains in the cytosol where it is metabolized to lactate. The entrance of pyruvate into the mitochondria of healthy cells allows it to be irreversibly decarboxylated by pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). The exclusion of pyruvate from the mitochondria in pathological cells prevents the generation of acetyl-CoA from pyruvate. This is relevant to mitochondrial melatonin production, as acetyl-CoA is a required co-substrate/co-factor for melatonin synthesis. When PDH is inhibited during aerobic glycolysis or during intracellular hypoxia, the deficiency of acetyl-CoA likely prevents mitochondrial melatonin synthesis. When cells experiencing aerobic glycolysis or hypoxia with a diminished level of acetyl-CoA are supplemented with melatonin or receive it from another endogenous source (pineal-derived), pathological cells convert to a more normal phenotype and support the transport of pyruvate into the mitochondria, thereby re-establishing a healthier mitochondrial metabolic physiology.

Abscisic acid inhibited reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress by regulating the PPAR-γ signaling pathway in ARDS mice

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening form of a respiratory disorder, and there are few effective therapies. Abscisic acid (ABA) has been proven to be effective in influenza and asthma. Herein, we explored the protective effect of ABA on the resolution of ARDS and the underlying mechanism. Mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an ARDS model. We found that ABA reduced pulmonary injury, with concomitant suppression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, after the elimination of ROS by the specific inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), ABA did not further inhibit airway inflammation or ER stress in ARDS mice. In addition, ABA inhibited ROS production through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in parallel with elevated levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ). Furthermore, the addition of a PPAR-γ antagonist abrogated the suppressive action of ABA on inflammation as well as on ER stress and oxidative stress, while NAC restored the protective effect of ABA in ARDS mice treated with a PPAR-γ antagonist. Collectively, ABA protects against LPS-induced lung injury through PPAR-γ signaling, and this effect may be associated with its inhibitory effect on ROS-mediated ER stress.

Glutathione Peroxidase in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that is characterized by a state of persistent inflammation and oxidative stress. The presence of oxidative stress in COPD is the result of an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms. The aim of this review was to investigate a possible association between glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a key component of antioxidant defense mechanisms, and COPD. A systematic search for relevant studies was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, from inception to June 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to express the differences in GPx concentrations between COPD patients and non-COPD subjects. Twenty-four studies were identified. In 15 studies assessing whole blood/erythrocytes (GPx isoform 1), the pooled results showed that GPx concentrations were significantly lower in patients with COPD (SMD = −1.91, 95% CI −2.55 to −1.28, p < 0.001; moderate certainty of evidence). By contrast, in 10 studies assessing serum/plasma (GPx isoform 3), the pooled results showed that GPx concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups (very low certainty of evidence). The concentration of GPx-1, but not GPx-3, is significantly lower in COPD patients, suggesting an impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms in this group.

Cigarette Smoke Promotes Interleukin-8 Production in Alveolar Macrophages Through the Reactive Oxygen Species/Stromal Interaction Molecule 1/Ca2+ Axis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), primarily attributed to cigarette smoke (CS), is characterized by multiple pathophysiological changes, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a Ca²⁺ sensor that regulates Ca²⁺ entry in different types of cells. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between CS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as the functional role of STIM1 thereinto. Our results showed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/STIM1/Ca²⁺ axis played a critical role in CS-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 in human alveolar macrophages. Specifically, smokers with COPD (SC) showed higher levels of ROS in the lung tissues compared with healthy non-smokers (HN). STIM1 was upregulated in the lung tissues of COPD patients. The expression of STIM1 was positively associated with ROS levels and negatively correlated with pulmonary function. The expression of STIM1 was also increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) macrophages of COPD patients and PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages stimulated by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Additionally, CSE-induced upregulation of STIM1 in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages was inhibited by pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger. Transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting STIM1 and pretreatment with NAC alleviated CSE-induced increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and IL-8 expression. Furthermore, pretreatment with SKF-96365 and 2-APB, the inhibitors of Ca²⁺ influx, suppressed CSE-induced secretion of IL-8. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that CSE-induced ROS production may increase the expression of STIM1 in macrophages, which further promotes the release of IL-8 by regulating Ca²⁺ entry. These data suggest that STIM1 may play a crucial role in CSE-induced ROS production and inflammation, and participate in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Combined effects of cigarette smoking, DNA methyltransferase 3B genetic polymorphism, and DNA damage on lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Smoking increases DNA methylation and DNA damage, and DNA damage acts as a vital cause of tumor development. The DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) enhances promoter activity and methylation of tumor suppressor genes. Tea polyphenols may inhibit DNMT activity. We designed a case-control study to evaluate the combined effects of smoking, green tea consumption, DNMT3B - 149 polymorphism, and DNA damage on lung cancer occurrence.

METHODS

Questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic characteristics, life styles, and family histories of lung cancer from 190 primary lung cancer cases and 380 healthy controls. Genotypes and cellular DNA damage were determined by polymerase chain reaction and comet assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean DNA tail moment for lung cancer cases was significantly higher than that for healthy controls. Compared to nonsmokers carrying the DNMT3B - 149 CT genotype, smokers carrying the TT genotype had a greater lung cancer risk (odds ratio [OR]: 2.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62-4.93). DNA damage levels were divided by the tertile of the healthy controls' values. Compared to nonsmokers with low DNA damage, smokers with moderate DNA damage (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.54-3.63) and smokers with high DNA damage (OR: 3.97, 95% CI: 2.63-5.98) had elevated lung cancer risks. Interaction between smoking and DNA damage significantly affected lung cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that the DNMT3B - 149 TT genotype, which has higher promoter activity, can increase the lung cancer risk elicited by smoking, and DNA damage may further promote smoking related lung cancer development.

Suppression of Mitochondria-Related Bioenergetics Collapse and Redox Impairment by Tanshinone I, a Diterpenoid Found in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), in the Human Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cell Line Exposed to Chlorpyrifos

Tanshinone I (T-I, C₁₈H₁₂O₃) is a diterpene found in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) and promotes cytoprotection in several experimental models. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an agrochemical that causes bioenergetics failure, redox impairment, inflammation, and cell death in animal tissues. Here, we investigated whether T-I would be able to prevent the consequences resulting from the exposure of the human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells to CPF. We found that a pretreatment with T-I at 2.5 µM for 2 h suppressed lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation and nitration on the membranes of mitochondria extracted from the CPF-treated cells. Also, T-I reduced the production of radical superoxide (O₂^-•) by the mitochondria of the CPF-challenged cells. The production of nitric oxide (NO^•) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was also decreased by T-I in the cells exposed to CPF. The CPF-induced decrease in the activity of the complexes I-III, II-III, and V was abolished by a pretreatment with T-I. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_m) and reduction in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were also prevented by T-I in the CPF-treated cells. T-I also induced anti-inflammatory effects in the CPF-treated cells by decreasing the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the activity of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or silencing of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) blocked the T-I-promoted mitochondrial protection and anti-inflammatory action. Overall, T-I depended on the Nrf2/HO-1 axis to prevent the deleterious effects caused by CPF in this experimental model.

The traditional herbal formulation, Jianpiyifei II, reduces pulmonary inflammation induced by influenza A virus and cigarette smoke in mice

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide chronic inflammatory lung disease, and influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a common cause of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Therefore, targeting viral infections represents a promising strategy to prevent the occurrence and development of inflammatory flare ups in AECOPD. Jianpiyifei II (JPYFII) is a traditional herbal medicine used in China to treat patients with COPD, and its clinical indications are not well understood. However, investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanism using an animal model of smoking have been reported in a previous study by our group. In addition, some included herbs, such as Radix astragali and Radix aupleuri, were reported to exhibit antiviral effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether JPYFII formulation relieved acute inflammation by clearing the IAV in a mouse model that was exposed to cigarette smoke experimentally. JPYFII formulation treatment during smoke exposure and IAV infection significantly reduced the number of cells observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, superoxide production, and viral load in IAV-infected and smoke-exposed mice. However, JPYFII formulation treatment during smoke exposure alone did not reduce the number of cells in BALF or the expression of Il-6, Tnf-a, and Il-1β. The results demonstrated that JPYFII formulation exerted an antiviral effect and reduced the exacerbation of lung inflammation in cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice infected with IAV. Our results suggested that JPYFII formulation could potentially be used to treat patients with AECOPD associated with IAV infection.

A Comparative Study of Antioxidative Activity of Saliva in Children and Young Teenagers with and without Gingivitis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the values of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the saliva of children and young teenagers with and without gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 children and young teenagers of the mean age of 12.2 participated in the research. Gingival condition was assessed using the Löe and Silness Gingival Index. The subjects were divided into groups of those without gingivitis and those with gingivitis. Samples of unstimulated saliva were collected, and TAC, CAT and GPX were determined spectrophotometrically. Results: By comparing the values of TAC, CAT and GPX in subjects with and without gingivitis, significantly lower values of TAC (p < 0.001) and CAT (p < 0.001) were observed in the group of subjects with gingivitis. The correlation analysis of these values showed a positive correlation in groups of subjects not suffering from gingival inflammation and those with gingival inflammation. Conclusions: The study showed significantly lower values of TAC and CAT in the saliva of subjects with gingivitis. This indicates their possible role as a potential biomarker in the early diagnosis and expression of periodontal disease in children and young teenagers.