Circulating proteasome activity following mild head injury in children

Proteasomes and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 as Biomarkers of Tissue Damage and Inflammatory Response to Different Types of Injury-A Short Review

The proteasomal system of protein degradation is crucial for various cellular processes, including transduction of signals and differentiation of cells. Proteasome activity rises after various traumatic stressors such as hyperoxia, radiation, or oxidative damage. Removal of damaged proteins is essential to provide the necessary conditions for cell repair. Several studies report the activation of the proteasomal degradation system after thermal injury, CNS injury, abdominal trauma, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and possible clinical implications of the use of proteasome inhibitors. It is important to highlight the distinct and crucial roles of UCHL1, 26S, and 20S proteasome subunits as biomarkers. UCHL1 appears to be particularly relevant for identifying brain and neuronal damage and in advancing the diagnosis and prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other neurological conditions. Meanwhile, the 26S and 20S proteasomes may serve as markers for peripheral tissue damage. This differentiation enhances our understanding and ability to target specific types of tissue damage in clinical settings.

Exploring and analyzing two aging related genes FPR1 and UCHL1 and their potential molecular mechanisms in aggravating lumbar disc herniation

The aim of this research was to investigate dysregulated pivotal genes in individuals with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for LDH. Key aging-related genes in LDH were identified through multiple methods. Two dysregulated key genes (FPR1 and UCHL1) were finally identified, showing high diagnostic value in both training and external validation cohorts. Dysregulated expression of these hub genes established a detrimental cycle in LDH by promoting inflammatory response, immune infiltration, and aging progression. This highlights significant pathological alterations caused by these hub genes in LDH pathogenesis. The current study developed a novel genetic signature associated with aging that accurately diagnoses LDH while characterizing biological alterations in patients with this condition. And this genetic signature holds promise as an indicator to assist clinical decision-making. Moreover, identification of FPR1 and UCHL1 as pivotal genes presents potential prospects for targeted therapeutic interventions for LDH.

Acute Fluid Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Children with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Fluid biomarkers have the potential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis in children with mild traumatic brain injury. Our primary objective was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic utility of acute blood and fluid biomarkers in children with mild traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the published literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Fluid biomarker studies assessing pediatric mild traumatic brain injury diagnosis or prognosis were included if blood or fluids were sampled within 24 h of injury.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies involving 4743 patients were included comprising 25 diagnostic studies and ten prognostic studies with three studies assessing both diagnosis and prognosis. Sixteen of the 25 diagnostic studies reported the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting abnormal computed tomography scans of the head; S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B, N = 6 studies, AUC range 0.67-1.00), glial fibrillary acidic protein (N = 5, AUC range 0.41-0.85), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (N = 3, AUC 0.59 and 0.83), neuron specific enolase (N = 1, AUC 0.99), total tau (N = 1, AUC 0.65), and interleukin-6 (N = 1, AUC 0.61). In four of the ten prognostic studies, increased acute serum S100B levels, tumor necrosis factor-α, or interleukin-8 were associated with post-concussive symptoms or fatigue from 3 to 12 months post-injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The largest amount of evidence supported the potential use of S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and UCH-L1, but there was mixed accuracy for diagnosis and prognostication for all biomarkers in pediatric mTBI.

Acute stress modulates the outcome of traumatic brain injury-associated gene expression and behavioral responses

Psychological stress and traumatic brain injury (TBI) result in long-lasting emotional and behavioral impairments in patients. So far, the interaction of psychological stress with TBI not only in the brain but also in peripheral organs is poorly understood. Herein, the impact of acute stress (AS) occurring immediately before TBI is investigated. For this, a mouse model of restraint stress and TBI was employed, and their influence on behavior and gene expression in brain regions, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and peripheral organs was analyzed. Results demonstrate that, compared to single AS or TBI exposure, mice treated with AS prior to TBI showed sex-specific alterations in body weight, memory function, and locomotion. The induction of immediate early genes (IEGs, e.g., c-Fos) by TBI was modulated by previous AS in several brain regions. Furthermore, IEG upregulation along the HPA axis (e.g., pituitary, adrenal glands) and other peripheral organs (e.g., heart) was modulated by AS-TBI interaction. Proteomics of plasma samples revealed proteins potentially mediating this interaction. Finally, the deletion of Atf3 diminished the TBI-induced induction of IEGs in peripheral organs but left them largely unaltered in the brain. In summary, AS immediately before brain injury affects the brain and, to a strong degree, also responses in peripheral organs.

Improper Proteostasis: Can It Serve as Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases?

Cells synthesize new proteins after multiple molecular decisions. Damage of existing proteins, accumulation of abnormal proteins, and basic requirement of new proteins trigger protein quality control (PQC)-based alternative strategies to cope against proteostasis imbalance. Accumulation of misfolded proteins is linked with various neurodegenerative disorders. However, how deregulated components of this quality control system and their lack of general mechanism-based long-term changes can serve as biomarkers for neurodegeneration remains largely unexplored. Here, our article summarizes the chief findings, which may facilitate the search of novel and relevant proteostasis mechanism-based biomarkers associated with neuronal disorders. Understanding the abnormalities of PQC coupled molecules as possible biomarkers can help to determine neuronal fate and their contribution to the aetiology of several nervous system disorders.

UCHL1 and Proteasome in Blood Serum in Relation to Dietary Habits, Concentration of Selected Antioxidant Minerals and Total Antioxidant Status among Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease. It is the most common form of dementia among the elderly population. So far, no effective methods of its treatment have been found. Research to better understand the mechanism of pathology may provide new methods for early diagnosis. This, in turn, could enable early intervention that could slow or halt disease progression and improve patients' quality of life. Therefore, minimally invasive markers, including serum-based markers, are being sought to improve the diagnosis of AD. One of the important markers may be the concentration of UCHL1 and the proteasome in the blood serum. Their concentration can be affected by many factors, including eating habits. This study was conducted in 110 patients with early or moderate AD, with a mean age of 78.0 ± 8.1 years. The patients were under the care of the Podlasie Center of Psychogeriatrics and the Department of Neurology (Medical University of Białystok, Poland). The control group consisted of 60 healthy volunteers, matched for gender and age. The concentration of UCHL1 and the 20S proteasome subunit were measured by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI). In addition, a nutritional interview was conducted with patients with AD, which assessed the frequency of consumption of 36 groups of products. In the group of patients with AD, compared to the control group, we showed a significantly higher concentration of UCHL1 (56.05 vs. 7.98 ng/mL) and the proteasome (13.02 vs. 5.72 µg/mL). Moreover, we found a low negative correlation between UCHL1 and the proteasome in the control group, and positive in the AD group. The analysis of eating habits showed that the consumption of selected groups of products may affect the concentration of the tested components, and therefore may have a protective effect on AD.

Concept and application of circulating proteasomes

Proteostasis is primarily a function of protein synthesis and degradation. Although the components and processes involved in intracellular proteostasis have been studied extensively, it is apparent that extracellular proteostasis is equitably crucial for the viability of organisms. The 26S proteasome, a unique ATP-dependent proteolytic complex in eukaryotic cells, contributes to the majority of intracellular proteolysis. Accumulating evidence suggests the presence of intact 20S proteasomes in the circulatory system (c-proteasomes), and similar to other plasma proteins, the levels of these c-proteasomes may vary, potentially reflecting specific pathophysiological conditions. Under normal conditions, the concentration of c-proteasomes has been reported to be in the range of ~0.2-2 μg/mL, which is ~2-4-fold lower than that of functional plasma proteins but markedly higher than that of signaling proteins. The characterization of c-proteasomes, such as their origin, structure, role, and clearance, has been delayed mainly due to technical limitations. In this review, we summarize the current perspectives pertaining to c-proteasomes, focusing on the methodology, including our experimental understanding. We believe that once the pathological relevance of c-proteasomes is revealed, these unique components may be utilized in the diagnosis and prognosis of diverse human diseases.

Synergistic effects of brain injury and aging: common mechanisms of proteostatic dysfunction

The aftermath of TBI is associated with an acute stress response and the accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates. Even after the symptoms of TBI are resolved, insidious molecular processes continue to develop, which often ultimately result in the development of age-associated neurodegenerative disorders. The precise molecular cascades that drive unhealthy brain aging are still largely unknown. In this review, we discuss proteostatic dysfunction as a converging mechanism contributing to accelerated brain aging after TBI. We examine evidence from human tissue and in vivo animal models, spanning both the aging and injury contexts. We conclude that TBI has a sustained debilitating effect on the proteostatic machinery, which may contribute to the accelerated pathological and cognitive hallmarks of aging that are observed following injury.

Traumatic injury compromises nucleocytoplasmic transport and leads to TDP-43 pathology

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a predisposing factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Although defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) is reported ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, whether defects in NCT occur in TBI remains unknown. We performed proteomic analysis on Drosophila exposed to repeated TBI and identified resultant alterations in several novel molecular pathways. TBI upregulated nuclear pore complex (NPC) and nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) proteins as well as alter nucleoporin stability. Traumatic injury disrupted RanGAP1 and NPC protein distribution in flies and a rat model and led to coaggregation of NPC components and TDP-43. In addition, trauma-mediated NCT defects and lethality are rescued by nuclear export inhibitors. Importantly, genetic upregulation of nucleoporins in vivo and in vitro triggered TDP-43 cytoplasmic mislocalization, aggregation, and altered solubility and reduced motor function and lifespan of animals. We also found NUP62 pathology and elevated NUP62 concentrations in postmortem brain tissues of patients with mild or severe CTE as well as co-localization of NUP62 and TDP-43 in CTE. These findings indicate that TBI leads to NCT defects, which potentially mediate the TDP-43 pathology in CTE.

Effects of combined Pulsed Dye Laser and Fractional CO2 Laser treatment of burn scars and correlation with plasma levels of collagen type I, MMP-2 and TIMP-1

Hypertrophic burn scars remain a significant burden for patients and a challenge for clinicians.

THE AIM

Assessement of the efficacy of combined Pulsed Dye Laser and Ablative Fractional CO₂ Laser therapy on hyperthophic scars and correlation with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty five pediatric subjects were enrolled into the study. Control group consisted of age-matched subjects admitted for surgical repair of inguinal hernia. For the assessment of the results of laser treatment we used the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and Patient-Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). We also correlated clinical results with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen.

RESULTS

All subjects reported the laser treatment resulted in improvement and were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their experience. No adverse events were reported. The levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen in our patients with scars before laser threatment were higher in comparison to controls. We also found statistically significant decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars CONCLUSIONS: Our study clearly shows that combined CO2-AFL treatment for burn scars improve texture, colour, function and alleviate pruritus. We believe that decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars, reflects reduced dynamic of scar.

BDNF and IL-8, But Not UCHL-1 and IL-11, Are Markers of Brain Injury in Children Caused by Mild Head Trauma

The aim of the study was to check whether the plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-11 (IL-11) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1) change in children with mild head trauma (N = 29) compared to controls (N = 13). Protein concentration in children with mild head trauma (12 children with mild concussion without loss of consciousness and 17 children with severe concussion and loss of consciousness) and the control group were measured by means of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. IL-8 and BDNF concentration was statistically higher in the group of children with mild head trauma (9.89 pg/mL and 2798.00 pg/mL, respectively) compared to the control group (7.52 pg/mL and 1163.20 pg/mL, respectively). BDNF concentration was significantly higher in children with severe concussion and loss of consciousness (3826.00 pg/mL) than in the control group. None of the tested proteins differed significantly between children with mild concussion without loss of consciousness and children with severe concussion and loss of consciousness. BDNF and IL-8 may be sensitive markers of brain response to mild head trauma in children. The lack of statistical differences for BDNF and IL-8 between children with mild or severe concussion could indicate that their elevated levels may not result from significant structural brain damage but rather reflect a functional disturbance.

Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 - physiology and pathology

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) is an enzyme unique for its multiple activity - both ligase and hydrolase. UCHL1 was first identified as an abundant protein found in the brain and testes, however its expression is not limited to the neuronal compartment. UCHL1 is also highly expressed in carcinomas of various tissue origins, including those from brain, lung, breast, kidney, colon, prostate, pancreas and mesenchymal tissues. Loss-of-function studies and an inhibitor for UCHL1 confirmed the importance of UCHL1 for cancer therapy. So far biological significance of UCHL1 was described in the following processes: spermatogenesis, oncogenesis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and differentiation in skeletal muscle, inflammation, tissue injury, neuronal injury and neurodegeneration.

Proteasome Activity and C-Reactive Protein Concentration in the Course of Inflammatory Reaction in Relation to the Type of Abdominal Operation and the Surgical Technique Used

Surgical tissue damage and the accompanying inflammatory response lead to proteasome activation, initiation of damaged protein degradation, and induction of acute-phase inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of change in proteasome chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L) activity and C-reactive protein concentration depending on the degree of tissue damage and their correlation with prealbumin concentrations in children before and after abdominal surgery. This experimental study included children who underwent abdominal surgery between 2015 and 2017. Plasma prealbumin concentrations and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) were determined by standard biochemical laboratory procedures. Proteasome activity was assessed using a Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC peptide substrate. Elevation of plasma proteasome activity was noted in children after laparoscopic and open abdominal surgeries. However, 20S proteasome activity in children undergoing conventional open surgery was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in patients subjected to laparoscopy. At the same time, an increase in the CRP level was observed. However, there was no correlation between C-reactive protein concentrations and the type of abdominal surgery while there was a correlation observed in the case of proteasomes. Proteasome activity correlates with the degree of surgical tissue damage and prealbumin concentrations. More invasive surgery leads to a stronger activation of the proteasome involved in removing proteins that were damaged due to the surgical procedure. Proteasomes are more specific markers because there is a correlation between proteasome activity and the type of abdominal surgery in contrast to C-reactive protein concentrations which are not different in response to surgery performed in regard to ovarian cysts or cholelithiasis.

Concentration of Proteasome in the Blood Plasma of Children with Acute Appendicitis, Before and After Surgery, and Its Correlation with CRP

OBJECTIVE

The determination of 20S proteasome concentration in the blood plasma of children with appendicitis and its correlation with CRP.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Thirty-one children with acute appendicitis, were randomly included into the study (age 5 years up to 17 years, mean age 11.5 + 1 years).

PARTICIPANTS

There were 17 girls and 14 boys. Eighteen healthy, age-matched subjects, admitted for planned surgeries served as controls. Exclusion criteria were: severe preexisting infections, immunological or cardiovascular diseases that required long-term medication, and complicated cases of appendicitis with perforation of appendix and/or peritonitis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The 20S proteasome concentrations in the blood plasma of patients with acute appendicitis were highest before the surgery and were above the range of concentrations measured in controls, and the difference was statistically significant.

RESULTS

The 20S proteasome concentration measured 24 and 72 h after the operation, slowly decreased over time, and still did not reach the normal range, when compared with the concentration measured in controls (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

20S proteasome concentration may reflect the metabolic response to acute state inflammation, and the process of gradual ebbing of the inflammation. The method of operation-classic open appendectomy, or laparoscopic appendectomy, does not influence the general trend in 20S proteasome concentration.

Immunoproteasome in the blood plasma of children with acute appendicitis, and its correlation with proteasome and UCHL1 measured by SPR imaging biosensors

The aim of this study was to determinate the immunoproteasome concentration in the blood plasma of children with appendicitis, and its correlation with circulating proteasome and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1). Twenty-seven children with acute appendicitis, managed at the Paediatric Surgery Department, were included randomly into the study (age 2 years 9 months up to 14 years, mean age 9·5 ± 1 years). There were 10 girls and 17 boys; 18 healthy, age-matched subjects, admitted for planned surgeries served as controls. Mean concentrations of immunoproteasome, 20S proteasome and UCHL1 in the blood plasma of children with appendicitis before surgery 24 h and 72 h after the appendectomy were higher than in the control group. The immunoproteasome, 20S proteasome and UCHL1 concentrations in the blood plasma of patients with acute appendicitis were highest before surgery. The immunoproteasome, 20S proteasome and UCHL1 concentration measured 24 and 72 h after the operation decreased slowly over time and still did not reach the normal range (P < 0·05). There was no statistical difference between immunoproteasome, 20S proteasome and UCHL1 concentrations in children operated on laparoscopically and children after classic appendectomy. The immunoproteasome concentration may reflect the metabolic response to acute state inflammation, and the process of gradual ebbing of the inflammation may thus be helpful in the assessment of the efficacy of treatment. The method of operation - classic open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy - does not influence the general trend in immunoproteasome concentration in children with appendicitis.

Proteasome and C-reactive protein inflammatory response in children undergoing shorter and longer lasting laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Operations of varying duration cause the release of a number of inflammatory mediators, in particular cytokines which lead to proteasome and acute-phase reactions. The purpose of this novel human study, was to characterize inflammatory response in children undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, by analyzing changes in selected inflammatory mediators: C-reactive protein concentration and circulating 20S proteasome activity following surgical injury and to correlate them with the duration of the surgical procedure. Plasma C-reactive protein concentration (CRP) was determined by standard biochemical laboratory procedures. Proteasome activity in the plasma of children was assessed using Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC peptide substrate. Statistically significant increase in the plasma proteasome activity and C-reactive protein concentration, was noted (p < .05) in children after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We found the correlation between the 20S proteasome activity and the length of the procedure. In children undergoing longer lasting laparoscopic cholecystectomy the proteasome activity was much higher than in patients having shorter surgical procedure. The CRP concentration and 20S proteasome activity significantly increase after surgery, but only 20S proteasome activity correlate with the length of the surgery. This may confirm that CRP is only an indicator of pathological state, while the function of the proteasomes is more complex because of their participation in the processes of repair and wound healing, and in the removal of damaged proteins.