Cytokines as communication signals between leukocytes and endothelial cells

Mechanism of Rabdosia rubescens extract against gastric cancer microenvironment by SIRT1/NF-κB/p53 pathway and promoting tumor-associated macrophage polarization

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional action of Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H. Hara is heat-clearing and detoxifying, relieve sore throat, dissipate binds and disperse swelling. DLC, as an extract prepared from Rabdosiae Rubescentis Herba, could regulate the polarization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). For TAMs play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. It is worthy to further explore the mechanism of DLC on the polarized function of macrophages.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the activity and molecular mechanisms of DLC on dissipating binds and dispersing swelling by modulating the gastric cancer microenvironment and macrophage polarization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted comprehensive qualitative and quantitative chromatographic analyses to characterize the main components of DLC. To evaluate its anti-tumor effects, immunofluorescence, MTT assay, plate cloning, transcriptomics analysis, western blotting, and siRNA knockdown experiments were performed to assess DLC's action on gastric cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, we utilized Trypan blue staining, a THP-1 and MGC-803 co-culture model, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a mouse xenograft model with five distinct dosage groups to systematically investigate DLC's effects on macrophage polarization.

RESULTS

Key compounds in DLC were identified. The vivo tests demonstrated the tumor inhibition rate of the 5 g/kg DLC group reached 66.99 %, surpassing that of the 5-fluorouracil group (59.94 %). Mechanistically, DLC upregulated SIRT1 expression and suppressed NF-κB pathway, thereby preventing p65 from translocating into nuclear and modulating downstream p53/MDM2/USP7 signaling. Moreover, DLC enhanced M1 macrophage factors such as TNF-α, IL-6 while inhibiting M2 marker TGF-β, effectively repolarizing M2 TAMs toward an M1 phenotype. This effect was associated with suppressed protein expression of HIF-1α, p-p65, and p-PI3K.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into DLC's mechanisms in regulating tumor microenvironment remodeling and promoting macrophage polarization toward an anti-tumor phenotype. These results provide a solid basis for DLC's potential clinical treament in gastric cancer, highlighting its promise as a natural therapeutic agent.

Induction of chronic asthma up regulated the transcription of senile factors in male rats

BACKGROUND

The main characteristic of asthma is chronic inflammation. We examined cellular senescence by histology and molecular assay in the lungs of a rat model of asthma. This model comprises sensitization by several intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin with aluminium hydroxide, followed by aerosol challenges every other day.

RESULTS

Data showed that asthma induction caused histological changes including, hyperemia, interstitial pneumonia, fibrinogen clots, and accumulation of inflammatory cells in the pleura. There is an elevation of IL-1β and NF-kB proteins in the asthmatic group (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The expression of ß-galactosidase increased (P < 0.01), while the expression of Klotho and Sox2 genes was decreased in the lung tissue of the asthmatic group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings suggest that asthmatic conditions accelerated the cellular senescence in the lung tissue.

Ovarian sex steroid and epithelial control of immune responses in the uterus and oviduct: human and animal models†

The female reproductive tract (FRT), including the uterus and oviduct (Fallopian tube), is responsible for maintaining an optimal microenvironment for reproductive processes, such as gamete activation and transportation, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryonic and fetal development. The mucosal surface of the FRT may be exposed to pathogens and sexually transmitted microorganisms due to the opening of the cervix during mating. Pathogens and endotoxins may also reach the oviduct through the peritoneal fluid. To maintain an optimum reproductive environment while recognizing and killing pathogenic bacterial and viral agents, the oviduct and uterus should be equipped with an efficient and rigorously controlled immune system. Ovarian sex steroids can affect epithelial cells and underlying stromal cells, which have been shown to mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. This, in turn, protects against potential infections while maintaining an optimal milieu for reproductive events, highlighting the homeostatic involvement of ovarian sex steroids and reproductive epithelial cells. This article will discuss how ovarian sex steroids affect the immune reactions elicited by the epithelial cells of the non-pregnant uterus and oviduct in the bovine, murine, and human species. Finally, we propose that there are regional and species-specific differences in the immune responses in FRT.

Clotting of the Extracorporeal Circuit in Hemodialysis: Beyond Contact-Activated Coagulation

Thrombotic complications in patients with end-stage kidney disease are frequent. While being a lifesaving treatment for these patients, hemodialysis introduces a thromboinflammatory environment. Additionally, the extracorporeal hemodialysis circuit itself is prone to clotting because of an interaction between different activation mechanisms of the coagulation system, platelets, and the immune system. Anticoagulation of the patient and the machine is frequently complicated by bleeding. We discuss the factors important in this balancing act and touch on potential strategies that are on the horizon to target thromboinflammation.

Transcriptome analysis of pre-immune state induced by interferon gamma inhibiting the replication of H9N2 avian influenza viruses in chicken embryo fibroblasts

Interferon (IFN), a critical antiviral cytokine produced by pathogens-induced cells, plays an important role in host innate immune system. In this study, to investigate the inhibition effect of IFN on avian influenza virus (AIV), Chicken Embryo Fibroblasts (CEFs) was infected by H₉N₂ AIV. The pre-immune state and transcriptome analysis have been observed and performed. The result showed chicken interferon gamma (chIFN-γ) have the most inhibitory effect on H₉N₂ virus among three types of chicken interferons (chIFNs). Inhibition of chIFN-γ on H₉N₂ virus was verified by indirect immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR and western blot. The possible signaling pathways induced by chIFN-γ with or without virus were analyzed by transcriptome. The transcriptome data were compared among H₉N₂-infected, chIFN-γ-treated, chIFN-γ + H₉N₂-treated, and Control groups. In summary, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data suggested that H₉N₂ virus infection resulted in corresponding response of certain defensive, inflammatory and metabolism pathways to the virus replication in CEFs. Furthermore, while CEFs were treated with chIFN-γ, many immune-related signaling pathways in cells are affected and altered. Antiviral genes involved in these immune pathways such as interferon regulatory factors, chemokines, interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and transcription factors were significantly up-regulated, and showed significant antiviral responses. Compared with virus infected CEFs alone, pretreatment with IFN induced the expression of antiviral genes and activated related antiviral pathways, inhibited the viral replication as result. Our study provided functional annotations for antiviral genes and the basis for studying the mechanism of chIFN-γ mediated response against H₉N₂ AIV.

Effects of Exercise Training on the Autonomic Nervous System with a Focus on Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidants Effects

Studies show that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) has an important impact on health in general. In response to environmental demands, homeostatic processes are often compromised, therefore determining an increase in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)’s functions and a decrease in the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)’s functions. In modern societies, chronic stress associated with an unhealthy lifestyle contributes to ANS dysfunction. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to the ANS network, its connections to the HPA axis and its stress responses and give an overview of the critical implications of ANS in health and disease—focused specifically on the immune system, cardiovascular, oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA), the SNS and more recently the PNS have been identified as regulating the immune system. The HPA axis and PNS have anti-inflammatory effects and the SNS has been shown to have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. The positive impact of physical exercise (PE) is well known and has been studied by many researchers, but its negative impact has been less studied. Depending on the type, duration and individual characteristics of the person doing the exercise (age, gender, disease status, etc.), PE can be considered a physiological stressor. The negative impact of PE seems to be connected with the oxidative stress induced by effort.

Oropharyngeal Dysbiosis Affects Postoperative Tissue Reparative Capacity In Patients With Congenital Disorders Of Maxillofacial Region

Background — One of the main causes of hyperergic postoperative tissue response could be a prolonged opening in the septum between normally isolated anatomical regions, e.g., of the nasal cavity and oropharynx in patients with congenital disorders of maxillofacial region, which leads to anomalous exchange of their microbiotas. Objective — The objective of this study was to determine the composition of culturable facultative anaerobic microbiota of oronasopharyngeal mucosa, and to identify cytokine profiles in patients with congenital disorders of maxillofacial region in both preoperative and postoperative periods. Methods and Results — Our study is based on the results of examining the children with unilateral congenital cleft of upper lip (CL) before and after surgery, as well as examining the children with simultaneous unilateral congenital cleft of upper lip and palate (CLP) before and after primary rhinocheiloplasty. We used ELISA to determine the content of interleukin-10 (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the samples of blood serum and mucosal surfaces. The study of culturable microflora was conducted in patients before the surgery and during a postoperative period, specifically at one, three, six, and twelve months. Isolation of pure bacterial cultures was performed via conventional bacteriological methods followed by identification using MALDI-TOF testing. Before the surgery, microbial colonization was observed at significantly higher levels in CLP children than in healthy children. After the surgery, microbiological indicators partially came to normal values solely in CL patients. Local IL-1β concentrations remained significantly higher than those found in healthy subjects. In terms of postoperative dynamics, blood plasma antioxidant activity declined below normal values in CLP patients. Conclusion — Our study demonstrated the need for preoperative eradication of potential pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., Candida spp. and Streptococcus spp.), preferably, via using non-antibiotic approaches, such as probiotics and phage therapy, as well as supportive integrative therapy (e.g., using antioxidants).

Diversity of Lipid Function in Atherogenesis: A Focus on Endothelial Mechanobiology

Atherosclerosis is one of the most important problems in modern medicine. Its high prevalence and social significance determine the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the disease's development and progression. Lipid metabolism and its disorders are one of the key links in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Lipids are involved in many processes, including those related to the mechanoreception of endothelial cells. The multifaceted role of lipids in endothelial mechanobiology and mechanisms of atherogenesis are discussed in this review. Endothelium is involved in ensuring adequate vascular hemodynamics, and changes in blood flow characteristics are detected by endothelial cells and affect their structure and function.

Association of a variant in the tumor necrosis factor alpha gene with risk of cervical cancer

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the regulation of the immune system and potentially the progression of cervical neoplastic lesions. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible relationship between polymorphisms of the TNF-α gene and susceptibility to cervical cancer. The relationship between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TNF-α gene (rs1800629) and the risk of cervical cancer was evaluated in a total of 445 subjects with (n = 153), or without (n = 292) cancer. Genotyping was performed using a Taq-Man based real time PCR method. Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with AG/AA genotypes had an increased risk of cervical cancer compared to those with a GG genotype (OR 3.79, 95% CI 2.4-5.7, < 0.001). Our findings demonstrated that a genetic variant in the TNF-α gene (rs1800629) was associated with increased level and risk of developing cervical cancer, suggesting its potential use as a genetic risk factor for cervical neoplasia.

Complement and coagulation cascades activation is the main pathophysiological pathway in early-onset severe preeclampsia revealed by maternal proteomics

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific multisystem disorder and a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The exact pathogenesis of this multifactorial disease remains poorly defined. We applied proteomics analysis on maternal blood samples collected from 14 singleton pregnancies with early-onset severe preeclampsia and 6 uncomplicated pregnancies to investigate the pathophysiological pathways involved in this specific subgroup of preeclampsia. Maternal blood was drawn at diagnosis for cases and at matched gestational age for controls. LC-MS/MS proteomics analysis was conducted, and data were analyzed by multivariate and univariate statistical approaches with the identification of differential pathways by exploring the global human protein-protein interaction network. The unsupervised multivariate analysis (the principal component analysis) showed a clear difference between preeclamptic and uncomplicated pregnancies. The supervised multivariate analysis using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis resulted in a model with goodness of fit (R2X = 0.99, p < 0.001) and a strong predictive ability (Q2Y = 0.8, p < 0.001). By univariate analysis, we found 17 proteins statistically different after 5% FDR correction (q-value < 0.05). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed 5 significantly enriched pathways whereby the activation of the complement and coagulation cascades was on top (p = 3.17e-07). To validate these results, we assessed the deposits of C5b-9 complement complex and on endothelial cells that were exposed to activated plasma from an independent set of 4 cases of early-onset severe preeclampsia and 4 uncomplicated pregnancies. C5b-9 and Von Willbrand factor deposits were significantly higher in early-onset severe preeclampsia. Future studies are warranted to investigate potential therapeutic targets for early-onset severe preeclampsia within the complement and coagulation pathway.

Role of the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Insights Into Cancer Hallmarks

In response to a variety of stresses, mammalian cells activate the inflammasome for targeted caspase-dependent pyroptosis. The research community has recently begun to deduce that the activation of inflammasome is instigated by several known oncogenic stresses and metabolic perturbations; nevertheless, the role of inflammasomes in the context of cancer biology is less understood. In manipulating the expression of inflammasome, researchers have found that NLRP3 serves as a deterministic player in conducting tumor fate decisions. Understanding the mechanistic underpinning of pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic pathways might elucidate novel therapeutic onco-targets, thereby providing new opportunities to manipulate inflammasome in augmenting the anti-tumorigenic activity to prevent tumor expansion and achieve metastatic control. Accordingly, this review aims to decode the complexity of NLRP3, whereby summarizing and clustering findings into cancer hallmarks and tissue contexts may expedite consensus and underscore the potential of the inflammasome in drug translation.

The Paracrine Role of Endothelial Cells in Bone Formation via CXCR4/SDF-1 Pathway

Vascularization is a prerequisite for bone formation. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) stimulate bone formation by creating a vascular network. Moreover, EPCs secrete various bioactive molecules that may regulate bone formation. The aim of this research was to shed light on the pathways of EPCs in bone formation. In a subcutaneous nude mouse ectopic bone model, the transplantation of human EPCs onto β-TCP scaffold increased angiogenesis (p < 0.001) and mineralization (p < 0.01), compared to human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (HNDF group) and a-cellular scaffold transplantation (β-TCP group). Human EPCs were lining blood vessels lumen; however, the majority of the vessels originated from endogenous mouse endothelial cells at a higher level in the EPC group (p < 01). Ectopic mineralization was mostly found in the EPCs group, and can be attributed to the recruitment of endogenous mesenchymal cells ten days after transplantation (p < 0.0001). Stromal derived factor-1 gene was expressed at high levels in EPCs and controlled the migration of mesenchymal and endothelial cells towards EPC conditioned medium in vitro. Blocking SDF-1 receptors on both cells abolished cell migration. In conclusion, EPCs contribute to osteogenesis mainly by the secretion of SDF-1, that stimulates homing of endothelial and mesenchymal cells. This data may be used to accelerate bone formation in the future.

The Effect of Peritoneal Dialysis Fluid on the Release of Il-113 and Tnfa by Macrophages/Monocytes

Objective

To study the effect of dialysis fluid on the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) by peritoneal macrophages (PM) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC), and the time course and factors involved in this effect

Design

PM and MNC were incubated for various periods with Dianeal itself, or Dianeal of varying pH and composition.IL-1 β was measured by radioimmunoassay and TNFα by cytotoxicity assay.

Patients

PM were obtained by centrifugation of dialysis effluent from 3 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. MNC were obtained from healthy volunteers.

Results

Dialysis fluid inhibited the release of both cytokines. Indomethacin had no effect on the inhibition of TNFα release caused by dialysis fluid. Thus prostaglandins are not involved in this inhibition. Solutions of pH 5.2 and high lactate concentration caused an identical inhibition to that caused by dialysate, whereas the presence or absence of glucose had no effect. Thus it seems that pH and lactate are the important inhibitory factors. Time course studies showed that the inhibition of TNFα release was substantial after only 15 minutes of incubation with dialysate, whereas the inhibition of IL-1 β became significant only after 60 minutes of incubation.

Conclusions

Even though dialysate pH rises within 15–30 minutes after instillation into the abdomen, the initial low pH present for only a short time could have a significant effect on TNFα release by peritoneal macrophages, and thus on their ability to mount a normal inflammatory response. Lactate also has a significant inhibitory role. It is suggested that commercial dialysis solutions should have a pH of 7. Oandthata physiological buffer other than lactate be used.

Hemocompatibility of Super-Repellent surfaces: Current and Future

Virtually all blood-contacting medical implants and devices initiate immunological events in the form of thrombosis and inflammation. Typically, patients receiving such implants are also given large doses of anticoagulants, which pose a high risk and a high cost to the patient. Thus, the design and development of surfaces with improved hemocompatibility and reduced dependence on anticoagulation treatments is paramount for the success of blood-contacting medical implants and devices. In the past decade, the hemocompatibility of super-repellent surfaces (i.e., surfaces that are extremely repellent to liquids) has been extensively investigated because such surfaces greatly reduce the blood-material contact area, which in turn reduces the area available for protein adsorption and blood cell or platelet adhesion, thereby offering the potential for improved hemocompatibility. In this review, we critically examine the progress made in characterizing the hemocompatibility of super-repellent surfaces, identify the unresolved challenges and highlight the opportunities for future research on developing medical implants and devices with super-repellent surfaces.

Up-regulated mRNA expression of some anti-inflammatory mediators in bovine oviduct epithelial cells by urea in vitro: Cellular pathways by Reactome analysis

Increased urea concentration is a major cause of low fertility in dairy cows fed high-protein diets. A strong correlation exists between the urea concentration in the blood and oviduct fluid of dairy cows. In this study, bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) were incubated with varying concentrations of urea (0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/dL) in the absence of ovarian sex steroids (estradiol and progesterone) and luteinizing hormone. The 80 mg/dL urea reduced the cell viability, and thus was excluded in further analysis. Compared to the control (U0), the 20 mg/dL urea (U20) increased the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, interleukin (IL) 10, IL4, and prostaglandin (PG) E synthase (mPGES) but decreased the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA). Compared to U0, the 40 mg/dL urea (U40) decreased the mRNA expression of TNFA and increased alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). U40 also increased TLR2, IL10, and IL4 mRNA expression compared to U0. In addition, compared to U20, the U40 decreased the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL1B but increased that of AGP and TLR2. Subsequently, the mRNA expression data were then projected into the Reactome database. The Reactome analysis showed that pathways, including cytokine signaling in the immune system (i.e., TNFs bind their physiological receptors) and death receptor signaling (i.e., TNF signaling), were down-regulated in the presence of urea compared to the U0 group. These in vitro data implied that high urea level can alter the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in BOECs, thus providing a suboptimal environment for the early reproductive events or a weakened innate immune system, predisposing the oviduct to infections.

Cardiac morbidity in HIV infection is associated with checkpoint inhibitor LAG-3 on CD4 T cells

Recent findings point to a role of Checkpoint Inhibitor (CPI) receptors at the tissue level in immune homeostasis. Here we investigated the role of CPI molecules on immune cells in relation to cardiac function. Participants recruited in Chennai, India consisted of HIV+ ART naive viremic (Gp1 n = 102), HIV+ on ART, virologically suppressed (Gp2, n = 172) and HIV negative healthy controls (Gp3, n = 64). A cross-sectional analysis of cardiac function, arterial resistance and immunologic assessment of CPI expressing T cells was performed. Data indicate that ART naive exhibited cardiac function impairment and greater arterial stiffness than the other groups. Frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing LAG-3 and PD1 were higher in ART naïve while TIGIT and TIM3 were similar among the patient groups. LAG-3+, PD1+ and dual LAG-3+PD1+ CD4 T cells were inversely correlated with cardiac function and arterial elasticity and directly with arterial stiffness in ART naïve participants and with arterial elasticity in virally suppressed group on ART. We conclude that HIV induced upregulation of LAG-3 singly or in combination with PD1 in immune cells may regulate cardiac health and warrant mechanistic investigations. The implications of these findings have bearing for the potential utility of anti-LAG-3 immunotherapy for cardiac dysfunction in chronic HIV infection.

Regulation of T helper cell responses during antigen presentation by norepinephrine-exposed endothelial cells

Dermal blood vessels and regional lymph nodes are innervated by sympathetic nerves and, under stress, sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine (NE). Exposure of primary murine dermal microvascular endothelial cells (pDMECs) to NE followed by co-culture with Langerhans cells (LCs), responsive CD4+ T-cells and antigen resulted in modulation of CD4+ T-cell responses. NE-treatment of pDMECs induced increased production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A while down-regulating interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-22 release. This effect did not require contact between pDMECs and LCs or T-cells and depended upon pDMEC production of IL-6. The presence of NE-treated pDMECs increased the proportion of CD4+ T-cells expressing intracellular IL-17A and increased IL-17A mRNA while decreasing the proportion of IFN-γ- or IL-22-expressing CD4+ T-cells and mRNA levels for those cytokines. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (ROR-γt) mRNA was significantly increased in CD4+ T-cells while T-box transcription factor (T-bet) mRNA was decreased. Intradermal administration of NE prior to hapten immunization at the injection site produced a similar bias in draining lymph node CD4+ T-cells towards IL-17A and away from IFN-γ and IL-22 production. Under stress, release of NE may have significant regulatory effects on the outcome of antigen presentation through actions on ECs with enhancement of inflammatory skin disorders involving IL-17/T helper type 17 (Th17) cells.

Exosome Proteome of U-87MG Glioblastoma Cells

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles between 30 and 100 nm in diameter secreted by many cell types, and are associated with a wide range of physiological and/or pathological processes. Exosomes containing proteins, lipids, mRNA, and microRNA contribute to cell-to-cell communication and cell-to-environment regulation, however, their biological functions are not yet fully understood. In this report, exosomes in the glioblastoma cell line, U-87MG, were isolated and the proteome was investigated. In addition, exosome proteome changes in U-87MG cells exposed to a low temperature were investigated to elucidate whether the exosome proteome could respond to an external stimulus. Cell culture medium was collected, and exosomes were isolated by continuous centrifugation eliminating cell debris, nucleic acids, and other particles. The morphology of exosomes was observed by cryo-tunneling electron microscopy. According to 2-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, certain proteins including collagen type VI alpha 1, putative RNA-binding protein 15B chain A, substrate induced remodeling of the active site regulates HTRA1, coatomer protein complex-subunit beta 2, myosin-heavy chain 1, and keratin-type I cytoskeletal 9 showed differences between the control proteome and the low temperature-exposed proteome.

IL-1β promotes proliferation and migration of gallbladder cancer cells via Twist activation

Increasing evidence has revealed a correlation between chronic inflammation and gallbladder cancer (GBC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β was examined in tissues of GBC, chronic cholecystitis and normal gallbladder, as well as in the supernatant of GBC-SD, SGC996 and HIBEpiC cells. The effect of IL-1β on the proliferation and migration of GBC cell lines was also evaluated. In addition, the role of Twist in IL-1β-induced proliferation of GBC cells was also studied. It was observed that the level of IL-1β protein in normal gallbladder tissue was low, while it was significantly increased in GBC and chronic cholecystitis tissues. The level of IL-1β protein and mRNA in GBC-SD and SGC996 cells was markedly higher than those in HIBEpiC cells. Exogenous IL-1β promoted the proliferation of GBC-SD and SGC996 cells in vitro and in vivo, and also promoted migration in vitro. The level of Twist protein was significantly increased following treatment with exogenous IL-1β. In addition, gene silencing of Twist blocked IL-1β-induced proliferation and migration of GBC-SD and SGC996 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that IL-1β promotes proliferation and migration of GBC cells via Twist activation.

TNF Neutralization Results in the Delay of Transplantable Tumor Growth and Reduced MDSC Accumulation

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells (IMCs) that, under normal conditions, may differentiate into mature macrophages, granulocytes, and dendritic cells. However, under pathological conditions associated with inflammation, cancer, or infection, such differentiation is inhibited leading to IMC expansion. Under the influence of inflammatory cytokines, these cells become MDSCs, acquire immunosuppressive phenotype, and accumulate in the affected tissue, as well as in the periphery. Immune suppressive activity of MDSCs is partly due to upregulation of arginase 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β. These suppressive factors can enhance tumor growth by repressing T-cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. TNF is a critical factor for the induction, expansion, and suppressive activity of MDSCs. In this study, we evaluated the effects of systemic TNF ablation on tumor-induced expansion of MDSCs in vivo using TNF humanized (hTNF KI) mice. Both etanercept and infliximab treatments resulted in a delayed growth of MCA 205 fibrosarcoma in hTNF KI mice, significantly reduced tumor volume, and also resulted in less accumulated MDSCs in the blood 3 weeks after tumor cell inoculation. Thus, our study uncovers anti-tumor effects of systemic TNF ablation in vivo.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide-Exposed Endothelial Cells Bias Antigen Presentation to CD4+ T Cells toward a Th17 Response

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide with well-established immunomodulatory functions. CGRP-containing nerves innervate dermal blood vessels and lymph nodes. We examined whether CGRP regulates the outcome of Ag presentation by Langerhans cells (LCs) to T cells through actions on microvascular endothelial cells (ECs). Exposure of primary murine dermal microvascular ECs (pDMECs) to CGRP followed by coculture with LCs, responsive CD4(+) T cells and Ag resulted in increased production of IL-6 and IL-17A accompanied by inhibition of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-22 compared with wells containing pDMECs treated with medium alone. Physical contact between ECs and LCs or T cells was not required for this effect and, except for IL-4, we demonstrated that IL-6 production by CGRP-treated pDMECs was involved in these effects. CD4(+) cells expressing cytoplasmic IL-17A were increased, whereas cells expressing cytoplasmic IFN-γ or IL-4 were decreased by the presence of CGRP-treated pDMECs. In addition, the level of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt mRNA was significantly increased, whereas T-bet and GATA3 expression was inhibited. Immunization at the site of intradermally administered CGRP led to a similar bias in CD4(+) T cells from draining lymph node cells toward IL-17A and away from IFN-γ. Actions of nerve-derived CGRP on ECs may have important regulatory effects on the outcome of Ag presentation with consequences for the expression of inflammatory skin disorders involving Th17 cells.

Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein load in pre-storage and post-storage white blood cell-filtered red blood cell transfusions in premature infants

OBJECTIVE

Leukocyte contamination during blood transfusion can cause many adverse effects. Filtration can be performed either at bedside during the transfusion or as pre-storage filtration. Pre-storage filtration is superior to bedside filtration because leukocytes are removed prior to storage, thus preventing further adverse effects associated with the storage of these cells.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

One hundred and six infants were randomised into two groups: pre-storage filtration (group 1, n = 53) and bedside filtration (group 2, n = 53). C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were analysed within 24 h prior to the transfusion and 24 h after completion of the transfusion.

RESULTS

In group 1, pre-transfusion median CRP and IL-6 levels were 2·95 (0·73-10·25) mg L(-1) and 8·59 (3·45-20·55) pg L(-1) , respectively, and post-transfusion median CRP and IL-6 levels were 2·28 (0·44-12·87) mg L(-1) and 6·62 (2·18-27·87) pg L(-1) , respectively. In group 2, pre-transfusion median CRP and IL-6 levels were 1·30 (0·40-7·84) mg L(-1) and 4·40 (2-17·12) pg L(-1) , respectively, and post-transfusion median CRP and IL-6 levels were 3·50 (0·50-7·85) mg L(-1) and 8·30 (3·48-23·75) pg L(-1) , respectively. There were no differences between pre-storage and post-storage leukoreduction average IL-6 and CRP levels in either group (P > 0·05 for both). Packed red blood cell (PRBC)-related necrotizing enterocolitis was detected in one infant in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Because leukocytes in PRBC transfusions can be associated with many undesirable effects, leukoreduction is the best choice to prevent those effects. However, this method is still controversial. We demonstrated that using pre-storage and post-storage leukoreduction methods in erythrocyte transfusions did not change CRP or IL-6 levels, which are indicators of acute-phase response.

The role of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in the development of atherosclerosis

The vascular endothelium serves as a dynamic interface between circulating blood elements and the interstitial tissues. As such, it communicates to cells within the vessel wall as well as to the surrounding tissue, sensing its environment and responding accordingly. The vasculature must maintain a delicate balance when initiating a functional response by producing both proinflammatory and antiinflammatory mediators, vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, growth stimulators and inhibitors, and prothrombogenic and antithrombogenic factors. Any response to injurious agents could lead to pathology. Confounding this complex interplay is the fact that the very response to injury that may have developed to undo the damage may itself be even more deleterious. One response to injury by the endothelium is the new or increased expression of surface receptors for immune elements. In atherosclerosis, the adhesion of monocytes (and T cells) to the endothelium is a key event triggered by some form of insult. Subsequent events include monocytic infiltration of the vessel wall, alterations in lipid metabolism, and the activation of these cells into foam cells. The presence of large numbers of foam cells in the intima may produce a high concentration of cytokines and growth factors within a localized area, extracellular matrix perturbations, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and ultimately platelet aggregation at the site of stenosis. Endothelial cells themselves will not only elaborate factors after the initial injury to the vessel wall but also in response to the factors produced by foam cells within the plaque. These endothelial cell factors include MCP-1, a chemoattractant for monocytes (179,180), IL-1 (63,64), IL-6 (interleukin-6) (65-67), IL-8 (interleukin 8) (181), and PDGF, a potent smooth muscle mitogen (4,72) (Fig. 3). Endothelial cells will propagate an inflammatory response long after the initial insult to the arterial vessel. A chronic cycle of endothelial cell activation and leukocyte infiltration is constitutively activated. Thus, all of the cellular elements of the vessel wall, as well as the atherosclerotic plaque itself, elaborate cytokines and growth factors that amplify and propagate the pathological process.

Evaluation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and serum lipid profile in southeastern Nigerian women with pre-eclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile in women with pre-eclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five women with and 35 women without pre-eclampsia, who were in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, were enrolled in this study. Weight in kilogrammes and height in metres were measured to calculate the mean body mass index (BMI) for each group. The diastolic and systolic blood pressures were measured. Lipid profile tests and serum CRP assay were done for all patients. Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using enzymatic methods, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using Friedewald's formula.

RESULTS

The mean values of the BMI were 29.47 ± 6.90 versus 26.14 ± 2.92, of the diastolic blood pressure 109.14 ± 15.41 versus 72.29 ± 9.42 mm Hg and of the systolic blood pressure 170.57 ± 19.55 versus 120.86 ± 17.72 mm Hg for women with and without pre-eclampsia, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.012, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The biochemical analysis also indicated that the women with pre-eclampsia had a significantly higher mean serum CRP (8.57 ± 2.68 vs. 6.46 ± 2.46 mg/l, p = 0.001), TG (2.84 ± 0.45 vs. 1.87 ± 0.38 mmol/l, p = 0.001) and total cholesterol (5.59 ± 0.92 vs. 4.63 ± 0.78 mmol/l, p = 0.001) level but a lower mean HDL-C (1.10 ± 0.12 vs. 1.26 ± 0.15 mmol/l, p = 0.001) level than the controls. There was no statistical difference in the mean LDL-C values between the 2 groups (1.58 ± 0.8 vs. 1.45 ± 0.78 mmol/l, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Significant changes in CRP as well as TG, total cholesterol and HDL-C were associated with pre-eclampsia in these Southeastern Nigerian women.

Erythema at BCG Inoculation Site in Kawasaki Disease Patients

INTRODUCTION

Kawasaki disease is an acute, self-limiting childhood systemic vasculitis with unknown etiology. Because there is no diagnostic test for Kawasaki disease, the diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. An important clinical sign that is not included in the classical clinical criteria for Kawasaki disease is a reaction at the Bacille Calmette-Guérin inoculation site that are present in about 30-50% of Kawasaki disease patients.

THE AIM

of this review was to highlight the usefulness of the inflammation at the Bacille Calmette-Guérin inoculation site for early diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, we conducted a literature review on Medline in PubMed area, Google scholar, Magiran and Scientific Information Database using the search terms "Kawasaki disease, Erythema, BCG, inoculation site, children, cardiac complications, coronary artery lesion, aneurysm, incomplete Kawasaki in 2013.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 15 articles had been found. Erythema at the Bacille Calmette-Guérin inoculation site was found in 49.87% of Kawasaki disease patients. Coronary artery abnormalities were found in 10.3% of cases. According to this review, BCGitis is more prevalent than cervical lymphadenopathy and rash and it can be a useful criterion in the diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease in cases not fulfills the classic criteria of at least four of the five findings.

Nerve-derived transmitters including peptides influence cutaneous immunology

Clinical observations suggest that the nervous and immune systems are closely related. For example, inflammatory skin disorders; such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea and acne; are widely believed to be exacerbated by stress. A growing body of research now suggests that neuropeptides and neurotransmitters serve as a link between these two systems. Neuropeptides and neurotransmitters are released by nerves innervating the skin to influence important actors of the immune system, such as Langerhans cells and mast cells, which are located within close anatomic proximity. Catecholamines and other sympathetic transmitters that are released in response to activation of the sympathetic nervous system are also able to reach the skin and affect immune cells. Neuropeptides appear to direct the outcome of Langerhans cell antigen presentation with regard to the subtypes of Th cells generated and neuropeptides induce the degranulation of mast cells, among other effects. Additionally, endothelial cells, which release many inflammatory mediators and express cell surface molecules that allow leukocytes to exit the bloodstream, appear to be regulated by certain neuropeptides and transmitters. This review focuses on the evidence that products of nerves have important regulatory activities on antigen presentation, mast cell function and endothelial cell biology. These activities are highly likely to have clinical and therapeutic relevance.

Cytokine patterns in patients with cancer: a systematic review

Active, but dysfunctional, immune responses in patients with cancer have been studied in several tumour types, but owing to the heterogeneity of cancer theories of common reaction mechanisms seem to be obsolete. In this Review of published clinical studies of patients with cancer, expression and interplay of the following cytokines are examined: interleukin 2, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, interleukin 12, interleukin 18, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), interferon-γ, HLA-DR, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Clinical data were analysed in a non-quantitative descriptive manner and interpreted with regard to experimentally established physiological cytokine interactions. The clinical cytokine pattern that emerged suggests that simultaneous immunostimulation and immunosuppression occur in patients with cancer, with increased concentrations of the cytokines MIF, TNFα, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 10, interleukin 18, and TGFβ. This specific cytokine pattern seems to have a prognostic effect, since high interleukin 6 or interleukin 10 serum concentrations are associated with negative prognoses in independent cancer types. Although immunostimulatory cytokines are involved in local cancer-associated inflammation, cancer cells seem to be protected from immunological eradication by cytokine-mediated local immunosuppression and a resulting defect of the interleukin 12-interferon-γ-HLA-DR axis. Cytokines produced by tumours might have a pivotal role in this defect. A working hypothesis is that the cancer-specific and histology-independent uniform cytokine cascade is one of the manifestations of the underlying paraneoplastic systemic disease, and this hypothesis links the stage of cancer with both the functional status of the immune system and the patient's prognosis. Neutralisation of this cytokine pattern could offer novel and so far unexploited treatment approaches for cancer.

A comparative study of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein in normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine the level of serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in preeclampsia and to compare normal pregnant, mild preeclamptic, and severe preeclamptic women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the plasma concentrations of sVCAM-1 and hsCRP in peripheral blood obtained from normal pregnant (n = 40), mild preeclamptic (n = 37), and severe preeclamptic women (n = 38). A concentration of soluble adhesion molecule was determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. hsCRP was measured with immunoturbidometric.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in the means serum hsCRP between normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (P < 0.05). Serum concentration of hsCRP and sVCAM-1 (ng/mL) were significantly higher in severe preeclampsia (P < 0.05) than normal pregnancy. There were also significant differences in hsCRP and sVCAM-1 levels between mild and severe (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the mean sVCAM-1 between normal pregnant and mild preeclamptic women.

CONCLUSION

We have determined the serum concentration of VCAM-1 and hsCRP in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. sVCAM-1 is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy, and hsCRP is elevated in severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia and normal pregnancy.

Dynamics of a cytokine storm

Six volunteers experienced severe inflammatory response during the Phase I clinical trial of a monoclonal antibody that was designed to stimulate a regulatory T cell response. Soon after the trial began, each volunteer experienced a “cytokine storm”, a dramatic increase in cytokine concentrations. The monoclonal antibody, TGN1412, raised serum concentrations of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines το very hiγh values during the first day, while lymphocyte and monocyte concentrations plummeted. Because the subjects were healthy and had no prior indications of immune deficiency, this event provided an unusual opportunity to study the dynamic interactions of cytokines and other measured parameters. Here, the response histories of nine cytokines have been modeled by a set of linear ordinary differential equations. A general search procedure identifies parameters of the model, whose response fits the data well during the five-day measurement period. The eighteenth-order model reveals plausible cause-and-effect relationships among the cytokines, showing how each cytokine induces or inhibits other cytokines. It suggests that perturbations in IL2, IL8, and IL10 have the most significant inductive effect, while IFN-γ and IL12 have the greatest inhibiting effect on other cytokine concentrations. Although TNF-α is a major pro-inflammatory factor, IFN-γ and three other cytokines have faster initial and median response to TGN1412 infusion. Principal-component analysis of the data reveals three clusters of similar cytokine responses: [TNF-α, IL1, IL10], [IFN-γ, IL2, IL4, IL8, and IL12], and [IL6]. IL1, IL6, IL10, and TNF-α have the highest degree of variability in response to uncertain initial conditions, exogenous effects, and parameter estimates. This study illuminates details of a cytokine storm event, and it demonstrates the value of linear modeling for interpreting complex, coupled biological system dynamics from empirical data.

The TGF-β co-receptor endoglin regulates macrophage infiltration and cytokine production in the irradiated mouse kidney

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We previously showed that mice with reduced levels of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) co-receptor endoglin (Eng(+/-) mice) develop less fibrosis and vascular damage after kidney irradiation than their wild type (Eng(+/+) mice) littermates; however, the underlying mechanism was unclear. Results from current studies suggest that this occurs via modulation of the radiation-induced inflammatory response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Kidneys of Eng(+/+) and Eng(+/-) mice were irradiated with 16Gy. Mice were sacrificed at 20weeks after irradiation and gene expression and protein levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

Kidney irradiation triggered the infiltration of macrophages in both Eng(+/+) and Eng(+/-) mice, however, levels of macrophage-produced cytokines interleukin 1 beta (Il1b) and interleukin 6 (Il6) were reduced in irradiated Eng(+/-) compared to Eng(+/+) mice. Double immuno-stainings confirmed that IL-6 was produced by macrophages, whereas IL-1β was mainly detected in other cell types. Accordingly, inflammatory cell precursors derived from the bone marrow of Eng(+/-) mice showed impaired ability to express Il1b and Il6 compared to wild type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoglin promotes kidney inflammation after irradiation by regulating macrophage infiltration and interleukin production, thereby promoting pathogenic changes after radiation exposure.

Endothelial cell regulation of leukocyte infiltration in inflammatory tissues

Endothelial cells play an important, active role in the onset and regulation of inflammatory and immune reactions. Through the production of chemokines they attract leukocytes and activate their adhesive receptors. This leads to the anchorage of leukocytes to the adhesive molecules expressed on the endothelial surface. Leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is frequently followed by their extravasation. The mechanisms which regulate the passage of leukocytes through endothelial clefts remain to be clarified. Many indirect data suggest that leukocytes might transfer signals to endothelial cells both through the release of active agents and adhesion to the endothelial cell surface. Adhesive molecules (such as PECAM) on the endothelial cell surface might also ‘direct’ leukocytes through the intercellular junction by haptotaxis. The information available on the molecular structure and functional properties of endothelial chemokines, adhesive molecules or junction organization is still fragmentary. Further work is needed to clarify how they interplay in regulating leukocyte infiltration into tissues.

Implication for long-term hypothermia on degradation of interleukin-8 mRNA in endothelial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides

This experimental study investigated the effects of long-term hypothermia on the production of interleukin (IL)-8 protein and its mRNA expression in endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were separated into a non-cooling group (N group: 37°C) and a cooling group (C group: 30°C). These groups were incubated with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 0, 2, 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Production of the IL-8 protein secreted into the supernatant and mRNA expression in the cells were measured using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. To evaluate mRNA stability, both groups were incubated with actinomycin D at 6 hours after incubation with LPS for 24 hours. The degradation ratio was calculated by comparing the total expression of mRNA at 6 hours versus 0 hours. The protein levels in the C group were significantly lower than the N group between 6 and 96 hours. The mRNA expression in the C group was also significantly lower than in the N group up to 48 hours, but at 72 hours it was significantly higher than N group. IL-8 mRNA was less degraded in the C group compared to the N group. Under long-term hypothermia, IL-8 protein production was suppressed, while IL-8 mRNA was stabilized after LPS treatment. The potential of IL-8 to produce an inflammatory response in endothelial cells may persist even during long-term hypothermia.

Is inflammation the cause of pre-eclampsia?

It has been proposed that either excessive inflammation or an imbalance in angiogenic factors cause pre-eclampsia. In the present review, the arguments for and against the role of inflammation and/or angiogenic imbalance as the cause of pre-eclampsia are discussed on the basis of the Bradford–Hill criteria for disease causation. Although both angiogenic imbalance and systemic inflammation are implicated in pre-eclampsia, the absence of temporality of inflammatory markers with pre-eclampsia challenges the concept that excessive inflammation is the cause of pre-eclampsia. In contrast, the elevation of anti-angiogenic factors that precede the clinical signs of pre-eclampsia fulfils the criterion of temporality. The second most important criterion is the dose–response relationship. Although such a relationship has not been proven between pro-inflammatory cytokines and pre-eclampsia, high levels of anti-angiogenic factors have been shown to correlate with increased incidence and disease severity, hence satisfying this condition. Finally, as the removal of circulating sFlt-1 (soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-1) from pre-eclamptic patients significantly improves the clinical outcome, it fulfils the Hill's experiment principle, which states that removal of the cause by an appropriate experimental regimen should ameliorate the condition. In contrast, treatment with high doses of corticosteroid fails to improve maternal outcome in pre-eclampsia, despite suppressing inflammation. Inflammation may enhance the pathology induced by the imbalance in the angiogenic factors, but does not by itself cause pre-eclampsia. Development of therapies based on the angiogenic and cytoprotective mechanisms seems more promising.

Umbilical sP-selectin levels are different in preeclamptic pregnancies with intrauterine normal growth and growth restricted fetus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was the analysis of the umbilical cord serum sP-selectin levels in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia with and without intrauterine growth restriction and in normotensive pregnancies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was carried out on 18 patients with singleton pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia with appropriate-for-gestational-age weight infants (group P) and 18 pregnant patients with severe preeclampsia complicated by intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) (group PI). The control group consisted of 34 patients with singleton uncomplicated pregnancies (group C). Umbilical serum sP-selectin concentrations were estimated using a sandwich ELISA assay according to the manufacturer's instruction (ELISA kit Bender MedSystems Vienna, Austria).

RESULTS

Our study revealed different concentrations of soluble P-selectin in the umbilical cord in our both studied groups of preeclamptic women with and without IUGR. The umbilical cord levels of sP-selectin were decreased in the group with preeclampsia complicated by IUGR and increased in the preeclamptic women with the normal intrauterine fetal growth. The mean values of umbilical sP-selectin were 839.008 ± 625.703 ng/ml in group P, 275.873 ± 174.339 ng/ml in group PI, and 288.719 ± 199.039 ng/ml in the control group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of the umbilical sP-selectin may confirm the presence of platelet and endothelial cell activation and confirm a hypercoagulant state in preeclamptic disorder, especially in preeclampsia without IUGR.

Coronary microvascular disease in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy including an overview on history, pathology, and other proposed pathogenic mechanisms

This review focuses on the short and bewildered history of Brazilian scientist Carlos Chagas's discovery and subsequent developments, the anatomopathological features of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), an overview on the controversies surrounding theories concerning its pathogenesis, and studies that support the microvascular hypothesis to further explain the pathological features and clinical course of CCC. It is our belief that knowledge of this particular and remarkable cardiomyopathy will shed light not only on the microvascular involvement of its pathogenesis, but also on the pathogenetic processes of other cardiomyopathies, which will hopefully provide a better understanding of the various changes that may lead to an end-stage heart disease with similar features. This review is written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Chagas disease.

Effects of IL-1 molecules on growth patterns of 3-MCA-induced cell lines: an interplay between immunogenicity and invasive potential

The balance between inflammation and immunity is cardinal for the outcome of the malignant process. Local attenuated inflammatory responses mediated by innate cells may provide accessory signals for the development of acquired immunity against malignant cells. In contrast, excessive inflammatory responses accompany tumorigenesis and tumor invasiveness, by the induction of immunosuppression. In the present study, we have assessed the role of tumor cell-derived IL-1 in determining the invasive versus immunostimulatory potential of tumor cells. For this purpose, we have used 3-MCA-induced fibrosarcoma cell lines from IL-1 knockout (KO) versus control mice. Cell lines with no IL-1 failed to establish tumors in intact mice, while lines obtained from control mice were invasive and induced a potent angiogenic response. In contrast, cell lines from IL-1KO mice were more immunogenic. SDF-1 and IL-6, each induced by IL-1, were the two major cytokines whose levels differed in cell lines with or without IL-1. We could not detect differences in cell surface markers related to immunogenicity, such as MHC Class I, co-stimulatory, or adhesion molecules between both types of cells. However, more T-cells were observed at the inoculation site of tumor cells devoid of IL-1 and more pronounced parameters related to anti-tumor immunity were observed in the spleen (IL-12 and IFNgamma) of these mice, compared to mice bearing tumors derived from control mice, where host-derived IL-1 is present. In addition, injection of tumor cells devoid of IL-1, which failed to grow in mice, induced an anti-tumor cell immune memory, while in mice injected with tumor cells from control mice; no immune memory could be detected. From the results, it seems that IL-1 is a crucial factor in determining the balance between immunity and inflammation in tumor-bearing mice. This suggests that manipulation of IL-1 could be useful in anti-tumor therapy, by reducing invasiveness and promoting immunity against the malignant cells.

Diacerein decreases TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels in peritoneal fluid and prevents Baker's yeast-induced fever in young rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of diacerein, an anti-inflammatory drug, on body temperature and protocols of fever induction in male Wistar rats.

METHODS

The effect of diacerein (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) on rectal temperature (T (R)) changes induced by Baker's yeast (0.135 g/kg, i.p.) and PGE(2) (10 ng/animal, i.t.) was evaluated. T (R) changes were recorded over time. The leukocyte count and TNF-alpha and IL-1beta content were evaluated in the peritoneal fluid by means of optical microscopy and enzyme immunoassay (ELISA kits), respectively.

RESULTS

The administration of diacerein to febrile animals attenuated Baker's yeast-induced fever but did not alter prostaglandin E(2)-induced fever. Diacerein prevented the development of Baker's yeast-induced fever and significantly attenuated the increase in peritoneal leukocytes and decreased IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in peritoneal fluid.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that diacerein partially protects against Baker's yeast-induced fever and peritoneal leukocyte migration, and indicate that this effect appears to be due to inhibition of release of cytokines (such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta).

The role of the kinases RIP1 and RIP3 in TNF-induced necrosis

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic molecule with a crucial role in cellular stress and inflammation during infection, tissue damage, and cancer. TNF signaling can lead to three distinct outcomes, each of which is initiated by different signaling complexes: the gene induction or survival mode, the apoptosis mode, and the necrosis mode. The kinases receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and RIP3 are key signaling molecules in necrosis and are regulated by caspases and ubiquitination. Moreover, TNF stimulation induces the formation of a necrosome in which RIP3 is activated and interacts with enzymes that control glycolytic flux and glutaminolysis. The necrosome induces mitochondrial complex I-mediated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytotoxicity, which suggest a functional link between increased bioenergetics and necrosis. In addition, other effector mechanisms also contribute to TNF-induced necrosis, such as recruitment of NADPH (the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidases and subsequent ROS production at the membrane-associated TNF receptor complex I; calcium mobilization; activation of phospholipase A(2), lipoxygenases, and acid sphingomyelinases; and lysosomal destabilization. However, the link between RIP1 and RIP3 and these subcellular events remains to be established. The regulation of RIP1 and RIP3 and their downstream signaling cascades opens new therapeutic avenues for treatment of pathologies associated with cell loss, such as ischemia-reperfusion damage and neurodegeneration, and ways to stimulate alternative immunogenic cell death pathways in cancer.

Relevance of the CX3CL1/fractalkine-CX3CR1 pathway in vasculitis and vasculopathy

The clinical presentation of systemic vasculitis can vary widely and include skin disorders, neuropathy, eye symptoms, and systemic inflammation. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying this syndrome are not fully understood, but the importance of a chronic imbalance of the cytokines and chemokines involved in orchestrating inflammatory responses is now recognized. In similar fashion, atherosclerosis is now recognized to be a chronic inflammatory disease in which chemokines play important roles. In the current review, we discuss the involvement of CX3CL1, which is a unique member of the chemokine family, and its receptor, CX3CR1, in the pathogenesis of these vasculopathies.

The role of macrophage-derived IL-1 in induction and maintenance of angiogenesis

Inflammation and angiogenesis are pivotal processes in the progression of many diseases, including malignancies. A hypoxic microenvironment often results in a milieu of proinflammatory and proangiogenic cytokines produced by infiltrating cells. We assessed the role of macrophage-derived hypoxia-associated cytokines in promoting inflammation and angiogenesis. Supernatants of macrophages, stimulated under hypoxia with or without an inflammatory stimulus (LPS), promoted angiogenesis when incorporated into Matrigel plugs. However, neutralization of IL-1 in the supernatants, particularly IL-1beta, completely abrogated cell infiltration and angiogenesis in Matrigel plugs and reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels by 85%. Similarly, supernatants from macrophages of IL-1beta knockout mice did not induce inflammatory or angiogenic responses. The importance of IL-1 signaling in the host was demonstrated by the dramatic reduction of inflammatory and angiogenic responses in Matrigel plugs that contained macrophage supernatants from control mice which had been implanted in IL-1 receptor type I knockout mice. Myeloid cells infiltrating into Matrigel plugs were of bone marrow origin and represented the major source of IL-1 and other cytokines/chemokines in the plugs. Cells of endothelial lineage were the main source of VEGF and were recruited mainly from neighboring tissues, rather than from the bone marrow. Using the aortic ring sprouting assay, it was shown that in this experimental system, IL-1 does not directly activate endothelial cell migration, proliferation and organization into blood vessel-like structures, but rather activates infiltrating cells to produce endothelial cell activating factors, such as VEGF. Thus, targeting IL-1beta has the potential to inhibit angiogenesis in pathological situations and may be of considerable clinical value.

Vascular and cellular calcium in normal and hypertensive pregnancy

Normal pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes in the cardiovascular system in order to meet the metabolic demands of mother and fetus. These changes include increased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, and vascular remodeling in the uterine and systemic circulation. Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy characterized by proteinuria and hypertension. Several risk factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE including genetic and dietary factors. Ca2+ is an essential dietary element and an important regulator of many cellular processes including vascular function. The importance of adequate dietary Ca2+ intake during pregnancy is supported by many studies. Pregnancy-associated changes in Ca2+ metabolism and plasma Ca2+ have been observed. During pregnancy, changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) have been described in red blood cells, platelets and immune cells. Also, during pregnancy, an increase in [Ca2+](i) in endothelial cells (EC) stimulates the production of vasodilator substances such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. Normal pregnancy is also associated with decreased vascular smooth muscle (VSM) [Ca2+](i) and possibly the Ca2+-sensitization pathways of VSM contraction including protein kinase C, Rho-kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Ca2+-dependent matrix metalloproteinases could also promote extracellular matrix degradation and vascular remodeling during pregnancy. Disruption in the balance between dietary, plasma and vascular cell Ca2+ may be responsible for some of the manifestation of PE including procoagulation, decreased vasodilation, and increased vasoconstriction and vascular resistance. The potential benefits of Ca2+ supplements during pregnancy, and the use of modulators of vascular Ca2+ to reduce the manifestations of PE in susceptible women remain an important area for experimental and clinical research.