Essential Role of IL-12 in Angiogenesis in Type 2 Diabetes

Targeting IL-12 family cytokines: A potential strategy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a common metabolic disease characterized by an imbalance in blood glucose levels. The pathogenesis of diabetes involves the essential role of cytokines, particularly the IL-12 family cytokines. These cytokines, which have a similar structure, play multiple roles in regulating the immune response. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of IL-12 family cytokines in the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a result, they hold promise as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of these conditions. This review focuses on the potential of targeting IL-12 family cytokines for diabetes therapy based on their roles in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes. We have summarized various therapies that target IL-12 family cytokines, including drug therapy, combination therapy, cell therapy, gene therapy, cytokine engineering therapy, and gut microbiota modulation. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of these therapies, we have evaluated their feasibility for clinical application and proposed possible solutions to overcome any challenges. In conclusion, targeting IL-12 family cytokines for diabetes therapy provides updated insights into their potential benefits, such as controlling inflammation, preserving islet β cells, reversing the onset of diabetes, and impeding the development of diabetic complications.

Pharmacological modulation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathways in Angiogenesis: A mechanistic perspective

The Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling pathway is an imperative operating network that helps in regulates the critical events during the development processes like multicellular embryo growth and patterning. Disruptions in SHh pathway regulation can have severe consequences, including congenital disabilities, stem cell renewal, tissue regeneration, and cancer/tumor growth. Activation of the SHh signal occurs when SHh binds to the receptor complex of Patch (Ptc)-mediated Smoothened (Smo) (Ptc-smo), initiating downstream signaling. This review explores how pharmacological modulation of the SHh pathway affects angiogenesis through canonical and non-canonical pathways. The canonical pathway for angiogenesis involves the activation of angiogenic cytokines such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), stromal cell-derived factor 1α, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and angiopoietins (Ang-1 and Ang-2), which facilitate the process of angiogenesis. The Non-canonical pathway includes indirect activation of certain pathways like iNOS/Netrin-1/PKC, RhoA/Rock, ERK/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch signaling pathway, and so on. This review will provide a better grasp of the mechanistic approach of SHh in mediating angiogenesis, which can aid in the suppression of certain cancer and tumor growths.

Interleukin-1β Disruption Protects Male Mice From Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Pathogenesis

Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a significant unmet need in cardiovascular medicine and remains an untreatable cardiovascular disease. The role and mechanism of interleukin-1β in HFpEF pathogenesis are poorly understood. Methods and Results C57/Bl6J and interleukin-1β-/- male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. Groups 1 and 2: C57/Bl6J and interleukin-1β-/- mice were fed a regular diet for 4 months and considered controls. Groups 3 and 4: C57/Bl6 and interleukin-1β-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet with N[w]-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 0.5 g/L) in the drinking water for 4 months. We measured body weight, blood pressure, diabetes status, cardiac function/hypertrophy/inflammation, fibrosis, vascular endothelial function, and signaling. C57/Bl6 fed a high-fat diet and N[w]-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in the drinking water for 4 months developed HFpEF pathogenesis characterized by obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, lung edema, low running performance, macrovascular and microvascular endothelial dysfunction, and diastolic cardiac dysfunction but no change in cardiac ejection fraction compared with control mice. Interestingly, the genetic disruption of interleukin-1β protected mice from HFpEF pathogenesis through the modulation of the inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress mechanisms. Conclusions Our data suggest that interleukin-1β is a critical driver in the development of HFpEF pathogenesis, likely through regulating inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Our findings provide a potential therapeutic target for HFpEF treatment.

Effect of Immunomodulating Extract and Some Isolates from Etlingera rubroloba A.D. Poulsen Fruits on Diabetic Patients with Tuberculosis

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease easily complicated by tuberculosis (TB) due to impaired function of the innate immune response. The successes of the discovery of immunomodulatory compounds needs to be continued to introduce new insights into the innate immune response. In previous studies, plant compounds of Etlingera rubroloba A.D. Poulsen (E.rubroloba) were demonstrated to have potential as an immunomodulators. This study aims to isolate and identify the structure of the compounds of E.rubroloba fruit that could effectively improve the function of the innate immune response in individuals with DM infected with TB. The isolation and purification of the compounds of the E.rubroloba extract were carried out by radial chromatography (RC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Identification of the isolated compound structures was determined by measuring the proton (¹H) and carbon (¹³C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In vitro testing was performed on the immunomodulating activity of the extracts and isolated compounds on DM model macrophages infected with TB antigens. This study succeeded at isolating and identifying the structures of two isolate compounds, namely Sinaphyl alcohol diacetat (BER-1), and Ergosterol peroxide (BER-6). The two isolates were more effective as immunomodulators than the positive controls were, which differed significantly (* p < 0.05) at the reducing interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels and Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) protein expression and increasing the human leucocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) protein expression in DM infected with TB. The isolated compound was discovered in E. rubroloba fruits, which has been reported to have the potential to be developed as an immunomodulatory agent. Follow-up testing to determine the mechanism and effectiveness of these compounds as immunomodulators for DM patients is required so that they are not susceptible to TB infection.

Unraveling the Mechanism of Immunity and Inflammation Related to Molecular Signatures Crosstalk Among Obesity, T2D, and AD: Insights From Bioinformatics Approaches

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), and increasing evidence indicates a link between impaired immune signaling pathways and the development of AD. However, the shared cellular mechanisms and molecular signatures among these 3 diseases remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to uncover similar molecular markers and pathways involved in obesity, T2D, and AD using bioinformatics and a network biology approach. First, we investigated the 3 RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) gene expression data sets and determined 224 commonly shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from obesity, T2D, and AD diseases. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that mutual DEGs were mainly enriched with immune and inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, we constructed a protein-protein interactions network for finding hub genes, which have not previously been identified as playing a critical role in these 3 diseases. Furthermore, the transcriptional factors and protein kinases regulating commonly shared DEGs among obesity, T2D, and AD were also identified. Finally, we suggested potential drug candidates as possible therapeutic interventions for 3 diseases. The results of this bioinformatics analysis provided a new understanding of the potential links between obesity, T2D, and AD pathologies.

Low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study from a Danish diabetes outpatient clinic

OBJECTIVES

To investigate low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes and explore associations to clinical aspects as well as microvascular and macrovascular complications.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

SETTING

The outpatient diabetes clinic at the Department of Endocrinology at Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS

100 participants with type 2 diabetes confirmed by a haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)≥6.5% for a minimum of 1 year and 21 healthy controls.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum levels of 27 inflammation-related biomarkers measured by immunoassay. Associations with microvascular and macrovascular complications, body weight, glycaemic control, medication and sex were investigated in the diabetes cohort.

RESULTS

Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and eotaxin were elevated in type 2 diabetes (p<0.05), while interleukin (IL)-7 was decreased (p<0.001). IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-15, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels were increased with body weight (p<0.05), while eotaxin and TNF-α were increased with elevated HbA1c levels (p<0.04). Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor therapy was associated with lower levels of induced protein-10, MDC and thymus and activation regulated chemokine (p<0.02), while females had higher levels of MDC (p=0.027). Individuals with ≥3 diabetic complications had elevated levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-15 and CRP compared with those with ≤3 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The level of low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity, glycaemic regulation, therapeutical management, sex and complications. Our results underline the importance of addressing inflammatory issues in type 2 diabetes, as these may predispose for crippling comorbidities.

Gut Microbiome Changes in Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), one of the most common endocrine pathologies during pregnancy, is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first discovery in the perinatal period. Physiological changes that occur in pregnant women can lead to inflammation, which promotes insulin resistance. In the general context of worldwide increasing obesity in young females of reproductive age, GDM follows the same ascending trend. Changes in the intestinal microbiome play a decisive role in obesity and the development of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). To date, various studies have also associated intestinal dysbiosis with metabolic changes in women with GDM. Although host metabolism in women with GDM has not been fully elucidated, it is of particular importance to analyze the available data and to discuss the actual knowledge regarding microbiome changes with potential impact on the health of pregnant women and newborns. We analyzed peer-reviewed journal articles available in online databases in order to summarize the most recent findings regarding how variations in diet and metabolic status of GDM patients can contribute to alteration of the gut microbiome, in the same way that changes of the gut microbiota can lead to GDM. The most frequently observed alteration in the microbiome of patients with GDM was either an increase of the Firmicutes phylum, respectively, or a decrease of the Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria phyla. Gut dysbiosis was still present postpartum and can impact the development of the newborn, as shown in several studies. In the evolution of GDM, probiotic supplementation and regular physical activity have the strongest evidence of proper blood glucose control, favoring fetal development and a healthy outcome for the postpartum period. The current review aims to summarize and discuss the most recent findings regarding the correlation between GDM and dysbiosis, and current and future methods for prevention and treatment (lifestyle changes, pre- and probiotics administration). To conclude, by highlighting the role of the gut microbiota, one can change perspectives about the development and progression of GDM and open up new avenues for the development of innovative therapeutic targets in this disease.

Serum Differentially Expressed Angiogenic Cytokines in Head and Neck Vascular Malformations

BACKGROUNDS

Head and neck vascular malformation (HNVM) is a highly complex congenital condition that is difficult to diagnose, monitor, and treat. Therefore, it is critical to explore serum cytokines that may be related to its pathology and prognosis.

METHODS

An antibody-based microarray was used to examine the expression of 31 angiogenic cytokines in 11 HNVM patients relative to 11 healthy subjects. ELISA was used to verify the results. We performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of the differentially expressed cytokines (DECs). Additionally, we explored the function of DECs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro via CCK-8, wound healing, transwell, and tube formation assays.

RESULTS

Expression of interleukin (IL)-10, matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) in HNVM patients was significantly higher, whereas levels of IL-12p40 and angiostatin were significantly lower in HNVM patients relative to healthy controls (P<0.05). However, ELISA only verified that IL-10, MMP-9, VEGF-R2, and IL-12p40 had significant expression changes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed DECs mainly participated in the RAS signalling pathway. Functional studies demonstrated that IL-10, MMP-9, and VEGF-R2 promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation, while IL-12p40 inhibited these processes in HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study not only indicates that IL-10, MMP-9, VEGF-R2 and IL-12p40 may participate in the development of HNVMs but also provides a theoretical basis for the discovery of new targeted molecules in the treatment of HNVMs.

Genetic Regulation of Cytokine Response in Patients with Acute Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an acute disease condition with a high risk of rapid deteriorations. We analysed the influence of genetics on cytokine regulation to obtain a better understanding of patient’s heterogeneity. Methods: For up to N = 389 genotyped participants of the PROGRESS study of hospitalised CAP patients, we performed a genome-wide association study of ten cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, MCP-1 (MCAF), MIP-1α (CCL3), VEGF, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1. Consecutive secondary analyses were performed to identify independent hits and corresponding causal variants. Results: 102 SNPs from 14 loci showed genome-wide significant associations with five of the cytokines. The most interesting associations were found at 6p21.1 for VEGF (p = 1.58 × 10⁻²⁰), at 17q21.32 (p = 1.51 × 10⁻⁹) and at 10p12.1 (p = 2.76 × 10⁻⁹) for IL-1β, at 10p13 for MIP-1α (CCL3) (p = 2.28 × 10⁻⁹), and at 9q34.12 for IL-10 (p = 4.52 × 10⁻⁸). Functionally plausible genes could be assigned to the majority of loci including genes involved in cytokine secretion, granulocyte function, and cilial kinetics. Conclusion: This is the first context-specific genetic association study of blood cytokine concentrations in CAP patients revealing numerous biologically plausible candidate genes. Two of the loci were also associated with atherosclerosis with probable common or consecutive pathomechanisms.

Defibrinogenation Ameliorates Retinal Microgliosis and Inflammation in A CX3CR1-Independent Manner

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Diabetic human and murine retinas revealed pronounced microglial morphological activation and vascular abnormalities associated with inflammation. Pharmacological fibrinogen depletion using ancrod dampened microglial morphology alterations, resolved fibrinogen accumulation, rescued axonal integrity, and reduced inflammation in the diabetic murine retina.

Disrupting Interleukin 12 Improves Microvascular Endothelial Function in Type 2 Diabetes Through ER Stress CHOP and Oxidative Stress Mechanisms

PURPOSE

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is well established in type 2 diabetes. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are up-regulated in type 2 diabetic patients and animal models of type 2 diabetes. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of IL-12 and the ER stress CHOP in endothelial dysfunction are not fully understood.

METHODS

We generated double knockout mice between db^-/db^- and p40IL-12^-/- mice (db^-/db^{-p40-IL-12-/-}) and endoplasmic (ER) stress-CHOP^-/- mice (db^-/db^-CHOP-/-). We performed a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to determine the effect of IL-12 and ER stress CHOP on glucose metabolism. We assessed the endothelial function and determined the phosphorylation level of eNOS, Akt, AMPK, and the expression of ER stress (CHOP, BIP), and oxidative stress (Nox2 and Nox4 and NADPH oxidase activity).

RESULTS

The results showed that GTT was improved in db-/db^{-p40-IL-12-/-} and db^-/db^-CHOP-/- suggesting IL-12 and CHOP as parts of a mechanism involved in the development of type 2 diabetes. The microvascular endothelial dysfunction in db^-/db^- mouse is associated with decreased phosphorylated eNOS, Akt, AMPK, and increased CHOP, BIP, Nox2, and Nox4 expressions. Interestingly, disrupting IL-12 and ER stress CHOP in db^-/db^- mice significantly improved endothelial function, increased survival markers expression and decreased ER and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Using a genetic approach, these findings provide evidence that IL-12 and ER stress CHOP play a significant role in microvascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

The Effect of Homocysteine on the Secretion of Il-1β, Il-6, Il-10, Il-12 and RANTES by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells-An In Vitro Study

The contemporary theory of the inflammatory-immunological pathomechanism of atherosclerosis includes the participation of interleukin-1β (Il), Il-6, Il-10, Il-12, RANTES, and homocysteine in this process. The knowledge on the direct effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on inflammatory-state-related atherosclerosis is rather scarce. Our study is the first to account for the effects of homocysteine on the secretion of Il-10 and RANTES in vitro conditions. For this purpose, human mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were cultured in vitro and exposed to homocysteine at high concentrations. Subsequently, the concentrations of cytokines were assayed in the cell culture supernatant using flow cytofluorimetry. It has been shown that, in the presence of homocysteine, the secretion of IL-1, IL-6 and RANTES by PBMNCs was increased, whereas IL-10 concentration was significantly lower than that of the supernatant derived from a mitogen-stimulated cell culture without homocysteine. The secretion of Il-12 by PBMNCs exposed exclusively to mitogen, did not differ from homologous cells also treated with homocysteine. Therefore, in our opinion, high-concentration homocysteine affects the progression of atherosclerosis by increasing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines secreted by PBMNCs, such as Il-1β, Il-6, RANTES, and by attenuating the secretion of Il-10.

Pro-inflammatory cytokine profile is present in the serum of Mexican patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy secondary to type 2 diabetes

Aim

It’s been reported that pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR); this may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. The aim of this study is to measure the concentration of various inflammatory cytokines from the main CD4+ T helper inflammatory responses in blood serum from Mexican patients with DR in different stages using cytometric bead array (CBA) technology and correlate them with the presence and severity of DR in order to find possible DR biomarkers that serve as diagnostic or therapeutic predictors.

Methods

64 subjects were included in the study, 16 in the control group, 16 in the type 2 diabetes mellitus no DR (NDR) group, 16 in the non-proliferative DR (NPDR) group and 16 in the proliferative DR (PDR) group. Cytokine concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1ß, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐17A, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon-gamma in serum samples were measured using Human Inflammatory and TH1/TH2/TH17 CBA Kit.

Results

IL-6, IL-12, IL-17a and TNFα were significantly higher in the patients with DR compared with the control group. The PDR group showed a slightly lower concentration of serum cytokines IL-6, IL-12 and IL-17a. TNFα showed a higher concentration compared with healthy controls, NDR and NPDR subjects. We also found a positive statistical correlation between the presence and severity of DR with the clinical parameters haemoglobin A1c, body mass index and serum creatinine and the concentration of serum cytokines IL-6 and TNFα.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that patients with diabetes and DR have a stronger chronic inflammatory profile compared with non-diabetic subjects.

Lisofylline mitigates cardiac inflammation in a mouse model of obesity through improving insulin secretion and activating cardiac AMPK signaling pathway

Obesity has emerged as a leading cause of death in the last few decades, mainly due to associated cardiovascular diseases. Obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance are strongly interlinked. Lisofylline (LSF), an anti-inflammatory agent, demonstrated protection against type 1 diabetes, as well as reduced obesity-induced insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation. However, its role in mitigating cardiac inflammation associated with obesity is not well studied. Mice were divided into 4 groups; the first group was fed regular chow diet, the second was fed regular chow diet and treated with LSF, the third was fed high fat diet (HFD), and the fourth was fed HFD and treated with LSF. Cardiac inflammation was interrogated via expression levels of TNF α, interleukins 6 and 10, phosphorylated STAT4 and lipoxygenases 12 and 12/15. Apoptosis and expression of the survival gene, AMPK, were also evaluated. We observed that LSF alleviated obesity-induced cardiac injury indirectly by improving both pancreatic β-cell function and insulin sensitivity, as well as, directly via upregulation of cardiac AMPK expression and downregulation of cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. LSF may represent an effective therapy targeting obesity-induced metabolic and cardiovascular complications.

Immunology of IL-12: An update on functional activities and implications for disease

As its first identified member, Interleukin-12 (IL-12) named a whole family of cytokines. In response to pathogens, the heterodimeric protein, consisting of the two subunits p35 and p40, is secreted by phagocytic cells. Binding of IL-12 to the IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) on T and natural killer (NK) cells leads to signaling via signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) and subsequent interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production and secretion. Signaling downstream of IFN-γ includes activation of T-box transcription factor TBX21 (Tbet) and induces pro-inflammatory functions of T helper 1 (T_H1) cells, thereby linking innate and adaptive immune responses. Initial views on the role of IL-12 and clinical efforts to translate them into therapeutic approaches had to be re-interpreted following the discovery of other members of the IL-12 family, such as IL-23, sharing a subunit with IL-12. However, the importance of IL-12 with regard to immune processes in the context of infection and (auto-) inflammation is still beyond doubt. In this review, we will provide an update on functional activities of IL-12 and their implications for disease. We will begin with a summary on structure and function of the cytokine itself as well as its receptor and outline the signal transduction and the transcriptional regulation of IL-12 secretion. In the second part of the review, we will depict the involvement of IL-12 in immune-mediated diseases and relevant experimental disease models, while also providing an outlook on potential translational approaches.

Genetic Basis of Tiller Dynamics of Rice Revealed by Genome-Wide Association Studies

A tiller number is the key determinant of rice plant architecture and panicle number and consequently controls grain yield. Thus, it is necessary to optimize the tiller number to achieve the maximum yield in rice. However, comprehensive analyses of the genetic basis of the tiller number, considering the development stage, tiller type, and related traits, are lacking. In this study, we sequence 219 Korean rice accessions and construct a high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset. We also evaluate the tiller number at different development stages and heading traits involved in phase transitions. By genome-wide association studies (GWASs), we detected 20 significant association signals for all traits. Five signals were detected in genomic regions near known candidate genes. Most of the candidate genes were involved in the phase transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. In particular, HD1 was simultaneously associated with the productive tiller ratio and heading date, indicating that the photoperiodic heading gene directly controls the productive tiller ratio. Multiple linear regression models of lead SNPs showed coefficients of determination (R²) of 0.49, 0.22, and 0.41 for the tiller number at the maximum tillering stage, productive tiller number, and productive tiller ratio, respectively. Furthermore, the model was validated using independent japonica rice collections, implying that the lead SNPs included in the linear regression model were generally applicable to the tiller number prediction. We revealed the genetic basis of the tiller number in rice plants during growth, By GWASs, and formulated a prediction model by linear regression. Our results improve our understanding of tillering in rice plants and provide a basis for breeding high-yield rice varieties with the optimum the tiller number.

Interleukin 35 Delays Hindlimb Ischemia-Induced Angiogenesis Through Regulating ROS-Extracellular Matrix but Spares Later Regenerative Angiogenesis

Interleukin (IL) 35 is a novel immunosuppressive heterodimeric cytokine in IL-12 family. Whether and how IL-35 regulates ischemia-induced angiogenesis in peripheral artery diseases are unrevealed. To fill this important knowledge gap, we used loss-of-function, gain-of-function, omics data analysis, RNA-Seq, in vivo and in vitro experiments, and we have made the following significant findings: i) IL-35 and its receptor subunit IL-12RB2, but not IL-6ST, are induced in the muscle after hindlimb ischemia (HLI); ii) HLI-induced angiogenesis is improved in Il12rb2-/- mice, in ApoE-/-/Il12rb2-/- mice compared to WT and ApoE-/- controls, respectively, where hyperlipidemia inhibits angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro; iii) IL-35 cytokine injection as a gain-of-function approach delays blood perfusion recovery at day 14 after HLI; iv) IL-35 spares regenerative angiogenesis at the late phase of HLI recovery after day 14 of HLI; v) Transcriptome analysis of endothelial cells (ECs) at 14 days post-HLI reveals a disturbed extracellular matrix re-organization in IL-35-injected mice; vi) IL-35 downregulates three reactive oxygen species (ROS) promoters and upregulates one ROS attenuator, which may functionally mediate IL-35 upregulation of anti-angiogenic extracellular matrix proteins in ECs; and vii) IL-35 inhibits human microvascular EC migration and tube formation in vitro mainly through upregulating anti-angiogenic extracellular matrix-remodeling proteins. These findings provide a novel insight on the future therapeutic potential of IL-35 in suppressing ischemia/inflammation-triggered inflammatory angiogenesis at early phase but sparing regenerative angiogenesis at late phase.

Targeted anti-inflammatory therapy is a new insight for reducing cardiovascular events: A review from physiology to the clinic

Despite considerable progressions, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still one of the major causes of mortality around the world, indicates an important and unmet clinical need. Recently, extensive studies have been performed on the role of inflammatory factors as either a major or surrogate factor in the pathophysiology of CVD. Epidemiological observations suggest the theory of the role of inflammatory mediators in the development of cardiovascular events. This may support the idea that targeted anti-inflammatory therapies, on the background of traditional validated medical therapies, can play a significant role in prevention and even reduction of cardiovascular disorders. Many randomized controlled trials have shown that drugs commonly useful for primary and secondary prevention of CVD have an anti-inflammatory mechanism. Further, many anti-inflammatory drugs are being examined because of their potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. In this study, we review the process of inflammation in the development of cardiovascular events, both in vivo and clinical evidence in immunotherapy for CVD.

Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress ameliorates cardiovascular injury in a rat model of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic (Met) syndrome is characterized by hypertension, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia with high risk of cardiovascular disease. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a key contributor in the pathogenesis of Met syndrome. The current study investigates the effect of Tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA), an ER stress inhibitor, on Met syndrome-induced cardiovascular complications and the possible underlying signalling mechanisms. Met syndrome was induced in rats, which were then treated with TUDCA. Body weight, blood pressure, glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were performed. ER stress, survival and oxidative stress markers were measured in heart and aorta tissue. The results showed that TUDCA improved metabolic parameters in rats with Met syndrome. Treatment mitigated the Met syndrome-induced cardiovascular complications through upregulating survival markers and downregulating ER and oxidative stress markers. These results highlight the protective effect of ER stress inhibition as a potential target in the management of cardiovascular complications associated with Met syndrome.

Helminth infection modulates systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines implicated in type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of helminth infections exhibits an inverse association with the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and helminths are postulated to mediate a protective effect against T2DM. However, the biological mechanism behind this effect is not known.

AIMS/METHODS

We postulated that helminth infections act by modulating the pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine milieu that is characteristic of T2DM. To examine the association of cytokines and chemokines in helminth-diabetes co-morbidity, we measured the plasma levels of a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in individuals with Strongyloides stercoralis infection (Ss+) and T2DM at the time of Ss diagnosis and then 6 months after definitive anthelmintic treatment along with uninfected control individuals with T2DM alone (Ss-).

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Ss+ individuals exhibited significantly diminished levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines-IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IL-23, IL-27, G-CSF and GM-CSF and chemokines-CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL11, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11. In contrast, Ss+ individuals exhibited significantly elevated levels of IL-1Ra. Anthelmintic treatment resulted in increased levels of all of the cytokines and chemokines.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, helminth infections alleviate and anthelmintic therapy partially restores the plasma cytokine and chemokine levels in helminth-diabetes co-morbidity. Our data therefore offer a plausible biological mechanism for the protective effect of helminth infections against T2DM.

The Interplay between Immune System and Microbiota in Diabetes

Diabetes is not a single and homogeneous disease, but a cluster of metabolic diseases characterized by the common feature of hyperglycemia. The pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (and all other intermediate forms of diabetes) involves the immune system, in terms of inflammation and autoimmunity. The past decades have seen an increase in all types of diabetes, accompanied by changes in eating habits and consequently a structural evolution of gut microbiota. It is likely that all these events could be related and that gut microbiota alterations might be involved in the immunomodulation of diabetes. Thus, gut microbiota seems to have a direct, even causative role in mediating connections between the environment, food intake, and chronic disease. As many conditions that increase the risk of diabetes modulate gut microbiota composition, it is likely that immune-mediated reactions, induced by alterations in the composition of the microbiota, can act as facilitators for the onset of diabetes in predisposed subjects. In this review, we summarize recent evidence in the field of gut microbiota and the role of the latter in modulating the immune reactions involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes.

miR-181a/b-5p regulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis by targeting PDGFRA

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing burden in low-and middle-income countries. Changing lifestyles and lack of physical activity are some of the reasons contributing to this epidemic increase. Co-morbidities associated with T2DM are largely due to the complications which arise as a consequence of endothelial dysfunction. Platelet derived growth factor-alpha (PDGFRA) is a protein responsible for cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration and invasion. Increased levels of PDGFRA have been reported in T2DM. This study assessed the epigenetic regulation of PDGFRA through microRNAs (miR-181a/b-5p).Using a bioinformatics-based approach, we assessed the binding of miR-181a/b-5p to PDGFRA. Experimentally, this binding was confirmed using a dual luciferase reporter assay. Further, we overexpressed miR-181a/b-5p in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the influence of over-expression on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis was assessed using in-vitro approaches. The influence of miR-181a/b-5p over expression on cellular apoptosis was ascertained using a TUNEL assay with concomitant changes being observed in the levels of Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3.In HUVECs, PDGFRA is a direct target for miR-181a/b-5p. Over expression of miR-181a/b-5p decreased cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation-a surrogate marker for angiogenesis. miR-181a/b-5p may be used as a therapeutic intervention to restrict uncontrolled levels of PDGFRA and thereby rescue the phenotypes of increased cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation. miR-181a/b negatively regulates PDGFRA levels. Significance of the study: T2DM and its associated complications emerge from endothelial dysfunction. The associated phenotypes are regulated by a number of proteins, one such member being, PDGFRA. PDGFRA is in turn regulated by miR-181a/b-5p. Complementation with miR-181a/b-5p resulted in reversion of phenotypes. Thus, miR-181a/b-5p-mediated suppression of PDGFRA may be used as a therapeutic intervention in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Angiogenesis modulatory factors in subjects with chronic ocular complications of Sulfur Mustard exposure: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Chronic ocular complications of Sulfur Mustard (SM) exposure leads to severe ocular morbidity during time. The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of Interleukin 17 (IL-17), IL-12, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, VEGF-D and nitric oxide (NO) in SM-exposed patients versus the control group and to measure tear concentration of VEGF-C only in the SM-exposed group.

METHODS

In this prospective case control, 128 SM-exposed patients and 31 healthy control subjects were included. In the case group ocular manifestations were classified to three subgroups of mild (19 cases), moderate (31 cases) and severe (78 cases) forms of disease. Serum levels of IL-17, IL-12, NO, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, in all subjects and tear concentration of VEGF-C in SM-exposed group was evaluated.

RESULTS

All subjects were male and mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age in the case and control groups were 44.9 ± 8.8 and 40.9 ± 10.1 years, respectively. Except for significantly lower serum level of IL-17 (p < 0.001) and NO (p = 0.003), other values were not significantly different. The tear concentration of VEGF-C and serum level of IL-12 were not different between subgroups in the SM-exposed group, yet were significantly lower among those with abnormally dilated and tortuous conjunctival vessels and corneal pannus, respectively (p = 0.01, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to SM significantly reduced serum level of IL-17 and NO in the delayed phase, yet did not influence VEGF-C; VEGF-D or IL-12.

Integrin α5β1 regulates PP2A complex assembly through PDE4D in atherosclerosis

Fibronectin in the vascular wall promotes inflammatory activation of the endothelium during vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis. These effects are mediated in part by fibronectin binding to integrin α5, which recruits and activates phosphodiesterase 4D5 (PDE4D5) by inducing its dephosphorylation on an inhibitory site Ser651. Active PDE then hydrolyzes anti-inflammatory cAMP to facilitate inflammatory signaling. To test this model in vivo, we mutated the integrin binding site in PDE4D5 in mice. This mutation reduced endothelial inflammatory activation in athero-prone regions of arteries, and, in a hyperlipidemia model, reduced atherosclerotic plaque size while increasing markers of plaque stability. We then investigated the mechanism of PDE4D5 activation. Proteomics identified the PP2A regulatory subunit B55α as the factor recruiting PP2A to PDE4D5. The B55α-PP2A complex localized to adhesions and directly dephosphorylated PDE4D5. This interaction also unexpectedly stabilized the PP2A-B55α complex. The integrin-regulated, pro-atherosclerotic transcription factor Yap is also dephosphorylated and activated through this pathway. PDE4D5 therefore mediates matrix-specific regulation of EC phenotype via an unconventional adapter role, assembling and anchoring a multifunctional PP2A complex with other targets. These results are likely to have widespread consequences for control of cell function by integrins.

Pulmonary vascular dysfunction in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a critically important precursor to the onset of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The primary risk factors of metabolic syndrome include hyperglycaemia, abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, and high blood pressure. It has been well documented that metabolic syndrome alters vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell functions in the heart, brain, kidney and peripheral vessels. However, there is less information available regarding how metabolic syndrome can affect pulmonary vascular function and ultimately increase an individual's risk of developing various pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension. Here, we review in detail how metabolic syndrome affects pulmonary vascular function.

Intestinal Immunomodulatory Cells (T Lymphocytes): A Bridge between Gut Microbiota and Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most familiar chronic diseases threatening human health. Recent studies have shown that the development of diabetes is closely related to an imbalance of the gut microbiota. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in how changes in the gut microbiota affect diabetes and its underlying mechanisms. Immunomodulatory cells play important roles in maintaining the normal functioning of the human immune system and in maintaining homeostasis. Intestinal immunomodulatory cells (IICs) are located in the intestinal mucosa and are regarded as an intermediary by which the gut microbiota affects physiological and pathological properties. Diabetes can be regulated by IICs, which act as a bridge linking the gut microbiota and DM. Understanding this bridge role of IICs may clarify the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota contributes to DM. Based on recent research, we summarize this process, thereby providing a basis for further studies of diabetes and other similar immune-related diseases.