Hyperthermia exacerbates the effects of cathepsin L on claudin-1 in a blood-brain barrier model in vitro

Differential expression and significance of cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with viral encephalitis

To extensively identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine profiles related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of viral encephalitis (VE) patients by using a high-throughput proteomic approach. We measured 80 cytokines in the CSF of acute-phase VE patients (n = 11) using high-throughput protein chip technology, comparing them to controls (n = 6). ELISA validated these findings and assessed additional cytokines from prior literature in a larger cohort (15 VE patients, 15 controls). Correlations between biomarkers and clinical characteristics were also examined. In the initial stage, we identified two differentially expressed cytokines: cathepsin-L (CTSL), which was up-regulated, and Fractalkine, which was down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins are linked to inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and blood-brain barrier disruption. In stage2, the elevations of cathepsin-L (CTSL), fractalkine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin-like growth factor Ⅱ (IGF-2) and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in VE were validated by ELISA. The results of linear regression indicated that these cytokines was positively correlated with CSF reactive lesions (p < 0.05). In this study, some biomarkers related with CSF level changes and prognosis were obtained. Although these cytokines are not specific, they may be related to the occurrence and development of VE. CTSL, MIF, IL-1β, TNF-α and CXCL10 can be used as VE potential biomarkers. These cytokines may participate in the pathogenesis of VE through inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, autophagy, blood-brain barrier disruption and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway.

Ultrasonic Microbubble Cavitation Enhanced Tissue Permeability and Drug Diffusion in Solid Tumor Therapy

Chemotherapy has an essential role not only in advanced solid tumor therapy intervention but also in society's health at large. Chemoresistance, however, seriously restricts the efficiency and sensitivity of chemotherapeutic agents, representing a significant threat to patients' quality of life and life expectancy. How to reverse chemoresistance, improve efficacy sensitization response, and reduce adverse side effects need to be tackled urgently. Recently, studies on the effect of ultrasonic microbubble cavitation on enhanced tissue permeability and retention (EPR) have attracted the attention of researchers. Compared with the traditional targeted drug delivery regimen, the microbubble cavitation effect, which can be used to enhance the EPR effect, has the advantages of less trauma, low cost, and good sensitization effect, and has significant application prospects. This article reviews the research progress of ultrasound-mediated microbubble cavitation in the treatment of solid tumors and discusses its mechanism of action to provide new ideas for better treatment strategies.

Claudin-1 and Claudin-3 as Molecular Regulators of Myelination in Leukoaraiosis Patients

OBJECTIVES

Leukoaraiosis is described as white matter lesions that are associated with cognitive dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Myelin depletion is a salient pathological feature of, and the loss of oligodendrocytes is one of the most robust alterations evident in, white matter degeneration. Recent studies have revealed that claudin proteins are aberrantly expressed in leukoaraiosis and regulate oligodendrocyte activity. However, the roles of claudin-1 and claudin-3 in oligodendrocytes and leukoaraiosis are still not well-defined.

METHODS

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of claudin-1 (CLDN1), claudin-3 (CLDN3), and myelinogenesis-related genes such as myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (OLIG2), and SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10) in leukoaraiosis patients (n=122) and healthy controls (n=122). The expression of claudin-1 and claudin-3 was either ectopically silenced or augmented in Oli-neu oligodendrocytes, and colony formation, apoptosis, and migration assays were performed. Finally, the expression of myelin proteins was evaluated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that in addition to SOX10, the expression levels of claudin-1, claudin-3, and myelinogenesis-related proteins were prominently downregulated in leukoaraiosis patients, compared to those in healthy controls. Furthermore, the growth and migration of Oli-neu cells were downregulated upon silencing claudin-1 or claudin-3. However, the overexpression of claudin-1 or claudin-3 resulted in the reduction of the degree of apoptosis in Oli-neu cells. In addition, claudin-1 and claudin-3 promoted the expression of MBP, OLIG2, PLP, and SOX10 at the translational level.

CONCLUSION

Our data has demonstrated that the abnormal expression of claudin-1 and claudin-3 regulates the pathological progression of leukoaraiosis by governing the viability and myelination of oligodendrocytes. These findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying the roles of claudin-1 and claudin-3 in leukoaraiosis.

In situ vaccination with laser interstitial thermal therapy augments immunotherapy in malignant gliomas

INTRODUCTION

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) remains a promising advance in the treatment of primary central nervous system malignancies. As indications for its use continue to expand, there has been growing interest in its ability to induce prolonged blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability through hyperthermia, potentially increasing the effectiveness of current therapeutics including BBB-impermeant agents and immunotherapy platforms.

METHODS

In this review, we highlight the mechanism of hyperthermic BBB disruption and LITT-induced immunogenic cell death in preclinical models and humans. Additionally, we summarize ongoing clinical trials evaluating a combination approach of LITT and immunotherapy, which will likely serve as the basis for future neuro-oncologic treatment paradigms.

RESULTS

There is evidence to suggest a highly immunogenic response to laser interstitial thermal therapy through activation of both the innate and adaptive immune response. These mechanisms have been shown to potentiate standard methods of oncologic care. There are only a limited number of clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the utility of LITT in combination with immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

LITT continues to be studied as a possible technique to bridge the gap between exciting preclinical results and the limited successes seen in the field of neuro-oncology. Preliminary data suggests a substantial benefit for use of LITT as a combination therapy in several clinical trials. Further investigation is required to determine whether or not this treatment paradigm can translate into long-term durable results for primary intracranial malignancies.