Increased concentrations of myeloperoxidase in serum and serum extracellular vesicles are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Elevated Serum Extracellular Vesicle-Packaged SPARC in Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Middle-Aged and Elderly Population

Elevated blood pressure has previously been associated with increased levels of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, studies on the relevance of EV cargos to hypertension are limited. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is involved in many metabolic diseases and endothelial dysfunction pathological processes. This study aimed to explore the association of serum EV-derived SPARC with hypertension incidence. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 125 Chinese, including 76 hypertension patients and 49 normotensive patients. Serum EVs were prepared via ultracentrifugation. The concentrations of serum EV-derived SPARC and serum SPARC were measured by Luminex Assay. The correlations between serum EV-derived SPARC and clinical variables were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined the association of serum EV-derived SPARC levels with hypertension. Interaction subgroup analysis was used to evaluate the interaction of the relevant baselines on the association between serum EV-derived SPARC levels and hypertension. Our findings revealed that the levels of SPARC derived from serum EVs were markedly elevated in individuals with hypertension, averaging 20.60 ng/mL (p < 0.01), when contrasted with the levels observed in normotensive subjects, which were 14.25 ng/mL (p < 0.01) in average. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum EV-derived SPARC levels were positively associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.095; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.031-1.163; p value, 0.003), after adjusting for confounding factors. Interaction subgroup analysis demonstrated that no significant interaction with hypertension was observed for any particular covariate. The present study reveals that the elevated levels of serum EV-derived SPARC were independently associated with hypertension.

Single molecule array measures of LRRK2 kinase activity in serum link Parkinson's disease severity to peripheral inflammation

BACKGROUND

LRRK2-targeting therapeutics that inhibit LRRK2 kinase activity have advanced to clinical trials in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD). LRRK2 phosphorylates Rab10 on endolysosomes in phagocytic cells to promote some types of immunological responses. The identification of factors that regulate LRRK2-mediated Rab10 phosphorylation in iPD, and whether phosphorylated-Rab10 levels change in different disease states, or with disease progression, may provide insights into the role of Rab10 phosphorylation in iPD and help guide therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.

METHODS

Capitalizing on past work demonstrating LRRK2 and phosphorylated-Rab10 interact on vesicles that can shed into biofluids, we developed and validated a high-throughput single-molecule array assay to measure extracellular pT73-Rab10. Ratios of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 measured in biobanked serum samples were compared between informative groups of transgenic mice, rats, and a deeply phenotyped cohort of iPD cases and controls. Multivariable and weighted correlation network analyses were used to identify genetic, transcriptomic, clinical, and demographic variables that predict the extracellular pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 ratio.

RESULTS

pT73-Rab10 is absent in serum from Lrrk2 knockout mice but elevated by LRRK2 and VPS35 mutations, as well as SNCA expression. Bone-marrow transplantation experiments in mice show that serum pT73-Rab10 levels derive primarily from circulating immune cells. The extracellular ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 is dynamic, increasing with inflammation and rapidly decreasing with LRRK2 kinase inhibition. The ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 is elevated in iPD patients with greater motor dysfunction, irrespective of disease duration, age, sex, or the usage of PD-related or anti-inflammatory medications. pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 ratios are associated with neutrophil degranulation, antigenic responses, and suppressed platelet activation.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracellular serum ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 is a novel pharmacodynamic biomarker for LRRK2-linked innate immune activation associated with disease severity in iPD. We propose that those iPD patients with higher serum pT73-Rab10 levels may benefit from LRRK2-targeting therapeutics that mitigate associated deleterious immunological responses.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of circulating exosomes reveals the mechanism by which Triptolide protects against collagen-induced arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Triptolide (TP), a natural product derived from the herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits potent immunosuppressive activity. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects in rheumatoid arthritis remain incompletely understood.

METHODS

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by immunization with bovine type II collagen, and TP was administrated as treatment. The therapeutic effect of TP was evaluated based on paw swelling, histopathology, and serum levels of inflammatory factors. Exosomes isolated from rat serum were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and western blot analysis. Proteomic profiling of exosomes was analyzed by direct DIA quantitative proteomics analysis. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were employed for enrichment analysis related to molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways. Western blot analysis was used to analyze differentially expressed proteins.

RESULTS

TP treatment ameliorated arthritic phenotypes in CIA rats as evidenced by reduced arthritis score, paw swelling, pathological injury severity scores, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. The proteomic analysis revealed that TP treatment significantly inhibited complement and coagulation cascades, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and cholesterol metabolism, which were reactivated in CIA rats. Importantly, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were markedly upregulated in the CIA group but suppressed upon TP administration. Furthermore, in synovial tissues, LCN2 and MPO expression levels were also elevated in the CIA group but decreased following TP treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that TP alleviates CIA, possibly through modulation of exosomal LCN2 and MPO proteins.

Single molecule array measures of LRRK2 kinase activity in serum link Parkinson's disease severity to peripheral inflammation

Background

LRRK2-targeting therapeutics that inhibit LRRK2 kinase activity have advanced to clinical trials in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD). LRRK2 phosphorylates Rab10 on endolysosomes in phagocytic cells to promote some types of immunological responses. The identification of factors that regulate LRRK2-mediated Rab10 phosphorylation in iPD, and whether phosphorylated-Rab10 levels change in different disease states, or with disease progression, may provide insights into the role of Rab10 phosphorylation in iPD and help guide therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.

Methods

Capitalizing on past work demonstrating LRRK2 and phosphorylated-Rab10 interact on vesicles that can shed into biofluids, we developed and validated a high-throughput single-molecule array assay to measure extracellular pT73-Rab10. Ratios of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 measured in biobanked serum samples were compared between informative groups of transgenic mice, rats, and a deeply phenotyped cohort of iPD cases and controls. Multivariable and weighted correlation network analyses were used to identify genetic, transcriptomic, clinical, and demographic variables that predict the extracellular pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 ratio.

Results

pT73-Rab10 is absent in serum from Lrrk2 knockout mice but elevated by LRRK2 and VPS35 mutations, as well as SNCA expression. Bone-marrow transplantation experiments in mice show that serum pT73-Rab10 levels derive primarily from circulating immune cells. The extracellular ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 is dynamic, increasing with inflammation and rapidly decreasing with LRRK2 kinase inhibition. The ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 is elevated in iPD patients with greater motor dysfunction, irrespective of disease duration, age, sex, or the usage of PD-related or anti-inflammatory medications. pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 ratios are associated with neutrophil activation, antigenic responses, and the suppression of platelet activation.

Conclusions

The extracellular ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10 in serum is a novel pharmacodynamic biomarker for LRRK2-linked innate immune activation associated with disease severity in iPD. We propose that those iPD patients with higher serum pT73-Rab10 levels may benefit from LRRK2-targeting therapeutics to mitigate associated deleterious immunological responses.

The association of SPARC with hypertension and its function in endothelial-dependent relaxation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is involved in the pathological processes of many metabolic diseases. However, studies on the relevance of SPARC to hypertension and its involvement in endothelial function are scarce. In this study, we aim to explore the relevance of SPARC to hypertension and investigate its role in endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR).

METHODS

110 patients who met the criteria were recruited as participants. Serum SPARC concentrations were determined by Luminex assay. The correlation between SPARC levels and hypertension was analyzed. After treatment with SPARC ex vivo or in vivo, endothelial-dependent relaxation (EDR) was measured by wire myography. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proteins relevant to endothelial function.

RESULTS

Our results showed that serum SPARC levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive group and were positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Functional results demonstrated that SPARC dramatically impaired EDR and induced the excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells. Further experimental results confirmed that SPARC reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression and ACE2 overexpression or activation completely abolished the impairing effect of SPARC on endothelial function.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reveals the correlation between elevated SPARC and hypertension and confirms its adverse effect on endothelial function, helping establish a comprehensive understanding of hypertension-related endothelial dysfunction in a new scope.

Evaluation of the effects of metformin on antioxidant biomarkers and mineral levels in patients with type II diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension are considered serious public health problems. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress is usually related to the onset of DM and hypertension, as well their associated complications. Moreover, the levels of some minerals are closely related to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Thus, in this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin on the redox profile and mineral levels in the serum of patients with DM type 2 and hypertension. We also tested the effect of metformin on the viability and redox profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for 24 h. As expected, we found that patients with type 2 DM and hypertension + type 2 DM had higher fasting glucose and triglyceride levels. As groundbreaking research, we found that both patients DM type 2 and Hypertension + DM type 2 had reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. On the other hand, the levels of total thiols (PSH) and vitamin C were increased. There was no statistical significance for the alterations in mineral levels. In addition, metformin treatment had no cytotoxic effect on PBMCs. Similarly, in patients of both groups, MPO activity was reduced and PSH levels were increased in PBMCs. We have shown that metformin is a drug with a protective effect in patients with DM type 2 against oxidative stress by reducing MPO activity and improving the levels of PSH and antioxidant defenders such as vitamin C. The results of in vitro assays support the antioxidant effect of metformin. Furthermore, we suggest studies to assess the biochemical mechanisms of metformin and how it can be used in a pharmacological therapeutic perspective against oxidative damage.

Naringin administration mitigates oxidative stress, anemia, and hypertension in lead acetate-induced cardio-renal dysfunction in cockerel chicks

Lead is one of the major pollutants that is harmful to both animals and humans. It is found in every aspect of the environment such as the air, water, and soil. This pollutant affects both wild and domestic birds. Naringin has an active principle called flavonoid that has been found to have medicinal properties, mostly because of its antioxidant and metal chelating properties. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of naringin as an antioxidant against lead-induced anemia, cardio and nephrotoxicity, and hypertension. This study also aimed at elucidating the use of naringin as a heavy metal binder in poultry feed. Thirty-six cockerel chicks were used for this study, and randomly grouped into six groups per group; group A served as the control, group B received Pb-only (300 ppm), group C (Pb and naringin; 80 mg/kg), group D (Pb and naringin; 160 mg/kg), group E (naringin 80 mg/kg), and group F (naringin 160 mg/kg), respectively, for 8 weeks. Lead (Pb) was administered via drinking water, while naringin was administered via oral gavage. Lead acetate intoxication precipitated anemia as indicated by significant reductions in the values of PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration in lead-treated chicks when compared with the controls. Also, lead administration induced hypertension together with increased oxidative stress, depletion of the antioxidant defense system, reduced nitric oxide production, and an increase in high blood pressure. Immunohistochemistry indicated high expressions of cardiac troponin, renal angiotensin-converting enzymes, and renal neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin. Treatment with naringin corrected anemia, reduced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant system, reduced high blood pressure, and offered protection against lead acetate-induced cardio-renal dysfunction in cockerel chicks. We recommend that naringin should be incorporated poultry feeds as a metal binder.

Significant increase of serum extracellular vesicle-packaged growth differentiation factor 15 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-inducible factor involved in the inflammatory progression of many complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Growing evidence suggests that molecules in extracellular vesicles (EVs) are associated with diabetes or diabetes-related complications. However, the correlation between serum extracellular vesicle-derived growth differentiation factor15 (EV-GDF15) and T2DM is unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate whether serum EV-GDF15 is associated with T2DM incidence.

METHODS

116 individuals, including 78 T2DM and 38 non-T2DM, were recruited as participants. The concentrations of serum EV-GDF15 and serum GDF15 were determined by Luminex assay. Serum EVs were obtained by ultracentrifugation. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the association between serum GDF15 levels and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) as well as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The association of serum EV-GDF15 levels with T2DM was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Our data showed that the levels of serum EV-GDF15 and serum GDF15 were significantly increased in T2DM patients compared with non-T2DM subjects (EV-GDF15 levels, 13.68 (6.61-23.44) pg/mL vs. 5.56 (3.44-12.09) pg/mL, P < 0.001; and serum GDF15 levels, 1025.49 (677.87-1626.36) pg/mL vs. 675.46 (469.53-919.98) pg/mL, P < 0.001). There was a linear correlation between EV-GDF15 levels and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels (normalized β = 0.357, P < 0.001; normalized β = 0.409, P < 0.001, respectively). Elevated levels of EV-GDF15 were accompanied by an increase in the proportion of patients with T2DM (from 47.5 to 78.9%) and a progressive independent association with the incidence of T2DM (from OR = 3.06, 95% CI 1.02-9.19, P = 0.047 to OR = 3.75, 95% CI 1.14-12.26, P = 0.029). Notably, high levels of serum GDF15 plus high levels of serum EV-GDF15 were significantly associated with T2DM more than either alone.

CONCLUSION

This study elucidated that increased levels of GDF15 in serum EVs were independently associated with T2DM.

Nitrotyrosine, Nitrated Lipoproteins, and Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: What Do We Know and What Remains to Be Explained?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in the population of patients living with DM. DM is associated with lipid metabolism disorders characterized by a decrease in the high-density lipoprotein blood concentration, an increase in the triglyceride blood concentration, and the presence of modified lipoproteins not routinely measured in clinical practice. Nitrated lipoproteins are produced by the nitration of the tyrosyl residues of apolipoproteins by myeloperoxidase. There is some evidence from the research conducted showing that nitrated lipoproteins may play a role in the development of cardiovascular dysfunction, but this issue requires further investigation. It was found that the nitration of HDL particles was associated with a decrease in caspase-3 and paraoxonase-1 activity, as well as a decrease in the activity of cholesterol transport via ABCA1, which reduces the protective effect of HDL particles on the cardiovascular system. Less information has been collected about the role of nitrated LDL particles. Thus far, much more information has been obtained on the relationship of nitrotyrosine expression with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and the development of cardiovascular dysfunction. The purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive review of the literature and to present the most important information on the current state of knowledge on the association between nitrotyrosine and nitrated lipoproteins with dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, especially in patients living with DM. Moreover, directions for future research in this area were discussed.

High-Resolution Computer Tomography Image Features of Lungs for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes under the Faster-Region Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm

The objective of this study was to adopt the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) technology based on the faster-region recurrent convolutional neural network (Faster-RCNN) algorithm to evaluate the lung infection in patients with type 2 diabetes, so as to analyze the application value of imaging features in the assessment of pulmonary disease in type 2 diabetes. In this study, 176 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected as the research objects, and they were divided into different groups based on gender, course of disease, age, glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), 2 h C peptide (2 h C-P) after meal, fasting C peptide (FC-P), and complications. The research objects were performed with HRCT scan, and the Faster-RCNN algorithm model was built to obtain the imaging features. The relationships between HRCT imaging features and 2 h C-P, FC-P, HbA1c, gender, course of disease, age, and complications were analyzed comprehensively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in HRCT scores between male and female patients, patients of various ages, and patients with different HbA1c contents (P > 0.05). As the course of disease and complications increased, HRCT scores of patients increased obviously (P < 0.05). The HRCT score decreased dramatically with the increase in the contents of 2 h C-P and FC-P after the meal (P < 0.05). In addition, the results of the Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the course of disease and complications were positively correlated with the HRCT scores, while the 2 h C-P and FC-P levels after meal were negatively correlated with the HRCT scores. The receiver operating curve (ROC) showed that the accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of HRCT imaging based on Faster-RCNN algorithm were 90.12%, 90.43%, and 83.64%, respectively, in diagnosing lung infection of patients with type 2 diabetes. In summary, the HRCT imaging features based on the Faster-RCNN algorithm can provide effective reference information for the diagnosis and condition assessment of lung infection in patients with type 2 diabetes.