SLAMF3 promotes Th17 differentiation and is reversed by iguratimod through JAK1/STAT3 pathway in primary Sjögren's syndrome

Exploring the role of diosgenin in modulating RUNX1 and HIPK2 transcription to mitigate Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the exocrine glands, resulting in symptoms like dry mouth and eyes. Despite existing symptomatic treatments, underlying immune dysregulation remains undefined. Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin derived from Mai Dong, shows potential in modulating immune responses, but its mechanism in pSS remains underexplored.

METHODS

This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of diosgenin on pSS using in vivo and in vitro approaches. In vivo, salivary flow rate measurement, histological analysis, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry and Western blot were performed on NOD/ShiLtJ mice after treatment with diosgenin at various concentrations. In vitro, CD4+ T cells isolated from these mice were treated with diosgenin to assess T cell differentiation via flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western blot, where Homeodomain-Interacting Protein Kinase 2 (HIPK2) overexpression and Runt-associated transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) knockdown were manipulated.

RESULTS

Diosgenin stabilized salivary flow rates, reduced lymphocytic infiltration and inflammatory cytokines levels, upregulated RUNX1 and downregulated HIPK2, which modified T cell dynamics by promoting regulatory T cells (Treg) and reducing T helper 17 (Th17) populations. However, HIPK2 overexpression reversed the effects of diosgenin on inhibiting Th17 differentiation and inflammatory cytokines levels and promoting RUNX1 level. Additionally, RUNX1 knockdown also offset the suppressive effects of diosgenin on Th17 differentiation, inflammatory cytokine levels, and HIPK2 expression.

CONCLUSION

Diosgenin effectively impacts immune responses in pSS, potentially through the modulation of RUNX1 and HIPK2 transcription factors, leading to a reduction in Th17-mediated inflammation.

Exploring The Role of TOP2A in the Intersection of Pathogenic Mechanisms Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Bioinformatics

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) share a common pathogenic mechanism, but the underlying mechanisms remain ambiguous. Our study aims at exploring the genetic-level pathogenic mechanism of these two diseases.

Methods

We carried out bioinformatics analysis on the GSE55235 and GSE213001 datasets. Machine learning was employed to identify candidate genes, which were further verified using the GSE92592 and GSE89408 datasets, as well as quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression levels of TOP2A in RA and IPF in vitro models were confirmed using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we explored the influence of TOP2A on the occurrence and development of RA and IPF by using the selective inhibitor PluriSIn #2 in an in vitro model. Finally, an in vivo model of RA and IPF was constructed to assess TOP2A expression levels via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Our bioinformatics analysis suggests a potential intersection in the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and IPF. We have identified 7 candidate genes: CXCL13, TOP2A, MMP13, MMP1, LY9, TENM4, and SEMA3E. Our findings reveal that the expression level of TOP2A is significantly elevated in both in vivo and in vitro models of RA and IPF. Additionally, our research indicates that PluriSIn #2 can effectively restrain inflammatory factors, extracellular matrix deposition, migration, invasion, the expression and nuclear uptake of p-smad2/3 protein in RA and IPF in vitro models.

Conclusion

There is a certain correlation between RA and IPF at the genetic level, and the molecular mechanisms of their pathogenesis overlap, which might be the reason for the progression of RA. Among the candidate genes we identified, TOP2A may influence the occurrence and development of RA and IPF through the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway. This could be beneficial to the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of RA and IPF.

Litchi Procyanidins Ameliorate DSS-Induced Colitis through Gut Microbiota-Dependent Regulation of Treg/Th17 Balance

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel condition. Procyanidins (PC) are known for their antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimetastatic properties. However, there is comparatively limited information on how PC interacts with UC. In this study, 5 mg/10 mL/kg body weight of PC was administered to mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. PC treatment prolonged the survival period of mice, ameliorated UC symptoms, reduced damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier, and increased the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the DSS-treated mice. Importantly, PC treatment significantly reduced gene expression related to Th17 cell differentiation, including STAT3, SMAD3, TGF-β, and JAK1. The results of the flow cytometry analysis indicated significant increase in the number of Treg cells and a concomitant decrease in the proportion of Th17 cells in the colon following PC treatment. Additionally, PC increased the abundance of gut microbiota such as Bacteroidota, Oscillospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae, as well as the concentrations of acetate acid, propionate acid, and butyrate acid in the feces. PC also activated short-chain fatty acid receptors, such as G-protein coupled receptor 43 in the colon, which promoted the proliferation of Treg cells. The depletion of gut microbiota and subsequent transplantation of fecal microbiota demonstrated that PC's effects on gut microbiota were effective in improving UC and restoring intestinal Th17/Treg homeostasis in a microbiota-dependent manner. This suggests that PC could be a promising functional food for the prevention and treatment of UC in the future.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of iguratimod in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and degenerative arthritis

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of iguratimod (IGU) in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and degenerative arthritis.

Methods

Initially, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on using IGU in treating inflammatory arthritis and degenerative arthritis were systematically gathered from various databases up to February 2024. Subsequently, two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias in included studies, and conducted a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

Fifty-four RCTs involving three inflammatory arthritis were included, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For AS, the meta-analysis results showed that IGU may decrease BASDAI (SMD -1.68 [-2.32, -1.03], P < 0.00001) and BASFI (WMD -1.29 [-1.47, -1.11], P < 0.00001); IGU may also decrease inflammatory factor [ESR: (WMD -10.33 [-14.96, -5.70], P < 0.0001); CRP: (WMD -10.11 [-14.55, -5.66], P < 0.00001); TNF-α: (WMD -6.22 [-7.97, -4.47], P < 0.00001)]. For OA, the meta-analysis results showed that IGU may decrease VAS (WMD -2.20 [-2.38, -2.01], P < 0.00001) and WOMAC (WMD -7.27 [-12.31, -2.24], P = 0.005); IGU may also decrease IL-6 (WMD -8.72 [-10.00, -7.45], P < 0.00001). For RA, the meta-analysis results showed that IGU may improve RA remission rate [ACR20: (RR 1.18 [1.02, 1.35], P = 0.02); ACR50: (RR 1.32 [1.05, 1.64], P = 0.02); ACR70: (RR 1.44 [1.02, 2.04], P = 0.04)] and decrease DAS28 (WMD -0.92 [-1.20, -0.63], P < 0.00001); IGU may also decrease inflammatory factors [CRP: (SMD -1.36 [-1.75, -0.96], P < 0.00001); ESR: (WMD -9.09 [-11.80, -6.38], P < 0.00001); RF: (SMD -1.21 [-1.69, -0.73], P < 0.00001)]. Regarding safety, adding IGU will not increase the incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

IGU might emerge as a promising and secure therapeutic modality for addressing AS, OA, and RA.

Systematic Review Registration

Identifier PROSPERO: CRD42021289249.

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family receptors as potential immune therapeutic targets in solid tumors

Recently, cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. Various forms of immunotherapy have a manageable safety profile and result in prolongation of overall survival in patients with solid tumors, but only in a proportion of patients. Various factors in the tumor microenvironment play critical roles and may be responsible for this lack of therapeutic response. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family (SLAMF) members are increasingly being studied as factors impacting the tumor immune microenvironment. SLAMF members consist of nine receptors mainly expressed in immune cells. However, SLAMF receptors have also been detected in cancer cells, and they may be involved in a spectrum of anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we review the current knowledge of the expression of SLAMF receptors in solid tumors and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their association with patient outcomes. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting SLAMF receptors to improve outcomes of cancer therapy in solid tumors. We believe the research on SLAMF receptor-targeted strategies may enhance anti-cancer immunity in patients with solid tumors and improve clinical outcomes.