PTX3/TWIST1 Feedback Loop Modulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Advances in understanding the role of pentraxin-3 in lung infections

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition molecule (PRM) characterized by a C-terminal pentraxin structural domain and a unique N-terminal structural domain. As a key component of the innate immune system, PTX3 can be rapidly released into the extracellular space during microbial invasion and inflammatory responses. It plays a crucial role in regulating complement activation, enhancing the ability of myeloid cells to recognize pathogens, and exerting various immune effects. PTX3 is integral to the regulation of innate immunity, inflammation, and tumor dynamics through its dual function as both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator depending on the context. This role is closely linked to its diverse molecular and cellular targets. Additionally, PTX3 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various lung diseases through its involvement in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In this paper, we summarize the complex immunological functions of PTX3 and review the multifaceted roles it plays in the development of infectious lung diseases. Our objective is to highlight the potential for clinical targeting of PTX3 as a biomarker in infectious diseases and to propose it as a viable alternative in future therapeutic strategies.

Relationship of serum 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 with liver fat content in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Diagnostic value for liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in China. Vitamin D and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) participate in the occurrence and development of NAFLD by regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism and inflammation. This study analyzed the relationship of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and PTX3 levels with liver fat content and liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.

AIM

To analyze the relationship of serum 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 with liver fat content in patients with NAFLD, as well as their diagnostic value for liver fibrosis.

METHODS

A total of 120 NAFLD patients in our hospital from June 2022 to September 2023 were selected as a study group, and another 120 healthy individuals in the same period were selected as a control group. General information and serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 were compared between and two groups, and the levels of 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 were compared in patients with different liver fat contents in the study group. The correlation between serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 and liver fat content in NAFLD patients was analyzed. The levels of serum 25(OH)D3, PTX3, liver fibrosis, and liver function indicators [hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), procollagen type Ⅳ (PCIV), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] were compared among patients with different degrees of liver fibrosis in the study group. The correlation of serum 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 levels with liver fibrosis and liver function indicators was examined, and their value for diagnosing liver fibrosis was assessed.

RESULTS

Serum 25(OH)D3 level in the study group was lower than that of the control group, while PTX3 level was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in serum 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 levels among patients with different liver fat contents in the study group (P < 0.05). As the liver fat content increased, serum 25(OH)D3 levels significantly decreased, while PTX3 levels significantly increased. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were negatively correlated with liver fat content in NAFLD patients, while PTX3 levels were positively correlated with liver fat content in NAFLD patients (P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D3 levels in patients at risk of liver fibrosis in the study group were lower than those in patients without liver fibrosis, while the levels of PTX3, HA, PC Ⅲ, PC Ⅳ, ALT, and AST were higher than those of patients without liver fibrosis (P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D3 levels in NAFLD patients were negatively correlated with HA, PC Ⅲ, PC Ⅳ, ALT, and AST levels, while PTX3 levels were positively correlated with HA, PC Ⅲ, PC Ⅳ, ALT, and AST levels (P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of serum 25(OH)D3 and PTX3 alone for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD was 0.713 and 0.781, respectively, while the AUC of their combination was 0.908, which was greater than the AUC of either of them alone (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Serum 25(OH)D3 level in NAFLD patients is negatively correlated with liver fat content, while serum PTX3 level is positively correlated with liver fat content. The two have appreciated diagnostic value in liver fibrosis.

Network pharmacology-based investigation of the pharmacological mechanisms of diosgenin in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rising annually, posing health and economic challenges, with limited treatments available. Diosgenin, a natural steroidal compound found in various plants, holds potential as a therapeutic candidate. Recent studies have confirmed diosgenin's anti-inflammatory and metabolism-modulating properties. However, its therapeutic effects on NASH and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to explore diosgenin's protective effects and pharmacological mechanisms against NASH using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. We gathered potential targets of diosgenin and NASH from various databases to generate protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses identified key targets and mechanisms. Molecular docking confirmed the binding capacity between diosgenin and core target proteins. Additionally, a NASH cell model was developed to validate the pharmacological effects of diosgenin. Our investigation identified nine key targets (ALB, AKT1, TP53, VEGFA, MAPK3, EGFR, STAT3, CASP3, IGF1) that interact with diosgenin. Molecular docking indicated potential bindings interactions, while enrichment analyses revealed that diosgenin may enhance fatty acid metabolism via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Cellular experiments confirmed that diosgenin activates this pathway, reduces SCD1 expression, and decreases triglyceride and IL-6 levels. Our study elucidates that diosgenin may ameliorate triglyceride deposition and inflammation through the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Pentraxin-3 modulates hepatocyte ferroptosis and the innate immune response in LPS-induced liver injury

The liver plays a crucial role in the immune response during endotoxemia and is one of the critical targets for sepsis-related injuries. As a secretory factor involved in inflammation, pentraxin-3 (PTX3) has been demonstrated to regulate hepatic homeostasis; however, the relationship between PTX3 and cell crosstalk between immune cells and hepatocytes in the liver remains incompletely understood. In this study, we revealed that, compared with WT mice, Ptx3-/- mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia exhibited alleviated liver damage, with reduced serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels and an improved survival rate. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq and western blot results revealed that Ptx3 knockdown in hepatocytes increased the expression of Tfrc and Ccl20; consequently, Ptx3 deficiency regulated LPS-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis via increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and Fe2+ and recruited more macrophages by CCL20/CCR6 axis to be involved in inflammation and the clearance of harmful substances. Moreover, western blot and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the NF-κB signaling pathway was upregulated upon LPS treatment in Ptx3-knockdown macrophages, promoting phagocytosis and polarization toward M1 macrophages. Collectively, our findings show that the absence of Ptx3 can ameliorate sepsis-induced liver injury by regulating hepatocyte ferroptosis and promote the recruitment and polarization of M1 macrophages. These findings offer a key basis for the development of effective treatments for acute infections.

Prognostic Value of Pentraxin3 Protein Expression in Human Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a member of the pentraxin superfamily, plays diverse roles in immunity and inflammation. Its dual role in tumorigenesis, exhibiting both protumoral and antitumoral effects, has been the subject of conflicting reports. High PTX3 expression levels in serum and tumor tissues have been associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Through this meta-analysis, we aim to comprehensively assess the prognostic significance of PTX3 protein expression in human malignancies and evaluate its potential as a pan-cancer prognostic marker.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies were included if they assessed the association between PTX3 protein expression and overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the method of PTX3 assessment, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger's and Begg's tests.

RESULTS

Nine studies encompassing 1215 patients were included in the analysis. High PTX3 expression was significantly associated with poorer OS (HR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.55-2.32, p < 0.01) with no significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis revealed consistent results across different assessment methods (immunohistochemistry: HR = 1.93, p < 0.01; immunoassay: HR = 1.86, p < 0.01). However, publication bias was detected (Egger's test, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

High PTX3 protein expression is associated with a poor prognosis in various malignancies, supporting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

Twist-related protein 1 promotes transforming growth factor β receptor 1 in keloid fibroblasts via regulating the stability of myocyte enhancer factor 2A

Background

Keloid scarring is caused by a fibroproliferative disorder due to abnormal activation of genes, the underlying mechanism of which is still unclear. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) controls cell proliferation and differentiation in tissue development and disease processes. In this study, we aimed to clarify the essential role of TWIST1 in the pathogenesis of keloids.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry, cell counting kit-8 assays, western blotting, PCR, matrigel invasion assays and immunofluorescence assays were applied to demonstrate the effects and mechanisms of TWIST1 in fibroblasts derived from normal skin and keloids. Mass spectrometry, ubiquitination assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assay were applied to explore the interaction of TWIST1 with downstream molecules.

Results

In the present study, we confirmed that TWIST1 was upregulated in keloid tissue of patients and in keloid-derived fibroblasts (KFBs). In vitro, TWIST1 inhibition prevented KFB proliferation, invasion and activation. We also discovered a link between TWIST1 and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling related molecules TGF-β receptor 1 (TΒR1), SMAD family member 2 (Smad2) and Smad3, and the fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I and collagen type III in KFBs. Mechanistically, we uncovered a brand-new mechanism by which TWIST1 interacts with myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) and suppresses its ubiquitination and degradation. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay, TΒR1 was identified as a novel downstream target of MEF2A, which directly binds to its promoter. Overexpression of TWIST1 promoted the recruitment of MEF2A to the TΒR1 promoter and restored TΒR1 functional expression.

Conclusions

Our research highlights a significant function of TWIST1 in the development of keloid and its related fibroblasts, partially facilitated by elevated MEF2A-dependent TΒR1 expression. Blocking the expression of TWIST1 in KFBs could potentially pave a novel therapeutic avenue for keloid treatment.

Exposure to household dust, allergens, and endotoxin and allergy-related outcomes alternation in the general U.S. population

It has been widely reported that the general population was at an increased risk of allergy diseases, which probably be related with household allergens exposure. However, the difference of local and systemic allergic reactions exposure to allergens has not been reported in the general population previously. The data of 1094 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006 data bank were analyzed. Dust, allergens (Bia g 1, Bia g 2, Can f 1, Feld 1, Derp 1, Mus m 1, Rat n 1, Alternaria alternate, and Aspergillus fumigatus), and endotoxin, were measured to estimate sensitizing source exposure. And allergy-related outcomes indicators including hay fever, sneezing, allergic rhinitis (AR), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and allergic sensitization, were evaluzted to estimate local and systemic allergic reactions. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of sensitizer and allergy-related outcomes. The mean or median concentration of dust and endotoxin were 0.66 g and 12.98 EU/mg dust. The Derp 1, Mus m 1, Rat n 1, Alternaria alternate, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the main allergens in the dust, with the concentrations of 30.66 ng/g dust, 30.73 ng/g dust, 5.94 ng/g dust, 5.20 ng/g dust, and 207.68 μg/g dust, respectively. The prevalence of AR was 34.2% among the general population. After controlling for sociodemographic factors, we found that the allergens, such as Can f 1 and Feld 1, were positively associated with AR. The prevalence of allergic sensitization was about 20%. Dust and endotoxin were found positively associated with allergic sensitization, while Bia g 2, Rat n 1, Alternaria alternate, and Aspergillus fumigatus were inversely associated with that. Dust and endotoxin probably be associated with higher risk of local allergic reactions, while some allergens, such as Bia g 2, Rat n 1, Alternaria alternate, and Aspergillus fumigatus probably be associated with lower risk of systemic allergic reactions.

Molecular insight into pentraxin-3: Update advances in innate immunity, inflammation, tissue remodeling, diseases, and drug role

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is the prototype of the long pentraxin subfamily, an acute-phase protein consisting of a C-terminal pentraxin domain and a unique N-terminal domain. PTX3 was initially isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human FS-4 fibroblasts. It was subsequently found to be also produced by synoviocytes, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, smooth muscle cells, myeloid dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and tumor cells. Various modulatory factors, such as miRNAs, cytokines, drugs, and hypoxic conditions, could regulate the expression level of PTX3. PTX3 is essential in regulating innate immunity, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Besides, PTX3 may play dual (pro-tumor and anti-tumor) roles in oncogenesis. PTX3 is involved in the occurrence and development of many non-cancerous diseases, including COVID-19, and might be a potential biomarker indicating the prognosis, activity,and severity of diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the potential roles of PTX3 in the oncogenesis and pathogenesis of non-cancerous diseases and potential targeted therapies based on PTX3.