Persistent activation of nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway in severe uncontrolled asthma

Association of GAB1 gene with asthma susceptibility and the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids in children

Asthma is a polygenic disease that may onset during childhood. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the main therapy in asthma, although their efficacy varies among individuals. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is an important target of ICS treatment of asthma. Recent research has reported that GRB2 associated binding protein 1 (GAB1) gene may participate in the pathogenesis of asthma by regulating the NF-κB pathway. Therefore, we used the technique of an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction to sequence GAB1 gene and investigated the involvement of Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in GAB1 gene in asthma and ICS efficacy in asthmatic children. We found no differences between asthma cases and controls in allele or genotype frequencies of GAB1. Haplotype analysis showed an increased tendency for AGGAGC frequency in asthma patients compared with controls (OR = 2.69, p = 0.018). The percentage of EOS and genotype distribution of rs1397527 were associated (p = 0.007). The EOS percentage was higher in GT genotype when compared to the GG genotype (5.50 vs 3.00, Bonferroni adjusted p = 0.005). After 12-weeks ICS treatment, GAB1 rs1397527 TT and GT genotype carriers had a smaller change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than GG carriers (p = 0.009), and rs3805236 GG and AG genotype carriers also had a smaller change in FEV1/FVC than AA carriers (p = 0.025). For ICS response, the frequency of GG genotype of rs1397527 was significantly higher in good responders (p = 0.038). The generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) analysis showed a best significant four-order model (rs1397527, allergen exposure, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and pet exposure) involving gene-environment interactions (p = 0.001). In summary, we found that GAB1 SNVs were not associated with asthma susceptibility. Haplotype AGGAGC was a risk factor for asthma. GAB1 variants were associated with eosinophils and ICS response in asthmatics. Furthermore, gene-environment interaction was observed.

Emerging applications and prospects of NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides in managing respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have been a burden to society for an extended period. Currently, there are only preventative treatments in the form of mono- or multiple-drug therapy available to patients who need to utilize it daily. Hence, throughout the years there has been a substantial amount of research in understanding what causes inflammation in the context of these diseases. For example, the transcription factor NFκB has a pivotal role in causing chronic inflammation. Subsequent research has been exploring ways to block the activation of NFκB as a potential therapeutic strategy for many inflammatory diseases. One of the possible ways through which this is probable is the utilisation of decoy oligodeoxynucleotides, which are synthetic, short, single-stranded DNA fragments that mimic the consensus binding site of a targeted transcription factor, thereby functionally inactivating it. However, limitations to the implementation of decoy oligodeoxynucleotides include their rapid degradation by intracellular nucleases and the lack of targeted tissue specificity. An advantageous approach to overcome these limitations involves using nanoparticles as a vessel for drug delivery. In this review, all of those key elements will be explored as to how they come together as an application to treat chronic inflammation in respiratory diseases.

Modulating asthma-COPD overlap responses with IL-17 inhibition

Background

IL-17 is a modulator of the inflammatory response and is implicated in lung remodeling in both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Well as and probably in patients with asthma-COPD overlap (ACO).

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the response of the airways and alveolar septa to anti-IL-17 treatment in an ACO model. Fifty-six male BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA group), received porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE group), or both (ACO group). Mice were then treated with either anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibody or saline. We evaluated hyperresponsiveness, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, and mean alveolar diameter. We quantified inflammatory, response, extracellular matrix remodeling, oxidative stress markers, and signaling pathway markers.

Results

Anti-IL-17 treatment in the ACO anti-IL-17 group reduced the maximum response of respiratory system Rrs, Ers, Raw, Gtis, this when compared to the ACO group (p<0.05). There was a reduction in the total number of inflammatory cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in the BALF in the ACO anti-IL-17 group compared to the ACO group (p<0.05). There was attenuated dendritic cells, CD4+, CD8+, FOXP3, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IL-33 in ACO anti-IL-17 group in airway and alveolar septum compared to the ACO group (p<0.05). We observed a reduction of MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, TGF-β, collagen type I in ACO anti-IL-17 group in airway and alveolar septum compared to the ACO group (p < 0.05). We also observed a reduction of iNOS and 8-iso-PGF2α in the airways and in the alveolar septum was reduced in the ACO anti-IL-17group compared to the ACO group (p < 0.05). Regarding the signaling pathways, NF-kB, ROCK-1, and ROCK-2 in the airway and alveolar septum were attenuated in the ACO anti-IL-17 group when compared to the ACO group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that inhibiting IL-17 modulates cell-associated cytokine production in lung tissue, extracellular matrix remodeling, and oxidative stress in ACO through the modulation of NF-kB and FOXP3.

Fenofibrate Attenuates Asthma Features in an Ovalbumin-induced Mouse Model Via Suppressing NF-κB Binding Activity

BACKGROUND/AIM

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with a high prevalence. Asthma has a complex pathophysiology and about 5-10% of patients are not fully responsive to the currently available treatments. The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of NF-κB in the effects of fenofibrate on a mouse model of allergic asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 49 BALB/c mice were randomly distributed into 7 groups (n=7). Allergic asthma model was created by administering i.p. injections of ovalbumin on days 0, 14 and 21, followed by provocation with inhaled ovalbumin on days 28, 29 and 30. Fenofibrate was orally given in 3 different doses; 1, 10 and 30mg/kg through days 21 to 30 of the experiment. On day 31, pulmonary function test using whole body plethysmography was performed. The mice were sacrificed 24hours later. Blood samples were obtained, and serum of each sample was separated for IgE determination. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected to measure IL-5 and IL-13 levels. Nuclear extracts of lung tissues were employed to assess nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 binding activity.

RESULTS

Enhanced Pause (Penh) values were significantly increased in ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice (p<0.01). Administration of fenofibrate (10 and 30mg/kg) resulted in improved pulmonary function as shown by significantly lower Penh values (p<0.01). Interleukin (IL) -5 and IL-13 levels in BALF and lung tissues and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in serum were significantly elevated in the allergic mice. IL-5 levels in the lung tissues of mice treated with 1mg/kg fenofibrate (FEN1) group were significantly reduced (p<0.01). BALF and lung tissue IL-5 and IL-13 levels in mice treated with 10 and 30mg/kg fenofibrate, FEN10 and FEN30, respectively, were significantly diminished when compared to the ovalbumin-treated (OVA) group, whereas treatment with 1mg/kg fenofibrate resulted in insignificant changes. IgE levels in the serum of FEN30 group mice have shown a prominent reduction (p<0.01). NF-κB p65 binding activity was higher in mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (p<0.01). NF-κB p65 binding activity was significantly reduced in allergic mice treated with 30mg/kg (p<0.01) fenofibrate.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we showed that administration of 10 and 30mg/kg fenofibrate effectively attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma, possibly through inhibition of NF-κB binding activity.

The "Asthma-Polycystic Ovary Overlap Syndrome" and the Therapeutic Role of Myo-Inositol

Asthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease characterized by abnormalities in immune response. Due to the inherent complexity of the disease and the presence of comorbidities, asthma control is often difficult to obtain. In asthmatic patients, an increased prevalence of irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, obesity, and insulin resistance has been reported. Given that these conditions are also common in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we propose the definition of "asthma-PCOS overlap syndrome" to indicate a medical condition which shares characteristics of both diseases. The aim of this review is to analyze the links between asthma and PCOS and evaluate the therapeutic role of myo-inositol, a natural compound currently utilized in patients with PCOS, in the management of asthma patients.

Pharmacological OGG1 inhibition decreases murine allergic airway inflammation

Background and aim: Allergic asthma is a complex inflammatory disease involving type 2 innate lymphoid cells, type 2 T helper cells, macrophages, and eosinophils. The disease is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, coughing, chest tightness and variable airflow limitation for which there is no cure and is symptomatically treated with inhaled corticosteroids and β2-agonists. Molecular mechanisms underlying its complex pathogenesis are not fully understood. However, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1), a DNA repair protein may play a central role, as OGG1 deficiency decreases both innate and allergic inflammation.

Methods: Using a murine ovalbumin (OVA) model of allergic airway inflammation we assessed the utility of an inhibitor of OGG1 (TH5487) in this disease context. Cytokines and chemokines, promoting immune cell recruitment were measured using a 23-multiplex assay and Western blotting. Additionally, immune cell recruitment to bronchi was measured using flow cytometry. Histological analyses and immunofluorescent staining were used to confirm immune cell influx and goblet cell hyperplasia of the airways. A PCR array was used to assess asthma-related genes in murine lung tissue following TH5487 treatment. Finally, airway hyperresponsiveness was determined using in vivo lung function measurement.

Results: In this study, administration of TH5487 to mice with OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation significantly decreased goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus production. TH5487 treatment also decreased levels of activated NF-κB and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines resulting in significantly lower recruitment of eosinophils and other immune cells to the lungs. Gene expression profiling of asthma and allergy-related proteins after TH5487 treatment revealed differences in several important regulators, including down regulation of Tnfrsf4, Arg1, Ccl12 and Ccl11, and upregulation of the negative regulator of type 2 inflammation, Bcl6. Furthermore, the gene Clca1 was upregulated following TH5487 treatment, which should be explored further due to its ambiguous role in allergic asthma. In addition, the OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness was significantly reduced by TH5487 treatment.

Conclusion: Taken together, the data presented in this study suggest OGG1 as a clinically relevant pharmacological target for the treatment of allergic inflammation.

Identification of potential biomarkers and pathogenesis in neutrophil-predominant severe asthma: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Airway neutrophilia has been associated with asthma severity and asthma exacerbations. This study attempted to identify biomarkers, pathogenesis, and therapeutic molecular targets for severe asthma in neutrophils using bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

Fifteen healthy controls and 3 patients with neutrophilic severe asthma were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Based on the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional and pathway enrichment analyses, gene set enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction, and analysis were performed. Moreover, small-molecule drug candidates have also been identified.

RESULTS

Three hundred and three upregulated and 59 downregulated genes were identified. Gene ontology function enrichment analyses were primarily related to inflammatory response, immune response, leukocyte migration, neutrophil chemotaxis, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, Jun N-terminal kinase cascade, I-kappaB kinase/nuclear factor-κB, and MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Pathway enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the TNF signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, 1 important module and 10 hub genes (CXCL8, TLR2, CXCL1, ICAM1, CXCR4, FPR2, SELL, PTEN, TREM1, and LEP) were identified in the protein-protein interaction network. Moreover, indoprofen, mimosine, STOCK1N-35874, trapidil, iloprost, aminoglutethimide, ajmaline, levobunolol, ethionamide, cefaclor, dimenhydrinate, and bethanechol are potential drugs for the treatment of neutrophil-predominant severe asthma.

CONCLUSION

This study identified potential biomarkers, pathogenesis, and therapeutic molecular targets for neutrophil-predominant severe asthma.

Bcl10 Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pro-Fibrotic Signaling in Bronchial Fibroblasts from Severe Asthma Patients

Subepithelial fibrosis is a characteristic hallmark of airway remodeling in asthma. Current asthma medications have limited efficacy in treating fibrosis, particularly in patients with severe asthma, necessitating a deeper understanding of the fibrotic mechanisms. The NF-κB pathway is key to airway inflammation in asthma, as it regulates the activity of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to airway pathology. Bcl10 is a well-known upstream mediator of the NF-κB pathway that has been linked to fibrosis in other disease models. Therefore, we investigated Bcl10-mediated NF-κB activation as a potential pathway regulating fibrotic signaling in severe asthmatic fibroblasts. We demonstrate here the elevated protein expression of Bcl10 in bronchial fibroblasts and bronchial biopsies from severe asthmatic patients when compared to non-asthmatic individuals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the increased expression of the pro-fibrotic cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-β1 in bronchial fibroblasts, and this induction was associated with the activation of Bcl10. Inhibition of the Bcl10-mediated NF-κB pathway using an IRAK1/4 selective inhibitor abrogated the pro-fibrotic signaling induced by LPS. Thus, our study indicates that Bcl10-mediated NF-κB activation signals increased pro-fibrotic cytokine expression in severe asthmatic airways. This reveals the therapeutic potential of targeting Bcl10 signaling in ameliorating inflammation and fibrosis, particularly in severe asthmatic individuals.

IL-36 Cytokines: Their Roles in Asthma and Potential as a Therapeutic

Interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines are members of the IL-1 superfamily, which consists of three agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β and IL-36γ) and an IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra). IL-36 cytokines are crucial for immune and inflammatory responses. Abnormal levels of IL-36 cytokine expression are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. The present study provides a summary of recent reports on IL-36 cytokines that participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, and the potential mechanisms underlying their roles in asthma. Abnormal levels of IL-36 cytokines are associated with the pathogenesis of different types of asthma through the regulation of the functions of different types of cells. Considering the important role of IL-36 cytokines in asthma, these may become a potential therapeutic target for asthma treatment. However, existing evidence is insufficient to fully elucidate the specific mechanism underlying the action of IL-36 cytokines during the pathological process of asthma. The possible mechanisms and functions of IL-36 cytokines in different types of asthma require further studies.

Natural therapeutics and nutraceuticals for lung diseases: Traditional significance, phytochemistry, and pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infections like influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma and pneumonia lung cancer (LC) are common causes of sickness and death worldwide due to their remoteness, cold and harsh climatic conditions, and inaccessible health care facilities.

PURPOSE

Many drugs have already been proposed for the treatment of lung diseases. Few of them are in clinical trials and have the potential to cure infectious diseases. Plant extracts or herbal products have been extensively used as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurveda. Moreover, it has been involved in the inhibition of certain genes/protiens effects to promote regulation of signaling pathways. Natural remedies have been scientifically proven with remarkable bioactivities and are considered a cheap and safe source for lung disease.

METHODS

This comprehensive review highlighted the literature about traditional plants and their metabolites with their applications for the treatment of lung diseases through experimental models in humans. Natural drugs information and mode of mechanism have been studied through the literature retrieved by Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Scopus and Medline PubMed resources against lung diseases.

RESULTS

In vitro, in vivo and computational studies have been explained for natural metabolites derived from plants (like flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids) against different types of lung diseases. Probiotics have also been biologically active therapeutics against cancer, anti-inflammation, antiplatelet, antiviral, and antioxidants associated with lung diseases.

CONCLUSION

The results of the mentioned natural metabolites repurposed for different lung diseases especially for SARS-CoV-2 should be evaluated more by advance computational applications, experimental models in the biological system, also need to be validated by clinical trials so that we may be able to retrieve potential drugs for most challenging lung diseases especially SARS-CoV-2.

Genome-Wide Interaction Study of Late-Onset Asthma With Seven Environmental Factors Using a Structured Linear Mixed Model in Europeans

Asthma is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide, creating a substantial healthcare burden. In late-onset asthma, there are wide global differences in asthma prevalence and low genetic heritability. It has been suggested as evidence for genetic susceptibility to asthma triggered by exposure to multiple environmental factors. Very few genome-wide interaction studies have identified gene-environment (G×E) interaction loci for asthma in adults. We evaluated genetic loci for late-onset asthma showing G×E interactions with multiple environmental factors, including alcohol intake, body mass index, insomnia, physical activity, mental status, sedentary behavior, and socioeconomic status. In gene-by-single environment interactions, we found no genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms. However, in the gene-by-multi-environment interaction study, we identified three novel and genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms: rs117996675, rs345749, and rs17704680. Bayes factor analysis suggested that for rs117996675 and rs17704680, body mass index is the most relevant environmental factor; for rs345749, insomnia and alcohol intake frequency are the most relevant factors in the G×E interactions of late-onset asthma. Functional annotations implicate the role of these three novel loci in regulating the immune system. In addition, the annotation for rs117996675 supports the body mass index as the most relevant environmental factor, as evidenced by the Bayes factor value. Our findings help to understand the role of the immune system in asthma and the role of environmental factors in late-onset asthma through G×E interactions. Ultimately, the enhanced understanding of asthma would contribute to better precision treatment depending on personal genetic and environmental information.

Rothia mucilaginosa is an anti-inflammatory bacterium in the respiratory tract of patients with chronic lung disease

Background

Chronic airway inflammation is the main driver of pathogenesis in respiratory diseases such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiectasis. While the role of common pathogens in airway inflammation is widely recognised, the influence of other microbiota members is still poorly understood.

Methods

We hypothesised that the lung microbiota contains bacteria with immunomodulatory activity which modulate net levels of immune activation by key respiratory pathogens. Therefore, we assessed the immunomodulatory effect of several members of the lung microbiota frequently reported as present in CF lower respiratory tract samples.

Results

We show that Rothia mucilaginosa, a common resident of the oral cavity that is also often detectable in the lower airways in chronic disease, has an inhibitory effect on pathogen- or lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory responses, in vitro (three-dimensional cell culture model) and in vivo (mouse model). Furthermore, in a cohort of adults with bronchiectasis, the abundance of Rothia species was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-8 and MMP-9 in sputum. Mechanistic studies revealed that R. mucilaginosa inhibits NF-κB pathway activation by reducing the phosphorylation of IκBα and consequently the expression of NF-κB target genes.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the presence of R. mucilaginosa in the lower airways potentially mitigates inflammation, which could in turn influence the severity and progression of chronic respiratory disorders.

A commensal bacterium of the lower airways, Rothia mucilaginosa, inhibits inflammation by NF-κB pathway inactivation. R. mucilaginosa abundance inversely correlates with sputum pro-inflammatory markers in chronic lung disease, indicating a beneficial role.https://bit.ly/3lNT9th

Oxidative Stress Promotes Corticosteroid Insensitivity in Asthma and COPD

Corticosteroid insensitivity is a key characteristic of patients with severe asthma and COPD. These individuals experience greater pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to diminished lung function and frequent exacerbations despite the often and prolonged use of systemic, high dose corticosteroids. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) promote corticosteroid insensitivity by disrupting glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling, leading to the sustained activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in immune and airway structural cells. Studies in asthma and COPD models suggest that corticosteroids need a balanced redox environment to be effective and to reduce airway inflammation. In this review, we discuss how oxidative stress contributes to corticosteroid insensitivity and the importance of optimizing endogenous antioxidant responses to enhance corticosteroid sensitivity. Future studies should aim to identify how antioxidant-based therapies can complement corticosteroids to reduce the need for prolonged high dose regimens in patients with severe asthma and COPD.

Recent trends of NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide-based nanotherapeutics in lung diseases

Nuclear factor κB (NFκB) is a unique protein complex that plays a major role in lung inflammation and respiratory dysfunction. The NFκB signaling pathway, therefore becomes an avenue for the development of potential pharmacological interventions, especially in situations where chronic inflammation is often constitutively active and plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are double-stranded and carry NFκB binding sequences. They prevent the formation of NFκB-mediated inflammatory cytokines and thus have been employed in the treatment of a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the systemic administration of naked decoy ODNs restricts their therapeutic effectiveness because of their poor pharmacokinetic profile, instability, degradation by cellular enzymes and their low cellular uptake. Both structural modification and nanotechnology have shown promising results in enhancing the pharmacokinetic profiles of potent therapeutic substances and have also shown great potential in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. In this review, we examine the contribution of NFκB activation in respiratory diseases and recent advancements in the therapeutic use of decoy ODNs. In addition, we also highlight the limitations and challenges in use of decoy ODNs as therapeutic molecules, cellular uptake of decoy ODNs, and the current need for novel delivery systems to provide efficient delivery of decoy ODNs. Furthermore, this review provides a common platform for discussion on the existence of decoy ODNs, as well as outlining perspectives on the latest generation of delivery systems that encapsulate decoy ODNs and target NFκB in respiratory diseases.

NFκB1 Dichotomously Regulates Pro-Inflammatory and Antiviral Responses in Asthma

Asthma exacerbations are commonly triggered by rhinovirus infections. Viruses can activate the NFκB pathway resulting in airway inflammation and increased Th2 cytokine expression. NFκB signaling is also involved in early activation of IFNβ, which is a central mediator of antiviral responses to rhinovirus infection. Using a mouse model, this study tests our hypothesis that NFκB signaling is involved in impaired IFNβ production at viral-induced asthma exacerbations. C57BL/6 wild-type and NFκB1-/- mice were challenged with house dust mite for 3 weeks and were subsequently stimulated with the rhinoviral mimic poly(I:C). General lung inflammatory parameters and levels of the Th2 upstream cytokine IL-33 were measured after allergen challenge. At exacerbation, production of IFNβ and antiviral proteins as well as gene expression of pattern recognition receptors and IRF3/IRF7 was assessed. In the asthma exacerbation mouse model, lack of NFκB1 resulted in lower levels of IL-33 after allergen challenge alone and was associated with reduced eosinophilia. At exacerbation, mice deficient in NFκB1 exhibited enhanced expression of IFNβ and antiviral proteins. This was accompanied by increased IRF3/IRF7 expression and induction of pattern recognition receptor expression. In a human asthma dataset, a negative correlation between IRF3 and NFκB1 expression was observed. NFκB may impair antiviral responses at exacerbation, possibly by reducing expression of the transcription factors IRF3/IRF7. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential for targeting NFκB pathways at viral infection-induced exacerbations.

Aspirin Actions in Treatment of NSAID-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) is characterized by nasal polyposis, chronic rhinosinusitis, adult-onset asthma and hypersensitive reactions to cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors. Among the available treatments for this disease, a combination of endoscopic sinus surgery followed by aspirin desensitization and aspirin maintenance therapy has been an effective approach. Studies have shown that long-term aspirin maintenance therapy can reduce the rate of nasal polyp recurrence in patients with N-ERD. However, the exact mechanism by which aspirin can both trigger and suppress airway disease in N-ERD remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of aspirin effects in N-ERD, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and consider potential mechanistic pathways accounting for the effects of aspirin in N-ERD.

Development of a multiplex mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of urinary proteins related to respiratory health

Respiratory health of children is a health priority. Club cell protein (CC16) is an interesting biomarker of lung diseases and adverse effects towards the airway epithelium integrity. Osteopontin (OPN) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) also play a role in respiratory health. The use of urine as biomarker source is useful in studies involving children but necessitates proper adjustment for physiological confounders influencing the urinary excretion, potentially characterized with beta-2-microglobulin (β2M), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) or myoglobin (MYO), as well as adjustment for possible renal dysfunction, characterized by human serum albumin (HSA). The simultaneous quantification of all these proteins in urine could facilitate children's health monitoring. A multiple reaction monitoring method (MRM) was developed and validated for the relative quantification of the seven mentioned urinary proteins. A total of nine proteotypic peptides were selected and used for the relative quantification of the seven proteins. The MRM method was completely validated for all proteins and partially for OPN. LOQ's ranged from 0.3 to 42.8 ng/ml, a good reproducibility and a good linearity were obtained across the analytical measurement range (r² > 0.98). The method yielded varying correlations (r² of 0.78, 0.71, 0.34 and 0.15 for CC16, β2M, RBP4 and HSA respectively) with available immunoassay data. It also allowed the identification and successful quantification of β2M and RBP4 as a protein candidate for adjustment of renal handling and dysfunction. All proteins were detected in the urine samples except for MYO and NF-κB. Our validated MRM-method is able to simultaneously quantify in urine biomarkers of airway epithelium integrity and biomarkers of variation in renal function and urinary dilution. This will allow to investigate further in future studies if urine can be used as a good surrogate source for biomarkers of airway epithelium integrity, and to understand the complex relationship between cause and effect in children's respiratory health monitoring.

Gentiopicroside ameliorates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma via regulating SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway

Allergic asthma is a common airway inflammatory disorder with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gentiopicroside (GPS) is a secoiridoid glycoside compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory property. However, the effect of GPS on allergic asthma has not been reported yet. In this study, we investigated the role of GPS in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma and explored its potential mechanism. Mice were sensitized with OVA and gavaged with 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg GPS. Administration of GPS decreased lung wet-to-dry weight ratio. Histological analysis of H&E and PAS staining showed that GPS treatment alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissue of OVA-sensitized mice. Moreover, GPS inhibited the recruitment of inflammatory cells including total cells, macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils and the secretion of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of OVA-sensitized mice in a dose dependent manner. The levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were also attenuated by GPS treatment. Interestingly, GPS upregulated the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) while downregulated the expression of acetyl-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in lung tissue of OVA-sensitized mice. Furthermore, treatment with an SIRT1 inhibitor (EX-527) partially abolished the inhibitory effect of GPS on OVA-induced airway inflammation, suggesting that the anti-inflammation of GPS might be achieved through regulating SIRT1/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway. These findings indicate that GPS might be a novel drug candidate in the treatment of allergic asthma.

Myricetin inhibits TNF-α-induced inflammation in A549 cells via the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Although myricetin exerts anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidation effects, the relationship between myricetin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) -stimulated inflammation in A549 cells remains unclear. This study sought to assess whether myricetin has an anti-inflammatory effect on TNF-α-induced A549 cells and clarify the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability was examined with a Cell Counting Kit-8, and cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Potential mechanisms were further explored by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and SIRT1 activity assays.

RESULTS

In A549 cells, TNF-α stimulation upregulated the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Moreover, TNF-α activated the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, as confirmed by IκB-α degradation, and phosphorylation and nuclear migration of NF-κB p65. However, pretreatment with myricetin significantly attenuated the observed responses triggered by TNF-α. Mechanistically, myricetin strongly increased the deacetylase activity through decreasing phosphorylation, but not expression, of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells. Myricetin-mediated SIRT1 activation was further evidenced by the decreased acetylation of NF-κB p65 and p53. Subsequently, all of these concurrent changes were reversed by the addition of salermide (SIRT1 inhibitor), illustrating the critical role of SIRT1 in mediation of anti-inflammatory processes by myricetin.

CONCLUSIONS

Myricetin, an enhancer of SIRT1, inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in A549 cells, therefore, reducing their inflammatory response. Our findings provide insight for novel therapies for inflammation-related diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pharmacogenetics of inhaled corticosteroids and exacerbation risk in adults with asthma

BACKGROUND

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone of asthma treatment. However, their efficacy is characterized by wide variability in individual responses.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between genetic variants and risk of exacerbations in adults with asthma and how this association is affected by ICS treatment.

METHODS

We investigated the pharmacogenetic effect of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from the literature, including SNPs previously associated with response to ICS (assessed by change in lung function or exacerbations) and novel asthma risk alleles involved in inflammatory pathways, within all adults with asthma from the Dutch population-based Rotterdam study with replication in the American GERA cohort. The interaction effects of the SNPs with ICS on the incidence of asthma exacerbations were assessed using hurdle models adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking and treatment step according to the GINA guidelines. Haplotype analyses were also conducted for the SNPs located on the same chromosome.

RESULTS

rs242941 (CRHR1) homozygotes for the minor allele (A) showed a significant, replicated increased risk for frequent exacerbations (RR = 6.11, P < 0.005). In contrast, rs1134481 T allele within TBXT (chromosome 6, member of a family associated with embryonic lung development) showed better response with ICS. rs37973 G allele (GLCCI1) showed a significantly poorer response on ICS within the discovery cohort, which was also significant but in the opposite direction in the replication cohort.

CONCLUSION

rs242941 in CRHR1 was associated with poor ICS response. Conversely, TBXT variants were associated with improved ICS response. These associations may reveal specific endotypes, potentially allowing prediction of exacerbation risk and ICS response.

The non-antibiotic macrolide EM900 attenuates HDM and poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation with inhibition of macrophages in a mouse model

OBJECTIVE

Macrolides have been reported to reduce the exacerbation of severe asthma. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects and mechanisms of EM900, a non-antibiotic macrolide, on allergic airway inflammation.

METHODS

Mice were sensitized and challenged by house dust mite (HDM), then exposed to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) as a model of asthma complicated with viral infection. Mice were administered with EM900. Airway inflammation was assessed from inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cytokines in lung tissues. Lung interstitial macrophages were counted by flow cytometry. Cytokine production, phosphorylation of NF-κB, and p38 in macrophages were examined by ELISA and western blotting.

RESULTS

Counts of cells in BALF and concentrations of IL-13, IL-5, RANTES, IL-17A, and MIP-2 were significantly decreased by EM900 compared to those without EM900. Percentages of lung interstitial macrophages were significantly decreased with EM900. Concentrations of IL-6, RANTES, and MIP-2 induced by HDM and poly(I:C) were significantly suppressed by EM900 through the suppression of NF-κB and p38 phosphorylation in macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

HDM and poly(I:C)-induced airway inflammation is attenuated by EM900 with the inhibition of lung interstitial macrophages. Clinical use of EM900 is expected, because EM900 has inhibitory effects against airway inflammation without inducing bacterial drug resistance.

Sex differences in the influence of obesity on a murine model of allergic lung inflammation

BACKGROUND

Despite the overwhelming evidence showing the influence of sex or obesity in the development of respiratory diseases in humans and animals, the mechanisms by which these combined two factors influence allergic asthma are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

We have investigated the interaction between sex and weight gain in an experimental model of lung allergic inflammation induced by chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) in mice.

METHODS

Animals were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks and then sensitized and challenged with OVA.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that in comparison with males, high-fat diet (HFD) allergic female mice exhibit a reduction in the number of leucocytes in the lung lumen when challenged with OVA and, in contrast, an accumulation of these cells in the lung tissue. In addition, we also observed that allergic HFD female mice presented a robust lung remodelling in comparison with HFD males, evidenced by higher deposition of collagen in the airways and TGF-β in lung fluid. Measuring epithelial adhesion molecule expression, we observed that female mice presented a significantly lower expression of CD103 than males in BAL cells, regardless of the diet. Similarly, HFD female mice express lower levels of EpCAM in lung tissue in comparison with males and lean females. Levels of A20/TNFAIP3 expression in lung tissue demonstrated that HFD female mice express lower levels of these regulatory factors than all the other groups. However, this reduction was not accompanied by an increase in activated NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results present evidence that the interaction between sex and weight gain alters the progression of allergic asthma in mice with females developing airway remodelling at a much earlier stage than males.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These data may contribute to a better understanding of the clinical differences in the development and severity of allergic asthma observed between men and women of reproductive age.

Combination of ascorbic acid and calcitriol attenuates chronic asthma disease by reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation

Airway inflammation and oxidative stress are the two major characteristics of asthma pathogenesis. Therefore, this study evaluated the protective effects of ascorbic acid in combination with calcitriol on the oxidative damages and inflammation in asthma model. All animals, except in the control group, were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. One day after the last challenge, samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for the assessment of total white blood cell counts and differential count of white blood cell and plasma was used for the measurement of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance level. Lung tissue samples were also stored for examining peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B expression and measurement of malondialdehyde level. Induction of asthma caused significant increases in total white blood cell counts, percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils and a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes. Moreover, asthma resulted in significant increases of peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B expression and malondialdehyde level. However, no significant changes were observed in pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance level with the induction of asthma. Co-administration of low doses of ascorbic acid and calcitriol returned all to the levels measured before sensitization and challenge. Combination of low doses of ascorbic acid with calcitriol improves mouse asthma model by a possible additive effects through the decrease of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Variants in the IL17 pathway genes are associated with atopic asthma and atopy makers in a South American population

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a complex disorder with multiple phenotypes which can influence its severity and response to treatment. The TH17 lymphocytes producing IL-17A and IL17-F cytokines, may have a role on asthma inflammation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between genetic variants in IL17 pathway genes with asthma and atopy markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genotyping was performed using a commercial panel in 1245 participants of SCAALA cohort. The study included 91 SNVs in IL-17 pathway genes. Logistic regressions for asthma and atopy markers were performed using PLINK 1.9. In silico analyses were performed using rSNPbase, RegulomeDB, and Gtex portal for in silico gene expression.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The T allele of rs1974226 in IL17A was positively associated with asthma (OR: 1.37; 95% CI 1.02-1.82). Also, the T allele of rs279548 was positively associated with asthma (OR: 1.30; 95% CI 1.02-1.64), atopy (OR: 1.62; 95% CI 1.05-2.50) and increased expression of the IL17RC in lung and whole blood tissues. The others genetic variants in the IL17 pathways genes were associated with both protection and risk for asthma development as well as with IgE levels.

CONCLUSION

The genetic variants in IL-17-related genes are associated with the atopic asthma phenotype and IgE production.

NRF2 and NF-қB interplay in cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders: Molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutic approaches

Electrophiles and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in modulating cellular defense mechanisms as well as physiological functions, and intracellular signaling. However, excessive ROS generation (endogenous and exogenous) can create a state of redox imbalance leading to cellular and tissue damage (Ma and He, 2012) [1]. A growing body of research data strongly suggests that imbalanced ROS and electrophile overproduction are among the major prodromal factors in the onset and progression of several cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and aging (Ma and He, 2012; Ramsey et al., 2017; Salminen et al., 2012; Sandberg et al., 2014; Sarlette et al., 2008; Tanji et al., 2013) [1-6]. Cells offset oxidative stress by the action of housekeeping antioxidative enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) as well direct and indirect antioxidants (Dinkova-Kostova and Talalay, 2010) [7]. The DNA sequence responsible for modulating the antioxidative and cytoprotective responses of the cells has been identified as the antioxidant response element (ARE), while the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) is the major regulator of the xenobiotic-activated receptor (XAR) responsible for activating the ARE-pathway, thus defined as the NRF2-ARE system (Ma and He, 2012) [1]. In addition, the interplay between the NRF2-ARE system and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB, a protein complex that controls cytokine production and cell survival), has been further investigated in relation to neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders. On these premises, we provide a review analysis of current understanding of the NRF2-NF-ĸB interplay, their specific role in major CNS disorders, and consequent therapeutic implication for the treatment of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases.

Effects of diesel exhaust particles on the condition of mouse ocular surface

In order to evaluate the effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on the ocular surface, different concentrations (100 and 1000 μg/ml) of DEP eye drops were administered on the mouse ocular surface for a period of 28 days. After DEP treatment, the corneal epithelial permeability to Oregon Green Dextran was studied, which increased proportionally with time. Also, the number of corneal epithelial cell layers significantly increased, which was accompanied with a high Ki67 expression. On the other hand, the number of goblet cells in the conjunctival fornix were reduced, and apoptotic cells were detected in the corneal and conjunctival epithelium by TUNEL assay in the DEP treated group, along with increased Caspase 3/8 expression. Furthermore, the number of CD4 positive cells significantly increased in the conjunctiva, while NF-κB p65 (phospho S536) expression was elevated in the cornea and also the conjunctiva. Our data revealed that the topical administration of DEP on the ocular surface in mouse disrupted the organized structure of the ocular surface and induced an inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Towards Team-Centered Informatics: Accelerating Innovation in Multidisciplinary Scientific Teams Through Visual Analytics

A critical goal of multidisciplinary scientific teams is to integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines for the purpose of developing novel insights and innovations. For example, multidisciplinary translational teams (MTTs) which typically include physicians, biologists, statisticians, and informaticians, aim to integrate biological and clinical knowledge leading to innovations for improving health outcomes. However, such teams face numerous barriers in integrating multidisciplinary knowledge, which is further exacerbated by the explosion of molecular and clinical data generated from millions of patients. Here, we explore the use of a visual analytical representation to help MTTs integrate molecular and clinical data with the goal of accelerating translational insights. The results suggest that the visual analytical representation functioned as a “computational evolving boundary object” which (a) evolved through several emergent states that progressively helped integrate diverse disciplinary knowledge, (b) enabled team members to play primary and supportive roles in evolving the data representation resulting in a more egalitarian team structure, and (c) enabled the team to arrive at novel translational insights leading to domain and methodology publications. However, the interventions also revealed limitations in the approach motivating new visual analytical approaches. These results suggest (a) implications for theory related to modeling computational evolving boundary objects (CEBOs) as an instance of team-centered informatics, and (b) implications for practice related to the design and use of interactive features that enable teams to fluidly evolve CEBOs through emergent states, with the goal of deriving novel insights from large multiomics datasets.

Influence of rutin on the effects of neonatal cigarette smoke exposure-induced exacerbated MMP-9 expression, Th17 cytokines and NF-κB/iNOS-mediated inflammatory responses in asthmatic mice model

Allergic asthma is one of the most enduring diseases of the airway. The T-helper cells and regulatory T-cells are critically involved in inflammatory responses, mucus hypersecretion, airway remodelling and in airway hyper-responsiveness. Cigarette smoke (CS) has been found to aggravate inflammatory responses in asthma. Though currently employed drugs are effective, associated side effects demand identification and development of novel drugs with negligible or no adverse effects. Rutin, plant-derived flavonoid has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the ability of rutin to modulate T-cells and inhibit inflammation in experimentally-induced asthma in cigarette smoke exposed mice. Separate groups of neonatal mice were exposed to CS for 10 days from post-natal days 2 to 11. After 2 weeks, the mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Treatment group were given rutin (37.5 or 75 mg/kg body weight) during OVA sensitization and challenge. Rutin treatment was found to significantly inhibit cellular infiltration in the airways and Th2 and Th17 cytokine levels as well. Flow cytometry revealed effectively raised CD4⁺CD25⁺Fox3⁺ Treg cells and supressed Th17 cell population on rutin treatment. Airway hyper-responsiveness observed following CS and OVA challenge were inhibited by rutin. NF-κB and iNOS, chief regulators of inflammatory responses robustly activated by CS and OVA were down-regulated by rutin. Rutin also inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9, thereby aiding in prevention of airway remodelling in asthma thereby revealing to be a potent candidate in asthma therapy.

Neutrophils induce macrophage anti-inflammatory reprogramming by suppressing NF-κB activation

Apoptotic cells modulate the function of macrophages to control and resolve inflammation. Here, we show that neutrophils induce a rapid and sustained suppression of NF-κB signalling in the macrophage through a unique regulatory relationship which is independent of apoptosis. The reduction of macrophage NF-κB activation occurs through a blockade in transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and IKKβ activation. As a consequence, NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation is reduced, its translocation to the nucleus is inhibited and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cytokine transcription is suppressed. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis reveals that this suppression of NF-κB activation is not restricted to post-translational modifications of the canonical NF-κB pathway, but is also imprinted at the transcriptional level. Thus neutrophils exert a sustained anti-inflammatory phenotypic reprogramming of the macrophage, which is reflected by the sustained reduction in the release of pro- but not anti- inflammatory cytokines from the macrophage. Together, our findings identify a novel apoptosis-independent mechanism by which neutrophils regulate the mediator profile and reprogramming of monocytes/macrophages, representing an important nodal point for inflammatory control.

RSV vs. rhinovirus bronchiolitis: difference in nasal airway microRNA profiles and NFκB signaling

BackgroundAlthough rhinovirus infection is associated with increased risks of acute and chronic respiratory outcomes during childhood compared with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to determine the differences in nasal airway microRNA profiles and their downstream effects between infants with rhinovirus and RSV bronchiolitis.MethodsAs part of a multicenter cohort study of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, we examined nasal samples obtained from 16 infants with rhinovirus and 16 infants with RSV. We tested nasal airway samples using microarrays to profile global microRNA expression and determine the predicted regulation of targeted transcripts. We also measured gene expression and cytokines for NFκB pathway components.ResultsBetween the virus groups, 386 microRNAs were differentially expressed (false discovery rate (FDR)<0.05). In infants with rhinovirus, the NFκB pathway was highly ranked as a predicted target for these differentially expressed microRNAs compared with RSV. Pathway analysis using measured mRNA expression data validated that rhinovirus infection had upregulation of NFκB family (RelA and NFκB2) and downregulation of inhibitor κB family. Infants with rhinovirus had higher levels of NFκB-induced type-2 cytokines (IL-10 and IL-13; FDR<0.01).ConclusionIn infants with bronchiolitis, rhinovirus and RSV infections had different nasal airway microRNA profiles associated with NFκB signaling.

Prevention of Asthma Exacerbation in a Mouse Model by Simultaneous Inhibition of NF-κB and STAT6 Activation Using a Chimeric Decoy Strategy

Transactivation of inflammatory and immune mediators in asthma is tightly regulated by nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of simultaneous inhibition of NF-κB and STAT6 using a chimeric decoy strategy to prevent asthma exacerbation. The effects of decoy oligodeoxynucleotides were evaluated using an ovalbumin-induced mouse asthma model. Ovalbumin-sensitized mice received intratracheal administration of decoy oligodeoxynucleotides 3 days before ovalbumin challenge. Fluorescent-dye-labeled decoy oligodeoxynucleotides could be detected in lymphocytes and macrophages in the lung, and activation of NF-κB and STAT6 was inhibited by chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotide transfer. Consequently, treatment with chimeric or NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides protected against methacholine-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, whereas the effect of chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotides was significantly greater than that of NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides. Treatment with chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotides suppressed airway inflammation through inhibition of overexpression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13 and inflammatory infiltrates. Histamine levels in the lung were reduced via suppression of mast cell accumulation. A significant reduction in mucin secretion was observed due to suppression of MUC5AC gene expression. Interestingly, the inhibitory effects on IL-5, IL-13, and histamine secretion were achieved by transfer of chimeric decoy oligodeoxynucleotides only. This novel therapeutic approach could be useful to treat patients with various types of asthma.

Integrative transcriptomic analysis reveals key drivers of acute peanut allergic reactions

Mechanisms driving acute food allergic reactions have not been fully characterized. We profile the dynamic transcriptome of acute peanut allergic reactions using serial peripheral blood samples obtained from 19 children before, during, and after randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges to peanut. We identify genes with changes in expression triggered by peanut, but not placebo, during acute peanut allergic reactions. Network analysis reveals that these genes comprise coexpression networks for acute-phase response and pro-inflammatory processes. Key driver analysis identifies six genes (LTB4R, PADI4, IL1R2, PPP1R3D, KLHL2, and ECHDC3) predicted to causally modulate the state of coregulated networks in response to peanut. Leukocyte deconvolution analysis identifies changes in neutrophil, naive CD4⁺ T cell, and macrophage populations during peanut challenge. Analyses in 21 additional peanut allergic subjects replicate major findings. These results highlight key genes, biological processes, and cell types that can be targeted for mechanistic study and therapeutic targeting of peanut allergy.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling

Embryonic lung development requires reciprocal endodermal-mesodermal interactions; mediated by various signaling proteins. Wnt/β-catenin is a signaling protein that exhibits the pivotal role in lung development, injury and repair while aberrant expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling leads to asthmatic airway remodeling: characterized by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle cells, alveolar and vascular damage goblet cells metaplasia, and deposition of extracellular matrix; resulting in decreased lung compliance and increased airway resistance. The substantial evidence suggests that Wnt/β-catenin signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling. Here, we summarized the recent advances related to the mechanistic role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung development, consequences of aberrant expression or deletion of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in expansion and progression of asthmatic airway remodeling, and linking early-impaired pulmonary development and airway remodeling later in life. Finally, we emphasized all possible recent potential therapeutic significance and future prospectives, that are adaptable for therapeutic intervention to treat asthmatic airway remodeling.

15-Deoxy-Delta-12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Inhibits Lung Inflammation and Remodeling in Distinct Murine Models of Asthma

15-deoxy-Δ-12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) has been described as an anti-inflammatory lipid mediator in several in vitro and in vivo studies, but its effect on allergic pulmonary inflammation remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of 15d-PGJ₂ based on distinct murine models of allergic asthma triggered by either ovalbumin (OVA) or house dust mite extract (HDM). Characteristics of lung inflammation, airway hyper-reactivity (AHR), mucus exacerbation, and lung remodeling in sensitized A/J mice treated or not with 15d-PGJ₂ were assessed. 15d-PGJ₂ treatments were carried out systemically or topically given via subcutaneous injection or intranasal instillation, respectively. Analyses were carried out 24 h after the last allergen provocation. Irrespective of the route of administration, 15d-PGJ₂ significantly inhibited the peribronchial accumulation of eosinophils and neutrophils, subepithelial fibrosis and also mucus exacerbation caused by either OVA or HDM challenge. The protective effect of 15d-PGJ₂ occurred in parallel with inhibition of allergen-induced AHR and lung tissue production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, IL-17, and TNF-α. Finally, 15d-PGJ₂ was found effective in inhibiting NF-κB phosphorylation upon HDM challenge as measured by Western blotting. In conclusion, our findings suggest that 15d-PGJ₂ can reduce crucial features of asthma, including AHR, lung inflammation, and remodeling in distinct murine models of the disease. These effects are associated with a decrease in lung tissue generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines by a mechanism related to downregulation of NF-κB phosphorylation.

Formoterol and fluticasone propionate combination improves histone deacetylation and anti-inflammatory activities in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke

BACKGROUND

The addition of long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) to corticosteroids improves asthma control. Cigarette smoke exposure, increasing oxidative stress, may negatively affect corticosteroid responses. The anti-inflammatory effects of formoterol (FO) and fluticasone propionate (FP) in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) are unknown.

AIMS

This study explored whether FP, alone and in combination with FO, in human bronchial epithelial cellline (16-HBE) and primary bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), counteracted some CSE-mediated effects and in particular some of the molecular mechanisms of corticosteroid resistance.

METHODS

16-HBE and NHBE were stimulated with CSE, FP and FO alone or combined. HDAC3 and HDAC2 activity, nuclear translocation of GR and NF-κB, pERK1/2/tERK1/2 ratio, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA expression, and mitochondrial ROS were evaluated. Actin reorganization in neutrophils was assessed by fluorescence microscopy using the phalloidin method.

RESULTS

In 16-HBE, CSE decreased expression/activity of HDAC3, activity of HDAC2, nuclear translocation of GR and increased nuclear NF-κB expression, pERK 1/2/tERK1/2 ratio, and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines. In NHBE, CSE increased mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and supernatants from CSE exposed NHBE increased actin reorganization in neutrophils. FP combined with FO reverted all these phenomena in CSE stimulated 16-HBE cells as well as in NHBE cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides compelling evidences that FP combined with FO may contribute to revert some processes related to steroid resistance induced by oxidative stress due to cigarette smoke exposure increasing the anti-inflammatory effects of FP.

Efficacy of parthenolide on lung histopathology in a murine model of asthma

BACKGROUND

Parthenolide is the active constituent of the plant 'Tanacetum parthenium' (Feverfew) which has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for inflammatory conditions.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of parthenolide in a murine model of chronic asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five BALB/c mice were divided into five groups; I (control), II (placebo), III (dexamethasone), IV (parthenolide) and V (dexamethasone and parthenolide combination). Lung histology was evaluated after treatment with the study drugs. Levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Histologic parameters except the number of mast and goblet cells improved in the parthenolide group when compared with placebo. All parameters except basal membrane thickness and number of mast cells were improved significantly better in the group receiving dexamethasone when compared with the parthenolide group. Improvement of most of the histologic parameters was similar in Groups III and V. Interleukin-4 levels were significantly reduced in the parthenolide group when compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that parthenolide administration alleviated some of the pathological changes in asthma. But parthenolide alone is not efficient as dexamethasone therapy and the parthenolide and dexamethasone combination also did not add any beneficial effect to the dexamethasone treatment.

Therapeutic effects of rosmarinic acid on airway responses in a murine model of asthma

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an active component of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Previously, we reported that RA exerted a strong anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse acute lung injury model. Therefore, we hypothesized that RA might also have potential therapeutic effects in a murine model of asthma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity of RA and explored its possible molecular mechanisms of action. Female BALB/c mice that had been sensitized to and challenged with ovalbumin (Ova) were treated with RA (20mg/kg) 1h after challenge. The results showed that RA greatly diminished the number of inflammatory cells and the production of Th2 cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); significantly reduced the secretion of total IgE, Ova-specific IgE, and eotaxin; and markedly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with Ova-induced mice. Histological studies further revealed that RA substantially decreased inflammatory cells infiltration and mucus hypersecretion compared with Ova-induced mice. Moreover, our results suggested that the protective effects of RA were mediated by the inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Furthermore, RA treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of AMCase, CCL11, CCR3, Ym2 and E-selectin in lung tissue. These findings suggest that RA may effectively delay the development of airway inflammation and could thus be used as a therapy for allergic asthma.

Delivery of RNAi Therapeutics to the Airways-From Bench to Bedside

RNA interference (RNAi) is a potent and specific post-transcriptional gene silencing process. Since its discovery, tremendous efforts have been made to translate RNAi technology into therapeutic applications for the treatment of different human diseases including respiratory diseases, by manipulating the expression of disease-associated gene(s). Similar to other nucleic acid-based therapeutics, the major hurdle of RNAi therapy is delivery. Pulmonary delivery is a promising approach of delivering RNAi therapeutics directly to the airways for treating local conditions and minimizing systemic side effects. It is a non-invasive route of administration that is generally well accepted by patients. However, pulmonary drug delivery is a challenge as the lungs pose a series of anatomical, physiological and immunological barriers to drug delivery. Understanding these barriers is essential for the development an effective RNA delivery system. In this review, the different barriers to pulmonary drug delivery are introduced. The potential of RNAi molecules as new class of therapeutics, and the latest preclinical and clinical studies of using RNAi therapeutics in different respiratory conditions are discussed in details. We hope this review can provide some useful insights for moving inhaled RNAi therapeutics from bench to bedside.

Nuclear Factor κB Activity is Increased in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Children Affected by Atopic and Non-Atopic Eczema

Atopic and non-atopic eczema is an inflammatory cutaneous disease which is common in childhood and is associated with a dysregulation of the immune system. Many genes encoding immune receptors, cytokines, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and adhesion molecules involved in the development of the disease are under the control of transcription factors belonging to the nuclear factor (NF)-κB family. To investigate the role of NF-κB in the development of eczema, 20 children, affected by relapsing chronic eczema, were enrolled in this study. Eleven of the 20 children showed IgE immunoreactivity and had a positive prick test. The DNA binding activity of NF-κB in nuclear extracts of the patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We found that basal NF-κB-DNA binding activity in PBMC was significantly higher in the eczema patient group in comparison with the same parameter in the healthy age-matched control group. Moreover, we observed a significant correlation between NF-κB-DNA binding activity and patients' clinical score (SCORAD). Based on these observations we speculate that NF-κB can play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of eczema and therefore could be considered as a potential therapeutic target.

Rosmarinic Acid Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Hyperresponsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma

Rosmarinic acid (RA) has numerous pharmacologic effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive activity of RA in a murine model of asthma and to investigate its possible molecular mechanisms. Female BALB/c mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (Ova) were pretreated with RA (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) at 1 h before Ova challenge. The results demonstrated that RA markedly inhibited increases in inflammatory cells and Th2 cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), significantly reduced the total IgE and Ova-specific IgE concentrations, and greatly ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with the control Ova-induced mice. Histological analyses showed that RA substantially decreased the number of inflammatory cells and mucus hypersecretion in the airway. In addition, our results suggested that the protective effects of RA might be mediated by the suppression of ERK, JNK and p38 phosphorylation and activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, RA pretreatment resulted in a noticeable reduction in AMCase, CCL11, CCR3, Ym2 and E-selectin mRNA expression in lung tissues. These findings suggest that RA may effectively delay the progression of airway inflammation.

Berberine improves airway inflammation and inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma

OBJECTIVES

Berberine has been reported for its various activities including anti-inflammatory effects and has been used in treating many diseases. However, its effects on airway inflammation in asthma have not been investigated. This study mainly aimed to detect its effects on the airway inflammation and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activity in a rat model of asthma.

METHODS

Asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge. The asthmatic rats were respectively treated with vehicle PBS or berberine (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) for 28 days. The control rats were treated with PBS. Inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted and the lung inflammation was scored. Levels of NF-κB p65 (mRNA and protein), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), inhibitory κB alpha (IκBα) (mRNA and protein) and phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), as well as NF-κB p65 DNA-binding activity, were measured to assess the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway. Levels of the downstream inflammatory mediators of NF-κB signaling, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-17 in BALF, were measured. Besides, the serum levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E were measured.

RESULTS

Results showed that OVA increased the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, elevated lung inflammation scores, enhanced the NF-κB signaling activity and promoted the production of IgE in rats. Berberine dose-dependently reversed the alterations induced by OVA in the asthmatic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested a therapeutic potential of berberine on OVA- induced airway inflammation. The ameliorative effects on the OVA-induced airway inflammation might be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Increased rhinovirus replication in nasal mucosa cells in allergic subjects is associated with increased ICAM-1 levels and endosomal acidification and is inhibited by L-carbocisteine

Increased viral replication and cytokine production may be associated with the pathogenesis of asthma attacks in rhinovirus (RV) infections. However, the association between increased RV replication and enhanced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), a receptor for a major RV group, in airway epithelial cells has remained unclear. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of mucolytics, which have clinical benefits in asthmatic subjects, are uncertain. Human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells were infected with type 14 rhinovirus (RV14), a major RV group. RV14 titers and cytokine concentrations, including interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8, in supernatants, RV14 RNA replication and susceptibility to RV14 infection were higher in HNE cells obtained from subjects in the allergic group (allergic subjects) than in those from subjects in the non‐allergic group (non‐allergic subjects). ICAM‐1 expression and the number and fluorescence intensity of acidic endosomes from which RV14 RNA enters the cytoplasm were higher in HNE cells from allergic subjects, though substantial amounts of interferon (IFN)‐γ and IFN‐λ were not detected in the supernatant. The abundance of p50 and p65 subunits of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in nuclear extracts of the cells from allergic subjects was higher compared to non‐allergic subjects, and an inhibitor of NF‐κB, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, reduced the fluorescence intensity of acidic endosomes as well as RV titers and RNA. Furthermore, a mucolytic agent, L‐carbocisteine, reduced RV14 titers and RNA levels, cytokine release, ICAM‐1 expression, the fluorescence intensity of acidic endosomes, and NF‐κB activation. The increased RV14 replication observed in HNE cells from allergic subjects might be partly associated with enhanced ICAM‐1 expression and decreased endosomal pH through NF‐κB activation. L‐Carbocisteine inhibits RV14 infection by reducing ICAM‐1 and acidic endosomes and may, therefore, modulate airway inflammation caused by RV infection in allergic subjects.

The histone acetyltransferase p300 inhibitor C646 reduces pro-inflammatory gene expression and inhibits histone deacetylases

Lysine acetylations are reversible posttranslational modifications of histone and non-histone proteins that play important regulatory roles in signal transduction cascades and gene expression. Lysine acetylations are regulated by histone acetyltransferases as writers and histone deacetylases as erasers. Because of their role in signal transduction cascades, these enzymes are important players in inflammation. Therefore, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors could reduce inflammatory responses. Among the few histone acetyltransferase inhibitors described, C646 is one of the most potent (Ki of 0.4μM for histone acetyltransferase p300). C646 was described to affect the NF-κB pathway; an important pathway in inflammatory responses, which is regulated by acetylation. This pathway has been implicated in asthma and COPD. Therefore, we hypothesized that via regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, C646 can inhibit pro-inflammatory gene expression, and have potential for the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases. In line with this, we demonstrate here that C646 reduces pro-inflammatory gene expression in RAW264.7 murine macrophages and murine precision-cut lung slices. To unravel its effects on cellular substrates we applied mass spectrometry and found, counterintuitively, a slight increase in acetylation of histone H3. Based on this finding, and structural features of C646, we presumed inhibitory activity of C646 on histone deacetylases, and indeed found inhibition of histone deacetylases from 7μM and higher concentrations. This indicates that C646 has potential for further development towards applications in the treatment of inflammation, however, its newly discovered lack of selectivity at higher concentrations needs to be taken into account.

Advances in asthma pathophysiology: stepping forward from the Maurizio Vignola experience

Maurizio Vignola was a superb and innovative researcher, who wrote seminal papers on the biology of airway epithelium in asthma. Inflammation and remodelling were the main topics of his research, mostly conducted in biopsy specimens from patients with asthma of variable severity, encompassing the entire spectrum of the disease from mild to severe asthma. His observations contributed to define the biology of asthma as we know it today, and opened the way to the personalised treatment of asthma. His group has successfully continued to investigate the biology and clinical aspects of bronchial asthma, with major interest in the clinical use of biomarkers to monitor disease activity, and in the development of new therapeutic perspectives. This review summarises the latest work on these topics proudly conducted by Maurizio's closest collaborators. The results indicate significant progress in our understanding of asthma in the last 10 years, in particular increased knowledge of the complex interaction between inflammatory and remodelling pathways, improved recognition of biological and clinical asthma phenotypes, and development of new treatment strategies, especially for patients with severe corticosteroid-resistant asthma.

Biomarkers may help to define disease phenotypes and new treatment strategies for asthmahttp://ow.ly/G2Fl6

Investigating NF-κB signaling in lung fibroblasts in 2D and 3D culture systems

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory respiratory diseases are amongst major global health challenges. Lung fibroblasts have been shown to play a key role in lung inflammatory responses. However, their exact role in initiation and maintenance of lung diseases has remained elusive partly due to the limited availability of physiologically relevant in vitro models. Therefore, developing new tools that enable investigating the molecular pathways (e.g. nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation) that underpin inflammatory responses in fibroblasts could be a valuable resource for scientists working in this area of research.

RESULTS

In order to investigate NF-κB activation in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli in real-time, we first developed two detection systems based on nuclear localization of NF-κB by immunostaining and luciferase reporter assay system. Furthermore using electrospun porous scaffolds, with similar geometry to human lung extracellular matrix, we developed 3D cultures of lung fibroblasts allowing comparing NF-κB activation in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli (i.e. TNF-α) in 2D and 3D. Our data clearly show that the magnitude of NF-κB activation in 2D cultures is substantially higher than 3D cultures. However, unlike 2D cultures, cells in the 3D model remained responsive to TNF-α at higher concentrations. The more subdued and wider dynamic range of NF-κB responses in 3D culture system was associated with a different expression pattern for TNF receptor I in 3D versus 2D cultures collectively reflecting a more in vivo like TNF receptor I expression and NF-κB activation pattern in the 3D system.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that lung fibroblasts are actively involved in the pathogenesis of lung inflammation by activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. The 3D culture detection system provides a sensitive and biologically relevant tool for investigating different pro-inflammatory events involving lung fibroblasts.

NF-kappaB Signaling in Chronic Inflammatory Airway Disease

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are obstructive airway disorders which differ in their underlying causes and phenotypes but overlap in patterns of pharmacological treatments. In both asthma and COPD, oxidative stress contributes to airway inflammation by inducing inflammatory gene expression. The redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB (NF-κB), is an important participant in a broad spectrum of inflammatory networks that regulate cytokine activity in airway pathology. The anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids (GCs), a mainstay treatment for asthma, involve inhibition of NF-κB induced gene transcription. Ligand bound GC receptors (GRs) bind NF-κB to suppress the transcription of NF-κB responsive genes (i.e., transrepression). However, in severe asthma and COPD, the transrepression of NF-κB by GCs is negated as a consequence of post-translational changes to GR and histones involved in chromatin remodeling. Therapeutics which target NF-κB activation, including inhibitors of IκB kinases (IKKs) are potential treatments for asthma and COPD. Furthermore, reversing GR/histone acetylation shows promise as a strategy to treat steroid refractory airway disease by augmenting NF-κB transrepression. This review examines NF-κB signaling in airway inflammation and its potential as target for treatment of asthma and COPD.

Analysis of a Panel of 48 Cytokines in BAL Fluids Specifically Identifies IL-8 Levels as the Only Cytokine that Distinguishes Controlled Asthma from Uncontrolled Asthma, and Correlates Inversely with FEV1

We sought to identify cells and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids that distinguish asthma from healthy control subjects and those that distinguish controlled asthma from uncontrolled asthma. Following informed consent, 36 human subjects were recruited for this study. These included 11 healthy control subjects, 15 subjects with controlled asthma with FEV1≥80% predicted and 10 subjects with uncontrolled asthma with FEV1 <80% predicted. BAL fluid was obtained from all subjects. The numbers of different cell types and the levels of 48 cytokines were measured in these fluids. Compared to healthy control subjects, patients with asthma had significantly more percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils, IL-1RA, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2Rα, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, G-CSF, GROα (CXCL1), MIP-1β (CCL4), MIG (CXCL9), RANTES (CCL5) and TRAIL in their BAL fluids. The only inflammatory markers that distinguished controlled asthma from uncontrolled asthma were neutrophil percentage and IL-8 levels, and both were inversely correlated with FEV1. We examined whether grouping asthma subjects on the basis of BAL eosinophil % or neutrophil % could identify specific cytokine profiles. The only differences between neutrophil-normal asthma (neutrophil≤2.4%) and neutrophil-high asthma (neutrophils%>2.4%) were a higher BAL fluid IL-8 levels, and a lower FEV1 in the latter group. By contrast, compared to eosinophil-normal asthma (eosinophils≤0.3%), eosinophil-high asthma (eosinophils>0.3%) had higher levels of IL-5, IL-13, IL-16, and PDGF-bb, but same neutrophil percentage, IL-8, and FEV1. Our results identify neutrophils and IL-8 are the only inflammatory components in BAL fluids that distinguish controlled asthma from uncontrolled asthma, and both correlate inversely with FEV1.

A novel pentapeptide originated from calf thymus named TIPP shows an inhibitory effect on lung allergic inflammation

Thymic immunosuppressive pentapeptide (TIPP) is a novel pentapeptide originally obtained from calf thymic immunosuppressive extract. In this study we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of TIPP in vivo with an ovalbumin-induced mouse allergic asthma model. We investigated the effects of TIPP on the infiltration of inflammation cells, immune cell subtypes, Th2 cytokines in BALF and IgE in serum, mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and eotaxin-1, expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1 and COX-2, and activation of MAP kinases and NF-κB. Our results showed that TIPP significantly inhibited the increase in Th2 cytokines and OVA-specific IgE production, mRNA levels of IL-4, TNF-α and eotaxin-1 and the expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1 and COX-2 in lung tissues, as well effectively resisting the balance changes of cells in BALF. In addition, it was found that the administration of TIPP attenuated the activation of MAP kinases and NF-κB in the lung tissues of the allergic mice. Our data suggest that TIPP effectively suppresses the allergic and inflammatory responses in allergic mice via blocking MAP kinases/NF-κB signalling pathway. The investigation indicated that TIPP may become an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory drug.