Haptoglobin, an inflammation-inducible plasma protein

Innate immunity response of zafirlukast treated-tilapia during foreign body inflammation

There is limited knowledge regarding the blockade of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLTRs) and their effects in teleost fish. The present study investigated the effects of Zafirlukast, antagonist of CysLTR1 receptor, on the foreign body inflammatory reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Zafirlukast-treated tilapia demonstrated a decrease in the formation of multinucleated foreign body giant cells and Langhans cells on the round glass coverslips implanted in the subcutaneous tissue, along with a significant reduction in white blood cell counts and decreased production of reactive oxygen species. There was an increase in serum levels of α2-macroglobulins, as well as a decrease in ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Zafirlukast treatment led to a significant decrease in the area of splenic melanomacrophage centers and a reduction in the presence of lipofuscin. These findings highlight the potential anti-inflammatory effects of zafirlukast treatment in tilapia and indicate its action on CysLTR1 receptor, modulating the innate immune response of tilapia during the foreign body reaction. The comprehension of chronic inflammation mechanisms in fish has become increasingly relevant, especially concerning the utilization of biomaterials for vaccine and drug delivery.

Differential expression of haptoglobin in individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis and its association with global functioning and clinical symptoms

BACKGROUND

Immune dysregulation has been observed in patients with schizophrenia or first-episode psychosis, but few have examined dysregulation in those at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether the peripheral blood-based proteome was dysregulated in those with CHR. Secondly, we examined whether baseline dysregulation was related to current and future functioning and clinical symptoms.

METHODS

We used data from participants of the North American Prodromal Longitudinal Studies (NAPLS) 2 and 3 (n = 715) who provided blood samples (Unaffected Comparison subjects (UC) n = 223 and CHR n = 483). Baseline proteomic data was quantified from plasma samples using mass spectrometry. Differential expression was examined between CHR and UC using logistic regression. Psychosocial functioning was measured using the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF). Symptoms were measured using the subscale scores from the Scale of Psychosis-risk Symptoms; positive, negative, general, and disorganised. Three measures of each outcome were included: baseline, longest available follow-up (last follow-up) and most severe follow-up (MSF). Associations between the proteomic data, GAF and symptoms were assessed using ordinal regression.

RESULTS

Of the 99 proteins quantified, six were differentially expressed between UC and CHR. However, only haptoglobin (HP) survived FDR-correction (OR:1.45, 95 %CI:1.23-1.69, padj = <0.001). HP was cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with functioning and symptoms such that higher HP values were associated with poorer functioning and more severe symptoms. Results were evident after stringent adjustment and poorer functioning was observed in both NAPLS cohort separately.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that elevated HP is robustly observed in those at CHR for psychosis, irrespective of transition to psychosis. HP is longitudinally associated with poorer functioning and greater symptom severity. These results agree with previous reports of increased HP gene expression in individuals at-risk for psychosis and with the dysfunction of the acute phase inflammatory response seen in psychotic disorders.

Discovery of a haptoglobin glycopeptides biomarker panel for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

There is a need for new serum biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Haptoglobin (Hp) N-glycosylation is altered in HCC, but the diagnostic value of site-specific Hp glycobiomarkers is rarely reported. We aimed to determine the site-specific glycosylation profile of Hp for early-stage HCC diagnosis.

Method

Hp glycosylation was analyzed in the plasma of patients with liver diseases (n=57; controls), early-stage HCC (n=50) and late-stage HCC (n=32). Hp phenotype was determined by immunoblotting. Hp was immunoisolated and digested into peptides. N-glycopeptides were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cohort samples were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney U) tests. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under curve (AUC).

Results

Significantly higher fucosylation, branching and sialylation of Hp glycans, and expression of high-mannose glycans, was observed as disease progressed from cirrhosis to early- and late-stage HCC. Several glycopeptides demonstrated high values for early diagnosis of HCC, with an AUC of 93% (n=1), >80% (n=3), >75% (n=13) and >70% (n=11), compared with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP; AUC of 79%). The diagnostic performance of the identified biomarkers was only slightly affected by Hp phenotype.

Conclusion

We identified a panel of Hp glycopeptides that are significantly differentially regulated in early- and late-stage HCC. Some glycobiomarkers exceeded the diagnostic value of AFP (the most commonly used biomarker for HCC diagnosis). Our findings provide evidence that glycobiomarkers can be effective in the diagnosis of early HCC - individually, as a panel of glycopeptides or combined with conventional serological biomarkers.

An Unusual Case of Bleeding: Acquired Hemophilia A

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a bleeding disorder, autoimmune in nature, in which the body produces IgG antibody inhibitors that attack coagulation factor VIII, causing deficiency. It is largely seen in the elderly, but most cases are idiopathic. Cases of acquired hemophilia A can occur in the presence of neutrophilia, infection, acute physiological stress, medication effect, tissue necrosis, various inflammatory disorders, and/or malignancy, which presents a formidable challenge with clinical workup. This case illustrates the potential for a masked bleeding disorder in a complex elderly male patient and the value of a thorough history-taking and workup. Although rare, acquired hemophilia recognition is essential for appropriate therapies to be started as early as possible and for cases to not easily be confused for another bleeding disorder in an acute care setting after ruling out other acute/common causes of similarly presenting symptoms.

Indicators of improved gestation housing of sows. Part II: Effects on physiological measures, reproductive performance and health of the offspring

Prenatal stress is the mechanism through which poor welfare of pregnant sows has detrimental effects on the health and resilience of their piglets. We compared two gestation housing systems (IMPROVED versus [conventional] CONTROL) in terms of sow stress and welfare indicators and sought to determine whether potential benefits to the sows would translate into improved offspring health. Sows were mixed into 12 stable groups (six groups per treatment, 20 sows per group) 29 days post-service in pens with free-access, full-length individual feeding/lying-stalls. CONTROL pens had fully slatted concrete floors, with two blocks of wood and two chains suspended in the group area. IMPROVED pens were the same but with rubber mats and manila rope in each stall, and straw provided in three racks in the group area. Saliva was collected from each sow on day 80 of pregnancy and analysed for haptoglobin. Hair cortisol was measured in late gestation. Sows' right and left eyes were scored for tear staining in mid lactation and at weaning. Numbers of piglets born alive, dead, mummified, and total born were recorded. Piglets were weighed and scored for vitality and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) at birth. Presence of diarrhoea in farrowing pens was scored every second day throughout the suckling period. IMPROVED sows had lower haptoglobin levels and tear-stain scores during lactation. IMPROVED sows produced fewer mummified piglets, and these had significantly lower IUGR scores, and scored lower for diarrhoea than piglets of CONTROL sows. Hence, improving sow welfare during gestation improved the health and performance of their offspring.

Effects of disease on foraging behaviour and success in an individual free-ranging northern elephant seal

Evaluating consequences of stressors on vital rates in marine mammals is of considerable interest to scientific and regulatory bodies. Many of these species face numerous anthropogenic and environmental disturbances. Despite its importance as a critical form of mortality, little is known about disease progression in air-breathing marine megafauna at sea. We examined the movement, diving, foraging behaviour and physiological state of an adult female northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) who suffered from an infection while at sea. Comparing her to healthy individuals, we identified abnormal behavioural patterns from high-resolution biologging instruments that are likely indicators of diseased and deteriorating condition. We observed continuous extended (3-30 minutes) surface intervals coinciding with almost no foraging attempts (jaw motion) during 2 weeks of acute illness early in her post-breeding foraging trip. Elephant seals typically spend ~ 2 minutes at the surface. There were less frequent but highly extended (30-200 minutes) surface periods across the remainder of the trip. Dive duration declined throughout the trip rather than increasing. This seal returned in the poorest body condition recorded for an adult female elephant seal (18.3% adipose tissue; post-breeding trip average is 30.4%). She was immunocompromised at the end of her foraging trip and has not been seen since that moulting season. The timing and severity of the illness, which began during the end of the energy-intensive lactation fast, forced this animal over a tipping point from which she could not recover. Additional physiological constraints to foraging, including thermoregulation and oxygen consumption, likely exacerbated her already poor condition. These findings improve our understanding of illness in free-ranging air-breathing marine megafauna, demonstrate the vulnerability of individuals at critical points in their life history, highlight the importance of considering individual health when interpreting biologging data and could help differentiate between malnutrition and other causes of at-sea mortality from transmitted data.

Mercury-Modulated Immune Responses in Arctic Barnacle Goslings (Branta leucopsis) upon a Viral-Like Immune Challenge

Historical mining activities in Svalbard (79°N/12°E) have caused local mercury (Hg) contamination. To address the potential immunomodulatory effects of environmental Hg on Arctic organisms, we collected newborn barnacle goslings (Branta leucopsis) and herded them in either a control or mining site, differing in Hg levels. An additional group at the mining site was exposed to extra inorganic Hg(II) via supplementary feed. Hepatic total Hg concentrations differed significantly between the control (0.011 ± 0.002 mg/kg dw), mine (0.043 ± 0.011 mg/kg dw), and supplementary feed (0.713 ± 0.137 mg/kg dw) gosling groups (average ± standard deviation). Upon immune challenge with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection, endpoints for immune responses and oxidative stress were measured after 24 h. Our results indicated that Hg exposure modulated the immune responses in Arctic barnacle goslings upon a viral-like immune challenge. Increased exposure to both environmental as well as supplemental Hg reduced the level of natural antibodies, suggesting impaired humoral immunity. Hg exposure upregulated the expression of proinflammatory genes in the spleen, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin 18 (IL18), suggesting Hg-induced inflammatory effects. Exposure to Hg also oxidized glutathione (GSH) to glutathione disulfide (GSSG); however, goslings were capable of maintaining the redox balance by de novo synthesis of GSH. These adverse effects on the immune responses indicated that even exposure to low, environmentally relevant levels of Hg might affect immune competence at the individual level and might even increase the susceptibility of the population to infections.

Antagonism of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors by zafirlukast modulated acute inflammatory reaction in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

To identify activation pathways and effector mechanisms of innate immunity in fish has become relevant for the sanitary management of intensive fish farming. However, little is known about the blocking of cysteinyl leukotrienes receptors (CysLTRs) and their effects in teleost fish. Our study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of 250 and 500 μg zafirlukast (antagonist of CysLTRs)/kg b.w., administered orally in the diet, during acute inflammatory reaction induced by Aeromonas hydrophila bacterins in Oreochromis niloticus. 80 tilapia were distributed in 10 aquariums (100L of water each, n = 8) to constitute three treatments: Control (inoculated with A. hydrophila bacterin and untreated); Treated with 250 μg or 500 μg of zafirlukast/kg b.w. and inoculated. To be evaluated in three periods: 6, 24 and 48 h post-inoculation (HPI), totaling nine aquariums. A tenth group was sampled without any stimulus to constitute reference values (Physiological standards). Tilapia treated with zafirlukast demonstrated dose-response effect in the decrease of accumulated inflammatory cells, strongly influenced by granulocytes and macrophages. Zafirlukast treated-tilapia showed decrease in blood leukocyte counts (mainly neutrophils, and monocytes) and reactive oxygen species production. Treatment with zafirlukast resulted in down-regulation of ceruloplasmin, complement 3, alpha2-macroglobulin, transferrin and apolipoprotein A1, as well as up-regulation of haptoglobin. Our study provided convincing results in the pathophysiology of tilapia inflammatory reaction, considering that treatment with zafirlukast, antagonist of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, resulted in a dose-response effect by suppressing the dynamics between leukocytes in the bloodstream and cell accumulation in the inflamed focus, as well as modulated the leukocyte oxidative burst and the acute phase protein response.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 SNPs as Common Genetic Loci and Optimal Early Identification Genetic Markers for COVID-19

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is implicated as a host cell receptor that causes infection in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its genetic polymorphisms in the ACE2 gene may promote cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammatory injury in COVID-19 patients. Hence, the genetic background may potentially explain the broad interindividual variation in disease susceptibility and/or severity. Methods: Genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 was analyzed by examining single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ACE2 in 246 patients with COVID-19 and 210 normal controls using the TaqMan genotyping assay. Results: We demonstrated that the ACE2 SNPs rs4646142, rs6632677, and rs2074192 were associated with COVID-19 (for all, p  <  0.05), and the differences in the ACE2 SNPs rs4646142 and rs6632677 were correlated with COVID-19-related systemic inflammatory injury and cardiovascular risk. Specifically, rs4646142 was associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), prealbumin (PAB), apolipoprotein A (APOA), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and acid glycoprotein (AGP) levels. Rs6632677 was also associated with elevated CRP, acid glycoprotein (AGP), and haptoglobin (HPT). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the ACE2 SNPs rs4646142 and rs6632677 may be common genetic loci and optimal early identification genetic markers for COVID-19 with cardiovascular risk.

Haptoglobin polymorphism affects its N-glycosylation pattern in serum

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Polymorphism affects glycosylation pattern of haptoglobin in healthy population.

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Sample phenotype classification was done based on the number and type of α-chains.

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Glycoproteomic analyses of haptoglobin were done using enzyme-assisted LC-MS/MS.

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Significant differences were obseerved in branching, sialylation and fucosylation.

Introduction

Haptoglobin (Hp) is an abundant acute-phase protein secreted mainly by the liver into the bloodstream. There are three Hp protein phenotypes (Hp type 1–1, 2–1, and 2–2), which differ in the number of α- and β-chains, type of α-chain (the β-chain type remains the same in all the Hp phenotypes), and the polymers that they form via disulfide bonds. Hp has four N-glycosylation sites on the β-chain. Glycosylation of Hp has been reported frequently as a potential glycobiomarker for many diseases; however, whether Hp polymorphism affects its glycosylation has not yet been addressed extensively or in depth.

Objectives

This study investigated the differences between the glycosylation patterns of Hp phenotypes using serum from 12 healthy individuals (four for each Hp phenotype).

Method

An efficient method for isolating Hp from serum was established and subsequently the Hp phenotype of each sample was characterized by immunoblotting. Then, LC-MS/MS analysis of isolated Hp after treatment with three exoglycosidases (sialidase, α2-3 neuraminidase, Endo F3) was performed to characterize the glycosylation pattern of Hp for each individual sample.

Results

The data reveal significant differences among the branching, sialylation, and fucosylation of Hp types, documenting the effect of Hp polymorphism on its glycosylation.

Conclusion

Overall, the study suggests that Hp phenotype characterization should be considered during the investigation of Hp glycosylation.

N-Glycosylation and Inflammation; the Not-So-Sweet Relation

Chronic inflammation is the main feature of many long-term inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. There is a growing number of studies in which alterations of N-glycosylation have been observed in many pathophysiological conditions, yet studies of the underlying mechanisms that precede N-glycome changes are still sparse. Proinflammatory cytokines have been shown to alter the substrate synthesis pathways as well as the expression of glycosyltransferases required for the biosynthesis of N-glycans. The resulting N-glycosylation changes can further contribute to disease pathogenesis through modulation of various aspects of immune cell processes, including those relevant to pathogen recognition and fine-tuning the inflammatory response. This review summarizes our current knowledge of inflammation-induced N-glycosylation changes, with a particular focus on specific subsets of immune cells of innate and adaptive immunity and how these changes affect their effector functions, cell interactions, and signal transduction.

Relationship of Haptoglobin Phenotypes With Sarcopaenia in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) contributes to age-related muscle loss or sarcopaenia. However, the relationship of plasma haptoglobin (Hp), an acute-phase reactant, with muscle and physical health in CHF is unknown.

METHODS

This study investigated the associations of plasma haptoglobin levels and phenotypes with handgrip strength (HGS), appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) and physical capacity in healthy controls (n=67) and CHF patients (n=61) aged 55-73 years.

RESULTS

Patients with CHF had higher plasma Hp levels and higher proportions of Hp2-2 phenotype when compared with healthy controls. Plasma Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 levels were negatively associated with HGS and ASMI in healthy controls and CHF (both p<0.05). A negative association of plasma Hp2-2 with gait speed and plasma Hp2-1 with daily steps count was also found in CHF (p<0.05). Patients with Hp2 phenotype showed higher expressions of inflammation and oxidative stress markers, as well as low scores on quality of life parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating Hp may be a valuable biomarker for assessing muscle health and physical capacity in CHF.

IL-20 promotes cutaneous inflammation and peripheral itch sensation in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease, which is associated with intense itch, skin barrier dysfunction and eczematous lesions. Aberrant IL‐20 expression has been implicated in numerous inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis. However, the role of IL‐20 in AD remains unknown. Here, RNA‐seq, Q‐PCR, and immunocytochemistry were utilized to examine disease‐driven changes of IL‐20 and its cognate receptor subunits in skin from healthy human subjects, AD patients and murine AD‐models. Calcium imaging, knockdown and cytokine array were used to investigate IL‐20‐evoked responses in keratinocytes and sensory neurons. The murine cheek model and behavioral scoring were employed to evaluate IL‐20‐elicited sensations in vivo. We found that transcripts and protein of IL‐20 were upregulated in skin from human AD and murine AD‐like models. Topical MC903 treatment in mice ear enhanced IL‐20R1 expression in the trigeminal sensory ganglia, suggesting a lesion‐associated and epidermal‐driven mechanism for sensitization of sensory IL‐20 signaling. IL‐20 triggered calcium influx in both keratinocytes and sensory neurons, and promoted their AD‐related molecule release and transcription of itch‐related genes. In sensory neurons, IL‐20 application increased TLR2 transcripts, implicating a link between innate immune response and IL‐20. In a murine cheek model of acute itch, intradermal injection IL‐20 and IL‐13 elicited significant itch‐like behavior, though only when co‐injected. Our findings provide novel insights into IL‐20 function in peripheral (skin‐derived) itch and clinically relevant intercellular neuron‐epidermal communication, highlighting a role of IL‐20 signaling in the pathophysiology of AD, thus forming a new basis for the development of a novel antipruritic strategy via interrupting IL‐20 epidermal pathways.

Identification of novel biomarkers of inflammation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) by a plasma proteomic approach

Monitoring fish welfare has become a central issue for the fast-growing aquaculture industry, and finding proper biomarkers of stress, inflammation and infection is necessary for surveillance and documentation of fish health. In this study, a proteomic approach using mass spectrometry was applied to identify indicators of the acute response in Atlantic salmon blood plasma by comparing Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida infected fish and non-infected controls. The antimicrobial proteins cathelicidin (CATH), L-plastin (Plastin-2, LCP1) and soluble toll-like receptor 5 (sTLR5) were uniquely or mainly identified in the plasma of infected fish. In addition, five immune-related proteins showed significantly increased expression in plasma of infected fish: haptoglobin, high affinity immunoglobulin Fc gamma receptor I (FcγR1, CD64), leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein (LRG1), complement C4 (C4) and phospholipase A2 inhibitor 31 kDa subunit-like protein. However, various fibrinogen components, CD209 and CD44 antigen-like molecules decreased in infected fish. Selected biomarkers were further verified by Western blot analysis of plasma and real time PCR of spleen and liver, including CATH1, CATH2 and L-plastin. A significant increase of L-plastin occurred as early as 24 h after infection, and a CATH2 increase was observed from 72 h in plasma of infected fish. Real time PCR of selected genes confirmed increased transcription of CATH1 and CATH2. In addition, serum amyloid A mRNA significantly increased in liver and spleen after bacterial infection. However, transcription of L-plastin was not consistently induced in liver and spleen. The results of the present study reveal novel and promising biomarkers of the acute phase response and inflammation in Atlantic salmon.

Hyperglycemia Induces Inflammatory Response of Human Macrophages to CD163-Mediated Scavenging of Hemoglobin-Haptoglobin Complexes

Hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes, can induce inflammatory programming of macrophages. The macrophage scavenger receptor CD163 internalizes and degrades hemoglobin-haptoglobin (Hb-Hp) complexes built due to intravascular hemolysis. Clinical studies have demonstrated a correlation between impaired scavenging of Hb-Hp complexes via CD163 and diabetic vascular complications. Our aim was to identify whether hyperglycemia is able to amplify inflammation via Hb-Hp complex interactions with the immune system. M(IFNγ), M(IL-4), and control M0 macrophages were differentiated out of primary human monocytes in normo- (5 mM) and hyperglycemic (25 mM) conditions. CD163 gene expression was decreased 5.53 times in M(IFNγ) with a further decrease of 1.99 times in hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia suppressed CD163 surface expression in M(IFNγ) (1.43 times). Flow cytometry demonstrated no impairment of Hb-Hp uptake in hyperglycemia. However, hyperglycemia induced an inflammatory response of M(IFNγ) to Hb-Hp1-1 and Hb-Hp2-2 uptake with different dynamics. Hb-Hp1-1 uptake stimulated IL-6 release (3.03 times) after 6 h but suppressed secretion (5.78 times) after 24 h. Contrarily, Hb-Hp2-2 uptake did not affect IL-6 release after 6h but increased secretion after 24 h (3.06 times). Our data show that hyperglycemia induces an inflammatory response of innate immune cells to Hb-Hp1-1 and Hb-Hp2-2 uptake, converting the silent Hb-Hp complex clearance that prevents vascular damage into an inflammatory process, hereby increasing the susceptibility of diabetic patients to vascular complications.

Divergent roles of haptoglobin and hemopexin deficiency for disease progression of Shiga-toxin-induced hemolytic-uremic syndrome in mice

Thrombotic microangiopathy, hemolysis and acute kidney injury are typical clinical characteristics of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), which is predominantly caused by Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Free heme aggravates organ damage in life-threatening infections, even with a low degree of systemic hemolysis. Therefore, we hypothesized that the presence of the hemoglobin- and the heme-scavenging proteins, haptoglobin and hemopexin, respectively impacts outcome and kidney pathology in HUS. Here, we investigated the effect of haptoglobin and hemopexin deficiency (haptoglobin^-/-, hemopexin^-/-) and haptoglobin treatment in a murine model of HUS-like disease. Seven-day survival was decreased in haptoglobin^-/- (25%) compared to wild type mice (71.4%), whereas all hemopexin^-/- mice survived. Shiga-toxin-challenged hemopexin^-/- mice showed decreased kidney inflammation and attenuated thrombotic microangiopathy, indicated by reduced neutrophil recruitment and platelet deposition. These observations were associated with supranormal haptoglobin plasma levels in hemopexin^-/- mice. Low dose haptoglobin administration to Shiga-toxin-challenged wild type mice attenuated kidney platelet deposition and neutrophil recruitment, suggesting that haptoglobin at least partially contributes to the beneficial effects. Surrogate parameters of hemolysis were elevated in Shiga-toxin-challenged wild type and haptoglobin^-/- mice, while signs for hepatic hemoglobin degradation like heme oxygenase-1, ferritin and CD163 expression were only increased in Shiga-toxin-challenged wild type mice. In line with this observation, haptoglobin^-/- mice displayed tubular iron deposition as an indicator for kidney hemoglobin degradation. Thus, haptoglobin and hemopexin deficiency play divergent roles in Shiga-toxin-mediated HUS, suggesting haptoglobin is involved, and hemopexin is redundant for the resolution of HUS pathology.

No Evidence for Constitutive Innate Immune Senescence in a Longitudinal Study of a Wild Bird

AbstractAging is associated with declines in physiological performance; declining immune defenses particularly could have consequences for age-related fitness and survival. In aging vertebrates, adaptive (memory-based) immune responses typically become impaired, innate (nonspecific) responses undergo lesser declines, and inflammation increases. Longitudinal studies of immune functions in wild animals are rare, yet they are needed to understand immunosenescence under evolutionarily relevant conditions. Using longitudinal data from a tropical passerine (Malurus coronatus) population, we investigate how population trends emerge from within-individual changes and between-individual heterogeneity (e.g., selective disappearance) in immune status. We quantified constitutive immune indexes (haptoglobin [inflammation associated], natural antibodies, complement [lytic] activity, and heterophil-lymphocyte ratio; n=505-631) in individuals sampled one to seven times over 5 yr. Unexpectedly, longitudinal analyses showed no age-related change within individuals in any immune index, despite sufficient power to detect within-individual change. Between individuals, we found age-related declines in natural antibodies and increases in heterophil-lymphocyte ratios. However, selective disappearance could not adequately explain between-individual age effects, and longitudinal models could not explain our data better than cross-sectional analyses. The lack of clear within-individual immunosenescence is itself notable. Persistent levels of haptoglobin, complement activity, and natural antibodies into old age suggests that these immune components are maintained, potentially with adaptive significance.

Biomarkers of iron status in allopurinol-treated renal stone patients

Limited evidence exists on the effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in nephrolithiasis patients on iron status markers, beyond their effects on urate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether allopurinol therapy was associated with a significant impact on parameters related to iron status, in patients with renal stones. Allopurinol treatment was associated with a nonsignificant decline in serum uric acid. There were no significant differences in serum levels of transferrin and ferritin after treatment with allopurinol compared to pre-treatment levels. A non-significant fall in serum levels of haptoglobin was registered. The drug was associated with a significant rise in serum iron levels. Serum uric acid and iron did not show a significant correlation with any parameter in the study. Allopurinol exerted an overall non-significant effect on iron metabolism in nephrolithiasis patients, save for serum iron, this entails lack of untoward effects in populations with-iron related conditions.

Serum Proteomic Analysis of Cannabis Use Disorder in Male Patients

Cannabis use has been growing recently and it is legally consumed in many countries. Cannabis has a variety of phytochemicals including cannabinoids, which might impair the peripheral systems responses affecting inflammatory and immunological pathways. However, the exact signaling pathways that induce these effects need further understanding. The objective of this study is to investigate the serum proteomic profiling in patients diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) as compared with healthy control subjects. The novelty of our study is to highlight the differentially changes proteins in the serum of CUD patients. Certain proteins can be targeted in the future to attenuate the toxicological effects of cannabis. Blood samples were collected from 20 male individuals: 10 healthy controls and 10 CUD patients. An untargeted proteomic technique employing two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry was employed in this study to assess the differentially expressed proteins. The proteomic analysis identified a total of 121 proteins that showed significant changes in protein expression between CUD patients (experimental group) and healthy individuals (control group). For instance, the serum expression of inactive tyrosine protein kinase PEAK1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 were increased in CUD group. In contrast, the serum expression of transthyretin and serotransferrin were reduced in CUD group. Among these proteins, 55 proteins were significantly upregulated and 66 proteins significantly downregulated in CUD patients as compared with healthy control group. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) found that these differentially expressed proteins are linked to p38MAPK, interleukin 12 complex, nuclear factor-κB, and other signaling pathways. Our work indicates that the differentially expressed serum proteins between CUD and control groups are correlated to liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor (RXR), farnesoid X receptor/RXR activation, and acute phase response signaling.

The Multiple Facets of Iron Recycling

The production of around 2.5 million red blood cells (RBCs) per second in erythropoiesis is one of the most intense activities in the body. It continuously consumes large amounts of iron, approximately 80% of which is recycled from aged erythrocytes. Therefore, similar to the “making”, the “breaking” of red blood cells is also very rapid and represents one of the key processes in mammalian physiology. Under steady-state conditions, this important task is accomplished by specialized macrophages, mostly liver Kupffer cells (KCs) and splenic red pulp macrophages (RPMs). It relies to a large extent on the engulfment of red blood cells via so-called erythrophagocytosis. Surprisingly, we still understand little about the mechanistic details of the removal and processing of red blood cells by these specialized macrophages. We have only started to uncover the signaling pathways that imprint their identity, control their functions and enable their plasticity. Recent findings also identify other myeloid cell types capable of red blood cell removal and establish reciprocal cross-talk between the intensity of erythrophagocytosis and other cellular activities. Here, we aimed to review the multiple and emerging facets of iron recycling to illustrate how this exciting field of study is currently expanding.

Effects of ethanolic extracts of Quercus, Cirsium vulgare, and Falcaria vulgaris on gastric ulcer, antioxidant and inflammatory indices, and gene expression in rats

INTRODUCTION

Gastric ulcer is a multifaceted process and is usually caused by mucosal damage. Herbal medicines have received much attention considering the side effects of chemical drugs. Nowadays, the use of herbal medicines has received much attention considering the side effects of chemical drugs. Quercus brantii Lindl, Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten, and Falcaria vulgaris Bernh are plants used as traditional phytomedicine for gastric ulcer diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of these herbs on ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, in addition, to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gene expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Sprague Dawley rats, (200-250 g), were divided into six groups: Control: intact animals; sham: gavaged with distilled water (14 days); negative control: gavaged with 20 mg/kg of omeprazole (14 days); experimental groups I, II, and III: gavaged with 500 mg/kg of the extract of Falcaria vulgaris, Quercus brantii, and Cirsium vulgare, respectively, (14 days). The number of ulcers and pathological parameters were assessed. The serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, albumin, total protein, haptoglobin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, total globulin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, C-fos, C-myc, and Caspase-9 were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The extracts significantly reduced gastric ulcer (52.33%). The results showed that the Quercus brantii extract was more effective. There were significant differences between the serum levels of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and those of alpha-2-macroglobulin. Also, there was a significant difference in the serum level of antioxidant parameters. Changes in the expression of the genes also confirmed the results suggested by other parameters. The expression levels of C-fos, C-myc, and caspase-9 were decreased, but the Bcl-2 expression increased.

CONCLUSION

The hydro-alcoholic extracts revealed various protection and noticeable change in the expression of caspase-9, C-myc, C-fos, and Bcl-2 genes in rats.

Activation of the acute inflammatory phase response in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: association with clinicopathological phenotypes and with response to corticosteroids

Background

Data on the activation of the acute inflammatory response and its clinicopathological associations in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) are scarce and discordant.

Objective

To analyse the associations between the activation of the inflammatory response, the clinicopathological characteristics of disease and the response to treatment with steroids in patients with INS.

Methods

A total of 101 patients with INS due to minimal change disease (MCD; n = 44), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; n = 33) and membranous nephropathy (MN; n = 24) and 50 healthy controls were included. At diagnosis, we measured the levels of haemopexin (Hx), haptoglobin (Hgl), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble IL-1 receptor, interferon-γ and C-reactive protein. We analysed their clinicopathological associations. In MCD and FSGS patients, we determined the association between the levels of these variables and steroid resistance.

Results

The levels of Hx, Hgl, TNF-α, suPAR and IL-6 were higher in patients with INS than in healthy controls, and were not associated with proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate or serum albumin. In MCD and FSGS patients, Hx, Hgl, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were similar and significantly higher than in MN patients. In patients with MCD and FSGS, multivariate analyses identified FSGS and the levels of Hx, Hgl or IL-6 as independent predictors of steroid resistance.

Conclusions

The activation of the inflammatory response in patients with INS is heterogeneous and more prevalent in MCD or FSGS patients than in those with MN. In MCD and FSGS, elevated levels of Hx, Hgl or IL-6 are independently associated with steroid resistance.

Poor Clearance of Free Hemoglobin Due to Lower Active Haptoglobin Availability is Associated with Osteoarthritis Inflammation

Introduction

Circulating plasma proteins play an important role in various diseases, and analysis of the plasma proteome has led to the discovery of various disease biomarkers. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease, mostly affecting people of older age. OA typically starts as a focal disease (in a single compartment, typically treated with unicompartmental knee replacement), and then progresses to the other compartments (if not treated in time, typically treated with total knee replacement). For this, identification of differential proteins was carried out in plasma samples of OA cases and compared with healthy controls. The aim of this study was to identify circulatory differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in knee-OA patients undergoing total knee replacement or unicompartmental knee replacement compared to healthy controls and assess their role, in order to have better understanding of the etiology behind OA pathophysiology.

Methods

DEPs were identified with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), followed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Validation of DEPs was carried out using Western blot and ELISA. Posttranslational modifications were checked after running native gel using purified protein from patients, followed by detection of autoantibodies.

Results

In total, 52 DEPs were identified, among which 45 were distinct DEPs. Haptoglobin (Hp) was identified as one of the most significantly upregulated proteins in OA (P=0.005) identified by both 2DE and iTRAQ. Decreased levels of Hp tetramers and increased levels of autoantibodies against Hpβ were observed in OA plasma.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that poor clearance of free hemoglobin and low levels of Hp tetramers may be associated with OA pathogenesis and inflammation.

Proteomic and Structural Manifestations of Cardiomyopathy in Rat Models of Obesity and Weight Loss

Obesity cardiomyopathy increases the risk of heart failure and death. Obesity is curable, leading to the restoration of the heart phenotype, but it is not clear if there are any after-effects of obesity present after weight loss. We characterize the proteomic landscape of obesity cardiomyopathy with an evaluation of whether the cardiac phenotype is still shaped after weight loss. Cardiomyopathy was validated by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, oversized myocytes, and mTOR upregulation in a rat model of cafeteria diet-induced developmental obesity. By global proteomic techniques (LC-MS/MS) a plethora of molecular changes was observed in the heart and circulation of obese animals, suggesting abnormal utilization of metabolic substrates. This was confirmed by increased levels of cardiac ACSL-1, a key enzyme for fatty acid degradation and decreased GLUT-1, a glucose transporter in obese rats. Calorie restriction and weight loss led to the normalization of the heart's size, but fibrosis was still excessive. The proteomic compositions of cardiac tissue and plasma were different after weight loss as compared to control. In addition to morphological consequences, obesity cardiomyopathy involves many proteomic changes. Weight loss provides for a partial repair of the heart's architecture, but the trace of fibrotic deposition and proteomic alterations may occur.

Gene expression profiling of corona virus microarray datasets to identify crucial targets in COVID-19 patients

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been affecting millions of people and has caused devastating mortality worldwide. Moreover, it is to be noted that cytokine storm has become an important cause for the rising mortality. However, the efforts for the development of drugs, vaccines and treatment has also been intervened due to poor understanding of host's defense mechanism and also due to the development of cytokine storm against this viral infection. Thus, a deeper understanding of the mechanism behind the immune dysregulation and cytokine storm development might give us clues for the clinical management of the severe cases. Hence, we have implemented differential gene expression analysis together with protein-protein interaction and Gene Ontology (GO) studies with the help of Severe Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) data sets such as GSE1739 and GSE33267 to give us more knowledge on the host immune response for the pathogenic coronavirus which in turn reduces the mortality. A total of 79 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in our data set using the filters such as P-value and log2 fold change values of less than 0.05 and 1.5 respectively. Further, network analysis and GO studies showed that differential expression of two hub genes namely ELANE and LTF which could induce higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs. We are certain that differential expression of ELANE and LTF results in an excessive inflammatory reaction known as the cytokine storm and ultimately leading to death. Therefore, targeting these key drivers of cytokine storm genes appears to be the potential therapeutic targets for combating the Severe Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus - 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection ultimately resulting in reduced mortality. Indeed, this predictive view may open new insights for designing an immune intervention for COVID-19 in the near future resulting in the mitigation of mortality rate.

Cyclophosphamide modulated the foreign body inflammatory reaction in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

In order to understand events and mechanisms present in the pathophysiology of tilapia's chronic inflammation and based on the immunomodulatory activity attributed to cyclophosphamide which is widely used to suppress immune responses in human medicine, the present study investigated the effects of cyclophosphamide (CYP) treatment on the modulation of foreign body inflammatory reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with round glass coverslip implanted in the subcutaneous tissue (9 mm of diameter). Forty tilapia (151 ± 10,2 g) were randomly distributed in 5 aquariums (n = 8) with a capacity of 250 L of water each, to compose two treatments (sampled 3 and 6 days post-implantation): implanted/untreated (control) and implanted/treated with 200 mg of CYP kg^-1 of b.w., through i.p. route. A fifth group (n = 8) was sampled without any stimulus (naive) to obtain reference values. CYP-treated tilapia showed decrease in macrophage accumulation, giant cell formation and Langhans cells on the glass coverslip when compared to control fish. The treatment with CYP resulted in decrease of leukocyte and thrombocyte counts. Decrease in alpha-2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, albumin and transferrin levels, as well as increase in haptoglobin, complement C3 and apolipoprotein A1 were observed in tilapias during foreign body inflammation. Blood levels of complement C3, alpha-2-macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin and transferrin were modulated by treatment with CYP. Therefore, the treatment with 200 mg of CYP kg^-1 of b.w. in tilapia resulted in an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the dynamics between leukocytes in the bloodstream and macrophage accumulation with giant cell formation in the inflamed focus, as well as by modulating APPs during foreign body reaction.

System-wide molecular dynamics of endothelial dysfunction in Gram-negative sepsis

Background

Inflammation affecting whole organism vascular networks plays a central role in the progression and establishment of several human diseases, including Gram-negative sepsis. Although the molecular mechanisms that control inflammation of specific vascular beds have been partially defined, knowledge lacks on the impact of these on the molecular dynamics of whole organism vascular beds. In this study, we have generated an in vivo model by coupling administration of lipopolysaccharide with stable isotope labeling in mammals to mimic vascular beds inflammation in Gram-negative sepsis and to evaluate its effects on the proteome molecular dynamics. Proteome molecular dynamics of individual vascular layers (glycocalyx (GC), endothelial cells (EC), and smooth muscle cells (SMC)) were then evaluated by coupling differential systemic decellularization in vivo with unbiased systems biology proteomics.

Results

Our data confirmed the presence of sepsis-induced disruption of the glycocalyx, and we show for the first time the downregulation of essential molecular maintenance processes in endothelial cells affecting this apical vascular coating. Similarly, a novel catabolic phenotype was identified in the newly synthesized EC proteomes that involved the impairment of protein synthesis, which affected multiple cellular mechanisms, including oxidative stress, the immune system, and exacerbated EC-specific protein turnover. In addition, several endogenous molecular protective mechanisms involving the synthesis of novel antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory proteins were also identified as active in EC. The molecular dynamics of smooth muscle cells in whole organism vascular beds revealed similar patterns of impairment as those identified in EC, although this was observed to a lesser extent. Furthermore, the dynamics of protein posttranslational modifications showed disease-specific phosphorylation sites in the EC proteomes.

Conclusions

Together, the novel findings reported here provide a broader picture of the molecular dynamics that take place in whole organism vascular beds in Gram-negative sepsis inflammation. Similarly, the obtained data can pave the way for future therapeutic strategies aimed at intervening in specific protein synthesis mechanisms of the vascular unit during acute inflammatory processes.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage and White Matter Injury in Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) occurs in nearly half of infants born at less than 26 weeks' gestation. Up to 50% of survivors with IVH develop cerebral palsy, cognitive deficits, behavioral disorders, posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation, or a combination of these sequelae. After the initial bleeding and the primary brain injury, inflammation and secondary brain injury might lead to periventricular leukomalacia or diffuse white matter injury. Potential factors that are involved include microglia and astrocyte activation, degradation of blood components with release of "toxic" products, infiltration of the brain by systemic immune cells, death of neuronal and glial cells, and arrest of preoligodendrocyte maturation. In addition, impairment of the blood-brain barrier may play a major role in the pathophysiology. A wide range of animal models has been used to explore causes and mechanisms leading to IVH-induced brain injury. Preclinical studies have identified potential targets for enhancing brain repair. However, little has been elucidated about the effectiveness of potential interventions in clinical studies. A systematic review of available preclinical and clinical studies might help identify research gaps and which types of interventions may be prioritized. Future trials should report clinically robust and long-term outcomes after IVH.

Haptoglobin polymorphism and prostate cancer mortality

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in men worldwide and it is known that oxidative stress is a risk factor for cancer development. A common functional haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphism, originating from a duplication of a gene segment spanning over two exons, results in three distinct phenotypes with different anti-oxidative capacities: Hp1-1, Hp1-2, and Hp2-2. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between this Hp polymorphism and prostate cancer mortality. The study was performed on 690 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer, recruited between January 2004 and January 2007. Hp genotypes were determined by a TaqMan fluorogenic 5′-exonuclease assay. Hp1-1 was present in 76 (11%), Hp1-2 in 314 (45.5%), and Hp2-2 in 300 (43.5%) patients. During a median follow-up of 149 months, 251 (35.3%) patients died. Hp genotypes were not significantly associated with higher overall mortality (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.91–1.33; p = 0.34). This remained similar in a multivariate analysis including age at diagnosis, androgen deprivation therapy, and risk group based on PSA level, GS, and T stage (HR 1.11; 95% CI 0.91–1.34; p = 0.30). We conclude that the common Hp polymorphism does not seem to be associated with overall mortality in prostate cancer patients.

Identification of Haptoglobin as a Potential Biomarker in Young Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction by Proteomic Analysis

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) molecular research in young adults is still limited. The aim of this study is to identify AMI proteomic biomarker(s) in young adults.

Methods

This study comprised of two phases namely discovery and verification. In the discovery phase, proteins in the pooled plasma samples from young male adults between 18 and 45 years (10 AMI patients and 10 controls) were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis. The protein spots that were expressed differently in the AMI patients were identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The plasma concentrations of these proteins were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during the verification phase (40 AMI patients and 80 controls).

Results

Haptoglobin (Hp), apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) and apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) were up-regulated in the discovery phase. In the verification phase, the plasma concentration of Hp was significantly higher in AMI patients than the controls (P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed an association between Hp and AMI in young adults (odds ratio [OR] = 1.016, 95% CI: 1.002–1.030, P = 0.025) independent of other AMI risk factors. Hp was significantly correlated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r = 0.424, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In young adults with AMI, plasma Hp concentrations were elevated and it is independently associated with AMI. A positive correlation with hs-CRP suggests Hp could be a potential biomarker of AMI in young adults.

Deletion of metal transporter Zip14 (Slc39a14) produces skeletal muscle wasting, endotoxemia, Mef2c activation and induction of miR-675 and Hspb7

Skeletal muscle represents the largest pool of body zinc, however, little is known about muscle zinc homeostasis or muscle-specific zinc functions. Zip14 (Slc39a14) was the most highly expressed zinc transporter in skeletal muscle of mice in response to LPS-induced inflammation. We compared metabolic parameters of skeletal muscle from global Zip14 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice (WT). At basal steady state Zip14 KO mice exhibited a phenotype that included muscle wasting and metabolic endotoxemia. Microarray and qPCR analysis of gastrocnemius muscle RNA revealed that ablation of Zip14 produced increased muscle p-Mef2c, Hspb7 and miR-675-5p expression and increased p38 activation. ChIP assays showed enhanced binding of NF-[Formula: see text] to the Mef2c promoter. In contrast, LPS-induced systemic inflammation enhanced Zip14-dependent zinc uptake by muscle, increased expression of Atrogin1 and MuRF1 and markedly reduced MyoD. These signatures of muscle atrophy and cachexia were not influenced by Zip14 ablation, however. LPS-induced miR-675-3p and -5p expression was Zip14-dependent. Collectively, these results with an integrative model are consistent with a Zip14 function in skeletal muscle at steady state that supports myogenesis through suppression of metabolic endotoxemia and that Zip14 ablation coincides with sustained activity of phosphorylated components of signaling pathways including p-Mef2c, which causes Hspb7-dependent muscle wasting.

Metformin ameliorates stress-induced depression-like behaviors via enhancing the expression of BDNF by activating AMPK/CREB-mediated histone acetylation

BACKGROUND

Metformin, a first-line antiglycemic drug, has been reported to have anti-depressant effects in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, its exact role and underlying mechanism still need to be investigated.

METHOD

C57BL/6J mice were subjected to the Chronic social defeat stress (SDS) and drug administration (Control + Vehicle, SDS + Vehicle, SDS + MET (200 mg kg^-1), SDS + FLUOX (3 mg kg^-1), SDS + MET + FLUOX). And the depression phenotypes were evaluated by the sucrose preference test, social interaction, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. The potential mechanisms underlying the effects of metformin on depression was discussed by using Chromatin immunoprecipitation, Quantitative real-time PCR mRNA expression analysis and Western blot in vivo and in primary cultured hippocampal neurons.

RESULT

The metformin treatment counteracted the development of depression-like behaviors in mice suffering SDS when administered alone and enhanced the anti-depressant effect of fluoxetine when combined with fluoxetine. Further RNA sequencing analysis revealed that metformin treatment prevented the transcriptional changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the animals and Golgi staining indicated favorable morphological changes in the neurite plasticity of CA1 pyramidal neurons, which approximated to those found in unstressed mice. At a molecular level, metformin significantly upregulated the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by increasing the histone acetylation along with the BDNF promoter, which was attributed to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that metformin can produce antidepressant effects, which provides empirical insights into the clinical value of metformin in the prevention and therapy of depression.

Effects of a blend of green tea and curcuma extract supplementation on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in horses and ponies

Background

In horses and ponies numerous medical conditions are known to be linked with inflammation in different tissues, especially in the liver. Besides affecting other metabolic pathways such as the expression of certain interleukins (IL), inflammation is associated with stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In particular, ER stress leads to adaptive stress response and can be measured by several markers of inflammatory and stress signalling pathways, like nuclear factor κB (NF-kB).

Objectives

To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory reactions and their modulation in horses and ponies by feeding a polyphenol-rich supplement consisting of green tea and curcuma.

Methods

In a cross-over study, 11 animals were allocated to either a placebo or a supplement group and supplemented with 10 g of a blend of green tea and curcuma extract (GCE) or a placebo (calcium carbonate) once daily. After 21 days of supplementation, all animals underwent a LPS challenge to induce moderate systemic inflammation. Blood samples and liver biopsies were taken at standardized time points: 24 hours before and 12 hours after LPS challenge. Inflammatory blood parameters such as serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) were measured in serum. Hepatic mRNA levels of selected markers of inflammation such as haptoglobin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6, cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), NF-κB, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) were quantified by RT-qPCR. In addition, liver biopsies were examined histologically for inflammatory alterations.

Results

Blood markers of acute inflammatory response increased after LPS challenge. In the liver, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β showed significantly lower mRNA levels after LPS challenge in the supplemented group (P = 0.04) compared to the placebo group. Levels of the hepatic CD68 mRNA increased significantly in the placebo group (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences between supplemented and placebo groups concerning other markers of inflammation and markers of ER stress within the liver. The number of hepatic macrophages were not different after LPS challenge in both feeding groups.

Conclusion

LPS was able to induce inflammation but seemed less suitable to induce ER stress in the horses and ponies. The polyphenol-rich supplement showed some potential to reduce inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, the supplementation did not exert an overall anti-inflammatory effect in horses and ponies.

Immune response of hibernating European bats to a fungal challenge

Immunological responses of hibernating mammals are suppressed at low body temperatures, a possible explanation for the devastating effect of the white-nose syndrome on hibernating North American bats. However, European bats seem to cope well with the fungal causative agent of the disease. To better understand the immune response of hibernating bats, especially against fungal pathogens, we challenged European greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) by inoculating the fungal antigen zymosan. We monitored torpor patterns, immune gene expressions, different aspects of the acute phase response and plasma oxidative status markers, and compared them with sham-injected control animals at 30 min, 48 h and 96 h after inoculation. Torpor patterns, body temperatures, body masses, white blood cell counts, expression of immune genes, reactive oxygen metabolites and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity did not differ between groups during the experiment. However, zymosan injected bats had significantly higher levels of haptoglobin than the control animals. Our results indicate that hibernating greater mouse-eared bats mount an inflammatory response to a fungal challenge, with only mild to negligible consequences for the energy budget of hibernation. Our study gives a first hint that hibernating European bats may have evolved a hibernation-adjusted immune response in order to balance the trade-off between competent pathogen elimination and a prudent energy-saving regime.

Summary: Our experimental immunological study on European bats provides new information on the functionality of the immune system in hibernation. For this we challenged bats with a fungal antigen and measured different immunological parameters.

Tracking acute phase protein response during acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which occurs worldwide in mammals and birds. Brain is the primary target organ because Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular parasite that causes most frequently life-threatening encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Relation of tissue cysts number, histopathology score and acute phase proteins were investigated. In this study, 36 mice are infected with Me49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. The control group has 6 healthy mice. After inoculation of Toxoplasma gondii, at 10., 15., 20., 30., 45., 60. days, 6 each mice euthanized after collection of blood samples. Hemopexin, haptoglobulin, macroglobulin, serum amyloid A and clusterin levels are determined by ELISA. Then, brain tissues were investigated histopathologically and lesions were scored. The average cyst numbers were determined by counting three samples (25 μl each) of each brain homogenate under light microscopy. Inflammatory reaction was observed on day 10 days after inoculation (d.a.i.) The lesions were characterized by perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration, focal mononuclear cell infiltration in the meninges, and glial proliferation. Tissue cysts were observed in all Toxoplasma gondii-infected groups. The highest lesion score was observed at 60 d.a.i. And the most tissue cyst number were on day 30. d.a.i. Serum levels of hemopexin, haptoglobulin, macroglobulin, serum amyloid A and clusterin were significantly higher than the control group on day 10-20., 10., 10-30., 10.,10-45 d.a.i., respectively. High level of acute phase proteins in mice on certain days infected with Toxoplasma gondii was exhibited a relationship between brain lesions and tissue cysts.

Understanding diversity in oxidative status and oxidative stress: the opportunities and challenges ahead

Oxidative stress may be of profound biological relevance. In this Commentary, I discuss some key issues faced by the emerging field of oxidative stress ecology, and seek to provide interpretations and solutions. First, I show that the way in which we define oxidative stress has far-reaching implications for the interpretation of results, and that we need to distinguish between (1) a biochemical definition in terms of the molecular outcomes of oxidative stress (e.g. generation of oxidative damage) and (2) a biological definition in terms of the fitness consequences for the organism (e.g. effects on fertility). Second, I discuss the dangers of comparing different tissues and markers. Third, I highlight the need to pay more attention to the cross-talk between oxidative stress and other important physiological costs and functions; this will allow us to better understand the mechanistic basis of fitness costs. Fourth, I propose the 'redox signalling hypothesis' of life history to complement the current 'oxidative stress hypothesis' of life history. The latter states that oxidative damage underlies trade-offs because it affects traits like growth, reproduction or cell senescence. By contrast, the redox signalling hypothesis states that a trade-off between signalling and biochemical oxidative stress underlies the regulation of reactive oxygen species production and their subsequent control. Finally, I critically appraise our current knowledge of oxidative stress ecology, highlighting key research themes and providing an optimistic overview of future opportunities for the discipline to yield considerable insight into the ecological and evolutionary meaning of oxidative stress.

Haptoglobin degradation product as a novel serum biomarker for hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a well-known complication of HSCT and carries high risk of morbidity and mortality. A lack of consistent non-invasive diagnostic criteria can delay diagnosis and lead to irreversible organ damage.

METHODS

Serum samples of 100 patients that underwent HSCT at Cincinnati Children's Hospital were serially collected. Unbiased proteomic profiling by SELDI-TOF-MS was performed on serum from TA-TMA patients at baseline (pre-HSCT), 2 weeks before TMA diagnosis (pre-TMA), and at clinical TMA diagnosis. Two proteins with mass to charge ratios of 12-13 kDa were consistently elevated at the 2 week pre-TMA time point by SELDI-TOF, compared to control samples. Potential peptides were isolated and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on the Linear Trap Quadropole (LTQ). A MASCOT search identified haptoglobin fragments in the 12-17-kDa range. Western blot was performed to validate haptoglobin fragments as a potential biomarker.

RESULTS

Western blot of TA-TMA patients showed haptoglobin fragments at 12, 14, and 17 kDa that varied between baseline, pre-TMA, and TMA time points for each patient. By densitometric analysis, the 17-kDa fragment in the pre-TMA samples differed significantly from TMA diagnosis (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the concentrations of the 12-kDa and 14-kDa fragments.

CONCLUSION

The 17-kDa haptoglobin degradation product may represent a novel early serum biomarker for TA-TMA that could potentially allow for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Effects of supplementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product during the periparturient period on the immune response of dairy cows fed fresh diets differing in starch content

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NutriTek, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) during the periparturient period (d -28 ± 3 to 44 ± 3 relative to calving) on mRNA abundance of genes in the rumen epithelium, inflammation indicators, oxidative status, and adaptive immunity of dairy cows fed diets with different starch content after calving. From d 28 ± 3 (± standard deviation) before the expected calving date to calving, Holstein cows (n = 38) received a common basal controlled-energy close-up diet (1.43 Mcal/kg, net energy for lactation; 13.8% starch) with (SCFP; n = 19) or without (CON; n = 19) SCFP, and cows within each treatment (CON or SCFP) were fed either a low- (LS; 22.1% starch) or high-starch (HS; 28.3% starch) diet from d 1 to 23 ± 3 after calving (fresh period). There were 4 treatment groups: LS + CON (n = 9), LS + SCFP (n = 10), HS + CON (n = 10), and HS + SCFP (n = 9). From d 24 ± 3 to 44 ± 3 after calving, all cows were fed the HS diets (post-fresh period). Animal assignment to treatments was balanced for parity, body condition score, and expected calving date. An interaction was observed between dietary starch content and SCFP on indices of oxidative stress; plasma concentrations of total antioxidant capacity tended to be reduced on d 21 after calving for SCFP compared with CON cows when a LS fresh diet was fed, but did not differ for cows fed HS fresh diets. Regardless of starch content, SCFP supplementation increased plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde at d 21 after calving compared with CON. Supplementing with SCFP reduced serum concentrations of haptoglobin on d 7 after calving, indicating reduced inflammation, and feeding LS fresh diets reduced mRNA abundance of IL receptor associated kinase-1 in rumen tissue at d 21 after calving, suggesting reduced immune activation in rumen tissue. Other than the anti-inflammatory effects indicated by lower serum haptoglobin concentration, no other effects of treatment on adaptive immunity were detectable. These results indicate that supplementing SCFP through the transition period and feeding low-starch diets during the fresh period may reduce inflammation.

A proteomic approach of biomarker candidate discovery for alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) progresses from steatosis to alcoholic hepatitis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Liver biopsy is considered as the gold standard method for diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and provides useful information about damaging process which is an invasive procedure with complications. Existing biomarkers in clinical practice have narrow applicability due to lack of specificity and lack of sensitivity. The objective of this article is to identify proteomic biomarker candidates for alcoholic liver cirrhosis by differential expression analysis between alcoholic liver cirrhotic and healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected from 20 subjects (10 alcoholic liver cirrhosis and 10 healthy) from R. L. Jalapa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar, Karnataka, India. Differential protein analysis was carried out by two-dimensional electrophoresis after albumin depletion, followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The image analysis found 46 spots in cirrhotic gel and 69 spots in healthy gel, of which 14 spots were identified with significant altered expression levels. Based on the protein score and clinical significance, among 14 spots, a total of 28 protein biomarker candidates were identified: 13 with increased expression and 15 with decreased expression were categorized in alcoholic liver cirrhosis compared to healthy subjects. Protein biomarker candidates identified by “-omics” approach based on differential expression between alcoholic liver cirrhotic subjects and healthy subjects may give better insights for diagnosis of ALD. Prioritization of candidates identified is a prerequisite for validation regimen. Biomarker candidates require verification that demonstrates the differential expression will remain detectable by assay to be used for validation.

Proteomic analysis of age-related changes in ovine cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates through the brain and has a unique composition reflecting the biological processes of the brain. Identifying ageing CSF biomarkers can aid in understanding the ageing process and interpreting CSF protein changes in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, ovine CSF proteins from young (1-2 year old), middle aged (3-6 year old) and old (7-10 year old) sheep were systemically studied. CSF proteins were labelled with iTRAQ tagging reagents and fractionated by 2-dimensional high performance, liquid chromatography. Tryptic peptides were identified using MS/MS fragmentation ions for sequencing and quantified from iTRAQ reporter ion intensities at m/z 114, 115, 116 and 117. Two hundred thirty one peptides were detected, from which 143 proteins were identified. There were 52 proteins with >25% increase in concentrations in the old sheep compared to the young. 33 of them increased >25% but <50%, 13 increased >50% but <1 fold, 6 increased >1 fold [i.e. haptoglobin (Hp), haemoglobin, neuroendocrine protein 7B2, IgM, fibrous sheath interacting protein 1, vimentin]. There were 18 proteins with >25% decrease in concentrations in the old sheep compared to the young. 17 of them decreased >25% but <50%, and histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) was gradually decreased for over 80%. Glutathione S-transferase was decreased in middle aged CSF compared to both young and old CSF. The differential expressions of 3 proteins (Hp, neuroendocrine protein 7B2, IgM) were confirmed by immunoassays. These data expand our current knowledge regarding ovine CSF proteins, supply the necessary information to understand the ageing process in the brain and provide a basis for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

The immunosuppressive face of sepsis early on intensive care unit-A large-scale microarray meta-analysis

Background

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening condition, resulting from a dysregulated and harmful response of the hosts’ immune system to infection. Apart from this, the (over-)compensating mechanisms counterbalancing the inflammatory response have been proven to render the host susceptible to further infections and increase delayed mortality. Our study aimed to unravel the heterogeneity of immune response in early sepsis and to explain the biology behind it.

Methods

A systematic search of public repositories yielded 949 microarray samples from patients with sepsis of different infectious origin and early after clinical manifestation. These were merged into a meta-expression set, and after applying sequential conservative bioinformatics filtering, an in-deep analysis of transcriptional heterogeneity, as well as a comparison to samples of healthy controls was performed.

Results

We can identify two distinct clusters of patients (cluster 1: 655 subjects, cluster 2: 294 subjects) according to their global blood transcriptome. While both clusters exhibit only moderate differences in direct comparison, a comparison of both clusters individually to healthy controls yielded strong expression changes of genes involved in immune responses. Both comparisons found similar regulated genes, with a stronger dysregulation occurring in the larger patient cluster and implicating a loss of monocyte and T cell function, co-occurring with an activation of neutrophil granulocytes.

Conclusion

We propose a consistent—but in its extent varying—presence of immunosuppression, occurring as early in sepsis as its clinical manifestation and irrespective of the infectious origin. While certain cell types possess contradictory activation states, our finding underlines the urgent need for an early host-directed therapy of sepsis side-by-side with antibiotics.

Reductive nitrosylation of ferric human hemoglobin bound to human haptoglobin 1-1 and 2-2

Haptoglobin (Hp) sequesters hemoglobin (Hb) preventing the Hb-based damage occurring upon its physiological release into plasma. Here, reductive nitrosylation of ferric human hemoglobin [Hb(III)] bound to human haptoglobin (Hp) 1-1 and 2-2 [Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III), respectively] has been investigated between pH 7.5 and 9.5, at T=20.0 °C. Over the whole pH range explored, only one process is detected reflecting NO binding to Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III). Values of the pseudo-first-order rate constant for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) nitrosylation (k) do not depend linearly on the ligand concentration but tend to level off. The conversion of Hp1-1:Hb(III)-NO to Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and of Hp2-2:Hb(III)-NO to Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO is limited by the OH^-- and H₂O-based catalysis. In fact, bimolecular NO binding to Hp1-1:Hb(III), Hp2-2:Hb(III), Hp1-1:Hb(II), and Hp2-2:Hb(II) proceeds very rapidly. The analysis of data allowed to determine the values of the dissociation equilibrium constant for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) nitrosylation [K = (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10^-4 M], which is pH-independent, and of the first-order rate constant for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) conversion to Hp1-1:Hb(II)-NO and Hp2-2:Hb(II)-NO, respectively (k'). From the dependence of k' on [OH^-], values of h_OH- [(4.9 ± 0.6) × 10³ M^-1 s^-1 and (6.79 ± 0.7) × 10³ M^-1 s^-1, respectively] and of [Formula: see text] [(2.6 ± 0.3) × 10^-3 s^-1] were determined. Values of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for Hp1-1:Hb(III) and Hp2-2:Hb(III) reductive nitrosylation match well with those of the Hb R-state, which is typical of the αβ dimers of Hb bound to Hp.

Defining the complex phenotype of severe systemic loxoscelism using a large electronic health record cohort

Objective

Systemic loxoscelism is a rare illness resulting from the bite of the recluse spider and, in its most severe form, can lead to widespread hemolysis, coagulopathy, and death. We aim to describe the clinical features and outcomes of the largest known cohort of individuals with moderate to severe loxoscelism.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, cross sectional study from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2015, at a tertiary-care academic medical center, to determine individuals with clinical records consistent with moderate to severe loxoscelism. Age-, sex-, and race-matched controls were compared. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory measures, and outcomes of individuals with loxoscelism are described. Case and control groups were compared with descriptive statistics and phenome-wide association study (PheWAS).

Results

During the time period, 57 individuals were identified as having moderate to severe loxoscelism. Of these, only 33% had an antecedent spider bite documented. Median age of individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe loxoscelism was 14 years old (IQR 9.0–24.0 years). PheWAS confirmed associations of systemic loxoscelism with 29 other phenotypes, e.g., rash, hemolytic anemia, and sepsis. Hemoglobin level dropped an average of 3.1 g/dL over an average of 2.0 days (IQR 2.0–6.0). Lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels were on average over two times their upper limit of normal values. Eighteen individuals of 32 tested had a positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs’) test. Mortality was 3.5% (2/57 individuals).

Conclusion

Systemic loxoscelism is a rare but devastating process with only a minority of patients recalling the toxic exposure; hemolysis reaches a peak at 2 days after admission, with some cases taking more than a week before recovery. In endemic areas, suspicion for systemic loxoscelism should be high in individuals, especially children and younger adults, presenting with a cutaneous ulcer and hemolysis or coagulopathy, even in the absence of a bite exposure history.

Proteomic profiling of mdx-4cv serum reveals highly elevated levels of the inflammation-induced plasma marker haptoglobin in muscular dystrophy

X-linked muscular dystrophy is caused by primary abnormalities in the Dmd gene and is characterized by the almost complete loss of the membrane cytoskeletal protein dystrophin, which triggers sarcolemmal instability, abnormal calcium homeostasis, increased proteolysis and impaired excitation-contraction coupling. In addition to progressive necrosis, crucial secondary pathologies are represented by myofibrosis and the invasion of immune cells in damaged muscle fibres. In order to determine whether these substantial changes within the skeletal musculature are reflected by an altered rate of protein release into the circulatory system or other plasma fluctuations, we used label-free mass spectrometry to characterize serum from the mdx-4cv model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Comparative proteomics revealed a large number of increased vs. decreased protein species in mdx-4cv serum. A serum component with greatly elevated levels was identified as the inflammation-inducible plasma marker haptoglobin. This acute phase response protein is usually secreted in relation to tissue damage and sterile inflammation. Both immunoblot analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays confirmed the increased concentration of haptoglobin in crude mdx-4cv serum. This suggests that haptoglobin, in conjunction with other altered serum proteins, represents a novel diagnostic, prognostic and/or therapy-monitoring biomarker candidate to evaluate the inflammatory response in the mdx-4cv animal model of dystrophinopathy.

Carotenoids buffer the acute phase response on fever, sickness behavior, and rapid bill color change in zebra finches

Carotenoids are finite resources that animals can allocate to self-maintenance, attractiveness, or reproduction. Here we test how carotenoids affect the acute phase response (APR), an intense rapid systemic response characterized by fever, sickness behavior, and production of acute phase proteins, which serves to reduce pathogen persistence. We conducted a 2x2 factorial design experiment in captive adult male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to determine the effects of carotenoid supplementation on the intensity of the APR. We measured changes in feeding rate, activity level, and body temperature of the birds. We found that, relative to unsupplemented controls, carotenoid-supplemented birds exhibited less severe reductions in feeding and activity, smaller increases in body temperature, and lower circulating levels of haptoglobin (an acute phase protein) 24 h after inducing an APR. Among supplemented individuals, those with higher blood carotenoid levels exhibited a lower reduction in activity rate after 24 h. Forty-eight hours after APR induction, birds exhibited a significant decrease in plasma carotenoid levels and a decrease in bill hue, with less reduction in hue in carotenoid-supplemented individuals. These results demonstrate that carotenoids can alleviate several important behavioral and physiological effects of an APR and that bill color can change rapidly following induction of the costly APR immune defense. In particular, immune activation may have caused birds to preferentially draw down carotenoids from the bloodstream, ostensibly for use in health. Rapid bill color changes over a 48-hr period support growing evidence that bills may serve as short-term signals of health and condition.