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Halpern MD, Gupta A, Zaghloul N, Thulasingam S, Calton CM, Camp SM, Garcia JGN, Ahmed M. Extracellular Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Is a Therapeutic Target in Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:970. [PMID: 38790933 PMCID: PMC11118767 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency of prematurity. Postulated mechanisms leading to inflammatory necrosis of the ileum and colon include activation of the pathogen recognition receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and decreased levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). Extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (eNAMPT), a novel damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), is a TLR4 ligand and plays a role in a number of inflammatory disease processes. To test the hypothesis that eNAMPT is involved in NEC, an eNAMPT-neutralizing monoclonal antibody, ALT-100, was used in a well-established animal model of NEC. Preterm Sprague-Dawley pups delivered prematurely from timed-pregnant dams were exposed to hypoxia/hypothermia and randomized to control-foster mother dam-fed rats, injected IP with saline (vehicle) 48 h after delivery; control + mAB-foster dam-fed rats, injected IP with 10 µg of ALT-100 at 48 h post-delivery; NEC-orally gavaged, formula-fed rats injected with saline; and NEC + mAb-formula-fed rats, injected IP with 10 µg of ALT-100 at 48 h. The distal ileum was processed 96 h after C-section delivery for histological, biochemical, molecular, and RNA sequencing studies. Saline-treated NEC pups exhibited markedly increased fecal blood and histologic ileal damage compared to controls (q < 0.0001), and findings significantly reduced in ALT-100 mAb-treated NEC pups (q < 0.01). Real-time PCR in ileal tissues revealed increased NAMPT in NEC pups compared to pups that received the ALT-100 mAb (p < 0.01). Elevated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and NAMPT were observed in NEC pups compared to NEC + mAb pups (p < 0.01). Finally, RNA-Seq confirmed dysregulated TGFβ and TLR4 signaling pathways in NEC pups that were attenuated by ALT-100 mAb treatment. These data strongly support the involvement of eNAMPT in NEC pathobiology and eNAMPT neutralization as a strategy to address the unmet need for NEC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D. Halpern
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Akash Gupta
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Nahla Zaghloul
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Senthilkumar Thulasingam
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Christine M. Calton
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Sara M. Camp
- Center for Inflammation Science and Systems Medicine, University of Florida Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA (J.G.N.G.)
| | - Joe G. N. Garcia
- Center for Inflammation Science and Systems Medicine, University of Florida Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA (J.G.N.G.)
| | - Mohamed Ahmed
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Ramos-León J, Valencia C, Gutiérrez-Mariscal M, Rivera-Miranda DA, García-Meléndrez C, Covarrubias L. The loss of antioxidant activities impairs intestinal epithelium homeostasis by altering lipid metabolism. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:113965. [PMID: 38378126 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Reactive oxygens species (ROS) are common byproducts of metabolic reactions and could be at the origin of many diseases of the elderly. Here we investigated the role of ROS in the renewal of the intestinal epithelium in mice lacking catalase (CAT) and/or nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) activities. Cat-/- mice have delayed intestinal epithelium renewal and were prone to develop necrotizing enterocolitis upon starvation. Interestingly, crypts lacking CAT showed fewer intestinal stem cells (ISC) and lower stem cell activity than wild-type. In contrast, crypts lacking NNT showed a similar number of ISCs as wild-type but increased stem cell activity, which was also impaired by the loss of CAT. No alteration in the number of Paneth cells (PCs) was observed in crypts of either Cat-/- or Nnt-/- mice, but they showed an evident decline in the amount of lysozyme. Cat deficiency caused fat accumulation in crypts, and a fall in the remarkable high amount of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in PCs. Notably, the low levels of ATGL in the intestine of Cat -/- mice increased after a treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Supporting a role of ATGL in the regulation of ISC activity, its inhibition halt intestinal organoid development. These data suggest that the reduction in the renewal capacity of intestine originates from fatty acid metabolic alterations caused by peroxisomal ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ramos-León
- Departamento de Genética Del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Concepción Valencia
- Departamento de Genética Del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Mariana Gutiérrez-Mariscal
- Departamento de Genética Del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - David-Alejandro Rivera-Miranda
- Departamento de Genética Del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Celina García-Meléndrez
- Departamento de Genética Del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico
| | - Luis Covarrubias
- Departamento de Genética Del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.
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Belei O, Basaca DG, Olariu L, Pantea M, Bozgan D, Nanu A, Sîrbu I, Mărginean O, Enătescu I. The Interaction between Stress and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pediatric and Adult Patients. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1361. [PMID: 38592680 PMCID: PMC10932475 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have seen an exponential increase in incidence, particularly among pediatric patients. Psychological stress is a significant risk factor influencing the disease course. This review assesses the interaction between stress and disease progression, focusing on articles that quantified inflammatory markers in IBD patients exposed to varying degrees of psychological stress. Methods: A systematic narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on the interaction between IBD and stress among adult and pediatric patients, as well as animal subjects. The research involved searching PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases from 2000 to December 2023. Results: The interplay between the intestinal immunity response, the nervous system, and psychological disorders, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a major role in IBD pathophysiology. Various types of stressors alter gut mucosal integrity through different pathways, increasing gut mucosa permeability and promoting bacterial translocation. A denser microbial load in the gut wall emphasizes cytokine production, worsening the disease course. The risk of developing depression and anxiety is higher in IBD patients compared with the general population, and stress is a significant trigger for inducing acute flares of the disease. Conclusions: Further large studies should be conducted to assess the relationship between stressors, psychological disorders, and their impact on the course of IBD. Clinicians involved in the medical care of IBD patients should aim to implement stress reduction practices in addition to pharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Belei
- First Pediatric Clinic, Disturbances of Growth and Development on Children Research Center, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.B.); (O.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, First Pediatric Clinic, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Diana-Georgiana Basaca
- First Pediatric Clinic, Disturbances of Growth and Development on Children Research Center, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.B.); (O.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, First Pediatric Clinic, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Laura Olariu
- Department of Pediatrics, First Pediatric Clinic, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Manuela Pantea
- Twelfth Department, Neonatology Clinic, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (M.P.); (I.E.)
| | - Daiana Bozgan
- Clinic of Neonatology, “Pius Brânzeu” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Anda Nanu
- Third Pediatric Clinic, “Louis Țurcanu” Emergency Children Hospital, 300011 Timișoara, Romania; (A.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Iuliana Sîrbu
- Third Pediatric Clinic, “Louis Țurcanu” Emergency Children Hospital, 300011 Timișoara, Romania; (A.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Otilia Mărginean
- First Pediatric Clinic, Disturbances of Growth and Development on Children Research Center, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (O.B.); (O.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, First Pediatric Clinic, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Ileana Enătescu
- Twelfth Department, Neonatology Clinic, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (M.P.); (I.E.)
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Liu J, Joseph S, Manohar K, Lee J, Brokaw JP, Shelley WC, Markel TA. Role of innate T cells in necrotizing enterocolitis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1357483. [PMID: 38390341 PMCID: PMC10881895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1357483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a destructive gastrointestinal disease primarily affecting preterm babies. Despite advancements in neonatal care, NEC remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units worldwide and the etiology of NEC is still unclear. Risk factors for NEC include prematurity, very low birth weight, feeding with formula, intestinal dysbiosis and bacterial infection. A review of the literature would suggest that supplementation of prebiotics and probiotics prevents NEC by altering the immune responses. Innate T cells, a highly conserved subpopulation of T cells that responds quickly to stimulation, develops differently from conventional T cells in neonates. This review aims to provide a succinct overview of innate T cells in neonates, encompassing their phenotypic characteristics, functional roles, likely involvement in the pathogenesis of NEC, and potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyun Liu
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sharon Joseph
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Krishna Manohar
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jasmine Lee
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - John P. Brokaw
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - W. Christopher Shelley
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Troy A. Markel
- Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Ling XC, Huang PH, Chen HC, Hsueh YJ, Lee CW, Lien R, Lee CC, Chu SM, Chen KJ, Hwang YS, Lai CC, Chiang MC, Wu WC. Association of serum levels of inflammatory cytokines with retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1195904. [PMID: 38259597 PMCID: PMC10800500 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1195904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vascular developmental disease associated with risks factors such as supplementary oxygen use or low birth weight/early gestational age. Multiple studies have reported associations between ROP and systemic inflammation. In this study, we investigated serum cytokines associated with ROP development and severity and assessed their applicability as potential biomarkers of ROP. Methods This prospective study was conducted at an institutional referral center between 2019 and 2021. To measure the serum levels of 40 inflammatory cytokines in eligible premature patients, we collected their serum samples during the enrollment of patients or the intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and after 2 and 4 weeks. Results Fifty patients were enrolled. In patients with type 1 ROP who received anti-VEGF agents (n = 22), the levels of serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 decreased significantly (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks compared with the baseline level, whereas those of serum granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor increased significantly (p < 0.05). In patients with ROP who did not require any treatment (n = 14), no significant change was noted in the level of any of the 40 inflammatory cytokines. In control infants without ROP (n = 14), the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-15, and IL-12p40 increased significantly (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks. The changes in the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines did not vary significantly among the aforementioned three groups. A generalized estimating equation indicated that zone 1 ROP, stage 3 ROP, older postmenstrual age, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were associated with the changes in serum cytokine levels. Conclusions Although significant changes (compared with baseline) were observed in the serum levels of certain inflammatory cytokines in patients with type 1 ROP and infants without ROP, no significant difference in cytokine level fluctuations were noted among the three groups. Changes in serum inflammatory cytokine levels may not predict ROP development or severity. Additional comprehensive studies are warranted to establish their definitive role and significance in ROP, emphasizing the need for continued research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chun Ling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hsuan Huang
- Center for Big Data Analytics and Statistics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hsueh
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Reyin Lien
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Lee
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Chu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chou Chiang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Gómez-Ferrer M, Amaro-Prellezo E, Albiach-Delgado A, Ten-Domenech I, Kuligowski J, Sepúlveda P. Identification of omega-3 oxylipins in human milk-derived extracellular vesicles with pro-resolutive actions in gastrointestinal inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1293737. [PMID: 38054009 PMCID: PMC10694275 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1293737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Premature infants (PIs) are at risk of suffering necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and infants consuming human milk (HM) show a lower incidence than infants receiving formula. The composition of HM has been studied in depth, but the lipid content of HM-derived small extracellular vesicles (HM sEVs) remains unexplored. Identifying these molecules and their biological effects has potential for the treatment of intestinal disorders in PIs and could contribute to the development of HM-based fortified formulas. Methods We isolated HM sEVs from HM samples and analyzed their oxylipin content using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, which revealed the presence of anti-inflammatory oxylipins. We then examined the efficacy of a mixture of these oxylipins in combating inflammation and fibrosis, in vitro and in a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Results HM-related sEVs contained higher concentrations of oxylipins derived from docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Three anti-inflammatory oxylipins, 14-HDHA, 17-HDHA, and 19,20-DiHDPA (ω3 OXLP), demonstrated similar efficacy to HM sEVs in preventing cell injury, inducing re-epithelialization, mitigating fibrosis, and modulating immune responses. Both ω3 OXLP and HM sEVs effectively reduced inflammation in IBD-model mice, preventing colon shortening, infiltration of inflammatory cells and tissue fibrosis. Discussion Incorporating this unique cocktail of oxylipins into fortified milk formulas might reduce the risk of NEC in PIs and also provide immunological and neurodevelopmental support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gómez-Ferrer
- Regenerative Medicine and Heart Transplantation Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Amaro-Prellezo
- Regenerative Medicine and Heart Transplantation Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Abel Albiach-Delgado
- Neonatal Research Group, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Ten-Domenech
- Neonatal Research Group, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Kuligowski
- Neonatal Research Group, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Sepúlveda
- Regenerative Medicine and Heart Transplantation Unit, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Cardiology Service, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Yeramilli V, Cheddadi R, Benjamin H, Martin C. The Impact of Stress, Microbial Dysbiosis, and Inflammation on Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2206. [PMID: 37764050 PMCID: PMC10534571 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of intestinal morbidity and mortality in neonates. A large body of work exists; however, the pathogenesis of NEC remains poorly understood. Numerous predictors have been implicated in the development of NEC, with relatively less emphasis on maternal factors. Utilizing human tissue plays a crucial role in enhancing our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms accountable for this devastating disease. In this review, we will discuss how maternal stress affects the pathogenesis of NEC and how changes in the intestinal microbiome can influence the development of NEC. We will also discuss the results of transcriptomics-based studies and analyze the gene expression changes in NEC tissues and other molecular targets associated with the pathogenesis of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Colin Martin
- Division of Pediatric, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Ave. S., Lowder Building Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Leiva T, Lueschow S, Burge K, Devette C, McElroy S, Chaaban H. Biomarkers of necrotizing enterocolitis in the era of machine learning and omics. Semin Perinatol 2023; 47:151693. [PMID: 36604292 PMCID: PMC9975050 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2022.151693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Despite decades of research in NEC, no reliable biomarkers can accurately diagnose NEC or predict patient prognosis. The recent emergence of multi-omics could potentially shift NEC biomarker discovery, particularly when evaluated using systems biology techniques. Furthermore, the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in analyzing this 'big data' could enable novel interpretations of NEC subtypes, disease progression, and potential therapeutic targets, allowing for integration with personalized medicine approaches. In this review, we evaluate studies using omics technologies and machine learning in the diagnosis of NEC. Future implications and challenges inherent to the field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Leiva
- Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shiloh Lueschow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kathryn Burge
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Everett Dr., ETNP 7504, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Christa Devette
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Everett Dr., ETNP 7504, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Steven McElroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Hala Chaaban
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N. Everett Dr., ETNP 7504, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Gagné D, Shajari E, Thibault MP, Noël JF, Boisvert FM, Babakissa C, Levy E, Gagnon H, Brunet MA, Grynspan D, Ferretti E, Bertelle V, Beaulieu JF. Proteomics Profiling of Stool Samples from Preterm Neonates with SWATH/DIA Mass Spectrometry for Predicting Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911601. [PMID: 36232903 PMCID: PMC9569884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening condition for premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. Finding indicators that can predict NEC development before symptoms appear would provide more time to apply targeted interventions. In this study, stools from 132 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants were collected daily in the context of a multi-center prospective study aimed at investigating the potential of fecal biomarkers for NEC prediction using proteomics technology. Eight of the VLBW infants received a stage-3 NEC diagnosis. Stools collected from the NEC infants up to 10 days before their diagnosis were available for seven of them. Their samples were matched with those from seven pairs of non-NEC controls. The samples were processed for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis using SWATH/DIA acquisition and cross-compatible proteomic software to perform label-free quantification. ROC curve and principal component analyses were used to explore discriminating information and to evaluate candidate protein markers. A series of 36 proteins showed the most efficient capacity with a signature that predicted all seven NEC infants at least a week in advance. Overall, our study demonstrates that multiplexed proteomic signature detection constitutes a promising approach for the early detection of NEC development in premature infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gagné
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Elmira Shajari
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Thibault
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-François Noël
- PhenoSwitch Bioscience Inc., 975 Rue Léon-Trépanier, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 5J6, Canada
| | - François-Michel Boisvert
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Corentin Babakissa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Emile Levy
- Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Hugo Gagnon
- PhenoSwitch Bioscience Inc., 975 Rue Léon-Trépanier, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 5J6, Canada
| | - Marie A. Brunet
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Emanuela Ferretti
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Valérie Bertelle
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jean-François Beaulieu
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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10
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Thibault MP, Tremblay É, Horth C, Fournier-Morin A, Grynspan D, Babakissa C, Levy E, Ferretti E, Bertelle V, Beaulieu JF. Lipocalin-2 and calprotectin as stool biomarkers for predicting necrotizing enterocolitis in premature neonates. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:129-136. [PMID: 34465872 PMCID: PMC8770124 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01680-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major challenge for premature infants in neonatal intensive care units and efforts toward the search for indicators that could be used to predict the development of the disease have given limited results until now. METHODS In this study, stools from 132 very low birth weight infants were collected daily in the context of a multi-center prospective study aimed at investigating the potential of fecal biomarkers for NEC prediction. Eight infants (~6%) received a stage 3 NEC diagnosis. Their stools collected up to 10 days before diagnosis were included and matched with 14 non-NEC controls and tested by ELISA for the quantitation of eight biomarkers. RESULTS Biomarkers were evaluated in all available stool samples leading to the identification of lipocalin-2 and calprotectin as the two most reliable predicting markers over the 10-day period prior to NEC development. Pooling the data for each infant confirmed the significance of lipocalin-2 and calprotectin, individually and in combination 1 week in advance of the NEC clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The lipocalin-2 and calprotectin tandem represents a significant biomarker signature for predicting NEC development. Although not yet fulfilling the "perfect biomarker" criteria, it represents a first step toward it. IMPACT Stool biomarkers can be used to predict NEC development in very low birth weight infants more than a week before the diagnosis. LCN2 was identified as a new robust biomarker for predicting NEC development, which used in conjunction with CALPRO, allows the identification of more than half of the cases that will develop NEC in very low birth weight infants. Combining more stool markers with the LCN2/CALPRO tandem such as PGE2 can further improve the algorithm for the prediction of NEC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pier Thibault
- grid.86715.3d0000 0000 9064 6198Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada ,grid.411172.00000 0001 0081 2808Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada
| | - Éric Tremblay
- grid.86715.3d0000 0000 9064 6198Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada ,grid.411172.00000 0001 0081 2808Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada
| | - Chantal Horth
- grid.414148.c0000 0000 9402 6172Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Aube Fournier-Morin
- grid.86715.3d0000 0000 9064 6198Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Corentin Babakissa
- grid.411172.00000 0001 0081 2808Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada ,grid.86715.3d0000 0000 9064 6198Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada
| | - Emile Levy
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Emanuela Ferretti
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Valérie Bertelle
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. .,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Jean-François Beaulieu
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiopathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. .,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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11
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A Pilot Study To Establish an In Vitro Model To Study Premature Intestinal Epithelium and Gut Microbiota Interactions. mSphere 2021; 6:e0080621. [PMID: 34643422 PMCID: PMC8513685 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00806-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota has emerged as an important player in the health and disease of preterm infants. The interactions between intestinal flora and epithelium can lead to local injury and systemic diseases. A suitable in vitro cell model is needed to enhance our understanding of these interactions. In this study, we exposed fetal epithelial cell cultures (FHs-74 int cells, human, ATCC CCL 241) to sterile fecal filtrates derived from stool collected from preterm infants at <2 and at 3 to 4 weeks of age. We measured the cytokine levels from the culture media after 4, 24, and 48 h of exposure to the fecal filtrates. We analyzed the 16S rRNA V4 gene data of the fecal samples and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the fetal epithelial cells after 48 h of exposure to the same fecal filtrates. The results showed correlations between inflammatory responses (both cytokine levels and gene expression) and the Proteobacteria-to-Firmicutes ratio and between fecal bacterial genera and epithelial apoptosis-related genes. Our in vitro cell model can be further developed and applied to study how the epithelium responds to different microbial flora from preterm infants. Combining immature epithelial cells and preterm infant stool samples into one model allows us to investigate disease processes in preterm infants in a way that had not been previously reported. IMPORTANCE The gut bacterial flora influences the development of the immune system and long-term health outcomes in preterm infants. Studies of the mechanistic interactions between the gut bacteria and mucosal barrier are limited to clinical observations, animal models, and in vitro cell culture models for this vulnerable population. Most in vitro cell culture models of microbe-host interactions use single organisms or adult origin cell lines. Our study is innovative and significant in that we expose immature epithelial cells derived from fetal tissues to fecal filtrates from eight stool samples from four preterm infants to study the role of intestinal epithelial cells. In addition, we analyzed epithelial gene expression to examine multiple cellular processes simultaneously. This model can be developed into patient-derived two- or three-dimensional cell cultures exposed to their own fecal material to allow better prediction of patient physiological responses to support the growing field of precision medicine.
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12
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De Fazio L, Beghetti I, Bertuccio SN, Marsico C, Martini S, Masetti R, Pession A, Corvaglia L, Aceti A. Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Overview on In Vitro Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6761. [PMID: 34201786 PMCID: PMC8268427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gut inflammatory disorder which constitutes one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality for preterm infants. The pathophysiology of NEC is yet to be fully understood; several observational studies have led to the identification of multiple factors involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, including gut immaturity and dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome. Given the complex interactions between microbiota, enterocytes, and immune cells, and the limited access to fetal human tissues for experimental studies, animal models have long been essential to describe NEC mechanisms. However, at present there is no animal model perfectly mimicking human NEC; furthermore, the disease mechanisms appear too complex to be studied in single-cell cultures. Thus, researchers have developed new approaches in which intestinal epithelial cells are exposed to a combination of environmental and microbial factors which can potentially trigger NEC. In addition, organoids have gained increasing attention as promising models for studying NEC development. Currently, several in vitro models have been proposed and have contributed to describe the disease in deeper detail. In this paper, we will provide an updated review of available in vitro models of NEC and an overview of current knowledge regarding its molecular underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigia De Fazio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology “Lalla Seragnoli”, Pediatric Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Isadora Beghetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Nicola Bertuccio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology “Lalla Seragnoli”, Pediatric Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Concetta Marsico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Martini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology “Lalla Seragnoli”, Pediatric Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology “Lalla Seragnoli”, Pediatric Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Corvaglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Aceti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.D.F.); (S.N.B.); (C.M.); (S.M.); (R.M.); (A.P.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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13
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Gao X, Liu W, Gao P, Li S, Chen Z, Ma F. Melatonin-induced lncRNA LINC01512 prevents Treg/Th17 imbalance by promoting SIRT1 expression in necrotizing enterocolitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107787. [PMID: 34162151 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that melatonin regulates the expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) under different physiological and pathological conditions, it has not been confirmed whether melatonin-induced lncRNAs regulate the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells. Herein, we show that the expression of LINC01512 is significantly down-regulated and correlates with imbalanced Treg/Th17 ratios in necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) tissues. Through gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we found that LINC01512 promotes the differentiation of Treg cells but interferes with that of Th17 cells. Mechanistically, LINC01512 promotes SIRT1 in Treg and Th17 cells, and subsequently enhances the differentiation of Treg cells and inhibits that of Th17 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that melatonin up-regulates the transcription of LINC01512 via the AMPK signalling pathway and that the blockade of AMPK represses LINC01512 expression in Treg and Th17 cells. Overall, our results confirm that SIRT1-regulated differentiation of Treg/Th17 cells is actually modulated by melatonin-induced LINC0512. Moreover, manipulation of the AMPK/LINC01512/SIRT1 axis via melatonin may be a novel therapeutic approach to reduce inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Gao
- Department of Neonatology, The Foshan Women and Children Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Wangkai Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingmin Gao
- Department of Neonatology, The Foshan Women and Children Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Sitao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyu Chen
- Department of Neonatology, The Foshan Women and Children Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Beck LC, Granger CL, Masi AC, Stewart CJ. Use of omic technologies in early life gastrointestinal health and disease: from bench to bedside. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:247-259. [PMID: 33896313 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1922278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: At birth, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is colonized by a complex community of microorganisms, forming the basis of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in host health, disorders of which can lead to an array of GI diseases, both short and long term. Pediatric GI diseases are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, but many remain poorly understood. Recent advancements in high-throughput technologies have enabled deeper profiling of GI morbidities. Technologies, such as metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, have already been used to identify associations with specific pathologies, and highlight an exciting area of research. However, since these diseases are often complex and multifactorial by nature, reliance on a single experimental approach may not capture the true biological complexity. Therefore, multi-omics aims to integrate singular omic data to further enhance our understanding of disease.Areas covered: This review will discuss and provide an overview of the main omic technologies that are used to study complex GI pathologies in early life.Expert opinion: Multi-omic technologies can help to unravel the complexities of several diseases during early life, aiding in biomarker discovery and enabling the development of novel therapeutics and augment predictive models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Beck
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire L Granger
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.,Newcastle Neonatal Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrea C Masi
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher J Stewart
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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15
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Identification of Inflammatory Genes, Pathways, and Immune Cells in Necrotizing Enterocolitis of Preterm Infant by Bioinformatics Approaches. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5568724. [PMID: 33880370 PMCID: PMC8046524 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5568724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal disease-causing high morbidity and mortality in premature infants. However, the underlying mechanism of the pathogenesis of NEC is still not fully understood. Methods RNA sequencing of intestinal specimens from 9 NEC and 5 controls was employed to quantify the gene expression levels. RNA sequencing was employed to quantify the gene expression levels. DESeq2 tool was used to identify the differentially expressed genes. The biological function, pathways, transcription factors, and immune cells dysregulated in NEC were characterized by gene set enrichment analysis. Results In the present study, we analyzed RNA sequencing data of NECs and controls and revealed that immune-related pathways were highly activated, while some cellular responses to external stimuli-related pathways were inactivated in NEC. Moreover, B cells, macrophages M1, and plasma cells were identified as the major cell types involved in NEC. Furthermore, we also found that inflammation-related transcription factor genes, such as STAT1, STAT2, and IRF2, were significantly activated in NEC, further suggesting that these TFs might play critical roles in NEC pathogenesis. In addition, NEC samples exhibited heterogeneity to some extent. Interestingly, two subgroups in the NEC samples were identified by hierarchical clustering analysis. Notably, B cells, T cells, Th1, and Tregs involved in adaptive immune were predicted to highly infiltrate into subgroup I, while subgroup II was significantly infiltrated by neutrophils. The heterogeneity of immune cells in NEC indicated that both innate and adaptive immunes might induce NEC-related inflammatory response. Conclusions In summary, we systematically analyzed inflammation-related genes, signaling pathways, and immune cells to characterize the NEC pathogenesis and samples, which greatly improved our understanding of the roles of inflammatory responses in NEC.
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16
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IL-17-related signature genes linked to human necrotizing enterocolitis. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:82. [PMID: 33663574 PMCID: PMC7934396 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05489-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frequent life-threatening gastrointestinal disease experienced by premature infants in neonatal intensive care units all over the world. The objective of the present study was to take advantage of RNA-Seq data from the analysis of intestinal specimens of preterm infants diagnosed with NEC. Function enrichments with Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used to analyse previous data in order to identify biological and functional processes, which could provide more insight into the pathogenesis of NEC in infants. Results Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that the most significant biological pathways over-represented in NEC neonates were closely associated with innate immune functions. One of the striking observations was the highly modulated expression of inflammatory genes related to the IL-17 pathway including such as pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL8), chemokines (CXCL5 and CXCL10) and antimicrobials (DEF5A, DEF6A, LCN2, NOS2) in the intestine of neonates diagnosed with NEC. Interestingly, the increase in IL-17 expression appeared to be under the IL-17F form, as reported in Crohn's disease, another inflammatory bowel disease. Further investigation is thus still needed to determine the precise role of IL-17F and its downstream targets in NEC.
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17
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Good M, Chu T, Shaw P, McClain L, Chamberlain A, Castro C, Rimer JM, Mihi B, Gong Q, Nolan LS, Cooksey K, Linneman L, Agrawal P, Finegold DN, Peters D. Global hypermethylation of intestinal epithelial cells is a hallmark feature of neonatal surgical necrotizing enterocolitis. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:190. [PMID: 33308304 PMCID: PMC7730811 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-00983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the overall leading causes of death in premature infants, and the pathogenesis is unpredictable and not well characterized. The aim of our study was to determine the molecular phenotype of NEC via transcriptomic and epithelial cell-specific epigenomic analysis, with a specific focus on DNA methylation. METHODS Using laser capture microdissection, epithelial cell-specific methylation signatures were characterized by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of ileal and colonic samples at the time of surgery for NEC and after NEC had healed at reanastomosis (n = 40). RNA sequencing was also performed to determine the transcriptomic profile of these samples, and a comparison was made to the methylome data. RESULTS We found that surgical NEC has a considerable impact on the epigenome by broadly increasing DNA methylation levels, although these effects are less pronounced in genomic regions associated with the regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, NEC-related DNA methylation signatures were influenced by tissue of origin, with significant differences being noted between colon and ileum. We also identified numerous transcriptional changes in NEC and clear associations between gene expression and DNA methylation. CONCLUSIONS We have defined the intestinal epigenomic and transcriptomic signatures during surgical NEC, which will advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and may enable the development of novel precision medicine approaches for NEC prediction, diagnosis and phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty Good
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Tianjiao Chu
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia Shaw
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lora McClain
- Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Austin Chamberlain
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- PathGroup, Brentwood, TN, USA
| | - Carlos Castro
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jamie M Rimer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Belgacem Mihi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Qingqing Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lila S Nolan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Krista Cooksey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laura Linneman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Pranjal Agrawal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Newborn Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 S. Euclid Ave. Campus, Box 8208, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - David Peters
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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18
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Cho SX, Rudloff I, Lao JC, Pang MA, Goldberg R, Bui CB, McLean CA, Stock M, Klassert TE, Slevogt H, Mangan NE, Cheng W, Fischer D, Gfroerer S, Sandhu MK, Ngo D, Bujotzek A, Lariviere L, Schumacher F, Tiefenthaler G, Beker F, Collins C, Kamlin COF, König K, Malhotra A, Tan K, Theda C, Veldman A, Ellisdon AM, Whisstock JC, Berger PJ, Nold-Petry CA, Nold MF. Characterization of the pathoimmunology of necrotizing enterocolitis reveals novel therapeutic opportunities. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5794. [PMID: 33188181 PMCID: PMC7666196 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19400-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe, currently untreatable intestinal disease that predominantly affects preterm infants and is driven by poorly characterized inflammatory pathways. Here, human and murine NEC intestines exhibit an unexpected predominance of type 3/TH17 polarization. In murine NEC, pro-inflammatory type 3 NKp46−RORγt+Tbet+ innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) are 5-fold increased, whereas ILC1 and protective NKp46+RORγt+ ILC3 are obliterated. Both species exhibit dysregulation of intestinal TLR repertoires, with TLR4 and TLR8 increased, but TLR5-7 and TLR9-12 reduced. Transgenic IL-37 effectively protects mice from intestinal injury and mortality, whilst exogenous IL-37 is only modestly efficacious. Mechanistically, IL-37 favorably modulates immune homeostasis, TLR repertoires and microbial diversity. Moreover, IL-37 and its receptor IL-1R8 are reduced in human NEC epithelia, and IL-37 is lower in blood monocytes from infants with NEC and/or lower birthweight. Our results on NEC pathomechanisms thus implicate type 3 cytokines, TLRs and IL-37 as potential targets for novel NEC therapies. Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is an untreatable intestinal disease in infants. Here the authors show that human and experimental mouse NEC is associated with altered toll-like receptor expression in the intestine, enhanced Th17/type 3 polarization in adaptive immune and innate lymphoid cells, dysregulated microbiota, and reduced interleukin-37 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven X Cho
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ina Rudloff
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason C Lao
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Merrin A Pang
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rimma Goldberg
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine B Bui
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Niamh E Mangan
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing, China.,Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Doris Fischer
- Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, St. Vincenz Hospital, Limburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Gfroerer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.,Helios Clinic Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manjeet K Sandhu
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Devi Ngo
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexander Bujotzek
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Laurent Lariviere
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Felix Schumacher
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Georg Tiefenthaler
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Beker
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Neonatal Services, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Clare Collins
- Neonatal Services, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Joan Kirner Women's & Children's, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - C Omar F Kamlin
- Department of Newborn Research, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kai König
- Medicum Wesemlin, Department of Paediatrics, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kenneth Tan
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christiane Theda
- Department of Newborn Research, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex Veldman
- Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, St. Vincenz Hospital, Limburg, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, Liebig University Hospital, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrew M Ellisdon
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James C Whisstock
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip J Berger
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudia A Nold-Petry
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcel F Nold
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced in the intestine. It is controversial whether butyrate is protective or destructive for the intestinal epithelium in the development of diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and its mechanism of action remains unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of butyrate on the intestinal epithelium by studying its effects on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-18) exposed to injury and in vivo by investigating the effects on the intestine in an experimental model of NEC. METHODS A) In vitro study: Butyrate was given to normal IEC-18 to determine the dose triggering injury. Based on above results, low dose butyrate (1 mM) was given to H2O2-injured cells to determine its effect against inflammation. B) In vivo study: NEC was induced by hypoxia and gavage feeding between postnatal day P5 and P9 (n = 8). Breastfed mice were used as control (n = 7). Butyrate (150 mM) was administered by enema on P6 in NEC (n = 6). Distal ileum was harvested on P9. RESULTS High dose (16 mM) butyrate upregulated inflammatory marker IL-6, while low dose butyrate protected cells from injury by reducing IL-6 expression. Similarly, compared with NEC alone, NEC mice who received butyrate had reduced intestinal damage, reduced IL-6 and NF-ĸB expression, and increased intestinal tight junction marker Claudin-7. CONCLUSION Butyrate has opposite effects depending on the dose administered. Butyrate can protect cells from H2O2-induced injury and can in vivo protect the intestine from NEC. This beneficial effect is because of downregulation of inflammation and enhancement of intestinal barrier.
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20
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Zhang H, Wang Y, Li S, Tang X, Liang R, Yang X. SOCS3 protects against neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis via suppressing NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation and p65 nuclear translocation. Mol Immunol 2020; 122:21-27. [PMID: 32278838 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an acquired disorder of mucosal damage characterized by the diffuse or local necrosis of the intestine. The suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory action in gastritis, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases. The present study aims to explore the effects of SOCS3 on LPS-induced colonic cell model of NEC, and investigate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Expression of SOCS3 in tissue samples of NEC and LPS-induced enterocytes were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to examine the effect of SOCS3 on inflammatory molecules. Co-immunoprecipitation assay were devoted to explore the relation between SOCS3 and TLR4. RESULTS We proved that SOCS3 was expressed at a low level in tissue samples of NEC and LPS-induced enterocytes, and LPS inhibited SOCS3 expression via JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Overexpression of SOCS3 weaken the LPS-induced inflammatory response in FHC and CACO2 cells. Moreover, SOCS3 downregulates proinflammatory cytokines by targeting TLR4, thus mediating the p65 nuclear translocation, and the activation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3/absent in melanoma-2 (NLRP3/AIM2) inflammasome, ultimately reveals its anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our data revealed that LPS inhibited SOCS3 expression via JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and SOCS3 protects enterocytes against NEC through mediating p65 nuclear translocation and NLRP3/AIM2 inflammasome activation in a TLR4 dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Pediatric intensive care unit, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuan Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuan Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Sixiu Li
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuan Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xiaojing Tang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuan Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Ruobing Liang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuan Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuan Lane, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China.
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21
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Bazacliu C, Neu J. Pathophysiology of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: An Update. Curr Pediatr Rev 2019; 15:68-87. [PMID: 30387398 DOI: 10.2174/1573396314666181102123030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NEC is a devastating disease that, once present, is very difficult to treat. In the absence of an etiologic treatment, preventive measures are required. Advances in decoding the pathophysiology of NEC are being made but a more comprehensive understanding is needed for the targeting of preventative strategies. A better definition of the disease as well as diagnostic criteria are needed to be able to specifically label a disease as NEC. Multiple environmental factors combined with host susceptibility appear to contribute to enhanced risks for developing this disease. Several different proximal pathways are involved, all leading to a common undesired outcome: Intestinal necrosis. The most common form of this disease appears to involve inflammatory pathways that are closely meshed with the intestinal microbiota, where a dysbiosis may result in dysregulated inflammation. The organisms present in the intestinal tract prior to the onset of NEC along with their diversity and functional capabilities are just beginning to be understood. Fulfillment of postulates that support causality for particular microorganisms is needed if bacteriotherapies are to be intelligently applied for the prevention of NEC. Identification of molecular effector pathways that propagate inflammation, understanding of, even incipient role of genetic predisposition and of miRNAs may help solve the puzzle of this disease and may bring the researchers closer to finding a treatment. Despite recent progress, multiple limitations of the current animal models, difficulties related to studies in humans, along with the lack of a "clear" definition will continue to make it a very challenging disease to decipher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Bazacliu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Florida, FL, United States
| | - Josef Neu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Florida, FL, United States
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22
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Diminished DEFA6 Expression in Paneth Cells Is Associated with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2018; 2018:7345426. [PMID: 30420878 PMCID: PMC6215571 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7345426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in premature infants with a high morbidity and mortality. Paneth cell dysfunction has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of NEC. Defensin alpha-6 (DEFA6) is a specific marker for Paneth cells acting as part of the innate immunity in the human intestines. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of DEFA6 in infants with NEC. Materials and Methods Infants who underwent bowel resection for NEC at level III NICU in Sweden between August 2004 and September 2013 were eligible for the study. Macroscopically vital tissues were selected for histopathological evaluation. All infants in the control group underwent laparotomy and had ileostomy due to dysmotility, and samples were taken from the site of the stoma. DEFA6 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. Digital image analysis was used for an objective and precise description of the samples. Results A total of 12 infants were included in the study, eight with NEC and four controls. The tissue samples were taken from the colon (n = 1), jejunum (n = 1), and ileum (n = 10). Both the NEC and control groups consisted of extremely premature and term infants (control group: 25-40 gestational weeks, NEC group: 23-39 gestational weeks). The postnatal age at the time of surgery varied in both groups (control group: 4-47 days, NEC group: 4-50 days). DEFA6 expression in the NEC group was significantly lower than that in the control group and did not correlate with gestational age. Conclusion The diminished DEFA6 expression in Paneth cells associated with NEC in this study supports the hypothesis that alpha-defensins are involved in the pathophysiology of NEC. Future studies are needed to elucidate the role of alpha-defensins in NEC aiming at finding preventive and therapeutic strategies against NEC.
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23
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Xing T, Camacho Salazar R, Chen YH. Animal models for studying epithelial barriers in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Tissue Barriers 2017; 5:e1356901. [PMID: 28795875 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2017.1356901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelial cells line the luminal surface of the entire gastrointestinal tract which is crucial for the absorption of nutrients and prevention of pathogens entering from the external environment. The epithelial barrier plays an important role in organ development, disease pathogenesis, and aging. The major component of an epithelial barrier is the single columnar epithelium and tight junctions. Tight junctions are located at the most apical region of the junctional complex and contain many integral membrane proteins, such as occludin, the claudin family, and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs). The disruption of intestinal epithelial barriers may lead to several pathophysiological conditions causing malabsorption of nutrition and chronic inflammation. In this review, we provide an update on the alterations of epithelial barriers associated with gut diseases using experimental animal models; we appraise the role of tight junctions in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer; we also compare some common features as well as differences and similarities in the pathophysiology of intestinal inflammation in neonatal (NEC) and adult (IBD) gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiaosi Xing
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
| | - Rolando Camacho Salazar
- b Department of Pediatrics , Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
| | - Yan-Hua Chen
- a Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology , Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA.,b Department of Pediatrics , Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
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24
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Jung K, Koh I, Kim JH, Cheong HS, Park T, Nam SH, Jung SM, Sio CA, Kim SY, Jung E, Lee B, Kim HR, Shin E, Jung SE, Choi CW, Kim BI, Jung E, Shin HD. RNA-Seq for Gene Expression Profiling of Human Necrotizing Enterocolitis: a Pilot Study. J Korean Med Sci 2017; 32:817-824. [PMID: 28378556 PMCID: PMC5383615 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2017.32.5.817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) characterized by inflammatory intestinal necrosis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in newborns. Deep RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) has recently emerged as a powerful technology enabling better quantification of gene expression than microarrays with a lower background signal. A total of 10 transcriptomes from 5 pairs of NEC lesions and adjacent normal tissues obtained from preterm infants with NEC were analyzed. As a result, a total of 65 genes (57 down-regulated and 8 up-regulated) revealed significantly different expression levels in the NEC lesion compared to the adjacent normal region, based on a significance at fold change ≥ 1.5 and P ≤ 0.05. The most significant gene, DPF3 (P < 0.001), has recently been reported to have differential expressions in colon segments. Our gene ontology analysis between NEC lesion and adjacent normal tissues showed that down-regulated genes were included in nervous system development with the most significance (P = 9.3 × 10⁻⁷; P(corr) = 0.0003). In further pathway analysis using Pathway Express based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, genes involved in thyroid cancer and axon guidance were predicted to be associated with different expression (P(corr) = 0.008 and 0.020, respectively). Although further replications using a larger sample size and functional evaluations are needed, our results suggest that altered gene expression and the genes' involved functional pathways and categories may provide insight into NEC development and aid in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyuwhan Jung
- Department of Surgery, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, Korea
| | - Insong Koh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Hyun Kim
- Research Institute for Basic Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Sub Cheong
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, SNP Genetics, Inc., Seoul, Korea
| | - Taejin Park
- Department of Surgery, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - So Hyun Nam
- Department of Surgery, Donga University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Soo Min Jung
- Department of Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cherry Ann Sio
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Su Yeong Kim
- Department of Surgery, Donga University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Euiseok Jung
- Department of Neonatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Byoungkook Lee
- Department of Neonatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hye Rim Kim
- Department of Neonatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eun Shin
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sung Eun Jung
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Won Choi
- Department of Neonatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Beyong Il Kim
- Department of Neonatology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Eunyoung Jung
- Department of Surgery, Gyemyoung University Dongsan Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyoung Doo Shin
- Research Institute for Basic Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea.
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25
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Davison JM, Lickwar CR, Song L, Breton G, Crawford GE, Rawls JF. Microbiota regulate intestinal epithelial gene expression by suppressing the transcription factor Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha. Genome Res 2017; 27:1195-1206. [PMID: 28385711 PMCID: PMC5495071 DOI: 10.1101/gr.220111.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbiota influence diverse aspects of intestinal physiology and disease in part by controlling tissue-specific transcription of host genes. However, host genomic mechanisms mediating microbial control of intestinal gene expression are poorly understood. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) is the most ancient family of nuclear receptor transcription factors with important roles in human metabolic and inflammatory bowel diseases, but a role in host response to microbes is unknown. Using an unbiased screening strategy, we found that zebrafish Hnf4a specifically binds and activates a microbiota-suppressed intestinal epithelial transcriptional enhancer. Genetic analysis revealed that zebrafish hnf4a activates nearly half of the genes that are suppressed by microbiota, suggesting microbiota negatively regulate Hnf4a. In support, analysis of genomic architecture in mouse intestinal epithelial cells disclosed that microbiota colonization leads to activation or inactivation of hundreds of enhancers along with drastic genome-wide reduction of HNF4A and HNF4G occupancy. Interspecies meta-analysis suggested interactions between HNF4A and microbiota promote gene expression patterns associated with human inflammatory bowel diseases. These results indicate a critical and conserved role for HNF4A in maintaining intestinal homeostasis in response to microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Davison
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for the Genomics of Microbial Systems, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Colin R Lickwar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for the Genomics of Microbial Systems, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Lingyun Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Ghislain Breton
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Gregory E Crawford
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - John F Rawls
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for the Genomics of Microbial Systems, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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26
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Ferretti E, Tremblay E, Thibault MP, Grynspan D, Burghardt KM, Bettolli M, Babakissa C, Levy E, Beaulieu JF. The nitric oxide synthase 2 pathway is targeted by both pro- and anti-inflammatory treatments in the immature human intestine. Nitric Oxide 2017; 66:53-61. [PMID: 28315470 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM NO synthase 2 (NOS2) was recently identified as one the most overexpressed genes in intestinal samples of premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NOS2 is widely implicated in the processes of epithelial cell injury/apoptosis and host immune defense but its specific role in inflammation of the immature human intestinal mucosa remains unclear. Interestingly, factors that prevent NEC such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) attenuate the inflammatory response in the mid-gestation human small intestine using serum-free organ culture while drugs that are associated with NEC occurrence such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin (INDO), exert multiple detrimental effects on the immature human intestine. In this study we investigate the potential role of NOS2 in modulating the gut inflammatory response under protective and stressful conditions by determining the expression profile of NOS2 and its downstream pathways in the immature intestine. METHODS Gene expression profiles of cultured mid-gestation human intestinal explants were investigated in the absence or presence of a physiological concentration of EGF (50 ng/ml) or 1 μM INDO for 48 h using Illumina whole genome microarrays, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software and quantitative PCR to investigate the expression of NOS2 and NOS2-pathway related genes. RESULTS In the immature intestine, NOS2 expression was found to be increased by EGF and repressed by INDO. Bioinformatic analysis identified differentially regulated pathways where NOS2 is known to play an important role including citrulline/arginine metabolism, epithelial cell junctions and oxidative stress. At the individual gene level, we identified many differentially expressed genes of the citrulline/arginine metabolism pathway such as ARG1, ARG2, GLS, OAT and OTC in response to EGF and INDO. Gene expression of tight junction components such as CLDN1, CLDN2, CLDN7 and OCN and of antioxidant markers such as DUOX2, GPX2, SOD2 were also found to be differentially modulated by EGF and INDO. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the protective effect of EGF and the deleterious influence of INDO on the immature intestine could be mediated via regulation of NOS2. Pathways downstream of NOS2 involved with these effects include metabolism linked to NO production, epithelial barrier permeability and antioxidant expression. These results suggest that NOS2 is a likely regulator of the inflammatory response in the immature human gut and may provide a mechanistic basis for the protective effect of EGF and the deleterious effects of INDO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Ferretti
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Eric Tremblay
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Thibault
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - David Grynspan
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Karolina M Burghardt
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marcos Bettolli
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Corentin Babakissa
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Emile Levy
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Nutrition, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jean-François Beaulieu
- Research Consortium on Child Intestinal Inflammation, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
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27
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Abstract
An underlying genetic predisposition to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is increasingly being recognized. Candidate gene or pathway approaches as well as genome-wide approaches are beginning to identify potential pathogenic variants for NEC in premature infants. However, a majority of these studies have not yielded definitive results because of limited sample size and lack of validation. Despite these challenges, understanding the contribution of genetic variation to NEC is important for providing new insights into the pathogenesis of NEC as well as allowing for targeted care of infants with inherent susceptibility. In this review we provide a summary of published genetic association studies in NEC along with defining the challenges and possible future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Cuna
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - Venkatesh Sampath
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.
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28
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Wieck MM, Schlieve CR, Thornton ME, Fowler KL, Isani M, Grant CN, Hilton AE, Hou X, Grubbs BH, Frey MR, Grikscheit TC. Prolonged Absence of Mechanoluminal Stimulation in Human Intestine Alters the Transcriptome and Intestinal Stem Cell Niche. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:367-388.e1. [PMID: 28462379 PMCID: PMC5403975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS For patients with short-bowel syndrome, intestinal adaptation is required to achieve enteral independence. Although adaptation has been studied extensively in animal models, little is known about this process in human intestine. We hypothesized that analysis of matched specimens with and without luminal flow could identify new potential therapeutic pathways. METHODS Fifteen paired human ileum samples were collected from children aged 2-20 months during ileostomy-reversal surgery after short-segment intestinal resection and diversion. The segment exposed to enteral feeding was denoted as fed, and the diverted segment was labeled as unfed. Morphometrics and cell differentiation were compared histologically. RNA Sequencing and Gene Ontology Enrichment Analysis identified over-represented and under-represented pathways. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot evaluated proteins of interest. Paired data were compared with 1-tailed Wilcoxon rank-sum tests with a P value less than .05 considered significant. RESULTS Unfed ileum contained shorter villi, shallower crypts, and fewer Paneth cells. Genes up-regulated by the absence of mechanoluminal stimulation were involved in digestion, metabolism, and transport. Messenger RNA expression of LGR5 was significantly higher in unfed intestine, accompanied by increased levels of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 protein, and CCND1 and C-MYC messenger RNA. However, decreased proliferation and fewer LGR5+, OLFM4+, and SOX9+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) were observed in unfed ileum. CONCLUSIONS Even with sufficient systemic caloric intake, human ileum responds to the chronic absence of mechanoluminal stimulation by up-regulating brush-border enzymes, transporters, structural genes, and ISC genes LGR5 and ASCL2. These data suggest that unfed intestine is primed to replenish the ISC population upon re-introduction of enteral feeding. Therefore, the elucidation of pathways involved in these processes may provide therapeutic targets for patients with intestinal failure. RNA sequencing data are available at Gene Expression Omnibus series GSE82147.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna M. Wieck
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher R. Schlieve
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew E. Thornton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kathryn L. Fowler
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mubina Isani
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christa N. Grant
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ashley E. Hilton
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiaogang Hou
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brendan H. Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mark R. Frey
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tracy C. Grikscheit
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Tracy C. Grikscheit, MD, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 W Sunset Boulevard, MS#100, Los Angeles, California 90027. fax: (323) 361-1546.The Saban Research InstituteChildren’s Hospital Los Angeles4650 W Sunset BoulevardMS#100Los AngelesCalifornia 90027
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29
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Abstract
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is an uncommon, but devastating intestinal inflammatory disease that predominantly affects preterm infants. NEC is sometimes dubbed the spectre of neonatal intensive care units, as its onset is insidiously non-specific, and once the disease manifests, the damage inflicted on the baby's intestine is already disastrous. Subsequent sepsis and multi-organ failure entail a mortality of up to 65%. Development of effective treatments for NEC has stagnated, largely because of our lack of understanding of NEC pathogenesis. It is clear, however, that NEC is driven by a profoundly dysregulated immune system. NEC is associated with local increases in pro-inflammatory mediators, e.g. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, nuclear factor-κB, tumour necrosis factor, platelet-activating factor (PAF), interleukin (IL)-18, interferon-gamma, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β. Deficiencies in counter-regulatory mechanisms, including IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), TLR9, PAF-acetylhydrolase, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)1&2, IL-10 and regulatory T cells likely facilitate a pro-inflammatory milieu in the NEC-afflicted intestine. There is insufficient evidence to conclude a predominance of an adaptive Th1-, Th2- or Th17-response in the disease. Our understanding of the accompanying regulation of systemic immunity remains poor; however, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-β1 show promise as biomarkers. Here, we chart the emerging immunological landscape that underpins NEC by reviewing the involvement and potential clinical implications of innate and adaptive immune mediators and their regulation in NEC.
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