FGF2 is overexpressed in asthma and promotes airway inflammation through the FGFR/MAPK/NF-κB pathway in airway epithelial cells

CEACAM5 exacerbates asthma by inducing ferroptosis and autophagy in airway epithelial cells through the JAK/STAT6-dependent pathway

OBJECTIVES

Asthma, a prevalent chronic disease, poses significant health threats and burdens healthcare systems. This study focused on the role of bronchial epithelial cells in asthma pathophysiology.

METHODS

Bioinformatics was used to identify key asthmarelated genes. An ovalbumin-sensitized mouse model and an IL-13-stimulated Beas-2B cell model were established for further investigation.

RESULTS

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) was identified as a crucial gene in asthma. CEACAM5 expression was elevated in asthmatic mouse lung tissues and IL-13-stimulated Beas-2B cells, primarily in bronchial epithelial cells. CEACAM5 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. Interfering with CEACAM5 reduced ROS, malondialdehyde levels, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, while inhibiting iron accumulation and autophagy. Overexpression of CEACAM5 in IL-13-stimulated cells activated the JAK/STAT6 pathway, which was necessary for CEACAM5-induced autophagy, ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

CEACAM5 promotes ferroptosis and autophagy in airway epithelial cells via the JAK/STAT6 pathway, exacerbating asthma symptoms. It represents a potential target for clinical treatment.

Jian'er Qiangshen Ointment Treating Bronchial Asthma by Inhibiting Lung Inflammation and Regulating Intestinal Microbiota

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Jian'er Qiangshen Ointment (JEQS) on asthma.

METHODS

Twenty-four BALB/c mice were randomly and equally divided into four groups: blank control, ovalbumin (OVA), OVA + dexamethasone (DXMS), and OVA + JEQS. Lung tissue sections were isolated for H&E and Masson staining, and inflammatory factor levels were measured. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS) was employed to analyze and identify blood components in mice following intragastric administration of JEQS extract. Network pharmacology analysis was subsequently utilized to predict the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of JEQS in asthma treatment. 16S rRNA sequencing was conducted to determine bacterial community composition and diversity.

RESULT

Animal experiments indicated that compared to the OVA group, the OVA + drug groups (DXMS and JEQS) exhibited milder asthma symptoms and significantly improved pathological changes. JEQS significantly reduced IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels in lung tissue.

CONCLUSION

Through network pharmacology and 16S rRNA sequencing, JEQS ointment was found to alleviate asthma-related inflammatory responses and improve asthma symptoms via multi-target mechanisms and modulation of intestinal microbiota. Network pharmacology revealed 28 effective components in JEQS for asthma treatment, with α-linolenic acid, 9-oxononanoic acid, inosine, linoleic acid, and amygdalin as primary active constituents. One hundred core targets were identified, including AKT1, IL-6, ALB, TNF, and MAPK3. 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated increased proportions of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria following JEQS treatment. Probiotics such as Clostridium, Escherichia, Bacteroides, and Candidatus Saccharimonas became dominant microbiota.

Omalizumab is ineffective in regulating proasthmatic serum cytokine and chemokine levels in nonresponders with high BMI

Background

Omalizumab provides clinical benefits to a fraction of patients with asthma. It remains unclear why some patients do not respond to omalizumab therapy.

Objective

We sought to investigate whether omalizumab could alter serum cytokine and chemokine levels that could be associated with asthma pathogenesis. We also investigated why omalizumab is ineffective in controlling proasthmatic serum cytokine and chemokine levels in nonresponders.

Methods

Serum cytokine and chemokine levels in patients with moderate to severe asthma (N = 45; 34 responders and 11 nonresponders) were assessed before and after 26 weeks of omalizumab therapy. Correlations between cytokine and chemokine levels and asthma symptoms as well as characteristics of responders and nonresponders were assessed. Nonasthmatic subjects (N = 22) served as controls for patients with asthma (N = 45).

Results

Omalizumab was more effective in patients with increased serum eotaxin-1 and IL-13 levels than in others at baseline. Omalizumab decreased eotaxin-1 and IL-13, along with levels of most of the cytokines and chemokines tested, including IL-7, CCL17, and CXCL10, in responders, except for CCL5 and CCL22, which can contribute to neutrophilic and type 2 airway inflammation, respectively. In contrast, omalizumab did not decrease such serum cytokine and chemokine levels in nonresponders. Of interest, serum CCL17, CCL22, CXCL10, and IL-7 levels in nonresponders were associated with their body mass index, which could explain why omalizumab was unable to reduce their concentrations in nonresponders.

Conclusions

Omalizumab can regulate most cytokine and chemokine levels in responders. However, in nonresponders, it is unable to modulate specific proasthmatic cytokines and chemokines due to their association with individual body mass index, which is not influenced by omalizumab.

High expression of ITGB3 ameliorates asthma by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transformation through suppressing the activation of NF-kB pathway

Integrin β3 (ITGB3) has been identified as an asthma-associated gene; however, its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical driver of airway remodeling in asthma, which underpins disease progression. This study aimed to elucidate the role of ITGB3 in asthma pathogenesis by investigating its regulation of EMT. Asthma models were established in vivo using C57BL/6 mice and in vitro with A549 cells, both exposed to house dust mite (HDM) extract. The effects of HDM and ITGB3 modulation on cellular viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) were assessed in cultured cells and murine lungs. EMT was evaluated via western blot analysis of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin expression. The NF-κB pathway was examined by quantifying phosphorylated p65 and IkBa levels. Lung tissue pathology and ITGB3 expression were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry. Results demonstrated that HDM exposure reduced A549 cell viability, increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, while promoting EMT. ITGB3 knockdown exacerbated these effects, whereas ITGB3 overexpression mitigated them. Furthermore, HDM activated the NF-κB pathway, an effect reversed by ITGB3 overexpression. In HDM-challenged cells, NF-κB activation via an agonist counteracted the protective effects of ITGB3 overexpression on apoptosis, inflammation, and EMT. Notably, ITGB3 overexpression suppressed inflammation, EMT, and pathological remodeling in asthmatic mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that ITGB3 exerts protective effects in asthma by inhibiting EMT through suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby identifying ITGB3 as a potential therapeutic target for asthma management.

Downregulation of tropomyosin 2 promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by regulating neutrophil infiltration through neutrophil elastase

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common malignant tumor in the lung that seriously endangers the health of people worldwide. The neutrophil-associated inflammatory microenvironment contributes to the activation of tumor cells. In this study, we report a role of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) promote tumor progression of LUAD by crosstalk between neutrophils and tumor cells. Mechanistically, in co-culture with tumor cells, downregulation of TPM2 on tumor cells increases neutrophil elastase (ELANE) levels in neutrophils regulated by p38/ MAPK signaling activation, and ELANE promotes tumor cell progression through the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of TPM2 activates ELANE of neutrophils to facilitate ERK1/2 activation, thus enhancing IL1β and IL8 secretion for chemoattraction of more neutrophils to tumor microenvironment. The new studies identify an accomplice role for the interaction between TPM2 and ELANE in promoting LUAD progression and provide potential strategies in the prevention and/or treatment of LUAD and other cancers.

Comprehensive sequencing of the lung neuroimmune landscape in response to asthmatic induction

Introduction

Evidence demonstrates that sensory neurons respond to pathogenic/allergic infiltration and mediate immune responses, forming an integral part of host defense that becomes hypersensitized during allergy. Our objective was to investigate how asthmatic induction alters the pulmonary neuroimmune transcriptome. We hypothesized that asthmatic induction would upregulate genes in the vagal ganglia (nodose/jugular ganglia), which would be associated with asthmatic immunity, and that these would be clustered, primarily in nodose neurons. Furthermore, lungs would increase transcripts associated with nerve activation, and these would be centered in neural and neuroendocrine-like cells.

Methods

Standard RNA sequencing, single nucleus-RNA sequencing, and spatial RNA sequencing of vagal ganglia. Standard RNA-sequencing and spatial RNA-sequencing of lungs in naïve and mice that have undergone asthmatic induction with Alternaria alternata.

Results

Bulk RNA-seq revealed that genes related to allergen sensing were increased in asthmatic ganglia nodose/jugular ganglia compared to control ganglia. These genes were associated with nodose clusters as shown by single-nucleus RNA sequencing, and a distinct caudal-to-rostral spatial arrangement was presented as delineated by spatial transcriptomics. The distinct clusters closely match previous identification of nodose neuron clusters. Correspondingly, the lung transcriptome was altered with asthmatic induction such that transcripts associated with neural excitation were upregulated. The spatial distribution of these transcripts was revealed by spatial transcriptomics to illustrate that these were expressed in neuroendocrine-like cells/club cells, and neurons.

Conclusions

These results show that the neuroimmune transcriptome is altered in response to asthmatic induction in a cell cluster and spatially distinct manner.

YAP as a potential therapeutic target for myofibroblast formation in asthma

Myofibroblasts accumulation contributes to airway remodeling, with the mechanisms being poorly understood. It is steroid-insensitive and has not been therapeutically targeted in asthma. In this study, we explored the potential of yes-associated protein (YAP) as a therapeutic target for myofibroblasts formation in asthma, by revealing the novel role and mechanisms by which YAP activation in type II alveolar epithelial (ATII) cells promotes the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in vitro and in vivo. By performing immunofluorescence staining, we showed that myofibroblasts were increased in the bronchial walls and alveolar parenchyma in clinical asthmatic and house dust mite (HDM)-induced mouse lung samples. This was accompanied by YAP overexpression and nuclear translocation in ATII cells, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) upregulation. In vitro, HDM or combination of rhIL-1β with rhTNF-α upregulated and activated YAP in human primary ATII cells and A549 cells, but not in the bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B. This effect was mediated by F-actin polymerization and could be suppressed by pretreatment with latrunculin A but not budesonide. Inhibition of YAP/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in A549 cells by pretreatment with YAP/TAZ siRNA or verteporfin, but not budesonide, impaired the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in vitro. In vivo, verteporfin partly or completely prevented HDM-induced bronchial or alveolar myofibroblast accumulation, and significantly suppressed CTGF expression and collagen deposition in mouse lungs, without profoundly affecting airway inflammation. Our results provide novel mechanistic insights into airway remodeling, and holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Chitooligosaccharides suppress airway inflammation, fibrosis, and mucus hypersecretion in a house dust mite-induced allergy model

Background

Respiratory allergy is a serious respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway tissue sclerosis. Disruption of the T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) immune systems by stimuli induced by house dust mites (HDM) and fine particulate matter leads to the secretion of various inflammatory cytokines, resulting in immune respiratory diseases characterized by airway inflammation. Chitooligosaccharides (COS) are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Human airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium containing COS at concentrations of 25-100 µg/ml for 24 h. No intracellular toxicity was observed up to 1,000 µg/ml. Cell experiments were conducted at COS concentrations below 100 µg/ml, while animal experiments were performed at concentrations below 100 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks. Samples of right lung tissue obtained from the experimental animals were used for gene and protein expression analysis, whereas samples of contralateral lung tissue were used for immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

COS regulated Th1 immunity by inhibiting major cytokines, including inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in BEAS-2B cells. In the HDM-induced allergic respiratory model, COS suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells around the airways and inhibited the mRNA expression of Th1 immune cytokines in lung tissues, while also reducing the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-related proteins. Furthermore, the results confirmed the suppression of the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood secreted by mast cells activated by HDM, which led to a reduction in allergic mucus hypersecretion and airway sclerosis.

Conclusion

In summary, COS are thought to improve airway resistance by alleviating inflammatory allergic respiratory diseases caused by HDM and are regarded as substances that regulate the balance of the Th1 and Th2 immune systems in epithelial cells affected by mucus hypersecretion.

Identification of TXN and F5 as novel diagnostic gene biomarkers of the severe asthma based on bioinformatics and machine learning analysis

Asthma poses a major threat to human health. The aim of this study was to identify genetic markers of severe asthma and analyze the relationship between key genes and immune infiltration. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were first screened by downloading the training set GSE69683 and validation set GSE137268 from the GEO dataset. SVM-RFE analysis and the LASSO regression model were used to screen key genes, and CIBERSORT was used to assess immune infiltration in the samples. A total of 20 DEGs were identified in this study, mainly enriched for lymph node-like receptors, b-cell receptors, and neutrophil extracellular trap pathway. Comparative validation set GSE137268 identified thioredoxin (TXN) and coagulation factor V (F5) were identified as diagnostic markers of severe asthma. CIBERSORT analysis revealed that TXN and F5 are associated with multiple immune cell infiltrates. In addition, we identified miRNA and TF at the transcriptional level that may regulate F5 and TXN, and found that several commonly used drugs may exert therapeutic effects by targeting F5 and TXN. Taken together, TXN and F5 may be key genes in the development of severe asthma and are associated with immune infiltration. Our study can help to better understand the pathogenesis of asthma and provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Innate players in Th2 and non-Th2 asthma: emerging roles for the epithelial cell, mast cell, and monocyte/macrophage network

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases and is characterized by airway inflammation, increased mucus production, and structural changes in the airways. Recently, there is increasing evidence that the disease is much more heterogeneous than expected, with several distinct asthma endotypes. Based on the specificity of T cells as the best-known driving force in airway inflammation, bronchial asthma is categorized into T helper cell 2 (Th2) and non-Th2 asthma. The most studied effector cells in Th2 asthma include T cells and eosinophils. In contrast to Th2 asthma, much less is known about the pathophysiology of non-Th2 asthma, which is often associated with treatment resistance. Besides T cells, the interaction of myeloid cells such as monocytes/macrophages and mast cells with the airway epithelium significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the underlying molecular regulation and particularly the specific relevance of this cellular network in certain asthma endotypes remain to be understood. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the regulation of and complex interplay between epithelial cells and the "nonclassical" innate effector cells mast cells and monocytes/macrophages in Th2 and non-Th2 asthma with the ultimate goal of providing the rationale for future research into targeted therapy regimens.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 enhances BMSC stemness through ITGA2-dependent PI3K/AKT pathway activation

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) are promising cellular reservoirs for treating degenerative diseases, tissue injuries, and immune system disorders. However, the stemness of BMSCs tends to decrease during in vitro cultivation, thereby restricting their efficacy in clinical applications. Consequently, investigating strategies that bolster the preservation of BMSC stemness and maximize therapeutic potential is necessary. Transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing methodologies were used to perform a comprehensive examination of BMSCs with the objective of substantiating the pivotal involvement of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and integrin alpha 2 (ITGA2) in stemness regulation. To investigate the impact of these genes on the BMSC stemness in vitro, experimental approaches involving loss and gain of function were implemented. These approaches encompassed the modulation of FGF2 and ITGA2 expression levels via small interfering RNA and overexpression plasmids. Furthermore, we examined their influence on the proliferation and differentiation capacities of BMSCs, along with the expression of stemness markers, including octamer-binding transcription factor 4, Nanog homeobox, and sex determining region Y-box 2. Transcriptomic analyzes successfully identified FGF2 and ITGA2 as pivotal genes responsible for regulating the stemness of BMSCs. Subsequent single-cell sequencing revealed that elevated FGF2 and ITGA2 expression levels within specific stem cell subpopulations are closely associated with stemness maintenance. Moreover, additional in vitro experiments have convincingly demonstrated that FGF2 effectively enhances the BMSC stemness by upregulating ITGA2 expression, a process mediated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. This conclusion was supported by the observed upregulation of stemness markers following the induction of FGF2 and ITGA2. Moreover, administration of the BEZ235 pathway inhibitor resulted in the repression of stemness transcription factors, suggesting the substantial involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway in stemness preservation facilitated by FGF2 and ITGA2. This study elucidates the involvement of FGF2 in augmenting BMSC stemness by modulating ITGA2 and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings offer valuable contributions to stem cell biology and emphasize the potential of manipulating FGF2 and ITGA2 to optimize BMSCs for therapeutic purposes.

Fraxin alleviates oral lichen planus by suppressing OCT3-mediated activation of FGF2/NF-κB pathway

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a carcinogenic chronic inflammatory oral disease, which lacks effective treatments. Fraxin is an active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Qin Pi, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, but its effect on OLP is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of fraxin on OLP and the underlying mechanism. Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCat) were incubated with fraxin (10, 20, or 40 µM) for 48 h and then treated with 10 µg/mL LPS for 24 h. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected. Next, the interaction between OCT3 and FGF2 was predicted by online database and verified by Co-IP analysis. Fraxin, Ad-OCT3, sh-OCT3, and sh-FGF2 were, respectively, applied to treat LPS-incubated HaCat cells, and cell viability, apoptosis, and secretion of inflammatory factors were detected with MTT, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays. Then, the involvement of OCT3 and FGF2 in the prevention of fraxin on HaCat cells from LPS-induced cell apoptosis and inflammation was investigated through multiple rescue experiments. In addition, OLP models were constructed in VDR-/- mice and NOD/SCID mice by injecting with human OLP pathological tissue homogenates to verify the therapeutic effect of fraxin on OLP. Fraxin treatment increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis and the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. OCT3 was significantly upregulated in oral mucosa tissues of OLP mice. OCT3 silencing inhibited LPS-induced cell apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory factors. Fraxin incubation reduced the expression of OCT3, and OCT3 interacted with FGF2 to upregulate FGF2 protein. FGF2 silencing reduced the expression of p-p65/NF-κB protein and improved LPS-induced cell apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory factors. OCT3 overexpression increased the expression of FGF2 and p-p65/NF-κB proteins, rh-FGF2 aggravated this effect, while FGF2-Neu-Ab reversed this effect. The results of in vivo experiments showed that fraxin alleviated cell apoptosis and inflammation in oral buccal mucosa tissues of OLP mice. Fraxin inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation by suppressing OCT3-mediated activation of the FGF2/NF-κB pathway, alleviating the progression of OLP.

TRIM11 Prevents Ferroptosis in model of asthma by UBE2N-TAX1BP1 signaling

Asthma is a complex chronic respiratory inflammatory disease affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, our study explored the influence of TRIM11 on asthma and its underlying mechanisms. Our research involved patients diagnosed with asthma and healthy volunteers recruited from our hospital. We observed a reduction in serum TRIM11 expression in asthma patients, which positively correlated with the levels of anti-IgE or IgE. Additionally, both TRIM11 mRNA and protein expression in lung tissue were diminished. The introduction of the TRIM11 gene resulted in a reduction in inflammation in an in vitro asthma model and prevented the development of asthma in a mouse model. Moreover, the TRIM11 gene exhibited a suppressive effect on Ferroptosis and mitigated ROS-induced mitochondrial damage in the asthma model. TRIM11 was found to stimulate UBE2N-TAX1BP1 signaling in the asthma model, with UBE2N being identified as the specific target for TRIM11's effects on Ferroptosis. Furthermore, TRIM11 protein interacted with UBE2N protein and facilitated the dissociation of UBE2N-UBE2N in the asthma model. In conclusion, TRIM11 plays a vital role in preventing Ferroptosis in the asthma model through UBE2N-TAX1BP1 signaling. This indicates that targeting the TRIM11 mechanism could serve as a promising strategy for anti-Ferroptosis immunotherapy in asthma treatment.

FUNDC1 mediated mitochondria-dependent ferroptosis of epithelial cells in model of asthma by FBXL2/ar/GPX4 signaling pathway of SUMO1 at K136

This study aimed to explore the critical role of FUNDC1 on epithelial cells in model of asthma. Patients with asthma and normal healthy volunteers were obtained from our hospital. The serum of FUNDC1 mRNA expression was down-regulated in patients with asthma. Meanwhile, the serum of FUNDC1 mRNA expression was positive correlation with IgE and anti-HDM IgE protein. FUNDC1 expression in lung tissue of mice model was decreased in mice model of asthma. Sh-FUNDC1 enhanced asthma in mice model of asthma. FUNDC1 up-regulation reduced IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 activity levels in vitro model of asthma.FUNDC1 down-regulation promoted IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 activity levels in vitro model of asthma. FUNDC1 reduced ferroptosis of epithelial cells in model of asthma through the inhibition of mitochondrial damage. FUNDC1 induced FBXL2 and AR protein expression in model of asthma. FUNDC1 interlinked with FBXL2 is modified by SUMO1 at K136. FBXL2, ASN-205, GLN-204, ARG-235, and GLN-237 form hydrogen bonds with FUNDC1's ASP-15, ASP-16, GLU-25, and ARG-29, with lengths of 2.3, 3.1, 2.9, 2.3, and 2.9 Å, respectively. The induction of FBXL2 reduced the effects of Sh-FUNDC1 on asthma in mice model of asthma. The inhibition of AR reduced the effects of Sh-FUNDC1 on asthma in mice model of asthma Overall, FUNDC1 prevents ferroptosis of airway epithelial cells of asthma through FBXL2/AR/GPX4 signaling pathway of SUMO1 at K136. FUNDC1 might benefit the treatment of asthma or other pulmonary disease.

FGF receptors mediate cellular senescence in the cystic fibrosis airway epithelium

The number of adults living with cystic fibrosis (CF) has already increased significantly because of drastic improvements in life expectancy attributable to advances in treatment, including the development of highly effective modulator therapy. Chronic airway inflammation in CF contributes to morbidity and mortality, and aging processes like inflammaging and cell senescence influence CF pathology. Our results show that single-cell RNA sequencing data, human primary bronchial epithelial cells from non-CF and CF donors, a CF bronchial epithelial cell line, and Cftr-knockout (Cftr-/-) rats all demonstrated increased cell senescence markers in the CF bronchial epithelium. This was associated with upregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38. Inhibition of FGFRs, specifically FGFR4 and to some extent FGFR1, attenuated cell senescence and improved mucociliary clearance, which was associated with MAPK p38 signaling. Mucociliary dysfunction could also be improved using a combination of senolytics in a CF ex vivo model. In summary, FGFR/MAPK p38 signaling contributes to cell senescence in CF airways, which is associated with impaired mucociliary clearance. Therefore, attenuation of cell senescence in the CF airways might be a future therapeutic strategy improving mucociliary dysfunction and lung disease in an aging population with CF.

Nintedanib Mitigates Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Suppressing Epithelial Cell Inflammatory Response and Inhibiting Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) represents a serious complication observed in individuals undergoing thoracic radiation therapy. Currently, effective interventions for RIPF are unavailable. Prior research has demonstrated that nintedanib, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-fibrotic agent for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, exerts therapeutic effects on chronic fibrosing interstitial lung disease. This research aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic influences of nintedanib on RIPF and reveal the fundamental mechanisms. To assess its therapeutic impact, a mouse model of RIPF was established. The process involved nintedanib administration at various time points, both prior to and following thoracic radiation. In the RIPF mouse model, an assessment was conducted on survival rates, body weight, computed tomography features, histological parameters, and changes in gene expression. In vitro experiments were performed to discover the mechanism underlying the therapeutic impact of nintedanib on RIPF. Treatment with nintedanib, administered either two days prior or four weeks after thoracic radiation, significantly alleviated lung pathological changes, suppressed collagen deposition, and improved the overall health status of the mice. Additionally, nintedanib demonstrated significant mitigation of radiation-induced inflammatory responses in epithelial cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, nintedanib substantially inhibited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. These findings suggest that nintedanib exerts preventive and therapeutic effects on RIPF by modulating multiple targets instead of a single anti-fibrotic pathway and encourage the further clinical trials to determine the efficacy of nintedanib in patients with RIPF.

Microglia Autophagy Mediated by TMEM166 Promotes Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Carotid Artery Stenosis

Ischemic stroke can be a serious complication of selective carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS). The underlying risk factors and mechanisms of these postoperative strokes are not completely understood. Our previous study showed that TMEM166-induced neuronal autophagy is involved in the development of secondary brain injury following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. This current study aimed to investigate the role of TMEM166 in ischemic stroke following CEA. In the clinical part of this study, the quantitative analysis demonstrated circulating TMEM166, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly elevated in patients who suffered an ischemic stroke after CEA compared to those who did not. Furthermore, non-survivors exhibited higher levels of these proteins than survivors. In the preclinical part of this study, a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was implemented following CAS simulation in TMEM166-/- mice. We found TMEM166 expression was positively correlated with the degree of ischemic brain injury. Ad5-TMEM166 transfection aggravated ischemic brain injury by inducing microglial autophagy activation and release of inflammatory cytokines. Accordingly, TMEM166 deficiency reduced brain inflammation and inhibited excessive microglial autophagy through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. These findings suggest that TMEM166 may play a key role in the development of ischemic injury after CEA and may serve as a biomarker for risk assessment of postoperative ischemic stroke.

Natural products and derivatives in renal, urothelial and testicular cancers: Targeting signaling pathways and therapeutic potential

BACKGROUND

Natural products have demonstrated significant potential in cancer drug discovery, particularly in renal cancer (RCa), urothelial carcinoma (UC), and testicular cancer (TC).

PURPOSE

This review aims to examine the effects of natural products on RCa, UC and TC.

STUDY DESIGN

systematic review METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science databases were retrieved to search studies about the effects of natural products and derivatives on these cancers. Relevant publications in the reference list of enrolled studies were also checked.

RESULTS

This review highlighted their diverse impacts on key aspects such as cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis, therapy response, and the immune microenvironment. Natural products not only hold promise for novel drug development but also enhance the efficacy of existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Importantly, we exert their effects through modulation of critical pathways and target genes, including the PI3K/AKT pathway, NF-κB pathway, STAT pathway and MAPK pathway, among others in RCa, UC, and TC.

CONCLUSION

These mechanistic insights provide valuable guidance for researchers, facilitating the selection of promising natural products for cancer management and offering potential avenues for further gene regulation studies in the context of cancer treatment.

Persistent DNA Methylation Changes across the First Year of Life and Prenatal NO2 Exposure in a Canadian Prospective Birth Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that prenatal air pollution exposure alters DNA methylation (DNAm), which could go on to affect long-term health. It remains unclear whether DNAm alterations present at birth persist through early life. Identifying persistent DNAm changes would provide greater insight into the molecular mechanisms contributing to the association of prenatal air pollution exposure with atopic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated DNAm differences associated with prenatal nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) exposure (a surrogate measure of traffic-related air pollution) at birth and 1 y of age and examined their role in atopic disease. We focused on regions showing persistent DNAm differences from birth to 1 y of age and regions uniquely associated with postnatal NO 2 exposure.

METHODS

Microarrays measured DNAm at birth and at 1 y of age for an atopy-enriched subset of Canadian Health Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study participants. Individual and regional DNAm differences associated with prenatal NO 2 (n = 128 ) were identified, and their persistence at age 1 y were investigated using linear mixed effects models (n = 124 ). Postnatal-specific DNAm differences (n = 125 ) were isolated, and their association with NO 2 in the first year of life was examined. Causal mediation investigated whether DNAm differences mediated associations between NO 2 and age 1 y atopy or wheeze. Analyses were repeated using biological sex-stratified data.

RESULTS

At birth (n = 128 ), 18 regions of DNAm were associated with NO 2 , with several annotated to HOX genes. Some of these regions were specifically identified in males (n = 73 ), but not females (n = 55 ). The effect of prenatal NO 2 across CpGs within altered regions persisted at 1 y of age. No significant mediation effects were identified. Sex-stratified analyses identified postnatal-specific DNAm alterations.

DISCUSSION

Regional cord blood DNAm differences associated with prenatal NO 2 persisted through at least the first year of life in CHILD participants. Some differences may represent sex-specific alterations, but replication in larger cohorts is needed. The early postnatal period remained a sensitive window to DNAm perturbations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13034.

Dectin-1 aggravates neutrophil inflammation through caspase-11/4-mediated macrophage pyroptosis in asthma

BACKGROUND

The pattern recognition receptor Dectin-1 was initially discovered to play a pivotal role in mediating pulmonary antifungal immunity and promoting neutrophil-driven inflammation. Recent studies have revealed that Dectin-1 is overexpressed in asthma, but the specific mechanism remains elusive. Additionally, Dectin-1 has been implicated in promoting pyroptosis, a hallmark of severe asthma airway inflammation. Nevertheless, the involvement of the non-classical pyroptosis signal caspase-11/4 and its upstream regulatory mechanisms in asthma has not been completely explored.

METHODS

House dust mite (HDM)-induced mice was treated with Dectin-1 agonist Curdlan, Dectin-1 inhibitor Laminarin, and caspase-11 inhibitor wedelolactone separately. Subsequently, inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein expression of caspase-11 and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Cell pyroptosis and the expression of chemokine were detected in vitro. The correlation between Dectin-1 expression, pyroptosis factors and neutrophils in the induced sputum of asthma patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

Curdlan appeared to exacerbate neutrophil airway inflammation in asthmatic mice, whereas wedelolactone effectively alleviated airway inflammation aggravated by Curdlan. Moreover, Curdlan enhanced the release of caspase-11 activation fragments and N-terminal fragments of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) stimulated by HDM both in vivo or in vitro. In mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S cells), Curdlan/HDM stimulation resulted in vacuolar degeneration and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. In addition, there was an upregulation of neutrophil chemokines CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5 and their receptor CXCR2, which was suppressed by wedelolactone. In asthma patients, a positive correlation was observed between the expression of Dectin-1 on macrophages and caspase-4 (the human homology of caspase-11), and the proportion of neutrophils in induced sputum.

CONCLUSION

Dectin-1 activation in asthma induced caspase-11/4 mediated macrophage pyroptosis, which subsequently stimulated the secretion of chemokines, leading to the exacerbation of airway neutrophil inflammation.

NF-κB in biology and targeted therapy: new insights and translational implications

NF-κB signaling has been discovered for nearly 40 years. Initially, NF-κB signaling was identified as a pivotal pathway in mediating inflammatory responses. However, with extensive and in-depth investigations, researchers have discovered that its role can be expanded to a variety of signaling mechanisms, biological processes, human diseases, and treatment options. In this review, we first scrutinize the research process of NF-κB signaling, and summarize the composition, activation, and regulatory mechanism of NF-κB signaling. We investigate the interaction of NF-κB signaling with other important pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, JAK-STAT, TGF-β, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and TLR signaling. The physiological and pathological states of NF-κB signaling, as well as its intricate involvement in inflammation, immune regulation, and tumor microenvironment, are also explicated. Additionally, we illustrate how NF-κB signaling is involved in a variety of human diseases, including cancers, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and COVID-19. Further, we discuss the therapeutic approaches targeting NF-κB signaling, including IKK inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, proteasome inhibitors, nuclear translocation inhibitors, DNA binding inhibitors, TKIs, non-coding RNAs, immunotherapy, and CAR-T. Finally, we provide an outlook for research in the field of NF-κB signaling. We hope to present a stereoscopic, comprehensive NF-κB signaling that will inform future research and clinical practice.

Interplay of IL-33 and IL-35 Modulates Th2/Th17 Responses in Cigarette Smoke Exposure HDM-Induced Asthma

Cigarette smoke (CS) facilitates adverse effects on the airway inflammation and treatment of asthma. Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which CS exacerbates asthma. The roles of IL-33 and IL-35 in asthma development were examined by treatment with IL-33 knockout (IL-33 KO) or transfection of adenovirus encoding IL-35 (Ad-IL-35) in a murine model of cigarette smoke-exposure asthma. Furthermore, the involvement of IL-33 and IL-35 in regulating DCs and Th2/Th17 cells was examined in a coculture system of DCs with CD4+ T cells. Additionally, we observed the effect of CpG-ODNs on the balance of IL-33 and IL-35. We show that CS and house dust mite (HDM) exposure induced IL-33 and suppressed IL-35 levels in cigarette smoke-exposure asthma in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with IL-33 KO or Ad-IL-35 significantly attenuated airway hyperreactivity, goblet hyperplasia, airway remodelling, and eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration in the lung tissues from asthmatic mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated reciprocal regulation between CS and HDM-modulated IL-33 and IL-35. Mechanistically, IL-33 KO (or anti-ST2) and Ad-IL-35 attenuated Th2- and Th17-associated inflammation by downregulating TSLP-DC signalling. Finally, administration of CpG-ODNs suppressed the expression of IL-33/ST2 and elevated the levels of IL-35, which is mainly derived from CD4+Foxp+ Tregs, to alleviate Th2- and Th17-associated inflammation by inhibiting the activation of BMDCs. Taken together, the IL-33/ST2 pathway drives the DC-Th2 and Th17 responses of cigarette smoke-exposure asthma, while IL-35 has the opposite effect. CpG-ODNs represent a potential therapeutic strategy for modulating the balance of IL-33 and IL-35 to suppress allergic airway inflammation.

Network pharmacology and transcriptomics to determine Danggui Yifei Decoction mechanism of action for the treatment of chronic lung injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Several children with pneumonia (especially severe cases) have symptoms of cough and expectoration during the recovery stage after standard symptomatic treatment, which eventually results in chronic lung injury. Danggui yifei Decoction (DGYFD), a traditional Chinese formula, has shown clinical promise for the treatment of chronic lung injury during the recovery stage of pneumonia, however, its mechanism of action is yet to be deciphered.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of DGYFD for the treatment of chronic lung injury by integrating network pharmacology and transcriptomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were used to establish the chronic lung injury mouse model by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pathological analysis of lung tissue, lung injury histological score, lung index, protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), immunohistochemical staining, blood rheology, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress levels were used to evaluate the pharmacological effects of DGYFD. Chemical components of DGYFD were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Integrated network pharmacology together with transcriptomics was used to predict potential biological targets. Western blot analysis was used to verify the results.

RESULTS

In this study, we demonstrated that DGYFD could improve lung injury pathological changes, decreases lung index, down-regulate NO and IL-6 levels, and regulate blood rheology. In addition, DGYFD was able to reduce the protein levels in BALF, up-regulate the expression levels of occludin and ZO-1, improve the ultrastructure of lung tissues, and reverse the imbalance of AT I and AT II cells to repair the alveolar-capillary permeability barrier. Twenty-nine active ingredients of DGYFD and 389 potential targets were identified by UPLC-MS/MS and network pharmacology, and 64 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using transcriptomics. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the MAPK pathway may be the molecular target. Further, we found that DGYFD inhibits phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and JNK in chronic lung injury mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

DGYFD could regulate the imbalance between the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, repair the alveolar-capillary permeability barrier and improve the pathological changes during chronic lung injury by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.

Genetic Polymorphisms of GP1BA, PEAR1, and PAI-1 may be Associated with Serum sIgE and Blood Eosinophil Levels in Chinese Patients with Allergic Diseases

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that genetic factors may be substantially linked to allergy disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the serum specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE), blood eosinophil, and the polymorphisms of glycoprotein Ib alpha gene (GP1BA) rs6065, platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 gene (PEAR1) rs12041331, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene (PAI-1) rs1799762.

METHODS

From the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, this study enrolled 60 healthy participants and 283 participants with allergic diseases. TaqMan-minor groove binder (MGB) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to examine the gene polymorphisms in each group.

RESULTS

The TaqMan-MGB qPCR results were completely consistent with the DNA sequencing results, according to other studies in this medical center (Kappa =1, p <0.001). The GP1BA rs6065, PEAR1 rs12041331, and PAI-1 rs1799762 polymorphisms did not show different distribution between allergy patients and healthy individuals. Concerning allergy patients, the CT (n=33) genotype of GP1BA rs6065 had higher blood eosinophil level than the CC (n=250) genotype (0.59, IQR 0.32-0.72 vs 0.31, IQR 0.15-0.61, *109/L, p =0.005). The serum sIgE of AA (n=46) genotype of PEAR1 rs12041331 was lower (median 3.7, interquartile quartiles (IQR) 0.2-16.8, kU/L) than the GA (n=136) and GG (n=101) genotypes (GA median 16.3, IQR 3.1-46.3, kU/L, p = 0.002; GG median 12.9, IQR 3.0-46.9, kU/L, p =0.003). The GA genotypes of PEAR1 rs12041331were with higher blood eosinophil levels (median 0.42, IQR 0.17-0.74 *109/L) than the AA genotype (median 0.25, IQR 0.15-0.41*109/L, p =0.012). The sIgE of the 5G5G (n=44) genotype of PAI-1 rs1799762 was lower (median 5.0, IQR 0.1-22.8, kU/L) than the 4G5G (n=144) (median 17.3, IQR 3.7-46.0, kU/L, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The GP1BA rs6065, PEAR1 rs12041331, and PAI-1 rs1799762 polymorphisms may be associated with the genetic susceptibility of serum sIgE or blood eosinophil in Chinese allergic disease patients.

Clinical Efficacy of Ulinastatin Combined with Azithromycin in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia in Children and the Effects on Inflammatory Cytokines and Oxidative Stress: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ulinastatin (UTI) and azithromycin (AZM) combination therapy in treating severe pneumonia in children and its impact on inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2021, involving pediatric patients diagnosed with severe mycoplasma pneumonia (SMPP). The pediatric patients were divided into two groups: those receiving UTI and AZM combination therapy (treatment group) and those receiving azithromycin alone (control group). We compared the two groups regarding clinical data, disease outcomes, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress levels.

Results

Baseline characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. UTI, in combination with AZM, significantly improved blood oxygen levels, inflammatory infection markers, and relevant clinical symptoms in patients with SMPP on the 3rd day of treatment. Additionally, it significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10, as well as oxidative stress markers GSH and SOD.

Conclusion

Combining UTI and AZM can rapidly alleviate clinical symptoms and effectively control the progression of patients with SMPP. Therefore, this treatment approach deserves consideration for clinical promotion and utilization.

MG53 alleviates airway inflammatory responses by regulating nuclear factor-κB pathway in asthmatic mice

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a common lung disease with increasing incidence and prevalence globally, thereby imposing a substantial global health and economic burden. Recently, studies have shown that Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) exhibits multiple biological functions and plays a protective role in a variety of diseases. However, the role of MG53 in asthma remained unknown; hence, in the present study we aimed to explore the functioning of MG53 in asthma.

METHODS

Using ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide adjuvant, an OVA-induced asthmatic animal model was constructed and administered with MG53. After establishing mice model, inflammatory cell counts and the levels of type 2 inflammatory cytokines were examined and histological staining of lung tissues were performed. The levels of key factors associated with the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway were detected.

RESULTS

Asthmatic mice displayed a remarkable accumulation of white blood cells, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, compared to control mice. MG53 treatment lowered the number of these inflammatory cells in asthmatic mice. The level of type 2 cytokines in asthmatic mice was higher than that in control mice, and was lessened by MG53 intervention. In asthmatic mice, airway resistance was elevated, which was reduced by MG53 treatment. In addition, inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion were aggravated in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice, and both were attenuated by MG53 intervention. The levels of phosphorylated p65 and phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase were elevated in asthmatic mice, but were downregulated by MG53 supplement.

CONCLUSION

The aggravated airway inflammation was observed in asthmatic mice; however, MG53 treatment suppressed airway inflammation by targeting the NF-κB pathway.

Protective Effects of Platycodin D3 on Airway Remodeling and Inflammation via Modulating MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Asthma Mice

Background

Asthma is a disease with airway hyperresponsive and airway inflammation. Platycodin D is a triterpenoid saponin extracted from Platycodon grandiflorus root, which has various pharmacological activities. The study mainly explored the effects of platycodin D3 (PD₃) in airway remodeling and inflammation of asthma.

Methods

The ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mice were given PD3 (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg) in different groups. The asthma mice administrated with dexamethasone (DXM) were enrolled as the positive control group, and the normal control mice and asthma model mice separately received the same volume of saline. Mouse airway lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and total airway resistance (RL) were measured by the EMKA animal lung function analysis system. The inflammation factor levels were estimated by ELISA. Histopathological changes were tested by HE and PAS staining. The protein and phosphorylation levels of NF-κBp65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 were detected by Western blot.

Results

In asthmatic mice, PD3 enhanced the airway Cdyn and decreased RL to improve the airway hyperreactivity and alleviated the pathological injury of lung tissues. In addition, PD3 could reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in BALF and suppress the levels of eotaxin, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and IgE. Furthermore, PD3 treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2 proteins in asthma mice.

Conclusion

PD3 treatment alleviated the airway remodeling and inflammation in asthmatic mice, which might be related to downregulating the phosphorylated proteins in the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Exosomal miR-221-3p Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Asthma Progression by Targeting FGF2 and Inhibiting the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

Exosomes derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play potential protective roles in asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms remain not fully elucidated. Herein, exosomes were isolated from BMSCs, and the morphology, particle size, and exosome marker proteins were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blot, respectively. Then airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to construct a proliferation model and then incubated with BMSCs-derived exosomes. We found that exosome incubation increased miR-221-3p expression and inhibited proliferation, migration, and the levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including fibronectin and collagen III. Moreover, FGF2 was identified as a target gene of miR-221-3p. FGF2 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of exosomal miR-221-3p on ASMC progression. Besides, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is inhibited by exosomal miR-221-3p, which was reversed by FGF2 overexpression. And ERK1/2 signaling activator reversed the effects of exosomal miR-221-3p on ASMC progression. Additionally, an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice model was established, and exosome treatment alleviated airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), histopathological damage, and ECM deposition in asthmatic mice. Taken together, our findings indicated that exosomal miR-221-3p derived from BMSCs inhibited FGF2 expression and the ERK1/2 signaling, thus attenuating proliferation, migration, and ECM deposition in ASMCs and alleviating asthma progression in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. Our findings may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for asthma.