NF-kappa B activation correlates with disease phenotype in Crohn's disease

Novel immune cross-talk between inflammatory bowel disease and IgA nephropathy

The mechanisms underlying the complex correlation between immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the optimal cross-talk genes, potential pathways, and mutual immune-infiltrating microenvironments between IBD and IgAN to elucidate the linkage between patients with IBD and IgAN. The IgAN and IBD datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Three algorithms, CIBERSORTx, ssGSEA, and xCell, were used to evaluate the similarities in the infiltrating microenvironment between the two diseases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was implemented in the IBD dataset to identify the major immune infiltration modules, and the Boruta algorithm, RFE algorithm, and LASSO regression were applied to filter the cross-talk genes. Next, multiple machine learning models were applied to confirm the optimal cross-talk genes. Finally, the relevant findings were validated using histology and immunohistochemistry analysis of IBD mice. Immune infiltration analysis showed no significant differences between IBD and IgAN samples in most immune cells. The three algorithms identified 10 diagnostic genes, MAPK3, NFKB1, FDX1, EPHX2, SYNPO, KDF1, METTL7A, RIDA, HSDL2, and RIPK2; FDX1 and NFKB1 were enhanced in the kidney of IBD mice. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed 15 mutual pathways between the two diseases, with lipid metabolism playing a vital role in the cross-talk. Our findings offer insights into the shared immune mechanisms of IgAN and IBD. These common pathways, diagnostic cross-talk genes, and cell-mediated abnormal immunity may inform further experimental studies.

Expression of Circulating let-7e and miR-126 May Predict Clinical Remission in Patients With Crohn's Disease Treated With Anti-TNF-α Biologics

BACKGROUND

The identification of new biomarkers predictive of response to antitumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) monoclonal antibodies remains an unmet medical need in Crohn's disease (CD) because a high percentage of patients show no clinical improvement after treatment or can lose response over time. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate inflammatory and immunological responses and were found to play a role in CD.

METHODS

Baseline serum samples from 37 CD patients previously treated with infliximab or adalimumab, as per clinical practice, were obtained from the serum library at the Gastroenterology Unit of the University Hospital of Pisa, Italy. Patients were categorized as responders or nonresponders based on the following treatment outcomes: clinical remission at weeks 14 and 54 and endoscopic remission at week 54. The expression levels of a panel of selected miRNAs were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Comparisons of miRNA expression between responders and nonresponders and statistical analyses were performed by MedCalc and GraphPad Prism software. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were calculated to evaluate the predictive performance of potential biomarkers.

RESULTS

Patients in clinical remission at week 14 had a lower let-7e expression, whereas those in clinical remission at week 54 had lower levels of circulating miR-126 than nonresponders. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified optimal cutoff values with assay sensitivity and specificity of 92.9% and 61.1%, for let-7e, and 62.5% and 83.3%, for miR-126, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence that expression levels of circulating let-7e and miR-126 at baseline may predict clinical remission in CD patients treated with anti-TNF-α biologics.

Inference of differential gene regulatory networks using boosted differential trees

Summary

Diseases can be caused by molecular perturbations that induce specific changes in regulatory interactions and their coordinated expression, also referred to as network rewiring. However, the detection of complex changes in regulatory connections remains a challenging task and would benefit from the development of novel nonparametric approaches. We develop a new ensemble method called BoostDiff (boosted differential regression trees) to infer a differential network discriminating between two conditions. BoostDiff builds an adaptively boosted (AdaBoost) ensemble of differential trees with respect to a target condition. To build the differential trees, we propose differential variance improvement as a novel splitting criterion. Variable importance measures derived from the resulting models are used to reflect changes in gene expression predictability and to build the output differential networks. BoostDiff outperforms existing differential network methods on simulated data evaluated in four different complexity settings. We then demonstrate the power of our approach when applied to real transcriptomics data in COVID-19, Crohn's disease, breast cancer, prostate adenocarcinoma, and stress response in Bacillus subtilis. BoostDiff identifies context-specific networks that are enriched with genes of known disease-relevant pathways and complements standard differential expression analyses.

Availability and implementation

BoostDiff is available at https://github.com/scibiome/boostdiff_inference.

Effects of polyphenolic maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of mast cells in a mouse model of Crohn's disease-like colitis

Introduction

Crohn's disease (CD) involves activation of mast cells (MC) and NF-кB in parallel with the PPAR-α/NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β pathway in the inflamed colon. Whether polyphenols from maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) represent a natural alternative treatment for CD is unclear. Therefore, we used an animal model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis to investigate protective effects of maqui extract through monitoring NLRP3 inflammasome and MC activation in colon tissue.

Methods

Maqui extract was administered via orogastric route to mice after (post-Treatment group) or prior (pre-Treatment group) to TNBS-induction. Colon pathology was characterized by histoarchitectural imaging, disease activity index (DAI), and assessing NF-кB, p-NF-кB, PPAR-α/NLRP3 expression and IL-1β levels.

Results

Compared to mice treated with TNBS alone administration of anthocyanin-rich maqui extract improved the DAI, colon histoarchitecture and reduced both colon wet-weight and transmural inflammation. Induction with TNBS significantly increased colonic NLPR3 inflammasome activation, while co-treatment with maqui extract (either post- or pre-Treatment) significantly downregulated NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 levels, which manifested as reduced colonic IL-1β levels. Supplemented maqui extract marginally diminished NF-кB activity in epithelial cells but reached statistical significance in immune cells (as judged by decreased NF-кB phosphorylation). PPAR-α signaling was largely unaffected by Maqui whereas MC infiltration into the colon mucosa and submucosa decreased and their level of degranulation was suppressed.

Conclusion

These outcomes show the post- and pre- Treatment effect of a polyphenolic extract rich in anthocyanins from maqui the acute phase of TNBS- induced CD-like colitis is linked to suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced MC responses. These data indicate that maqui extract represents a potential nutraceutical for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Potential roles of enteric glial cells in Crohn's disease: A critical review

Enteric glial cells in the enteric nervous system are critical for the regulation of gastrointestinal homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests two-way communication between enteric glial cells and both enteric neurons and immune cells. These interactions may be important in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic relapsing disease characterized by a dysregulated immune response. Structural abnormalities in glial cells have been identified in CD. Furthermore, classical inflammatory pathways associated with CD (e.g., the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway) function in enteric glial cells. However, the specific mechanisms by which enteric glial cells contribute to CD have not been summarized in detail. In this review, we describe the possible roles of enteric glial cells in the pathogenesis of CD, including the roles of glia-immune interactions, neuronal modulation, neural plasticity, and barrier integrity. Additionally, the implications for the development of therapeutic strategies for CD based on enteric glial cell-mediated pathogenic processes are discussed.

"Alphabet" Selenoproteins: Implications in Pathology

Selenoproteins are a group of proteins containing selenium in the form of selenocysteine (Sec, U) as the 21st amino acid coded in the genetic code. Their synthesis depends on dietary selenium uptake and a common set of cofactors. Selenoproteins accomplish diverse roles in the body and cell processes by acting, for example, as antioxidants, modulators of the immune function, and detoxification agents for heavy metals, other xenobiotics, and key compounds in thyroid hormone metabolism. Although the functions of all this protein family are still unknown, several disorders in their structure, activity, or expression have been described by researchers. They concluded that selenium or cofactors deficiency, on the one hand, or the polymorphism in selenoproteins genes and synthesis, on the other hand, are involved in a large variety of pathological conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, muscular, oncological, hepatic, endocrine, immuno-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the specific roles of selenoproteins named after letters of the alphabet in medicine, which are less known than the rest, regarding their implications in the pathological processes of several prevalent diseases and disease prevention.

S-palmitoylation regulates innate immune signaling pathways: molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies

S-palmitoylation is a reversible posttranslational lipid modification that targets cysteine residues of proteins and plays critical roles in regulating the biological processes of substrate proteins. The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense against pathogenic invaders and participates in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Emerging studies have uncovered the functions of S-palmitoylation in modulating innate immune responses. In this review, we focus on the reversible palmitoylation of innate immune signaling proteins, with particular emphasis on its roles in the regulation of protein localization, protein stability, and protein-protein interactions. We also highlight the potential and challenge of developing therapies that target S-palmitoylation or de-palmitoylation for various diseases.

Effect of Dietary Patterns on Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Machine Learning Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

AIMS

This study aimed to analyze the related research on the influence of dietary patterns on IBD carried out over the past 30 years to obtain the context of the research field and to provide a scientific basis and guidance for the prevention and treatment of IBD.

METHODS

The literature on the effects of dietary patterns on inflammatory bowel disease published over the past three decades was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, the R software (version 4.3.0) bibliometrix package, the OALM platform, and other tools were used for the analyses.

RESULTS

The growth of scientific papers related to this topic can be divided into two stages: before and after 2006. Overall, the growth of the relevant literature was in line with Price's literature growth curve. Subrata Ghosh and Antonio Gasbarrini are the authors with the highest academic influence in the field, and Lee D.'s research results are widely recognized by researchers in this field. Among the 72 countries involved in the study, the United States contributed the most, while China developed rapidly with regard to research being carried out in this area. From a regional perspective, countries and institutions in North America, Europe, and East Asia have made the most significant contributions to this field and have the closest cooperation. Among the 1074 articles included in the study, the most influential ones tended to consider the mechanism of the effect of dietary patterns on IBD from the perspective of the microbiome. Multiple tools were used for keyword analysis and mutual verification. The results showed that NF-κB, the Mediterranean diet, fatty acids, fecal microbiota, etc., are the focus and trends of current research.

CONCLUSIONS

A Mediterranean-like dietary pattern may be a good dietary habit for IBD patients. Carbohydrates, fatty acids, and inulin-type fructans are closely related to IBD. Fatty acid, gut microbiota, NF-κB, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress are the hot topics in the study of the effects of dietary patterns on IBD and will be emerging research trends.

Pharmacogenetic Analysis of the MIR146A rs2910164 and MIR155 rs767649 Polymorphisms and Response to Anti-TNF Treatment in Patients with Crohn's Disease and Psoriasis

The clinical heterogeneity regarding the response profile of the antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and psoriasis (PsO) is attributed, amongst others, to genetic factors that influence the regulatory mechanisms which orchestrate the inflammatory response. Here, we investigated the possible associations between the MIR146A rs2910164 and MIR155 rs767649 variants and the response to anti-TNF therapy in a Greek cohort of 103 CD and 100 PsO patients. We genotyped 103 CD patients and 100 PsO patients via the PCR-RFLP method, utilizing the de novo formation of a restriction site for the SacI enzyme considering the MIR146A rs2910164, while Tsp45I was employed for the MIR155 rs767649 variant. Additionally, we investigated the potential functional role of the rs767649 variant, exploring in silico the alteration of transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) mapped on its genomic location. Our single-SNP analysis displayed a significant association between the rare rs767649 A allele and response to therapy (Bonferroni-corrected p value = 0.012) in patients with PsO, a result further enhanced by the alteration in the IRF2 TFBS caused by the above allele. Our results highlight the protective role of the rare rs767649 A allele in the clinical remission of PsO, implying its utilization as a pharmacogenetic biomarker.

Phytochemicals and Regulation of NF-kB in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: An Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Effects

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic relapsing idiopathic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. They are mainly represented by two forms, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBD can be associated with the activation of nuclear factors, such as nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), leading to increased transcription of pro-inflammatory mediators that result in diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, and many extra-intestinal manifestations. Phytochemicals can interfere with many inflammation targets, including NF-kB pathways. Thus, this review aimed to investigate the effects of different phytochemicals in the NF-kB pathways in vitro and in vivo models of IBD. Fifty-six phytochemicals were included in this study, such as curcumin, resveratrol, kaempferol, sesamol, pinocembrin, astragalin, oxyberberine, berberine hydrochloride, botulin, taxifolin, naringin, thymol, isobavachalcone, lancemaside A, aesculin, tetrandrine, Ginsenoside Rk3, mangiferin, diosgenin, theanine, tryptanthrin, lycopene, gyngerol, alantolactone, mangostin, ophiopogonin D, fisetin, sinomenine, piperine, oxymatrine, euphol, artesunate, galangin, and nobiletin. The main observed effects related to NF-kB pathways were reductions in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and augmented occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1, and IL-10 expression levels. Moreover, phytochemicals can improve weight loss, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding in IBD. Therefore, phytochemicals can constitute a powerful treatment option for IBD in humans.

Insights into diet-associated oxidative pathomechanisms in inflammatory bowel disease and protective effects of functional amino acids

There has been a substantial rise in the incidence and prevalence of clinical patients presenting with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Accumulating evidence has corroborated the view that dietary factors (particularly diets with high levels of saturated fat or sugar) are involved in the development and progression of IBD, which is predominately associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species. Notably, the ecological imbalance of the gut microbiome exacerbates oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, leading to perturbations of the intestinal redox balance and immunity, as well as mucosal integrity. Recent findings have revealed that functional amino acids, including L-glutamine, glycine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-tryptophan, and hydroxyproline, are effectively implicated in the maintenance of intestinal redox and immune homeostasis. These amino acids and their metabolites have oxygen free-radical scavenging and inflammation-relieving properties, and they participate in modulation of the microbial community and the metabolites in the gut. The principal focus of this article is a review of recent advances in the oxidative pathomechanisms of IBD development and progression in relation to dietary factors, with a particular emphasis on the redox and signal transduction mechanisms of host cells in response to unbalanced diets and enterobacteria. In addition, an update on current understanding of the protective effects of functional amino acids against IBD, together with the underlying mechanisms for this protection, have been provided.

The dichotomous outcomes of TNFα signaling in CD4+ T cells

TNFa blocking agents were the first-in-class biologic drugs used for the treatment of autoimmune disease. Paradoxically, however, exacerbation of autoimmunity was observed in some patients. TNFa is a pleiotropic cytokine that has both proinflammatory and regulatory effects on CD4+ T cells and can influence the adaptive immune response against autoantigens. Here, we critically appraise the literature and discuss the intricacies of TNFa signaling that may explain the controversial findings of previous studies. The pleiotropism of TNFa is based in part on the existence of two biologically active forms of TNFa, soluble and membrane-bound, with different affinities for two distinct TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, leading to activation of diverse downstream molecular pathways involved in cell fate decisions and immune function. Distinct membrane expression patterns of TNF receptors by CD4+ T cell subsets and their preferential binding of distinct forms of TNFα produced by a diverse pool of cellular sources during different stages of an immune response are important determinants of the differential outcomes of TNFa-TNF receptor signaling. Targeted manipulation of TNFa-TNF receptor signaling on select CD4+ T cell subsets may offer specific therapeutic interventions to dampen inflammation while fortifying immune regulation for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Palmitoylation in Crohn’s disease: Current status and future directions

S-palmitoylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications in nature; however, its importance has been overlooked for decades. Crohn’s disease (CD), a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation involving the entire gastrointestinal tract. Bowel damage and subsequent disabilities caused by CD are a growing global health issue. Well-acknowledged risk factors for CD include genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, such as a westernized lifestyle, and altered gut microbiota. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disorder are not yet comprehensively understood. With the rapidly increasing global prevalence of CD and the evident role of S-palmitoylation in CD, as recently reported, there is a need to investigate the relationship between CD and S-palmitoylation. In this review, we summarize the concept, detection, and function of S-palmitoylation as well as its potential effects on CD, and provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CD.

Trace Element Selenium Effectively Alleviates Intestinal Diseases

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in the body. It is mainly used in the body in the form of selenoproteins and has a variety of biological functions. Intestinal diseases caused by chronic inflammation are among the most important threats to human health, and there is no complete cure at present. Due to its excellent antioxidant function, Se has been proven to be effective in alleviating intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Therefore, this paper introduces the role of Se and selenoproteins in the intestinal tract and the mechanism of their involvement in the mediation of intestinal diseases. In addition, it introduces the advantages and disadvantages of nano-Se as a new Se preparation and traditional Se supplement in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases, so as to provide a reference for the further exploration of the interaction between selenium and intestinal health.

Centipeda minima Extract Attenuates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis in Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation and Monocyte Chemotaxis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is characterized by courses of relapse and remission, and remains incurable. Although multiple factors are related to the pathogenesis of IBD, disruption of intestinal mucosa homeostasis has been proposed to be a major contributor to IBD, and abnormal activation of immune cells is key for initiation of the inflammatory response. Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in the intestine. Once activated, they are responsible for secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to attract circulating monocytes to inflammatory sites, exacerbating the inflammatory response, and leading to tissue damage. Therefore, the suppression of activated macrophages, cytokine/chemokine production, and subsequent monocyte chemotaxis possesses great potential for the treatment of IBD. In our study, we have demonstrated the inhibitory effect of Centipeda minima total extract (CME) on the activation of NF-κB, STAT3, and MAPK signaling in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, we identified the significant suppressive effect of CME on CCL8 expression in activated macrophages, which potentially contributed to inhibition of monocyte chemotaxis. In the DSS-induced acute colitis mouse model, we have demonstrated the suppressive effect of CME on intestinal macrophage infiltration and its ameliorative effect in IBD. Altogether, we have provided evidence of the therapeutic effect of CME in IBD and the potential of CME for the treatment of IBD.

Study of the Possible Alleviated Role of Atorvastatin on Irinotecan-Induced Lingual Mucosal Damage: Histological and Molecular Study

BACKGROUND

Oral mucositis is the most debilitating and troublesome adverse effect of irinotecan (CPT-11) treatment. It adversely affects the patient quality of life. The aim of this work was to study the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular changes in the oral mucosa by CPT-11 and the possible alleviated role of atorvastatin.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into control, CPT-11-treated group, and CPT-11+ atorvastatin-treated group. At the end of the experiment, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue was dissected out and divided into two parts: one part for light microscopic examination and the second for molecular study.

RESULTS

CPT-11-treated group revealed loss of normal mucosal organization, areas of ulceration and inflammation, and loss of architecture of lingual papillae. A significant decrease in immunohistochemical and molecular gene expression of Ki-67 and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 levels was observed. A significant increase in NF-κB immunohistochemical and mRNA gene expression level and a nonsignificant increase in Nrf2 gene expression were detected. Coadministration of atorvastatin showed remarkable improvement in the histopathological picture with a significant increase in Ki-67 and Bcl-2, a significant decrease in NF-κB protein and gene expression, and a significant increase in Nrf2 gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Atorvastatin substantially attenuates CPT-11-induced oral mucositis through the initiation of the antiapoptotic gene, modulation of the inflammatory, and antioxidant gene expression.

Mapping Transcriptome Data to Protein-Protein Interaction Networks of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Reveals Disease-Specific Subnetworks

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the common name for chronic disorders associated with the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals and has a significant number of incidences worldwide. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two distinct types of IBD. While involvement in ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon, Crohn’s disease may involve the whole gastrointestinal tract. Although these two disorders differ in macroscopic inflammation patterns, they share various molecular pathogenesis, yet the diagnosis can remain unclear, and it is important to reveal their molecular signatures in the network level. Improved molecular understanding may reveal disease type-specific and even individual-specific targets. To this aim, we determine the subnetworks specific to UC and CD by mapping transcriptome data to protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks using two different approaches [KeyPathwayMiner (KPM) and stringApp] and perform the functional enrichment analysis of the resulting disease type-specific subnetworks. TP63 was identified as the hub gene in the UC-specific subnet and p63 tumor protein, being in the same family as p53 and p73, has been studied in literature for the risk associated with colorectal cancer and IBD. APP was identified as the hub gene in the CD-specific subnet, and it has an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This relation suggests that some similar genetic factors may be effective in both AD and CD. Last, in order to understand the biological meaning of these disease-specific subnets, they were functionally enriched. It is important to note that chemokines—special types of cytokines—and antibacterial response are important in UC-specific subnets, whereas cytokines and antimicrobial responses as well as cancer-related pathways are important in CD-specific subnets. Overall, these findings reveal the differences between IBD subtypes at the molecular level and can facilitate diagnosis for UC and CD as well as provide potential molecular targets that are specific to disease subtypes.

An epithelial Nfkb2 pathway exacerbates intestinal inflammation by supplementing latent RelA dimers to the canonical NF-κB module

Aberrant inflammation, such as that associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is fueled by the inordinate activity of RelA/NF-κB factors. As such, the canonical NF-κB module mediates controlled nuclear activation of RelA dimers from the latent cytoplasmic complexes. What provokes pathological RelA activity in the colitogenic gut remains unclear. The noncanonical NF-κB pathway typically promotes immune organogenesis involving Nfkb2 gene products. Because NF-κB pathways are intertwined, we asked whether noncanonical signaling aggravated inflammatory RelA activity. Our investigation revealed frequent engagement of the noncanonical pathway in human IBD. In a mouse model of experimental colitis, we established that Nfkb2-mediated regulations escalated the RelA-driven proinflammatory gene response in intestinal epithelial cells, exacerbating the infiltration of inflammatory cells and colon pathologies. Our mechanistic studies clarified that cell-autonomous Nfkb2 signaling supplemented latent NF-κB dimers, leading to a hyperactive canonical RelA response in the inflamed colon. In sum, the regulation of latent NF-κB dimers appears to link noncanonical Nfkb2 signaling to RelA-driven inflammatory pathologies and may provide for therapeutic targets.

Probiogenomics of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis CIDCA 133: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis CIDCA 133 (CIDCA 133) has been reported as a potential probiotic strain, presenting immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the possible genes and molecular mechanism involved with a probiotic profile of CIDCA 133 through a genomic approach associated with in vitro and in vivo analysis. Genomic analysis corroborates the species identification carried out by the classical microbiological method. Phenotypic assays demonstrated that the CIDCA 133 strain could survive acidic, osmotic, and thermic stresses. In addition, this strain shows antibacterial activity against Salmonella Typhimurium and presents immunostimulatory properties capable of upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines Il10 and Tgfb1 gene expression through inhibition of Nfkb1 gene expression. These reported effects can be associated with secreted, membrane/exposed to the surface and cytoplasmic proteins, and bacteriocins-encoding genes predicted in silico. Furthermore, our results showed the genes and the possible mechanisms used by CIDCA 133 to produce their beneficial host effects and highlight its use as a probiotic microorganism.

Complexation with Random Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin and (2-Hidroxypropyl)-β-Cyclodextrin Enhances In Vivo Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Chrysin via the Inhibition of NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathways and Modulation of Hepatic Pro/Anti-Fibrotic miRNA

Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavonoid with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotection, but poor water solubility. By including water-soluble hydroxypropyl (HPBCD) and randomly methylated (RAMEB) β-cyclodextrin, we aimed to increase its biodisponibility and the effectiveness of the antifibrotic effects of chrysin at oral administration. Liver fibrosis in mice was induced in 7 weeks by CCl₄ i.p. administration, and afterwards treated with 50 mg/kg of CHR-HPBCD, CHR-RAMEB, and free chrysin. CCl₄ administration increased hepatic inflammation (which was augmented by the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and induced fibrosis, as determined using histopathology and electron microscopy. These results were also confirmed by the upregulation of Collagen I (Col I) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, which led to extracellular fibrotic matrix proliferation. Moreover, the immunopositivity of alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) in the CCl₄ group was evidence of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. The main profibrotic pathway was activated, as confirmed by an increase in the transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3 expression, while Smad 7 expression was decreased. Treatment with CHR–HPBCD and CHR–RAMEB considerably reduced liver injury, attenuated inflammation, and decreased extracellular liver collagen deposits. CHR–RAMEB was determined to be the most active antifibrotic complex. We conclude that both nanocomplexes exert anti-inflammatory effects and antifibrotic effects in a considerably stronger manner than for free chrysin administration.

Circulating Leptin Levels as a Potential Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is important for designing an effective therapeutic regimen. However, without any adequate gold standard method for differential diagnosis currently, therapeutic design remains a major challenge in clinical practice. In this context, recent studies have showed that circulating leptin stands out as a potential biomarker for the categorization of IBDs. Thus, we aimed to summarize the current understanding of the prognostic and diagnostic value of serum leptin in patients with IBDs.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Articles that aimed to study the relationship between circulating levels of leptin and IBDs were included. Finally, the meta-analysis was performed with the mean serum leptin levels in patients with IBDs and healthy controls using RevMan 5.3 software, with I2 > 50% as a criterion for substantial heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included. Serum leptin levels among patients with IBDs and healthy controls did not show a significant difference (95% CI, -2.15 to 0.57; I2, 86%, P ≤ 0.00001). Similarly, there was no association of leptin levels with the activity of IBDs (95% CI, -0.24 to 0.06; I2, 50%; P = 0.13). However, serum leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with CD than those in patients with UC (95% CI, -2.09 to -0.37; I2, 7%; P ≤ 0.36).

CONCLUSION

This review suggested that serum leptin levels might be a promising biomarker to help in the differentiation between CD and UC.

Posttranslational modifications as therapeutic targets for intestinal disorders

A variety of biological processes are regulated by posttranslational modifications. Posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and proteolytic cleavage, control diverse physiological functions in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, a better understanding of their implications in intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer would provide a basis for the identification of novel biomarkers as well as attractive therapeutic targets. Posttranslational modifications can be common denominators, as well as distinct biomarkers, characterizing pathological differences of various intestinal diseases. This review provides experimental evidence that identifies changes in posttranslational modifications from patient samples, primary cells, or cell lines in intestinal disorders, and a summary of carefully selected information on the use of pharmacological modulators of protein modifications as therapeutic options.

Anti-MAP Triple Therapy Supports Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Response in Crohn's Disease through Downregulation of NF-κB Activation in the Absence of MAP Detection

We previously reported that the triple antibiotic formulation, known as anti-MAP therapy, exhibits unique synergistic antimicrobial activity and should be effective for treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) associated with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). The absence of MAP detection in some CD cases may be linked to poor diagnostics or lack of association with the disease. To understand the therapeutic response of some CD patients to anti-MAP therapy in absence of MAP detection, we investigated the immunomodulatory potency of anti-MAP therapy and its major ingredients, clarithromycin (CLA) and rifabutin (RIF), in THP-1, Caco-2, and Jurkat T-cells. Anti-MAP formulation at 2.0 μg/mL decreased MAP viability in macrophages by 18-fold over 72 h. Additionally, M1/M2 macrophage polarization ratio was reduced by 6.7-fold, and expression and protein levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced by 2.9-fold, whereas IL-10 increased by 5.0-fold in these cells. Mechanistically, the effect of anti-MAP formulation on NF-κB p65 activation was dose-dependent and decreased to 13.4% at 2.0 μg/mL. Most importantly, anti-MAP therapy also reversed pro-inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages, which shows that the anti-inflammatory effect of the treatment is not just due to a decrease in MAP viability. To study the anti-cytotoxic effects of anti-MAP therapy in Caco-2 monolayers infected with MAP or treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), we showed a 45% decrease in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an 84% increase in glutathione (GSH) activity, which supports anti-apoptotic activity of the drug. In Jurkat T-cells, anti-MAP therapy decreased T-cell proliferation by 4.8-fold following treatment with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and by 2.9-fold with MAP purified protein derivative (PPD). Overall, the data demonstrate that anti-MAP therapy plays a significant role in modulating and eliciting a protective immune response in macrophages, endothelial cells, and T lymphocytes, even in absence of infection. This may explain the therapeutic response of some CD patients to treatment, even in absence of MAP detection, infection, or total eradication. The study supports anti-MAP therapy as an alternate treatment option in CD patients, especially in absence of reliable MAP diagnostics.

Inherited variant in NFκB-1 promoter is associated with increased risk of IBD in an Algerian population and modulates SOX9 binding

BACKGROUND

The link between inflammation and cancer development was intensively studied in the last decade. To date, few studies explored the association between inflammatory genes and colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

AIM

The present study aimed to evaluate the implication of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs28362491 ins/del -94 ATTG in NFκB1, rs6920220 (G/A) in TNFAIP3, and rs419598 (C/T) in IL1RN, which play a role in inflammation regulation in CRC development.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A case-control study was conducted on an Algerian cohort of 358 subjects (147 healthy people, 89 individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], and 122 CRC patients enrolled at the University Hospital Center Ben Badis of Constantine). SNPs genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination TaqMan assay. The rs28362491 ins/del heterozygous genotype in NFκB1 conferred an increased risk of IBD compared with ins/ins homozygous genotype, with an increase of twofold (OR = 2.34 [1.29-4.21]; 95% CI, 1.29-4.21, P value = 0.004). No significant association was detected for the other two variants. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System performed in LoVo cells showed a significantly higher activity of the construct with ins allele of rs28362491 compared with the one harboring the del allele. Computational analysis nominated SOX9 as putative transcription factor (TF) with higher probability to bind the NFκB1 promoter at the SNP site, and we demonstrated in the in vitro assay that its overexpression modulates NFκB1 promoter activity in allele-specific manner.

CONCLUSION

We speculate that SOX9 may modulate the NFκB1 activity by binding its promoter at the SNP site in allelic specific manner.

The Close Interplay of Nitro-Oxidative Stress, Advanced Glycation end Products and Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) exhibits no defined aetiology. However, factors such as genetic and nitro-oxidative stress are associated with chronic inflammation and IBD progression to Colorectal Cancer (CRC). The present review discusses the association of nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and Advanced Glycation End products (AGE) and their corresponding receptor (RAGE) in IBD and examines the connection between these factors and nuclear factors, such as Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), factorerythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and p53 Mutant (p53M).

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases using a combination of the following terms: IBD, CRC, oxidative stress, inflammation, NF-κB, Nrf2, p53M, AGE and RAGE.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress and inflammation activated two cellular pathways, the nuclear expression of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant and pro-oncogenic genes based on NF-κB and p53M, which is associated with NF-κB activation, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and the expression of pro-oncogenic genes. Nrf2 stimulates the nuclear expression of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems and anti-inflammatory genes, and is inhibited by chronic oxidative stress, NF-κB and p53M. AGE/RAGE are involved in inflammation progression because RAGE polymorphisms and increased RAGE levels are found in IBD patients. Alterations of these pathways in combination with oxidative damage are responsible for IBD symptoms and the progression to CRC.

CONCLUSION

IBD is an inflammatory and nitro-oxidative stress-based bowel disease. Achieving a molecular understanding of the biochemical events and their complicated interactions will impact basic and applied research, animal models, and clinical trials.

Transmural Histological Scoring Systems in Crohn's Disease: A Systematic Review With Assessment of Methodological Quality and Operating Properties

BACKGROUND

The relative proportion of inflammation and fibrosis in a stricture is highly relevant in defining the clinical approach for Crohn's disease [CD] patients. Whereas transmural inflammation in CD can be accurately estimated by cross-sectional imaging, evaluating the extent and severity of fibrosis still requires surgical pathology of intestinal resection specimens. This study systematically reviewed all existing transmural histopathological scoring systems developed for the assessment of inflammation and/or fibrosis in CD.

METHODS

A systematic review of histopathological scoring systems for the assessment of transmural inflammation and/or fibrosis in CD, focusing on originally developed scoring systems. Risk of bias, methodological quality, and operating or psychometric properties [validity, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility] of each histological scoring system were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 29 original scoring systems were included in this review. Three scoring systems were highlighted as the most widely reproduced, one aimed at assessing inflammation only and two aimed at assessing inflammation and fibrosis. These scores were more widely reproduced probably due to their ease of application in clinical studies. Two highly comprehensive scores were identified, showing good operating properties and high methodological quality, as well as the lowest risk of bias; these should, therefore, be further validated in clinical research studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reviewed all existing transmural histopathological scoring systems for the assessment of inflammation and/or fibrosis in CD and identified the most reliable and accurate scores for clinical research and clinical practice settings.

Elucidation of colon-protective efficacy of diosgenin in experimental TNBS-induced colitis: inhibition of NF-κB/IkB-α and Bax/Caspase-1 signaling pathways

The aim of present investigation was to elucidate the unrevealed beneficial role of diosgenin against an experimental model of TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesufonic acid)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Colitis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intrarectal administration of TNBS (in 50% ethanol). Then animals were treated with diosgenin (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) for 14 days. Various biochemical, behavioral, molecular, and histological analysis was performed. Diosgenin significantly decreased (p < 0.05) TNBS-induced elevated colonic oxido-nitrosative damage, myeloperoxidase, hydroxyproline, mRNA expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ) and inflammatory markers (iNOs and COX-2) induced by TNBS. Western blot analysis relevated that TNBS-induced up-regulated protein expressions of NF-κB, IκBα, Bax, and Caspase-1 were markedly decreased (p < 0.05) by diosgenin treatment. It also markedly ameliorated the histological insults induced in the colon by TNBS. In conclusion, diosgenin exerts its colon-protective efficacy probably through the inhibition of NF-κB/IkB-α and Bax/Caspase-1 signaling pathways to experimental TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis.

ABBREVIATIONS

ANOVA: Analysis of variance; 5-ASA: 5-aminosalicylic acid; Bax: Bcl-2-associated X protein; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; DAI: Disease Activity Index; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; GAPDH: Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GSH: Glutathione; HP: Hydroxyproline; IAEC: International Animal Ethics Committee; IBD: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; IBS: Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome; IL's: Interleukin's; IFN-γ: Interferon-gamma; IκBα: nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-alpha; iNOs: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; LTB4: Leukotriene B4; MDA: Malondialdehyde; MPO: Myeloperoxidase; NO: Nitric Oxide; NF-κB: Nuclear Factor-κB; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; SOD: Superoxide Dismutase; TNBS: Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α.

PACT-mediated PKR activation acts as a hyperosmotic stress intensity sensor weakening osmoadaptation and enhancing inflammation

The inability of cells to adapt to increased environmental tonicity can lead to inflammatory gene expression and pathogenesis. The Rel family of transcription factors TonEBP and NF-κB p65 play critical roles in the switch from osmoadaptive homeostasis to inflammation, respectively. Here we identified PACT-mediated PKR kinase activation as a marker of the termination of adaptation and initiation of inflammation in Mus musculus embryonic fibroblasts. We found that high stress-induced PACT-PKR activation inhibits the interaction between NF-κB c-Rel and TonEBP essential for the increased expression of TonEBP-dependent osmoprotective genes. This resulted in enhanced formation of TonEBP/NF-κB p65 complexes and enhanced proinflammatory gene expression. These data demonstrate a novel role of c-Rel in the adaptive response to hyperosmotic stress, which is inhibited via a PACT/PKR-dependent dimer redistribution of the Rel family transcription factors. Our results suggest that inhibiting PACT-PKR signaling may prove a novel target for alleviating stress-induced inflammatory diseases.

Therapeutic effects of combination of platelet lysate and sulfasalazine administration in TNBS-induced colitis in rat

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and idiopathic disease with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Current therapeutic approaches in IBD have several limitations such as, harmful side effects and high price for biologic drugs. It sounds that finding of an effective, safe and inexpensive strategy to overcome IBD is critical. Platelet derivatives, as biological pool of wide range of growth factors and cytokines, are widely used in regenerative medicine for treatment of soft and hard tissue lesions. We sought to determine whether platelet lysate (PL) alone or in combination with sulfasalazine (reference drug) can be a valuable strategy for overcoming IBD. In the present study, we investigated and compared the daily and alternate-day administration of PL alone or combined with sulfasalazine for treating colitis in a rat model of IBD. Histological damage scores of TNBS-induced colitis were reduced by co-administration of every alternate day PL and sulfasalazine. Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 were decreased and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were increased after treatment with PL compared to that in the TNBS group. Furthermore, combined treatment with PL and sulfasalazine decreased apoptosis and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, the combined administration of PL with conventional IBD therapy is able to effectively ameliorate IBD through modulation of inflammatory status.

Piperine, a functional food alkaloid, exhibits inhibitory potential against TNBS-induced colitis via the inhibition of IκB-α/NF-κB and induces tight junction protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1) signaling pathway in experimental mice

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic immunoinflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Piperine, an alkaloid, has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antiulcer potential.

AIM

To elucidate the plausible mechanisms of action of piperine on experimental trinitrobenzenesufonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis by assessing various biochemical, molecular, histological, and ultrastructural modifications.

METHODS

Colitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats via intrarectal instillation of TNBS. Then, the rats were treated with piperine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days.

RESULTS

TNBS induced significant (p < 0.05) colonic damage, which was assessed by disease activity index, macroscopic score, and stool consistency. The administration of piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) these damages. Treatments with piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) notably inhibited (p < 0.05) the TNBS-induced elevation of oxido-nitrosative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide), 5-hydroxytryptamine, and hydroxyproline content in the colon. Furthermore, colonic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were upregulated after TNBS instillation and piperine (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) these elevated mRNA expressions. TNBS decreased the expressions of tight junction (TJ) protein (claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)) and increased the expressions of proapoptotic (caspase-1) protein. These expressions were markedly inhibited (p < 0.05) by piperine treatment. Histological and ultrastructural studies of transmission electron microscopy suggested that piperine significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) TNBS-induced colonic aberrations.

CONCLUSION

Piperine ameliorated the progression of TNBS-induced colitis by modulating the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-alpha/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, thus inhibiting the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL's), COX-2, iNOs, oxido-nitrosative stress, and proapoptotic proteins (caspase-1) that may improve the expression of TJ protein (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1).

Cytokine Genetic Variants and Health-Related Quality of Life in Crohn's Disease: An Exploratory Study

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition that has deleterious effects on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors contribute to variability in HRQoL; however, the influence of genetic variations related to altered inflammatory responses in individuals with CD is unknown. This exploratory study compared HRQoL scores across genotypes of functional genetic polymorphisms in cytokine candidate genes among individuals with CD.

METHOD

This study used data and blood samples collected in a parent study in 39 patients with CD aged 15-30 years. Participant reports of HRQoL were collected using the Shortened Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ). Genetic data were collected for 18 functional polymorphisms in eight cytokine candidate genes. SIBDQ scores were compared among genotypes using one-way, between-subjects analysis of variance.

RESULTS

SIBDQ scores differed across genotypes as follows: for IL-1R2 rs4141134 scores differed for total SIBDQ (p = .004) and systemic (p = .011), emotion (p = .038), and social domains (p = .025); for IL-10 rs1878672, scores differed for total SIBDQ (p = .031) and social domain (p = .008); for NFKB2 rs1056890, scores differed for social domain (p = .041); for TNF-α rs1800629, scores differed for total SIBDQ (p = .001) and bowel (p = .026), systemic (p = .014), and social domains (p = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings on differences in SIBDQ scores across functional genetic polymorphisms in cytokine genes suggest potential mechanisms that contribute to variability in HRQoL in adolescents and young adults with CD.

Neutrophil GM-CSF signaling in inflammatory bowel disease patients is influenced by non-coding genetic variants

Neutrophil dysfunction and GM-CSF auto-antibodies are observed in pediatric and adult patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). We associated damaging coding variants with low GM-CSF induced STAT5 stimulation index (GMSI) in pediatric CD patients and implicated variation of neutrophil GM-CSF signaling in cell function and disease complications. Because many CD patients with low GMSI do not carry damaging coding mutations, we sought to test the hypothesis that non-coding variants contribute to this phenotype. We enrolled, performed whole genome sequencing, and measured the GMSI in 77 CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (24 low and 53 normal GMSI). We identified 4 non-coding variants (rs3808851, rs10974787, rs10974788 and rs10974789) in RCL1 significantly associated with variation of GMSI level (p < 0.011). They were validated in two independent cohorts with: RNAseq data (n = 50) and blood eQTL dataset (n = 31,684). These variants are in LD and affect expression of JAK2 (p 0.005 to 0.013), RCL1 (p 8.17E-13 to 2.98E-11) and AK3 (p 2.00E-68 to 3.03E-55) genes. Additionally, they influence proteins involved in differentiation of gut epithelium, inflammation, and immune system regulation. In summary, our study outlines the contribution of non-coding variants in neutrophil GM-CSF signaling and the potential importance of RCL1 and AK3 in CD pathogenesis.

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Alleviates AflatoxinB₁-Induced Immunotoxicity and Oxidative Stress via Modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways in Broilers

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a widely spread mycotoxin contaminates food and feed, causing severe oxidative stress damages and immunotoxicity. Grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSPE), a natural antioxidant with wide range of pharmacological and medicinal properties. The goal of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of GSPE against AFB₁-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative stress via NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in broiler chickens. For the experiment, 240 one-day old Cobb chicks were allocated into four dietary treatment groups of six replicates (10 birds per replicate): 1. Basal diet (control); 2. Basal diet + AFB₁ 1mg/kg contaminated corn (AFB₁); 3. Basal diet + GSPE 250 mg/kg (GSPE); 4. Basal diet + AFB₁ 1 mg/kg + GSPE 250 mg/kg (AFB₁ + GSPE). The results showed that GSPE significantly decreased serum inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-6 induced by AFB₁. Similarly, GSPE + AFB₁ treated group revealed a significant decrease in mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6) in the splenic tissue compared to the AFB₁ treatment group. In addition, western blotting results manifested that GSPE treatment normalized the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (p65) and the degradation of IκBα protein induced by AFB₁. Furthermore, GSPE enhanced the antioxidant defense system through activating the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathway. The mRNA and protein expression level of Nrf2 and its down streaming associated genes were noted up-regulated by the addition of GSPE, and down-regulated in the AFB₁ group. Taken together, GSPE alleviates AFB₁-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative damage by inhibiting the NF-κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathways in broiler chickens. Conclusively, our results suggest that GSPE could be considered as a potential natural agent for the prevention of AFB₁-induced immunotoxicity and oxidative damage.

Anti-Colitic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Persea americana Mill. through Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators via NF-κB/STAT3 Inactivation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mice

Persea americana Mill, cv. Hass, also known as avocado, has been reported to possess hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, cardioprotective, and photoprotective potencies. However, few studies have reported its anti-colitic effects. In this study, we investigated anti-colitic effects of ethanol extract of P. americana (EEP) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitic mice and the involved molecular mechanisms. EEP effectively improved clinical signs and histological characteristics of DSS-induced colitis mice. In DSS-exposed colonic tissues, EEP reduced expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Moreover, EEP suppressed DSS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Consistent with in vivo results, EEP also suppressed protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB and STAT3 inactivation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Taken together, our data indicate that ethanol extract of avocado may be used as a promising therapeutic against inflammatory bowel diseases by suppressing the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathway.

Selenium and Selenoproteins in Gut Inflammation-A Review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by severe flares and remissions, is a debilitating condition. While the etiology is unknown, many immune cells, such as macrophages, T cells and innate lymphoid cells, are implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Previous studies have shown the ability of micronutrient selenium (Se) and selenoproteins to impact inflammatory signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. In particular, two transcription factors, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ, which are involved in the activation of immune cells, and are also implicated in various stages of inflammation and resolution, respectively, are impacted by Se status. Available therapies for IBD produce detrimental side effects, resulting in the need for alternative therapies. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of NF-κB and PPARγ in the activation of immune cells during IBD, and how Se and selenoproteins modulate effective resolution of inflammation to be considered as a promising alternative to treat IBD.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Regulatory Actions of Naja naja atra Venom

Naja naja atra venom (NNAV) is composed of various proteins, peptides, and enzymes with different biological and pharmacological functions. A number of previous studies have reported that NNAV exerts potent analgesic effects on various animal models of pain. The clinical studies using whole venom or active components have confirmed that NNAV is an effective and safe medicine for treatment of chronic pain. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that NNAV has anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory actions in vitro and in vivo. In this review article, we summarize recent studies of NNAV and its components on inflammation and immunity. The main new findings in NNAV research show that it may enhance innate and humoral immune responses while suppressing T lymphocytes-mediated cellular immunity, thus suggesting that NNAV and its active components may have therapeutic values in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Regulation of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B Cells (NF-κβ) in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing both Crohn Disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are globally prevalent diseases, impacting children of all ages. The hallmark of IBD is a perturbed immune system that leads to continuous inflammation in the gut and challenges optimal treatment. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κβ), a nuclear transcription factor, plays a major role in gut homeostasis and contributes significantly toward a balanced, homeostatic immune system. Dysregulation in the NF-κβ pathway and factors that regulate it lead to a state of uncontrolled inflammation and altered immunity, as typically observed in IBD. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines that are regulated through NF-κβ are increased in both CD and UC. Genes known to activate NF-κβ, such as, Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) and Interleukin 23 (IL-23), are associated with IBD. Factors involved in inhibition of NF-κβ, such as A20 and TOLLIP, are also affected in IBD, resulting in failed inflammation suppression/regulation. NOD-2 and A20 have specifically been found to be strongly associated with pediatric IBD. Gut commensals are known to exert anti-inflammatory activities toward NF-κβ and can have a potential role in attenuating inflammation that likely occurs due to microbial dysbiosis in IBD. Failure to terminate/downregulate NF-κβ signaling results in chronic inflammation in IBD. Well-regulated control of inflammation in children with IBD can help better control the disease and suppress immune responses. Better understanding of factors that control NF-κβ can potentially lead toward discovering targeted therapeutic interventions for IBD. Suppression of NF-κβ can be achieved through many modalities including anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNA (small interfering RNA), factors regulating NF-κβ, and microbes. This review focuses on the role of NF-κβ, especially in pediatric IBD, and potential therapeutic venues for attenuating NF-κβ-induced inflammation.