Interleukin-35 and Thymoquinone nanoparticle-based intervention for liver protection against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats

Paracetamol (PAR) is a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic agent, but its excessive usage can induce liver damage and major health consequences. Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is utilized to treat immunological disorders, intestinal illness, arthritis, allergic disease, hepatitis, and cancer. Thymoquinone (THYO) is also effective against a wide range of disorders. Consequently, this study sought out to explore the ameliorative effects of IL-35 and THYO against PAR-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sixty male rats were separated into six groups (10 rats/group): I control (0.5 mL NaCl, 0.9%/rat via oral gavage); II (IL-35), and III (TYHO) received intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of IL-35 (200 ng/kg) or THYO (0.5 mg/kg), respectively. Group IV (PAR) received 600 mg/kg of PAR orally; V (PAR + IL-35) and VI (PAR + TYHO); rats received 600 mg/kg of PAR orally and i.p injection of IL-35 (200 ng/kg) or THYO (0.5 mg/kg), respectively. Administration of IL-35 or THYO markedly mitigated the increasing in the levels of liver parameters triggered by PAR and noticeable enhancement of antioxidant and immunological markers were observed. Additionally, IL-35 or THYO decreased TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-γ in contrast to the PAR control group. Moreover, levels of Capase-3, and cytochrome C were significantly reduced by THYO or IL35, while, levels of Bcl-2 were markedly increased. Furthermore, significant downregulation of IL1-β, TNF-α, TGF-β, and Caspas-3 genes, as well as significant upregulation of Bcl-2 and IL-10 expression were detected. In conclusion, IL-35 and THYO insulated liver from PAR toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress, tissue damage, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Single-nucleus cross-tissue molecular reference maps toward understanding disease gene function

Understanding gene function and regulation in homeostasis and disease requires knowledge of the cellular and tissue contexts in which genes are expressed. Here, we applied four single-nucleus RNA sequencing methods to eight diverse, archived, frozen tissue types from 16 donors and 25 samples, generating a cross-tissue atlas of 209,126 nuclei profiles, which we integrated across tissues, donors, and laboratory methods with a conditional variational autoencoder. Using the resulting cross-tissue atlas, we highlight shared and tissue-specific features of tissue-resident cell populations; identify cell types that might contribute to neuromuscular, metabolic, and immune components of monogenic diseases and the biological processes involved in their pathology; and determine cell types and gene modules that might underlie disease mechanisms for complex traits analyzed by genome-wide association studies.

Interleukin-35 promotes Breg expansion and interleukin-10 production in CD19+ B cells in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE

IL-35 is a potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory cytokine, consisting of a p35 subunit and an Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) subunit, which suppresses CD4⁺ effector T cell proliferation and promotes regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion. However, the effects of IL-35 on regulatory B cells (Bregs) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have not been explored. The present study aimed (i) to measure serum IL-35 levels and the percentages of Bregs in the peripheral blood of patients with AS and (ii) to explore their relationships in the pathogenesis of AS.

METHODS

A total of 77 patients with AS (AS group), including 47 inactive AS and 30 active AS cases, and 59 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled into this study. The serum levels of IL-35 and IL-10 were detected by ELISA, and the mRNA levels of p35 and EBI3 were measured by RT-qPCR. The percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs and IL-35 receptor (IL-12Rβ2, IL-27Rα and gp130), IL-10, p-STAT1, p-STAT3, and p-STAT4 in CD19⁺ B cells were detected by flow cytometry. The correlations between IL-35 levels and percentages of Bregs were analyzed by determining Pearson's correlation coefficient. The effect of IL-35 on Bregs was determined by mix-culture of recombinant (r) IL-35 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

RESULTS

The serum IL-35 and IL-10 levels, p35 and EBI3 mRNA levels, and the percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs were significantly lower in AS patients than those in HCs. In addition, the percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs in active AS patients were significantly lower than those in inactive AS patients. The serum IL-35 levels were positively correlated with the percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs in AS patients. IL-12Rβ2 and IL-27Rα, but not gp130 subunit, were expressed in CD19⁺ B cells in AS patients. RIL-35 could effectively promote CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi Breg expansion and IL-10 production. Meanwhile, rIL-35 also promoted the expression of IL-12Rβ2 and IL-27Rα and the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 in CD19⁺ B cells.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that reduced IL-35 production may be associated with Bregs defects in AS patients. RIL-35 induced the proliferation of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi Bregs and IL-10 production, suggesting that IL-35 may serve as a reference for further investigation to develop novel treatments for AS. Key Points • Our study investigated the effects of IL-35 on Bregs in AS patients. • We found the serum IL-35, IL-10 levels, and the percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs were significantly lower in AS patients. • The serum IL-35 levels were positively correlated with the percentages of CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD19⁺CD24^hiCD27⁺ Bregs in AS patients. • Recombinant IL-35 could effectively promote CD19⁺CD24^hiCD38^hi Breg expansion and IL-10 production.

Low levels of serum IL-39 are associated with autoimmune thyroid disease

Background

Interleukin (IL)‐39 is a novel member of IL‐12 cytokine family, but its role in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) is unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine serum levels of IL‐39 in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) patients.

Methods

A total of 48 patients with HT, 50 patients with GD, and 45 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study. Levels of serum IL‐39 were determined by ELISA.

Results

Compared with HC group, levels of serum IL‐39 in patients with HT (p < 0.05) and GD (p < 0.01) were drastically reduced. Among patients with HT, serum IL‐39 levels had a positive correlation with white blood cell count (WBC) count and free triiodothyronine level. Among patients with GD, the levels of IL‐39 in serum were positively correlated with WBC count and C‐reactive protein levels.

Conclusions

IL‐39 may be a new potential predictor for patients with HT and GD.

Yanghe Decoction Suppresses the Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Rats by Improving NLRP3 Inflammasome and Immune Dysregulation

Inflammation is an important contributor to autoimmune thyroiditis. Yanghe decoction (YH) is a traditional Chinese herbal formulation which has various anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of YH on autoimmune thyroiditis in a rat model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) model was established by thyroglobulin (pTG) injections and excessive iodine intake. Thyroid lesions were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining and serum TgAb, TPOAb, TSH, T3, and T4 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IL-35 levels were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Th17/Treg balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Changes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling were evaluated using Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot were employed to examine NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the thyroid. YH minimized thyroid follicle injury and decreased concentrations of serum TgAb, TPOAb, TSH, T3, and T4 in EAT model. The mRNA of IL-35 was increased after YH treatment. YH also increased the percentage of Treg cells, and decreased Th17 proportion as well as Th17/Treg ratio in PBMCs. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of Th17 related cytokines (RORγt, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22) were suppressed and Treg related cytokines (FoxP3, TGF-β, and IL-10) were promoted in PBMCs. Additionally, the protein expressions of Wnt-1 and β-catenin were unregulated after YH treatment. NLRP3 immunostaining signal and protein levels of IL-17, p-NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, cleaved-IL-1β, and IL-18 were downregulated in the thyroid after YH intervention. Overall, the present study demonstrated that YH alleviated autoimmune thyroiditis in rats by improving NLRP3 inflammasome and immune dysregulation.

Advances in regulatory B cells in autoimmune thyroid diseases

Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a subset of B cells that can downregulate the immune and inflammatory responses. The development of B cells in humans and mice is differs. The Positioning and targeted regulation of Bregs has a positive effect on autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a common autoimmune disease. This review introduces the history and origins of Bregs. It summarizes the different phenotypes and functionalities of Breg cells related to AITD and analyzes the reasons for the differences in Breg expression frequencies in Graves disease (GD) and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT). A number of functional defects of regulatory B cells may be the newly discovered cause of AITD. This paper sheds new light on the role and prospects of Bregs in the progression and treatment of AITD.

Serum interleukin-35 and pentraxin-3 levels in patients with mild acute pancreatitis

Introduction

Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a newly defined potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that is predominantly produced by regulatory T cells, and pentraxin-3 belongs to the acute-phase proteins.

Aim

To measure the serum IL-35 and pentraxin-3 levels in the early phase of mild acute pancreatitis (AP).

Material and methods

Eighty-three patients with mild AP and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. The serum levels of IL-35 and pentraxin-3 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay upon admission and at the 48^th hour after diagnosis.

Results

The mean value of serum IL-35 levels in patients with mild acute pancreatitis at admission was 5.91 ng/ml (4.21–7.90) and was significantly lower than those in healthy controls (25.53 ng/ml (12.79–54.73, p < 0.001)) and 48-hour value were (6.79 ng/ml (4.42–9.62) (p = 0.015)). The mean value of serum pentraxin-3 levels in patients at the time of admission was 6.75 ng/ml (4.42–9.62) and there was no significant difference from healthy controls, at 7.64 ng/ml (6.58–8.62, p > 0.05). Also there was no significant difference between the mean value at admission and the mean value at 48-hour, 6.75 ng/ml (4.74–9.06, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Interleukin-35 can be used in diagnosis and follow-up in patients with mild AP.

The Role, Involvement and Function(s) of Interleukin-35 and Interleukin-37 in Disease Pathogenesis

The recently identified cytokines-interleukin (IL)-35 and interleukin (IL)-37-have been described for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating actions in numerous inflammatory diseases, auto-immune disorders, malignancies, infectious diseases and sepsis. Either cytokine has been reported to be reduced and in some cases elevated and consequently contributed towards disease pathogenesis. In view of the recent advances in utilizing cytokine profiles for the development of biological macromolecules, beneficial in the management of certain intractable immune-mediated disorders, these recently characterized cytokines (IL-35 and IL-37) offer potential as reasonable targets for the discovery of novel immune-modulating anti-inflammatory therapies. A detailed comprehension of their sophisticated regulatory mechanisms and patterns of expression may provide unique opportunities for clinical application as highly selective and target specific therapeutic agents. This review seeks to summarize the recent advancements in discerning the dynamics, mechanisms, immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory actions of IL-35 and IL-37 as they relate to disease pathogenesis.

Imbalances in T Cell-Related Transcription Factors Among Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

OBJECTIVES

Imbalances in effector T cell functioning have been associated with a number of autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Differentiation of effector T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) lymphocytes is regulated by transcription factors, including Th1-specific T box (T-bet), GATA binding protein-3 (GATA₃), retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR)-α and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). This study aimed to investigate Th1/Th2, Th1/Treg, Th2/Treg and Th17/Treg balances at the level of these transcription factors.

METHODS

This study took place between October 2015 and August 2016. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from a control group of 40 healthy women recruited from the Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran, and a patient group of 40 women with HT referred to the Hazrat Ali Asghar Hospital, Zahedan. Total ribonucleic acid extraction was performed and the gene expression of transcription factors was quantitated using a real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.

RESULTS

Expression of T-bet and GATA₃ was significantly elevated, while FOXP3 expression was significantly diminished among HT patients in comparison with the controls (P = 0.03, 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Expression of RORα was higher among HT patients, although this difference was not significant (P = 0.15). Expression of T-bet/FOXP3, GATA₃/FOXP3 and RORα/FOXP3 ratios were increased among HT patients in comparison with the controls (P <0.02, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that HT patients have imbalances in Th1/Treg, Th2/Treg and Th17/Treg lymphocytes at the level of the transcription factors, deviating towards Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells. Correction of these imbalances may therefore be therapeutic.