Overexpression of miR-223 Promotes Tolerogenic Properties of Dendritic Cells Involved in Heart Transplantation Tolerance by Targeting Irak1

Nonspecific Orbital Inflammation (NSOI): Unraveling the Molecular Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Modalities, and Therapeutic Interventions

Nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI), colloquially known as orbital pseudotumor, sometimes presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in ophthalmology. This review aims to dissect NSOI through a molecular lens, offering a comprehensive overview of its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies. The article delves into the underpinnings of NSOI, examining immunological and environmental factors alongside intricate molecular mechanisms involving signaling pathways, cytokines, and mediators. Special emphasis is placed on emerging molecular discoveries and approaches, highlighting the significance of understanding molecular mechanisms in NSOI for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Various diagnostic modalities are scrutinized for their utility and limitations. Therapeutic interventions encompass medical treatments with corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents, all discussed in light of current molecular understanding. More importantly, this review offers a novel molecular perspective on NSOI, dissecting its pathogenesis and management with an emphasis on the latest molecular discoveries. It introduces an integrated approach combining advanced molecular diagnostics with current clinical assessments and explores emerging targeted therapies. By synthesizing these facets, the review aims to inform clinicians and researchers alike, paving the way for molecularly informed, precision-based strategies for managing NSOI.

Mitochondrion-targeted carboxymethyl chitosan hybrid nanoparticles loaded with Coenzyme Q10 protect cardiac grafts against cold ischaemia‒reperfusion injury in heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation (HT) has been approved as an optimal therapeutic regimen for patients with terminal-stage cardiac failure. However, cold ischaemia‒reperfusion (I/R) injury remains an unavoidable and outstanding challenge, which is a major factor in early graft dysfunction and an obstacle to long-term survival in HT. Cold I/R injury induces cardiac graft injury by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and augmenting free radical production and inflammatory responses. We therefore designed a mitochondrion-targeted nanocarrier loaded with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (CoQ10@TNPs) for treatment of cold I/R injury after cardiac graft in a murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation model.

METHODS

Hybrid nanoparticles composed of CaCO3/CaP/biotinylated-carboxymethylchitosan (CaCO3/CaP/BCMC) were synthesized using the coprecipitation method, and the mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide SS31 was incorporated onto the surface of the hybrid nanoparticles through biotin-avidin interactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used for characterisation. In vitro, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model of H9c2 cells was employed to replicate in vivo cold I/R injury and treated with CoQ10@TNPs. The impact of CoQ10@TNPs on H9c2 cell injury was assessed by analysis of oxidative damage and apoptosis. In vivo, donor hearts (DHs) were perfused with preservation solution containing CoQ10@TNPs and stored in vitro at 4 °C for 12 h. The DHs were heterotopically transplanted and analysed for graft function, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers 1 day post-transplantation.

RESULTS

CoQ10@TNPs were successfully synthesized and delivered CoQ10 to the mitochondria of the cold ischaemic myocardium. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CoQ10@TNPs was taken up by H9c2 cells at 4 °C and localized within the mitochondria, thus ameliorating oxidative stress damage and mitochondrial injury in cold I/R injury. In vivo experiments showed that CoQ10@TNPs accumulated in DH tissue at 4 °C, localized within the mitochondria during cold storage and improved cardiac graft function by attenuating mitochondrial oxidative injury and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

CoQ10@TNPs can precisely deliver CoQ10 to the mitochondria of cold I/R-injured cardiomyocytes to effectively eliminate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), thus reducing oxidative injury and inflammatory reactions in cold I/R-injured graft tissues and finally improving heart graft function. Thus, CoQ10@TNPs offer an effective approach for safeguarding cardiac grafts against extended periods of cold ischaemia, emphasizing the therapeutic potential in mitigating cold I/R injury during HT. These findings present an opportunity to enhance existing results following HT and broaden the range of viable grafts for transplantation.

miR-223: a key regulator of pulmonary inflammation

Small noncoding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are vital for the regulation of diverse biological processes. miR-223, an evolutionarily conserved anti-inflammatory miRNA expressed in cells of the myeloid lineage, has been implicated in the regulation of monocyte-macrophage differentiation, proinflammatory responses, and the recruitment of neutrophils. The biological functions of this gene are regulated by its expression levels in cells or tissues. In this review, we first outline the regulatory role of miR-223 in granulocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, epithelial cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Then, we summarize the possible role of miR-223 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury (ALI), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other pulmonary inflammatory diseases to better understand the molecular regulatory networks in pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

Identification of MiR-223 Associated with Diagnosis in Ectopic Pregnancy

Background

In this study, we conducted an integrated study of the diagnostic value of MiR-223 in ectopic pregnancy (EP).

Methods

We used GSE44731 downloaded from GEO and GEO2R to identify differentially expressed miRNA. The hub genes corresponding to the differential miRNA were then identified by using the Xiantao academic tool, GO (Gene Ontology), and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes). Afterward, we used the miEAA database to perform gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of differential miRNA, and used Xiantao academic tools again to conduct the ceRNA network based on the target genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and lncRNA of hub miRNA target genes were then predicted by the starbase database. For validation, the villus tissue from intrauterine pregnancy and tubal pregnancy was collected and assayed by qPCR.

Results

In total 19 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened out, of which MiR-223 had a relatively clear diagnostic significance. Hub genes were enriched and analyzed by GO, KEGG, and GSEA, and the results showed that regulation of NF-κB and other signaling pathways are primarily enriched in ectopic pregnancy. We also obtained 215 key genes from PPI analysis. Our ceRNA analysis indicated that LRRC75A-AS1 and PITPNA-AS1 were associated with MiR-223, and the expression of MiR-223 in qPCR was significantly high in tubal pregnancy group.

Conclusion

We found that MiR-223 can be used in the diagnosis of EP. Our findings provide valuable information and direction for future research into novel targets for EP diagnosis.

Innovative biomaterials for the treatment of periodontal disease

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that involves the destruction of hard and soft tissues surrounding the tooth. Routine periodontal treatment includes mechanical debridement (surgical and non-surgical) and the systemic administration of antibiotics. In contrast, severe and chronic periodontitis involves aggressive tissue destruction and bone resorption, and the damage is usually irreversible. In these severe cases, bone grafts, the delivery of growth hormones, and guided tissue regeneration can all be used to stimulate periodontal regeneration. However, these approaches do not result in consistent and predictable treatment outcomes. As a result, advanced biomaterials have evolved as an adjunctive approach to improve clinical performance. These novel biomaterials are designed to either prolong the release of antibacterial agents or osteogenic molecules, or to act as immunomodulators to promote healing. The first half of this review briefly summarizes the key immune cells and their underlying cellular pathways implicated in periodontitis. Advanced biomaterials designed to promote periodontal regeneration will be highlighted in the second half. Finally, the limitations of the current experimental design and the challenges of translational science will be discussed.

The effect of miR-155-5p on M1 polarization of Kupffer cells and immune response during liver transplantation through regulating the expression of KDM5D

BACKGROUND

To explore the effect and its specific mechanism of miR-155-5p on M1 polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs) and immune response in liver transplantation (LT) through KDM5D.

METHODS

Primary KCs were isolated from Wistar rats and identified by cell culture, ink-swallowing test and flow cytometry. The cells identified as KCs were induced into LT acute rejection (AR) model cells by LPS/IFN-γ, flow cytometry was used for cell sorting and apoptosis detection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, macrophages and liver function markers. RT-qPCR detected the expression of miR-155-5p and KDM5D mRNA. The protein expression of KDM5D was detected by Western blot. Dual luciferase reporter gene experiment verified the targeting relationship between miR-155-5p and KDM5D.

RESULTS

The separated KCs adhered after being cultured for 24 h, had pseudopodia and phagocytosis, and the proportion of F4/80 positive cells was more than 90%. The expression of miR-155-5p was increased in LPS/IFN-γ-induced KCs. And knockdown of miR-155-5p inhibited H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 of TNF-α promoter, M1 polarization of KCs and the immune response of AR model cells by upregulating KDM5D. In animal experiments, knockdown of miR-155-5p was found to inhibit liver damage and immune response in rats with allogeneic orthotopic LT.

CONCLUSION

These results confirmed that miR-155-5p inhibited M1 polarization of KCs induced by LPS/IFN-γ, thereby alleviating AR and liver function impairment after LT by upregulating KDM5D.

Potential Roles of miRNAs in Acute Rejection for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

Aim

The development of microsurgery has greatly advanced vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). However, like organ transplantation, VCA is also limited by acute rejection, and concerns regarding long-term survival and function of the transplanted graft. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying acute rejection caused by VCA, in order to improve patient survival.

Methods

Firstly, we used Brown Norway rats and Lewis rats to construct animal model of VCA. Regularly record the appearance changes of all subjects. Specimens were collected for histological examination, microRNAs (miRNAs) sequencing and RT-qPCR verification when acute immune rejection occurred. Then, bioinformatics analysis was employed to predict miRNA related molecules and pathway information. Finally, differentially expressed miRNAs were tested and verified.

Results

MiRNAs are small non coding RNA transcripts that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in immune regulation and several miRNAs have been identified that are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of acute rejection. In this study, we found that the expression levels of rno-miR-21-5p, rno-miR-340-5p, rno-miR-1-3p and rno-miR-195-5p are significantly associated with acute rejection following VCA.

Conclusion

This miRNA signature can potentially an auxiliary diagnostic indicator of rejection, which can help clinicians adjust the immunosuppressive program in time during acute rejection.

The Combination of Rhodosin and MMF Prolongs Cardiac Allograft Survival by Inhibiting DC Maturation by Promoting Mitochondrial Fusion

Despite being the gold-standard treatment for end-stage heart disease, heart transplantation is associated with acute cardiac rejection within 1 year of transplantation. The continuous application of immunosuppressants may cause side effects such as hepatic and renal toxicity, infection, and malignancy. Developing new pharmaceutical strategies to alleviate acute rejection after heart transplantation effectively and safely is of critical importance. In this study, we performed a murine model of MHC-full mismatch cardiac transplantation and showed that the combination of Rhodosin (Rho) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) could prevent acute rejection and oxidative stress injury and prolong the survival time of murine heart transplants. The use of Rho plus MMF in allografts improved the balance of Tregs/Teff cells, which had a protective effect on allotransplantation. We also isolated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and determined that Rho inhibited DC maturation by promoting mitochondrial fusion mainly through the mitochondrial fusion-related protein MFN1. Herein, we demonstrated that Rho, an active ingredient isolated from the plant Rhodiola rosea with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, could efficiently alleviate acute rejection and significantly prolong murine heart allograft survival when used with a low dose of MMF. More importantly, we found that Rho restrained DC maturation by promoting mitochondrial fusion and decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which then alleviated acute rejection in murine cardiac transplantation. Interestingly, as a novel immunosuppressant, Rho has almost no side effects compared with other traditional immunosuppressants. Taken together, these results suggest that Rho has good clinical auxiliary applications as an effective immunosuppressant and antioxidant, and this study provides an efficient strategy to overcome the side effects of immunosuppressive agents that are currently used in organ transplantation.

The Dendritic Cell Dilemma in the Skin: Between Tolerance and Immunity

Dendritic cells (DC) are uniquely capable of initiating and directing immune responses. The range of their activities grounds in the heterogeneity of DC subsets and their functional plasticity. Numerical and functional DC changes influence the development and progression of disease, and correction of such dysregulations has the potential to treat disease causally. In this review, we discuss the major advances in our understanding of the regulation of DC lineage formation, differentiation, and function in the skin. We describe the alteration of DC in disease as well as possibilities for therapeutic reprogramming with a focus on tolerogenic DC. Because regulatory T cells (Treg) are indispensable partners of DC in the induction and control of tolerance, we pay special attention to the interactions with these cells. Above all, we would like to arouse fascination for this cell type and its therapeutic potential in skin diseases.

miR-223: An Immune Regulator in Infectious Disorders

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are diminutive noncoding RNAs that can influence disease development and progression by post-transcriptionally regulating gene expression. The anti-inflammatory miRNA, miR-223, was first identified as a regulator of myelopoietic differentiation in 2003. This miR-223 exhibits multiple regulatory functions in the immune response, and abnormal expression of miR-223 is shown to be associated with multiple infectious diseases, including viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and tuberculosis (TB) by influencing neutrophil infiltration, macrophage function, dendritic cell (DC) maturation and inflammasome activation. This review summarizes the current understanding of miR-223 physiopathology and highlights the molecular mechanism by which miR-223 regulates immune responses to infectious diseases and how it may be targeted for diagnosis and treatment.