JAK/STAT as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Osteolytic Diseases

Understanding the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) role in periodontitis and diabetes mellitus: A molecular perspective

Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are chronic conditions with dysregulated immune responses. Periodontitis involves immune dysfunction and dysbiotic biofilms, leading to tissue destruction. T2DM is marked by insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, driving metabolic and tissue damage. Both conditions share activation of key pathways, including Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), Activator Protein-1 (AP-1), and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) proteins, reinforcing an inflammatory feedback loop. This review highlights the role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ), a transcription factor central to lipid and glucose metabolism, adipogenesis, and immune regulation. PPAR-γ activation has been shown to suppress inflammatory mediators such as Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) through the inhibition of NF-κB, AP-1, and STAT pathways, thereby potentially disrupting the inflammatory-metabolic cycle that drives both diseases. PPAR-γ agonists, including thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and endogenous ligands such as 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), show promise in reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity, but they are limited by adverse effects. Therapies, including Selective Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Modulators (SPPARMs), have been developed to offer a more targeted approach, allowing for selective modulation of PPAR-γ activity to retain its anti-inflammatory benefits while minimizing their side effects. By integrating insights into PPAR-γ's molecular mechanisms, this review underscores its therapeutic potential in mitigating inflammation and enhancing metabolic control.

IRF3 Promotes Production of IL-6 and Nitric Oxide but Represses CCL22 in RAW264.7 Macrophage Cells Exposed to Lipopolysaccharides in Culture

Introduction

Macrophage responses to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) drive inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis, with production of IL-6 and Nitric Oxide (NO). However, anti-inflammatory macrophages counter inflammation with the production of CCL22. Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) plays a significant role in expression of both IL-6 and NO during macrophage responses through Interferon-stimulated Response Elements (ISREs) of promoters.

Methods

To determine the role of IRF3 in LPS-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophage responses, we used the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 modified with an ISRE promoter driving secreted luciferase (RAW264.7-Lucia) to assess IRF3 activity in response to Escherichia coli and Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS. For comparison, responses to poly I:C and IFN-gamma and responses from RAW264.7 cells deficient in IRF3 were also assessed.

Results

Herein, LPS of P. gingivalis, significantly enhanced production of IL-6 and NO that was induced by E. coli LPS but significantly decreased poly I:C-induced ISRE promoter activity. Moreover, IRF3 deficiency depressed the LPS-induced ISRE promoter activity and NO production but increased IL-6 and CCL22 in response to LPS. Restoration of IRF3 expression in IRF3KO RAW cells increased IL-6, restored NO, and decreased CCL22 production in response to LPS of E. coli.

Discussion

Therefore, IRF3 is critical to the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors produced by macrophages responding to LPS and could be a target during periodontitis treatment.

A Comprehensive Review on Molecular Mechanisms, Treatments, and Brief Role of Natural Products in Hepatocellular Cancer

Most initial liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which make up the vast majority of cases. Hepatitis B or C virus infection as well as alcohol consumption is among the key risk factors. The significance of the most intriguing soluble factors as indicators for early diagnosis and as suggested targets for therapy in light of the increasing challenges in precision medicine. The development of HCC is influenced by a complex combination between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and their signalling cascades. Recently,researchers are aims to assess the potential of a number of distinct molecular cascade/cascade including cytokines to function as key players with particular underlying etiologies. Increasing our knowledge of the signaling network that links retro differentiation and inflammationmay help us find novel therapeutic targets and develop combined therapies or treatments that work against tumors with a significant degree of heterogeneity. With nursing processes at its center, comprehensive nursing care is a new nursing paradigm that combines the benefits of primary and group nursin g as well as a perfect synthesis of many nursing metrics like nursing philosophy, nursing plan, and nursing quality evaluation. In order to treat patients with serious liver diseases like cancer, it can conduct nursing interventions item by item in accordance with the unique disease conditions of each patient and combine efficient therapeutic approaches with high-quality nursing modes. Dietary natural products, including fruits, vegetables, and spices, may prevent and treat liver cancer by inhibiting tumor growth, protecting the liver, and enhancing chemotherapy.

Regulation of bone homeostasis: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets

As a highly dynamic tissue, bone is continuously rebuilt throughout life. Both bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts constitute bone reconstruction homeostasis. The equilibrium of bone homeostasis is governed by many complicated signaling pathways that weave together to form an intricate network. These pathways coordinate the meticulous processes of bone formation and resorption, ensuring the structural integrity and dynamic vitality of the skeletal system. Dysregulation of the bone homeostatic regulatory signaling network contributes to the development and progression of many skeletal diseases. Significantly, imbalanced bone homeostasis further disrupts the signaling network and triggers a cascade reaction that exacerbates disease progression and engenders a deleterious cycle. Here, we summarize the influence of signaling pathways on bone homeostasis, elucidating the interplay and crosstalk among them. Additionally, we review the mechanisms underpinning bone homeostatic imbalances across diverse disease landscapes, highlighting current and prospective therapeutic targets and clinical drugs. We hope that this review will contribute to a holistic understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms sustaining bone homeostasis, which are promising to contribute to further research on bone homeostasis and shed light on the development of targeted drugs.

Balancing the Scales: The Dual Role of Interleukins in Bone Metastatic Microenvironments

Bone metastases, a common and debilitating consequence of advanced cancers, involve a complex interplay between malignant cells and the bone microenvironment. Central to this interaction are interleukins (ILs), a group of cytokines with critical roles in immune modulation and inflammation. This review explores the dualistic nature of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins in bone metastases, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms, pathological impacts, and therapeutic potential. Pro-inflammatory interleukins, such as IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, have been identified as key drivers in promoting osteoclastogenesis, tumor proliferation, and angiogenesis. These cytokines create a favorable environment for cancer cell survival and bone degradation, contributing to the progression of metastatic lesions. Conversely, anti-inflammatory interleukins, including IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13, exhibit protective roles by modulating immune responses and inhibiting osteoclast activity. Understanding these opposing effects is crucial for developing targeted therapies aimed at disrupting the pathological processes in bone metastases. Key signaling pathways, including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK, mediate the actions of these interleukins, influencing tumor cell survival, immune cell recruitment, and bone remodeling. Targeting these pathways presents promising therapeutic avenues. Current treatment strategies, such as the use of denosumab, tocilizumab, and emerging agents like bimekizumab and ANV419, highlight the potential of interleukin-targeted therapies in mitigating bone metastases. However, challenges such as therapeutic resistance, side effects, and long-term efficacy remain significant hurdles. This review also addresses the potential of interleukins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, offering insights into patient stratification and personalized treatment approaches. Interleukins have multifaceted roles that depend on the context, including the environment, cell types, and cellular interactions. Despite substantial progress, gaps in research persist, particularly regarding the precise mechanisms by which interleukins influence the bone metastatic niche and their broader clinical implications. While not exhaustive, this overview underscores the critical roles of interleukins in bone metastases and highlights the need for continued research to fully elucidate their complex interactions and therapeutic potential. Addressing these gaps will be essential for advancing our understanding and treatment of bone metastases in cancer patients.

Computational 3D Modeling-Based Identification of Inhibitors Targeting Cysteine Covalent Bond Catalysts for JAK3 and CYP3A4 Enzymes in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This work aimed to find new inhibitors of the CYP3A4 and JAK3 enzymes, which are significant players in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Advanced computer-aided drug design techniques, such as pharmacophore and 3D-QSAR modeling, were used. Two strong 3D-QSAR models were created, and their predictive power was validated by the strong correlation (R2 values > 80%) between the predicted and experimental activity. With an ROC value of 0.9, a pharmacophore model grounded in the DHRRR hypothesis likewise demonstrated strong predictive ability. Eight possible inhibitors were found, and six new inhibitors were designed in silico using these computational models. The pharmacokinetic and safety characteristics of these candidates were thoroughly assessed. The possible interactions between the inhibitors and the target enzymes were made clear via molecular docking. Furthermore, MM/GBSA computations and molecular dynamics simulations offered insightful information about the stability of the binding between inhibitors and CYP3A4 or JAK3. Through the integration of various computational approaches, this study successfully identified potential inhibitor candidates for additional investigation and efficiently screened compounds. The findings contribute to our knowledge of enzyme-inhibitor interactions and may help us create more effective treatments for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Transcriptional Signatures and Network-Based Approaches Identified Master Regulators Transcription Factors Involved in Experimental Periodontitis Pathogenesis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive and irreversible destruction of the periodontium. Its aetiopathogenesis lies in the constant challenge of the dysbiotic biofilm, which triggers a deregulated immune response responsible for the disease phenotype. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying periodontitis have been extensively studied, the regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level remain unclear. To generate transcriptomic data, we performed RNA shotgun sequencing of the oral mucosa of periodontitis-affected mice. Since genes are not expressed in isolation during pathological processes, we disclose here the complete repertoire of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and co-expressed modules to build Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) and identify the Master Transcriptional Regulators of periodontitis. The transcriptional changes revealed 366 protein-coding genes and 42 non-coding genes differentially expressed and enriched in the immune response. Furthermore, we found 13 co-expression modules with different representation degrees and gene expression levels. Our GRN comprises genes from 12 gene clusters, 166 nodes, of which 33 encode Transcription Factors, and 201 connections. Finally, using these strategies, 26 master regulators of periodontitis were identified. In conclusion, combining the transcriptomic analyses with the regulatory network construction represents a powerful and efficient strategy for identifying potential periodontitis-therapeutic targets.