Cytokines and their regulators in rat lung following scorpion envenomation

Nowadays, more than two billion inhabitants of underdeveloped tropical and subtropical countries are at risk of being stung by scorpions. Scorpion stings annually cause 2000-3000 deaths as they can lead to the respiratory and/or cardiovascular complications. Pathogenesis of lung damage under scorpion envenomation is often comprehensive. Respiratory failure can have a cardiogenic origin, associated with venom neurotoxin action. However, some venom components can stimulate pro-inflammatory signaling cascades followed by cytokines synthesis, recruit and activate immune cells, participating in the inflammatory response in lung injury. Scorpions of the Leiurus genus ("deathstalker") are one of the most dangerous Arthropoda. To date, 22 species of this genus have been described, but the venom composition and the mechanisms of tissues damage under envenomation have been studied to some extent only for L. quinquestriatus, L. hebraeus, and L. abdullahbayrami. Scorpions of L. macroctenus species are expected to be very hazardous, but the possibility of their venom cause inflammation in the lung tissue has not been investigated to date. Therefore, in this study, we focused on evaluating the levels of cytokines and their regulators - transcription factors (HIF-1α and NF-κB) and growth factors (FGF-2, VEGF, and EGF) - in rat lung homogenates after L. macroctenus envenomation. The results revealed a decrease in the levels of most pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α) with simultaneous rise in the content of both anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) and interferon-γ. Furthermore, the levels of all researched transcription factors and growth factors were shown to be increased too. The detected changes peak occurred at 24 h, whereas a tendency towards all indicators values normalization was observed in 72 h after venom injection. Thus, our results did not reveal signs of a classic inflammatory process in the lungs of rats injected with L. macroctenus venom. However, the obtained data indicate venom influence both on cytokine profile and on their regulators content in the rat lungs, which is a feature of certain alterations in the innate immune response, caused by studied venom components. But, the mechanisms of the changes we found require additional researches.

Coagulation Parameters in Post-Covid-19 Condition in Relation to Various Titers of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in Blood Plasma

Background and Objectives

Post-COVID-19 condition is thought to affect 10-20% of people at least 3 months after a diagnosis of COVID-19 and two months of symptoms. Post-COVID-19 condition presents itself with many clinical effects with varying degrees of severity ranging from a mild cough to a life-threatening coagulopathy. Our study aimed to identify a relationship between the titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and anticoagulation parameters: antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C (PC) and thrombomodulin (TM).

Materials and Methods

Blood plasma was collected from healthy donors aged 25-45 who had recovered from COVID-19 3-6 months ago and their titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and ATIII, PC, and TM were measured.

Results

We found that concentrations and activities of key anticoagulation parameters (ATIII, PC, and TM) measured in donor plasma during the post-COVID-19 varied in relation to the titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

Conclusion

While we identified a dysfunction of anticoagulation parameters in patients with post-COVID-19, we aim to explore the subpopulation antibody IgG fraction directly using in vivo and in vitro experiments with the possibility to contribute to the development of treatment options for post-COVID-19 conditions.

Evaluation of proteolytic activity and serine proteases distribution in plasma from patients with bladder cancer

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. A bladder tumor, like other malignant neoplasms, is characterized by the presence of both cancer cells and stromal cells which secrete cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteolytic enzymes. One such class of proteolytic enzymes are serine proteases, which take part in the tumor microenvironment formation via supporting and contributing to tumor progression. This study aims to evaluate the proteolytic activity and serine protease contribution in plasma from BC patients.

Methods

The research involved patients of Alexandrovsky city clinical hospital aged 52-76 with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. All examined patients were divided into five groups: the control group included conditionally healthy donors, while other patients were grouped according to their tumor stage (I, II, III and IV). Plasma plasminogen levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the potential activity was measured by chromogenic plasminogen assay. Serine proteases fractions were obtained by the affinity chromatography method, and enzyme concentration in the selected fractions were determined by the Bradford method. Serine proteases distribution was investigated by electrophoresis in a polyacrylamide gel.

Results

It was determined that the concentration, potential activity of plasminogen, and the total amount of serine proteases in plasma from BC patients were greater than the values of the corresponding indicators in healthy donors. This could be one of the factors contributing to increased proteolysis seen in the process of carcinogenesis. Plasminogen concentration in BC patients with stage IV disease; however, displayed a tendency to be reduced compared to earlier stages, and the potential activity of plasminogen was significantly lower in patients with stages III - IV BC. Futhermore, a tumor stage specific gradual decline in the serine protease plasma content was shown. The results of electrophoretic analysis established a significant diminishment in the percentage of high molecular weight components (under non-reducing conditions) and their complete disappearance (under reducing conditions) in plasma serine protease fractions from BC patients. A decline in the percentage of heavy and light plasmin chains in BC patients was also observed. Additionally, a rise in the degraded forms of plasminogen/plasmin content was seen in BC samples, as well as the presence of fractions corresponding to trypsin and NE (under non-reducing conditions) that were absent in the control samples.

Conclusion

The results indicate significant changes in the proteolytic activity of plasma, from BC patients when compared to healthy controls, which is accompanied by alterations in serine protease distribution caused by tumor microenvironment pecularlities at the different stages of oncopathology.

A study of fibrinolytic system components in donor groups depending on various titers of circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the bloodstream

The fibrinolytic system plays an important role in controlling blood coagulation at each stage, from thrombin generation to fibrin clot cleavage. Currently, long-term multiorgan dysfunction post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may include coagulation disorders. Little information is available about the potential causes of post-COVID-19 coagulopathy, but one of them may be subpopulation IgG produced by the immune system against SARS-CoV-2. This article describes the changes in the main parameters of the fibrinolytic system in donors with various titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, which is part of a complex study of the hemostasis system in these donor groups. We determined the most significant parameters of the fibrinolytic system, such as potential activity and amount of plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), amount of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), inhibitory potentials of α-2-antiplasmin, α-1-antitrypsin, α-2-macroglobulin in the blood plasma of donor groups. The obtained results represent the maximum and minimum values of measurement parameters among donor groups with titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG at least 10 ± 3 Index (S/C), and their statistical differences from the reference point [donor group with titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 0 Index (S/C)]. We established the changes in fibrinolytic parameters depending on the titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. One conclusion can be drawn from this: anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG population may influence coagulation in the post-COVID-19 period. Further research in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models using selected and purified IgG may confirm our previous findings.

Circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis-related growth factors in patients with osteoarthritis after COVID-19

Background

The disease COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has a systemic effect and is associated with a number of pathophysiological mechanisms that mobilize a wide range of biomolecules. Cytokines and growth factors (GFs) are critical regulators of tissue damage or repair in osteoarthritis (OA) and are being recognized as key players in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. A clear understanding of the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in patients with concomitant chronic diseases, is limited and needs to be elucidated. The study aimed to evaluate the degree of inflammation and levels of pro-angiogenic and hypoxic factors, as well as heat shock proteins HSP60 and HSP70 in plasma, of patients with OA after recovery from COVID-19.

Methods

The research involved patients of an orthopedic specialty clinic aged 39 to 80 diagnosed with knee OA. All examined patients were divided into three groups: the Control group included conditionally healthy donors, group OA included patients with knee OA mainly stage II or III and the group of OA and COVID-19 included patients with OA who had COVID-19. The plasma levels of pro-inflammatory molecules IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, angiogenic factors VEGF, FGF-2, PDGF, hypoxic factor HIF-1α and molecular chaperones HSP60 and HSP70 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The study showed that in both groups of patients, with OA and convalescent COVID-19, there was an increase in the plasma level of IL-1β and a decrease in TNF-α and NF-κB levels when compared to healthy controls. Systemic deregulation of the cytokine profile was accompanied by reduction in plasma levels of pro-angiogenic growth factors, most pronounced in cases of VEGF and PDGF. This analysis did not reveal any significant difference in the plasma level of HIF-1α. A decrease in the level of stress protein HSP60 in the blood of patients with OA, as well as those patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection, has been established.

Conclusion

The results suggest the potential role pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis-related growth factors in pathogenesis of both joint pathologies and long-term systemic post-COVID-19 disorders.

Protein and peptide profiles of rats' organs in scorpion envenomation

Problem of scorpion envenomation becomes more alarming each year. Main effects of scorpion venom are commonly believed to be related to its neurotoxic properties, yet severe symptoms may also be developed due to the uncontrolled enzymatic activity and formation of various bioactive molecules, including middle-mass molecules (MMMs). MMMs are considered as endogenous intoxication markers, their presence may indicate multiple organ failure. Scorpions, belong to the Leiurus macroctenus species, are very dangerous, nevertheless, effects of their venom on protein and peptide composition within the tissues remains unclear. In this work we have focused the attention on changes in protein and MMM levels and peptide composition in various organs during Leiurus macroctenus envenomation. The results revealed a decrease in protein level during envenomation as well as a significant increment of MMM₂₁₀ and MMM₂₅₄ levels in all assessed organs. Quantitative and qualitative compositions of various protein and peptide factions were continually changing. All of this may suggest that Leiurus macroctenus sting causes considerable destruction of cell microenvironment across all essential organs, providing systemic envenomation. In addition, MMM level increment may indicate endogenous intoxication development. Peptides, formed during envenomation, may possess various bioactive properties, analysis of which constitutes an area of further studies.

Anti-obesity effect of collagen peptides obtained from Diplulmaris antarctica, a jellyfish of the Antarctic region

AIM

To investigate the ability of collagen peptides derived from a jellyfish of the Antarctic region (Diplulmaris antarctica) to prevent the development of obesity in rats fed a high-calorie diet.

METHODS

Collagen peptides were produced by pepsin hydrolysis of jellyfish-derived collagen. The purity of collagen and collagen peptides was confirmed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Rats were fed a high-calorie diet for ten weeks and were simultaneously orally administered collagen peptides (1 g per 1 kg of body weight every other day) starting from the fourth week. Body mass index (BMI), body weight gain, selected nutritional parameters, the key parameters associated with insulin resistance, and the level of oxidative stress markers were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with untreated obese rats, rats treated with hydrolyzed jellyfish collagen peptides had a decreased body weight gain and body mass index. They also had a decreased level of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes, Schiff bases), and oxidatively modified proteins, as well as a restored activity of superoxide dismutase.

CONCLUSION

Collagen peptides obtained from Diplulmaris antarctica can be used to prevent and treat obesity caused by a high-calorie diet and pathologies associated with increased oxidative stress. Given the obtained results and the abundance of Diplulmaris antarctica in the Antarctic region, this species can be considered a sustainable source of collagen and its derivatives.

Anti-obesity effect of collagen peptides obtained from Diplulmaris antarctica, a jellyfish of the Antarctic region

AIM

To investigate the ability of collagen peptides derived from a jellyfish of the Antarctic region (Diplulmaris antarctica) to prevent the development of obesity in rats fed a high-calorie diet.

METHODS

Collagen peptides were produced by pepsin hydrolysis of jellyfish-derived collagen. The purity of collagen and collagen peptides was confirmed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Rats were fed a high-calorie diet for ten weeks and were simultaneously orally administered collagen peptides (1 g per 1 kg of body weight every other day) starting from the fourth week. Body mass index (BMI), body weight gain, selected nutritional parameters, the key parameters associated with insulin resistance, and the level of oxidative stress markers were assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with untreated obese rats, rats treated with hydrolyzed jellyfish collagen peptides had a decreased body weight gain and body mass index. They also had a decreased level of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes, Schiff bases), and oxidatively modified proteins, as well as a restored activity of superoxide dismutase.

CONCLUSION

Collagen peptides obtained from Diplulmaris antarctica can be used to prevent and treat obesity caused by a high-calorie diet and pathologies associated with increased oxidative stress. Given the obtained results and the abundance of Diplulmaris antarctica in the Antarctic region, this species can be considered a sustainable source of collagen and its derivatives.

Characteristics of Products of Fibrinogen Origin in the Presence of Anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the Bloodstream

BACKGROUND

The hemostasis system has been extensively investigated in patients in the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In contrast, the post-COVID syndrome is a poorly known entity, and there is a lack of information on the mechanisms underlying the hemostasis abnormalities in the post-COVID period.

AIM

To analyze the potential changes in the parameters of the hemostasis system in the post- COVID period in the plasma of donors with different titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

METHODS

The plasma from 160 donors who had recovered from COVID infection was used in the study. Based on the results of the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG serological assay, all donors were divided into several groups: 5 ± 3 (n = 20); 55 ± 5 (n = 20); 65 ± 5 (n = 20); 75 ± 5 (n = 20); 85 ± 5 (n = 20); 95 ± 5 (n = 20); 125 ± 5 (n = 20); 175 ± 5 (n = 20) Index (S/C). A total of 20 healthy individuals without anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG constituted the control group. Key laboratory parameters, such as fibrinogen concentrations, soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMCs), and Ddimer, were investigated. In addition, the qualitative composition of the fraction of SFMCs was analyzed.

RESULTS

The slight increase in the concentration of fibrinogen, SFMCs, and D-dimers in some donor groups have been found, which could cause the development of hemostasis disorders. In the fraction of SFMCs, the increase in the number of protein fragments with a molecular weight of less than 250 kDa and an increase in the level of proteins with a molecular weight of more than 270 kDa was revealed.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results indicated the relationship between the changes in the parameters of the hemostasis system and the titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in donors in the post-COVID period. It can be assumed that donors with higher titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG (>55 ± 5 Index (S/C)) are more prone to hemostasis abnormalities in the post-COVID period since a pronounced imbalance in the levels of SFMCs and D-dimer characterizes them. The appearance of protein fragments of different molecular weights in the fraction of SFMC points to uncontrolled activation of biochemical processes involving molecules of fibrinogenic origin. Additional studies are required to elucidate the role of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the post-COVID period.

Low Molecular Mass Fragments of Collagen Improve Parameters Related to Mass and Inflammation of the Adipose Tissue in the Obese Rat

Research background. Despite clearly recognized links between increased body mass and increased risk for various pathological conditions, therapeutic options to treat obesity are still very limited. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of low molecular mass collagen fragments obtained from the scales of Antarctic wild marine fish on rats' visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue in a high-calorie diet-induced obesity model. Experimental approach. The study was conducted on outbred rats, which were divided into 3 experimental groups: the first - control, consuming standard food (3.81 kcal/g), the second - obese group, consuming a high-calorie diet (5.35 kcal/g), and the third – obese group, consuming a high-calorie diet (5.35 kcal/g) with intragastric administration of low molecular mass collagen fragments (at a dose 1 g/kg of body mass during 6 weeks). Low molecular collagen fragments were obtained by procedure which included collagen extraction from fish scales and enzymatic hydrolysis with pepsin. Apart from H&E staining, fibrosis level was assessed by histochemical Van Gieson trichrome picrofucsin staining and analyses of mast cells were performed by toluidine blue O staining. Results and conclusions. Group treated by low molecular mass fragments of collagen exhibited decreased rate of mass gain, relative mass, area occupied by collagen fibers of both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and reduction of cross-sectional area of both visceral and subcutaneous adipocytes. Treatment by low molecular mass fragments of collagen reduced infiltration of immune cells, number of mast cells and their redistribution back to the septa. This was as well accompanied by decreased number of the crown-like structures formed by immune cells, which are markers of chronic inflammation that accompany obesity. Novelty and scientific contribution. This is the first study which reported the anti-obesity effect of low molecular mass fragments produced as a result of controlled hydrolysis of collagen from the scales of Antarctic wild marine fish in vivo model. Another novelty of this work is observation that the tested collagen fragments not only reduce body mass, but as well improve morphological and inflammatory parameters (decrease in number of crown-like structures, immune cells infiltration, fibrosis and mast cells). Altogether, our work suggests that low molecular mass collagen fragments represent a promising candidate for amelioration of some comorbidities linked to obesity.

Elevated levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with bladder cancer depending on a tumor stage

Bladder Cancer (BC) is a common disease worldwide. Chronic inflammation is one of the key mechanisms for the development of BC. This study enrolled 40 patients. Preoperative plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12β, TNF-α and IFN-γ were determined by ELISA. In our study, we observed diverse changes in the levels of cytokines in patients with BC Stage I, II, III and IV. The levels of IL-1β was increased for stage I, stage II, and stage III. The level of TNF-α was increased for stage II, stage III, stage IV. The levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12β were increased in patients with stage III and IV only. The levels of IFN- γ declined for stage II, stage III and stage IV with the lowest levels in patients with Stage IV. In our study, we investigated alteration in levels of Th-1 and Th-2-like cytokine profile, but some deficiency in Th1- status discovered in patients with BC.

The effect of Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract on cytokines profile in the condition of alkali burn esophagus 2 degree

Introduction: As a result of alkaline substances entering the esophagus wall, necrosis occurs, as well as destruction of the mucous, submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus. The cellular immune system plays an important role in regulating the various phases of the wound healing process, during which, depending on the time and through specific adhesion interactions, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes penetrate the site of the trauma and lead to an intensive proliferation of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. The substances of natural origins based on polyphenolic compounds are possible as a remedy for the normalization of physiological and biochemical parameters in a condition of various pathologies. Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract (PVPE) are an example of a rich source of bioactive compounds with proven human health benefits. Our results revealed imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in esophageal homogenates in rats with alkali burn of esophagus II degree, which can indicate a prolonged inflammation in the burned area. In the groups of animals with the alkaline burn of the esophagus, that were injected extract there can be traced a change of the indicators in the direction of normalization, indicating about the therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of pods of Phaseolus vulgaris. Objective: The cellular immune system plays an important role in regulating the various phases of the wound healing process, and can be used as a marker of pathological post-burn wound healing, Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract (PVPE) are an example of a rich source of bioactive compounds with proven human health benefits. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in cytokines levels in rat esophageal supernatants in the condition of alkali burn esophagus second degree (AEB 2) and treatment with Phaseolus vulgaris pods extract. Material and Methods: The animals were experimentally simulated with the alkali esophageal burn with 20% (grade II) solvent of NaOH. Levels of cytokines in esophageal tissue homogenates were done by ELISA. Results: In the present study, we investigate the imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in esophageal homogenates in rats with AEB 2, which can indicate a prolonged inflammation in the burned area. In the groups of animals with the AEB 2, that were injected extract there can be traced a change of the indicators in the direction of normalization. Conclusion: The administration of the extract, in conditions of alkaline burn of the esophagus, contributes change of the indicators in the direction of normalization indicating the therapeutic effect of aqueous extract of pods of Phaseolus vulgaris.  

Determination of main low molecular weight antioxidants in urinary bladder wall using HPLC with electrochemical detector

The aim of the present work was to develop validated HPLC method using electrochemical detector for simultaneous detection of low molecular weight antioxidants (LMWA) in urinary bladder. Furthermore, the method was applied to study the distribution of LMWA in urinary bladder wall. The ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) form and uric acid (UA) were resolved by isocratic elution from C18 reversed-phase column. The bladder tissue sample preparation involved extraction with meta-phosphoric acid solution for LMWA stabilization. The AA, GSH and UA tissue peak was identified by different approaches. The obtained method validation parameters were in acceptable range: intra-day precision (<4.4%), intra-day accuracy (<8.4%), inter-day precision (<9.4%) and inter-day accuracy (<15.6%). Additionally, the method provided good linearity (r2>0.99) and recoveries (98.9-112.6%). The distribution of LMWA in urinary bladder was determined by measuring their concentration in bladder wall layers: urothelium, lamina propria, muscularis and serosa. The validated method was able to quantify the reduced form of all three LMWA in all four bladder wall layers. The LMWA concentrations were decreasing from urothelium to serosa except of UA. The developed HPLC method with electrochemical detection of LMWA is simple, fast and can be used for simultaneous quantification of LMWA in tissues, which contain low concentrations of antioxidants.

Antioxidative properties of pig vesical mucosa: a comparison with gastric and intestinal mucosa

The antioxidative properties of pig urinary bladder mucosa were compared with those of gastric and intestinal mucosa using nitroxide radicals. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method was used to monitor the metabolic processes of nitroxides in mucosae. The reduction of nitroxides was measured on intact luminal surfaces of gastric, intestinal, and urinary bladder mucosa, as well as in homogenates of mucosa surface layer. Furthermore, N-ethylmaleimide and ascorbate oxidase have been used to characterize the reducing agents in urinary bladder mucosa homogenates. The nitroxide concentration decrease on intact mucosa of the urinary bladder was significantly different from those of the gastric and the intestinal mucosa. The concentration decrease was the largest for intestinal mucosa and the smallest for bladder mucosa. On the other hand, homogenates exhibit the largest nitroxide reduction rates for the bladder mucosa and the smallest for the gastric mucosa. In the bladder surface layer homogenates ascorbate and thiol-containing reducing agents were found and their coupled action in the nitroxide reduction process was established. The mucosa of urinary bladder is protected against nitroxide free radicals by a relatively low permeability and very active endogenous reducing agents. The gastric and intestinal mucosa are more permeable and/or have greater antioxidant activity on their surface. The reduction of nitroxides in the urinary bladder mucosa occurs via the ascorbate-thiol coupled reducing system.