Time-dependent cytokines changes in ultra-rush wasp venom immunotherapy

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) represents a potential therapeutic approach for the management of venom allergies, aiming to modify the immune response to venom allergens and enhance its precision. Previous studies have demonstrated that VIT induces a shift in T helper cell responses from Th2 to Th1, characterized by the production of IL-2 and interferon-gamma by CD4+ and CD8+ cells. In order to explore long-term pathways following VIT treatment and verify potential new outcomes, the serum concentrations of 30 cytokines were assessed in a cohort of 61 patients (18 control, 43 study group) exhibiting hypersensitivity to wasp venom. Cytokine levels were measured at 0, 2, 6, and 24 weeks after the initiation phase of VIT in the study group. The present study found no significant alterations in the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the peripheral blood following VIT. However, a noteworthy finding was the substantial increase in the concentration of IL-12, a cytokine capable of promoting the differentiation of Th0 cells into Th1 cells. This observation supports the involvement of the Th1 pathway in the desensitization process induced by VIT. Additionally, the study revealed a significant rise in the levels of IL-9 and TGF-β after VIT. These cytokines may play a role in the generation of inducible regulatory T (Treg) cells, indicating their potential importance in the immune response to venom allergens and the desensitization process associated with VIT. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms driving the VIT process comprehensively.

The relation among myocardial iron load and the severity of heart failure

 

Heart failure (HF) symptoms are related to reduced circulatory perfusion, peripheral congestion, also impaired peripheral muscle strength & oxygen utilization due to iron deficiency. Despite many premises, the correlation between myocardial iron load and failing heart function was not proved.

The purpose of this study was to assess iron itself and iron-related proteins in human failing (FH) vs non-failing (NFH) myocardium.

The study group consisted of 58 explanted FHs vs the control consisted of 31 NFHs unsuitable for transplantation. HF study group presented with LV dilatation (LVDD 67±8 mm; LVSD 59±13 mm), reduced contraction (LVEF 20±7.5%), RV enlargement (RVD 42±6.5 mm), pulmonary hypertension (2.21±0.93 Wu) and elevated NTproBNP (3955.5±2250.5pg/ml).

We assessed iron serum markers: ferritin (FR), transferrin/saturation (TSAT), transferrin receptor (soluble sTfR), sTFR/log FR; myocardial iron homeostasis assessment: M-Iron (Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, μg/g) and iron gathering proteins (by ELISA): divalent metal transporter (DMT-1); L-type calcium channel (L-CH), TfR-1/TfR-2; ferritins: heavy (FT-H), light (FT-L) chain, mitochondrial (FT-MT); ferroportin (FPN) and oxidative stress marker: 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE).

In FH vs NFH, M-Iron was reduced (164.6±25.2 vs 182.3±23.9; p=0.0358) however, did not apply to the entire group. Therefore we divvied the FH group into two subgroups (based on M-Iron concentration in NFH controls). Average iron concertation in non-iron-deficient (NIDM) subgroup was 172.5±19.1 (n=35) and in iron-deficient (IDM) subgroup wad 127.0±16.5; (n=23, p=0.0001).

Regardless M-Iron load in FH vs NFH myocardial proteins expressions were reduced: L-CH (NIDM vs IDM vs NFH: 49.2±9.2; 42.5±4.2; 67.3±23.0, p=0.0022); FT-L (16.4±7.3; 11.6±4.8; 26.3±7.5, p= <0.0001, respectively); FT-MT (41.2±7.6; 38.7±4.1; 59.3±10.4 p≤0,0001, respectively). With regard to M-Iron load, only in DMT-1 expression was changed (NIDM vs IDM vs NFH 4.8±0.7; 4.0±0.5; 5.8±0.8; p≤0.0001). 4-HNE levels in FH vs NFH were increased, regardless M-Iron load (NIDM-Iron vs IDM-Iron vs NFH; 55.7±29.2; 57.2±47.8; 9.9±8.1 p≤0.0001).

Interestingly, the iron load (NIDM-Iron vs IDM-Iron) did not modify the assessed clinical parameters.

With regard to commonly used systemic iron markers only sTFR/log FR proved M-Iron load difference (NIDM-Iron vs IDM-Iron 0.6±0.2; 0.7±0.3; p=0.047910)

In FH, we observed, the subgroup with the reduced M-Iron load. The observed reduction of iron gathering proteins were independent on M-Iron load, except DMT-1 the main iron transportation protein into the cell. The results showed that the HF degree and concertation of iron proteins are unlikely to be affected by the M-Iron load, except DMT-1 protein. The oxidative stress was also regardless from M-Iron load, and increased in the whole FH group. Commonly used systemic iron markers except sTFR/log FR did not define M-Iron load.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński National Institute of Cardiology

Evaluation of Polysaccharide-Peptide Conjugates Containing the RGD Motif for Potential Use in Muscle Tissue Regeneration

New scaffold materials composed of biodegradable components are of great interest in regenerative medicine. These materials should be: stable, nontoxic, and biodegrade slowly and steadily, allowing the stable release of biodegradable and biologically active substances. We analyzed peptide-polysaccharide conjugates derived from peptides containing RGD motif (H-RGDS-OH (1), H-GRGDS-NH₂ (2), and cyclo(RGDfC) (3)) and polysaccharides as scaffolds to select the most appropriate biomaterials for application in regenerative medicine. Based on the results of MTT and Ki-67 assays, we can state that the conjugates containing calcium alginate and the ternary nonwoven material were the most supportive of muscle tissue regeneration. Scanning electron microscopy imaging and light microscopy studies with hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that C2C12 cells were able to interact with the tested peptide-polysaccharide conjugates. The release factor (Q) varied depending on both the peptide and the structure of the polysaccharide matrix. LDH, Alamarblue^®, Ki-67, and cell cycle assays indicated that peptides 1 and 2 were characterized by the best biological properties. Conjugates containing chitosan and the ternary polysaccharide nonwoven with peptide 1 exhibited very high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Overall, the results of the study suggested that polysaccharide conjugates with peptides 1 and 2 can be potentially used in regenerative medicine.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factors act as renal cell cancer intratumoral regulators

The risk of renal cell carcinoma development is correlated with obesity and type II diabetes. Since insulin and insulin-like growth factors play a key role during development of both metabolic diseases, these molecules may be important in RCC pathophysiology We investigated the effect of insulin and IGFs on RCC cells using in vitro model with 786-O, 769-P, Caki-1, Caki-2, ACHN cancer cell lines. Cancer cells were compared with normal kidney cells - PCS-400-010 and HEK293. The growth, viability of cells as well as migration rate were assessed upon hormonal stimulation. The insulin receptor and Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor presence were evaluated and the expression of 84 genes related to insulin signaling pathway. In all RCC cell lines IGF-1R expression was confirmed in contrast to IR, which was expressed only in control HEK293 cell line. Insulin and IGFs stimulated RCC cells growth and migration rate. Insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-2 triggered both IR and IGF-1R phosphorylation. Analyzed RCC did not secret insulin, IGF-1 or IGF-2 and were not activated in autocrine-paracrine signaling loop. Insulin and IGFs stimulations triggered down-regulation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Ras-MAPK pathway gens, as well as DOK2-3, INS, FRS3, IRS1-2, IGF1R - genes encoding insulin receptor-associated proteins. In conclusion, we showed that IGFs and insulin may play a stimulatory role for renal cancer cells, thus they can possibly affect renal cancer tumorigenesis and progression on cellular level.

Morphometric abnormalities in the spleen of the progeny of mice fed epigallocatechin during gestation and nursing

It is very difficult to cure pregnant females suffering from infections, because of the risk which might occur during treatment by several, even herbal, medications. Many of these substances, among them extracts from plants, have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties owing to their polyphenols content, but also may reveal unwanted effects on the fetal development because of their anti-angiogenic properties. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether daily feeding pregnant and nursing mice 0.2 mg/kg epigallocatechin (EGC), previously recognized as angiogenesis inhibitor, may lead to abnormalities in morphology of spleen and in some parameters of immune function of their adult, 6-week old progeny. Morphometry of EGC offspring spleens revealed lower number of lymphatic nodules and their larger diameter than those found in the control offspring. Cellularity of spleens was lower in EGC offspring than in the controls. Cytometric analysis showed that this decline concerns lymphocytes with CD335 (p<0.001), CD19 (p<0.01) and CD4 (p<0.05) markers. No differences were observed in the humoral response to the immunization with SRBC, and in the proliferative response of splenocytes to mitogens PHA, ConA and LPS.

Morphometric abnormalities in spleen and kidney of the progeny of mice fed American cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) during pregnancy and lactation

Cranberries and cranberry-derived diet supplements are often recommended for the treatment of urinary tract infections, also during pregnancy. These products contain strongly anti-angiogenic chemical compounds which could not be indifferent to the developing fetus. In the present work we evaluated the effect of feeding pregnant and lactating mice American cranberry extract (daily dose 0.88 mg) on the morphology and some parameters of spleen and kidney function of their adult progeny. Six weeks after delivery the morphometry of spleen and kidney, cytometric analysis of spleen lymphocytes, evaluation of humoral response to SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cells), and examination of serum creatinine/urea concentration, were performed in the offspring. Spleens of progeny from experimental (E) group differed from the spleens of progeny of control mice in the lower number of lymphatic nodules and their larger diameter. Cytometry of spleen cells from progeny of E mothers revealed more CD19+ and CD8+ lymphocytes than in the control group. No difference was seen in the response to immunization by red blood cells of sheep (SRBC) between control and E offspring. An increase in the diameter of glomeruli was observed in the kidneys of the experimental group in comparison with the control group. No abnormalities in creatinine and urea serum level were observed. A higher concentration of VEGF and bFGF in E offspring sera in comparison to the controls was seen.

CONCLUSION

Although the observed differences between the control and experimental group were not large, caution is recommended in using cranberries and their extracts during pregnancy until more research will be done on this topic.

Feeding Pregnant and Lactating Mice Rhodiola kirilowii Extracts helps to Preserve Thymus Function of their Adult Progeny

Plants belonging to Rhodiola kirilowii species, members of Rhodiola genus and Crassulaceae family, grow wildly in Tibet, Mongolia and China mountains and are traditionally used as adaptogens, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory remedies. Nowadays, R. kirilowii is cultivated in some countries, also in Poland. In our previous papers we reported immuno- and angio-modulatory effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of radix and rhizome of this plant in non-pregnant and pregnant mice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding pregnant and further lactating mice these extracts on selected thymus function parameters in adult progeny. The counts of M-30+ apoptotic cells, in the thymuses obtained from progeny of mice fed during pregnancy and lactation water or 50% water-alcoholic extract of Rhodiola kirilowii, were significantly lower (p<0.05) than apoptotic cells counts observed in the control mice. No significant differences in the counts of IL-7-positive cells in the thymuses obtained from progeny of the control mice and mothers treated with water or hydro-alcohol extracts of Rhodiola kirilowii were observed.

Triiodothyronine regulates cell growth and survival in renal cell cancer

Triiodothyronine plays an important role in the regulation of kidney cell growth, differentiation and metabolism. Patients with renal cell cancer who develop hypothyreosis during tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment have statistically longer survival. In this study, we developed cell based model of triiodothyronine (T3) analysis in RCC and we show the different effects of T3 on renal cell cancer (RCC) cell growth response and expression of the thyroid hormone receptor in human renal cell cancer cell lines from primary and metastatic tumors along with human kidney cancer stem cells. Wild-type thyroid hormone receptor is ubiquitously expressed in human renal cancer cell lines, but normalized against healthy renal proximal tube cell expression its level is upregulated in Caki-2, RCC6, SKRC-42, SKRC-45 cell lines. On the contrary the mRNA level in the 769-P, ACHN, HKCSC, and HEK293 cells is significantly decreased. The TRβ protein was abundant in the cytoplasm of the 786-O, Caki-2, RCC6, and SKRC-45 cells and in the nucleus of SKRC-42, ACHN, 769-P and cancer stem cells. T3 has promoting effect on the cell proliferation of HKCSC, Caki-2, ASE, ACHN, SK-RC-42, SMKT-R2, Caki-1, 786-0, and SK-RC-45 cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sunitinib, directly inhibits proliferation of RCC cells, while thyroid hormone receptor antagonist 1-850 (CAS 251310‑57-3) has less significant inhibitory impact. T3 stimulation does not abrogate inhibitory effect of sunitinib. Renal cancer tumor cells hypostimulated with T3 may be more responsive to tyrosine kinase inhibition. Moreover, some tumors may be considered as T3-independent and present aggressive phenotype with thyroid hormone receptor activated independently from the ligand. On the contrary proliferation induced by deregulated VHL and or c-Met pathways may transgress normal T3 mediated regulation of the cell cycle.

Spleen content of selected polyphenols, splenocytes morphology and function in mice fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts during pregnancy and lactation

The genus Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) consists of many species, growing mainly in Asia and traditionally used as adaptogens and anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to elaborate herbal immunostimulator which could be safely given to pregnant women, we performed a study on immunotropic effects of feeding pregnant and lactating mice Rhodiola kirilowii extracts. This paper presents the results of the first part of our study - spleen content of selected polyphenols, spleen cellularity, splenocytes phenotype and their response to mitogens. Experiments were performed on adult inbred females of Balb/c strain, mated with adult males. Females, since copulatory plug was noted, up to the 28-th day after delivery were fed daily with 20 mg/kg b.m. water (RKW) or hydro-alcoholic (RKW-A) extracts of Rhodiola kirilowii.

RESULTS

1. Significantly lower proportion of pregnant mice in experimental groups than in the control. 2. Cellularity of spleen and flavonol quercetin spleen concentration were significantly lower in experimental groups in comparison to the controls. 3. Flavanols ((+)-catechin and epicatechin) levels were significantly higher in the spleens of experimental mice than in the controls. 4. Positive correlation between spleen cellularity and quercetin, and negative correlation between spleen cellularity and epicatechin content were observed. 5. Spleen mass and spleen lymphocytes phenotype and proliferation in RKW and RKW-A fed mice did not differ from the control. These results, together with suspicion of some embryo-toxicity, are worrying and eliminate the possibility of use Rhodiola kirilowii extracts for long-term treatment in pregnant females.

The regulation of clear cell renal cancer cells proliferation and tyrosine kinase inhibitors responsiveness by tumor micro-environmental factors

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Background: Tumor microenvironment is a complex network of multiple cell types, paracrine and endocrine signaling molecules, ECM and physical factors, which orchestrate the fate of tumor progression. In the field of ccRCC little attention has been paid to non-immunologic factors in tumor niche. Objectives of this study include the analysis of hypoxia, triiodothyronine (T3), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 and -2 impact on ccRCC cells. The effect of above mentioned tumor niche factors on TKI activity on ccRCC cells was to be quantified. The study was initiated as ccRCC cells are known to harbor disrupted hypoxia response and TRbeta (TRβ) - T3 receptor - functions as a tumor suppressor with tissue hypothyroidism involved in maintaining a proliferative advantage, whereas hypothyroidisms was defined as biomarker of sunitinib treatment efficacy. Moreover obesity and diabetes (DM2) are considered risk factors for ccRCC and high IGF-I expression is associated with poor long-term patient survival. This research aims to find molecular background for clinically relevant observations. Methods: ccRCC cells from primary and metastatic tumors (ATCC, MSK collections) along with cancer progenitor cells (CD133+) were cultured in normoxic or hypoxic conditions; in defined media supplemented with T3, IN, IGF, TRβ inhibitor and TKIs (sunitinib, axitinib). Cell proliferation was evaluated using AlamarBlue and MTT. Colony formation potential was evaluated. TRβ gene expression was measured with RealTime-RT PCR and sequenced under standard protocol. Normal kidney proximal tube cells were used as negative control. Results: ccRCC TKI responsiveness is limited by hypoxia, at the same time tumor cell proliferation may be promoted by T3, IN and IGF. Colony formation potential of ccRCC cells under TKI treatment in hypoxic conditions is downregulated. Conclusions: Multiple micro-environmental factors modify the proliferation and/or differentiation of ccRCC cell populations. Understanding the complex molecular feedback loops between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment should aid the identification of novel targets for improving TKIs clinical management.

Inhibitory effect of herbal remedy PERVIVO and anti-inflammatory drug sulindac on L-1 sarcoma tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis in Balb/c mice

Anticancer activity of many herbs was observed for hundreds of years. They act as modifiers of biologic response, and their effectiveness may be increased by combining multiple herbal extracts . PERVIVO, traditional digestive herbal remedy, contains some of them, and we previously described its antiangiogenic activity. Numerous studies documented anticancer effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We were the first to show that sulindac and its metabolites inhibit angiogenesis. In the present paper the combined in vivo effect of multicomponent herbal remedy PERVIVO and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sulindac on tumor growth, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor volume in Balb/c mice was studied. These effects were checked after grafting cells collected from syngeneic sarcoma L-1 tumors into mice skin. The strongest inhibitory effect was observed in experimental groups treated with PERVIVO and sulindac together. The results of our investigation showed that combined effect of examined drugs may be the best way to get the strongest antiangiogenic and antitumor effect.

Influence of nifedypine on the hyperalgesic action of duodenal distention in sheep

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of nifedypine--competitive antagonist of voltage-gated dependent L-type Ca2+ channels (VGCCs)--on inhibition of reticulo-ruminal motility, heart beats, respiratory rates and other nociceptive behavior symptoms caused by duodenal distention (DD). The animals, which were under general anesthesia, had duodenal and ruminal fistulas and intracerebroventriculary (i.c.v.) cannulas inserted into the lateral ventricle. Reticulo-ruminal contractions were recorded mechanographically using an electronic tensometer. The frequency of reticulo-ruminal contractions was determined by the number of mechanograms with 5 min intervals prior to and after DD (for 180 min). The duodenal distention was performed using a rubber balloon (10 cm length), which was inserted via the duodenal fistula and filled with 40 ml water. Five min DD caused immediate and almost complete inhibition of reticulo-ruminal contractions, nociceptive behavior symptoms, tachycardia and hyperventilation. Nifedypine per se did not change the reticulo-ruminal motility, general behavior or clinical symptoms; however, doses of 1 and 2 mg of nifedypine in toto infused i.c.v 10 minutes before DD prevented all signs of reticulo-ruminal disorders, as well as the general nociceptive behavior. Nifedypine inhibited particularly clinical symptoms such as tachycardia and hyperventilation. The observed antinociceptive action of VGCCs type-L blockers suggests that these channels play a crucial role in the modulation of acute visceral hyperalgesia. Nifedipine can be useful in controlling acute visceral pain associated, for example, with different kinds of colic.

Significant genetic differentiation between Poland and Germany follows present-day political borders, as revealed by Y-chromosome analysis

To test for human population substructure and to investigate human population history we have analysed Y-chromosome diversity using seven microsatellites (Y-STRs) and ten binary markers (Y-SNPs) in samples from eight regionally distributed populations from Poland (n = 913) and 11 from Germany (n = 1,215). Based on data from both Y-chromosome marker systems, which we found to be highly correlated (r = 0.96), and using spatial analysis of the molecular variance (SAMOVA), we revealed statistically significant support for two groups of populations: (1) all Polish populations and (2) all German populations. By means of analysis of the molecular variance (AMOVA) we observed a large and statistically significant proportion of 14% (for Y-SNPs) and 15% (for Y-STRs) of the respective total genetic variation being explained between both countries. The same population differentiation was detected using Monmonier's algorithm, with a resulting genetic border between Poland and Germany that closely resembles the course of the political border between both countries. The observed genetic differentiation was mainly, but not exclusively, due to the frequency distribution of two Y-SNP haplogroups and their associated Y-STR haplotypes: R1a1*, most frequent in Poland, and R1*(xR1a1), most frequent in Germany. We suggest here that the pronounced population differentiation between the two geographically neighbouring countries, Poland and Germany, is the consequence of very recent events in human population history, namely the forced human resettlement of many millions of Germans and Poles during and, especially, shortly after World War II. In addition, our findings have consequences for the forensic application of Y-chromosome markers, strongly supporting the implementation of population substructure into forensic Y chromosome databases, and also for genetic association studies.

Effect of hydrostatic pressure on N(CH3)4+ cation motion in ferroelectric N(CH3)4H(Cl3CCOO)2

The proton spin-lattice relaxation time in ferroelectric N(CH3)4H(Cl3CCOO)2 has been studied under isobaric conditions at pressures 0.1, 200 and 400 MPa over a wide range of temperature. The data indicate that the dominant relaxation mechanism for T1 can be attributed to the classical CH3 group reorientation of N(CH3)4+ cation. The influence of pressure on methyl group reorientation of N(CH3)4+ cation was analysed.