Interleukin-8 involved in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against bacterial infection

Interleukin 8 (IL8) is vital in promoting inflammation and is a crucial mediator in various physiopathological processes while influencing immunological function. The effect of IL8 on the immunological response to acute bacterial infections in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) remains unknown. This work found an IL8 gene from Nile tilapia (On-IL8). It includes a 285 bp open reading frame and codes for 94 amino acids. The transcript levels of On-IL8 were highest in the head-kidney tissue and sharply induced by Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas hydrophila. Besides, in vitro experiments revealed that On-IL8 regulated a variety of immunological processes and promoted inflammatory responses. Moreover, On-IL8 suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway, consistent with in vitro results. These significant findings serve as the basis for further investigation into how IL8 confers protection to bony fish in opposition to bacterial infections.

Klebsiella pneumoniae outer membrane vesicles induce strong IL-8 expression via NF-κB activation in normal pulmonary bronchial cells

BACKGROUND

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from bacteria are known to play a crucial role in the interactions between bacteria and their environment, as well as bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-host interactions.Specifically, OMVs derived from Klebsiella pneumoniae have been implicated in contributing to the pathogenesis of this bacterium.Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) has emerged as a global pathogen of great concern due to its heightened virulence compared to classical K. pneumoniae (cKp), and its ability to cause community-acquired infections, even in healthy individuals.The objective of this study was to investigate potential differences between hvKp-derived OMVs and cKp-derived OMVs in their interactions with microorganisms and host cells.

METHODS

Four strains of K. pneumoniae were used to produce OMVs: hvKp strain NTUH-K2044 (K1, ST23), hvKp clinical strain AP8555, and two cKP clinical strains C19 and C250. To examine the morphology and size of the bacterial OMVs, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized. Additionally, dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to analyze the size characterization of the OMVs.The normal pulmonary bronchial cell line HBE was exposed to OMVs derived from hvKp and cKP. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while IL-8 secretion was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Furthermore, the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was evaluated using both Western blotting and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

After purification, OMVs appeared as electron-dense particles with a uniform spherical morphology when observed through TEM.DLS analysis indicated that hvKp-derived OMVs from K2044 and AP8555 measured an average size of 116.87 ± 4.95 nm and 96.23 ± 2.16 nm, respectively, while cKP-derived OMVs from C19 and C250 measured an average size of 297.67 ± 26.3 nm and 325 ± 6.06 nm, respectively. The average diameter of hvKp-derived OMVs was smaller than that of cKP-derived OMVs.A total vesicular protein amount of 47.35 mg, 41.90 mg, 16.44 mg, and 12.65 mg was generated by hvKp-K2044, hvKp-AP8555, cKP-C19, and cKP-C250, respectively, obtained from 750 mL of culture supernatant. Both hvKp-derived OMVs and cKP-derived OMVs induced similar expression levels of IL-8 mRNA and protein. However, IL-8 expression was reduced when cells were exposed to BAY11-7028, an inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway.Western blotting and confocal microscopy revealed increased phosphorylation of p65 in cells exposed to OMVs.

CONCLUSIONS

Klebsiella pneumoniae produces outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) that play a key role in microorganism-host interactions. HvKp, a hypervirulent strain of K. pneumoniae, generates more OMVs than cKP.The average size of OMVs derived from hvKp is smaller than that of cKP-derived OMVs.Despite these differences, both hvKp-derived and cKP-derived OMVs induce a similar level of expression of IL-8 mRNA and protein.OMVs secreted by K. pneumoniae stimulate the secretion of interleukin 8 by activating the nuclear factor NF-κB.

Streptococcus lactarius MB622 and Streptococcus salivarius MB620 isolated from human milk reduce chemokine IL-8 production in response to TNF-α in Caco-2 cell line, an exploratory study

Streptococci are a predominant genera of the human milk microbiome. Among different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) a few Streptococcal strains are also considered as probiotics. Probiotic bacteria are reported to modulate immunity when consumed in adequate amount and bacterial hydrophobicity can be considered as a preliminary experiment for the adhesive capability of probiotic bacteria to the epithelial cells. The present study aimed to investigate the probiotic, hydrophobic and immune modulation property of Streptococcus lactarius MB622 and Streptococcus salivarius MB620, isolated from human milk. S. lactarius MB622 and S. salivarius MB620 displayed higher hydrophobicity (78 % and 59 % respectively) in addition to intrinsic probiotic properties such as gram positive classification, catalase negative activity, resistance to artificially stimulated gastric juice and gastrointestinal bile salt concentration. In conclusion Streptococcus lactarius MB622 and Streptococcus salivarius MB620 isolated from human milk when administered in sufficient amount and for certain duration could be used to reduce inflammation inside the colon by reducing the production of inflammatory booster (IL-8) in diseased state.

Study on the preparation of Interleukin 8 loaded hydrogel fiber and regulation on recruitment of stem cells

The high wastage rate and low survival rate of seed cells in conventional bone tissue engineering (BTE) are always a challenge for tissue regeneration. Constructing scaffolds that could continuously recruit endogenous stem cells is considered a novel way to promote tissue repair. In this study, a GelMA fiber hydrogel membrane loaded interleukin 8 (IL8) (IL8-GelMA), was prepared via electrostatic spinning technology. Compared with Gelatin fiber, GelMA fiber possessed a smooth morphology with nanoscale diameter and better physical properties including hydrophilicity, elastic modulus, swelling rate and degradation rate. In addition, IL8-GelMA fiber membranes could lead anosteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Moreover, the results of chemotaxis experiment demonstrated thatboth IL8 and IL8-GelMA fiber membranes promote the migration of BMSCs in vitro. These results suggested that IL8-GelMA fiber membranes can be used for cell-free scaffold of bone repair, which can not only recruit endogenous BMSCs, but also promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.&#xD.

Interleukin 8 in plasma is an efficacy marker for advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy and PD-1 blockade

BACKGROUND

Programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade promotes combination therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) and chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy improves the outcome of prognosis in advanced NSCLC, while effective biomarkers to follow prognostic efficacy are still to be found.

METHODS

We enrolled 44 NSCLC patients with HFRT combined with PD-1 blockade, 13 patients with chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, additionally collected tissue samples from 8 patients with earlystage NSCLC without therapy, and peripheral whole blood from 16 healthy donors, detected the expression differences of cytokines Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in the peripheral plasma and tissues by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and tumor-infiltrating T cells with recombinant human IL-8 in vitro to observe the changes of immune memory T cell subtypes and apoptosis.

RESULTS

Our results show that IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A are highly expressed in advanced NSCLC, high levels of IL-8 are significantly associated with poor prognosis in advanced NSCLC patients treated with HFRT + PD1 blockade, high circulating IL-8 in NSCLC increased apoptosis of effector memory RA (TemRA; CD45RA⁺CCR7^-) T cell subsets and CD8⁺ T cell subsets in tissues, resulting in decreased peripheral TemRA and stem cell-like memory T cells (TSCM: CD45RA ⁺CCR7 ⁺ CD95 ⁺) in tissue.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that IL-8 can impair immune memory function in NSCLC. It is a useful biomarker to evaluate the efficacy of HFRT + PD1 blockade in advanced NSCLC. Further exploration of easily available plasma biomarkers for personalized treatment of NSCLC is required.

Secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in the senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells is regulated by autophagy via FoxO3a

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are widely used for therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the function of BMSCs is adversely affected by senescence. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to BMSC senescence is critical for the development of BMSC-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, senescent BMSCs were characterized with >80 % of BMSCs stained positive for SA-β-gal, increased expressions of senescence-related genes (p16^INK4a and p21^Waf1). These senescent characters were accompanied by elevated autophagic activity, up-regulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and FoxO3a. Autophagic activity inhibition alleviated the senescent state with reduced levels of IL-6 and IL-8 during BMSC senescence. The enhanced autophagic activity upregulated the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 which is associated with up-regulation of FoxO3a, and knockdown of FoxO3a reduced IL-6 and IL-8 expression in senescent BMSCs. Therefore, this study indicated the pivotal role of autophagic activity in the expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 during BMSC senescence, which is regulated by FoxO3a.

Altered cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of adult patients with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

Despite intensive research, the etiological causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. Immunological mechanisms have recently been studied more frequently in the context of maternal autoantibodies and infections, as well as altered cytokine profiles. For the detection of immunological processes in the central nervous system, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are advantageous due to its proximity to the brain. However, cytokine studies in the CSF of ASD patients are sparse.

METHODS

CSF was collected from a patient sample of 24 adults (m = 16, f = 8, age: 30.3 ± 11.6 years) with ASD and compared to a previously published mentally healthy control sample of 39 neurological patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A magnetic bead multiplexing immunoassay was used to measure multiple cytokines in CSF.

RESULTS

Significantly decreased interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (p = 0.001) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.041) levels as well as significantly higher interleukin-8 levels (p = 0.041) were detected in patients with ASD compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The main finding of this study is an altered cytokine profile in adult patients with ASD compared to the control group. This may indicate immune dysregulation in a subgroup of adult ASD patients. Further studies in larger cohorts that examine a broader spectrum of chemokines and cytokines in general are needed to detect possible specific immune signatures in ASD.

Pharmacological heat-shock protein inducers and chemical chaperones inhibit upregulation of interleukin-8 by oxidized phospholipids

Oxidised phospholipids such as oxidised palmitoyl-arachidonoyl-phosphatidylcholine (OxPAPC) are increasingly recognised as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) inducing cyto- and chemokines. The pathological impact of oxidised phosphatidylcholine in vivo has been demonstrated in several animal models, as well as in human association studies. In this work, we have tested a number of small molecules with known or potential anti-inflammatory properties for their ability to inhibit secretion of interleukin-8 by OxPAPC-treated endothelial cells. Six compounds capable of inhibiting the induction of IL-8 were selected. Analysis of gene expression has shown that all these substances reduced the OxPAPC-induced elevation of IL-8 mRNA but potentiated induction of heat-shock proteins (HSPs). We further found that drug-like HSP inducers also prevented the induction of IL-8 by OxPAPC. Similar inhibitory action was demonstrated by two chemical chaperones, which stabilise proteins through physicochemical mechanisms thus mimicking effects of HSPs. Our data suggest that proteostatic stress plays an important mechanistic role in the pro-inflammatory effects of OxPAPC and that stabilisation of proteome by overexpression of HSPs or by chemical chaperones can reduce the pro-inflammatory effects of OxPLs.

Interleukin-8: An evolving chemokine

Early in the 1980s several laboratories mistakenly reported that partially purified interleukin-1 (IL-1) was chemotactic for neutrophils. However, further investigations by us, revealed that our purified IL-1 did not have neutrophil chemotactic activity and this activity in the LPS-stimulated human monocyte conditioned media could clearly be separated from IL-1 activity on HPLC gel filtration. This motivated Teizo Yoshimura and Kouji Matsushima to purify the monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (MDNCF), present in LPS conditioned media and molecularly clone the cDNA for MDNCF. They found that MDNCF protein (later renamed IL-8, and finally termed CXCL8) is first translated as a precursor form consisting of 99 amino acid residues and the signal peptide is then removed, leading to the secretion and processing of biologically active IL-8 of 72 amino acid form (residues 28-99). There are four cysteine residues forming two disulfide linkage and 14 basic amino acid residues which result in a very basic property for the binding of IL-8 to heparan sulfate-proteoglycan. The IL-8 gene consists of 4 exons and 3 introns. IL-8 is produced by various types of cells in inflammation. The 5'-flanking region of IL-8 gene contains several nuclear factor binding sites, and NF-κB in combination with AP-1 or C/EBP synergistically activates IL-8 gene in response to IL-1 and TNFα. Two receptors exist for IL-8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 in humans, which belong to γ subfamily of GTP binding protein (G-protein) coupled rhodopsin-like 7 transmembrane domain receptors. Rodents express CXCR2 and do not produce IL-8, but produce numerous homologues instead. Once IL-8 binds to the receptor, β and γ subunits of G-protein are released from Gα (Gαi2 in neutrophils) and activate PI3Kγ, PLCβ2/β3, PLA2 and PLD. Gαi2 inhibits adenyl cyclase to decrease cAMP levels. Small GTPases Ras/Rac/Rho/cdc42/Rap1, PKC and AKT (PKB) exist down-stream of β and γ subunits and regulate cell adhesion, actin polymerization, membrane protrusion, and eventually cell migration. PLCβ activation generates IP3 and induces Ca⁺⁺ mobilization, DAG generation to activate protein kinase C to lead granule exocytosis and respiratory burst. MDNCF was renamed interleukin 8 (IL-8) at the International Symposium on Novel Neutrophil Chemotactic Activating Polypeptides, London, UK in 1989. The discovery of IL-8 prompted us to also purify and molecularly clone the cDNA of MCAF/MCP-1 responsible for monocyte chemotaxis, and other groups to identify a large family of chemotactic cytokines capable of attracting other types of leukocytes. In 1992, most of the investigators contributing to the discovery of this new family of chemotactic cytokines gathered in Baden, Austria and agreed to name this family "chemokines" and subsequently established the CXCL/CCL and CXCR/CCR nomenclature. The discovery of chemokines resulted in solving the long-time enigma concerning the mechanism of cell type specific leukocyte infiltration into inflamed tissues and provided a molecular basis for immune and hematopoietic cell migration and interactions under physiological as well as pathological conditions. To our surprise based on its recently identified multifunctional activities, IL-8 has evolved from a neutrophil chemoattractant to a promising therapeutic target for a wide range of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. IL-8 was initially characterized as a chemoattractant of neutrophils engaged in acute inflammation and then discovered to also be chemotactic for endothelial cells with a major role in angiogenesis. These two activities of IL-8 foster its stimulatory effect on tumor growth. This is abetted by recent additional discoveries showing that IL-8 has stimulatory effects on stem cells and can therefore directly promote the growth of receptor expressing cancer stem cells. IL-8 by interacting with bone marrow stem/progenitor cells has also the capacity to mobilize and release hematopoietic cells into the peripheral circulation. This includes the mobilization of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (N-MDSC) to infiltrate into tumors and thus further promotes the immune escape of tumors. Finally, the capacity of IL-8 to induce trans-differentiation of epithelial cancer cells into mesenchymal phenotype (EMT) increases the malignancy of tumors by promoting their metastatic spread and resistance to chemotherapeutics and cytotoxic immune cells. These observations have stimulated considerable current efforts to develop receptor antagonists for IL-8 and humanized anti-IL-8 antibody for the therapy of cancer, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies.

Extracellular DNA levels and cytokine profiles in preterm birth: a cohort study

PURPOSE

The content of eight different cytokines, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in women's plasma during preterm birth (PB) was studied. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between the investigated factors and determine their prognostic significance.

METHODS

Venous blood samples were collected from 45 women with PB and 35 women with full-term labor at 22-31 and 32-36 weeks of gestation, as well as from 17 women during labor at 39-40 weeks of gestation. The concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines in peripheral blood plasma was measured by multiplex method. The level of cfDNA and cffDNA was evaluated using PCR analysis.

RESULTS

It was found that, the level of IL-6, IL-8 and cfDNA in the blood was significantly increased in women with PB at 22-31 weeks of gestation (p = 0.044, p = 0.001, p < 0.001) and 32-36 weeks of gestation (p = 0.025, p = 0.001, p = 0.002) compared to women with physiological pregnancy at the same terms. The level of cffDNA (p = 0.014) was significantly increased in women with PB at 32-36 weeks of gestation. The IL-8 content had a significant correlation with the cfDNA level in women with PB at all stages of labor and with the cffDNA level in the group who gave birth at 32-36 weeks of gestation. There was no correlation between IL-8, cfDNA and cffDNA, but there was consistency with other cytokines at all studied terms and during delivery in the term-delivery group.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest that cfDNA is a potential marker of PB and show that the aberrant relationship between cfDNA and IL-8 may be important in the genesis of PB.

The role of CXCL8 in chronic nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers and phenotypic changes in fibroblasts: a molecular perspective

INTRODUCTION

A persistent inflammation is perpetuated by infiltrating immune cells and cytokines secreted from these immune cells. Additionally, apoptotic keratinocytes and adipocytes in diabetes causes diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) to arrest in an inflammatory phase without progressing to the resolution phase. This leads to a nonhealing DFU and, despite advanced treatments consisting of wound debridement, off-loading the ulcer of necrotic tissue, wound dressings to keep it moist and control exudate, medication, and preventing infection, DFUs remain a clinical problem. Nonhealing DFUs pose not only an economic burden but also increased morbidity and mortality in the form of psychological stress with and increased chance of amputation, and even death. Thus, investigating the complicated underlying molecular mechanism responsible for nonhealing patterns and designing better therapeutics is warranted. This review article focuses on the role of IL-8-mediated persistent inflammation and phenotypic change of fibroblasts due to this inflammatory cascade. We have discussed various sources of interleukin (IL)-8 secretion and the possible association of IL8-fibroblast plasticity as a cause of nonhealing DFUs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and PMC was done including the terms diabetic foot ulcer, diabetes, diabetic ulcer, chronic inflammation, interleukin 8, diabetic wound, and nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers. The articles in the English language and published in last 10 years were selected. From the pool of these, the articles describing the relationship between IL-8 and nonhealing diabetic foot ulcer and diabetic ulcer were used sorted out and used for this review article following PRISMA guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Increased infiltration of inflammatory immune cells, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, altered keratinocyte-fibroblast function, and phenotypic changes of fibroblasts in DFUs seem to be critical to the nonhealing of DFUs. Thus, inhibiting IL-8 secretion and downstream signaling seems to be a goal of potential therapeutics.

Immune profiling after minimally invasive lobectomy

OBJECTIVES

Whether acute phase and immune responses are minimally affected following minimally invasive lung surgery needs further investigation. We performed a pilot study to evaluate the immune profile of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or robot-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomies for the treatment of suspicious or known stage I non-small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Blood samples were taken preoperatively and 3 and 24 h postoperatively were analysed for C-reactive protein, glucose, cortisol, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels. TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 were also measured in lung tissues. T (CD4, CD8), B (CD19) and natural killer (CD56, CD16) cell counts and natural killer cell functions were analysed using a flow cytometry-based assay before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Minimally invasive surgery (robot-assisted thoracic surgery + video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) significantly decreased IL-10 (P = 0.016) levels after surgery. No significant differences were detected in TNF-α (P = 0.48) and IL-8 (P = 0.15) levels before and after surgery. C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), cortisol (P < 0.001) and glucose levels (P < 0.001) increased significantly after surgery. Lymphocyte, total T cell, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ CD16+CD56+ cell counts were significantly lower on postoperative day 1.

CONCLUSION

There seems to be a dynamic balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and immune cells following minimally invasive lobectomy.

Differential Interleukin-8 thresholds for chemotaxis and netosis in human neutrophils

In humans, IL-8 (CXCL8) is a key chemokine for chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes/macrophages when acting on CXCR1 and CXCR2. CXCL8 activity on neutrophils includes chemotaxis and eliciting the extrusion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In this study, we show that concentrations of IL-8 that induce NETosis surpass in at least one order of magnitude those required to elicit chemoattraction in human neutrophils. IL-8-induced NETosis was less dependent on G-proteins than migration, while extracellular Ca⁺² chelation similarly inhibited both processes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were more important for NETosis than for chemotaxis as evidenced by neutralization with N-acetyl -cysteine. Interestingly, selective blockade with anti-CXCR1 mAb inhibited NETosis much more readily than chemotaxis, while pharmacological inhibition of both CXCR1 and CXCR2, or selective inhibition for CXCR2 alone, similarly inhibited both functions. Together, these results propose a model according to which low concentrations of IL-8 in a gradient attract neutrophils to the inflammatory foci, while high receptor-saturating concentrations of IL-8 give rise to NETosis once leukocytes reach the core of the inflammatory insult.

An observational study investigating cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

INTRODUCTION

The role of immunological mechanisms in the pathophysiology of mental disorders has been discussed with increasing frequency. In this context, especially schizophrenia has become the focus of attention after the discovery of autoimmune encephalitis, which might present with psychotic symptoms. Furthermore, multiple studies have identified associations between infections or autoimmune diseases and schizophreniform disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis plays a central role in identifying potential inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. Therefore, the rationale of this retrospective study was the analysis of different cytokines, including interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels, in the CSF of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

METHODS

The authors examined the CSF of 40 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, in comparison to the CSF of a mentally healthy control group of 39 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Magnetic bead multiplexing immunoassay was used to retrospectively determine different cytokines in the participants' CSF.

RESULTS

Participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders had significantly higher IL-8 levels in their CSF than controls (mean ± SD: 41.83 ± 17.50 pg/ml versus 21.40 ± 7.96 pg/ml; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The main finding of this study is the presence of significantly higher IL-8 concentrations in the CSF of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders when compared to the control group. This supports the hypothesis that immunological processes may be involved in the pathophysiology of a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, the study's results are limited by the retrospective design, methodological aspects, and the control group with IIH.

Time dependent impact of copper oxide nanomaterials on the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, metal binding, inflammation and mucus secretion in single and co-culture intestinal in vitro models

The potential for ingestion of copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) is increasing due to their increased exploitation. Investigation of changes in gene expression allows toxicity to be detected at an early stage of NM exposure and can enable investigation of the mechanism of toxicity. Here, undifferentiated Caco-2 cells, differentiated Caco-2 cells, Caco-2/HT29-MTX (mucus secreting) and Caco-2/Raji B (M cell model) co-cultures were exposed to CuO NMs and copper sulphate (CuSO₄) in order to determine their impacts. Cellular responses were measured in terms of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the gene expression of an antioxidant (haem oxygenase 1 (HMOX1)), the pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 8 (IL8)), the metal binding (metallothionein 1A and 2A (MT1A and MT2A)) and the mucus secreting (mucin 2 (MUC2)), as well as HMOX-1 protein level. While CuSO₄ induced ROS production in cells, no such effect was observed for CuO NMs. However, these particles did induce an increase in the level of HMOX-1 protein and upregulation of HMOX1, MT2A, IL8 and MUC2 genes in all cell models. In conclusion, the expression of HMOX1, IL8 and MT2A were responsive to CuO NMs at 4 to 12 h post exposure when investigating the toxicity of NMs using intestinal in vitro models. These findings can inform the selection of endpoints, timepoints and models when investigating NM toxicity to the intestine in vitro in the future.

Selected Clinical Features Fail to Predict Inflammatory Gene Expressions for TNF-α, TNFR1, NSMAF, Casp3 and IL-8 in Tendons of Patients with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

The pathophysiology of rotator cuff tendinopathy is not fully understood, particularly in terms of the local inflammatory process. This study aimed to investigate the expression of selected molecules in the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α transduction pathway, including TNF-α, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), neutral sphingomyelinase activation associated factor (NSMAF), caspase 3 (Casp3), and interleukin (IL)-8, in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy that had undergone surgical treatment. We included 44 participants that underwent arthroscopy, due to rotator cuff tendinopathy. Samples from the injured tendon were collected during arthroscopy, and RT-PCR was performed to determine gene expression. Pearson correlation analyses or U-Mann–Whitney test were performed to identify associations with the following parameters: sex, age at admission, body mass index, the presence of night pain, previous treatment (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or steroids), medical history of the shoulder injury, upper subluxation of the humeral head, and the number of tendons injured. RT-PCR showed that the selected pro-inflammatory factors involved in the TNF-α signalling pathway expression levels were expressed in the tendon tissues. However, the levels of expression varied from patient to patient. Variations were over 250-fold for TNF-α, about 130-fold for TNFR1, NSMAF, and Casp3, and 1000-fold for IL-8. We could not confirm that any of the clinical parameters investigated were associated with the level of gene expression in the TNF-α pathway and IL-8.

Role of interleukin 8 in depression and other psychiatric disorders

Low grade neuroinflammation has been suggested as one of the underlying mechanisms of many psychiatric diseases as well as cognitive disorders. Interleukin 8 (IL-8), a proinflammatory cytokine produced by many cell types including macrophage and microglia, mainly functions as a neutrophil chemoattractant in the bloodstream. IL-8 is also found in the brain, where it is released from microglia in response to proinflammatory stimuli. In this review, we highlight studies focusing on the role of IL-8 in psychiatric diseases such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, sleep disorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders and dementia. Increased peripheral IL-8 levels have been reported in these diseases, particularly in schizophrenic disorder, bipolar disorder, obstructive sleep apnea and autism spectrum disorder. The literature on IL-8 and major depression is inconsistent. IL-8 has been found to be a factor associated with schizophrenic prognosis and therapeutic response, and may affect a wide range of symptomatology. Considering that the exact role of immune alterations is still under research, the success of immune-based therapies in psychiatric diseases is limited for the time being.

Therapeutic effects of pentoxifylline on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunosuppressed mice

Background

The most common and severe infection of Aspergillus fumigatus is invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), which is usually seen in immunocompromised patients. Neutropenia is the primary risk factor implicated in IPA; however, IPA also occurs in patients without neutropenia, namely, those who are immunosuppressed owing to long-term corticosteroid use. With IPA-associated mortality as high as 51–79%, novel and effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been shown to competitively inhibit the family 18 chitinases in fungi, which may be an new antifungal therapy. Hence, the aim of our study was to compare neutropenic and non-neutropenic IPA mouse models, and to evaluate the effect of PTX on IPA in immunosuppressed mice.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were pre-treated with cyclophosphamide and hydrocortisone. Neutropenic model IPA mice (CTX-IPA) and non-neutropenic IPA mice (HC-IPA) were established by intranasal administration of Aspergillus fumigatus spore suspension. A subset of each group was injected with PTX post-infection. Among these groups, we compared overall survival, pulmonary fungal burden, lung hispathology, and myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and mammalian chitinase concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Results

The survival rate of the HC-IPA group was higher than that of the CTX-IPA group, and pulmonary fungal burden was also lower (p < 0.05). The CTX-IPA group showed infiltration of alveolae and blood vessels by numerous hyphae of A. fumigatus. The HC-IPA group exhibited destruction of bronchi, expansion of alveolar septa, increased macrophages aggregation, significant neutrophil infiltration and a few hyphae in peribronchial areas. After PTX treatment, improvement was observed in survival duration and pulmonary fungal burden in HC-IPA mice. MPO and IL-8 levels were lower in the HC-IPA + PTX group compared to the corresponding levels in the HC-IP group. Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) and Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) expression in the HC-IPA group was decreased after PTX treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

PTX was found to exert a therapeutic effect in a non-neutropenic mouse model of IPA, which may lead to the development of novel strategies for IPA treatment.

Cytokine and Gene Expression Profiling in Patients with HFE-Associated Hereditary Hemochromatosis according to Genetic Profile

BACKGROUND

Hemochromatosis gene (HFE)-associated hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is characterized by downregulation of hepcidin synthesis, leading to increased intestinal iron absorption.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to characterize and elucidate a possible association between gene expression profile, hepcidin levels, disease severity, and markers of inflammation in HFE-associated HH patients.

METHODS

Thirty-nine HFE-associated HH patients were recruited and assigned to 2 groups according to genetic profile: C282Y homozygotes in 1 group and patients with H63D, as homozygote or in combination with C282Y, in the other group. Eleven healthy first-time blood donors were recruited as controls. Gene expression was characterized from peripheral blood cells, and inflammatory cytokines and hepcidin-25 isoform were quantified in serum. Biochemical disease characteristics were recorded.

RESULTS

Elevated levels of interleukin 8 were observed in a significant higher proportion of patients than controls. In addition, compared to controls, gene expression of ζ-globin was significantly increased among C282Y homozygote patients, while gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase 8, and other neutrophil-secreted proteins, was significantly upregulated in patients with H63D.

CONCLUSION

Different disease signatures may characterize HH patients according to their HFE genetic profile. Studies on larger populations, including analyses at protein level, are necessary to confirm these findings.

D-Lactate Increases Cytokine Production in Bovine Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes via MCT1 Uptake and the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NFκB Pathways

Acute ruminal acidosis (ARA) is caused by the excessive intake of highly fermentable carbohydrates, followed by the massive production of D-lactate and the appearance of neutrophilic aseptic polysynovitis. Bovines with ARA develop different lesions, such as ruminitis, polioencephalomalacia (calves), liver abscess and lameness. Lameness in cattle with ARA is closely associated with the presence of laminitis and polysynovitis. However, despite decades of research in bovine lameness as consequence of ruminal acidosis, the aetiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are components of synovial tissue, and under pathological conditions, FLSs increase cytokine production, aggravating inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that D-lactate could induce cytokine production in bovine FLSs. Analysis by qRT-PCR and ELISA revealed that D-lactate, but not L-lactate, increased the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in a monocarboxylate transporter-1-dependent manner. In addition, we observed that the inhibition of the p38, ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB pathways reduced the production of IL-8 and IL-6. In conclusion, our results suggest that D-lactate induces an inflammatory response; this study contributes to the literature by revealing a potential key role of D-lactate in the polysynovitis of cattle with ARA.

Increased IL-8 concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with unipolar depression

INTRODUCTION

Unipolar depression is a common and debilitating disorder. Immunological explanatory approaches have become increasingly important in recent years and can be studied particularly well in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Previous studies discerned alterations in interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels; however, findings regarding IL-8 were partly contradictory. The aim of the present study was to investigate the concentrations of different cytokines and chemokines, focusing on IL-8, in the CSF of patients with unipolar depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants included 40 patients with unipolar depression and 39 mentally healthy controls with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. CSF cytokine levels were measured using a magnetic bead multiplexing immunoassay.

RESULTS

IL-8 levels in the CSF of the patient group with depression were significantly higher than those in the control group (Mean ± SD: 38.44 ± 6.26 pg/ml versus 21.40 ± 7.96 pg/ml; p < .001).

LIMITATIONS

The significance of the results is limited by the retrospective design and methodological aspects.

DISCUSSION

The main findings of this study were significantly higher concentrations of IL-8 in the CSF of patients with unipolar depression than in the control group. The detection of high CSF IL-8 levels in this study supports the idea that inflammatory processes might play a role in the pathophysiology of a subgroup of patients with depression.

Comparison of Neurokinin A, Substance P, Interleukin 8, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Changes in Pulp tissue and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Samples of Healthy and Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Teeth

INTRODUTION

The aim of this study was to compare levels of neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP), interleukin (IL)-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in pulp tissue and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of healthy and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis teeth.

METHODS

Forty patients diagnosed with healthy and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis teeth were included in this study. NKA, SP, IL-8, and MMP-8 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test after pulp and GCF samples were obtained from healthy (n = 20) and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis teeth (n = 20). GCF sampling of 40 teeth was repeated 1 week later. Routine root canal treatment procedures of the teeth were performed, and the treatment process was completed. As a control group, GCF samples were taken from the contralateral teeth in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using dependent and independent t tests, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Comparing the groups, all mediator levels were significantly higher in the pulp samples in the pulpitis group compared with the healthy group (NKA: P < .001, SP: P = .005, IL-8: P < .001, and MMP-8: P < .001). Likewise, in the pulpitis group, all mediator levels were significantly higher in the first GCF samples compared with the healthy group (NKA: P = .01, SP: P < .001, IL-8: P = .001, and MMP-8: P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

It was observed that NKA, SP, IL-8, and MMP-8 increased significantly in pulp tissue and GCF specimens of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis teeth compared with pulp tissue and GCF specimens of healthy teeth. Second, it was determined that NKA, SP, IL-8, and MMP-8 levels decreased significantly in GCF samples in teeth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis 1 week after the removal of inflamed pulp. Finally, SP, IL-8, and MMP-8 levels were found to be higher in pulp tissue samples of the patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with higher pain scores than those with low pain scores.

Increased IL-8 levels in HIV-infected individuals who initiated ART with CD4+ T cell counts <350 cells/mm3 - A potential hallmark of chronic inflammation

The identification of inflammatory markers in HIV+ individuals on ART is fundamental since chronic ART-controlled HIV infection is linked to an increased inflammatory state. In this context, we assessed plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-12p70) of HIV+ individuals who initiated ART after immunosuppression (CD4⁺ T cell counts <350 cells/mm³). HIV+ individuals were stratified according to two extreme phenotypes: Slow Progressors (SPs; individuals with at least 8 years of infection before ART initiation) and Rapid Progressors (RPs; individuals who needed to initiate ART within 1-4 years after infection). A control group was composed of HIV-uninfected individuals. We found increased IL-8 levels (median: 5.13 pg/mL; SPs and RPs together) in HIV-infected individuals on ART as compared to controls (median: 3.2 pg/mL; p = 0.04), although no association with the progression profile (slow or rapid progressors) or CD4⁺ T cell counts at sampling was observed. This result indicates that IL-8 is a general marker of chronic inflammation in HIV+ individuals on ART, independently of CD4⁺ T cell counts at the beginning of the treatment or of the potential progression profile of the patient. In this sense, IL-8 may be considered a possible target for novel therapies focused on reducing inflammation in chronic HIV infection.

Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

During the epidemic season, over 90% of acute wheezing disease is associated with bronchial inflammation. Both neutrophil- and eosinophil-mediated inflammation have been involved in the pathophysiology of acute bronchitis, but neutrophil cell recruitment has been shown to be dominant. The ongoing inflammation increases the chemotaxis of neutrophils to inflamed site providing to their overaccumulation. The pharmacological reduction of neutrophil migration can be limited by suppression of major chemo-attractants and cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α) release and downregulation of adhesive molecules.

AIM OF THE STUDY

During a screening of plants traditionally used in respiratory tracts diseases (e.g. cough, rhinitis, bronchitis, throat infection, fever, influenza) in Europe, we have selected roots of Inula helenium and aerial parts of Grindelia squarrosa as a potential source of compounds limiting neutrophil migration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect on IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α release by neutrophils and respiratory epithelium cell line (A549) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The surface expression of adhesive molecules was analyzed with flow cytometry, and the neutrophil attachment to the epithelial cells was assessed fluorimetrically.

RESULTS

We confirmed the ability of selected extracts and compounds to suppress neutrophil binding to the epithelium surface via downregulation of β2 integrin. Alantolactone and grindelic acid have shown significant suppression of IL-8, TNF-α and IL-1β release comparable with budesonide, used as a positive control.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa, which have been traditionally used in Europe as medicinal plants, are a valuable source of active compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Our observations justify the traditional use of I. helenium and G. squarrosa for a treatment of inflammation-based diseases in respiratory tract.

Cloning, functional analysis, and microRNA-induced negative regulation of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 γ (Gadd45g) in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 gamma (Gadd45g) is a member of Gadd45 gene family of immunological proteins in mammals. Herein, we identified and characterised Gadd45g from grass carp. The cDNA spans over 1189 bp, with an open reading frame of 480 bp encoding a 159 amino acid protein. CiGadd45g mRNAs were expressed in all tissues investigated, with abundant expression in liver, kidney, heart, brain, blood and skin. Following infection with Aeromonas hydrophila, CiGadd45g expression was upregulated in these immune-related tissues (gill, liver, spleen, intestine, kidney and head kidney). Immune-related cytokines (p38 and JNK) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IFN-1 and TNF-α) were activated by CiGadd45g. CiGadd45g and downstream genes were regulated by microRNA miR-429b. These results indicate that CiGadd45g plays an important immune role in the response to A. hydrophila infection in grass carp.

Oxytetracycline reduces inflammation and treponeme burden whereas vitamin D3 promotes β-defensin expression in bovine infectious digital dermatitis

Digital dermatitis (DD), a common ulcerative disease of the bovine foot causing lameness and reducing productivity and animal welfare, is associated with infection by spirochete Treponema bacteria. Topical tetracycline, the most common treatment, has inconsistent cure rates; therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. We compared effects of topical oxytetracycline and vitamin D₃ on innate immunity in DD-affected skin. Cows with active DD lesions were treated topically with oxytetracycline or vitamin D₃ and skin biopsies were collected from lesions. Tissue samples were examined histologically, transcriptional expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and host defense peptides assessed, and the presence of specific treponeme species determined. Effects of treatments at a mechanistic level were studied in a human keratinocyte model of treponeme infection. Oxytetracycline promoted hyperplastic scab formation in ulcerated DD lesions and decreased transcriptional expression of Cxcl-8 (neutrophil chemoattractant). Oxytetracycline also reduced numbers of Treponema phagedenis and T. pedis and enhanced Tlr2 mRNA expression. Vitamin D₃ did not modify expression of cytokines or Tlrs, or bacterial loads, but enhanced transcription of tracheal antimicrobial peptide (Tap), a key bovine β-defensin. Combing oxytetracycline and vitamin D₃ provides complementary clinical benefits in controlling DD through a combination of antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and pro-healing activities.

Serum IL8 is not associated with cardiovascular events but with all-cause mortality

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate if IL8 levels were associated with incident cardiovascular (CV) events (CVE) and mortality (all-cause, CV, and cancer) in a cohort of 60 years old men and women from Stockholm (60YO).

METHODS

The 60YO comprises 4232 participants; baseline period: 1997-1999. The cohort is matched annually to population registries to record deaths and incident CVE. Serum IL8 was measured in 4011 participants and categorized in quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the CVE and mortality risk, expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential confounding was addressed by adjusting for traditional CV risk factors (CVE estimates) and by sex, life style habits, metabolic factors (mortality estimates). Laplace regression was used to calculate the difference in time until a certain percentage of the cohort died according to IL8 levels.

RESULTS

During 16.5 years follow up, 522 incident CVE were recorded and 647 study participants died. IL8 was not associated with CVE risk (IL8 Q4 vs Q1, HR of 0.95; 95% CI 0.75-1.22). Compared to Q1, IL8 Q4 was associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.02-1.63). No association was observed with CV and cancer related mortality in the fully adjusted model. Participants with IL8 above the median died of any cause ≈1.3 years before the 15% of the population had died.

CONCLUSION

Elevated IL8 levels were not associated with CVE risk and CV mortality, but were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality regardless of the underlying cause.

Multiple myeloma-derived exosomes are enriched of amphiregulin (AREG) and activate the epidermal growth factor pathway in the bone microenvironment leading to osteoclastogenesis

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal plasma cell malignancy associated with osteolytic bone disease. Recently, the role of MM-derived exosomes in the osteoclastogenesis has been demonstrated although the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Since exosomes-derived epidermal growth factor receptor ligands (EGFR) are involved in tumor-associated osteolysis, we hypothesize that the EGFR ligand amphiregulin (AREG) can be delivered by MM-derived exosomes and participate in MM-induced osteoclastogenesis.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from the conditioned medium of MM1.S cell line and from bone marrow (BM) plasma samples of MM patients. The murine cell line RAW264.7 and primary human CD14⁺ cells were used as osteoclast (OC) sources.

Results

We found that AREG was specifically enriched in exosomes from MM samples and that exosomes-derived AREG led to the activation of EGFR in pre-OC, as showed by the increase of mRNA expression of its downstream SNAIL in both RAW264.7 and CD14⁺ cells. The presence of neutralizing anti-AREG monoclonal antibody (mAb) reverted this effect. Consequently, we showed that the effect of MM-derived exosomes on osteoclast differentiation was inhibited by the pre-treatment of exosomes with anti-AREG mAb. In addition, we demonstrated the ability of MM-derived AREG-enriched exosomes to be internalized into human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) blocking osteoblast (OB) differentiation, increasing MM cell adhesion and the release of the pro-osteoclastogenic cytokine interleukin-8 (IL8). Accordingly, anti-AREG mAb inhibited the release of IL8 by MSCs suggesting that both direct and indirect effects are responsible for AREG-enriched exosomes involvement on MM-induced osteoclastogenesis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our data indicate that AREG is packed into MM-derived exosomes and implicated in OC differentiation through an indirect mechanism mediated by OBs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-018-0689-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Early Inflammatory Markers for the Diagnosis of Late-Onset Sepsis in Neonates: The Nosodiag Study

Background: Early diagnosis is essential to improve the treatment and prognosis of newborn infants with nosocomial bacterial infections. Although cytokines and procalcitonin (PCT) have been evaluated as early inflammatory markers, their diagnostic properties have rarely been compared. Objectives: This study evaluated and compared the ability of individual inflammatory markers available for clinician (PCT, semi-quantitative determination of IL-8) and of combinations of markers (CRPi plus IL-6 or quantitative or semi-quantitative determination of IL-8) to diagnose bacterial nosocomial infections in neonates. Methods: This prospective two-center study included neonates suspected of nosocomial infections from September 2008 to January 2012. Inflammatory markers were measured initially upon suspicion of nosocomial infection, and CRP was again measured 12-24 h later. Newborns were retrospectively classified into two groups: those who were infected (certainly or probably) and uninfected (certainly or probably). Results: The study included 130 infants of median gestational age 28 weeks (range, 24-41 weeks). Of these, 34 were classified as infected and 96 as uninfected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) for PCT were 59.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.8-77.6%), 78.5% (95% CI, 67.8-86.9%), 48.5% (95% CI, 30.8-66.5%), 84.9% (95% CI, 74.6-92.2%), 2.7 (95% CI, 1.6-4.9), and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.8), respectively. Semi-quantitative IL-8 had the highest specificity (92.19%; 95% CI, 82.70-97.41%), PPV (72.22%; 95% CI, 46.52-90.30%) and LR+ (6.17, 95% CI, 2.67-28.44), but had low specificity (48.15%; 95% CI, 28.67-68.05%). Of all markers tested, the combination of IL-6 and CRPi had the highest sensitivity (78.12%; 95% CI, 60.03-90.72%), NPV (91.3%; 95% CI, 82.38-96.32%) and LR- (0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.49). The combination of IL-6 and CRPi had a higher area under the curve than PCT, but with borderline significance (p = 0.055). Conclusions: The combination of IL-6 and CRPi was superior to other methods, including PCT, for the early diagnosis of nosocomial infection in neonates, but was not sufficient for sole use. The semi-quantitative determination of IL-8 had good diagnostic properties but its sensitivity was too low for use in clinical practice.

IL-8 analogue CXCL8 (3-72) K11R/G31P, modulates LPS-induced inflammation via AKT1-NF-kβ and ERK1/2-AP-1 pathways in THP-1 monocytes

IL-8 is elevated during inflammation, and it initiates cascade of down-stream reactions. Its antagonist, CXCL8 (3-72) K11R/G31P (G31P), represses inflammatory reactions via competitive binding to CXC chemokine family, preferentially G protein-couple receptors (GPCRs) CXCR1/2. This study reports the effect of G31P on the transcription profile of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in THP-1 monocytes ex-vivo. LPS (1 µg/ml) induced elevation of IL-8 was significantly reduced by G31P (20 µg/ml and 30 µg/ml), with relatively increased inhibition of CXCR2 than CXCR1. Transcription of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly inhibited, while IL-10 remained relatively unchanged. G31P treatment also had repressing effect on the inflammatory associated enzymes COX-2, MMP-2, and MMP-9. Significant restriction of c-Fos, and NF-kβ mRNA expression was observed, while that of c-Jun was marginally elevated. Conversely, SP-1 mRNA expression was seen to increase appreciably by G31P treatment. While the translation of pAKT, pERK1/2, and p65- NF-kβ were down-regulated by the G31P following THP-1 cells stimulation with LPS, reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was on the positive trajectory. Collectively, the IL-8 analogue, G31P, modulates the inflammatory profile of LPS induced inflammation in THP-1 monocytes via AKT1-NF-kβ and ERK1/2-AP-1 pathways.

Influence of ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy on secretion of interleukins 6, 8 and 10 by colon cancer cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy has apart from a direct cytotoxic effect also immunomodulatory properties. The aim of our study was to investigate how photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA-PDT) in sublethal doses influences the secretion of interleukins 6, 8 and 10 from colon cancer cells in vitro.

METHODS

We used two human colon cancer cell lines SW480 and SW620 of different malignancies which were treated with a sublethal PDT protocol. Determination of interleukins was carried out using the Bio- Plex Assay Pro™ kit on the Bio- Plex Suspension Array System.

RESULTS

Sublethal ALA-PDT did not affect IL-6 secretion by SW480 cells, but caused a 40% decrease of IL-6 release by the SW620 cell line. It increased IL-8 secretion in both, the SW480 and SW620 cell lines, by 23% and 46%, respectively, and decreased the production of IL-10 (25% in SW480 and 32% in SW620 cells).

CONCLUSIONS

ALA-PDT in sublethal doses might influence colon cancer cell's progression and invasion by reducing the secretion of IL-6, IL-10 and increasing the IL-8 concentration with higher values in the more malignant cell line.

Nickel ions bind to HSP90β and enhance HIF-1α-mediated IL-8 expression

Nickel ions (Ni²⁺) eluted from biomedical devices cause inflammation and Ni allergy. Although Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ elicit common effects, Ni²⁺ induces a generally stronger inflammatory reaction. However, the molecular mechanism by which Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ induce such different responses remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we compared the effects of Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ on the expression of interleukin (IL)-8 in human monocyte THP-1 cells. We report that NiCl₂ but not CoCl₂ induced the expression of IL-8; in contrast, CoCl₂ elicited a higher expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The NiCl₂-induced expression of IL-8 in late phase was blocked by a HIF-1α inhibitor, PX-478, indicating that NiCl₂ targets additional factors responsible for activating HIF-1α. To identify such targets, proteins that bound preferentially to Ni-NTA beads were analyzed by LC/MS/MS. The analysis yielded heat shock protein 90β (HSP90β) as a possible candidate. Furthermore, Ni²⁺ reduced the interaction of HSP90β with HIF-1α, and instead promoted the interaction between HIF-1α and HIF-1β, as well as the nuclear localization of HIF-1α. Using various deletion variants, we showed that Ni²⁺ could bind to the linker domain on HSP90β. These results suggest that HSP90β plays important roles in Ni²⁺-induced production of IL-8 and could be a potential target for the regulation of Ni²⁺-induced inflammation.

The Significance of Serum Interleukin-8 in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUNDS

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is closely related to disease mortality. Systemic inflammation is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of AECOPD. The current study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the classic chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 in serum during AECOPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this current cross sectional, observational study, 50 patients with AECOPD, 25 patients with stable COPD and 25 healthy nonsmokers as the control group were selected. Clinical characteristics and spirometry data were collected. All patients were classified as grade 1-4 based on forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) after bronchodilation according to the GOLD severity classification and were divided into frequent exacerbation (FE) group (≥2 times/year) and non-frequent exacerbation (NFE) group (<1 time/year) according to acute exacerbation (AE) times in the previous 12 months before the visit. The serum IL-8, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and superoxide dismutase levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

RESULTS

Serum IL-8 levels increased sequentially from controls [9.45 pg/mL (ranged: 6.85-38.4)], to stable [51.60 pg/mL (ranged: 22.4-131.1)], and exacerbation stage [129 pg/mL (ranged: 57.7-374)]. The level of serum IL-8 was significant higher in patients with FE than that of patients with NFE (209.0 pg/mL (ranged: 115-472) vs 65.6 pg/mL (ranged: 11.2-149.3), P=0.008). A receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) generated to evaluate IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α levels to discriminate between patients with and without exacerbation showed that the total area under the curve (AUC) was 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5764-0.8381; P=0.003), 0.54 (95%CI: 0.4048-0.6943; P=0.54), and 0.52 (95%CI: 0.3912-0.6656; P= 0.7).

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-8 is a sensitive, easy-to-measure, and inexpensive biomarker to give an indication of the course of COPD during exacerbation, and is a target to be explored further as a predictor to distinguish the patients prone to exacerbation.

The presence of IL-8 +781 T/C polymorphism is associated with the parameters of severe Clostridium difficile infection

PURPOSE

There is large variation in the clinical manifestations of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). We also still can not predict which patients are more susceptible to reinfection with CDI. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of proinflammatory cytokines, specifically IL-1β, IL-8 on the development, clinical course and recurrence of CDI.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of adults (130 people ≥ 18 years) including 65 patients with CDI treated in tertiary hospital and 65 healthy persons. The following 3 variants were analyzed for the occurrence of gene polymorphisms in patients with CDI versus the control group: IL-1β +3953 A/G (rs1143634), IL-1β -31 A/G (rs1143627), and IL-8 +781 T/C (rs2227306). Then, we assessed the correlation between these genetic polymorphisms and biochemical parameters important in CDI course, CDI severity as well as CDI recurrence.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The presence of genetic polymorphisms of IL-1β +3953 A/G, -31 A/G and IL-8 +781 T/C did not have an effect on the development or recurrence of CDI. The presence of IL-8 +781 T/C polymorphism is associated with the severe CDI.

Cytokine and autoantibody clusters interaction in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

Evidence supports the existence of different subphenotypes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the pivotal role of cytokines and autoantibodies, which interact in a highly complex network. Thus, understanding how these complex nonlinear processes are connected and observed in real-life settings is a major challenge. Cluster approaches may assist in the identification of these subphenotypes, which represent such a phenomenon, and may contribute to the development of personalized medicine. Therefore, the relationship between autoantibody and cytokine clusters in SLE was analyzed.

Methods

This was an exploratory study in which 67 consecutive women with established SLE were assessed. Clinical characteristics including disease activity, a 14-autoantibody profile, and a panel of 15 serum cytokines were measured simultaneously. Mixed-cluster methodology and bivariate analyses were used to define autoantibody and cytokine clusters and to identify associations between them and related variables.

Results

First, three clusters of autoantibodies were defined: (1) neutral, (2) antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA)-dominant, and (3) anti-dsDNA/ENA-dominant. Second, eight cytokines showed levels above the threshold thus making possible to find 4 clusters: (1) neutral, (2) chemotactic, (3) G-CSF dominant, and (4) IFNα/Pro-inflammatory. Furthermore, the disease activity was associated with cytokine clusters, which, in turn, were associated with autoantibody clusters. Finally, when all biomarkers were included, three clusters were found: (1) neutral, (2) chemotactic/APLA, and (3) IFN/dsDNA, which were also associated with disease activity.

Conclusion

These results support the existence of three SLE cytokine-autoantibody driven subphenotypes. They encourage the practice of personalized medicine, and support proof-of-concept studies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-017-1345-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Variants in the interleukin 8 gene and the response to inhaled bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin 8 protein promotes inflammatory responses, even in airways. The presence of interleukin 8 gene variants causes altered inflammatory responses and possibly varied responses to inhaled bronchodilators. Thus, this study analyzed the interleukin 8 variants (rs4073, rs2227306, and rs2227307) and their association with the response to inhaled bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis patients.

METHODS

Analysis of interleukin 8 gene variants was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism of polymerase chain reaction. The association between spirometry markers and the response to inhaled bronchodilators was evaluated by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The analysis included all cystic fibrosis patients, and subsequently patients with two mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene belonging to classes I to III.

RESULTS

This study included 186 cystic fibrosis patients. There was no association of the rs2227307 variant with the response to inhaled bronchodilators. The rs2227306 variant was associated with FEF_50% in the dominant group and in the group with two identified mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. The rs4073 variant was associated with spirometry markers in four genetic models: co-dominant (FEF_25-75% and FEF_75%), dominant (FEV₁, FEF_50%, FEF_75%, and FEF_25-75%), recessive (FEF_75% and FEF_25-75%), and over-dominant (FEV₁/FVC).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the importance of the rs4073 variant of the interleukin 8 gene, regarding response to inhaled bronchodilators, and of the assessment of mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene.

Ultrasensitive SERS immunoassay based on diatom biosilica for detection of interleukins in blood plasma

An ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay based on diatom biosilica with integrated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the detection of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in blood plasma has been developed. The SERS sensing originates from unique features of the diatom frustules, which are capable of enhancing the localized surface-plasmon resonance of metal nanostructures. The SERS immune tags ware fabricated by functionalizing 70-nm Au nanoparticles with DTNB (i.e., 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid)), which acted as a Raman reporter molecule, as well as the specific antibodies. These DTNB-labeled immune-AuNPs can form a sandwich structure with IL-8 antigens (infection marker) and the antibodies immobilized on the biosilica material. Our method showed an improved IL-8 detection limit in comparison to standard ELISA methods. The current detection limit for IL-8 using a conventional ELISA test is about 15.6 pg mL⁻¹. The lower detection limit for IL-8 in blood plasma was estimated to be 6.2 pg mL⁻¹. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the recognition of IL-8 in human samples using a SERS-based method. This method clearly possesses high sensitivity to clinically relevant interleukin concentrations in body fluids. The average relative standard deviation of this method is less than 8%, which is sufficient for analytical analysis and comparable to those of classical ELISA methods. This SERS immunoassay also exhibits high biological specificity for the detection of IL-8 antigens. The established SERS immunoassay offers a valuable platform for the ultrasensitive and highly specific detection of immune biomarkers in a clinical setting for medical diagnostics.

Graphical Abstract

High Grade T1 Papillary Urothelial Bladder Cancer Shows Prominent Peritumoral Retraction Clefting

Differentiation of noninvasive from invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma can be challenging due to inability of proper orientation and thermal damage of transurethrally obtained material. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence and extent of peritumoral retractions in pT1 compared to pTa papillary urothelial carcinoma. Since peritumoral retractions may result from altered expression profiles of extracellular matrix proteins, we additionally analyzed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) in these tumors. The study comprised 50 noninvasive (pTa) and 50 invasive (pT1) cases of transurethrally obtained primary papillary urothelial carcinomas. The invasive nature of nests showing peritumoral retractions was confirmed immunohistochemically using antibody against collagen IV. Staining for MMP-2 and IL-8 was evaluated semiquantitatively using immunohistochemical staining index, calculated by multiplying the percentage of positive cells and staining intensity. Peritumoral retractions were found in 32% of pT1 carcinomas but in none of the pTa carcinomas. All tumors showing peritumoral retraction were high grade tumors. There was no statistically significant correlation between the expression of MMP-2 or IL-8 and the presence of peritumoral retractions or stage of the tumor (pTa vs. pT1). A statistically significant but weak correlation was found between MMP-2 and IL-8 expression (χ2-test, p=0,015). There was no statistically significant correlation between the presence of peritumoral retractions or MMP-2 expression and tumor recurrence and progression. Our study shows that, in doubtful cases, when differentiating between pTa and pT1 stages of papillary urothelial carcinoma, the presence of peritumoral retractions could favor the diagnosis of invasive neoplasm.

Combination of Helicobacter pylori infection and the interleukin 8 -251 T > A polymorphism, but not the mannose-binding lectin 2 codon 54 G > A polymorphism, might be a risk factor of gastric cancer

Background

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) acts in the innate immune response to Helicobacter pylori. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a potent cytokine produced by gastric epithelial cells in response to H. pylori. We aimed to investigate whether polymorphisms in MBL2 and IL-8 influence susceptibility to H. pylori infection, and the associations of these polymorphisms with the risk of gastroduodenal diseases in a Korean population.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 176 H. pylori-negative control subjects, 221 subjects with H. pylori-positive non-atrophic gastritis, 52 mild atrophic gastritis (AG), 61 severe AG, 175 duodenal ulcer, and 283 gastric cancer (GC). Allele-specific PCR-RFLP was conducted for polymorphisms in MBL2 exon 1 (codon 52, 54, and 57) and IL-8 -251 T > A. IL-8 levels in gastric mucosal tissues and serum MBL levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

MBL2 exon 1 polymorphic variants were found only in codon 54, and the allele frequencies did not differ significantly between the control and disease groups. Although serum MBL levels in codon 54 A/A mutants were markedly low, it did not influence susceptibility to H. pylori infection or the risk of gastroduodenal diseases. IL-8 levels were significantly different between T/T wild type, T/A heterozygote, and A/A mutant genotypes. IL-8 -251 A allele carriers (A/A + T/A) showed increased IL-8 levels, and were significantly associated with the risk of severe AG and GC.

Conclusions

We suggest that a combination of H. pylori infection and the IL-8 -251 T > A polymorphism might increase the risk of severe AG and GC in a Korean population.

Doxofylline does not increase formoterol-induced cAMP nor MKP-1 expression in ASM cells resulting in lack of anti-inflammatory effect

The xanthine doxofylline has been examined in clinical trials and shown to have efficacy and greater tolerability than theophylline in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The 'novofylline' doxofylline has demonstrated bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory actions in in vivo and ex vivo experimental models of respiratory disease. However, there are limited studies in vitro. We address this herein and examine whether doxofylline has anti-inflammatory impact on primary cultures of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. We conduct a series of investigations comparing and contrasting doxofylline with the archetypal xanthine, theophylline, and the specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor, cilomilast. We confirm that the xanthine drugs do not have action as PDE inhibitors in ASM cells. Unlike cilomilast, doxofylline (and theophylline) do not increase cAMP production in ASM cells induced by long-acting β₂-agonist formoterol. Similar to theophylline, and consistent with the lack of cAMP potentiation, doxofylline does not augment formoterol-induced upregulation of the anti-inflammatory protein mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1). However, when we examine the effect of doxofylline on secretion of the interleukin 8 from ASM cells stimulated by tumour necrosis factor (an in vitro surrogate measure of inflammation), there was no repression of inflammation. This is in contrast to the anti-inflammatory impact exerted by theophylline and cilomilast in confirmatory experiments. In summary, our study is the first to examine the effect of doxofylline on ASM cells in vitro and highlights some distinct differences between two key members of xanthine drug family, doxofylline and theophylline.

Interleukin 8 (-251 T>A) polymorphism in children and teenagers infected with Helicobacter pylori

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and causes a variety of gastric diseases. This study evaluated the correlations between the -251 (T>A) (rs4073) polymorphism of interleukin-8 (IL-8), the etiology of gastric disease, and H. pylori infection in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Methods

DNA samples were obtained from 285 gastric biopsies from pediatric patients. H. pylori was detected by PCR, whereas PCR-RFLP was used to characterize the -251 (T>A) polymorphism of IL-8.

Results

The histological analysis revealed the presence of gastritis in 158 patients (55.44%). H. pylori was found in 71 samples (24.9%). The -251 (T>A) polymorphism revealed that 58 (29.47%) samples were TT, 143 (50.18%) samples were TA, and 84 (20.35%) samples were AA.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that IL8-251 A allele may be an important risk factor for the development of gastric disease when associated with H. pylori infection.

Interferon induces interleukin 8 and bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 expression, inhibiting the production of hepatitis B virus surface antigen from human hepatocytes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is one of the treatment goals of chronic HBV infection. Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) is one of the interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and inhibits the release of various enveloped viruses. Here we examined the effects of antiviral treatment on HBsAg levels and its intracellular mechanism in HBsAg-producing hepatocytes. In PLC/PRF/5 and Huh1, IFNα-2a treatment decreased HBsAg levels in their conditioned media. Upregulation of interleukin 8 (IL8), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP10) mRNAs was associated with the reduction of HBsAg in both PLC/PRF/5 and Huh1. The HBsAg level was upregulated by knockdown of IL8, TLR2 or IP10. Exogenous addition of IL8 enhanced BST2 promoter activity and BST2 mRNA expression. Additionally, knockdown of IL8 could lead to the downregulation of BST2 mRNA. Transfection of poly(I-C) enhanced IL8 and BST2 mRNA expression and inhibited HBsAg secretion from PLC/PRF/5 cells. In conclusion, IL8 might play an important role in the enhancement of BST2 and be involved in HBsAg eradication.

Activating transcription factor 3 represses cigarette smoke-induced IL6 and IL8 expression via suppressing NF-κB activation

Airway and lung inflammation is a fundamental hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) has been reported to negatively regulate many pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. However, little is known about the impact of ATF3 on the inflammatory response of COPD. Since cigarette smoke (CS) is considered to be the most important risk factor in the etiology of COPD, we attempted to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of ATF3 in CS-induced inflammation. We observed an increase in the expression of ATF3 in the lung tissues of CS-exposed mice and CS extract (CSE)-treated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. In vitro results indicated that ATF3 inhibition significantly increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6) and interleukin 8 (IL8) in CSE-stimulated HBE cells. Furthermore, in vivo data verified that CS induced inflammatory cell recruitment around the bronchus. In addition, neutrophil infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of CS-exposed Atf3^-/- mice was markedly higher than in stimulated WT mice. Finally, ATF3 deficiency increased the in vitro and in vivo expression and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a positive mediator of inflammation. Thus, this study shows that ATF3 plays an important role in the negative regulation of CS-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression through downregulating NF-κB phosphorylation.

MiR-124 down-regulation is critical for cancer associated fibroblasts-enhanced tumor growth of oral carcinoma

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to be involved in initiation, progression and metastasis of various cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of how CAFs affects the biological function of oral cancer (OC) has not been fully-addressed. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-124 was downregulated in oral CAFs and oral cancer cells (OCCs) when compared with matched normal fibroblasts (NFs). Hypermethylation in the promoter region of miR-124 genes was accounted for its downregulation. Interestingly, CAFs but not NFs exerted promotion effect on OCCs cell proliferation, migration and tumor growth in CAFs/NFs-OCCs co-culture. Furthermore, we identified Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) as two direct targets of miR-124. Over-expression of miR-124 in CAFs-OCCs co-culture abrogated CAFs-promoted OCCs cell growth and migration, and this inhibitory effect can be rescued by addition of CCL2 and IL-8. Finally, we showed that restoration of miR-124 expression by lentiviral infection or formulated miR-124 injection inhibited oral tumor growth in vivo suggesting miR-124 rescue could be a potential rationale for therapeutic applications in oral cancer in the future.

Evaluation of interleukin 8 +2767 A/T polymorphism in visceral leishmaniasis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluated the relationship between the genetic variations at IL-8 +2767 position with VL pathogenesis among Iranian patients.

METHODS

Three groups including patients with VL clinical presentation and leishmania seropositive (n = 124), patients seropositive but without clinical presentation (n = 82) and healthy controls (n = 63) were selected to conduct this cross-sectional study. Polymorphism at +2767 position of IL-8 was investigated using PCR-RFLP techniques. Anti-leishmania antibody titration was evaluated by the immunoflorescence technique.

RESULTS

We observed higher significant frequencies +2767 A/A and A/T genotypes in Group 1 compared to Group 2 and healthy controls (P = 0.001). Also, patients in Group 1 carrying A/A genotype showed higher titer of anti-leishmania antibody than patients with A/T and T/T genotypes (P = 0.05). The validity of the data was analyzed using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as χ² tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the IL-8 +2767 polymorphism is significantly involved in impaired immune responses against VL and it could be considered as a risk factor for the VL progress.

Effect of propofol and sevoflurane on the inflammatory response of patients undergoing craniotomy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this randomised, single-centre study was to prospectively investigate the impact of anaesthetic techniques for craniotomy on the release of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and to determine whether intravenous anaesthesia compared to inhalational anaesthesia attenuates the inflammatory response.

METHODS

The study enroled 40 patients undergoing craniotomy, allocated into two equal groups to receive either sevoflurane (n = 20) or propofol (n = 20) in conjunction with remifentanil and rocuronium. The lungs were ventilated mechanically to maintain normocapnia. Remifentanil infusion was adjusted according to the degree of surgical manipulation and increased when mean arterial pressure and the heart rate increased by more than 30 % from baseline. The depth of anaesthesia was adjusted to maintain a bispectral index (BIS) of 40-60. Invasive haemodynamic monitoring was used. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were measured before surgery and anaesthesia, during tumour removal, at the end of surgery, and at 24 and 48 h after surgery. Postoperative complications (pain, vomiting, changes in blood pressure, infection and pulmonary, cardiovascular and neurological events) were monitored during the first 15 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with patients anaesthetised with sevoflurane, patients who received propofol had higher levels of IL-10 (p = 0.0001) and lower IL-6/IL-10 concentration ratio during and at the end of surgery (p = 0.0001). Both groups showed only a minor response of IL- 8 during and at the end of the surgery (p = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received propofol had higher levels of IL-10 during surgery. Neither sevoflurane nor propofol had any significant impact on the occurrence of postoperative complications. Our findings should incite future studies to prove a potential medically important anti-inflammatory role of propofol in neuroanaesthesia.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Identified as NCT02229201 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Significant hepatic expression of IL-2 and IL-8 in biliary atresia compared with other neonatal cholestatic disorders

OBJECTIVES

Although the exact etiology of biliary atresia (BA) is still elusive, inflammation plays a key role. Release of proinflammatory cytokines from activated immune cells perpetuates the injury and causes biliary destruction. We aimed to study interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-8 expression in liver tissue of BA patients compared with other neonatal cholestatic disorders.

METHODS

The study included 59 infants with neonatal cholestasis in two groups; BA group (n=31) and non-BA group (n=28) with cholestatic disorders other than BA as controls. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histopathological parameters were collected. IL-2 and IL-8 immunostaining was performed. Immunostaining in portal cellular infiltrate was scored as positive or negative and expressed as the mean cell count in three portal tracts.

RESULTS

The mean value of IL-2 and IL-8 positive inflammatory cells was significantly higher in BA than in non-BA group (P-values of 0.004 and 0.002 respectively). IL-2 correlated significantly with IL-8 immunostaining in both BA and non-BA group (P<0.0001 for both). Furthermore, both cytokines in both groups correlated significantly with inflammatory activity in liver biopsy while there was no significant correlation with the other studied parameters. Yet, there was a trend of increased expression of IL-2 and IL-8 with increasing stage of fibrosis in BA group. This trend was not observed in non-BA group.

CONCLUSION

The significantly higher expression of IL-2 and IL-8 in patients with BA compared to non-BA suggests a potential role for these cytokines in the pathogenesis in therapy of this devastating neonatal hepatic disorder.

Systemic expression of inflammatory mediators in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps with and without Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

BACKGROUND

Systemic reactions are related to the pathogenesis of Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). With this work we wanted to study the changes in the systemic levels of inflammatory mediators in both baseline and after oral aspirin challenge in patients with and without AERD.

METHODS

Patients with nasal polyposis and asthma with AERD (n=20) and without (n=18) were orally challenged with aspirin in a single-blind placebo controlled study. Serum samples and urine were collected before and 6h after placebo and aspirin oral challenges. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators were assayed by using the Luminex technology and ELISA. The concentrations of 9-alpha, 11-beta prostaglandin F2, and leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) were measured in urine samples by ELISA. The expression of T-cell surface markers was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated before and after the challenges.

RESULTS

AERD patients showed significantly higher baseline levels of s-IL-5R-alpha, uLTE4 and percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(pos) and CD4(+)CD45RA(-)CD45RO(+) but decreased levels of TGF-β1 and number of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(neg) cells. Aspirin challenge induced the release of uLTE4, IL-6 and increased the number of CD4(+)CD45RA(-)CD45RO(+) memory T-cells only in AERD patients but failed to reduce the levels of sCD40L as observed in non-AERD subjects. Further, IL-8 and sIL-5R-alpha levels directly correlated with the PD20ASA and the effects of aspirin on IL-6 and number of memory T-cells was more pronounced in subjects showing more strong reaction (bronchial and nasal).

CONCLUSIONS

AERD patients have a differential baseline inflammatory pattern that supports the role inflammation as underlying mechanism of the disease. Systemic response to oral aspirin challenge was related to an increase in serum IL-6 and the number of circulating memory T-cells in AERD patients.

Clinical significance of differential expression of interleukin 8 mRNA in left-sided and right-sided colon cancer

AIM: To investigate the differential expression of interleukin 8 (IL-8) between left-sided and right-sided colon cancer and to analyze its clinical significance.

METHODS: Eighty patients who received radical resection for stage II or III colon cancer were involved, including 40 patients with left-sided colon cancer (LSCC) and 40 with right-sided colon cancer (RSCC). Paired cancer and normal colon mucosal specimens were collected from each patient. The gene expression of IL-8 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Subsequently, the relationship between IL-8 expression and clinicopathological variables as well as prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTS: The mRNA expression of IL-8 in colon cancer was significantly higher than that in normal colon mucosa (P < 0.01). IL-8 expression was significantly higher in RSCC than in LSCC (P = 0.004). High IL-8 expression was closely related with RSCC (65% vs 35%, P = 0.007), bigger tumor size (5.2 cm vs 4.1 cm, P = 0.014) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (27.5% vs 10%,P = 0.045). In patients with LSCC, the survival of patients with high IL-8 expression was significantly shorter than that in patients with low IL-8 expression (37.0 mo vs 59.2 mo, P = 0.006). However, among patients with RSCC, patients with high IL-8 expression tended to have a better prognosis than patients with low expression (63.8 mo vs 54.5 mo, P = 0.151). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that T4 infiltration (RR = 6.514, 95%CI: 1.209-35.102, P = 0.029) and lymphatic/vascular invasion (RR = 6.272, 95%CI: 1.352-29.092, P = 0.019) were independent prognostic factors of RSCC, and high IL-8 expression (RR = 3.279, 95%CI: 0.973-11.051, P = 0.045), T4 infiltration (RR = 4.546, 95%CI: 1.335-15.481, P = 0.015), lymph node metastasis (RR = 5.918, 95%CI: 1.439-24.334, P = 0.014) and lymphatic/vascular invasion (RR = 3.663, 95%CI: 1.089-12.320, P = 0.036) were independent prognostic factors of LSCC.

CONCLUSION: The gene expression of IL-8 is significantly different between RSCC and LSCC. High IL-8 expression has a different prognostic impact on RSCC and LSCC. RSCC and LSCC are two potentially heterogeneous groups with differences in molecular and carcinogenic mechanisms.

Induction of oxidative stress by Taxol® vehicle Cremophor-EL triggers production of interleukin-8 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells through the mechanism not requiring de novo synthesis of mRNA

Understanding the ability of cytotoxic oncology drugs, and their carriers and formulation excipients, to induce pro-inflammatory responses is important for establishing safe and efficacious formulations. Literature data about cytokine response induction by the traditional formulation of paclitaxel, Taxol®, are controversial, and no data are available about the pro-inflammatory profile of the nano-albumin formulation of this drug, Abraxane®. Herein, we demonstrate and explain the difference in the cytokine induction profile between Taxol® and Abraxane®, and describe a novel mechanism of cytokine induction by a nanosized excipient, Cremophor EL, which is not unique to Taxol® and is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry for delivery of a wide variety of small molecular drugs.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the production of many nano-formulation drugs. The cellular response to drugs has been reported to be different between traditional and nano-formulations. In this article, the authors investigated and compared cytokine response induction profiles between Taxol® and Abraxane®. The findings here provided further understanding to create drugs with better safety profiles.