Differential Modulation by Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) of Mesenteric Fat and Macrophages and T Cells in Adipose Tissue of Obese fa/fa Zucker Rats

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can alter adipose tissue function; however, the relative effects of plant and marine n3-PUFAs are less clear. Our objective was to directly compare the n3-PUFAs, plant-based α-linolenic acid (ALA) in flaxseed oil, and marine-based eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in high-purity oils versus n6-PUFA containing linoleic acid (LA) for their effects on the adipose tissue and oral glucose tolerance of obese rats. Male fa/fa Zucker rats were assigned to faALA, faEPA, faDHA, and faLA groups and compared to baseline fa/fa rats (faBASE) and lean Zucker rats (lnLA). After 8 weeks, faEPA and faDHA had 11-14% lower body weight than faLA. The oral glucose tolerance and total body fat were unchanged, but faEPA had less mesenteric fat. faEPA and faDHA had fewer large adipocytes compared to faLA and faALA. EPA reduced macrophages in the adipose tissue of fa/fa rats compared to ALA and DHA, while faLA had the greatest macrophage infiltration. DHA decreased (~10-fold) T-cell infiltration compared to faBASE and faEPA, whereas faALA and faLA had an ~40% increase. The n3-PUFA diets attenuated tumour necrosis factor-α in adipose tissue compared to faBASE, while it was increased by LA in both genotypes. In conclusion, EPA and DHA target different aspects of inflammation in adipose tissue.

Tumour necrosis factor-α induces C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 production in canine keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)5 induces skin inflammation in healthy dogs. In addition, CCL5 is overexpressed in the skin of experimental models of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α has been shown to be upregulated in cAD. However, it remains unclear whether TNF-α induces CCL5 production in canine keratinocytes.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of TNF-α on CCL5 production in canine keratinocyte culture and investigate possible synergy with interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-4.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CCL5 protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the culture supernatant of a cell line of canine progenitor epidermal keratinocyte (CPEK) cells stimulated with TNF-α with or without inhibitors of the TNF receptor signalling pathway. CCL5 protein concentrations also were measured in CPEK cells stimulated with TNF-α in the absence or presence of IFN-γ, a T-helper (Th)1-type cytokine, and/or IL-4, a Th2-type cytokine.

RESULTS

TNF-α increased CCL5 production in CPEK cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. Inhibitors of the TNF receptor signalling pathway diminished CCL5 production. Although neither IFN-γ nor IL-4 alone induced CCL5 production in CPEK cells, the combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ, and not IL-4, synergistically enhanced CCL5 production in these cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

TNF-α may be involved in skin inflammation in dogs by promoting CCL5 production in keratinocytes. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of TNF-α and IFN-γ suggests that the local Th1-type milieu may aggravate skin inflammation. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of TNF-α-induced CCL5 production of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of cAD.

Insights into the Emerging Therapeutic Targets of Triple-negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, is characterized by the non-appearance of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Clinically, TNBC is marked by its low survival rate, poor therapeutic outcomes, high aggressiveness, and lack of targeted therapies. Over the past few decades, many clinical trials have been ongoing for targeted therapies in TNBC. Although some classes, such as Poly (ADP Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and immunotherapies, have shown positive therapeutic outcomes, however, clinical effects are not much satisfiable. Moreover, the development of drug resistance is the major pattern observed in many targeted monotherapies. The heterogeneity of TNBC might be the cause for limited clinical benefits. Hence,, there is a need for the potential identification of new therapeutic targets to address the above limitations. In this context, some novel targets that can address the above-mentioned concerns are emerging in the era of TNBC therapy, which include Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF-1α), Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), β-Adrenergic Receptor (β-AR), Voltage Gated Sodium Channels (VGSCs), and Cell Cycle Regulators. Currently, we summarize the ongoing clinical trials and discuss the novel therapeutic targets in the management of TNBC.

Successful treatment of refractory enteritis and arthritis with combination of tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-6 inhibition in patients with ulcerative colitis

An 18 year-old man with autoimmune hepatitis-primary sclerosing cholangitis-overlap syndrome and ulcerative colitis was admitted due to relapsed enteritis and polyarthritis after cessation of infliximab. Colonoscopy and articular ultrasonography revealed large ulcers in the colon with crypt abscess in the specimens and active enthesitis and synovitis, respectively. His intestinitis was improved with golimumab but arthritis was persistent. Golimumab was switched to secukinumab, which was effective for arthritis. However, colitis was flared resulting in total colorectal resection. One month after colectomy, polyarthritis was relapsed. Tocilizumab ameliorated arthritis but enteritis emerged again, and switching tocilizumab to adalimumab improved enteritis but arthritis exacerbated. Finally, we restarted tocilizumab for arthritis with continued adalimumab for enteritis. The dual cytokine blocking strategy, tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 inhibition, subsided both of his refractory enteritis and arthritis and maintained remission for more than 3 years without any serious adverse event. Our case suggests that enteritis and arthritis in inflammatory bowel disease may be different in pathophysiology and raises the possible usefulness of simultaneous inhibition of two inflammatory cytokines in such cases.

Potential significance of changes in serum levels of IL-17, TNF-α and DKK-1 in the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis

To detect the value of serum interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at different disease stages. 141 RA patients were randomly obtained and diagnosed in a large tertiary first-class hospital in Jiangxi Province from November 2021 to January 2022. RA was divided into 38 low activity and remission phase (low remission patients), 72 moderate activity patients, 41 high activity patients, according to the disease activity score 28 (DAS28) of RA and 70 healthy controls. IL-17 and TNF-α in serum detected by flow cytometry; DKK-1by ELISA; rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) by rate scattering turbidimetry; erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) by Widmanstat method; anti-cyclic citrullinated polypeptide antibody (Anti-CCP) by chemiluminescence. The changes among the groups were statistically analysed and evaluated their diagnostic value. ①Anti-CCP, CRP, and ESR levels in the moderate-to-high activity group were higher than controls, while IL-17, TNF-α, and DKK-1levels higher than low remission group, moderate activity group and controls (p < 0.05). ②IL-17, TNF-α and DKK-1 were positively correlated with RA disease activity, with the correlations of IL-17, TNF-α and DKK-1 all over 0.5 (p < 0.05). ③The ROC curve showed that among all indices the AUC of DKK-1 was the largest, 0. 922, and has the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value for RA, 0.965 and 0.953, respectively. The specificity and positive predictive value of TNF-α is highest, 0.918 and 0.921, respectively, combined them had the highest predictive value in moderate-to-high activity RA, with AUC of 0.968, and had the highest sensitivity of 0.965. The IL-17, TNF-α and DKK-1 levels were elevated in RA and positively correlated with disease activity, involved in the Wnt signalling pathway of inflammatory and joint destructive effects, combining them to monitor the RA disease process and biologically treat the cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA were valuable.

Double-negative T cells regulate the progression of liver fibrosis through Th9 cells differentiation

Our previous study found that double negative T cells (DNTs) could promote the NLRP3 activation through high expression of TNF-α, thereby leading to hepatic fibrosis progression. We focused on investigating the role and mechanism of DNTs in regulating the Th9 cells differentiation in liver fibrosis. In our results, among patients with liver fibrosis, the proportions of peripheral blood DNTs and Th9 cells were up-regulated and positively correlated. While promoting the progression of liver fibrosis in mice, DNTs could elevate the proportion of Th9 cells and activate the TNFR2-STAT5-NF-κB pathway. The use of IL-9 and TNF-α monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibited the effect of DNTs and lowered the proportion of Th9 cells in tissues. In vitro experiments showed that DNTs could promote the Th9 cells differentiation of Naive T cells, while TNF-α mAbs could inhibit such effect of DNTs to lower the proportion of Th9 cells. We found that DNTs can activate TNFR2-STAT5-NF-κB pathway by secreting TNF-α, thereby promoting the Th9 Cells differentiation to facilitate the progression of liver fibrosis. There is interaction between DNTs and Th9 cells.

Th1 bias of liver mucosal-associated invariant T cells promotes hepatic gluconeogenesis in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

It is acknowledged that aberrant liver immunity contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, an innate-like T-cell subset, are enriched in the human liver. Nevertheless, the characterisation and potential role of hepatic MAIT cells in T2DM remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen newly diagnosed T2DM subjects and 15 controls received liver biopsy. The frequency and cytokine production of MAIT cells were analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism was determined in HepG2 cells co-cultured with hepatic MAIT cells.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, hepatic MAIT cell frequency was significantly increased in T2DM patients (24.66% vs. 14.61%, p = 0.001). There were more MAIT cells producing interferon-γ (IFN-γ, 60.49% vs. 33.33%, p = 0.021) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 46.84% vs. 5.91%, p = 0.021) in T2DM than in controls, whereas their production of interleukin 17 (IL-17) was comparable (15.25% vs. 4.55%, p = 0.054). Notably, an IFN-γ⁺ TNF-α⁺ IL-17^+/- producing MAIT cell subset was focussed, which showed an elevated proportion in T2DM (42.66% vs. 5.85%, p = 0.021) and positively correlated with plasma glucose levels. A co-culture experiment further indicated that hepatic MAIT cells from T2DM upregulated the gene expression of pyruvate carboxylase, a key molecule involved in gluconeogenesis, in HepG2 cells, and this response was blocked with neutralising antibodies against IFN-γ and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data implicate an increased Th1-like MAIT cell subset in the liver of newly diagnosed T2DM subjects, which induces hyperglycaemia by promoting hepatic gluconeogenesis. It provides novel insights into the immune regulation of metabolic homoeostasis.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03296605 (registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov on 12 October 2018).

The inflammatory cytokine profiles and ocular biometric characteristics of primary angle-closure glaucoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure disease (PACG) by measuring the anatomical structures of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and inflammatory markers in the peripheral blood.

METHODS

This case-control study enrolled patients diagnosed with acute PACG (APACG) and chronic PACG (CPACG). It also enrolled control subjects without PACG. The anterior and posterior anatomical features were measured in all study participants. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the peripheral blood were measured.

RESULTS

This study analysed a total of 99 eyes: 34 eyes from 34 patients with APACG, 28 eyes from 28 patients with CPACG and 37 eyes from 37 control patients with senile cataract. The axis length, corneal diameter, anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber volume were significantly smaller in the APACG and CPACG groups compared with the controls. The level of IL-6 in the peripheral blood of patients with PACG was significantly lower than that of the controls. The NLR in the peripheral blood of patients with PACG was significantly greater than that of the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the ocular anatomy and some inflammatory markers might be involved in the pathogenesis of PACG.

Expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-4, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor α in different tissue in a dinitrochlorobenzene-induced ear swelling test in mice

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in different tissue in a dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced ear swelling test in mice and further evaluate the correlation between the cytokine expression in different tissues and the degree of ear swelling.

METHODS

The mice were sensitised with a 0.50% DNCB solution on their back for 3 days. After 7 days, the thickness of their ears was measured and grouped. Different concentrations of the DNCB solution were challenged in the left ear of each group of mice, and the right ear was used as the control. The thickness of both ears was measured every 24 h, and the mice were sacrificed 72 h after the challenge. The expressions of IL-1β, IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α in the mouse serum, lymph node and ear tissue were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

RESULTS

There was a linear positive correlation between the swelling index of the mouse lateral ear and the challenge concentration of DNCB (r = 0.96, p < 0.01). The high expression of IL-1β and IL-4 in the lateral ear tissue of the mice was positively correlated with the ear swelling index 48 h after the challenge. The correlation coefficient was 0.78 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, IFN-γ and TNF-α had no significant correlation with the ear swelling index 48 h after the challenge.

CONCLUSION

There is a correlation between the degree of ear swelling in mice and the concentration of DNCB and the expression of IL-1β and IL-4 in the lateral ear tissue. There is a sub-clinical skin sensitivity state in contact allergy.

The correlation between testosterone, inflammation and cytokine status in type-2 diabetes men

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is believed to cause hypogonadism through increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a primary cytokine associated with T2DM. The study explored the association between total testosterone (TT) level and cytokines status in 53 adult males, 27 T2DM (T2DM group) and 26 non-T2DM (control group). Blood samples evaluated fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, FSH, LH, TT, prolactin, estradiol, cortisol, cortisol-binding globulin, C-reactive protein and eight cytokines (Interferon-gamma, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-4, IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α). Data are presented as a median with interquartile interval. TT concentration was lower in the T2DM group [10.9 nmol/L (7.1-12.2) vs. 12.3 nmol/L (10.7-14.9) in control, p = 0.008]. CRP and cortisol in T2DM patients were higher than in control (p = 0.031 and 0.041 respectively). TT was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, body mass index (BMI) and FSH (p = 0.028, 0.019 and 0.006 respectively). Multiple linear regression models showed that lower TT values were predictable by a linear combination of the independent variables: TNF-α, BMI and T2DM (p = 0.047, 0.023 and 0.019 respectively). High CRP and cortisol levels in T2DM patients suggest an inflammatory state. TT levels associated with TNF-α suggest a role of this cytokine in the aetiology of hypogonadism in T2DM patients.

Huangqin Decoction Attenuates DSS-Induced Mucosal Damage and Promotes Epithelial Repair via Inhibiting TNF-α-Induced NF-κB Activation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of Chinese herbal formula Huangqin Decoction (HQD) on ulcerative colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and human intestinal epithelial cell injury induced by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

METHODS

In vivo, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups using a random number table (n=6 per group), including control, DSS, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), HQD low- (HQD-L) and high-dose (HQD-H) groups. The colitis mouse model was established by 3% (w/v) DSS water for 5 days. Meanwhile, mice in the HQD-L, HQD-H and 5-ASA groups were administrated with 100, 200 mg/kg HQD or 100 mg/kg 5-ASA, respectively, once daily by gavage. After 9 days of administration, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score and colon length of mice were measured, the pathological changes of colons were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining, and the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, the human colon epithelial normal cells (FHC cells) were exposed to HQD (0.6 mg/mL) for 12 h and then treated with TNF-α (10 ng/mL) for 24 h. The tight junction (TJ) protein expression levels of Claudin-4 and Occludin, and the protein phosphorylation levels of p65 and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB)-α (IκBα) were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

In vivo, compared with the DSS group, HQD-H treatment attenuated the weight loss and reduced DAI score of mice on the 8th day (P<0.05). Moreover, HQD-H treatment ameliorated the colon shortening in the DSS-induced colitis mice (P<0.05). HE staining showed HQD attenuated the pathological changes of colitis mice, and the histological scores of HQD-H and 5-ASA groups were significantly decreased compared with the DSS group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, HQD-H and 5-ASA significantly decreased the serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of mice (P<0.05). In vitro experiments showed that HQD up-regulated Occludin and Claudin-4 protein expressions and inhibited p-p65 and p-IκBα levels in FHC cells compared with the TNF-α group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

HQD significantly relieved the symptoms in DSS-induced colitis mice by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and maintained the homeostasis of TJ protein in FHC cells by suppressing TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation.

Effects of Jian Pi Qing Chang Hua Shi decoction on mucosal injuries in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced inflammatory bowel disease rat model

CONTEXT

Jian Pi Qing Chang Hua Shi decoction (JPQCHSD) has been considered as an effective remedy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Chinese traditional medicine.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy of JPQCHSD on 2-4-6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced IBD rats and the responsible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Except the rats of the control group (50% ethanol), Sprague-Dawley rats (180 ± 20 g) induced by TNBS (150 mg/kg in 50% ethanol), received water extract of JPQCHSD daily at 0, 9.5, 19, or 38 g/kg for 12 days. The rats were sacrificed, and their colons were removed to evaluate the disease activity index. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), immunoglobulin A (IgA), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and nuclear factor-κB were evaluated.

RESULTS

JPQCHSD extract significantly reduced the disease activity index of TNBS-induced colitis with a median effective dose (ED₅₀) of 26.93 g/kg. MPO and MDA were significantly reduced in the 19 and 38 g/kg groups (ED₅₀ values 37.38 and 53.2 g/kg, respectively). The ED₅₀ values for the increased SOD and IgA were 48.98 and 56.3 g/kg. ED₅₀ values for inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were 32.66, 75.72, and 162.06 g/kg, respectively.

DISCUSSION

JPQCHSD promoted mucosal healing in IBD rats via its anti-inflammation, immune regulation, and antioxidation properties.

CONCLUSIONS

JPQCHSD has healing function on IBD. Further clinical trials are needed to demonstrate its efficacy and tolerance to IBD.

Rosmarinic acid ameliorates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice via RACK1/TNF-α mediated antioxidant effect

CONTEXT

Rosmarinic acid (RA) dose-dependently ameliorates acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. However, whether RA hepatoprotective effect is by regulating RACK1 and its downstream signals is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the RA protective effect on APAP-induced ALI and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty Kunming mice 6-8 weeks old were randomly separated into six groups (n = 10) and pre-treated with normal saline, ammonium glycyrrhetate (AG) or RA (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg i.p./day) for two consecutive weeks. Then, APAP (300 mg/kg, i.g.) was administrated to induce ALI, except for the control. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and histopathology were used to authenticate RA effect. The liver RACK1 and TNF-α were measured by western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the APAP group, different dosages RA significantly decreased ALT (52.09 ± 7.98, 55.13 ± 10.19, 65.08 ± 27.61 U/L, p < 0.05), AST (114.78 ± 19.87, 115.29 ± 31.91, 101.78 ± 21.85 U/L, p < 0.05), MDA (2.37 ± 0.87, 2.13 ± 0.87, 1.86 ± 0.39 nmol/mg, p < 0.01) and increased SOD (306.178 ± 90.80, 459.21 ± 58.54, 444.01 ± 78.09 U/mg, p < 0.05). With increasing doses of RA, RACK1 and TNF-α expression decreased. Moreover, the RACK1 and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with MDA (r = 0.8453 and r = 0.9391, p < 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support RA as a hepatoprotective agent to improve APAP-induced ALI and the antioxidant effect mediated through RACK1/TNF-α pathway.

Curcumin attenuates prostatic hyperplasia caused by inflammation via up-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor

CONTEXT

Inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) play important roles in the occurrence and development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); curcumin exerts anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-EMT effects.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-EMT mechanisms of curcumin in BPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 µg/kg) in the prostate lobules to establish an inflammatory BPH model (LPS group), and curcumin (120 mg/kg) was administered into the abdominal cavity for 2 weeks (three times a week, curcumin-treated group). A group of healthy mice served as the control group. The expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI), EMT markers, inflammatory cytokines, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was detected by PCR and western blotting. TGF-β1 (0.1 ng/mL) and LPS (100 ng/mL) were used to induce EMT in benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cells (BPH-1).

RESULTS

In vivo, curcumin reduced the size of the prostate, suppressed the expression of vimentin and TLR4, and increased the expression of E-cadherin and BAMBI in the LPS-induced BPH mouse model. Moreover, curcumin decreased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α by 44.52 and 46.17%, respectively. In vitro, curcumin attenuated cell proliferation, suppressed the expression of vimentin and TLR4, and increased the expression of E-cadherin and BAMBI in BPH-1 cells. Furthermore, BAMBI knockdown reversed the expression of vimentin and E-cadherin induced by curcumin.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that curcumin alleviated hyperplasia, EMT, and inflammation in vivo. Furthermore, curcumin suppressed EMT by targeting BAMBI via the TLR4/BAMBI/TGF-β1 signalling pathway in vitro, demonstrating its potential utility in BPH treatment.

Expression and related mechanisms of miR-330-3p and S100B in an animal model of cartilage injury

Objective

To investigate the roles of and relationship between microRNA (miR)-330-3p and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) in an animal model of cartilage injury.

Methods

This study included 30 New Zealand male rabbits randomly divided into three groups: an intervention group, a model group and a sham surgery control group. Modelling was performed in the intervention and model groups, but in the sham surgery group, only the skin was cut. After modelling, the intervention and model groups were injected with the miR-330-3p overexpression vector GV268-miR-330-3p or the control GV268-N-ODN vector, respectively, twice a week for 7 weeks.

Results

Levels of interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α in the synovial fluid were significantly higher in the model group than in the intervention and control groups. The level of miR-330-3p in the cartilage tissue was significantly higher in the control group than in the model group but it was significantly lower compared with the intervention group. Levels of S100B, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and fibroblast growth factor-2 in the cartilage tissue of rabbits in the model group were significantly higher compared with the control and intervention groups.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the upregulation of miR-330-3p can inhibit the expression of S100B.

Effect of treatment with resiniferatoxin in an experimental model of pulpal inflammatory in mice

AIM

To evaluate whether treatment with resiniferatoxin (RTX) is capable of lowering the plasma levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α, as well as histopathological parameters in inflammation of pulp tissue in a mouse experimental model.

METHODOLOGY

Ten groups of six BALB/c mice were formed as follows: healthy group (H_C ), healthy group treated with RTX (H_RTX ), two groups with pulp inflammation at 14 and 18 hours (PI₁₄ /PI₁₈ ), six groups with pulpal inflammation plus treatment with Ibuprofen (IBU₁₄ /IBU₁₈ ), dexamethasone (DEX₁₄ /DEX₁₈ ) and resiniferatoxin (RTX₁₄ /RTX₁₈ ) at 14 and 18 hours, respectively. Pulpal inflammation was induced through occlusal exposure of the pulp of the maxillary first molar. The plasma levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α and the histological parameters of the pulp tissue of the H_C and H_RTX groups were evaluated at the time of acquiring the animals. In the other groups, the plasma levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α and the histopathological parameters were evaluated at 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage. Plasma levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α were quantified by ELISA, and the histopathological parameters were evaluated by H/E staining. Statistical significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for overall differences between group means.

RESULTS

A significant increase (*p < .05) in plasma levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α occurred 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage. In addition, treatment with RTX significantly decreased (*p < .05) the plasma levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α at 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage, as well as the infiltrate of inflammatory cells at 18 hours after pulp damage, similarly to treatment with ibuprofen and dexamethasone.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to detect systemic levels of PGE₂ and TNF-α at 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage. Likewise, treatment with RTX was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect similar to treatment with ibuprofen and dexamethasone. These findings place resiniferatoxin as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Dentistry.

First trimester angiogenic and inflammatory factors in women with chronic hypertension and impact of blood pressure control: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To assess first trimester serum placental growth factor (PLGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), endothelin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in women with chronic hypertension (CH) stratified according to blood pressure (BP) control.

DESIGN

Case-control.

SETTING

Tertiary referral centre.

POPULATION

650 women with CH, 142 normotensive controls.

METHODS

In the first trimester, patients with CH were subdivided into four groups. Group 1 included women without pre-pregnancy CH presenting with BP ≥140/90 mmHg. Groups 2-4 had pre-pregnancy CH; in group 2 the BP was <140/90 mmHg without antihypertensive medication, in group 3 the BP was <140/90 mmHg with antihypertensive medication, and in group 4 the BP was ≥140/90 mmHg despite antihypertensive medication. PLGF, sFLT-1, IL-6, TNF-α, endothelin and VCAM were measured at 11⁺⁰ -13⁺⁶  weeks' gestation and converted into multiples of the expected median (MoM) using multivariate regression analysis in the controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Comparisons of MoM values of PLGF, sFLT-1, endothelin, IL-6, TNF-α and VCAM between the entire cohort of women with CH and the control group were made using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Comparisons between the four CH groups were made using analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, women with CH had significantly lower MoM of PLGF, sFLT-1 and IL-6 and a significantly higher MoM of endothelin. Between the four groups of women with CH, there were no significant differences in the MoM of sFLT-1, PLGF, sFLT-1/PLGF ratio, endothelin, IL-6 or VCAM, or in the levels of TNF- α.

CONCLUSION

In women with CH, differences exist in first trimester angiogenic and inflammatory profiles when compared with normotensive pregnancies. However, these differences do not assist in the stratification of women with CH to identify those with more severe underlying disease and worse pregnancy outcomes.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

First trimester blood pressure control impacts on serum PLGF, sFLT-1, endothelin and IL-6 in women with chronic hypertension.

Oxidant-resistant LRRC8A/C anion channels support superoxide production by NADPH oxidase 1

KEY POINTS

LRRC8A-containing anion channels associate with NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) and regulate superoxide production and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) signalling. Here we show that LRRC8C and 8D also co-immunoprecipitate with Nox1 in vascular smooth muscle cells. LRRC8C knockdown inhibited TNFα-induced O₂ ^•- production, receptor endocytosis, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and proliferation while LRRC8D knockdown enhanced NF-κB activation. Significant changes in LRRC8 isoform expression in human atherosclerosis and psoriasis suggest compensation for increased inflammation. The oxidant chloramine-T (ChlorT, 1 mM) weakly (∼25%) inhibited LRRC8C currents but potently (∼80%) inhibited LRRC8D currents. Substitution of the extracellular loop (EL1, EL2) domains of 8D into 8C conferred significantly stronger (69%) ChlorT-dependent inhibition. ChlorT exposure impaired subsequent current block by DCPIB, which occurs through interaction with EL1, further implicating external oxidation sites. LRRC8A/C channels most effectively sustain Nox1 activity at the plasma membrane. This may result from their ability to remain active in an oxidized microenvironment.

ABSTRACT

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) activates NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), producing superoxide (O₂ ^•- ) required for subsequent signalling. LRRC8 family proteins A-E comprise volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). The required subunit LRRC8A physically associates with Nox1, and VRAC activity is required for Nox activity and the inflammatory response to TNFα. VRAC currents are modulated by oxidants, suggesting that channel oxidant sensitivity and proximity to Nox1 may play a physiologically relevant role. In VSMCs, LRRC8C knockdown (siRNA) recapitulated the effects of siLRRC8A, inhibiting TNFα-induced extracellular and endosomal O₂ ^•- production, receptor endocytosis, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation and proliferation. In contrast, siLRRC8D potentiated NF-κB activation. Nox1 co-immunoprecipitated with 8C and 8D, and colocalized with 8D at the plasma membrane and in vesicles. We compared VRAC currents mediated by homomeric and heteromeric LRRC8C and LRRC8D channels expressed in HEK293 cells. The oxidant chloramine T (ChlorT, 1 mM) weakly inhibited 8C, but potently inhibited 8D currents. ChlorT exposure also impaired subsequent current block by the VRAC blocker DCPIB, implicating external sites of oxidation. Substitution of the 8D extracellular loop domains (EL1, EL2) into 8C conferred significantly stronger ChlorT-mediated inhibition of 8C currents. Our results suggest that LRRC8A/C channel activity can be effectively maintained in the oxidized microenvironment expected to result from Nox1 activation at the plasma membrane. Increased ratios of 8D:8C expression may potentially depress inflammatory responses to TNFα. LRRC8A/C channel downregulation represents a novel strategy to reduce TNFα-induced inflammation.

The causal effect of interleukin-17 on the risk of psoriatic arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

To determine causal associations between genetically predicted TNF-α, IL-12p70 and IL-17 levels and risk of PsA.

METHODS

The publicly available summary-level findings from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was used to identify loci influencing normal physiological concentrations of TNF-α, IL-12p70 and IL-17 (n = 8293) among healthy individuals as exposure and a GWAS for PsA from the UK Biobank (PsA = 900, control = 462 033) as the outcome. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median and MR-Egger regression methods. Sensitivity analysis and MR-Egger regression analysis were performed to evaluate the heterogeneity and pleiotropic effects of each variant.

RESULTS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at genome-wide significance from GWASs on TNF-α, IL-12p70 and IL-17 were identified as the instrumental variables. The IVW method indicated a causal association between increased IL-17 level and risk of PsA (β = -0.00186 per allele, s.e. = 0.00043, P = 0.002). Results were consistent in the weighted median method (β = -0.00145 per allele, s.e. = 0.00059, P = 0.014) although the MR-Egger method suggested a non-significant association (β = -0.00133 per allele, s.e. = 0.00087; P = 0.087). Single SNP MR results revealed that the C allele of rs117556572 was robustly associated with risk of PsA (β = 0.00210, s.e. = 0.00069, P = 0.002). However, no evidence for a causal effect was observed between TNF-α, IL-12p70, decreased IL-17 levels and risk of PsA.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide preliminary evidence that genetic variants predisposing to higher physiological IL-17 level are associated with decreased risk of PsA.

Neuroprotective effect of ketamine against TNF-α-induced necroptosis in hippocampal neurons

Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a crucial cytokine, has various homeostatic and pathogenic bioactivities. The aim of this study was to assess the neuroprotective effect of ketamine against TNF‐α‐induced motor dysfunction and neuronal necroptosis in male C57BL/6J mice in vivo and HT‐22 cell lines in vitro. The behavioural testing results of the present study indicate that ketamine ameliorated TNF‐α‐induced neurological dysfunction. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining results showed that TNF‐α‐induced brain dysfunction was caused by necroptosis and microglial activation, which could be attenuated by ketamine pre‐treatment inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and mixed lineage kinase domain‐like phosphorylation in hippocampal neurons. Therefore, we concluded that ketamine may have neuroprotective effects as a potent inhibitor of necroptosis, which provides a new theoretical and experimental basis for the application of ketamine in TNF‐α‐induced necroptosis‐associated diseases.

Circulating nuclear factor-kappa B mediates cancer-associated inflammation in human breast and colon cancer

Background

Inflammation is recognized as a hallmark feature of cancer development and progression. The aim of our study was to investigate the significance of serum nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) levels as a circulating marker in the monitoring of inflammation in breast and colon cancer; to show the relationship between NF-κB with inflammatory parameters as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Methods

Serum NF-κB, TNF-α, sTRAIL, IL-6, PTX-3, PCT, and serum CRP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 40 patients with breast cancer, 40 patients with colon cancer and 30 healthy controls.

Results

The serum NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, PTX-3, PCT, and serum CRP concentration was significantly higher, and the serum sTRAIL concentration was significantly lower in the patients with breast and colon cancer than in healthy controls. NF-κB was positively correlated with CRP and negatively correlated with sTRAIL.

Conclusions

These results suggest that increased NF-κB may decrease the clinical efficacy of sTRAIL in solid tumour cells. There is a relationship between inflammation and carcinogenesis so that the development of cancer occurs with chronic inflammation in breast and colon. The study results have shown that colon and breast cancer patients have increased systemic inflammation, as measured by increased circulating cytokines, and acute-phase proteins, or by abnormalities in circulating cells. NF-κB may combine with other markers of the systemic inflammatory response in prognostic scores in cancer. In addition to surgical resection of the tumour, and conventional radio and chemotherapy for cancer treatment, the use of sTRAIL or other agonists for cancer therapy appeared a new potential therapy.

Tumour Necrosis Factor in Neuroplasticity, Neurogenesis and Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a pervasive and detrimental condition that involves changes in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Alcohol activates the neuroimmune system and alters the inflammatory status of the brain. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a well characterised neuroimmune signal but its involvement in alcohol use disorder is unknown. In this review, we discuss the variable findings of TNF's effect on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Acute ethanol exposure reduces TNF release while chronic alcohol intake generally increases TNF levels. Evidence suggests TNF potentiates excitatory transmission, promotes anxiety during alcohol withdrawal and is involved in drug use in rodents. An association between craving for alcohol and TNF is apparent during withdrawal in humans. While anti-inflammatory therapies show efficacy in reversing neurogenic deficit after alcohol exposure, there is no evidence for TNF's essential involvement in alcohol's effect on neurogenesis. Overall, defining TNF's role in alcohol use disorder is complicated by poor understanding of its variable effects on synaptic transmission and neurogenesis. While TNF may be of relevance during withdrawal, the neuroimmune system likely acts through a larger group of inflammatory cytokines to alter neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Understanding the individual relevance of TNF in alcohol use disorder awaits a more comprehensive understanding of TNF's effects within the brain.

Tumour necrosis factor-α promotes BMHSC differentiation by increasing P2X7 receptor in oestrogen-deficient osteoporosis

The exact mechanism of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) promoting osteoclast differentiation is not completely clear. A variety of P2 purine receptor subtypes have been confirmed to be widely involved in bone metabolism. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore whether P2 receptor is involved in the differentiation of osteoclasts. Mouse bone marrow haematopoietic stem cells (BMHSCs) were co‐cultured with TNF‐α to explore the effect of TNF‐α on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption capacity in vitro, and changes in the P2 receptor were detected at the same time. The P2 receptor was silenced and overexpressed to explore the effect on differentiation of BMHSCs into osteoclasts. In an in vivo experiment, the animal model of PMOP was established in ovariectomized mice, and anti‐TNF‐α intervention was used to detect the ability of BMHCs to differentiate into osteoclasts as well as the expression of the P2 receptor. It was confirmed in vitro that TNF‐α at a concentration of 20 ng/mL up‐regulated the P2X7 receptor of BMHSCs through the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway, promoted BMHSCs to differentiate into a large number of osteoclasts and enhanced bone resorption. In vivo experiments showed that more P2X7 receptor positive osteoclasts were produced in postmenopausal osteoporotic mice. Anti‐TNF‐α could significantly delay the progression of PMOP by inhibiting the production of osteoclasts. Overall, our results revealed a novel function of the P2X7 receptor and suggested that suppressing the P2X7 receptor may be an effective strategy to delay bone formation in oestrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis.

Rosuvastatin decreases serum inflammatory markers and slows atherosclerosis progression rate in treated HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is usually associated in general population with systemic inflammation and higher cardiovascular risk, but data about the effect of statins in patients with HIV infection and MetS are lacking to date.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of treated HIV-infected patients, aged from 40 to 60 years, with or without MetS, who started rosuvastatin (10 mg daily), and were followed-up for 12 months. The primary endpoint was change in serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The secondary endpoint was change in the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-five patients were enrolled: 61 with MetS (MetS group) and 64 without MetS (control group). After 12 months, rosuvastatin produced a significant decrease in mean serum levels of hsCRP (-0.28 mg/dL; p = .037), IL-6 (-2.1 pg/mL; p = .018) and TNF-α (-6.3 pg/mL; p = .004) in patients with MetS. On the contrary, in controls rosuvastatin did not lead to a significant change in mean levels of all biomarkers. After 12 months, the mean IMT increase at the carotid bifurcation was significantly lower in the MetS group than in the control group at the carotid bifurcation (0.017 vs. 0.031 mm; p = .037) and in all other anatomical sites.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that rosuvastatin is effective in reducing serum inflammation markers and slowing atherosclerosis progression rate in HIV-infected patients on cART and with MetS, while its effects on serum biomarkers and IMT increase seem to be negligible in those without MetS.

Tumour necrosis factor-α and myoglobin associated with the recovery time of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease patients

AIM

To assess the relationship between clinical parameters and medium term recovery time of coronary artery lesions (CALs).

METHODS

In total, 344 Kawasaki disease patients were screened and 311 Kawasaki disease patients were included and followed-up for the next 2 years. Clinical records, clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers were collected for all subjects.

RESULTS

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and myoglobin (MYO) levels in patients without recovery from CALs were significantly higher than those without CALs and with recovery from CALs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that in the high-TNF-α group, the estimated median time to recovery (5.0 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.436-8.564) is significantly longer than the low-TNF-α group (2.00 months, 95% CI: 0.633-3.367, P = 0.044). Also, the estimated median time (5.0 months, 95% CI: 1.836-8.164) in the high-MYO group is significantly longer than the low-MYO group (2.00 months, 95% CI: 0.405-3.595, P = 0.002). Cox regression analysis showed independent factors for recovery of CALs included age, left coronary artery to aortic annulus ratio, TNF-α and MYO levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that clinical parameters such as age, left coronary artery to aortic annulus ratio, TNF-α and MYO levels associate with medium term recovery time of CALs and could help in the design of a clinical strategy for the surveillance and prevention of late cardiovascular events.

Indoor dust extracellular vesicles promote cancer lung metastasis by inducing tumour necrosis factor-α

Indoor pollutants are important problems to public health. Among indoor pollutants, indoor dust contains extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are associated with pulmonary inflammation. However, it has not been reported whether indoor dust EVs affect the cancer lung metastasis. In this study, we isolated indoor dust EVs and investigated their roles in cancer lung metastasis. Upon intranasal administration, indoor dust EVs enhanced mouse melanoma lung metastasis in a dose-dependent manner in mice. Pre-treatment or co-treatment of indoor dust EVs significantly promoted melanoma lung metastasis, whereas post-treatment of the EVs did not. In addition, the lung lysates from indoor dust EV-treated mice significantly increased tumour cell migration in vitro. We observed that tumour necrosis factor-α played important roles in indoor dust EV-mediated promotion of tumour cell migration in vitro and cancer lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, Pseudomonas EVs, the main components of indoor dust EVs, and indoor dust EVs showed comparable effects in promoting tumour cell migration in vitro and cancer lung metastasis in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that indoor dust EVs, at least partly contributed by Pseudomonas EVs, are potential promoting agents of cancer lung metastasis.

Role of cytokines in the clinical manifestation of exophthalmia in newborn calves with tropical theileriosis

The present study aimed to evaluate the pathology of the exophthalmia and the host-immune response in naturally Theileria annulata-infected calves. The newborn calves detected positive for theileriosis were grouped into calves with theileriosis and absence of exophthalmia (n = 30), and calves with theileriosis and the presence of exophthalmia (n = 13). Sixteen healthy calves, free from any haemoprotozoal infection, were kept as healthy controls. A significantly (P ≤ .001) higher circulating levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were estimated in diseased calves with and without exophthalmia as compared to healthy controls. Contrarily, significantly (P ≤ .01) lower interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level was estimated in diseased calves. The diseased calves with exophthalmia revealed significantly higher levels of TNF-α (P ≤ .001) and IL-10 (P ≤ .006) as compared to the diseased calves without exophthalmia. The diseased calves were not found to have an elevated intraocular pressure; rather they had significantly (P ≤ .001) lower intraocular pressure compared to the healthy controls. An elevated systemic TNF-α level might be attributed to the exophthalmia in calves with tropical theileriosis. The elevated circulatory IL-10 and reduced IFN-γ levels could be one of the strategies of Theileria annulata to escape the host immunity.

Herbal Medicine from Single Clove Garlic Oil Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Oxidative Status in High Fat Diet Mice

Introduction

High fat diet (HFD) can cause lipid accumulation and contribute to various metabolic disorders. Single clove garlic oil (SCGO) has advantages over regular garlic due to its higher amounts of organosulfide compounds in particular. This study aimed to determine the ability of SCGO extract to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve oxidative status by modulating expression of tumour necrosis factor α and superoxide dismutase in mice fed a HFD.

Methods

Twenty-four adult male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups: i) normal diet; ii) positive control diet; iii) negative control diet; and iv) HFD with SCGO at 12.5 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg BW); v) HFD with SCGO at 25 mg/kg BW, vi) HFD with SCGO at 50 mg/kg BW. Liver weight and morphology, spleen weight, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), TNF-α expression in the aorta and lipid profiles were assessed at the end of the experimental period.

Results

SCGO treatment was associated with significant decreases in liver and spleen weight as well as amelioration of hepatic steatosis. SCGO treatment also decreased TNF-α levels and expression. Serum levels of SOD in the SCGO groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group. Lipid profiles were improved in the SCGO treatment groups compared with the negative control group.

Conclusion

SCGO as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disorders caused by HFD.

Association between childhood trauma exposure and pro-inflammatory cytokines in schizophrenia and bipolar-I disorder

BACKGROUND

Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are consistently reported in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar-I disorder (BD), as well as among individuals who have been exposed to childhood trauma. However, higher levels of inflammatory markers in these disorders are yet to be investigated with respect to levels of exposure to different types of childhood trauma.

METHODS

Participants were 68 cases with a diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder (SZ), 69 cases with a diagnosis of psychotic BD and 72 healthy controls (HC). Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified, and childhood trauma exposure was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The SZ group had significantly higher levels of IL-6, TNF-α and CRP when compared with the HC group (all p < 0.05, d = 0.41-0.63), as well as higher levels of TNF-α when compared with the BD group (p = 0.014, d = 0.50); there were no differences between the BD and HC groups for any markers. Exposure to sexual abuse was positively associated (standardised β = 0.326, t = 2.459, p = 0.018) with levels of CRP in the SZ group, but there were no significant associations between any form of trauma exposure and cytokine levels in the HC or BD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results contribute to the evidence for a chronic state of inflammation in SZ but not BD cases. Differential associations between trauma exposure and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines across the diagnostic categories suggest that trauma may impact biological (stress and immune) systems differently in these patient groups.

Pharmacokinetics and ex vivo anti-inflammatory effects of oral misoprostol in horses

BACKGROUND

Misoprostol is an E prostanoid (EP) 2, 3 and 4 receptor agonist that is anecdotally used to treat and prevent NSAID-induced GI injury in horses. Misoprostol elicits anti-inflammatory effects in vivo in men and rodents, and inhibits TNFα production in equine leucocytes in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

Define the pharmacokinetic parameters of oral misoprostol in horses, and determine the inhibitory effect of oral misoprostol administration on equine leucocyte TNFα production in an ex vivo inflammation model.

STUDY DESIGN

Pharmacokinetic study, ex vivo experimental study.

METHODS

Six healthy adult horses of mixed breeds were used. In phase one, horses were given 5 μg/kg misoprostol orally, and blood was collected at predetermined times for determination of misoprostol free acid (MFA) by UHPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. In phase two, horses were dosed as in phase one, and blood was collected at T0, 0.5, 1 and 4 h following misoprostol administration for leucocyte isolation. Leucocytes were stimulated with 100 ng/mL LPS, and TNFα mRNA concentrations were determined via quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

About 5 μg/kg oral misoprostol produced a rapid time to maximum concentration (Tmax ) of 23.4 ± 2.4 min, with a maximum concentration (Cmax ) of 0.29 ± 0.07 ng/mL and area under the curve (AUC0-∞ ) of 0.4 ± 0.12 h ng/mL. LPS stimulation of equine leucocytes ex vivo significantly increased TNFα mRNA concentrations, and there was no significant effect of misoprostol even at the Tmax .

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Only a single dose was used, and sample size was small.

CONCLUSIONS

Misoprostol is rapidly absorbed following oral administration in horses, and a single 5 μg/kg dose had no significant inhibitory effect on ex vivo LPS-stimulated TNFα mRNA production in leucocytes. Further studies analysing different dosing strategies, including repeat administration or combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs, are warranted.

Chlorogenic acid: A potent molecule that protects cardiomyocytes from TNF-α-induced injury via inhibiting NF-κB and JNK signals

The traditional Chinese herb Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has shown significant clinical benefits in the treatment of heart failure, but the mechanism remains unclear. As the main active ingredient found in the plasma after oral administration of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been reported to possess anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptosis function. We firstly confirmed the cardioprotective effects of CGA in transverse aortic constriction (TAC)‐induced heart failure mouse model, through mitigating the TNF‐α–induced toxicity. We further used TNF‐α‐induced cardiac injury in human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. CGA pre‐treatment could reverse TNF‐α–induced cellular injuries, including improved cell viability, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited cardiomyocytes apoptosis. We then examined the NF‐κB/p65 and major mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signalling pathways involved in TNF‐α–induced apoptosis of hiPSC‐CMs. Importantly, CGA can directly inhibit NF‐κB signal by suppressing the phosphorylation of NF‐κB/p65. As for the MAPKs, CGA suppressed the activity of only c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), but enhanced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and had no effect on p38. In summary, our study revealed that CGA has profound cardioprotective effects through inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB and JNK pathway, providing a novel therapeutic alternative for prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Genetic polymorphisms in tumour necrosis factor receptors (TNFRSF1A/1B) illustrate differential treatment response to TNFα inhibitors in patients with Crohn's disease

Background

Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) signalling pathway (anti-TNFα) have been widely used in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, treatment response varies among patients with CD and the clinical outcome is dependent on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in TNFα receptor superfamily 1A and 1B (TNFRSF1A/1B).

Methods

We tested nine SNPs in TNFα, TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B by TaqMan genotyping from peripheral blood samples of 104 subjects. Additionally, we quantified the effects of these SNPs on their corresponding gene expression by RT-PCR and susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) infection by IS900 nested PCR.

Results

Four SNPs (TNFα:rs1800629, TNFRSF1A:rs767455, TNFRSF1B:rs1061624 and TNFRSF1B:rs3397) were over-represented significantly (p<0.05) among patients with CD compared with healthy controls. The TNFRSF1A:rs767455 GG genotype was found in 15/54 patients with CD (28%), while it was only found in 2/50 healthy controls (4%) (OR 9.2, 95% CI 1.98 to 42.83). The TNFRSF1B:rs3397 TT genotype was found in 15/54 patients with CD (28%) compared with (4/50) healthy controls (8%) (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.36 to 14.14). Furthermore, the SNPs TNFRSF1A:rs767455 and TNFRSF1B:rs3397 were associated with downregulating their corresponding genes significantly (p<0.05). MAP infection was predominantly found among patients with CD in comparison to healthy controls (57% vs 8%, respectively), which was also dependent on the SNPs TNFRSF1A:rs767455 and TNFRSF1B:rs3397. Our SNP haplotype analysis of TNFRSF1A:rs767455 and TNFRSF1B:rs3397 indicates that the G–T haplotype is significantly distributed among patients with CD (46%) and MAP infection susceptibility is also associated with this specific haplotype (31%).

Conclusion

The SNPs TNFRSF1A:rs767455 and TNFRSF1B:rs3397, which are known to affect anti-TNFα clinical outcome in CD, were associated with lower corresponding gene expression and higher MAP infection susceptibility.

A fascinating story of the discovery & development of biologicals for use in clinical medicine

A young physician starting a fresh career in medicine in this millennium would hardly stop to think about the genesis of a particular biological drug that he/she will be prescribing for a patient evaluated in the morning outpatient department. For him/her, this is now routine, and the question of 'Who', 'How' and 'When' about these biologicals would be the last thing on their mind. However, for those who came to the medical profession in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, these targeted drugs are nothing short of 'miracles'. It would be a fascinating story for the young doctor to learn about the long journey that the dedicated biomedical scientists of yesteryears took to reach the final destination of producing such wonder drugs. The story is much like an interesting novel, full of twists and turns, heart-breaking failures and glorious successes. The biologicals acting as 'targeted therapy' have not only changed the natural history of a large number of incurable/uncontrollable diseases but have also transformed the whole approach towards drug development. From the classical empirical process, there is now a complete shift towards understanding the disease pathobiology focusing on the dysregulated molecule(s), targeting them with greater precision and aiming for better results. Seminal advances in understanding the disease mechanism, development of remarkably effective new technologies, greater knowledge of the human genome and genetic medicine have all made it possible to reach the stage where artificially developed 'targeted' drugs are now therapeutically used in routine clinical medicine.

Synergistic effect of interleukin-17 and tumour necrosis factor-α on inflammatory response in hepatocytes through interleukin-6-dependent and independent pathways

The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-17 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are targets for treatment in many chronic inflammatory diseases. Here, we examined their role in liver inflammatory response compared to that of IL-6. Human hepatoma cells (HepaRG, Huh7.5 and HepG2 cells) and primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were cultured with IL-6, IL-17 and/or TNF-α. To determine the contribution of the IL-6 pathway in the IL-17/TNF-α-mediated effect, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody was used. IL-17 and TNF-α increased in synergy IL-6 secretion by HepaRG cells and PHH but not by Huh7.5 and HepG2 cells. This IL-17/TNF-α synergistic cooperation enhanced the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) in HepaRG cell and PHH cultures through the induction of IL-6. IL-17/TNF-α also up-regulated IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) chemokines in synergy through an IL-6-independent pathway. Interestingly, first exposure to IL-17, but not to TNF-α, was crucial for the initiation of the IL-17/TNF-α synergistic effect on IL-6 and IL-8 production. In HepaRG cells, IL-17 enhanced IL-6 mRNA stability resulting in increased IL-6 protein levels. The IL-17A/TNF-α synergistic effect on IL-6 and IL-8 induction was mediated through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB and/or protein kinase B (Akt)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signalling pathways. Therefore, the IL-17/TNF-α synergistic interaction mediates systemic inflammation and cell damage in hepatocytes mainly through IL-6 for CRP and ASAT induction. Independently of IL-6, the IL-17A/TNF-α combination may also induce immune cell recruitment by chemokine up-regulation. IL-17 and/or TNF-α neutralization can be a promising therapeutic strategy to control both systemic inflammation and liver cell attraction.

TNF-α level affects etanercept clearance: TNF-α concentration as a new correction factor of allometric scaling to predict individual etanercept clearances in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Etanercept (ETN) is a widely used anti-tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) agent, which relieves the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by binding to TNF-α to inhibit its inflammation effects. In this study, the effect of TNF-α level on ETN clearance (CL) was investigated, and the TNF-α concentration was initially set as a correction factor for allometric scaling to improve the predictions of individual ETN CLs. Individual ETN CLs and TNF-α concentrations in healthy volunteers and patients with AS were determined by performing ETN pharmacokinetic studies in the two cohorts. Accordingly, individual ETN CLs in both healthy volunteers and patients with AS were predicted from data of two animal species using different methods, including simple allometric scaling, scaling with a correction factor of maximum life span potential or brain weight, and scaling with a correction factor of the TNF-α concentration. The accuracies of such predictions were evaluated by the percentage errors. Consequently, increased TNF-α concentration was shown to improve ETN CL, by comparing both ETN CLs and TNF-α concentrations between healthy volunteers and patients with AS. More importantly, better predictions of individual ETN CLs were achieved in patients with AS using allometric scaling with TNF-α concentration as the correction factor. In conclusion, in vivo levels of TNF-α can affect ETN CL, and allometric scaling corrected with the TNF-α concentration can be used to estimate the individual CLs of anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibodies based on preclinical data.

Aortic dysfunction in metabolic syndrome mediated by perivascular adipose tissue TNFα- and NOX2-dependent pathway

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) has been shown to impair vascular function, but the impact of thoracic aorta perivascular adipose tissue (tPVAT)-derived TNFα on tPVAT and aortic function in metabolic syndrome is unknown. What is the main finding and its importance? Release of TNFα by tPVAT causes production of reactive oxygen species in tPVAT through activation of an NADPH-oxidase 2 (NOX2)-dependent pathway, activates production of aortic reactive oxygen species and mediates aortic stiffness, potentially through matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity. Neutralization of TNFα and/or inhibition of NOX2 blocks the tPVAT-induced impairment of aortic function. These data partly implicate tPVAT NOX2 and TNFα in mediating the vascular pathology of metabolic syndrome.

ABSTRACT

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is recognized for its vasoactive effects, but it is unclear how metabolic syndrome impacts thoracic aorta (t)PVAT and the subsequent effect on functional and structural aortic stiffness. Thoracic aorta and tPVAT were removed from 16- to 17-week-old lean (LZR, n = 16) and obese Zucker rats (OZR, n = 16). The OZR presented with aortic endothelial dysfunction, assessed by wire myography, and increased aortic stiffness, assessed by elastic modulus. The OZR tPVAT exudate further exacerbated the endothelial dysfunction, reducing nitric oxide and endothelium-dependent relaxation (P < 0.05). Additionally, OZR tPVAT exudate had increased MMP9 activity (P < 0.05) and further increased the elastic modulus of the aorta after 72 h of co-culture (P < 0.05). We found that the observed aortic dysfunction caused by OZR tPVAT was mediated through increased production and release of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα; P < 0.01), which was dependent on tPVAT NADPH-oxidase 2 (NOX2) activity. The OZR tPVAT release of reactive oxygen species and subsequent aortic dysfunction were inhibited by TNFα neutralization and/or inhibition of NOX2. Additionally, we found that OZR tPVAT had reduced activity of the active sites of the 20S proteasome (P < 0.05) and reduced superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01). In conclusion, metabolic syndrome causes tPVAT dysfunction through an interplay between TNFα and NOX2 that leads to tPVAT-mediated aortic stiffness by activation of aortic reactive oxygen species and increased MMP9 activity.

Roles of Heat Shock Proteins in Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, Human Inflammatory Diseases, and Cancer

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play cytoprotective activities under pathological conditions through the initiation of protein folding, repair, refolding of misfolded peptides, and possible degradation of irreparable proteins. Excessive apoptosis, resulting from increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) cellular levels and subsequent amplified inflammatory reactions, is well known in the pathogenesis and progression of several human inflammatory diseases (HIDs) and cancer. Under normal physiological conditions, ROS levels and inflammatory reactions are kept in check for the cellular benefits of fighting off infectious agents through antioxidant mechanisms; however, this balance can be disrupted under pathological conditions, thus leading to oxidative stress and massive cellular destruction. Therefore, it becomes apparent that the interplay between oxidant-apoptosis-inflammation is critical in the dysfunction of the antioxidant system and, most importantly, in the progression of HIDs. Hence, there is a need to maintain careful balance between the oxidant-antioxidant inflammatory status in the human body. HSPs are known to modulate the effects of inflammation cascades leading to the endogenous generation of ROS and intrinsic apoptosis through inhibition of pro-inflammatory factors, thereby playing crucial roles in the pathogenesis of HIDs and cancer. We propose that careful induction of HSPs in HIDs and cancer, especially prior to inflammation, will provide good therapeutics in the management and treatment of HIDs and cancer.

Can coenzyme Q10 supplementation effectively reduce human tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels in chronic diseases? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Inflammation, as a critical factor, can cause numerous chronic diseases by creating various proinflammatory cytokines. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can potentially exert an anti-inflammatory agent; in turn, this agent can reduce the systemic inflammatory response. The aims of this study are to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and a meta-analysis for the determination of the CoQ10 efficacy on the changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in unhealthy subjects.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct an electronic search for articles published between January 1990 and January 2017 using a prespecified search strategy in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science.Our search will focus only on randomised controlled clinical trials in unhealthy subjects that employ either a parallel or a crossover design; this search will involve concurrent control groups. The primary outcomes of the literature are to determine the CoQ10 efficacy on the changes in the serum IL-6 and the TNF-α levels in unhealthy subjects. Secondary outcomes such as body mass index, serum adiponectin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, lipid profile and the heterogeneity assessment of the primary studies will be evaluated. The stages of screen articles, the extracts of relevant data and the assessment of study quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool will be conducted independently by the two reviewers. Any disagreement will be resolved by discussion with a third person. If the number of eligible studies is sufficient, we will carry out a meta-analysis according to both outcomes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is the protocol for a systematic review and no ethics approval is needed. The findings from the full systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and they will also be exhibited at national/international academic and clinical conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016052200.

Role of tumour necrosis factor-a in the regulation of T-type calcium channel current in HL-1 cells

Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels are increased in patients with AF, the role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of AF remains unclear. Besides L-type Ca(2+) currents (IC a,L ), T-type Ca(2+) currents (IC a,T ) also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AF. This study was designed to use the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and biochemical assays to explore if TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis of AF through regulating IC a,T in atrial myocytes. It was found that compared with sinus rhythm (SR) controls, T-type calcium channel (TCC) subunit mRNA levels were decreased, while TNF-α expression levels were increased, in human atrial tissue from patients with AF. In murine atrial myocyte HL-1 cells, after culturing for 24 h, 12.5, 25 and 50 ng/mL TNF-α significantly reduced the protein expression levels of the TCC α1G subunit in a concentration-dependent manner. The peak current was reduced by the application of 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner (from -15.08 ± 1.11 pA/pF in controls to -11.89 ± 0.83 pA/pF and -8.54 ± 1.55 pA/pF in 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF-α group respectively). TNF-α application also inhibited voltage-dependent inactivation of IC a,T, shifted the inactivation curve to the left. These results suggest that TNF-α is involved in the pathogenesis of AF, probably via decreasing IC a,T current density in atrium-derived myocytes through impaired channel function and down-regulation of channel protein expression. This pathway thus represents a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF.

Body dissatisfaction predicts inflammatory status in asymptomatic healthy individuals

Body dissatisfaction may play some role in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases. This study examined relations between body dissatisfaction and circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and anti-inflammatory adiponectin, and to explore positive changes in relevant lifestyle behaviour after these associations. A total of 33 asymptomatic overweight men and women were evaluated at the baseline and after a 6-month lifestyle behaviour intervention. Body dissatisfaction emerged as an important predictor of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and may promote the production of inflammatory cytokines by reducing the level of anti-inflammatory and increasing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Serum tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation has been recognized as a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is believed to share several pathological features with AD. The aim of the present study was to compare serum cytokine levels between patients with AD, subjects with MCI, and healthy controls, and to assess the correlation between cytokine levels and cognitive performance in these subjects.

METHODS

Participants included 35 patients with AD, 29 subjects with MCI, and 28 healthy controls from the Department of Psychiatry of IIlsan Paik Hospital in South Korea. Demographic and neuropsychological information were obtained, and peripheral cytokine levels, specifically tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels, were measured for all subjects.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, a significant difference in IL-6 levels (P = 0.045), but not in TNF-α (P = 0.082) levels, was observed among the three groups. IL-6 levels were higher in patients with AD than in subjects with MCI and healthy controls. TNF-α and IL-6 levels negatively and positively correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination and Global Deterioration Scale scores, respectively. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were also positively correlated with each other.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that serum IL-6 levels of patients with AD might be higher than those of subjects with MCI and healthy controls. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels might be negatively correlated with cognitive function, and we suspect that serum IL-6 levels could be biomarkers for AD.

Amelioration of Citrobacter rodentium proliferation in early stage of infection in mice by pretreatment with Lactobacillus brevis KB290 and verification using in vivo bioluminescence imaging

Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) has become a useful tool for monitoring bacterial infections in real time. Citrobacter rodentium and its BLI are widely used as a murine model of enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus brevis KB290 against C. rodentium infection by the BLI approach. First, we examined several solutions for making the suspension of bioluminescent C. rodentium for an oral inoculation to establish a stable intestinal infection. Three percent NaHCO3 solution was found to be the best. Subsequently, mice were orally administered KB290 once daily for 7 days before inoculation with bioluminescent C. rodentium and for 8 days after infection. The bioluminescence intensity of mice fed with KB290 was significantly lower than that of unfed mice on days 1-3 after infection. The mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ in the distal colon from KB290-fed mice were shown to be significantly higher than those from unfed mice on day 3 after infection. The results suggested that KB290 intake partially inhibited the proliferation of C. rodentium, especially in the early stages of infection, viathe moderate enhancement of tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ production in the colon.

Demodex canis regulates cholinergic system mediated immunosuppressive pathways in canine demodicosis

Demodex canis infestation in dogs remains one of the main challenges in veterinary dermatology. The exact pathogenesis of canine demodicosis is unknown but an aberration in immune status is considered very significant. No studies have underpinned the nexus between induction of demodicosis and neural immunosuppressive pathways so far. We have evaluated the involvement of cholinergic pathways in association with cytokines regulation as an insight into the immuno-pathogenesis of canine demodicosis in the present study. Remarkable elevations in circulatory immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 and cholinesterase activity were observed in dogs with demodicosis. Simultaneously, remarkable reduction in circulatory pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha level was observed in dogs with demodicosis. Findings of the present study evidently suggest that Demodex mites might be affecting the cholinergic pathways to induce immunosuppression in their host and then proliferate incessantly in skin microenvironment to cause demodicosis.

Low-intensity endurance exercise plus nandrolone decanoate modulates cardiac adiponectin and its receptors

Vast adverse effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) on athletes' cardiovascular systems have been reported. However, there is still a lack of adequate information regarding the pathways and mechanisms involved. We tested the hypothesis that adiponectin and its receptors in the heart may be affected by long-term use of AASs alongside exercising. Male Wistar rats were randomized into the control (CTL), exercise (EX), nandrolone (Nan), arachis (Arach) group which treated with arachis as vehicle, trained vehicle (EX+Arach) and trained nandrolone (EX+Nan) groups that were treated for 8 weeks. One day after the end of the protocol, animals were sacrificed and their hearts were frozen. TNF-α and adiponectin proteins of hearts were evaluated quantitatively by ELISA kits, and Western blot analysis was used for measuring adiponectin receptor protein expression. TNF-α protein increased significantly in the EX+Nan group (P<.05 vs CTL group). The AdipoR1 protein was significantly higher in the presence of nandrolone alongside exercise (P<.05 vs Nan and EX+Arach groups, P<.01 vs CTL and Arach groups). In addition, AdipoR2 protein enhanced in the EX+Nan group when compared with the other groups (P<.05 vs EX and EX+Arach groups, P<.01 vs CTL, Arach and Nan groups). Chronic nandrolone plus mild endurance exercise may be associated with imbalance in pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines and may induce a positive modulatory effect on cardiac adiporeceptors in rat. Further studies are required before these findings can be generalized to humans.

T regulatory cells are critical for the maintenance, anamnestic expansion and protection elicited by vaccine-induced CD8 T cells

T regulatory (Treg) cells are critical for preventing autoimmunity and suppressing immune responses during cancer and chronic infection. However, the role of Treg cells in the generation of vaccine-induced immune memory remains ill-defined. Using the mouse model of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, we demonstrate that transient absence of Treg cells during effector to memory CD8 T-cell transition results in a permanent impairment in the maintenance, function and recall capacity of CD8 T cells. Memory CD8 T cells in mice that were transiently depleted of Treg cells exhibited defective up-regulation of memory markers with a significant decrease in polyfunctionality. However, Treg-depleted mice showed no significant change in CD4 T-cell responses, and antibody levels relative to control. Altogether, this study evaluates the role of Treg cells in the formation of immune memory and demonstrates an important role for Treg cells in promoting memory CD8 T-cell differentiation and vaccine-induced immune protection against intracellular pathogens.

Pyrexia's effect on the CBG-cortisol thermocouple, rather than CBG cleavage, elevates the acute free cortisol response to TNF-α in humans

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) cleavage promotes local cortisol delivery in inflammation. Enzymatic cleavage of high-affinity CBG to low-affinity CBG (haCBG to laCBG) occurs at inflammatory sites and is now measurable in vivo; however, the time kinetics of haCBG depletion following an inflammatory stimulus is unknown. Hence our aim was to determine the immediate effect of the key pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α on CBG levels and cleavage. We performed a crossover study of 12 healthy males receiving a TNF-α versus saline infusion, measuring total CBG, haCBG, laCBG and free and total cortisol hourly for 6 h. There was no change in total CBG or haCBG levels in the first 6 h of inflammation between the groups, suggesting that CBG cleavage is not activated nor is hepatic CBG production affected by TNF-α in this time frame. There was an early increase in the ratio of free:total cortisol, in association with pyrexia. This accords with data indicating that CBG acts a thermocouple in vivo, increasing free cortisol levels independent of elastase-driven cleavage.

The subgingival microbiome, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance: The Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study

BACKGROUND

Inflammation might link microbial exposures to insulin resistance. We investigated the cross-sectional association between periodontal microbiota, inflammation and insulin resistance.

METHODS

The Oral Infections, Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance Study (ORIGINS) enrolled 152 diabetes-free adults (77% female) aged 20-55 years (mean = 34 ± 10). Three hundred and four subgingival plaque samples were analysed using the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray to measure the relative abundances of 379 taxa. C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and adiponectin were assessed from venous blood and their z-scores were summed to create an inflammatory score (IS). Insulin resistance was defined via the HOMA-IR. Associations between the microbiota and both inflammation and HOMA-IR were explored using multivariable linear regressions; mediation analyses assessed the proportion of the association explained by inflammation.

RESULTS

The IS was inversely associated with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria and positively associated with Firmicutes and TM7 (p-values < 0.05). Proteobacteria levels were associated with insulin resistance (p < 0.05). Inflammation explained 30-98% of the observed associations between levels of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria or Firmicutes and insulin resistance (p-values < 0.05). Eighteen individual taxa were associated with inflammation (p < 0.05) and 22 with insulin resistance (p < 0.05). No findings for individual taxa met Bonferroni-adjusted statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Bacterial measures were related to inflammation and insulin resistance among diabetes-free adults.

Female Sex Hormones Influence the Febrile Response Induced by Lipopolysaccharide, Cytokines and Prostaglandins but not by Interleukin-1β in Rats

There are differences in the immune response, and particularly fever, between males and females. In the present study, we investigated how the febrile responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and different endogenous pyrogens were affected by female gonadal hormones. The febrile response to i.p. injection of LPS (50 μg/kg) was 40% lower in female rats compared to male or ovariectomised (OVX) female rats. Accordingly, oestrogen replacement in OVX animals reduced LPS-induced fever. Treatment with the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (2 mg/kg, i.p. 30 min before) reduced the febrile response induced by LPS in both OVX (88%) and sham-operated (71%) rats. In line with the enhanced fever in OVX rats, there was increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the hypothalamus and elevated levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ). In addition, OVX rats were hyper-responsive to PGE₂ injected i.c.v. By contrast to the enhanced fever in response to LPS and PGE₂ , the febrile response induced by i.c.v. injection of interleukin (IL)-1β was unaffected by ovariectomy, whereas the responses induced by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were completely abrogated. These results suggest that the mediators involved in the febrile response in females are similar to males, although the reduction of female hormones may decrease the responsiveness of some mediators such as TNF-α and MIP-1α. Compensatory mechanisms may be activated in females after ovariectomy such as an augmented synthesis of COX-2 and PGE₂ .

Long-term safety of etanercept in psoriasis: Retrospective study focused on infections

Objective

Retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of infectious adverse events in patients with psoriasis treated with etanercept.

Methods

Patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who were treated with etanercept (50 mg, administered weekly via subcutaneous injection) for ≥48 weeks were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were screened for occult infections before treatment commenced, and then every 12 months thereafter. Minor (not requiring hospitalization and/or discontinuation of treatment) and major (requiring hospitalization and/or discontinuation of treatment) infectious events were recorded.

Results

The study included 50 patients. Minor infectious events included self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (six patients), lower urinary tract infections (one patient) and recurrent herpes simplex labialis (two patients). Major infections occurred in only two cases.

Conclusion

These data support the good safety profile of etanercept in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Long-term treatment with adalimumab in psoriatic arthritis: serum adalimumab concentration, immunogenicity and the link with clinical response

OBJECTIVES

An observational study to evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of adalimumab and disease activity in patients receiving long-term adalimumab treatment for psoriatic arthritis.

METHODS

Serum adalimumab and adalimumab antidrug antibodies were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score (44 joint measures). Serum C-reactive protein was quantified using standard methods.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients were recruited. There were significant inverse correlations between serum adalimumab concentration and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration [r = -0.43], the number of tender joints (r = -0.4), and Disease Activity Score (DAS44)-CRP (r = -0.36). Mean serum adalimumab levels were significantly higher in patients with DAS44-CRP <1.6 than in patients with DAS44-CRP ≥1.6.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum adalimumab could be an important tool that may improve the management of psoriatic arthritis in patients responding to long-term treatment.