Gastroduodenitis caused by H. pylori, often acquired in early childhood, is found in about 50% of the adult population. Although H. pylori infections can remain asymptomatic, its virulence factors usually trigger epithelial vacuolization and degeneration, loss of microvilli, disintegration of cytoplasm, and leukocyte accumulation. It is believed that leukocyte infiltration is driven by cytokines produced locally in infected tissue. However, so far little is known about changes in serum cytokines in juvenile patients infected with H. pylori. Serum cytokine profiles were analyzed in 62 juvenile patients diagnosed with gastroduodenitis using the Bio-Plex multiplex assay. H. pylori infection was confirmed in 32 patients, while 30 patients were H. pylori-free. Cytokines CXCL5 and CXCL6, potent neutrophil chemoattractants, were upregulated in all patients diagnosed with gastroduodenitis. Serum levels of IL8, a prototype neutrophil attractant, remained unchanged in subjects with gastroduodenitis relative to controls. Therefore, our data suggest that CXCL5 and CXCL6 play a role in directing neutrophil trafficking into inflamed gastroduodenal tissue. In addition, the CCL25/GM-CSF ratio differed significantly between H. pylori-positive and -negative juveniles. Further, study is needed to evaluate the role of CCL25 and GM-CSF in the pathogenesis of the different etiologies of gastroduodenitis.

Cathelicidin has been reported to be multifunctional. The current study aimed to investigate the influences of exogenous cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) on inflammatory responses in different disease models. In OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation, CRAMP significantly enhanced the infiltration of inflammatory cells and accumulation of proinflammatory Th2 cytokine IL-13 and IL-33 in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), exacerbated lung tissue inflammation and airway goblet cell hyperplasia, and elevated OVA-specific IgE level in serum. In oxazolone-induced intestinal colitis, the expression levels of CRAMP and its receptor FPR2 significantly increased in comparison with those of TNBS-induced mice, vesicle and normal controls. Exogenous CRAMP significantly prevented the development of ulcerative colitis, evidenced by improved body weight regain, decreased colons weight/length ratio, elevated epithelial integrity, and ameliorated colon tissue inflammation. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-13, as well as chemokines CXCL2 and CXCL5 for neutrophils recruitment were significantly decreased in CRAMP-treated mice, and epithelial repair-related factors MUC2 and Claudin1 were increased, determined by real time-PCR and ELISAs. The results indicated that although CRAMP has pro-inflammatory effects in airway, local application of exogenous CRAMP might be a potential approach for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Research during the 1950's indicated that exercise played a role in the reduction of tumor growth. In the 1960's our studies confirmed that tumor-bearing rats, exercised to fatigue, demonstrated tumor inhibition. Our further studies isolated an extract (Fatigue Substance, or F-Substance) from rectus femoris muscles of rats which had been electrically stimulated to fatigue. This extract significantly inhibited growth of transplanted rat tumors. Research continued until 1978 when it became apparent the methodology at that time was not able to further identify the substance's active components. Using current technology, we now report on the further isolation and characterization of F-Substance. In cell proliferation assays, extracts from electrically stimulated rat rectus femoris muscles had more significant inhibitory effect on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 than those isolated from unstimulated muscles. To identify the molecule(s) responsible for the antitumor activity, a rat cytokine antibody array was used to profile the cytokines in the substances. Among the 29 different cytokines contained on the array, 3 showed greater than 3-fold difference between the substances isolated from the stimulated and unstimulated muscles. LIX (also known as CXCL5) is 6-fold higher in the substances isolated from stimulated muscles than those from the unstimulated muscles. TIMP-1 is 4.6 fold higher and sICAM is 3.6 fold higher in the substances from the stimulated muscles. Our results indicated that cytokines released from contracting muscles might be responsible for the antitumor effect of F-Substance.

Lonidamine, 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) and orlistat are well known inhibitors of glycolysis, glutaminolysis and of de novo fatty acid synthesis, respectively. Although their antitumor effects have been explored in detail, the potential inhibition of the malignant metabolic phenotype and its influence on the expression of chemokines and growth factors involved in colon cancer, have not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, dose-response curves with orlistat, lonidamine or DON were generated from cell viability assays conducted in SW480 colon cancer cells. In addition, the synergistic effect of these compounds was evaluated in SW480 human colon cancer cells. The determination of the doses used for maximum synergistic efficacy led to the exploration of the mRNA levels of the target genes hexokinase-2 (HK2), glutaminase-1 (GLS-1) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) in human SW480 and murine CT26.WT colon cancer cells. The cell viability was evaluated following transfection with small interfering (si)RNA targeting these genes and was assessed with trypan blue. The expression levels of chemokines and growth factors were quantified in the supernatant of SW480 cells with LEGENDplex™. The combination of lonidamine, DON and orlistat resulted in a synergistic cytotoxic effect and induced the transcription of the corresponding gene targets but their corresponding proteins were actually downregulated. The downregulation of the expression levels of HK2, GLS-1 and FASN following transfection of the cells with the corresponding siRNA sequences decreased their viability. The treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of 9 chemokines [interleukin-9, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 10, eotaxin, chemokine ligand (CCL) 9, CXCL5, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL11 and CCCL4] and one growth factor (stem cell factor). These changes were associated with decreased phosphorylated-nuclear factor κB-p65. The data demonstrate that lonidamine, DON and orlistat in combination reduce the expression levels of chemokines and growth factors in colon cancer cells. Additional research is required to investigate the exact way by which both tumor and stromal cells regulate the expression levels of chemokines and growth factors.

Embolization with microspheres is widely applied to treat uterine fibroids. However, the foreign body reaction that could result from the degradation of the microspheres remains to be evaluated to adequately appreciate the tissular tolerance to such biomaterials. We compared herein the in situ degradation of PMMA microspheres coated with polyphosphazene (PMMA-PPms) and trisacryl gelatin microspheres (TGms) and we thoroughly investigated the induced local inflammatory responses, at 1 and 4 weeks after uterine artery embolization in sheep, by using immunohistochemistry and microarray analyses. PMMA-PPms underwent an acute and partial degradation that was associated with the early recruitment of phagocytic cells (CD172a+ and MHCII+), and with the up-regulated expression of genes involved in the movement of phagocytes (ALOX5AP, CXCL2, CXCL5, IL8, PTGS2, YARS). By contrast, TGms were not degraded and triggered a different inflammation profile including the recruitment of FBR Giant Cells and T-lymphocytes (CD4+) and the increased expression of genes involved in lymphocyte activation (CXCL10, IL2RG, IRAK4, MALT1). Our results indicate that, in contrast to a non-degradable microsphere such as TGms which is associated to a poorly inflammatory foreign body reaction that rapidly resolves, PMMA-PPms, which is partially degradable, rapidly recruits and activates inflammatory phagocytes, thus delaying the resolution of the foreign body reaction.

The branched-chain fatty acid valproate (valproic acid; VPA) displays antitumoral properties by blocking tumor growth, progression and invasion. Recent data have shown that VPA reduces the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells. The object of this study was to investigate whether endothelial modulation might also influence the level of chemotactic mediators. Endothelial cells were isolated from human umbilical cord veins (HUVEC) and treated with VPA-concentrations ranging from 0.125 mM to 1 mM. The mRNA level of CXC-chemokines was investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The proliferative activity of HUVEC was measured as well. VPA evoked a striking increase in the neutrophil chemoattractants CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5 and a moderate increase in CXCL6 with maximal effects after a 3-day incubation period. Other CXC-chemokines and CXC-receptors remained unaffected. HUVEC growth was diminished time- and dose-dependently by VPA. We conclude that VPA treatment leads to alterations in the chemokine expression profile of endothelial cells. This might allow more neutrophils to reach the tumor area and trigger cytolysis.

OBJECTIVE

The chemokine molecule CXCL5 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5, also known as epithelial neutrophil activating peptide 78 -ENA78-) constitutes a link between obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) in the general population. CXCL5 has also been found to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Since chronic inflammation promotes IR and impairs pancreatic beta cell function in RA patients, we assessed the role of CXCL5 in the development of IR in RA.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study that encompassed 141 non-diabetic patients with RA. IR assessed by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2), insulin and C-peptide serum levels and lipid profile, and CXCL5 serum levels were studied. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate how CXCL5 was related to IR, disease activity, and disease characteristics in RA patients.

RESULTS

HOMA2-IR indexes showed high values for both IR and beta cell production (%B), and low insulin sensitivity (%S) in patients with RA. C reactive protein (beta coef. 0.2 [95%CI -1.5-1.9], p=0.80) and disease activity through DAS28 (beta coef. 13 [95%CI -14-41], p=0.34) revealed no relation with CXCL5. Other disease characteristics, such as disease duration, serological status, or use of methotrexate or anti-TNF alpha therapies, were not associated with CXCL5 serum levels. While glucocorticoids were related to insulin, C-peptide serum levels, and HOMA2-IR and HOMA2-%B-C peptide, the use of prednisone was not associated with CXCL5 serum levels. Insulin and C peptide serum levels and IR indexes showed strong correlations among each other, but not with CXCL5 (insulin r2=-0.034, p=0.69; C peptide r2=-0.050, p=0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

CXCL5 is not related to IR in RA patients. Therefore, the mechanisms leading to IR in patients with RA may be different from those in the general population.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been detected in most skin cancers. TAMs produce various chemokines and angiogenic factors that promote tumor development, along with other immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-associated neutrophils. TAMs generated from monocytes develop into functional, fully activated macrophages, and TAMs obtain various immunosuppressive functions to maintain the tumor microenvironment. Since TAMs express PD1 to maintain the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype by PD1/PD-L1 signaling from tumor cells, and the blockade of PD1/PD-L1 signaling by anti-PD1 antibodies (Abs) activate and re-polarize TAMs into immunoreactive M1 phenotypes, TAMs represent a potential target for anti-PD1 Abs. The main population of TAMs comprises CD163⁺ M2 macrophages, and CD163⁺ TAMs release soluble (s)CD163 and several proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL5, CXCL10, CCL19, etc.) as a result of TAM activation to induce an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment together with other immunosuppressive cells. Since direct blockade of PD1/PD-L1 signaling between tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating T cells (both effector T cells and Tregs) is mandatory for inducing an anti-immune response by anti-PD1 Abs, anti-PD1 Abs need to reach the tumor microenvironment to induce anti-immune responses in the tumor-bearing host. Taken together, TAM-related factors could offer a biomarker for anti-PD1 Ab-based immunotherapy. Understanding the crosstalk between TAMs and immunosuppressive cells is important for optimizing PD1 Ab-based immunotherapy.

Keywords: MDSCs; PD1/PD-L1 signaling; TAMs; TANs; Tregs; anti-PD1 Abs; chemokines; soluble CD163.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expressions of CXCL5, CXCL8, and CXCL10 in periodontal cells and tissues in response to microbial signals and/or biomechanical forces.

Methods: Human gingival biopsies from inflamed and healthy sites were used to examine the chemokine expressions and protein levels by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The chemokines were also investigated in gingival biopsies from rats submitted to experimental periodontitis and/or tooth movement. Furthermore, chemokine levels were determined in human periodontal fibroblasts stimulated by the periodontopathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum and/or constant tensile forces (CTS) by real-time PCR and ELISA. Additionally, gene expressions were evaluated in periodontal fibroblasts exposed to F. nucleatum and/or CTS in the presence and absence of a MAPK inhibitor by real-time PCR.

Results: Increased CXCL5, CXCL8, and CXCL10 levels were observed in human and rat gingiva from sites of inflammation as compared with periodontal health. The rat experimental periodontitis caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in alveolar bone resorption, which was further enhanced when combined with tooth movement. In vitro, F. nucleatum caused a significant upregulation of CXCL5, CXCL8, and CXCL10 at 1 day. Once the cells were exposed simultaneously to F. nucleatum and CTS, the chemokines regulation was significantly enhanced. The transcriptional findings were also observed at protein level. Pre-incubation with the MEK1/2 inhibitor significantly (p<0.05) inhibited the stimulatory actions of F. nucleatum either alone or in combination with CTS on the expression levels of CXCL5, CXCL8, and CXCL10 at 1 d.

Conclusions: Our data provide original evidence that biomechanical strain further increases the stimulatory actions of periodontal bacteria on the expressions of these chemokines. Therefore, biomechanical loading in combination with periodontal infection may lead to stronger recruitment of immunoinflammatory cells to the periodontium, which might result in an aggravation of periodontal inflammation and destruction.

Keywords: Fusobacterium nucleatum; Gingivitis; Orthodontic tooth movement; Periodontitis; Periodontium.

Inflammation of the vascular microenvironment modulates distinct types of vascular cells, and plays important roles in promoting atherosclerosis, stenosis/restenosis, and vascular-related diseases. Nik-related kinase (Nrk), a member of the Ste20-type kinase family, has been reported to be selectively expressed in embryonic skeletal muscle. However, whether Nrk is expressed in adult vascular smooth muscle, and if it influences intimal hyperplasia is unclear. Here, we found that Nrk is abundantly expressed in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and mouse arterial intima. Treatment of mouse VSMCs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or platelet-derived growth factor significantly reduced Nrk expression. In addition, expression of Nrk was significantly reduced in regions of neointimal formation caused by guide-wire carotid artery injuries in mice, as well as in human atherosclerotic tissues, when compared to normal vessels. We identified that expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP3, MMP8 and MMP12) and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (CCL6, CCL8, CCL11, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5 and CXCL9) are synergistically induced by Nrk siRNA in LPS-treated mouse VSMCs. Moreover, we found that resveratrol significantly impaired LPS- and Nrk siRNA-induced expression of MMP3, CCL8, CCL11, CXCL3 and CXCL5. These results suggested that Nrk may play important roles in regulating pathological progression of atherosclerosis or neointimal- hyperplasia-related vascular diseases.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor known as a dioxin receptor. Recently, Ahr-/- mice were revealed to develop cecal tumors with inflammation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. However, whether β-catenin degradation is AhR-dependent remains unclear. To determine whether other signaling pathways function in Ahr-/- cecal tumorigenesis, we investigated histological characteristics of the tumors, cytokine/chemokine production in tumors and Ahr-/- peritoneal macrophages. AhR expression was also assessed in human colorectal carcinomas. Ten of the 28 Ahr-/- mice developed cecal lesions by 50 weeks of age, an incidence significantly lower than previously reported. Cecal lesions of Ahr-/- mice developed from serrated hyperplasia to adenoma/dysplasia-like neoplasia with enhanced proliferation. Macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into the lesions was also observed early in serrated hyperplasia, although adjacent mucosa was devoid of inflammation. Il1b, Il6, Ccl2, and Cxcl5 were up-regulated at lesion sites, while only IL-6 production increased in Ahr-/- peritoneal macrophages following LPS+ATP stimulation. Neither c-Myc up-regulation nor β-catenin nuclear translocation was observed unlike previously reported. Interestingly, enhanced phosphorylation of Erk, Src, and EGFR, and Amphiregulin up-regulation at Ahr-/- lesion sites were detected. In human serrated lesions, however, AhR expression in epithelial cells was up-regulated despite morphological similarity to Ahr-/- cecal lesions. Our results suggest novel mechanisms underlying Ahr-/- cecal tumorigenesis, depending primarily on cecum-specific MAPK pathway activation and inflammation.

Immunobiotics have emerged as a promising intervention to alleviate intestinal damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the beneficial properties of immunobiotics are strain dependent and, therefore, each strain has to be evaluated in order to demonstrate its potential application in IBD. Our previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937 attenuates gut acute inflammatory response triggered by Toll-like receptor 4 activation. However, its effect on colitis has not been evaluated before. In this work, we studied whether the TL2937 strain was able to protect against the development of colitis in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse model and we delved into the mechanisms of action by evaluating the effect of the immunobiotic bacteria on the transcriptomic response of DSS-challenged intestinal epithelial cells. L. jensenii TL2937 was administered to adult BALB/c mice before the induction of colitis by the administration of DSS. Colitis and the associated inflammatory response were evaluated for 14 days. Mice fed with L. jensenii TL2937 had lower disease activity index and alterations of colon length when compared to control mice. Reduced myeloperoxidase activity, lower production of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1, CXCL1, MCP-1, IL-15, and IL-17), and higher levels of immunoregulatory (IL-10 and IL-27) cytokines were found in the colon of TL2937-treated mice. In addition, the treatment of porcine intestinal epithelial (PIE) cells with L. jensenii TL2937 before the challenge with DSS differentially regulated the activation of the JNK pathway, leading to an increase in epithelial cell integrity and to a differential immunotranscriptomic response. TL2937-treated PIE cells had a significant reduction in the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-15), chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, CCL8, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10), adhesion molecules (SELE, SELL, EPCAM), and other immune factors (NCF1, NCF2, NOS2, SAA2) when compared to control cells after the challenge with DSS. The findings of this work indicate that (a) L. jensenii TL2937 is able to alleviate DSS-induced colitis suggesting a potential novel application for this immunobiotic strain, (b) the modulation of the transcriptomic response of intestinal epithelial cells would play a key role in the beneficial effects of the TL2937 strain on colitis, and (c) the in vitro PIE cell immunoassay system could be of value for the screening and selection of new immunobiotic strains for their application in IBD.

Keywords: Lactobacillus jensenii TL2937; PIE cells; immunobiotics; immunotranscriptomic response; intestinal inflammation.

Background: C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), an important chemokine, has been validated to promote human tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance and the underlying molecular mechanisms of CXCL5 have not been completely explored in cervical cancer. Herein, the aim was to investigate miR-577-mediated CXCL5 signaling in cervical tumorigenicity.

Material and methods: Sixty-one pairs of cervical cancer specimens and para-carcinoma tissues were collected to measure miR-577 and CXCL5 expression levels. miR-577 mimics and/or si-CXCL5 were transfected into cervical cancer cell lines, Hela, and SiHa cells, to determine their effect on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis.

Results: Our results demonstrated that CXCL5 is overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of CXCL5 with specific siRNA transfection in Hela and SiHa cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis in vitro. We also report that CXCL5 is a direct target of miR-577. Additionally, transfection of miR-577 mimics can inhibit CXCL5 protein expression, but not mRNA in Hela cells. miR-577 mimic transfection significantly inhibits migration and induces apoptosis in Hela and SiHa cells. However, the antineoplastic activities of miR-577 are reversed by overexpression of CXCL5 in vitro.

Conclusions: Overexpression of CXCL5 is involved in tumor development of cervical cancer. Inhibition of CXCL5 by its post-transcriptional regulator, miR-577, may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with cervical cancer.

Keywords: CXCL5; cervical cancer; miR-577; oncogene; prognosis.

BACKGROUND

Geohelminth infections are predominant in Nigeria and communities at greatest risks are those with poor environmental/sanitary conditions and unhygienic habits. Chemokine ligands (CXCL) a class under chemokine group play important roles in the immune system by either mediating susceptible or protective immune responses to parasitic infections.

OBJECTIVE

This study was to assess the impact of Ascaris lumbricoides sole infection and co-infection on some serum chemokines (CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11) in infected Nigerians.

METHODS

A total of 194 individuals attending Agbor general hospital were examined for A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections. Thereafter, sera were obtained from positive volunteers and control group using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to examine the impact of these helminth infections on the serum concentration of some chemokines (CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL11).

RESULTS

The mean sera levels of CXCL5 and CXCL9 in infected volunteers were higher than the control subjects. Also, positive correlation was recorded for CXCL9 (P>> 0.05), while negative responses were seen for CXCL5 and CXCL11 (P>> 0.05) in relation to increase in the intensities of infections. CXCL9 was more expressed in A. lumbricoides + hookworm co-infections than single. Furthermore, the mean concentration of CXCL5 was higher in infected females than males (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The proinflammatory responses of CXCL5 and CXCL9 to A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections could be an indication of the meditating roles of these chemokines in the immune system to either confer some form of host/parasite immunity or susceptibility.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an important role in tumor immune escape. Recent studies have shown that MDSCs contribute to tumor progression under psychological stress, but the underlying mechanism of MDSCs mobilization and recruitment remains largely unknown. In the present study, a chronic restraint stress paradigm was applied to the H22 hepatocellular carcinoma bearing mice to mimic the psychological stress. We observed that chronic restraint stress significantly promoted hepatocellular carcinoma growth, as well as the mobilization of MDSCs to spleen and tumor sites from bone marrow. Meanwhile, chronic restraint stress enhanced the expression of CXCR2 and pErk1/2 in bone marrow MDSCs, together with elevated CXCL5 expression in tumor tissues. In vitro, the treatments of MDSCs with epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) but not corticosterone (CORT) treated H22 conditioned medium obviously inhibited T cell proliferation, as well as enhanced CXCR2 expression and Erk phosphorylation. In vivo, β-adrenergic blockade with propranolol almost completely reversed the accelerated tumor growth induced by chronic restraint stress, and inactivated CXCL5-CXCR2-Erk signaling pathway. Our findings support the crucial role of β-adrenergic signaling cascade in the mobilization and recruitment of MDSCs under chronic restraint stress. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE

Pathological angiogenesis and chronic inflammation greatly contribute to the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in chorioretinal diseases involving abnormal contact between retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and endothelial cells (ECs), associated with Bruch's membrane rupture. We explored the ability of the small organotellurium compound octa-O-bis-(R,R)-tartarate ditellurane (SAS) to mitigate inflammatory processes in human RPE cells.

METHODS

Cell adhesion assays and analyses of gene and protein expression were used to examine the effect of SAS on ARPE-19 cells or primary human RPE cells that were grown alone or in an RPE-EC co-culture.

RESULTS

Adhesion assays showed that SAS inhibited αv integrins expressed on RPE cells. Co-cultures of RPE cells with ECs significantly reduced the gene expression of PEDF, as compared to RPE cells cultured alone. Both SAS and the anti-αvβ3 antibody LM609 significantly enhanced the production of PEDF at both mRNA and protein levels in RPE cells. RPE cells co-cultured with EC exhibited increased gene expression of CXCL5, COX1, MMP2, IGF1, and IL8, all of which are involved in both angiogenesis and inflammation. The enhanced expression of these genes was greatly suppressed by SAS, but interestingly, remained unaffected by LM609. Zymography assay showed that SAS reduced the level of MMP-2 activity in RPE cells. We also found that SAS significantly suppressed IL-1β-induced IL-6 expression and secretion from RPE cells by reducing the protein levels of phospho-IkappaBalpha (pIκBα).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that SAS is a promising anti-inflammatory agent in RPE cells, and may be an effective therapeutic approach for controlling chorioretinal diseases.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling is known to modulate inflammation and vascular resistance. Receptors of PGE2 (E-type prostanoid receptors, EP) might be an attractive pharmacological target in immune-mediated diseases such as glomerulonephritis. We hypothesized that selective EP4 antagonism improves nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS) by its anti-inflammatory properties. Mice were subjected to NTS and treated with the EP4 antagonist ONO AE3-208 [10 mg/kg bw/day] or vehicle starting from disease initiation. In one set of experiments treatment was started 4 days after NTS induction. Tubular epithelial cells were evaluated in vitro under starving conditions. EP4 antagonist treatment significantly improved the NTS phenotype without affecting blood pressure levels. Remarkably, the improved NTS phenotype was also observed when treatment was started 4 days after NTS induction. EP4 antagonism decreased tubular chemokine (C-x-c motif) ligand -1 ( Cxcl-1) and -5 ( Cxcl-5) expression and thereby subsequently reduced interstitial neutrophil infiltration into the kidney. In vitro, tubular epithelial cells increasingly express Cxcl5 mRNA and Cxcl5 protein when treated with PGE2 or an EP4 agonist under starving conditions, which is blunted by EP4 antagonist treatment. Together, EP4 antagonism improves the NTS phenotype probably by decreasing mainly Cxcl-5 production in tubular cells thereby reducing renal neutrophil infiltration.

We investigated the effects of two common dietary supplements on bone healing in dental extraction sockets in humans. In this randomized pilot trial, male subjects took Grape Seed Extract [GSE] or Grapefruit Extract [GFE] starting two weeks prior to dental extraction and maintained this regimen for sixty days after surgery. Extraction sockets were filled with a collagen plug. After 24 h, a socket sample was collected and processed for quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and an 84-gene wound healing assay. Sixty days after tooth extraction, a core of newly formed bone was obtained prior to dental implant placement and processed for histology. qRT-PCR revealed that GFE led to a significant decrease in platelet-derived growth factor and interleukin (IL)1-β compared to GSE, and a significant decrease in IL-6 and CXCL2 compared to control. GSE led to a significant increase in coagulation factor Von Willebrand and inflammatory marker IL1-β compared to GFE. WISP1 and CXCL5 were upregulated in both groups. Overall, GFE showed a downregulation of inflammation and GSE led to a decrease in collagen density and increased osteoclasts. This pilot trial highlights the need for further investigation on the mechanism of action of such supplements on bone healing and oral health.

Keywords: collagen; dietary supplements; flavonoid; osteoclast; phytochemicals; tooth socket.

UNASSIGNED

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disease and associated with insulin resistance. CXC Ligand 5 (CXCL5) is a new cytokine which is secreted from white adipose tissue during obesity and by blocking insulin signaling pathway inhibits the activity of insulin and promotes insulin resistance.

UNASSIGNED

The aim of this study was to assess serum level of CXCL5 in PCOS women with normal body mass index.

UNASSIGNED

In this case-control study, 30 PCOS women with normal body mass index as the case group and 30 non-PCOS women as the controls were enrolled. Serum levels of CXCL5, insulin and other hormones factors related with PCOS were measured by ELISA method, also the biochemical parameters were measured by autoanalyzer.

UNASSIGNED

Significant increases in serum insulin concentration, homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance, luteinizing hormone, luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone, fasting blood sugar, testosterone, and prolactin were observed in the case group compared to the controls. were in the serum level of CXCL5, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol,dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, creatinine, and homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function between these two groups.

UNASSIGNED

In this study, no significant change was observed in serum concentrations of CXCL5 in PCOS women with normal BMI.

BACKGROUND

We report the use of an ex vivo precision cut liver slice (PCLS) mouse model for studying hepatic schistosomiasis. In this system, liver tissue is unfixed, unfrozen, and alive for maintenance in culture and subsequent molecular analysis.

RESULTS

Using thick naive mouse liver tissue and sterile culture conditions, the addition of soluble egg antigen (SEA) derived from Schistosoma japonicum eggs, followed 4, 24 and 48 hrs time points. Tissue was collected for transcriptional analysis and supernatants collected to quantitate liver enzymes, cytokines and chemokines. No significant hepatotoxicity was demonstrated by supernatant liver enzymes due to the presence of SEA. A proinflammatory response was observed both at the transcriptional level and at the protein level by cytokine and chemokine bead assay. Key genes observed elevated transcription in response to the addition of SEA included: IL1-α and IL1-β, IL6, all associated with inflammation. The recruitment of antigen presenting cells was reflected in increases in transcription of CD40, CCL4 and CSF1. Indications of tissue remodeling were seen in elevated gene expression of various Matrix MetalloProteinases (MMP3, 9, 10, 13) and delayed increases in TIMP1. Collagen deposition was significantly reduced in the presence of SEA as shown in COL1A1 expression by qPCR after 24 hrs culture. Cytokine and chemokine analysis of the culture supernatants confirmed the elevation of proteins including IL6, CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL5.

CONCLUSIONS

This ex vivo model system for the synchronised delivery of parasite antigen to liver tissue provides an insight into the early phase of hepatic schistosomiasis, corresponding with the release of soluble proteins from dying schistosome eggs.

The brain is a common site of metastasis from advanced breast cancer but few effective treatments are available. We examined a therapeutic option with a conditioned medium (CM), focusing on the role of Lrp5 and β-catenin in Wnt signaling, and IL1ra in osteocytes. Osteocytes presented the innate anti-tumor effect and the overexpression of the above genes strengthened their action. In a mouse model, the injection of their CM inhibited mammary tumors and tumor-driven osteolysis. Importantly, Lrp5- and/or IL1ra-overexpressing osteocytes or the local administration of β-catenin-overexpressing CM markedly inhibited brain tumors. In the transport analysis, tumor-suppressing factors in CM were shown to diffuse through the skull. Mechanistically, the CM with overexpression of the above genes downregulated oncogenic genes such as MMP9, Runx2, TGFβ, and Snail in breast cancer cells. Also, the CM with β-catenin overexpression downregulated CXCL1 and CXCL5 and upregulated tumor suppressors such as LIMA1, DSP, p53, and TRAIL in breast cancer cells. Notably, whole-genome proteomics revealed that histone H4 was enriched in CM and acted as an atypical tumor suppressor. Lrp5-overexpressing MSCs were also shown to act as anti-tumor agents. Collectively, this study demonstrated the therapeutic role of engineered CM in brain tumors and the tumor-suppressing action of extracellular histone H4. The result sheds light on the potential CM-based therapy for breast cancer-associated brain metastases in a minimally invasive manner.

Keywords: IL1ra; Lrp5; breast cancer; conditioned medium; histone H4; osteocytes; β-catenin.