The changes of serum sKlotho and NGAL levels and their correlation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with different stages of urinary albumin

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of serum anti-aging protein Klotho and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and their correlation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients at different stages of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) determined by urinary albuminuria.Methods462 cases with T2DM were divided into three groups: normoalbuminuric [N-UAlb; urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) < 30 mg/g, n = 180], microalbuminuric [M-UAlb; UACR 30–300 mg/g, n = 158], macroalbuminuric [L-UAlb; UACR > 300 mg/g, n = 124]. The levels of serum soluble-Klotho (sKlotho), NGAL, 8-isoprostane prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all cases and 160 control subjects.ResultsCompared with control, serum sKlotho levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and serum NGAL levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) in T2DM patients. Furthermore, serum sKlotho and NGAL levels were significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.001). Serum sKlotho levels negatively correlated with UACR, TG, CHO, LDL, 8-Iso-PGF2α, MCP-1, TNF-α, TGF-β1 (P < 0.001), but positively correlated with LDL (P < 0.001). Serum NGAL levels positively correlated with UACR, 8-Iso-PGF2α, MCP-1, TNF-α, TGF-β1 (P < 0.001). In addition, serum NGAL levels and LDL were significantly positively correlated (P = 0.005), and HDL was significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.001).ConclusionSerum Klotho and NGAL levels may become new biomarkers of the early diagnosis of DKD in T2DM. Klotho may participate in the development of DKD pathological mechanism such as oxidative stress related to inflammation, renal fibrosis, lipid metabolic disorders, modulating the pathological process of diabetic kidney tissue. NGAL may play a part in these mechanisms.     

Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α are Associated with Clinical Severity and Airflow Limitation of COPD in an Additive Manner

Background

The role of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships among polymorphisms, clinical phenotypes, and the serum levels of TNF-α and TGF-β1.

Methods

Polymorphisms of promoters of TNF-α (rs 361525 and rs 1800629) and TGF-β1 (rs 1800469) in 110 COPD patients, 110 nonsmoker health controls without COPD, and 34 smokers were evaluated. Pulmonary functions, chest computed tomography, TGF-β1, and TNF-α were assessed.

Results

The genetic polymorphism of TNF-α (rs 361525) was associated with COPD. More severe COPD patients had higher serum levels of TNF-α and TGF-β1; moreover, serum levels of TGF-β1of mild COPD patients were higher than normal controls. All of the studied subjects were divided into four groups by the 95th percentile value of control as cutoff serum value of TGF-β1 (224.35 ρg/ml) or TNF-α (17.56 ρg/ml) to define the high value of TGF-β1 or TNF-α, which are higher than those cutoff of values (>224.35 or 17.56 ρg/ml). The FEV₁ of the group with high TGF-β1 + low TNF-α or low TGF-β1 + high TNF-α or high TNF-α + high TGF-β1 was lower than the group with low TGF-β1 + low TNF-α group. Moreover, the lowest value of FEV₁ was in the group with high TNF-α + high TGF-β1.

Conclusions

The genetic polymorphism of the TNF-α is associated with COPD. Both TGF-β1 and TNF-α modulate clinical severity and airflow limitation in an additive manner.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9, transforming growth factor-β1, and tumor necrosis factor-α plasma levels in chronic pancreatitis

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from 71 patients with CP and 100 control subjects, and plasma levels of MMP-9, TGF-β1, and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The plasma levels of MMP-9 (18.3?±?3.0 ng/mL, p?<?0.0001), TGF-β1 (215.4?±?178.1 ng/mL, p?=?0.0301), and TNF-α (111.2?±?69.3 ng/mL, p?<?0.001) were significantly elevated in CP compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The role of elevated plasma MMP-9, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in CP requires further evaluation.     

Nintedanib inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 alveolar epithelial cells through regulation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disorder. Recent studies have suggested that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells influences development of pulmonary fibrosis, which is mediated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), an important proinflammatory cytokine in IPF, has been shown to enhance TGF-β-induced EMT. Nintedanib, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is currently used to treat IPF, has been shown to suppress EMT in various cancer cell lines. However, the mechanism of EMT inhibition by nintedanib and its effect on TGF-β and TNF-α signaling pathways in alveolar epithelial cells have not been fully elucidated.MethodsA549 alveolar epithelial cells were stimulated with TGF-β2 and TNF-α, and the effects of nintedanib on global gene expression were evaluated using microarray analysis. Furthermore, Smad2/3 phosphorylation was assessed using western blotting.ResultsWe found that in A549 cells, TGF-β2 and TNF-α treatment induces EMT, which was inhibited by nintedanib. Gene ontology analysis showed that nintedanib significantly attenuates the gene expression of EMT-related cellular pathways and the TGF-β signaling pathway, but not in the TNF-α-mediated signaling pathway. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that EMT-related genes were attenuated in nintedanib-treated cells. Additionally, nintedanib was found to markedly suppress phosphorylation of Smad2/3.ConclusionNintedanib inhibits EMT by mediating EMT-related gene expression and the TGF-β/Smad pathway in A549 alveolar epithelial cells.     

结核性气道狭窄中SIRT1对气管成纤维细胞增殖速度及分化的影响研究

目的观察沉默信息调节因子1(silent information regulator 1,SIRT1)在结核性气道狭窄气道增生肉芽组织中的表达及对气管成纤维细胞增殖速度与分化的影响。方法免疫组化染色检测气道增生肉芽组织与正常组织中SIRT1与肿瘤坏死因子-α(Tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)表达水平。CCK-8法和流式细胞术分别检测细胞增殖活性与周期分布,免疫荧光染色检测α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-Smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)表达,蛋白质印迹法(Western blot)检测增殖细胞核抗原(Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, PCNA)、α-SMA、Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(Collagen I,CoL-Ⅰ)、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白(CollagenⅢ,CoL-Ⅲ)蛋白表达水平,qRT-PCR检测CoL-Ⅰ、CoL-ⅢmRNA表达水平。结果结核性气道狭窄组中SIRT1与TNF-α阳性表达率较正常对照组升高(P<0.05)。与TGF-β1组比较,siRNA-SIRT1+TGF-β1组气管成纤维细胞增殖水平下降(P<0.05),G0/G1期细胞比例减少而S期细胞比例增加(P<0.05),α-SMA阳性染色减弱,PCNA、TNF-α、CoL-Ⅰ、CoL-Ⅲ蛋白表达均下降(P<0.05), CoL-Ⅰ、CoL-ⅢmRNA表达也下降(P<0.05)。结论 SIRT1在结核性气道狭窄患者的气道增生肉芽组织中表达增加,沉默SIRT1可抑制TGF-β1诱导的成纤维细胞的增殖速度与分化,并阻滞细胞周期。     

Plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein as biomarker for survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose

Tumor TNM staging is the main basis for prognosis and treatment decision for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) despite significant heterogeneity in terms of outcome among patients with the same clinical stage. In this study, a possible role of plasma interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as biomarkers for survival of HNSCC patients was investigated.

Methods

In this prospective study, plasma levels of IL-2, IL-6, GM-CSF, TNF-α and CRP in patients (n = 100) and controls (n = 48) were analyzed.

Results

Significantly elevated levels of CRP and TNF-α (p < 0.001) were found in the patients. Combination of upregulated CRP and TNF-α in the patient plasma was significantly related to shorter patient survival, independent of clinical stage.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that CRP and TNF-α might be suitable as biomarkers in combination with tumor TNM staging for predicting survival and individualized treatment of HNSCC patients. Plasma CRP and TNF-α analysis are simple, rapid, cost effective and suitable for clinical practice.     

Cytokines are associated with postembolization fever and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Objective

Cytokines play important roles in angiogenesis, inflammation, and cell growth. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between cytokine changes and clinical characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Methods

Forty-one TACE-näive HCC patients receiving 73 sessions of TACE and 30 healthy controls were studied. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), angiogenin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), epidermal growth factor receptor, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) before and at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after TACE as well as clinical parameters were analyzed.

Results

Baseline serum levels of VEGF, bFGF, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in HCC patients were significantly elevated, whereas EGF and TGF-β1 levels were lower compared to those in healthy controls (p < 0.05 for all). Serum IL-6 increased rapidly and peaked on day 1 after TACE administration, whereas VEGF increased more slowly and peaked on day 14 after TACE administration. Patients with post-TACE fever had higher serum IL-6 levels on days 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.005 for all). Patients with pre-TACE serum VEGF < 200 pg/ml had a longer survival than those with pre-TACE serum VEGF levels ≥ 200 pg/ml (22.2 months vs. 11.6 months, p = 0.014). Cox multivariate analysis showed that baseline serum VEGF significantly predicted survival for HCC patients receiving TACE.

Conclusions

TACE is associated with the modulation of serum angiogenic, inflammatory, and cell growth cytokines in HCC patients. Serum IL-6 correlates with post-TACE fever, and baseline serum VEGF independently predicts patient survival.     

Collagenase-1 (MMP-1), matrilysin-1 (MMP-7), and stromelysin-2 (MMP-10) are expressed by migrating enterocytes during intestinal wound healing

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in wound healing of the skin, airways, and cornea, but data on MMPs in normal intestinal wound healing is limited. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of collagenase-1 (MMP-1), matrilysin-1 (MMP-7), and stromelysin-2 (MMP-10) in intestinal wound repair and to determine the effect of cytokines on the expression of these MMPs in intestinal epithelial cell lines. Methods: Surgical specimens from patients with ischemic colitis (n?=?5) were used as an in vivo model of intestinal re-epithelialization. Fetal ileal explants were used as an ex vivo model. In situ hybridization for MMPs -1, -3, -7, and -10 was performed and immunohistochemical stainings were used to localize MMP-7 and -9 expressing cells. Stainings for cytokeratin and laminin-5 were performed to identify epithelial cells and migrating enterocytes, respectively. Caco-2, HT-29, and WiDr cell lines were treated for 6-48?h with different cytokines (e.g. EGF, KGF, IL-1β, TGF-α, TNF-α, and TGF-β1) and Taqman real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to investigate their effect on the expression of MMPs-1, -7, and -10. Results: MMP-7, MMP-10, and MMP-1 were expressed by migrating enterocytes bordering intestinal ulcers in 5/5, 3/5, and 3/5 samples, respectively. In the fetal gut model, MMP-1 and MMP-10 were expressed by migrating enterocytes, but matrilysin-1 expression was not detected. Matrilysin-1 was up-regulated by TNF-α and IL-1β, and stromelysin-2 by TNF-α and EGF in Caco-2 and WiDr cell cultures. MMP-1 was up-regulated in Caco-2 cells by TGF-beta, EGF, and IL-1β, but only by EGF in WiDR cells. Conclusions: It is concluded that collagenase-1, stromelysin-2, and matrilysin-1 are involved in intestinal re-epithelialization in vivo and that they are up-regulated by cytokines relevant in wound repair.     

Calreticulin overexpression correlates with integrin-α5 and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in the atria of patients with rheumatic valvular disease and atrial fibrillation

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether altered calreticulin expression and distribution contribute to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with valvular heart disease (VHD).

Background

AF affects electrophysiological and structural changes that exacerbate AF. Atrial remodeling reportedly underlies AF generation, but the precise mechanism of atrial remodeling in AF remains unclear.

Methods

Right and left atrial specimens were obtained from 68 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. The patients were divided into sinus rhythm (SR; n = 25), paroxysmal AF (PaAF; n = 11), and persistent AF (PeAF; AF lasting > 6 months; n = 32) groups. Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and protein expression were measured. We also performed immunoprecipitation for calreticulin with either calcineurin B or integrin-α5.

Results

Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression were increased in the AF groups, especially in the left atrium in patients with mitral valve disease. Calreticulin interacted with both calcineurin B and integrin-α5. Integrin-α5 expression correlated with TGF-β1 expression, while calreticulin expression correlated with integrin-α5 and TGF-β1 expression. Despite similar cardiac function classifications, calreticulin expression was greater in the PeAF group than in the SR group.

Conclusions

Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 expression was increased in atrial tissue in patients with AF and was related to AF type, suggesting that calreticulin is involved in the pathogenesis of AF in VHD patients.     

Intermittent hypoxia induces tumor immune escape in murine S180 solid tumors via the upregulation of TGF-β1 in mice

Purpose

Studies have shown that intermittent hypoxia (IH) alters host immune functions and promotes tumor growth. However, the relevant mechanisms of these effects have not been completely elucidated. We hypothesized that IH promotes the growth of tumors by changing cytokine levels in the tumor microenvironment and inducing immune escape.

Methods

Sarcoma-180 (S180) solid tumor cells were injected into the right flank of Kunming mice. The mice were then randomly divided into the IH and room air (RA) groups. The mice were euthanized 2 weeks after IH exposure, and the weight of tumor tissues was measured. Next, IL-6, IL-17, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in tumor tissues were measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) expressions were examined through Western blot analysis.

Results

Two weeks of IH exposure significantly accelerated the growth of S180 solid tumors. Western blot analysis results showed that the expression levels of HIF-1α and TGF-β₁ in S180 tumors in the IH group were significantly upregulated compared with those in the RA group. ELISA results showed that compared with the RA group, the IH group had significantly increased TNF-α and IL-10 (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased IL-17 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

IH might promote the growth of S180 solid tumors by inhibiting the antitumor immune response and inducing tumor immune escape via the upregulation of TGF-β₁.

     

N-acetyl-l-cysteine inhibits TGF-β1-induced profibrotic responses in fibroblasts

BackgroundExcessive production of TGF-β₁ plays a key role in the tissue remodeling or fibrotic process observed in bronchial asthma, chronic pulmonary disease (COPD), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). TGF-β₁ has been reported to decrease the intracellular glutathione level and stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) can affect TGF-β₁-mediated tissue remodeling in fibroblasts or modulate the production of fibronectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which are believed to be important mediators of tissue repair and remodeling.MethodsTo accomplish this, human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) were used to assess the effect of NAC on the TGF-β₁-mediated contraction of floating gels and the TGF-β₁-induced mediator production. In addition, the effect of NAC on the TGF-β₁-induced differentiation to myofibroblasts was evaluated by assessing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression.ResultsNAC significantly abolished the TGF-β₁-augmented gel contraction (at 3 mM, gel size 63.4 ± 2.6% vs. 39.1 ± 4.1%; p < 0.01) compared with control in a concentration-dependent manner. NAC also significantly inhibited the TGF-β₁-augmented fibronectin (p < 0.01) and VEGF (p < 0.01) production in the media of both the three-dimensional gel and monolayer culture. Furthermore, NAC reversed the TGF-β₁-stimulated α-SMA expression (p < 0.01).ConclusionThese results suggest that NAC can affect the TGF-β₁-induced tissue remodeling or fibrotic process in vitro.     

Hepatitis B virus particles preferably induce Kupffer cells to produce TGF-β1 over pro-inflammatory cytokines

BackgroundKupffer cells and related cytokines are thought to play a critical role in liver fibrosis; however, the role played by Kupffer cells in hepatitis B virus-related fibrogenesis is unknown.MethodsPrimary rat Kupffer cells were cultured with different titres of hepatitis B virus particles and the concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the culture supernatant were measured every 24 h for 7 days. The mRNA and protein levels of these cytokines in Kupffer cells were also analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively.ResultsKupffer cells maintained normal morphology and function throughout the 7-day exposure to hepatitis B virus. The concentration of TGF-β1 secreted by hepatitis B virus-stimulated Kupffer cells (6 log IU/ml hepatitis B virus) increased 5.38- and 7.75-fold by Days 3 and 7, respectively (p < 0.01). Western blotting showed that TGF-β1 expression in Kupffer cells exposed to high titres of hepatitis B virus increased 1.80- and 2.42-fold by Days 3 and 7, respectively (p < 0.01). In contrast, Kupffer cell expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α) was unchanged throughout the experiment.ConclusionHepatitis B virus preferentially stimulates Kupffer cells to produce the pro-fibrogenic/anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 rather than the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α. This may partly explain why overt liver fibrosis still presents in cases of chronic hepatitis B virus infection with minimal (or no) necro-inflammation.     

Efficacy and safety of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors plus standard care in diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionMany people with type 2 diabetes progress to end-stage diabetic kidney disease (DKD) despite blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, suggesting the need for innovative treatment options for DKD. To capture the findings of recent studies, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors combined with standard care involving angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the development and progression of DKD in people with type 2 diabetes compared with standard care alone.MethodsThe Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and clinical trials registers were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials published before 1 September 2022. Primary outcomes were urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Secondary outcomes were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Relative risk was calculated for adverse events.ResultsEight studies enrolling 5512 participants were included. In the meta-analysis (n = 1327), SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a statistically significant reduction in UACR (weighted mean difference [WMD] -105.61 mg/g, 95 % CI -197.25 to −13.98, I² = 99 %, p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in relation to eGFR (n = 1375; WMD -0.23 mL/min/1.73m², 95 % CI -4.34 to 3.89, I² = 94 %, p = 0.91).ConclusionsSGLT2 inhibitors in addition to standard care including ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs significantly reduced albuminuria, HbA1c and SBP when compared to standard care alone, supporting their routine use in people with type 2 diabetes.     

Effect of acupuncture on inflammatory cytokines expression of spastic cerebral palsy rats

Objective:To To investigate the effect of acupuncture on the tumor necrosis factor- α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),nitric oxide synthase(NOS) content and muscular tension of spasticity cerebral palsy rat model.Methods:The rats with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into the control group,model group and acupuncture group.After successful modeling,the muscular tension and the content of TNF- α,IL-6,CRP.NOS were measured.Results:The serum TNF- α,IL—6,CRP,NOS content were significantly decreased in the acupuncture group(P0.05).The low and high shear viscosity of whole blood of the acupuncture group were significantly lower than the control group and the model group(P0.05).The erythrocyte electrophoresis indexes in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than that in the model group and the control group(P0.05).Acupuncture significantly reduced the muscular tension of spastic cerebral palsy rat and increased the active extent in the paralytie extremity(P0.05),but it could not be restored to normal level.Compared with the control group,the difference had significant(P0.05).Conclusions:Acupuncture treatment can inhibit the release of inflammatory cells after brain injury,then reduce immune injury,relieve muscle spasms and reduce muscular tension.     

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor suPAR as a marker for inflammation in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Objective. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), more means to monitor early therapeutic response are needed. In pediatric IBD, blood inflammatory markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) may be low in 10 to 20% of patients with severe disease. Recently, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) was described as a potential blood inflammatory marker in adult IBD. Methods. We tested the performance of suPAR by the start of therapy with glucocorticoids (n = 19) or TNF-α-antagonist (n = 16) in pediatric IBD (Crohn's disease n = 19, ulcerative colitis (UC) n = 16). Results. The levels of suPAR were low in both patient groups studied. There was no difference in the values regarding the presence of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Thus, all analyses were performed on the entire sample set. Glucocorticoid therapy, however, resulted in a significant decline in suPAR levels from a median of 3.06 to 2.54 ng/ml (p < 0.01). In contrast, TNF-α-antagonist had no effect. The suPAR levels did not associate with ESR or CRP or fecal calprotectin (FC). Conclusions. In pediatric IBD, the suPAR levels in blood are low and do not reflect the level of intestinal inflammation assessed with FC. The introduction of corticoids, however, results in a decline of suPAR levels in blood but not reflect therapeutic response to TNF-α-antagonist. Thus, suPAR is of limited value in assessing systemic inflammatory responses in pediatric IBD.     

Role of immune dysfunction in pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children

Objective:To investigate the function of cytokines,chemokines,and regulatory T cells(Tregs)in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabeles mellitus(T1DM)in children.Methods:A total of 35 children with T1DM and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study.Levels of serum cytokines(IL-1α,IL-6,IL-10,IL-12,and TNF-α)and chemokines(MIP-1α,MIP-1βand MCP-1)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and culture supernatant of phytohaemagglutinin(PHA)-stimulatcd PBMCs was subjecled to ELISA for levels of cytokines(IL-1α,IL-6,IL-10,IL-12 and TNV-α)in T1DM and control group.Furthermore,flow cytometty was used to determine the percentage of Tregs in PBMCs of two groups.Results:Levels of serum cytokines including IL-1α,IL-6,IL-10 andd TNF-αas well as chemokines,such as MIP-1αand MIP-1βin children with T1DM children were significantly higher than those in healthy controls(P0.05,respectively).PBMCs with PHA stimulation in T1DM group secreted more IL-1αand TNF-α(P0.05,respectively),but less IL-10(P0.05),as compared with control group.Furthermore,the proportion of CD4~+,CD25~+,Foxp3.Tregs in PBMCs isolated from children with T1DM was obviously lower than those in heathy controls(P0.05).Conclusions:Immune dysfunction.with uprcgulation of inflanunatory factors such as IL-1α.IL-6.TNF-αand MIP-1α.downregulation of IL-10 and Tregs,plays an important role in the pathogenesis of T1DM in children.     

HIF-1α/VEGF-VEGFR2/Nrp-1表达对NSCLC患者Treg增殖的影响

目的分析缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、血管内皮生长因子受体2(VEGFR2)、神经纤毛蛋白-1(Nrp-1)表达对非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)患者调节性T细胞( regulatory T Cells, Treg)增殖的影响。 方法纳入60例NSCLC患者及20名健康人群,提取外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),采用流式细胞学检测核内CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg细胞含量。使用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测PBMC细胞上清液中HIF-1α、VEGF、转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)、白细胞介素-2 (IL-2)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)的表达水平。Western blotting方法检测Treg细胞上清液中VEGFR2、Nrp-1蛋白表达水平,Transwell迁移实验检测VEGF对Treg细胞的趋化作用。 结果NSCLC患者外周血中CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺Treg细胞比例明显高于健康对照组(P<0.01);与对照相比,NSCLC组患者HIF-1α、VEGF、IL-10、TGF-β的表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),IL-2的表达水平明显降低(P<0.01);Person相关性分析提示NSCLC患者PBMC中Treg含量与PBMC细胞上清液中HIF-1α、IL-10、TGF-β、VEGF表达均呈正相关(r＝0.74;r＝0.73;r＝0.68;r＝0.58,P均<0.01),与IL-2表达呈负相关(r＝-0.59,P<0.01)。NSCLC患者Treg细胞表面VEGFR2、Nrp-1受体表达增加(P<0.01);VEGF对Treg细胞有趋化作用,缺氧状态下趋化作用更为强(P<0.01)。 结论NSCLC微环境缺氧,HIF-1α表达上调,肿瘤细胞和内皮细胞分泌VEGF增多,可通过招募和细胞转化促进Treg增多,其表面受体VEGFR2/Nrp-1表达上升,从而Treg细胞积聚活化,促进IL-2、IL-10、TGF-β细胞因子分泌,进而抑制效应细胞功能,肺癌细胞免疫逃逸,病情进展。