Resistin is elevated in cystic fibrosis sputum and correlates negatively with lung function

Background

Resistin is an immunometabolic mediator that is elevated in several inflammatory disorders. A ligand for Toll-like receptor 4, resistin modulates the recruitment and activation of myeloid cells, notably neutrophils. Neutrophils are major drivers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, in part due to the release of human neutrophil elastase- and myeloperoxidase-rich primary granules, leading to tissue damage. Here we assessed the relationship of resistin to CF lung disease.

The relationships among monocyte subsets,miRNAs and inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) causes irreversible myocardial damage and release of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines and miRNAs. We aimed to investigate changes in the levels of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10), miRNAs profiles (miR-146 and miR-155) and distribution of different monocyte subsets (CD14++CD16-, CD14++CD16+, CD14+CD16++) in the acute and post-healing phases of AMI.

LPS对骨肉瘤细胞迁移、侵袭及TLR4/HOTAIR通路的影响

目的探讨脂多糖(LPS)对骨肉瘤细胞迁移和侵袭的影响及其潜在的作用机制。方法将人MG-63骨肉瘤细胞随机分为2组:对照组和LPS组。LPS组细胞用10 g/ml的LPS干预24 h,对照组用生理盐水干预。ELISA检测干预后培养基中促炎因子的水平,Transwell实验检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力,Western Blot检测相关蛋白的表达。结果与对照组相比,LPS组培养基中促炎因子TNF-α、IL-1和IL-6的释放水平均显著增高(P<0.05),LPS组迁移细胞数和侵袭细胞数均显著增高(P<0.05),LPS组中E-cadherin的表达显著降低(P<0.05),而N-cadherin、α-SMA、波形蛋白、TLR4和HOTAIR的表达均显著增高(P<0.05)。结论LPS诱导的肿瘤微环境可促进骨肉瘤细胞的迁移和侵袭,其机制与TLR4/HOTAIR途径介导的EMT过程的发生有密切关系。     

Immunomodulatory activity of Asparagus racemosus on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity: Implications for immunoadjuvant potential

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd (Shatavari in vernacular) are widely used in Ayurveda as Rasayana for immunostimulation, galactogogue as also in treatment of conditions like ulcers and cancer. Various studies have indicated immunomodulatory properties of Shatavari root extracts and formulations.

Aim of the study

To study the effect of standardized Asparagus racemosus root aqueous extract (ARE) on systemic Th1/Th2 immunity of SRBC sensitized animals.

Materials and methods

We used HPTLC to quantify steroidal saponins (Shatavarin IV, Immunoside^®) and flow cytometry to study effects of ARE on Th1/Th2 immunity. SRBC specific antibody titres and DTH responses were also monitored as markers of Th2 and Th1 responses, respectively. We also studied lymphocyte proliferation. Cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide and levamisole were used as controls.

Results

Treatment with ARE (100 mg/(kg b.w. p.o.)) resulted in significant increase of CD3⁺ and CD4/CD8⁺ percentages suggesting its effect on T cell activation. ARE treated animals showed significant up-regulation of Th1 (IL-2, IFN-g) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines suggesting its mixed Th1/Th2 adjuvant activity. Consistent to this, ARE also showed higher antibody titres and DTH responses. ARE, in combination with LPS, Con A or SRBC, produced a significant proliferation suggesting effect on activated lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The study suggests mixed Th1/Th2 activity of ARE supports its immunoadjuvant potential.     

Bacterial ghosts (BGs)—Advanced antigen and drug delivery system

Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are empty bacterial envelopes of Gram-negative bacteria produced by controlled expression of cloned gene E, forming a lysis tunnel structure within the envelope of the living bacteria. BGs are devoid of cytoplasmic content and possess all bacterial bio-adhesive surface properties in their original state while not posing any infectious threat. BGs are ideally suited as an advanced drug delivery system (ADDS) for toxic substances in tumor therapy. The inner space of BGs can be loaded with either single components or combinations of peptides, drugs or DNA which provides an opportunity to design new types of (polyvalent) drug delivery vehicles. Uptake of BGs loaded with Doxorubicin (Dox) by CaCo2 cells led to effective Dox release from endo-lysosomal compartments and accumulation in the nucleus. Viability and proliferative capacity of the cells were significantly decreased (2–3 orders of magnitude) after internalization of Dox loaded BGs as compared to cells incubated with free Dox. The same effect was observed with leukemia cells. Melanoma cells also revealed a high capability to internalize BGs. These results indicate that BGs are able to target a range of types of cancer. BGs have also been investigated as DNA delivery vectors. Studies show DNA loaded BGs are efficiently phagocytosed and internalized by both professional APCs and tumor cells with up to 82% of cells expressing the plasmid-encoded reporter gene. Our studies with BGs as an ADDS system contribute (i) to optimize drug delivery for the treatment of cancer; (ii) define specific conditions for selection and preparation of BG formulations; (iii) and provide a background for the clinical application of BGs in cancer therapy.     

柴苓小方对大鼠肾小球系膜细胞异常增殖的影响

目的：探讨柴苓小方对大鼠肾小球系膜细胞（GMCs）异常增殖的影响及相关机制。方法：采用脂多糖刺激系膜细胞异常增殖。MTT法检测柴苓小方对㈣异常增殖的影响；免疫细胞化学方法检测药物作用后增殖细胞核抗原（PCNA）的表达；乳酸脱氢酶释放实验检测柴苓小方的细胞毒作用。采用RT—PCR检测药物作用不同时间点细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制剂p21的表达。结果：柴苓小方可以剂量依赖性的抑制系膜细胞异常增殖并显著减少PCNA阳性细胞数而没有明显的细胞毒作用。并且柴苓小方可以显著地上调p21基因的表达（P〈0．05）。结论：柴苓小方可剂量依赖性的抑制GMC8异常增殖．其机制可能与上调p21mRNA表达有关。     

Distinct Expression of Cytokines and Mitogenic Inhibitory Factors in Semen of Fertile and Infertile Men

PROBLEM: To assess the effect of seminal plasma (SP) of fertile and infertile men on leukocyte mitogenic response, and the capability of sperm cells to produce IL-1. METHODS: This study included four groups: fertile men (donors, normal), infertile men with azoospermia (azoo), oligo-terato-asthenozoospermia (OTA), and OTA with genital infection (OTA-inf). Mouse spleen cell proliferation in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Concanavalin-A (Con-A) was examined in the presence of SP from the above four groups. Supernatants (sup) and lysates (lys) of sperm cells from fertile and oligoteratoasthenospermic (OTA) men were evaluated for IL-1 bioactivity by specific bioassay. RESULTS: Seminal plasma (SP) of the four groups were shown to inhibit the mitogenic response of mouse spleen cells to LPS and Con-A. SP of fertile men was significantly more inhibitory than SP from infertile men. Sperm cells from fertile and OTA infertile men constitutively produced IL-1. Sperm cells of both groups produced similar levels of IL-1 as examined in the supernatants and lysates. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal plasma of fertile men had more inhibitory mitogenic activity than that of OTA. Sperm cells constitutively produce IL-1. It is possible that the factors involved in this inhibition are not only anti-proliferative immune factors. Cytokines and inhibitory factors of mitogenesis in the seminal plasma may be involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of sperm functions and thus affect male fertility.     

IgA肾病大鼠血清IgA-纤维连接蛋白的检测及意义

目的 检测IgA肾病大鼠血清IgA-纤维连接蛋白水平，探讨其在IgA肾小球系膜沉积中的作用。方法 肝叶切除后，尾静脉注射脂多糖，制作IgA肾病大鼠模型。应用ELISA法检测血清IgA-纤维连接蛋白聚合物水平，半定量法对系膜IgA免疫荧光强度评分，二者作相关性分析。结果 IgA肾病时，血清IgA-纤维连接蛋白聚合物水平升高，并与系膜IgA沉积呈正相关。结论 IgA肾病时，血清IgA-纤维连接蛋白聚合物水平是升高的，且可能是导致IgA系膜沉积的原因之一。