Dietary AGEs as Exogenous Boosters of Inflammation

Most chronic modern non-transmissible diseases seem to begin as the result of low-grade inflammation extending over prolonged periods of time. The importance of diet as a source of many pro-inflammatory compounds that could create and sustain such a low-grade inflammatory state cannot be ignored, particularly since we are constantly exposed to them during the day. The focus of this review is on specific components of the diet associated with inflammation, specifically advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that form during thermal processing of food. AGEs are also generated in the body in normal physiology and are widely recognized as increased in diabetes, but many people are unaware of the potential importance of exogenous AGEs ingested in food. We review experimental models, epidemiologic data, and small clinical trials that suggest an important association between dietary intake of these compounds and development of an inflammatory and pro-oxidative state that is conducive to chronic diseases. We compare dietary intake of AGEs with other widely known dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets, as well as the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII). Finally, we delineate in detail the pathophysiological mechanisms induced by dietary AGEs, both direct (i.e., non-receptor-mediated) and indirect (receptor-mediated).     

Vitamin E Isoforms as Modulators of Lung Inflammation

Asthma and allergic diseases are complex conditions caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Clinical studies suggest a number of protective dietary factors for asthma, including vitamin E. However, studies of vitamin E in allergy commonly result in seemingly conflicting outcomes. Recent work indicates that allergic inflammation is inhibited by supplementation with the purified natural vitamin E isoform α-tocopherol but elevated by the isoform γ-tocopherol when administered at physiological tissue concentrations. In this review, we discuss opposing regulatory effects of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol on allergic lung inflammation in clinical trials and in animal studies. A better understanding of the differential regulation of inflammation by isoforms of vitamin E provides a basis towards the design of clinical studies and diets that would effectively modulate inflammatory pathways in lung disease.     

Leukocytes and Fever

A pyrogen derived from leukocytes appears to be the messenger substance that raises the set point of the hypothalamic “thermostat” regulating maintenance of body temperature. Dr. Wood describes the experimental models through which the properties of this substance have been delineated and the studies that are clarifying the mode of its release and of its action on the thermoregulatory centers of the brain.     

利用动物器官补充人体解剖教学的研究

人体标本来源的缺乏限制了其在人体解剖实验教学中的应用,利用新鲜动物器官接近人体结构、能真实展示活体形态的特．董,将其作为解剖学人体标本的补充,不仅弥补学生观察实物标本的不足,而且更能激发学生的学习兴趣,进一步提高解剖教学质量。     

Inflammation as well as angiogenesis may participate in the pathophysiology of brain radiation necrosis

Radiation necrosis (RN) after intensive radiation therapy is a serious problem. Using human RN specimens, we recently proved that leaky angiogenesis is a major cause of brain edema in RN. In the present study, we investigated the same specimens to speculate on inflammation''s effect on the pathophysiology of RN. Surgical specimens of symptomatic RN in the brain were retrospectively reviewed by histological and immunohistochemical analyses using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining as well as immunohistochemical staining for VEGF, HIF-1α, CXCL12, CXCR4, GFAP, CD68, hGLUT5, CD45, IL-1α, IL-6 TNF-α and NF-kB. H&E staining demonstrated marked angiogenesis and cell infiltration in the perinecrotic area. The most prominent vasculature was identified as thin-walled leaky angiogenesis, i.e. telangiectasis surrounded by prominent interstitial edema. Two major cell phenotypes infiltrated the perinecrotic area: GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes and CD68/hGLUT5-positive cells (mainly microglias). Immunohistochemistry revealed that CD68/hGLUT5-positive cells and GFAP-positive cells expressed HIF-1α and VEGF, respectively. GFAP-positive cells expressed chemokine CXCL12, and CD68/hGLUT5-positive cells expressed receptor CXCR4. The CD68/hGLUT5-positive cells expressed pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α in the perinecrotic area. VEGF caused leaky angiogenesis followed by perilesional edema in RN. GFAP-positive cells expressing CXCL12 might attract CXCR4-expressing CD68/hGLUT5-positive cells into the perinecrotic area. These accumulated CD68/hGLUT5-positive cells expressing pro-inflammatory cytokines seemed to aggravate the RN edema. Both angiogenesis and inflammation might be caused by the regulation of HIF-1α, which is well known as a transactivator of VEGF and of the CXCL12/CXCR4 chemokine axis.     

Secretory IgA as an indicator of oro-pharyngeal foot-and-mouth disease virus replication and as a tool for post vaccination surveillance

A serotype-specific ELISA was developed to detect foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) specific IgA antibody in the saliva of cattle, and the method was evaluated for its feasibility in detecting serotype O FMDV carrier animals, particularly amongst vaccinated cattle that had subsequently become sub-clinically infected. For this purpose, saliva samples were collected from na?ve cattle (n = 173), FMDV challenged cattle (n = 10), FMDV vaccinated cattle (n = 40) and FMDV vaccinated-and-challenged cattle (n = 40). A subset of 29 cattle was sampled for 105-168 days after challenge. The FMDV infection status of each of the cattle was determined by virus isolation and RT-PCR tests on oesophago-pharyngeal fluids and the ability of the IgA test to detect viral infection and persistence was compared to an ELISA for the detection of serum antibodies against the 3ABC non-structural proteins of FMDV. Eleven out of twelve vaccinated cattle that were shown to be persistently infected with FMDV up to or beyond 28 days post challenge, were also detected by the IgA test on saliva. With some modification and further validation, this test could be useful in post-vaccination surveillance to help confirm the absence of sub-clinical infection in order to regain the FMD-free status of a region or country.     

Glucose as a Potential Key to Fuel Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Glucose is the most important source of energy and homeostasis. Recent investigations are clarifying that glucose metabolism might be altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which would play a role in the inflammatory phenotype of rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. It may also play a role in a variety of autoimmune diseases’ pathophysiology by modulating immune responses and modifying autoantigen expressions. The research into glucose and its metabolism could lead to a better understanding of how carbohydrates contribute to the occurrence and duration of RA and other autoimmune diseases.     

Berries as a Treatment for Obesity-Induced Inflammation: Evidence from Preclinical Models

Inflammation that accompanies obesity is associated with the infiltration of metabolically active tissues by inflammatory immune cells. This propagates a chronic low-grade inflammation associated with increased signaling of common inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Obesity-associated inflammation is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Preclinical rodent and cell culture studies provide robust evidence that berries and their bioactive components have beneficial effects not only on inflammation, but also on biomarkers of many of these chronic diseases. Berries contain an abundance of bioactive compounds that have been shown to inhibit inflammation and to reduce reactive oxygen species. Therefore, berries represent an intriguing possibility for the treatment of obesity-induced inflammation and associated comorbidities. This review summarizes the anti-inflammatory properties of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. This review highlights the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of berries and their bioactive components that have been elucidated through the use of preclinical models. The primary mechanisms mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of berries include a reduction in NF-κB signaling that may be secondary to reduced oxidative stress, a down-regulation of TLR4 signaling, and an increase in Nrf2.     

CD15与肿瘤

CD15是较早诊断何杰金淋巴瘤的标记物 ,特异性较高。近年发现CD15在许多肿瘤 (如肺癌、胃癌、大肠癌、肝癌、鼻咽癌、膀胱癌及甲状腺癌 )均有较多表达 ,并与肿瘤的发生、发展、侵袭转移及预后明显相关。本文对其近年研究进展作一综述。