Zinc-suppressed inflammatory cytokines by induction of A20-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor-κB

ObjectiveChronic generation of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species are implicated in atherosclerosis, aging, cancers, and other chronic diseases. We hypothesized that zinc induces A20 in premonocytic, endothelial, and cancer cells, and A20 binds to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-receptor associated factor, and inhibits Iκ kinase-α (IKK-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), resulting in downregulation of TNF-α and interleukin-1β (IL-1β).MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we used HL-60, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and SW480 cell lines under zinc-deficient and zinc-sufficient conditions in this study. We measured oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, A20 protein and mRNA, A20–FRAF-1 complex, and IKK-α/NF-κB signaling in stimulated zinc-deficient and zinc sufficient cells. We also conducted antisense A20 and siRNA studies to investigate the regulatory role of zinc in TNF-α and IL-1β via A20.ResultsWe found that zinc increased A20 and A20–tumor necrosis factor-receptor associated factor-1 complex, decreased the IKK-α/NF-κB signaling pathway, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines in these cells compared with zinc-deficient cells. We confirmed that zinc-induced A20 contributes to downregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β by antisense and short interfering RNA A20 studies.ConclusionOur studies suggest that zinc suppresses generation of NF-κB–regulated inflammatory cytokines by induction of A20.     

Findings From the Meta-analysis on Whole-Grain Consumption and Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation Are Misleading

Abstract

We have with great interest read the recent article by Hajihashemi et al. which systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed a number of published clinical trials about the effect of whole grains on serum levels of hs-CRP (high sensitiviy C-reactive protein), IL-6 (interlukin-6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α). The findings suggested that consumption of whole grains significantly decreased serum levels of hs-CRP and IL-6, but not TNF-α, compared with the control group. It is an interesting study, but there are some methodological limitations and missing data that need to be addressed. Therefore, we believe that the conclusions were misleading and further comprehensive meta-analysis is required to explain the effect of whole grain intake on serum concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers.     

COVID-19 adenovirus vector vaccine induces higher interferon and pro-inflammatory responses than mRNA vaccines in human PBMCs,macrophages and moDCs

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic multiple vaccines were rapidly developed and widely used throughout the world. At present there is very little information on COVID-19 vaccine interactions with primary human immune cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells (moDCs).MethodsHuman PBMCs, macrophages and moDCs were stimulated with different COVID-19 vaccines, and the expression of interferon (IFN-λ1, IFN-α1), pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, CXCL-4, CXCL-10, TNF-α) and Th1-type cytokine mRNAs (IL-2, IFN-γ) were analyzed by qPCR. In addition, the expression of vaccine induced spike (S) protein and antiviral molecules were studied in primary immune cells and in A549 lung epithelial cells.ResultsAdenovirus vector (Ad-vector) vaccine AZD1222 induced high levels of IFN-λ1, IFN-α1, CXCL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNAs in PBMCs at early time points of stimulation while the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA took place at later times. AZD1222 also induced IFN-λ1, CXCL-10 and IL-6 mRNA expression in monocyte-derived macrophages and DCs in a dose-dependent fashion. AZD1222 also activated the phosphorylation of IRF3 and induced MxA expression. BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 mRNA vaccines failed to induce or induced very weak cytokine gene expression in all cell models. None of the vaccines enhanced the expression of CXCL-4. AZD1222 and mRNA-1273 vaccines induced high expression of S protein in all studied cells.ConclusionsAd-vector vaccine induces higher IFN and pro-inflammatory responses than the mRNA vaccines in human immune cells. This data shows that AZD1222 readily activates IFN and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in PBMCs, macrophages and DCs, but fails to further enhance CXCL-4 mRNA expression.     

Cruciferous Vegetable Intake Is Inversely Correlated with Circulating Levels of Proinflammatory Markers in Women

BackgroundHigher intakes of cruciferous vegetables or their constituents have been shown to lower inflammation in animal studies. However, evidence for this anti-inflammatory effect of cruciferous vegetable consumption in humans is scarce.Objective/DesignIn this cross-sectional analysis, we evaluated associations of vegetable intake with a panel of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers among 1,005 middle-aged Chinese women. Dietary intake of foods was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire.ResultsMultivariable-adjusted circulating concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were lower among women with higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables. The differences in concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers between extreme quintiles of cruciferous vegetable intake were 12.66% for TNF-α (P_trend=0.01), 18.18% for IL-1β (P_trend=0.02), and 24.68% for IL-6 (P_trend=0.02). A similar, but less apparent, inverse association was found for intakes of all vegetables combined but not for noncruciferous vegetables. Levels of the urinary oxidative stress markers F₂-isoprostanes and their major metabolite, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F_2t-IsoP, were not associated with intakes of cruciferous vegetables or all vegetables combined.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the previously observed health benefits of cruciferous vegetable consumption may be partly associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of these vegetables.     

鹦鹉热衣原体巨噬细胞感染增强因子对宿主细胞产生前炎症细胞因子和凋亡的影响

目的 研究鹦鹉热衣原体(Chlamydia psittaci,Cps)巨噬细胞感染增强因子(microphage infectivity potentiator,Mip)在诱导人单核细胞THP-1产生前炎症细胞因子和对HeLa细胞凋亡的作用。 方法 用不同浓度的Cps Mip重组蛋白作用 THP-1 细胞,ELISA检测前炎症细胞因子IL-8和TNF-α的表达量;用荧光染色法和流式细胞术分析重组Cps Mip对HeLa细胞凋亡的作用。 结果 重组Cps Mip能以时间、剂量依赖方式诱导THP-1细胞分泌前炎症细胞因子IL-8和TNF-α;不同Cps Mip蛋白浓度实验组刺激THP-1细胞产生的前炎症细胞因子IL-8和TNF-α水平显著高于PBS对照组(P<0.05),当Cps Mip为16 μg/ml 时,所产生的前炎症细胞因子IL-8 和TNF-α的量最高,分别为105.01 pg/ml和50.52 pg/ml。荧光染色法和流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,发现Cps Mip对星形孢菌素(staurosporine,STS)处理的HeLa细胞有一定的抑凋亡作用,在20 μg/ml Cps Mip刺激后的细胞凋亡率比未刺激组下降了4.48%(P<0.01)。 结论 Cps Mip蛋白能诱导THP-1细胞表达并分泌前炎症细胞因子IL-8和TNF-α;Cps Mip具有一定抑制HeLa细胞凋亡的作用。     

Physiogenomic comparison of human fat loss in response to diets restrictive of carbohydrate or fat

Background

Adipocytes express inflammatory mediators that contribute to the low-level, chronic inflammation found in obese subjects and have been linked to the onset of cardiovascular disorders and insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A reduction in inflammatory gene expression in adipocytes would be expected to reverse this low-level, inflammatory state and improve cardiovascular function and insulin sensitivity. The natural products, curcumin and resveratrol, are established anti-inflammatory compounds that mediate their effects by inhibiting activation of NF-κB signaling. In the present study, we examined if these natural products can inhibit NF-κB activation in adipocytes and in doing so reduce cytokine expression.

Methods

Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and COX-2 gene expression in 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with or without TNFα-stimulation. Cytokine protein and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) expression were measured by ELISA. Effects of curcumin and resveratrol were evaluated by treating TNFα-stimulated adipocytes with each compound and 1) assessing the activation state of the NF-κB signaling pathway and 2) measuring inflammatory gene expression by qRT-PCR and ELISA.

Results

Both preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes express the genes for TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, key mediators of the inflammatory response. Preadipocytes were also found to express IL-1β; however, IL-1β expression was absent in differentiated adipocytes. TNF-α treatment activated NF-κB signaling in differentiated adipocytes by inducing IκB degradation and NF-κB translocation to the nucleus, and as a result increased IL-6 (6-fold) and COX-2 (2.5-fold) mRNA levels. TNF-α also activated IL-1β gene expression in differentiated adipocytes, but had no effect on endogenous TNF-α mRNA levels. No detectable TNFα or IL-1β was secreted by adipocytes. Curcumin and resveratrol treatment inhibited NF-κB activation and resulted in a reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 gene expression (IC₅₀ = 2 μM) and a reduction of secreted IL-6 and PGE₂ (IC₅₀ ~ 20 μM).

Conclusion

Curcumin and resveratrol are able to inhibit TNFα-activated NF-κB signaling in adipocytes and as a result significantly reduce cytokine expression. These data suggest that curcumin and resveratrol may provide a novel and safe approach to reduce or inhibit the chronic inflammatory properties of adipose tissue.     

Pro-inflammatory HDL in women with obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

BackgroundIndividuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which includes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are at increased risk for cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. Limited data on pro-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) in NASH exists in the literature. We hypothesized that HDL from individuals with NASH would be more pro-inflammatory than HDL from individuals without NASH.MethodsStudy participants were individuals with obesity who had undergone bariatric surgery with wedge liver biopsy. Using HDL isolated from serum obtained from study participants at the time of surgery, HDL-elicited macrophage cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) from THP-1 macrophages, HDL-associated receptor expression (ABCA1 and ABCG1) from apolipoprotein E deficient (apo E^−/−) mouse peritoneal macrophages, and isolevuglandin (isoLG) modified HDL were measured.Results11 women with NASH and 15 women without NASH were included in the study. Both TNF-α (P = 0.032) and IL-1β (P = 0.029) were significantly more expressed by THP-1 macrophages exposed to HDL from women with NASH compared to women without NASH. ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression by apo E^−/− mouse peritoneal macrophages was not significantly different when exposed to HDL from either women with NASH or women without NASH. IsoLG-modified HDL isolated from the serum of women with NASH trended higher than women without NASH.ConclusionOur study suggests a more pro-inflammatory HDL in women with obesity and NASH compared to women with obesity and without NASH.     

Anti-TNF-α Antibody Normalizes Serum Leptin in IL-2 Deficient Mice

Objective: A recent study reports that the interleukin-2 deficient (IL-2^?/?) mouse model of autoimmune and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine production has elevated leptin concentrations during food deprivation. The objective of this study was to examine whether increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, contributes to the abnormally elevated leptin in IL-2^?/? mice.

Methods: Eight week old, IL-2^?/? and wild-type control (IL-2^+/+), male mice were fed regular laboratory mouse food for two weeks. At the end of the study, blood was collected in the fed state, IL-2^?/? and IL-2^+/+ mice were injected with either anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody or normal saline, and blood was collected in the starved state.

Results: The IL-2^?/? mice consumed less food and lost weight. Administration of anti-TNF-α antibody markedly reduced serum leptin concentrations in IL-2^?/? and control mice after food deprivation. Serum leptin in the IL-2^?/? mice not receiving anti-TNF-α antibody increased significantly in the starved state. Serum concentrations of TNF-α were higher in IL-2^?/? mice compared to controls in both the fed and starved state.

Conclusions: These results suggest that elevated TNF-α may be one mechanism for the sustained elevated leptin observed in IL-2^?/? mice during food deprivation.     

Resveratrol suppressed seizures by attenuating IL-1β, IL1-Ra,IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus and cortex of kindled mice

Objective: There is an urge to identify new molecules which can modulate process of epileptogenesis, since currently available drugs act symptomatically and one-third of the patients remain refractory to the disease. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Resveratrol (RESV) on epileptogenesis in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling in mice.

Method: Swiss albino mice were administered RESV (10, 20 and 40?mg/kg,p.o) in acute study. On the seventh day animals were subjected to various neurological and neurobehavioral tests viz, Increasing Current Electroshock Test (ICES), PTZ-induced seizures, passive avoidance response, and elevated plus maze test. For the development of kindling PTZ was administered in a dose of 25?mg/kg, i.p. on every alternate day and RESV in all the three doses was administered daily. Seizure score was continuously monitored till the development of kindling and cognition tests were performed in the end of the study. The animals were sacrificed and levels of inflammatory biomarkers viz., IL-1β, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra), IL-6, and TNF-α were assessed in the hippocampus and cortex of the kindled animals.

Results: RESV in all three doses increased the seizure threshold to hind limb extension in the ICES test. RESV in all the tested doses suppressed the development of kindling and reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL1-Ra, IL-6, and TNF-α in kindled mice.

Conclusion: RESV suppressed the development of kindling in mice and decreased the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in their hippocampus. RESV modified brain inflammation during epileptogenesis and found to possess nootropic activity in the kindled mice.     

A Randomized Controlled Trial in Young Women of the Effects of Consuming Pork Meat or Iron Supplements on Nutritional Status and Feeling of Well-being

Objectives: Limited information is available on the role of pork meat in influencing iron status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of consuming pork meat as compared to iron supplementation on nutritional status and feeling of well-being.

Methods: Young women were randomly assigned to a control diet (CG), a pork-containing diet (PG), or a control diet with iron supplementation (SG) for 12 weeks. Sixty-five women aged 24.6 ± 4.4 years (mean ± SD) completed the trial.

Results: Serum ferritin concentrations were increased significantly (p = 0.001) in participants assigned to the SG as compared with the other groups, as assessed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. At week 12, hemoglobin concentrations were significantly higher in PG and SG as compared with CG. Plasma zinc concentrations at the end of the intervention were similar to baseline concentrations for individuals in the CG and PG but were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in SG. Plasma-, erythrocyte-folate, and serum vitamin B6 and B12 concentrations were not significantly affected by the intervention, although the concentrations of vitamins B6 and B12 tended to increase in PG. Well-being, as measured using the Health Survey Short Form (SF-36) and its 8 multi-item scales, showed significant improvement in vitality in SG (p < 0.05) and bodily pain in PG (p < 0.05). No significant relationships were observed between these health concept scores and biomarkers of nutritional status.

Conclusions: Consumption of pork meat by young women maintains hemoglobin levels to the same extent as low-dose iron supplementation and enhances the components of well-being, mainly their perception of bodily pain.     

Effects of Walnuts on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults with Visceral Obesity: A Randomized,Controlled, Crossover Trial

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome is a precursor of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Walnut ingestion has been shown to reduce CVD risk indices in diabetes. This randomized controlled crossover trial was performed to investigate the effects of daily walnut consumption on endothelial function and other biomarkers of cardiac risk in a population of overweight individuals with visceral adiposity.

Methods: Forty-six overweight adults (average age, 57.4 years; 28 women, 18 men) with elevated waist circumference and 1 or more additional signs of metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to two 8-week sequences of walnut-enriched ad libitum diet and ad libitum diet without walnuts, which were separated by a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome measure was the change in flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Secondary measures included serum lipid panel, fasting glucose and insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment–Insulin Resistance values, blood pressure, and anthropometric measures.

Results: FMD improved significantly from baseline when subjects consumed a walnut-enriched diet as compared with the control diet (1.4% ± 2.4% versus 0.3% ± 1.5%; p = 0.019). Beneficial trends in systolic blood pressure reduction were seen, and maintenance of the baseline anthropometric values was also observed. Other measures were unaltered.

Conclusion: Daily ingestion of 56 g of walnuts improves endothelial function in overweight adults with visceral adiposity. The addition of walnuts to the diet does not lead to weight gain. Further study of the potential role of walnut intake in diabetes and CVD prevention is warranted.     

The impact of three commercial sweeteners on cytokine expression by mononuclears impelled by colon carcinoma cells

Abstract

The study was designed to examine the immunomodulatory effect of three commercial sweeteners on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and on the immune dialogue between these and human HT-29 and HuCC colon cancer lines. PBMC were incubated with Sweet’N Low, Splenda and Stevia and the cytokine production was examined. The cytokine release of PBMC co-cultured with colon cancer cells in the presence of sweeteners was evaluated. Sweet’N Low enhanced IFNγ, IL-1β and IL-6 release, and augmented HuCC-induced IL-10 secretion. Splenda reduced IFNγ and TNFα secretion by LPS and HuCC stimulated PBMC and enhanced HuCC-induced IL-10 and IL-1ra production. Stevia reduced IL-1β, TNFα and IL-1ra secretion prompted by HuCC and HT-29 cells and enhanced IL-6 production induced by HuCC. The inhibition of pro-inflammatory- and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines release by Splenda and Stevia indicate that they possess valuable potential as carcinopreventive agents.     

Blocking IL-1α but not IL-1β increases susceptibility to chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice

IL-1α and IL-1β are potent inflammatory cytokines and important mediators of immune responses to intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Here, we investigated the role of IL-1α and IL-1β during chronic Mtb infection and spontaneous reactivation in mice. For long-term neutralization of IL-1α, IL-1β or both, mice were immunized with virus-like particles (VLPs) displaying either of the cytokines, inducing strong and long-lasting neutralizing IgG responses. Blocking of IL-1α but not of IL-1β resulted in increased susceptibility to chronic infection with Mtb. Neutralizing either IL-1α or IL-1β alone did not lead to increased reactivation of latent tuberculosis. The generation of antibodies neutralizing both IL-1α and IL-1β simultaneously, did not influence weight gain during Mtb reactivation and the slight increase in pulmonary bacillary counts were not significant when compared to control-immunized group. Thus, the results suggest that IL-1α is the major mediator of the IL-1RI-dependent and protective innate immune responses to Mtb in mice.     

Maternal Diet,C-Reactive Protein,and the Outcome of Pregnancy

Objective: To examine the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a systemic biomarker for the inflammatory process at entry to care, with pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia, adverse outcomes of pregnancy, and the maternal diet.

Design: Random sample (N = 520) with normal glucose tolerance from a large prospective cohort study of urban, low income, minority gravidae.

Results: During pregnancy, the highest tertile of hsCRP (range, 7.06–137.41 mg/L) was associated with significantly increased risks for early preterm delivery (<34 weeks). However, after stratification by maternal pregravid body mass index (BMI), risk for early preterm delivery <34 weeks (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–12.27), and pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.03–6.86) including preeclampsia (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.08–6.85) was shown to be specific to lean women (BMI <25) with high hsCRP. Increased hsCRP was unrelated to risk among overweight and obese gravidae. We found high hsCRP to be associated with diet. After stratification by BMI, dietary differences (higher intakes of protein and cholesterol with a lower intake of carbohydrate and a higher entry dietary glycemic index) were associated with increased hsCRP only among lean gravidae and not among those who were overweight or obese.

Conclusions: High hsCRP is a diet-related biomarker for serious complications and poor outcome in lean women with normal glucose tolerance.     

Effect of heat processing of spices on the concentrations of their bioactive principles: Turmeric (Curcuma longa), red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and black pepper (Piper nigrum)

Studies were made to examine the loss of curcumin, capsaicin and piperine, the active principles of turmeric (Curcuma longa), red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and black pepper (Piper nigrum), respectively, as a result of subjecting the spices to domestic cooking processes. This involved heat treatment of each of these spices by: (i) boiling for 10 min, (ii) boiling for 20 min and (iii) pressure cooking for 10 min. Quantitation of the spice principles in the organic solvent extracts of the freeze-dried cooked spice samples was made with an appropriate HPLC method. Significant loss of spice active principles was observed when the spices were subjected to heat processing. Curcumin loss from heat processing of turmeric was 27–53%, with maximum loss in pressure cooking for 10 min. Curcumin loss from turmeric was similar even in the presence of red gram. In the presence of tamarind, the loss of Curcumin from turmeric was 12–30%. Capsaicin losses from red pepper ranged from 18% to 36%, with maximum loss observed in pressure cooking. Presence of either red gram or tamarind or both did not influence the loss of capsaicin. Piperine losses from black pepper ranged from 16% to 34%, with maximum loss observed in pressure cooking. The loss was somewhat lower in the presence of red gram. The results of this investigation indicated diminished availability of spice active principles from cooked foods when the food ingredients have been subjected to either boiling or pressure cooking for few minutes.     

Spirulina and C-phycocyanin reduce cytotoxicity and inflammation-related genes expression of microglial cells

Abstract

Objective

Our aim was to investigate the effects of Spirulina on BV-2 microglial cell cytotoxicity and inflammatory genes expression.

Methods

BV-2 microglial cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 µg/ml) and various concentrations of Spirulina platensis water extract or its active component (C-phycocyanin (C-PC)) for 24 hours. Cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNAs were assayed.

Results

LPS increased LDH production and up-regulated expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 by BV-2 microglial cells. However, Spirulina platensis water extract and C-PC significantly reduced LPS-induced LDH release, and expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 mRNAs.

Conclusion

Spirulina can reduce the cytotoxicity and inhibit expression of inflammation-related genes of LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells.     

婴幼儿呼吸道合胞病毒肺炎外周血单核细胞miR-146a和miR-155的表达及与炎症反应关系

目的 探讨婴幼儿呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)肺炎外周血单核细胞(PBMCs)miR-146a和miR-155的表达及与炎症反应关系。方法 选取2017年1月－2019年1月三峡大学第三临床医学院葛洲坝集团中心医院收治的84例RSV肺炎患儿作为研究组,根据病情严重程度分为轻度组和重度组。选取同期体检健康婴幼儿80例作为对照组,采集受试者外周血并分离单核细胞,采用实时荧光定量PCR检测单核细胞中miR-146a和miR-155水平,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)水平,Pearson法分析两组受试者miR-146a、miR-155水平与炎症因子水平的相关性。结果 重度组患儿PBMCs中miR-146a水平明显低于轻度组与对照组(F=31.907,P＜0.05),轻度组与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);重度组患儿PBMCs中miR-155水平显著高于轻度组、对照组(F=143.127,P＜0.05),轻度组高于对照组(P＜0.05);研究组患儿血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8水平均高于对照组(t=36.627、39.350、22.743、10.617,P＜0.05)。RSV肺炎患儿miR-146a与TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8表达呈负相关(r=-0.473、-0.502、-0.396、-0.337,P＜0.05),miR-155与TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6、IL-8表达呈正相关(r=0.451、0.394、0.359、0.382,P＜0.05)。结论 RSV肺炎患儿PBMCs中miR-146a低表达,miR-155高表达,并与患儿疾病严重程度及炎症反应相关。     

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation ameliorates inflammatory markers in patients with multiple sclerosis: a double blind,placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease of central nervous system and recent studies show that inflammatory processes are highly associated with neurodegeneration in the brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in patients with MS.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed among 48 patients with relapsing–remitting MS. Subjects were randomly assigned to a placebo group (n = 24) or coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)-supplemented group (500 mg/day, n = 24). The intervention was administered for 12 weeks. Peripheral blood samples were collected at baseline and after 12-week intervention, to measure inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and TGF-β) markers.

Results

Forty-five patients completed the study. After 12 weeks of intervention, the TNF-α levels (P = 0.003) decreased significantly in the CoQ10 group. Subjects in the CoQ10 group had significantly lower IL-6 levels (P = 0.037), compared to the placebo group. CoQ10 supplementation also resulted in decreased serum levels of MMP-9 as compared to the placebo group (P = 0.011). However, CoQ10 supplementation did not alter the IL-4 and TGF-β levels (P = 0.16 and P = 0.81, respectively).

Discussion

CoQ10 supplementation at a dosage of 500 mg appears to decrease the inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-9) in patients with MS.     

Lycium barbarum Increases Caloric Expenditure and Decreases Waist Circumference in Healthy Overweight Men and Women: Pilot Study

Background: Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), a traditional Asian medicinal therapy for diabetes and other conditions, has been shown to increase metabolic rate and to reduce body-weight gains in rodent models, as well as to produce clinical improvements in general feelings of well-being including energy level.

Objective: To investigate the impact of L. barbarum consumption on (1) caloric expenditure and (2) changes in morphometric parameters (waist circumference) in healthy human adults.

Method: Two separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, small clinical studies were conducted using a standardized L. barbarum fruit juice, GoChi, and assessing its effects on (1) resting metabolic rate (RMR) and postprandial energy expenditure (PPEE) as measured by indirect calorimetry after single-bolus intake of 3 doses of L. barbarum (30, 60, and 120 ml) and placebo; and (2) waist circumference and other morphometric changes in a 14-day intervention trial (120-ml daily intake) in the subjects (age = 34 years, body mass index = 29 kg/m²).

Results: (1) A single bolus of L. barbarum intake increased PPEE 1 through 4 hours postintake over the baseline level in a dose-dependent manner and was significantly higher than the placebo group by 10% at 1 hour postintake of 120 ml (p < 0.05). (2) In a 14-day intervention trial, L. barbarum was found to significantly decrease waist circumference by 5.5 ± 0.8 cm (n = 15) compared with the preintervention measurements and placebo group at postintervention day 15 (p < 0.01). By contrast, the changes in the placebo group (n = 14) from preinterventions was 0.9 ± 0.8 cm, which was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: These results show that L. barbarum consumption increases metabolic rate and reduces the waist circumference, relative to placebo treated control subjects.