IFN-γ mRNA Expression Research Articles

Methyl 3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzoate Attenuates Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Regulating TLR/NF-κB Pathways.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by uncontrolled, chronic relapsing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and has become a global healthcare problem. Here, we aimed to illustrate the anti-inflammatory activity and the underlying mechanism of methyl 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzoate (MBD), a compound derived from marine organisms, especially in IBD, using a zebrafish model. The results indicated that MBD could inhibit the inflammatory responses induced by CuSO4, tail amputation and LPS in zebrafish. Furthermore, MBD notably inhibited the intestinal migration of immune cells, enhanced the integrity of the gut mucosal barrier and improved intestinal peristalsis function in a zebrafish IBD model induced by trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS). In addition, MBD could inhibit ROS elevation induced by TNBS. Network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, transcriptomics sequencing and RT-PCR were conducted to investigate the potential mechanism. The results showed that MBD could regulate the TLR/NF-κB pathways by inhibiting the mRNA expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1, IL-1β, IL6, AP1, IFNγ, IKKβ, MyD88, STAT3, TRAF1, TRAF6, NLRP3, NOD2, TLR3 and TLR4, and promoting the mRNA expression of IL4, IκBα and Bcl-2. In conclusion, these findings indicate that MBD could be a potential candidate for the treatment of IBD.

Nypa fruticans Wurmb Extract Recovered Compromised Immune Status Induced by Forced Swimming in a Mouse Model.

Nypa fruticans Wurmb is known to contain large amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the biological and physiological functions of N. fruticans have not been scientifically investigated. Thus, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of N. fruticans hot water extract (YSK-N) in mice using an immune compromised model established by forced swimming (FS). Intensive exercise decreased body weight, organ index, and various immunological parameters in FS mice. However, oral administration of YSK-N significantly restored the FS-induced decreases in body, thymus, and spleen weights, as well as the reduction in the numbers of white blood cells and lymphocytes in the whole blood of mice. Additionally, YSK-N increased splenic cell proliferation in the absence and presence of concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, YSK-N enhanced the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells against YAC-1 tumor cells under immunosuppressive conditions. Furthermore, YSK-N supplementation reverted the FS-induced downregulation in immunoglobulin production and Il2, Il6, Il12, Ifnγ, Gzmb, and Prf1 mRNA expression. Therefore, our observations suggested that YSK-N promotes immune function and has potential as an immunomodulatory agent.

Cholesterol promotes IFNG mRNA expression in CD4+ effector/memory cells by SGK1 activation.

IFNγ-secreting T cells are central for the maintenance of immune surveillance within the central nervous system (CNS). It was previously reported in healthy donors that the T-cell environment in the CNS induces distinct signatures related to cytotoxic capacity, CNS trafficking, tissue adaptation, and lipid homeostasis. These findings suggested that the CNS milieu consisting predominantly of lipids mediated the metabolic conditions leading to IFNγ-secreting brain CD4 T cells. Here, we demonstrate that the supplementation of CD4+CD45RO+CXCR3+ cells with cholesterol modulates their function and increases IFNG expression. The heightened IFNG expression was mediated by the activation of the serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK1). Inhibition of SGK1 by a specific enzymatic inhibitor significantly reduces the expression of IFNG Our results confirm the crucial role of lipids in maintaining T-cell homeostasis and demonstrate a putative role of environmental factors to induce effector responses in CD4+ effector/memory cells. These findings offer potential avenues for further research targeting lipid pathways to modulate inflammatory conditions.

Sesquiterpenoids from Inula britannica and their potential mechanism for immunomodulation

The immune system serves as a role of diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, and acute lung injury. An immunoregulatory activity-directed separation depended on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin (Ion)-mediated Jurkat leukemic T cells was used for studying chemical constituents from Inula britannica L. in depth. Five previously undescribed aromatic sesquiterpenoid dimers inulabritanoids J−N (1−5) and a previously undescribed germacrane-type sesquiterpenoid britanicafanin F (6) were afforded from I. britannica as well as eight known sesquiterpenoids (7–14). Their structures were elucidated through 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, and ECD spectra along with quantum chemical calculations. Immunomodulatory effects of compounds 1–14 were assayed in PMA plus Ion-mediated Jurkat cells, and indicated that compounds 8, 9, and 13 displayed significantly inhibitory effects toward IL-2 and IFN-γ. Further investigation of mechanism of action revealed that compound 13 inhibited phosphorylations of p38, ERK, and JNK to suppress c-Jun and c-Fos expressions, resulting in blocking the nuclear translocation of AP-1 (a complex of c-Jun and c-Fos) to regulate mRNA expressions of IL-2 and IFN-γ. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that compound 13 could enter into the cavity of p38, ERK, and JNK, and from hydrogen bond interactions with Gly33, Lys53 Ser154, and Asp168 for p38, Lys54, Glu71, Ser153, and Asp167 for ERK, and Met149 and Asn152 for JNK, which supported the abovementioned results. These findings suggested that sesquiterpenoids from the genus Inula served as immunomodulators for treating diseases involved in immune and inflammatory responses.

Upregulation of interferon gamma gene expression among asymptomatic malaria adults in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Despite concerted efforts, malaria remains a global public health problem. Treatment for asymptomatic malaria will reduce the health care burden of malaria. However evidence-based data for the presence of systemic pathology in asymptomatic malaria, which might inform treatment remains limited. The present study investigated the current prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Bayelsa State, Nigeria and differences in interferon gamma (IFNγ) mRNA expression between asymptomatic malaria individuals (AMIs) and uninfected individuals (UIs), in relation to ABO blood groups and hemoglobin genotype (Hb) variants. A cross-sectional design was employed to randomly select 146 non-febrile participants from Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State. Plasmodium falciparum infection was determined using high-resolution melting analysis and participants were grouped into UIs and AMIs. Hb, blood groups, and IFNγ mRNA expression were determined using electrophoresis, agglutination, and real-time PCR method respectively. Logistic regression and t-test were used to determine significant differences between groups at p < 0.05. The current prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Bayelsa State was found to be 89.73 %. Age and sex were associated with asymptomatic malaria (p < 0.05). Plasmodium falciparum DNA melt curves for AMIs aligned at 83.89 ± 0.34 °C, while the amplification cycle thresholds were below 30 cycles. Compared with UIs, the gene expression of IFNγ mRNA was significantly (p < 0.001) higher among AMIs. Also, among AMIs those with A, B, and AB blood groups expressed significantly higher levels of IFNγ mRNA compared with blood groups O AMIs. Furthermore, AMIs with HbAA expressed significantly higher levels of IFNγ mRNA compared with HbAS AMIs. The novelty of the present study is the demonstration of the existence of systemic pathology in asymptomatic malaria and the demonstration that the intensity of systemic pathology is dependent on blood types and haemoglobin genotype variants. Findings of the present study have implications for policy creation towards asymptomatic malaria treatment.

Nrf2 deficiency in muscle attenuates experimental autoimmune myositis-induced muscle weakness.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are systemic autoimmune diseases characterised by muscle weakness. Although multiple physiological and pathological processes are associated with IIMs, T-lymphocyte infiltration into muscle plays a key role in the development and exacerbation of IIMs. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that regulates inflammatory responses; therefore, muscle Nrf2 may serve an important role in the development of IIMs. In this study, we demonstrated that experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) causes loss of muscle mass and function in oxidative and glycolytic muscles in C57BL/6 mice. EAM increased CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration, as well as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression in oxidative soleus and glycolytic extensor digitorum longus muscles, along with elevated chemokine mRNA levels (i.e. CCL3, CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL16). IFN-γ and TNF-α treatments increased the mRNA expression levels of these chemokines in C2C12 myotubes. EAM also increased phosphorylated Nrf2 at Ser40 in soleus and glycolytic white vastus lateralis muscle. Although the expression of several chemokines was affected by Nrf2 activation following tert-butylhydroquinone treatment or Keap1 knockdown, CCL5 mRNA expression significantly increased in C2C12 myotubes and mouse skeletal muscle. Moreover, muscle-specific Nrf2 knockout in mice attenuates EAM-induced loss of muscle mass and function, which was associated with the inhibition of CCL5 mRNA expression, CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration and IFN-γ mRNA expression. Collectively, these findings reveal that regulating Nrf2 activity is a promising therapeutic approach for treating IIM-mediated muscle weakness. KEY POINTS: Experimental autoimmune myositis (EAM) causes loss of muscle mass and function. Loss of muscle mass and function in EAM were associated with increased chemokine mRNA expression (i.e. CCL3, CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL16), T-lymphocyte infiltration and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression (i.e. IFN-γ and TNF-α) in the skeletal muscle. EAM activated Nrf2 in muscle and increased Nrf2 activity in vivo and in vitro increased CCL5 mRNA expression. Muscle-specific Nrf2 knockout in mice attenuated EAM-induced muscle weakness by inhibiting CCL5 mRNA expression, CD8+ T-lymphocyte migration and IFN-γ mRNA expression in muscles. These results provide further evidence for the potential therapeutic targeting of Nrf2 to mitigate EAM-induced muscle weakness.

Intranasal Trans-Sialidase Vaccine Mitigates Acute and Chronic Pathology in a Preclinical Oral Chagas Disease Model

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to severe complications in 30% of infected individuals, including acute myocarditis and chronic fibrosing cardiomyopathy. Despite the significant burden of this disease, there is currently no licensed vaccine available to prevent it. This study aimed to evaluate the mucosal and systemic immunogenicity as well as the prophylactic efficacy of a mucosal vaccine candidate and its impact on both acute and chronic cardiomyopathy. The results showed that the nasal administration of trans-sialidase (TS) plus c-di-AMP (TS+A) vaccine elicited a NALT expression of IFN-γ, IL-17a and IL-4 mRNA as well as a nasal-specific production of IgA. An in vivo challenge with TS also triggered increased proliferation of lymphocytes from the NALT, sentinel cervical lymph node, and spleen. TS+A immunization increased the plasma levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and elicited an evident cellular response by which to judge enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity responses following a TS footpad challenge. After oral infection, TS+A-vaccinated mice showed significantly reduced parasitemia and parasite load in the heart, muscles and intestines, while markers of hepatic and muscle damage as well as clinical manifestations of acute infection were strongly diminished. TS+A also attenuated acute myocarditis and the expression of inflammatory markers in the heart. The protection conferred by TS+A extended into the chronic phase, where it resulted in a clear reduction in chronic myocarditis, fibrosis and functional electrocardiographic abnormalities, associated with a decreased expression of the pro-fibrotic TGF-β. These results revealed that it is possible to develop a mucosal vaccine against T. cruzi based on TS and c-di-AMP that is capable of reducing the development of Chagas cardiomyopathy, the hallmark of Chagas disease.

Gestational influenza A virus infection elicits nonresolving vascular dysfunction and T-cell accumulation in the aorta of mice.

T-cell accumulation within the aorta promotes endothelial dysfunction and the genesis of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Viral infection during pregnancy is also known to mediate marked acute endothelial dysfunction, but it is not clear whether T cells are recruited to the aorta and whether the dysfunction persists postpartum. Here, we demonstrate that influenza A virus (IAV) infection during pregnancy in a murine model resulted in endothelial dysfunction of the aorta, which persisted for up to 60 days postinfection and was associated with higher levels of IFN-γ mRNA expression within the tissue. In the absence of infection, low numbers of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, central memory T cells, and effector memory T cells were observed in the aorta. However, with IAV infection, these T-cell subsets were significantly increased with a notable accumulation of IAV-specific CD8+ effector memory T cells. Critically, this increase was maintained out to at least 60 days. In contrast, IAV infection in nonpregnant female mice resulted in modest endothelial dysfunction with no accumulation of T cells within the aorta. These data, therefore, demonstrate that the aorta is a site of T-cell recruitment and retention after IAV infection during pregnancy. Although IAV-specific memory T cells could theoretically confer protection against future influenza infection, nonspecific memory T-cell activation and IFN-γ production in the aorta could also contribute to future endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pregnancy is a risk factor for cardiovascular complications to influenza A virus (IAV) infection. We demonstrate that gestational IAV infection caused endothelial dysfunction of the maternal aorta, which persisted for 60 days postinfection in mice. Various T cells accumulated within the aorta at 60 days because of the infection, and this was associated with elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, IFN-γ. Our study demonstrates a novel "long influenza" cardiovascular phenotype in female mice.

Possible effects of ancestry-related oxysterol-binding protein-like 10 genetic polymorphisms on dengue virus replication and anti-dengue immune response

PurposeOxysterol-binding protein-like 10 (OSBPL10) gene has been associated with reduced susceptibility to severe dengue in individuals of African descent. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effect of OSBPL10 on dengue virus (DENV) replication as well as the impact of African and European haplotypes of six OSBPL10 small nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) on dengue multiplication and innate immune response. MethodsWe conducted gene knockdown experiments targeting OSBPL10 in THP-1 and Huh-7D12 cell lines, followed by a DENV-2 replication assay. Extracellular viral load was determined using qRT-PCR. To investigate the impact of SNPs haplotypes on viral replication and gene expression we cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from individuals with homozygous African and European haplotypes of OSBPL10 with DENV-2. Individual genotyping was performed using High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis. The level of viral replication was assessed through plaque assay, while RT-PCR was employed to determine the expression levels of RXR-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-8 genes. ResultsIn vitro OSBPL10 knockdown significantly reduced DENV-2 replication. Individuals carrying European haplotypes showed higher DENV titers along with elevated levels of RXR-α and IL-8 mRNA compared to those carrying African haplotypes, who exhibited lower viral loads alongside increased IFN-γ and IL-10 expression. ConclusionsOur findings further explore the role of OSBPL10 in DENV multiplication, immune response to infection. The European haplotypes of OSBPL10 appear to increase DENV replication and promote RXR-α and IL-8 mRNA expression which correlates with the suppressive effect of these mediators on type I IFN, promoting viral replication and a deficient antiviral response. In contrast, the African haplotype showed a reduction in DENV replication and enhanced IFN-γ and IL-10 mRNA expression, which could be related to the better management of dengue infection and the low frequency of severe disease in this ethnic groupe.

Anti-Allergic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lidocaine-Derived Organic Compounds in a House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Rhinitis Mouse Model.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic disease that significantly impacts the quality of life. Lidocaine is known to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study evaluated the effect of lidocaine analogs in a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP)-induced AR mouse model. An AR model was developed using BALB/c mice via intraperitoneal sensitization with DP and intranasal challenge with DP. One hour before stimulation with DP, lidocaine analogs, EI137 and EI341 (at a dose of 0.5 or 5 ug/g), were administered intranasally. Nasal symptoms and serum total IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were evaluated. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to determine IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ, as well as the expression of their mRNA transcription factors in the sinonasal mucosa. Histologic changes were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. The DP-induced AR mouse model had increased serum levels of total IgE and cytokines. EI137 and EI341 significantly suppressed the levels of total IgE, IL-4, and TNF-α. Intranasal instillation of EI137 and EI341 significantly inhibited IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ mRNA expression, as well as inflammatory cells and mucus-producing goblet cells. Lidocaine analogs also suppressed DP-stimulated IL-4, IFN-γ, and IFN-γ production by splenocytes. Intranasal instillation of EI137 and EI341 exhibited anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects, influenced by Th1 and Th2 inflammatory cytokines. These lidocaine analogs suppressed DP-induced sinonasal mucosal inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mucus hypersecretion.

Phlorotannin Alleviates Liver Injury by Regulating Redox Balance, Apoptosis, and Ferroptosis of Broilers under Heat Stress.

Heat stress (HS) poses a great challenge to the poultry industry by inducing oxidative damage to the liver, endangering the health and production of broilers. As an important type of seaweed polyphenols, phlorotannin has been shown to have antioxidant properties. The present study evaluated the protective effects of dietary phlorotannin on HS-induced liver injury in broilers based on oxidative damage parameters. A total of 108 twenty-one days old male Arbor Acres plus (AA+) broilers were randomly divided into three groups: TN group (thermoneutral, 24 ± 1 °C, fed with basal diet), HS group (HS, 33 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day, fed with basal diet), and HS + phlorotannin group (HS + 600 mg/kg phlorotannin). Each group has six replicate cages with six birds per cage. The feeding experiment lasted 21 days. At the termination of the feeding experiment (42 days old), samples were collected for analysis of morphological and biochemical features. The results showed that HS decreased the liver index, serum albumin (ALB) content, hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while increasing the hepatic histopathology score, apoptosis rate, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05) in 42-day-old broilers. Compared with the HS group, dietary phlorotannin improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GST and GSH-Px) but decreased the histopathology score and apoptosis rate in the liver (p < 0.05). Moreover, HS down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of CAT1, NQO1, HO-1, and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), while up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of Keap1, MafG, IκBα, NF-κB P65, IFN-γ, TFR1, ACSL4, Bax, and Caspase-9 (p < 0.05). Compared with HS group, dietary phlorotannin up-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of Nrf2, CAT1, MafF, GSTT1, NQO1, HO-1, GCLC, GPX1, TNF-α, Fpn1, and SLC7A11 (p < 0.05), while down-regulated hepatic mRNA expression of IκBα, Bax, Caspase-9, and TFR1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 600 mg/kg phlorotannin could alleviate HS-induced liver injury via regulating oxidative status, apoptosis, and ferroptosis in broilers; these roles of phlorotannin might be associated with the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Endurance Exercise Does Not Exacerbate Cardiac Inflammation in BALB/c Mice Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination.

The mechanism underlying myopericarditis associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, including increased susceptibility in young males, remains poorly understood. This study aims to explore the hypothesis that engaging in physical exercise at the time of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination may promote a cardiac inflammatory response, leading to the development of myopericarditis. Male BALB/c mice underwent treadmill running or remained sedentary for five weeks. Subsequently, two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or vehicle were administered with a 14-day interval, while the exercise regimen continued. The animals were euthanized days after the second vaccination. Vaccination was followed by body weight loss, increased hepatic inflammation, and an antigen-specific T cell response. Small foci of fibrovascular inflammation and focal cell loss were observed in the right ventricle, irrespective of vaccination and/or exercise. Vaccination did not elevate cardiac troponin levels. Cardiac tissue from the vaccinated mice showed upregulated mRNA expression of the genes IFNγ and IL-1β, but not IL-6 or TNFα. This pro-inflammatory signature in the heart was not exacerbated by endurance exercise. Ex vivo vascular reactivity remained unaffected by vaccination. Our data provide evidence for the cardiac safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The role of exercise in the development of pro-inflammatory cardiac changes post mRNA vaccination could not be established.

Iridaea cordata lipid extract associated with the rCP01850 protein of C. pseudotuberculosis elicited a Th1 immune response in immunized sheep

Sheep farming contributes to the socioeconomic development of small and medium-scale livestock farmers. However, several factors can hinder successful animal production, as is the case for infectious diseases, such as the one caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, known as caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). CLA has >90% prevalence in Brazilian herds and antibiotic treatment is not effective, consequently causing significant economic losses to farmers. Given the above, effective vaccines need to be developed to prevent this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the adjuvant activity of the lipid extract from the macroalgae Iridaea cordata as a candidate for developing an effective vaccine formulation. For such, four groups of six sheep each were inoculated with sterile 0.9% saline solution (G1), rCP01850 (G2), rCP01850 + I. cordata (G3), and rCP01850 + saponin (G4). Each sheep received two vaccine doses 30 days apart. Total IgG production levels significantly increased in experimental groups G3 and G4 on days 30, 60, and 90. On day 90, G3 showed higher total IgG production (p < 0.05) when compared to G4. When analyzing cytokine production, G3 was the only experimental group with significantly increased IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA expression levels. Our results show the vaccine formulation containing rCP01850 adjuvanted with the I. cordata lipid extract elicited a Th1 immune response in sheep, indicating I. cordata lipid extract may be a promising adjuvant for developing an effective vaccine against infection caused by C. pseudotuberculosis.

Baicalin attenuates PD-1/PD-L1 axis-induced immunosuppression in piglets challenged with Glaesserella parasuis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK signalling pathways

Infection of piglets with Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis) induces host immunosuppression. However, the mechanism underlying the immunosuppression of piglets remains unclear. Activation of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has been shown to trigger host immunosuppression. Baicalin possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. However, whether baicalin inhibits PD-1/PD-L1 activation and thus alleviates host immunosuppression has not been investigated. In this study, the effect of baicalin on the attenuation of piglet immunosuppression induced by G. parasuis was evaluated. Seventy piglets were randomly divided into the control group, infection group, levamisole group, BMS-1 group, 25 mg/kg baicalin group, 50 mg/kg baicalin group and 100 mg/kg baicalin group. Following pretreatment with levamisole, BMS-1 or baicalin, the piglets were challenged with 1 × 108 CFU of G. parasuis. Our results showed that baicalin, levamisole and BMS-1 modified routine blood indicators and biochemical parameters; downregulated IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA expression; and upregulated IL-2 and IL-8 mRNA expression in blood. Baicalin, levamisole and BMS-1 increased the proportions of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3–CD21+ B cells in the splenocyte population, increased the proportions of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells and CD3+CD8+ T cells in the blood, and inhibited PD-1/PD-L1 and TIM-3 activation. Baicalin, levamisole and BMS-1 reduced p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR expression, the p-MEK1/2/MEK1/2 and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratios and increased RAS expression. Baicalin, levamisole and BMS-1 provided substantial protection against G. parasuis challenge and relieved tissue histopathological damage. Our findings might provide new strategies for controlling G. parasuis infection and other immunosuppressive diseases.

Cytokines and chemokines skin gene expression in correlation with immune cells in blood and severity in equine insect bite hypersensitivity.

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most frequent skin allergy of horses and is highly debilitating, especially in the chronic phase. IBH is caused by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to culicoides midge bites and an imbalanced immune response that reduces the welfare of affected horses. In the present study, we investigated the pathological mechanisms of IBH, aiming to understand the immune cell modulation in acute allergic skin lesions of IBH horses with the goal of finding possible biomarkers for a diagnostic approach to monitor treatment success. By qPCR, we quantified the gene expression of cytokines, chemokines, and immune receptors in skin punch biopsies of IBH with different severity levels and healthy horses simultaneously in tandem with the analysis of immune cell counts in the blood. Our data show an increase in blood eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils with a concomitant, significant increase in associated cytokine, chemokine, and immune cell receptor mRNA expression levels in the lesional skin of IBH horses. Moreover, IL-5Ra, CCR5, IFN-γ, and IL-31Ra were strongly associated with IBH severity, while IL-31 and IL-33 were rather associated with a milder form of IBH. In addition, our data show a strong correlation of basophil cell count in blood with IL-31Ra, IL-5, IL-5Ra, IFN-γ, HRH2, HRH4, CCR3, CCR5, IL-12b, IL-10, IL-1β, and CCL26 mRNA expression in skin punch biopsies of IBH horses. In summary, several cytokines and chemokines have been found to be associated with disease severity, hence contributing to IBH pathology. These molecules can be used as potential biomarkers to monitor the onset and progression of the disease or even to evaluate and monitor the efficacy of new therapeutic treatments for IBH skin allergy. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated immune cells together with a large set of genes related to their biological function, including correlation to disease severity, in a large cohort of healthy and IBH horses.

CD11b maintains West Nile virus replication through modulation of immune response in human neuroblastoma cells

BackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne virus accounted for neuroinvasive diseases. An insight into WNV-host factors interaction is necessary for development of therapeutic approaches against WNV infection. CD11b has key biological functions and been identified as a therapeutic target for several human diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CD11b was implicated in WNV infection.MethodsSH-SY5Y cells with and without MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or AKT inhibitor MK-2206 treatment were infected with WNV. CD11b mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR. WNV replication and expression of stress (ATF6 and CHOP), pro-inflammatory (TNF-α), and antiviral (IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ) factors were evaluated in WNV-infected SH-SY5Y cells with CD11b siRNA transfection. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay.ResultsCD11b mRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated by WNV in a time-dependent manner. U0126 but not MK-2206 treatment reduced the CD11b induction by WNV. CD11b knockdown significantly decreased WNV replication and protected the infected cells. CD11b knockdown markedly increased TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ mRNA expression induced by WNV. ATF6 mRNA expression was reduced upon CD11b knockdown following WNV infection.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that CD11b is involved in maintaining WNV replication and modulating inflammatory as well as antiviral immune response, highlighting the potential of CD11b as a target for therapeutics for WNV infection.

Anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoids from Ligularia fischeri Turcz

Ligularia fischeriTurcz. is a medicinal plant for the treatment of inflammation in China and Korea. Its chemical components in anti-sepsis activity and the related molecular mechanisms remain unknown yet. In this study, two undescribed eremophilane sesquiterpenoids fischerins A (1) and B (2), together with 8 known sesquiterpenoid derivatives (3–10), were isolated from the whole plant of L. fischeri. Their structures were identified by detailed spectroscopic and ECD analyses. 3-Oxo-8-hydroxyeremophila-1,7(11)-dien-12,8-olide (6) showed the most inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with the IC50 value of 6.528 μM. Meanwhile, compound 6 also decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α via downregulating NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro. Furthermore, compound 6 reduced the mortality, murine sepsis score, the serum TNF-α level and organic damage in a mouse model of sepsis. These findings indicated that compound 6 possessed the potent anti-inflammatory activity and had the potential as a promising drug candidate for sepsis therapy.

Comparative studies on the intestinal health of wild and cultured ricefield eel (Monopterus albus).

Fish intestinal health under intensive aquaculture mode plays an important role in growth, development, and immune function. The present study was aimed to systematically investigate the differences of intestinal health between wild and cultured Monopterus albus by biochemical parameters, histomorphology, and molecular biology. A total of 15 healthy M. albus per group, with an average body weight of 45g, were sampled to analyze intestinal health parameters. Compared with wild fish, the cultured M. albus in the foregut had lower trypsin, lipase, SOD, CAT, T-AOC, and GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05) and higher amylase activity and MDA content (P < 0.05). The villus circumference and goblet cells in the cultured group were significantly lower than those in the wild group (P < 0.05). In addition, the cultured fish showed lower relative expression levels of occludin, zo-1, zo-2, claudin-12, claudin-15, mucin5, mucin15, lysozyme, complement 3, il-10, tgf-β1, tgf-β2, and tgf-β3 (P < 0.05) and higher il-1β, il-6, il-8, tnf-a, and ifnγ mRNA expressions than those of wild fish (P < 0.05). In terms of gut microbiota, the cultured group at the phylum level displayed higher percentages of Chlamydiae and Spirochaetes and lower percentages of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia compared to the wild group (P < 0.05). At the genus level, higher abundances of Pseudomonadaceae_Pseudomonas and Spironema and lower abundances of Lactococcus and Cetobacterium were observed in the cultured group than in the wild group (P < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the intestinal health status between wild and cultured M. albus in terms of biochemistry, histology, and molecular biology levels. Overall, the present study showed significant differences in intestinal health between wild and cultured M. albus and the main manifestations that wild M. albus had higher intestinal digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier functions than cultured M. albus. These results would provide theoretical basis for the subsequent upgrading of healthy aquaculture technology and nutrient regulation of intestinal health of cultured M. albus.

Co-exposure of decabromodiphenyl ethane and polystyrene nanoplastics damages grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) hepatocytes: Focus on the role of oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and inflammatory reaction

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are emerging pollutants that seriously threaten the ecological safety of the aquatic environment. However, the hepatotoxicity effect of their combined exposure on aquatic organisms has not been reported to date. In, this study, the effects of single or co-exposure of DBDPE and PS-NPs on grass carp hepatocytes were explored and biomarkers related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. The results show that both single and co-exposure to DBDPE and PS-NPs caused oxidative stress. Oxidative stress was induced by increasing the contents of pro-oxidation factors (ROS, MDA, and LPO), inhibiting the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPX, T-SOD, GSH, and T-AOC), and downregulating the mRNA expressions of antioxidant genes (GPX1, GSTO1, SOD1, and CAT); the effects of combined exposure were stronger overall. Both single and co-exposure to DBDPE and PS-NPs also elevated Fe2+ content, promoted the expressions of TFR1, STEAP3, and NCOA4, and inhibited the expressions of FTH1, SLC7A11, GCLC, GSS, and GPX4; these effects resulted in iron overload-induced ferroptosis, where co-exposure had stronger adverse effects on ferroptosis-related biomarkers than single exposure. Moreover, single or co-exposure enhanced inflammatory cytokine levels, as evidenced by increased mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MPO. Co-exposure exhibited higher expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to single exposure. Interestingly, the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 intervention diminished the above changes. In brief, the results suggest that DBDPE and PS-NPs trigger elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in grass crap hepatocytes. This elevation is achieved via oxidative stress and iron overload-mediated ferroptosis, where cytotoxicity was stronger under co-exposure compared to single exposure. Overall, the findings contribute to elucidating the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms in aquatic organisms caused by co-exposure to DBDPE and PS-NPs.

Sacubitril/valsartan ameliorates cardiac function and ventricular remodeling in CHF rats via the inhibition of the tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism and inflammation

Sacubitril/valsartan has been highly recognized as a treatment for Chronic heart failure (CHF). Its potential cardioprotective benefits and mechanisms, however, remain to be explored. Metabolomics can be used to identify the metabolic characteristics and related markers, as well as the influence of drugs, thereby opening up the new mechanism for sacubitril/valsartan therapy in CHF disease. In this study, the ligation of left anterior descending and exhaustive swimming were used to induce a rat model of CHF after myocardial infarction. The efficacy was appraised with echocardiography, serum NT-proBNP, and histopathologica. UPLC-Q/TOF–MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis approach were used to analyze the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on CHF rats. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to investigate the tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism pathway. Accordingly, the basal cardiac function were increased, while the serum NT-proBNP and collagen volume fraction decreased in CHF rats with sacubitril/valsartan. Sacubitril/valsartan regulated the expression of kynurenine et.al 8 metabolomic biomarkers in CHF rats serum, and it contributed to the cardioprotective effects through tryptophan metabolism pathway. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the myocardial tissue of CHF rats, were down-regulated by sacubitril/valsartan, which was the same with the IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, COX-2, and IL-6 mRNA expression, and IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α expression in serum. In conclusion, sacubitril/valsartan can ameliorate cardiac function and ventricular remodeling in CHF rats, at least in part through inhibition of tryptophan/kynurenine metabolism.