Serum IL-18 Levels Research Articles

Exploring Uropathogenic Bacteria and Measuring Serum IL-34 and IL-35 Levels in Women Affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakes self-tissue for foreign antigens, it causes organ tissue destruction in Systemic lupus erythematosus risk factors include interleukin biomarkers and urinary tract infections. The goal of this study was to identify uropathogenic bacteria in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, which is essential for avoiding serious complications. Additionally, serum levels of interleukin -34 and interleukin-35 in Systemic lupus erythematosus patients serve as a predictor biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis. 65 women with systemic lupus erythematosus compare to 50 healthy controls were included in this study. Isolation and identification of uropathogenic bacteria , and use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to check serum levels of interleukin-34 and interleukin-35.The results revealed that E. coli accounted for 70% of the uropathogenic bacteria identified, with Proteus spp. come in second accounted 20% followed by Klebsiella spp. accounted 6%., while Enterococcus fecalis and Enterobacter spp. accounted for 2% with each. A notable rise in serum levels of IL-34 and IL-35 was observed when comparing patients with systemic lupus erythematosus illness to controls, with a P.value of less than 0.05.This study investigated that E. coli was the most frequently occurring of uropathogenic bacteria. Studies have shown higher serum levels of interleukin IL-34 and IL-35 in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

P0128 IL-27 signalling, but not IL-1B, is functionally relevant in the pathophysiology of immune checkpoint inhibitor induced colitis

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) augment T-cell responses to tumour cells and have transformed treatment paradigms in cancer. However, CPI frequently trigger autoimmune like events, including potentially life-threatening colitis. Current immunosuppressive treatments for CPI- colitis (CPI-c) incur significant side effects and may even reduce CPI efficacy. New treatments are urgently needed. Methods Changes at gene level, pathway level (GSEA) and predicted upstream regulators (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis-IPA), and enrichment scores (Gene Set Variation Analysis-GSVA) were investigated in colonic biopsies (RNA-sequencing) from patients with CPI-c (n=12), CPI (no colitis) (n=6), healthy controls (n=13) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (n=12). Potentially relevant pathways were functionally tested in preclinical disease models. CPI-c was induced in mice transplanted with a pro-inflammatory microbiota and administered anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 intraperitoneally (i.p). Anti-IL1R (anakinra), MCC950 (inflammasome inhibitor) and anti-IL27 were administered i.p. Colonic leukocytes were extracted to interrogate myeloid and lymphocyte compartments by flow cytometry. Whole colon segments were processed for histology. Results In CPI-c patients, IL-1B was the top differentially expressed cytokine at gene level with interleukin-1 signalling significantly enriched at pathway level. IPA also identified IL-1B and IL-27 as predicted upstream activators. Interestingly, in vivo blockade of IL-1B, or the inflammasome (MCC950), had no impact on colitis. Administration of IL-27-neutralising antibodies at the onset of CPI-colitis in mice, reduced disease susceptibility and improved histological colitis scores. This was associated with decreased infiltration of colonic lamina propria neutrophils, Ly6C+ inflammatory monocytes and the number of CD8+ IFNg+ T-cells. Conversely, administering neutralising anti-IL27 during established CPI-colitis did not ameliorate disease and was linked to an enhanced CD4+ effector response characterised by heightened production of TNFa and IFNg. Further analysis of colonic biopsies of CPI-c patients confirmed enrichment of IL27-responsive genes which we localised to CD8+ resident memory and CD8+ cytotoxic cells in single cell RNA-seq analyses. Additionally, serum IL-27 levels were significantly elevated in CPI-c patients. Conclusion IL-1B signalling was shown to be dispensable to disease in mice. However, IL-27 signalling has a context specific role, serving as a functionally important activator of innate immune responses, while inhibiting later phases of acquired immunity via suppressing cytotoxic lymphocyte responses. Targeting IL-27 presents an attractive therapeutic approach for CPI-c given its potential tumourogenic effects.

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5+CD8+ T cells as immune regulators in hepatitis Be antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B under interferon-alpha treatment

BACKGROUND C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5)+CD8+ T cells represent a unique immune subset with dual roles, functioning as cytotoxic cells in persistent viral infections while promoting B cell responses. Despite their importance, the specific role of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), particularly during interferon-alpha (IFN-α) treatment, is not fully understood. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between CXCR5+CD8+ T cells and sustained serologic response (SR) in patients undergoing 48 weeks of pegylated IFN-α (peg-IFN-α) treatment for CHB. AIM To elucidate the relationship between CXCR5+CD8+ T cells and sustained SR in patients undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-α treatment for CHB. METHODS This study enrolled 60 patients with hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-α treatment. Participants were assessed for eligibility based on criteria such as persistent HBsAg-positive status for at least six months, HBeAb-negative, hepatitis B virus DNA levels exceeding 2 × 104 copies/mL, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at weeks 12, 24, 48, and a 24-week treatment-free follow-up (week 72) to measure serum interleukin (IL)-21 concentration via ELISA and to analyze CXCR5 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on CD8+ T cells by flow cytometry, CXCR5 is a chemokine receptor that directs immune cells to specific tissues, while PD-L1 is a protein that regulates immune responses by inhibiting T cell activity. RESULTS Patients with CHB exhibited significantly lower levels of circulating CXCR5+CD8+ T cells compared to healthy controls (P < 0.01). Notably, CXCR5+CD8+ T cells were prominently expressed in patients who achieved sustained SR compared to non-SR (NSR). A significant correlation was observed between CXCR5 and PD-L1 expression (r = -0.189, P = 0.002). However, there was no significant correlation between serum IL-21 levels and CXCR5+CD8+ lymphocytes (r = -0.03, P = 0.625) or serum ALT levels (r = 0.026, P = 0.678). CONCLUSION The enhanced expression of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in patients achieving HBeAg seroconversion during IFN-α treatment suggests that these cells play a crucial role in antiviral immune responses against hepatitis B. This study highlights the potential of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells as immune regulators in CHB, which may inform future therapeutic strategies to optimize antiviral treatments.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF SOME T-HELPER 2-DERIVED CYTOKINES IN PATIENTS WITH GENERALIZED ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with erythema multiforme (EM) presenting with generalized skin lesions and to investigate the serum concentrations of certain T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines in these patients, exploring their correlation with specific clinical features. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 33 patients diagnosed with EM featuring generalized skin lesions at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from April 2017 to August 2019. Additionally, 32 healthy controls (HCs) participated as the control group. Clinical examinations, medical history interviews, and serum sample collections were conducted for all subjects. The fluorescence covalent microbead immunosorbent assay technique was used to detect multiple cytokines simultaneously: IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. The Mann-Whitney U test compared the serum cytokine levels between the two groups, with statistical significance set as p<0.05. Pearson's test was applied to evaluate the correlation between two quantitative variables. Results: The mean age of EM patients with generalized lesions was 42.2 years; 30.3% were male, and 69.7% were female. Twenty-two patients (66.7%) had an illness duration of less than one week—a history of medication use before illness onset was reported by 60.6% of patients. Only 15.2% of patients had mucosal lesions. In the EM group, serum levels of IL-4 and IL-5 were 1.55±4.35 pg/ml and 7.12±18.91 pg/ml, respectively, which were lower than those in the HCs group (9.15±10.17 pg/ml and 21.38±20.85 pg/ml, respectively), p<0.001. Serum IL-13 levels were identical in both groups (1.48 pg/ml). No correlation was found between serum IL-4 levels and age (r=0.08; p>0.05), nor between serum IL-5 levels and age (r=-0.055; p>0.05). Conclusion: Th2 cytokine levels in the EM group with generalized skin lesions were lower compared to the HCs group, with no correlation between these cytokine levels and age. Th2 is likely not an important factor in the pathogenesis of generalized EM. Received: 16 May 2023Revised: 24 June 2023Accepted: 22 July 2023

Associations between serum cytokine levels and postmenopausal depression in postmenopausal women with and without menopause hormone therapy

BackgroundThe etiology of depression involves many biological and environmental factors, among which the inflammatory process is an important contributor. However, the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal depression is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between the serum concentrations of four pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α) and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women who had been receiving menopause hormone therapy (MHT) for at least 6 months and postmenopausal women who had not received MHT.MethodsThis study included a total of 136 Chinese postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years who visited the gynecology outpatient department between June 2020 and December 2022. They were divided into the POST group (n = 94) and the POST + MHT (n = 42) group. Demographic information was collected, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) was used to assess depression. The circulating levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α were determined using ELISA kits.ResultsAccording to the HAMD score, 39.36% of the participants in the POST group and 14.29% in the POST + MHT group were considered to have depression. The POST + MHT group had significantly lower serum concentrations of IL-18 and TNF-α than the POST group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the serum IL-18 (β = 3.996, 95% CI = 0.508–7.484), and TNF-α levels (β = 4.784, 95% CI = 0.939–8.629) were significant predictors of the HAMD-24 scores in women in the POST group. In addition, age was found to be positively related with the level of depression (β = 0.531, 95% CI = 0.063–0.999).ConclusionsPostmenopausal women who received MHT had a lower HAMD-24 score as well as lower serum TNF-α and IL-18 levels than women who did not receive MHT. Further, the TNF-α and IL-18 level were positively associated with the HAMD-24 score in women who had not received MHT.

Unveiling the Potency of Gardenia Extract Against H. pylori: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Gardenia jasminoides (G. jasminoides) could treat various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of G. jasminoides fruit extract on gastric inflammation and protective mechanisms in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastritis. Experimental procedure: G. jasminoides fruit extract was prepared and analyzed for geniposide content. The inhibitory effect of the extract on H. pylori growth was investigated using the disk diffusion method. The in vitro anti-inflammatory property of the extract was evaluated using the erythrocyte membrane stabilization method. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were inoculated with H. pylori (108-1010 colony-forming unit/mL) and divided into five groups. Each group was treated with various doses of the extract (98-395 mg/kg). The serum and stomach tissue of the rats were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. The geniposide content in the dried extract was 8.12% ± 0.79% by dry weight. The inhibition zone was observed at the extract ≥ 1.97 mg/disk, and the extract presented anti-inflammatory potential. The H. pylori-inoculated rats had a significant increase in serum interleukin (IL)-17, IL-33, and gastric epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels and a significant decrease in serum prostaglandin E2 level (p < 0.05) in conjunction with the development of gastric inflammation on histopathology. The treatment of the extract could significantly decrease the serum IL-17, IL-33, and gastric EGF levels, significantly increase the serum PGE2 level (p < 0.05), and improve gastric histopathology. Thus, G. jasminoides fruit extract attenuated H. pylori-induced gastritis by inhibiting bacterial growth, reducing inflammation, and enhancing protective mechanisms.

Serum IL-27 and GDF15 levels in second trimester are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Serum IL-27 and GDF15 levels in second trimester are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes

Diagnostic value of interleukins 23 and 17 in the assessment of ulcerative colitis severity

Background. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic bowel disease with a complex aetiology that includes immune, genetic and environmental factors. Its progression and severity vary greatly, suggesting that different cytokine pathways may be responsible for the heterogeneity of clinical outcomes. The purpose of the study was to investigate the state of cytokine regulation of inflammation depending on the severity of UC. Materials and methods. We examined 32 patients with UC who were treated at the Department of Intestinal Diseases of the State Institution “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”. Patients were divided into groups depending on disease severity determined by the Mayo index: moderate UC — 24 individuals, severe UC — 8 patients. Serum levels of interleukin (IL) 17 and IL-23 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study was performed according to the instructions for each test kit. Statistical processing of the results was done using the Statistica 6.1 software package. Results. The content of proinflammatory cytokines in the examined patients with UC was significantly higher than in the control group: IL-17 — by 9.0 times (р &lt; 0.05), the median level of IL-23 — 8.6-fold (р &lt; 0.05). When analysing the data depending on the disease severity, it was found that IL-17 was significantly higher in patients with moderate (by 9.9 times, р &lt; 0.05) and severe UC (by 9.1 times, р &lt; 0.05) than in controls. The median level of IL-23 was significantly higher in moderate (by 8.3 times, р &lt; 0.05) and severe UC (by 13.2 times, р &lt; 0.05) compared to that of the control group. In addition, with severe UC, the concentration of IL-23 was 1.6 times than in moderate UC. A correlation was found between the levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in patients with UC (r = +0.361; p = 0.042). Conclusions. The content of proinflammatory cytokines in UC has reliable differences vs. control group: IL-17 is significantly higher, by 9.0 times (р &lt; 0.05), and IL-23 — by 8.6 times (р &lt; 0.05). It was found that among patients with UC, the level of IL-23 was higher in those with severe course. Thus, quantitative determination of IL-17 and IL-23 levels in the blood serum of patients with UC can be a useful clinical tool for stratification by disease severity and help choose therapy.

The Effect of Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood on Serum Biomarkers and Clinical Outcome in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease globally, causing pain, stiffness, and disability. Intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) has been used for chronic pain and musculoskeletal disease. However, evidence on the clinical benefits and serum biomarkers post-ILIB therapy in knee OA is insufficient. We designed a double-blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical and biological outcomes of ILIB therapy for knee OA. Seventeen patients with knee OA were randomly assigned to the ILIB and control groups. The outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Scale, visual analog scale, and biomarker analysis of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, IL-1β, epidermal growth factor, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and eotaxin. The measurements were performed at baseline and three days, one month, and three months post-intervention. The ILIB group showed a significant improvement in the WOMAC-pain score at one month of follow-up than the control group. IL-1β levels reduced significantly on day three, one month, and three months, and IL-13 levels reduced on day three and three months during follow-up in the ILIB group. ILIB therapy reduced knee OA pain for one month and significantly reduced serum IL-1β and IL-13 levels, suggesting potential for pain management.

The extracellular CIRP as a predictive marker for the endothelial dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease combined with pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), distinguished by pulmonary endothelial dysfunction. The extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) is a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that triggers inflammation and causes vascular endothelial dysfunction in COPD-PH.MethodsThe expression levels of CIRP were compared in peripheral lung tissues among 40 individuals. Moreover, A prospective analysis was conducted on serum levels of eCIRP, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-33, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and nitric oxide (NO) in 150 COPD patients and 50 healthy control individuals at Jiangsu Taizhou Peoples Hospital. The study aimed to compare these serum levels and correlations among COPD-PH group, COPD non-PH group and the normal group.ResultsWe found higher CIRP levels in COPD-PH compared to COPD non-PH and the normal in lung tissue samples. A prospective analysis showed higher serum levels of eCIRP, IL-1β, IL-33, and ET 1 in COPD-PH, while a noticeable reduction in NO levels. There exists a correlation between the severity of COPD-PH and elevated levels of eCIRP, proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and IL-33, along with indicators of endothelial dysfunction like endothelin-1 ET-1 and NO. Moreover, the serum eCIRP level demonstrated a notable positive correlation with the levels of IL-1β, IL-33, PCT, and ET-1, while displaying a negative correlation with NO and Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2). Moreover, the serum eCIRP level demonstrated a notable positive correlation with the levels of IL-1β, IL-33, PCT, and ET-1, while displaying a negative correlation with NO and SpO2. Moreover, an assessment of independent risk factors for COPD-PH with ROC curve analysis, gauged the predictive value of serum eCIRP, IL-1β, IL-33, ET-1, and NO levels in diagnosing COPD-PH. Elevated eCIRP, IL-33, and ET-1 levels significantly correlated with COPD-PH, highlighting eCIRP’s strong predictive value for this condition.ConclusioneCIRP levels could serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting endothelial dysfunction in COPD-PH.

Altered eotaxin-1 and interleukin-34 levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case-control observational study in Bangladesh.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition that impacts daily life. It is thought to be associated with genetic, biological, and structural brain changes, serotonergic abnormalities, altered neuromodulation, and environmental factors. Limited observational studies have examined cytokines in Bangladeshi patients with OCD. This study aimed to assess the levels of eotaxin-1 and interleukin (IL)-34 in individuals with this disorder. This case-control observational study included 58 patients with OCD and 30 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, sex, and body mass index. The severity of OCD was assessed using the Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS). Psychiatrists evaluated participants according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Serum levels of eotaxin-1 and IL-34 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Patients with OCD exhibited significantly higher serum eotaxin-1 levels (121.13±7.84 pg/mL) than HCs (85.52±9.42 pg/mL). Conversely, IL-34 levels were considerably lower in patients than in HCs (119.02±14.53 pg/mL vs. 179.96±27.88 pg/mL). The Cohen d values for eotaxin-1 and IL-34 were 0.55 and -0.48, respectively. Among patients with OCD, a significant positive correlation was found between serum eotaxin-1 level and Y-BOCS score, along with a negative correlation between serum eotaxin-1 and IL-34 levels. The findings suggest that altered eotaxin-1 and IL-34 levels may be associated with OCD. These chemokines and cytokines could serve as primary tools for assessing the risk of OCD, warranting further clinical investigation. This could potentially support more extensive research and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.

Serum IL-23 levels reflect a myeloid inflammatory signature and predict the response to apremilast in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

The phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor apremilast downregulates the production of IL-23 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). To investigate the effects of apremilast on the production of cytokines by peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages, innate-like lymphocyte cells (ILCs), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, γδ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT-like cells from patients with PsA manifesting different clinical responses to the treatment. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from patients with PsA at baseline and after 1 and 4 months of apremilast therapy (n = 23) and 20 controls with osteoarthritis. Cytokine expression in peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages and ILCs/MAIT/γδT/NK/NKT-like cells was tested by RT-PCR and FACS analyses, respectively; cytokine levels in culture supernatants and sera were analyzed by ELISA. PsA monocyte-derived macrophages exhibited higher expressions of IL-23, IL-1β, and TNF-α, compared with OA controls, more profoundly in patients responding to apremilast. There were 17/23 (74%) PsA patients who were classified as responders to apremilast at 4 months, and a baseline serum IL-23 >1.4 pg/mL was associated with the responder status (AUCROC 0.79; sensitivity 100%, specificity 68%). Of note, apremilast led to a significantly reduced expression of IL-23 in peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages; IL-17 in ILC1 and in T cells of responder patients; IFN-γ in γδ T lymphocytes. An enhanced myeloid inflammatory signature characterizes PsA monocyte-derived macrophages, and serum IL-23 levels represent candidate biomarkers for PsA response to apremilast.

Decreased serum IL-16 and increased serum TSG-14 levels in myasthenia gravis

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an imbalance between inflammatory mediators and immune cells. The diagnosis and assessment of disease severity require the aid of more specific biomarkers. Methods: Utilizing the Luminex assay, we quantified the serum levels of CD137, galectin-9, MMP12, TSG14, IL-16, IL-31, and IL-34 in a cohort of 157 participants, which comprised 98 patients with MG and 59 healthy controls (HCs). Correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between serum IL-16 and TSG-14 levels and clinical outcomes. Results: Serum levels of IL-16 were significantly lower in MG patients compared to the HC group (median [inter-quartile range (IQR)], 102.1 [73.58–126.7] pg/mL versus 162.4 [95.72–312.7] pg/ mL, P &lt; 0.0001). Conversely, the serum concentration of TSG-14 was significantly higher in MG patients than in HCs (1249 [809.3–2134] pg/mL versus 883.0 [512.5–1264] pg/mL, P = 0.0035). No significant differences were observed in the serum levels of CD137, galectin-9, IL-31, IL-34, and MMP12 between MG patients and HCs. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between serum IL-16 levels and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores, as well as Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores; TSG-14 displayed a positive correlation with QMG scores. Conclusion: Serum IL-16 concentrations were reduced, whereas TSG-14 concentrations were elevated in MG patients. These findings suggest that these serum proteins can potentially serve as biomarkers for assessing disease severity in MG patients.

Performance of serum IL-18 levels for the follow-up of patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Performance of serum IL-18 levels for the follow-up of patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Impact of pH-Shifting and Autoclaving on the Allergenic Potential of Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Lectins.

The ingestion of red kidney bean products is hindered by the persistent allergenicity of lectins, even after autoclaving. This study examined the modification of lectin allergenicity in red kidney beans by pH-shifting and autoclaving treatments, utilizing BALB/c mouse sensitization, in situ recirculating perfusion, and a bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) model for allergenicity evaluation. Compared to autoclaving alone, combined pH-shifting and autoclaving reduced allergic symptoms in BALB/c mice, as evidenced by lower serum IgE, mMCPT-1, GM-CSF, HIS, IL-2, IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-17 levels and higher IgG1, IgG2a, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IFN-α cytokine release. Moreover, lectin continued to affect intestinal permeability and damaged the barrier despite undergoing pH-shifting and autoclaving treatments. Additionally, the uptake of lectin by BMDCs through mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis was diminished, with an increased susceptibility to endolysosomal degradation. The T-cell polarization was consistent with the mouse experiments, where the balance of Th1 and Th2 cells remained in lectin with pH-shifting and autoclaving treatments though the decreased abundance ratios of peptide YKYDSNAHT and increased abundance ratios of peptide ITKGNVETN in endolysosomal degradation. Therefore, the immunogenicity of lectins could be decreased by pH-shifting and autoclaving treatments, offering insights into the development of hypoallergenic legume products.

Changes in immuno-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with distemper

Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a multisystemic disease with central nervous system involvement in dogs. Little is known about the role of immuno-inflammatory and redox-state biomarkers in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of naturally occurring CDV infection. Thus, the objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the potential differences in a profile of cytokines/chemokines, and inflammatory and redox-status biomarkers in serum between dogs with CDV-infection and healthy dogs, and 2) possible correlations between serum/blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of these biomarkers in dogs with CDV-infection.Two groups of dogs were designed: 10 with CDV-infection, and 10 healthy. A total of 13 cytokines/chemokines, 3 inflammatory (C-reactive protein [CRP], haptoglobin [Hp], and butyrylcholinesterase [BChE]) and 3 antioxidants of redox status (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], Thiol, and ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]) were analyzed in serum and CSF samples. Serum IL-7, IL-8, MCP-1, CRP, Hp, FRAP and Thiol levels were higher (P < 0.05) in dogs with CDV compared to controls. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations only in IL-6 and MCP-1 between CSF and serum.In conclusion, deregulated immune response, raised inflammation, and imbalances of redox homeostasis and antioxidant defense status may play role in the pathophysiological mechanism of neurological form of CDV-infection. The combination of clinical features and cytokine biomarkers (IL-7, IL-8 and MCP-1) might facilitate clinical diagnosis for neural involvement in dogs with CDV. Some cytokine/chemokine (IL-6 and MCP-1) in CSF are highly correlated with those of serum, indicating that serum samples could reflect the possible changes of these analytes in CSF.

Inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers in pulmonary arterial hypertension: The prognostic role of IL-34

BackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure with significant morbidity and mortality. Inflammatory processes are crucial in PAH pathogenesis, with inflammatory cells and mediators present early in disease progression. IL-34 involvement in inflammatory pathways suggests that IL-34 could be an important player in the progression of PAH, influencing both pulmonary pressures and vascular changes. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between IL-34 levels and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), aiming to enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PAH and explore IL-34′s potential as a biomarker. MethodsConsecutive PAH patients diagnosed via right-heart catheterization at Malatya Turgut Ozal Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi (Dec 2022 - Apr 2024) were enrolled. Patients were classified into low-risk and high-risk groups based on comprehensive risk assessments that included clinical parameters, hemodynamic measurements and biomarkers, in-line with ESC/ERS guidelines. Serum IL-34, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP levels were measured and compared with those of healthy controls. Echocardiographic assessments and statistical analyses, including ROC analysis, were conducted to evaluate biomarker significance and predictive capabilities. ResultsThe mean age of low-risk and high-risk PAH patients was 42 ± 7.2 years and 45 ± 5.5 years, respectively. The mean age of the control group was 40 ± 6.4 years. Males comprised 54.29 % of the low-risk group, 56 % of the high-risk group, and 53.3 % of the control group. IL-34 and hs-CRP levels were significantly elevated in PAH patients compared to controls. IL-34 correlated positively with systolic pulmonary artery pressure, RA area, and NT-proBNP levels. Multivariate analysis revealed that IL-34 and hs-CRP were independent predictors of PAH. IL-34 levels>29.8 pg/mL predicted PAH with 78 % sensitivity and 69 % specificity, while levels >44.4 pg/mL predicted high-risk PAH with 84 % sensitivity and 77 % specificity. ConclusionElevated IL-34 and hs-CRP levels are associated with PAH severity and right ventricular dysfunction, suggesting IL-34′s potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore IL-34-targeted therapies in pH management.

The role of alemtuzumab in the development of secondary autoimmunity in multiple Sclerosis: a systematic review

BackgroundSecondary autoimmune disease (SAID) in the context of alemtuzumab treatment is one of the main safety concerns that may arise following administration in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Contributing factors underlying this adverse event are not well understood. The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise the literature investigating the role of alemtuzumab in the development of SAID in pwMS following treatment and identify potential biomarkers/ risk factors that may be predictive of onset of this manifestation.MethodsRelevant publications were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science using a three-pronged search strategy containing the following keywords: “multiple sclerosis”; “alemtuzumab”; and “autoimmunity”. Studies that fulfilled the specified eligibility criteria and investigated SAID development after alemtuzumab in pwMS were included in the final analysis.Results19 papers were included in the final review. Approximately, 47.92% of pwMS treated with alemtuzumab experienced SAID. A variety of biomarkers and risk factors were noted in the development of SAID, with a focus on immunological changes, including: increased homeostatic proliferation and T cell cycling, along with consistently elevated baseline serum IL-21 levels and thyroid autoantibodies. There was no significant association between known human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk alleles, lymphocyte profile or dynamics and SAID development.ConclusionsWhile the mechanism underlying SAID following alemtuzumab is not fully understood, potential biomarkers and risk factors that may assist in elucidating mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have been documented in several independent studies. Following immunodepletion from alemtuzumab, an IL-21 driven increase in homeostatic proliferation and T cell cycling may disrupt tolerance mechanisms leading to an increase in the propensity toward alemtuzumab-induced autoimmunity. Further research is necessary to clarify the physiological changes after alemtuzumab therapy that trigger SAID in pwMS.

Impact of HHIP gene polymorphisms on phenotypes, serum IL-17 and IL-18 in COPD patients of the Chinese Han population

BackgroundGenetic factors, including the Hedgehog Interacting Protein (HHIP) gene, play a crucial role in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) susceptibility. This study examines the association between HHIP gene polymorphisms and COPD susceptibility, phenotypes, and serum IL-17 and IL-18 levels in a Han Chinese population.MethodsA case-control study was conducted with 300 COPD patients and 300 healthy controls in Chinese Han population. Participants underwent genotyping for HHIP gene polymorphisms, pulmonary function tests, and quantitative CT scans. DNA samples were sequenced using a custom chip targeting the HHIP gene. Serum IL-17 and IL-18 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between SNPs, COPD susceptibility, and phenotypes were analyzed using logistic and multiple linear regression models, adjusting for confounders.ResultsOur study identified the rs11100865 polymorphism in the HHIP gene as significantly associated with COPD susceptibility (OR 2.479, 95% CI 1.527–4.024, P = 2.39E-04) after screening 114 SNPs through rigorous quality control. Stratified analyses further indicated this association was particularly in individuals aged 60 or older. Serum levels of IL-17 and IL-18 were significantly elevated in COPD patients compared to controls, with rs11100865 showing a notable association with IL-18 levels (B = 49.654, SE = 19.627, P = 0.012). However, no significant associations were observed between rs11100865 and serum IL-17 levels, COPD-related imaging parameters, or clinical phenotypes.ConclusionThis study identified a significant association between HHIP gene polymorphisms and COPD susceptibility in a Han Chinese population, with connections to inflammation, but found no significant associations between this SNP and COPD-related imaging or clinical phenotypes.Trial registrationwww.chictr.org.cn ID: ChiCTR2300071579 2023-05-18.

Regional variations in serum IL-35 levels and association with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Interleukin (IL)-35 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that regulates autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the association between the cytokine and disease may vary by geographical region. This study performed a meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the correlation between the serum IL-35 levels in SLE patients and sub-group analyses were conducted. Four main electronic databases—Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, PubMed—were searched for relevant studies. After a database search, Endnote software was used to find and remove duplicate studies. Random-effects models were used to estimate standard mean differences in serum/plasma IL-35 levels by Hedges’ g with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots, and risk of bias was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in a qualitative review; data from 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Total IL-35 levels (pg/mL) did not differ among patients with active SLE and healthy controls (Hedges’s g: 0.22, 95% CI − 0.51, 0.95, p = 0.55). Sub-group analysis revealed that IL-35 levels in patients with active SLE were lower than in healthy controls in Chinese studies (Hedges’s g: − 3.11, 95% CI − 5.72, − 0.51), but not in non-Chinese studies (Hedges’s g: 1.63, 95% CI − 0.31, 3.57). This regional difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The analysis comparing patients with inactive SLE and healthy controls showed a similar trend. This study suggests that serum IL-35 levels are lower in patients with SLE in studies from China, but not other regions. However, standardized protocols with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings.