Interleukin-6 Signaling Pathway Research Articles

Advances in targeting the interleukin-6 signalling pathway in cancer therapy

Advances in targeting the interleukin-6 signalling pathway in cancer therapy

Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of polysaccharides from Antrodia cinnamomea: A review.

Antrodia cinnamomea (Ac), also known as "Niu-Chang-Chih" in Chinese, is a valuable fungus that has been widely used as medicine and food among indigenous people in Taiwan. Ac is rich in polysaccharides (Ac-PS), making it a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy in cancer and inflammation conditions. There are two types of Ac-PS: general (non-sulfated) PS (Ac-GPS) and sulfated PS (Ac-SPS). This review highlights that both Ac-GPS and Ac-SPS possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Each type influences interleukin signaling pathways to exert its anti-inflammatory effects. Ac-GPS is particularly effective in alleviating inflammation in the brain and liver, while Ac-SPS shows its efficacy in macrophage models. Both Ac-GSP and Ac-SPS have demonstrated anti-cancer effects supported by in vitro and in vivo studies, primarily through inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. They may also synergize with chemotherapy and exhibit anti-angiogenic properties. Notably, Ac-SPS appears to have superior anti-cancer efficacy, potentially due to its sulfate groups. Furthermore, Ac-SPS has been more extensively studied in terms of its mechanisms and effects on lung cancer compared with Ac-GPS, highlighting its significance in cancer research. In addition, Ac-SPS is often reported for its ability to activate macrophage-mediated responses. Clinically, Ac-GPS has been used as an adjunctive therapy for advanced lung cancer, as noted in recent reports. However, given the numerous studies emphasizing its anti-cancer mechanisms, Ac-SPS may exhibit greater efficacy, warranting further investigation. This review concludes that Ac-derived Ac-GPS or Ac-SPS have the potential to be developed into functional health supplements or adjunctive therapies, providing dual benefits of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

Prognostic model for gastric cancer patients with COVID-19 and network pharmacology study on treatment by lentinan

Patients with gastric cancer (GC) are more susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which further worsens their already challenging prognosis. However, there are no effective treatment options for these patients. Lentinan is a potent bioactive component with antiviral and antitumor effects. We hypothesized that lentinan might exert powerful pharmacological effects in patients with GC and COVID-19. In this study, a prognostic model of patients with GC/COVID-19 was constructed and used to apply a network pharmacology approach to reveal biological functions, drug targets, and molecular mechanisms of the action of lentinan against GC/COVID-19. Clinical analysis revealed key prognostic genes in patients with GC/COVID-19. The results of network pharmacology analysis suggested that the therapeutic effect of lentinan on GC/COVID-19 mainly involves the modulation of several neutrophil-related biological processes, as well as the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor and interleukin-17 signaling pathways. In addition, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, vascular endothelial growth factor A, ribonuclease 3, and F2 were identified as key genes of lentinan against GC/COVID-19. Key prognostic genes were identified in patients with GC/COVID-19 through the construction of a prognostic model. Pharmacological functions and signaling pathways of lentinan against GC/COVID-19 were revealed. These included the regulation of neutrophils and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. The findings provide the first published evidence of the potential value of lentinan as a complementary therapy for GC/COVID-19.

Decoding visceral adipose tissue molecular signatures in obesity and insulin resistance: a multi-omics approach.

Obesity-associated insulin resistance (IR) is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality globally. Despite vast genomic data, many areas, from pathogenesis to management, still have significant knowledge gaps. We aimed to characterize visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in obesity and IR through a multi-omics approach. We procured data on VAT samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for the following two groups: 1) populations with obesity (n = 34) versus those without (n = 26); and 2) populations with obesity and IR (n = 15) versus those with obesity but without IR (n = 15). Gene set enrichment, protein-protein interaction network construction, hub gene identification, and drug-gene interactions were performed, followed by regulatory network prediction involving transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). Interleukin signaling pathways, cellular differentiation, and regulation of immune response revealed a significant cross talk between VAT and the immune system. Other findings include cancer pathways, neurotrophin signaling, and aging. A total of 10 hub genes, i.e., STAT1, KLF4, DUSP1, EGR1, FOS, JUN, IL2, IL6, MMP9, and FGF9, 24 TFs, and approved hub gene-targeting drugs were obtained. A total of 10 targeting miRNAs (e.g., hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-34a-5p) were associated with obesity and IR-related pathways. Our multi-omics integration method revealed hub genes, TFs, and miRNAs that can be potential targets for investigation in VAT-relatedinflammatory processes and IR, therapeutic management, and risk stratifications.

Single-cell sequencing of the vermiform appendix during development identifies transcriptional relationships with appendicitis in preschool children

BackgroundThe development of the human vermiform appendix at the cellular level, as well as its function, is not well understood. Appendicitis in preschool children, although uncommon, is associated with a high perforation rate and increased morbidity.MethodsWe performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on the human appendix during fetal and pediatric stages as well as preschool-age inflammatory appendices. Transcriptional features of each cell compartment were discussed in the developing appendix. Cellular interactions and differentiation trajectories were also investigated. We compared scRNA-seq profiles from preschool appendicitis to those of matched healthy controls to reveal disease-associated changes. Bulk transcriptomic data, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative PCR were used to validate the findings.ResultsOur analysis identified 76 cell types in total and described the cellular atlas of the developing appendix. We discovered the potential role of the BMP signaling pathway in appendiceal epithelium development and identified HOXC8 and PITX2 as the specific regulons of appendix goblet cells. Higher pericyte coverage, endothelial angiogenesis, and goblet mucus scores together with lower epithelial and endothelial tight junction scores were found in the preschool appendix, which possibly contribute to the clinical features of preschool appendicitis. Preschool appendicitis scRNA-seq profiles revealed that the interleukin-17 signaling pathway may participate in the inflammation process.ConclusionsOur study provides new insights into the development of the appendix and deepens the understanding of appendicitis in preschool children.Graphical

Integrated bioinformatic analysis of the molecular mechanisms between type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic syndrome that has been identified as an independent risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) and may even trigger and exacerbate the progression of OA. However, the relationship between T2DM and OA is complex and has not yet been fully clarified by current research. In this study, we analyzed the potential mechanism of action between T2DM and OA by bioinformatics. Transcriptome sequencing data of T2DM (GSE25724) and OA (GSE55235) were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus. Differential expression analysis was performed for different subgroups to obtain differentially expressed genes. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using overlapping genes and screened for hub targets. Then the enrichment analysis was performed separately for overlapping and hub targets. The GeneMANIA is used to predict functionally similar genes of hub genes. Differential expression analyses revealed that 184 genes are involved in both diseases together. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment results showed that the overlapping genes were mainly involved in the advanced glycation end products-receptor of advanced glycation end products signaling pathway, the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway, and the interleukin-17 signaling pathway in diabetic complications. The functions of genes similar to the hub genes are focused on cell chemotaxis, positive regulation of cell migration, positive regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription, regulation of leukocyte migration, epithelial cell proliferation, and integrated stress response signaling. The transcription factor Jun and C-X-C motif chemokine 8 may play an important role in the inflammatory response caused by advanced glycation end products. This study improves our understanding of T2DM complicating OA and helps to stimulate more effective treatments.

Association of Functional Polymorphisms in MSH3 and IL-6 Pathway Genes with Different Types of Microsatellite Instability in Sporadic Colorectal Cancer.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been recognized as an important factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). It arises due to deficient mismatch repair (MMR), mostly attributed to MLH1 and MSH2 loss of function leading to a global MMR defect affecting mononucleotide and longer microsatellite loci. Recently, microsatellite instability at tetranucleotide loci, independent of the global MMR defect context, has been suggested to represent a distinct entity with possibly different consequences for tumorigenesis. It arises as a result of an isolated MSH3 loss of function due to its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm under the influence of interleukin-6 (IL-6). In this study the influence of MSH3 and IL-6 signaling pathway polymorphisms (MSH3 exon 1, MSH3+3133A/G, IL-6-174G/C, IL-6R+48892A/C, and gp130+148G/C) on the occurrence of different types of microsatellite instability in sporadic CRC was examined by PCR-RFLP and real-time PCR SNP analyses. A significant difference in distribution of gp130+148G/C genotypes (p = 0.037) and alleles (p = 0.031) was observed in CRC patients with the C allele being less common in tumors with di- and tetranucleotide instability (isolated MSH3 loss of function) compared to tumors without microsatellite instability. A functional polymorphism in gp130 might modulate the IL-6 signaling pathway, directing it toward the occurrence of microsatellite instability corresponding to the IL-6-mediated MSH3 loss of function.

Interplay between Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, Interleukin 6, Microbiome, and Gut Barrier Integrity

A severe consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection that manifests as systemic inflammation and multi-organ involvement is called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). This review examines the possible relationship between gut barrier integrity, the microbiome, dysregulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) signaling, and MIS-C. Clinical and biochemical features of MIS-C are comparable to those of other hyper-inflammatory syndromes, suggesting a dysregulated immune response. One possible explanation for the systemic inflammation seen in MIS-C patients is the SARS-CoV-2-induced dysregulation of the IL-6 signaling pathway. In addition, new data suggest a reciprocal link between gut barrier integrity and IL-6. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits bacteriophage-like behavior, highlighting the role of bacteria as a reservoir for the virus and emphasizing the importance of understanding the bacteriophagic mechanism of the virus in fecal–oral transmission. The increased translocation of viral products and bacterial toxins may result from disrupting the intestinal barrier and cause systemic inflammation. On the other hand, systemic inflammation can weaken the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which feeds back into the loop of immunological dysregulation. In the context of MIS-C, understanding the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection, IL-6, and gut barrier integrity may shed light on the etiology of the disease and guide treatment options. Since children with gut dysbiosis may be more susceptible to MIS-C, it is critical to reinforce their microbiome through probiotics supplementation, and plant-fiber-rich diets (prebiotics). Early antibiotic treatment and the use of zonulin antagonists should also be considered.

MiR-137 mediated high expression of TIGD1 promotes migration, invasion, and suppresses apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma

ObjectivesTigger transposable element-derived 1 (TIGD1) expression and its underlying functions and regulatory mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unknown. Therefore, we intended to explore the expression, potential functions, and regulatory mechanisms of TIGD1 in LUAD. Materials and methodsTIGD1 expression in LUAD tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis of a tissue microarray. Functional experiments were conducted to determine how TIGD1 affects LUAD tumorigenesis and metastasis. The molecular mechanisms by which TIGD1 induces LUAD progression were determined. ResultsTIGD1 was upregulated in LUAD tissues and was related to lymph node metastases. TIGD1 knockdown suppressed LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, decreased metastatic nodules were observed in the TIGD1 knockdown mouse metastasis model. Moreover, microarray analysis was performed to determine the potential downstream genes of TIGD1 in LUAD. Hallmark pathway analysis revealed that the downstream genes of TIGD1 were involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Western blotting confirmed that vimentin and TWIST was downregulated in TIGD1 knockdown cells, while E-cadherin was upregulated. Ingenuity pathway and hallmark pathway analyses revealed that TIGD1 regulated the interleukin-6 signaling pathway and related gene members. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that downregulation of TIGD1 decreased interleukin-6 and CXCL1 expression. TIGD1 expression was negatively correlated with immune infiltration in LUAD. The upstream microRNA of TIGD1 was predicted, and subsequent luciferase reporter gene experiments confirmed the interactions between miR-137 and TIGD1. The expression of miR-137 was significantly downregulated in LUAD tissues and miR-137 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, partially through negatively regulating the expression of TIGD1. ConclusionOur findings suggest that TIGD1, which was regulated by miR-137, contributed to LUAD progression by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT and suppressing cell apoptosis.

Collagen patches releasing phosphatidylserine liposomes guide M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and accelerate simultaneous bone and muscle healing

Bilateral communication between bones and muscles is essential for healing composite bone–muscle injuries from orthopedic surgeries and trauma. However, these injuries are often characterized by exaggerated inflammation, which can disrupt bone–muscle crosstalk, thereby seriously delaying the healing of either tissue. Existing approaches are largely effective at healing single tissues. However, simultaneous healing of multiple tissues remains challenging, with little research conducted to date. Here we introduce collagen patches that overcome this overlooked issue by harnessing the plasticity of macrophage phenotypes. Phosphatidylserine liposomes (PSLs) capable of shifting the macrophage phenotype from inflammatory M1 into anti-inflammatory/prohealing M2 were coated on collagen patches via a layer-by-layer method. Original collagen patches failed to improve tissue healing under inflammatory conditions coordinated by M1 macrophages. In contrast, PSL-coated collagen patches succeeded in accelerating bone and muscle healing by inducing a microenvironment dominated by M2 macrophages. In cell experiments, differentiation of preosteoblasts and myoblasts was completely inhibited by secretions of M1 macrophages but unaffected by those of M2 macrophages. RNA-seq analysis revealed that type I interferon and interleukin-6 signaling pathways were commonly upregulated in preosteoblasts and myoblasts upon stimulation with M1 macrophage secretions, thereby compromising their differentiation. This study demonstrates the benefit of PSL-mediated M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization for simultaneous bone and muscle healing, offering a potential strategy toward simultaneous regeneration of multiple tissues. Statement of significanceExisting approaches for tissue regeneration, which primarily utilize growth factors, have been largely effective at healing single tissues. However, simultaneous healing of multiple tissues remains challenging and has been little studied. Here we demonstrate that collagen patches releasing phosphatidylserine liposomes (PSLs) promote M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and are effective for simultaneous healing of bone and muscle. Transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing reveals that differentiation of preosteoblasts and myoblasts is inhibited by the secretions of M1 macrophages but promoted by those of M2 macrophages, highlighting the importance of timely regulation of M1-to-M2 polarization in tissue regeneration. These findings provide new insight to tissue healing of multiple tissues.

IL-17 signaling pathway: A potential therapeutic target for reducing skeletal muscle inflammation

BackgroundThe interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway is intricately linked with immunity and inflammation; however, the association between the IL-17 signaling pathway and skeletal muscle inflammation remains poorly understood. The study aims to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway in skeletal muscle inflammation and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of anti-IL-17 antibodies in reducing muscle inflammation. MethodsA skeletal muscle inflammation model was induced by cardiotoxin (CTX) injection in C57BL6/J mice. Following treatment with an anti-IL-17 antibody, we conducted a comprehensive analysis integrating single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), bioinformatics, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, and Western blot techniques to elucidate underlying mechanisms. ResultsscRNA-seq analysis revealed a significant increase in neutrophil numbers and activity in inflamed skeletal muscle compared to other cell types, including macrophages, T cells, B cells, endothelial cells, fast muscle cells, fibroblasts, and skeletal muscle satellite cells. The top 30 differentially expressed genes within neutrophils, along with 55 chemokines, were predominantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, the IL-17 signaling pathway exhibited heightened expression in inflamed skeletal muscle, particularly within neutrophils. Treatment with anti-IL-17 antibody resulted in the suppression of IL-17 signaling pathway expression, accompanied by reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as decreased numbers and activity of Ly6g+/Mpo+ neutrophils compared to CTX-induced skeletal muscle inflammation. ConclusionOur findings suggest that the IL-17 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in promoting inflammation within skeletal muscle. Targeting this pathway may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for ameliorating the inflammatory micro-environment and reducing cytokine production.

Intratumoral Delivery of Genetically Engineered Anti-IL-6 Trans-signaling Therapeutics.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the etiopathology of several inflammatory diseases and cancer. As so, the inhibition of IL-6 signaling pathways has emerged as an attractive therapeutic avenue for the treatment of several chronic diseases. Since IL-6 trans-signaling was described as the pathological branch of IL-6, selective inhibitors were developed. Next-generation variants with increased trans-signaling specificity and potency emerged as great candidates for the treatment of several diseases, with reduced off-target effects. The highly time-consuming and costly processes involving recombinant protein production, however, have hampered the progress of anti-cytokine pharmaceuticals in clinic so far. Herein, we developed gene therapeutic modalities of IL-6-trans-signaling inhibitors as alternatives for sustained recombinant protein secretion. By using an IL-6-dependent lymphoma cell line and xenograft tumor model, we demonstrated the superior inhibitory potential of second-generation anti-IL-6 trans-signaling therapeutic. We compared the efficiency of distinct gene delivery modalities using a bioluminescent biomarker probe and observed consistent protein production via cell-based delivery. When delivered intratumorally, genetically engineered sgp130FlyRFc-secreting cells significantly reduced tumor burden and increased animal survival, representing a promising therapeutic avenue to be explored in clinically relevant gene delivery applications.

Cannabidiol Alleviates Oral Mucositis by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-Mediated Pyroptosis.

Cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from Cannabis sativa, has anticancer, anti-inflammation, and analgesic effects. Nevertheless, its therapeutic effect and the mechanism by which it alleviates oral mucositis (OM) remain unclear. To explore the impact of CBD on OM in mice and on human oral keratinocyte (HOK) cells. Expiremental study. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, GeneCard, DisGeNET, and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to conduct therapeutic target gene screening for drugs against OM. Cytoscape software was used to build networks linking components, targets, and diseases. The STRING database facilitated analysis of intertarget action relationships, and the target genes were analyzed for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment. Occurrence of serum inflammation-related factors, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess OM injury. Cell proliferation, migration, pyroptosis, and apoptosis of HOK cells under different treatments were assessed. Molecular mechanisms were elucidated through western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. A total of 49 overlapping genes were pinpointed as potential targets, with NF-κB1, PIK3R1, NF-κBIA, and AKT1 being recognized as hub genes among them. Additionally, the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and interleukin-17 signaling pathways were identified as relevant. Our in vivo experiments showed that CBD significantly reduced the proportion of lesion area, mitigated oral mucosal tissue lesions, and downregulated the expression levels of genes and levels of proteins, including NLRP3, P65, AKT, and PI3K. In vitro experiments indicated that CBD enhanced HOK cell proliferation and migration and reduced apoptosis through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and pyroptosis. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for controlling OM, in which CBD suppresses the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and pyroptosis, thereby mitigating OM symptoms.

Exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction after SARS-CoV-2 infection

An increase in acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related deaths has been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite evidence suggesting the association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and AMI, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we integrated mRNA and microRNA expression profiles related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and AMI from public databases. We then performed transcriptomic analysis using bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection affects AMI. First, twenty-one common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from SARS-CoV-2 infection and AMI patients in endothelial cells datasets and then we performed functional analysis to predict the roles of these DEGs. The functional analysis emphasized that the endothelial cell response to cytokine stimulus due to excessive inflammation was essential in these two diseases. Importantly, the tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-17 signaling pathways appeared to be integral factors in this mechanism. Interestingly, most of these common genes were also upregulated in transcriptomic datasets of SARS-CoV-2-infected cardiomyocytes, suggesting that these genes may be shared in cardiac- and vascular-related injuries. We subsequently built a protein-protein interaction network and extracted hub genes and essential modules from this network. At the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, regulatory networks with common DEGs were also constructed, and some key regulator signatures were further identified and validated. In summary, our research revealed that a highly activated inflammatory response in patients with COVID-19 might be a crucial factor for susceptibility to AMI and we identified some candidate genes and regulators that could be used as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.

The impact of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived IL-6 on neurological conditions.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a versatile cytokine crucial for immune response modulation, inflammation regulation, and various physiological processes in the body. Its wide-ranging functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Dysregulated IL-6 is closely associated with many diseases, making it a key research and therapeutic target. Elevated IL-6 levels in the central nervous system worsen neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases by activating microglia and astrocytes and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic molecules. Moreover, dysregulated IL-6 weakens the blood-brain barrier, exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal damage by allowing peripheral immune cells and inflammatory mediators to enter the brain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in modulating neuroinflammation by regulating IL-6 levels. They effectively suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, while promoting anti-inflammatory factors. This therapeutic approach highlights the importance of targeting IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators to alleviate neuroinflammation and its adverse effects on neurological disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IL-6's involvement in neurological disorders, examining endogenous IL-6 and IL-6 derived from MSCs. We explore IL-6's mechanisms affecting neuronal function, survival, and immune modulation in the central nervous system. Additionally, we discuss the potential of MSC-derived IL-6 in neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. By elucidating IL-6's interplay with neurological pathologies, this review offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting IL-6 signaling pathways for neurological disorders.

Quantitative proteomic analysis of circulating exosomes reveals the mechanism by which Triptolide protects against collagen-induced arthritis.

Triptolide (TP), a natural product derived from the herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, exhibits potent immunosuppressive activity. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects in rheumatoid arthritisremain incompletely understood. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by immunization with bovine type II collagen, and TP was administrated as treatment. The therapeutic effect of TP was evaluated based on paw swelling, histopathology, and serum levels of inflammatory factors. Exosomes isolated from rat serum were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and western blotanalysis. Proteomic profiling of exosomes was analyzed by direct DIA quantitative proteomics analysis. Gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases were employed for enrichment analysis related to molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways. Western blot analysis was used to analyze differentially expressed proteins. TP treatment ameliorated arthritic phenotypes in CIA rats as evidenced by reduced arthritis score, paw swelling, pathological injury severity scores, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. The proteomic analysis revealed that TP treatment significantly inhibited complement and coagulation cascades, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and cholesterol metabolism, which were reactivated in CIA rats. Importantly, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were markedly upregulated in the CIA group but suppressed upon TP administration. Furthermore, in synovial tissues, LCN2 and MPO expression levels were also elevated in the CIA group but decreased following TP treatment. Our findings demonstrate that TP alleviates CIA, possibly through modulation of exosomal LCN2 and MPO proteins.

A lactate-responsive gene signature predicts the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

Increased glycolytic activity and lactate production are characteristic features of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study was to determine whether a subset of lactate-responsive genes (LRGs) could be used to classify TNBC subtypes and predict patient outcomes. Lactate levels were initially measured in different breast cancer (BC) cell types. Subsequently, MDA-MB-231 cells treated with 2-Deoxy-d-glucose or l-lactate were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The gene set variation analysis algorithm was utilized to calculate the lactate-responsive score, conduct a differential analysis, and establish an association with the extent of immune infiltration. Consensus clustering was then employed to classify TNBC patients. Tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion, cibersort, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, and EPIC, were used to compare the tumor-infiltrating immune cells between TNBC subtypes and predict the response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, a prognostic model was developed by combining 98 machine learning algorithms, to assess the predictive significance of the LRG signature. The predictive value of immune infiltration and the immunotherapy response was also assessed. Finally, the association between lactate and various anticancer drugs was examined based on expression profile similarity principles. We found that the lactate levels of TNBC cells were significantly higher than those of other BC cell lines. Through RNA-seq, we identified 14 differentially expressed LRGs in TNBC cells under varying lactate levels. Notably, this LRG signature was associated with interleukin-17 signaling pathway dysregulation, suggesting a link between lactate metabolism and immune impairment. Furthermore, the LRG signature was used to categorize TNBC into two distinct subtypes, whereby Subtype A was characterized by immunosuppression, whereas Subtype B was characterized by immune activation. We identified an LRG signature in TNBC, which could be used to predict the prognosis of patients with TNBC and gauge their response to immunotherapy. Our findings may help guide the precision treatment of patients with TNBC.

No Association of Polymorphisms in the Genes Encoding Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-6 Receptor Subunit Alpha with the Risk of Keloids in Polish Patients.

A keloid is a benign fibroproliferative hypertrophy of scar tissue that extends outside the original wound and invades adjacent healthy skin. Keloid formation is thought to be a complex process including overactivity of the interleukin-6 signaling pathway and genetic susceptibility. The aim of the study was to investigate possible associations between rs1800797, rs1800796, and rs1800795 polymorphisms in the promoter of the IL6 gene encoding interleukin-6 and the rs2228145 polymorphism in the IL6R gene encoding the interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha with the predisposition to keloids in Polish patients. The genetic polymorphisms were identified either using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or sequencing of samples of genomic DNA extracted from blood leukocytes of 86 adult patients with keloids and 100 newborns comprising a control group. No significant differences in the distributions of IL6 or IL6R alleles or genotypes were found between keloid patients and newborn controls. There were also no significant differences between both groups in the distribution of IL6 haplotypes. The IL6 rs1800797, rs1800796 and rs1800795 and IL6R rs2228145 polymorphisms were not found to predispose individuals in the study group to keloids. IL6 promoter haplotypes were not found to be associated with a higher risk of keloids in the studied group.

Abstract PO3-25-11: Unprecedented responses to neoadjuvant sequential administration of Tocilizumab followed by cisplatin/docetaxel for locally advanced triple negative breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenge for clinicians due to its aggressive behavior and scarcity of effective treatment. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is well known to contribute to poor therapeutic gain, tumor relapse and aggressive tumor growth. Here we have explored targeting the IL-6 signaling pathway by Tocilizumab (Actemra) as a new potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of TNBC. Methods: The study population includes thirty (30) patients with (T2-T4, N0-3) stage (IIB-III) TNBC treated uniformly with Tocilizumab followed with cisplatin/docetaxel according to a traditional 3+3 design using a sentinel patient at each cohort. Eligible patients received Tocilizumab on day 1 followed by cisplatin/docetaxel on day 2 every 4 weeks for a total of six cycles. The primary end points were pathological complete response in breast and axilla (pCR) (ypT0/ypN0) and assessment for tolerability/toxicities profiles. Additionally, the status of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes was determined in all patients. Results: Eligible patients who were enrolled in this phase I/II trial had a median age of 42 years, with 63% premenopausal and 67% had nodal involvement at base line. The median tumor size was 45 mm (range 25-150 mm), stage III A/B 26% and stage IIIC 50%. Germline BRCA1/2 mutations represented 27%. The overall pCR and (RCB class 0+1) were 66% and 69%, respectively. Interestingly, pCR reached 81% in axilla, and 100% in patients with tumors bearing BRCA1/2 mutations. Interestingly, tocilizumab affected the blood level of several pro-carcinogenic cytokines. Conclusions: To our knowledge this novel therapeutic strategy is the first to report the inhibition of a cytokine signaling (a new class of biological therapy) in combination with chemotherapy for the intricate and hard-to-treat TNBC patients with unprecedented responses and acceptable tolerability/toxicities, which merits further investigation. Pending Patents: US Patent Application No. 18/122,839 European Patent Application No. 23 162 694.6 Citation Format: Taher Al-Tweigeri, Noura Alraouji, Asma Tulbah, Syed Akhtar, Meshari Alzahrani, Saleh Najjar, Dahish Ajarim, Kauser Suleman, Adher Al Sayed, Abdelilah Aboussekhra. Unprecedented responses to neoadjuvant sequential administration of Tocilizumab followed by cisplatin/docetaxel for locally advanced triple negative breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-25-11.

IL-1 signaling pathway, an important target for inflammation surrounding in myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction is an important cardiovascular disease worldwide. Although the mortality rate of myocardial infarction (MI) has improved dramatically in recent years due to timely treatment, adverse remodeling of the left ventricle continues to affect cardiac function. Various immune cells are involved in this process to induce inflammation and amplification. The infiltration of inflammatory cells in the infarcted myocardium is induced by various cytokines and chemokines, and the recruitment of leukocytes further amplifies the inflammatory response. As an increasing number of clinical anti-inflammatory therapies have achieved significant success in recent years, treating myocardial infarction by targeting inflammation may become a novel therapeutic option. In particular, successful clinical trials of canakinumab have demonstrated the important role of the inflammatory factor interleukin-1 (IL-1) in atherosclerosis. Targeted IL-1 therapy may decrease inflammation levels and improve cardiac function in patients after myocardial infarction. This article reviews the complex series of responses after myocardial infarction, including the involvement of inflammatory cells and the role of cytokines and chemokines, focusing on the progression of the IL-1 family in myocardial infarction as well as the performance of current targeted therapy drugs in experiments.