Serum Interleukin-10 Levels Research Articles

Increased IL-31 expression in serum and tissue protein in prurigo nodularis.

Background:Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic pruritic skin disease which can greatly impact patients’ quality of life. Moreover, the pathogenesis remains unclear, making it a difficult-to-treat condition.Aims:To investigate the expression of interleukin-31 (IL-31) in serum and skin biopsy specimens of PN patients and healthy subjects and identify its possible correlation to disease severity and itch intensity.Methods:Patients with PN and healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Expression levels of IL-31 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. Baseline characteristics, disease activity, itch intensity, and related laboratory results were collected.Results:Forty-three PN patients and 31 healthy subjects participated in our study. The PN patients had significantly higher mean serum IL-31 levels than the healthy subjects (52.9 ± 18.2 versus 36.3 ± 10.7 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Epidermal and dermal PN lesions also exhibited significantly higher IL-31 expression compared with the healthy skin (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in serum or lesional expression of IL-31 by disease severity or itch intensity.Conclusion:Increased IL-31 expression in serum and PN lesions suggests that IL-31 has a potential role in the pathogenesis of PN.

Protective effects of pre-treatment with exogenous porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 and its microspheres of piglets with lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation

Context Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is an intestinotrophic growth hormone that can accelerate intestinal development and recovery from injury. However, the half-life of GLP-2 is short, thus it must be administered frequently. Moreover, its effects during weaning are unclear. Aims We tested the effects of porcine GLP-2 (pGLP-2) and pGLP-2 microspheres on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation in weaning piglets. Methods Eighteen female weaning piglets aged 21 days (5.38 ± 0.72 kg initial bodyweight) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) control, (2) GLP-2, and (3) GLP-2 microsphere (MS) group. Control piglets were injected intraperitoneally with 3 mL of saline solution from Days 1 to 7, GLP-2 piglets were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μg pGLP-2/kg bodyweight from Days 1 to 7, and MS piglets were injected intraperitoneally with 200 mg GLP-2 microspheres on Day 1 and with 3 mL saline solution from Days 2 to 7. On Day 8, all piglets were injected with 100 μg LPS/kg bodyweight. Key results Piglets in the GLP-2 and MS groups showed markedly increased average daily weight gain on Day 7, decreased serum myeloperoxidase, LPS and keratinocyte growth factor levels, and increased serum interleukin-10 levels compared with the control group. In addition, the GLP-2 group showed decreased myeloperoxidase content in the duodenum and ileum, and reduced caspase-3 activity in the duodenum and jejunum, whereas MS piglets showed decreased myeloperoxidase levels and suppressed caspase-3 activity in the duodenum and jejunum. Moreover, administration of pGLP-2 or pGLP-2 microspheres resulted in decreased interleukin-8 and interferon-γ mRNA expression levels in the jejunum, as compared with the control group. Conclusions Our results indicated that pGLP-2 promotes growth, and ameliorates LPS-induced serum and intestinal inflammatory responses in piglets. Furthermore, pGLP-2 microspheres can achieve similar therapeutic effects as pGLP-2 under the premise of fewer injections. Implications pGLP-2 microspheres have considerable potential for the treatment of weaning-induced intestinal inflammation in piglets.

Effect of electroacupuncture on autophagy in synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis rats

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on autophagosomes, unc-51-like autophage activating kinase 1 (ULK1), Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) expression, and synoviocyte ultrastructure in the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of EA in regulating the proliferation of synoviocytes via the autophagy pathway. The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a methotrexate (MTX) group, and an EA group, with 6 rats in each group. Following RA modeling with Freund's complete adjuvant, rats in the MTX group were treated with intragastric administration of 0.35 mg/kg MTX, twice a week, for 4 weeks, while those in the EA group received 20-min EA stimulation at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Guanyuan" (CV4), once per day, for 4 weeks, with an interval of one day between weeks. The rat left hind toe volume was measured using the toe volume measuring instrument. HE staining was conducted for detecting the morphology of rat synovial tissues, followed by the observation of autophagosomes under the transmission electron microscope. The levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were assayed by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 were detected by Western blot. Compared with the normal group, the left hind toe volume of the model group increased significantly (P<0.01), while serum IL-1 and TNF-α (P<0.01), synovial ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 protein expression (P<0.01, P<0.05) up-regulated. HE stain and electron microscope showed obvious synovial hyperplasia, and doublemembrane autophagosomes scattering in the synoviocytes. The comparison with the model group showed that MTX and EA remarkably decreased the left hind toe volume (P<0.01), serum IL-1 and TNF-α (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein expression levels of ULK1 and LC3 in synovial tissues (P<0.05, P<0.01), and inhibited the synovial hyperplasia, with no obvious autophagosomes observed in the synoviocytes. The protein expression of ULK1 in the EA group was significantly lower than that in the MTX group (P<0.01). EA alleviates the joint swelling and synoviocyte injury of RA rats possibly by regulating the expression of ULK1, LC3, and Beclin1 and inhibiting the synoviocyte autophagy and proliferation.

Effect of Resin Acid and Zinc Oxide on Immune Status of Weaned Piglets Challenged With E. coli Lipopolysaccharide

With the ban of zinc oxide (ZnO) at high dosages in piglet diets in Europe by 2022, alternative nutritional solutions are being tested to support piglet immune defence during their weaning, the most critical and stressful moment of pig production. The present study evaluated the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO; 2,500 mg/kg diet) and resin acid concentrate (RAC; 200 mg/kg diet) on the immune defence of weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Piglets were challenged at days 7 and 21 post-weaning, and blood was sampled 1.5 and 3.0 h after each challenge to determine serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The levels of serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) increased at days 7 and 21, and those of IL-6 at day 21 when challenged piglets were fed a diet supplemented with ZnO. In challenged piglets fed with RAC, the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α were increased at days 7 and 21, except for that of IL-1β, which was not affected at day 21. The increased levels of these cytokines indicate the successful immune-modulatory effect of ZnO and RAC, which appears as a candidate to replace ZnO in weaned piglets' diets.

Effects of Abdominal Wall Blocks on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) seriously affects the rapid postoperative recovery of elderly patients. We investigated the effect of abdominal wall blocks on POD in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer and underlying mechanisms.Material/MethodsA total of 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer were randomly assigned to group C (control) and group R (regional nerve blocks). In group R, 20 mL of local anesthesia-mixed solution was injected into the bilateral transverse abdominis muscle plane and 10 mL was injected into the bilateral posterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. In group C, the same amount of saline was used for nerve block. The consumption of propofol and remifentanil during surgery was recorded. Levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6 and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) during surgery were evaluated. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit Scale and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were adopted to evaluate POD.ResultsThe incidence of POD was lower in group R than in group C (P=0.048). The consumption of propofol and remifentanil was significantly reduced in group R, compared with group C (P<0.05). Compared with T0, serum IL-6 and hs-CRP levels in both groups were significantly increased at T1 and T2 (P<0.05). Moreover, serum IL-6 and hs-CRP were lower at T1 and T2 in group R compared with group C (P<0.05).ConclusionsAbdominal wall blocks may alleviate POD in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, which may be related to the reduction of anesthetic consumption and inflammatory response.

NLRC4 Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Are Associated with the Prognosis of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

Objective To analyze and study the correlation between NLR family CARD domain-containing 4 (NLRC4) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and the prognosis of patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Methods In this study, we retrospectively studied the clinical data of 62 HLH patients, including 40 males and 22 females. The genomic DNA was extracted, and the genotypes at rs385076 locus and rs479333 locus of the NLRC4 gene were analyzed. The level of blood interleukin-18 (IL-18) was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with the TT genotype at the NLRC4 gene rs385076 locus, the mortality of HLH patients with TC genotype and CC genotype was higher (RR = 3.205, 95% CI: 1.277-4.788, p = 0.012; RR = 3.052, 95% CI: 1.098-4.753, p = 0.031). Taking the CC genotype at rs479333 of the NLRC4 gene as a reference, HLH patients with CG genotype and GG genotype had a higher risk of death (RR = 3.475, 95% CI: 1.488-5.775, p = 0.003; RR = 2.986, 95% CI: 1.014-5.570, p = 0.047). NLRC4 gene rs385076 T>C and rs479333 C>G were significantly related to the poor prognosis of HLH patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC) for the prognostic outcome of HLH with serum IL-18 level was 0.6813 (95% CI: 0.5365-0.8260, p = 0.0189). NLRC4 gene rs385076 T>C and rs479333 C>G were related to higher serum IL-18 levels. Conclusion NLRC4 gene rs385076 T>C and rs479333 C>G are related to the poor prognosis of HLH patients.

Huangqin Decoction Attenuates DSS-Induced Mucosal Damage and Promotes Epithelial Repair via Inhibiting TNF-α-Induced NF-κB Activation.

To investigate the protective effect of Chinese herbal formula Huangqin Decoction (HQD) on ulcerative colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and human intestinal epithelial cell injury induced by tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In vivo, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups using a random number table (n=6 per group), including control, DSS, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), HQD low- (HQD-L) and high-dose (HQD-H) groups. The colitis mouse model was established by 3% (w/v) DSS water for 5 days. Meanwhile, mice in the HQD-L, HQD-H and 5-ASA groups were administrated with 100, 200 mg/kg HQD or 100 mg/kg 5-ASA, respectively, once daily by gavage. After 9 days of administration, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score and colon length of mice were measured, the pathological changes of colons were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining, and the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, the human colon epithelial normal cells (FHC cells) were exposed to HQD (0.6 mg/mL) for 12 h and then treated with TNF-α (10 ng/mL) for 24 h. The tight junction (TJ) protein expression levels of Claudin-4 and Occludin, and the protein phosphorylation levels of p65 and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB)-α (IκBα) were measured by Western blot. In vivo, compared with the DSS group, HQD-H treatment attenuated the weight loss and reduced DAI score of mice on the 8th day (P<0.05). Moreover, HQD-H treatment ameliorated the colon shortening in the DSS-induced colitis mice (P<0.05). HE staining showed HQD attenuated the pathological changes of colitis mice, and the histological scores of HQD-H and 5-ASA groups were significantly decreased compared with the DSS group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, HQD-H and 5-ASA significantly decreased the serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of mice (P<0.05). In vitro experiments showed that HQD up-regulated Occludin and Claudin-4 protein expressions and inhibited p-p65 and p-IκBα levels in FHC cells compared with the TNF-α group (P<0.05). HQD significantly relieved the symptoms in DSS-induced colitis mice by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and maintained the homeostasis of TJ protein in FHC cells by suppressing TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation.

Combined lumbar muscle block and perioperative comprehensive patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with butorphanol in gynecological endoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUNDLaparoscopic surgery has become a common surgical approach for the clinical treatment of intra-abdominal lesions in recent years. We hypothesized that lumbar block with postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) by butorphanol after gynecological surgery under general anesthesia would be more effective than PCIA by butorphanol alone.AIMTo investigate the effect of lumbar block with PCIA by butorphanol after gynecological surgery under general anesthesia.METHODSThis study assessed 120 women scheduled for laparoscopic surgery at our hospital between May 2017 and May 2020. They were divided using a random number table into a research group (those who received quadratus lumborum block combined with PCIA analgesia by butorphanol) and a control group (those who received only PCIA analgesia by butorphanol), with 60 patients in each group. Demographic factors, visual analog scale scores for pain, serum inflammatory markers, PCIA compressions, Ramsay scores, and adverse events were compared between groups using a t-test, analysis of variance, or χ2 test, as appropriate.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in demographic factors between groups (all P > 0.05). The visual analog scale scores of the research group in the resting state 12 h and 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Two hours after surgery, there were no significant differences in the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, or IL-8 between groups (P > 0.05). The serum tumor necrosis factor-α levels of the research group 24 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum IL-6 and IL-8 in the study group 24 h and 48 h postoperatively were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONLumbar block with PCIA with butorphanol after gynecological surgery under general anesthesia significantly improves the analgesic effect and reduces the degree of inflammation, instances of PCIA compression, and adverse reactions.

Effects of S-adenosyl-L-Methionine Combined with Ursodesoxycholic Acid on Serum Endotoxin, MMP-9 and IL-18 in Neonates with Cholestasis.

To compare the effect of ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA) with S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) plus UDCA in handling of cholestasis in neonates, and their influences on serum endotoxin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin 18 (IL-18). Randomised controlled trial. Luzhou People's Hospital, China, from April 2019 to December 2020. A total of 102 neonates with cholestasis were evenly divided into control group and observation group with random double-blind. The former treated with UDCA tablets, and the latter was treated with SAMe plus UDCA. Serum endotoxin, MMP-9 and IL-18 were compared between the two groups. Total effective rate of treatment in observation group was 92.16% (47 cases), which was higher than that in control group 70.59% (36 cases) (p=0.005). Levels of serum endotoxin, MMP-9 and IL-18 in observation group were respectively 11.12 ± 1.07 pg/mL, 646.72 ± 42.56 ng/mL and 2.51 ± 0.19 pg/mL, which was lower than those in control group (p<0.001, p =0.007 and p<0.001, respectively) after 10 days of treatment. Compared with UDCA alone, SAMe plus UDCA can more effectively improve the curative effect of neonatal cholestasis, and reduce serum endotoxin, MMP-9 and IL-18 levels. Key Words: Ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA), Neonates, Cholestasis, Endotoxin, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Interleukin 18 (IL-18).

Autosomal recessive 333 base pair interleukin 10 receptor alpha subunit deletion in very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUNDInterleukin 10 receptor alpha subunit (IL10RA) dysfunction is the main cause of very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) in East Asians.AIMTo identify disease-causing gene mutations in four patients with VEO-IBD and verify functional changes related to the disease-causing mutations.METHODSFrom May 2016 to September 2020, four young patients with clinically diagnosed VEO-IBD were recruited. Before hospitalization, using targeted gene panel sequencing and trio-whole-exome sequencing (WES), three patients were found to harbor a IL10RA mutation (c.301C>T, p.R101W in one patient; c.537G>A, p.T179T in two patients), but WES results of the fourth patient were not conclusive. We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on patients A and B and reanalyzed the data from patients C and D. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patient D were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and LPS + IL-10. Serum IL-10 levels in four patients and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at Tyr705 and Ser727 in PBMCs was determined by western blot analysis. RESULTSThe four children in our study consisted of two males and two females. The age at disease onset ranged from 18 d to 9 mo. After hospitalization, a novel 333-bp deletion encompassing exon 1 of IL10RA was found in patients A and B using WGS and was found in patients C and D after reanalysis of their WES data. Patient D was homozygous for the 333 bp deletion. All four patients had elevated serum IL-10 levels. In vitro, IL-10-stimulated PBMCs from patient D failed to induce STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and only minimally suppressed TNF-α production induced by LPS. Phosphorylation at Ser727 in PBMCs was not affected by LPS or LPS + IL-10 in both healthy subjects and in patient D.CONCLUSIONWGS revealed a novel 333-bp deletion of IL10RA in four patients with VEO-IBD, whereas the WES results were inconclusive.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by reduced levels and defective suppressive function of regulatory B cells in peripheral blood

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a progressive, persistent immune response to cigarette smoke, and it has been suggested that immune dysregulation is involved in its pathogenesis. A subset of regulatory B cells (Bregs) with high levels of the surface markers CD24 and CD38 (CD24hiCD38hi) has previously been shown to exert an immunosuppressive function. This study investigated the levels and activity of CD24hiCD38hi Bregs in stable COPD (sCOPD). Testing the peripheral blood from 65 patients with sCOPD and 39 control subjects for CD24hiCD38hi Breg subsets by flow cytometry showed that the patients with sCOPD had significantly lower levels of CD24hiCD38hi Bregs and IL-10+ B cells. The patients with sCOPD had lower serum interleukin-10 levels than the controls. The patients with most severe sCOPD had the lowest levels of CD24hiCD38hi Bregs. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the levels of CD24hiCD38hi Bregs in the patients with sCOPD positively correlated with serum interleukin-10 concentrations but not with levels of C-reactive protein. Compared to healthy controls, functional studies showed that Breg cells from patients with sCOPD exhibit a decreased suppressive function. We conclude that sCOPD is characterized by the exhaustion of CD24hiCD38hi regulatory B cells compartment. Therefore, CD24hiCD38hi Bregs may contribute to the pathogenesis of sCOPD.

The association between elevated serum interleukin-22 and the clinical diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis: A retrospective study.

There is an unmet need for a reliable biomarker for the differentiation of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) from its mimickers. Serum levels of interleukin-22 (IL-22) have previously been found to be significantly elevated in patients with AxSpA compared with healthy individuals or persons with osteoarthritis. Consecutive patients with established or suspected AxSpA were enrolled. The clinical data, as well as results of laboratory and imaging studies, were acquired from patients' charts. The final diagnosis of definite or probable SpA, or an alternative diagnosis, was determined, and the serum levels of IL-22 were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent immunoassay. Interleukin-22 levels were significantly higher in patients with definite AxSpA (29 patients) compared with patients with alternative diagnoses (14 patients) and healthy volunteers (16 individuals; P<0.001 for both comparisons). The sensitivity and specificity of the serum IL-22 for the AxSpA diagnosis were 0.68 (95% CI 0.49-0.84) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.68-0.95), respectively, for the cut-off value of 5pg/mL. In patients with AxSpA, serum IL-22 levels did not correlate with modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), or serum C-reactive protein. Serum IL-22 levels are elevated in patients with the clinical diagnosis of AxSpA and can potentially serve as an independent biomarker for the differentiation of AxSpA from its non-inflammatory mimickers.

Impacts of different intensities of exercise on inflammation and hypoxia markers in low altitude

BackgroundThis study aims to determine and compare the effects of exercise modalities with different intensities on the secretion of key inflammation and hypoxia markers in amateur athletes.MethodsTwenty-three athletes with a mean age of 20.1 years, living at low altitude (1850 m) participated in this study. The participants' maximal oxygen consumption values (VO2 max) were determined with an incremental cycle exercise test as 54.15 ± 6.14 mL kg min−1. Athletes performed four protocols: at rest, 50% VO2 max, 75% VO2 max and 100% VO2 max (until exhaustion) with one-week intervals. 50% VO2 max, 75% VO2 max sessions were performed continuously for 30 min on a bicycle ergometer and 100% VO2 max session was performed by cycling until exhaustion. Blood samples were obtained at rest and immediately after each exercise session. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels were measured.ResultsThere were significant differences in serum TNF-α levels in 75% VO2 max and 100% VO2 max sessions (489.03 ± 368.37 and 472.70 ± 365.21 ng/L, respectively) compared to rest conditions (331.65 ± 293.52 ng/L). Serum CRP levels of 50% VO2 max and 75% VO2 max sessions (1.19 ± 0.50; 1.07 ± 0.52 mg/L) were significantly higher than the rest condition (0.74 ± 0.35 mg/L). There were significant differences in serum IL-10 levels of rest condition and 50% VO2 max; 50% VO2 max, and 100% VO2 max sessions (328.09 ± 128.87; 446.36 ± 142.84; 347.44 ± 135.69; 324.88 ± 168.06 pg/mL). Serum HIF-1α levels were significantly higher in 75% VO2 max session compared to rest (1.26 ± 0.16; 1.08 ± 0.19 ng/mL) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons).ConclusionsBoth inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathway is induced on different exercise intensities. Exercise protocols performed until exhaustion may lead to activation of inflammatory pathways and hypoxia-induced damage.

Abstract 13647: Genetic Deletion of Interleukin-22 Prevents Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Diastolic Dysfunction in Mouse

Introduction: Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, which promotes STAT3 activation in targets cells. Although it has been shown that persistent activation of STAT3 causes myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, little is known about the effect of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that IL-22 would be a factor that cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Methods and Results: We used angiotensin II (AngII) infusion mouse model, which has been reported to increase serum IL-22 levels, to cause cardiac diastolic dysfunction. We first investigated the effect of IL-22 deletion to cardiac function. Wild-type (WT) mice and IL-22 deficient (IL-22 KO) mice were compared cardiac function after 2 weeks AngII infusion. Echocardiographic analysis showed no decrease in systolic function as indicated by EF in both groups. However, In WT mice, E/e' was significantly increased compared to before AngII infusion. In contrast to WT mice, E/e' was not increased in IL-22KO mice by AngII infusion. These results suggested that AngII- induced cardiac diastolic dysfunction was prevented in IL-22KO mice. Next, we analyzed the effect of IL-22 deletion to histological changes. Compared to WT mice, ventricular weight to body weight ratio was significantly smaller in IL-22KO mice after 2 weeks AngII infusion. Echocardiographic analysis also showed that ventricular wall thickness was suppressed in IL-22KO mice. Sirius red staining revealed no difference in myocardial fibrosis between WT mice and IL-22KO mice after 2weeks AngII infusion. Conclusions: These results suggest that IL-22 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AngII- induced cardiac diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy.

Age- and Gender-Related Serum Level of Interleukin 18 in Iranian Fars Ethnic Group with Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the age- and gender-related serum level of interleukin 18 (IL18) in male and female Iranian Fars ethnic group with metabolic syndrome components. Methods: The study included 226 native Iranian Fars ethnic groups. One hundred sixteen females and 110 men were selected. There were 60 females and 50 males with metabolic syndrome and 56 females and 60 males without metabolic syndrome. The serum fasting blood glucose (FBS), lipid profiles, and IL18 were measured. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment Panel III criteria were used to determine metabolic syndrome components. Results: There were significant differences between the males and females [except high-density lipoprotein (HDL)] with and without metabolic syndrome for the mean body mass index, FBS, HDL-cholesterol, waist circumference (WC), triglyceride (TG), and IL18 levels in all age groups. Serum IL18 was the highest in males and females in age groups 61-70 and 41-50 years with metabolic syndrome, respectively. Serum IL18 levels significantly correlated with TG and waist WC in males (and also correlated with HDL) and females with the metabolic syndrome. There were significant correlations between IL18 and TG and WC in males (and also correlated with HDL) in ages 61-70 years and females in ages 41-50 years with the metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The increased IL18 level in both gender and different ages may have an important role in the alteration of some metabolic syndrome components. These alterations may be made to happen in different related metabolic diseases. IL18 seems to be a useful biomarker for the management of metabolic syndrome components and the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion on silent information regulator-1/nuclear factor κB signaling pathway in gastric antrum of diabetic gastroparesis rats

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion on silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway and inflammatory factor expression in gastric antrum tissue of diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of DGP. Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, medication, EA, Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion (moxibustion) and EA+moxibustion groups (n=12 per group). The DGP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of 0.15 mg/mL mosapride citrate suspension. EA (10 Hz /50 Hz, 2 mA) or moxibustion (3 cones) or EA+moxibustion was applied to "Zhongwan"(CV12), bilateral "Neiguan"(PC6) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao"(SP6) of the related group for 20 min, once a day for 3 weeks. Blood glucose, gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were measured. The levels of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by ELISA; the phosphorylation level of the phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα inhibitor (pIκ-Bα), the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 and SIRT1 in the gastric antrum tissue were detected by Western blot and real-time quantifitative PCR, respectively. (1) Compared with the normal group, the levels of blood glucose, serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and gastric pIκ-Bα and NF-κB p65 protein and mRNA expressions were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsion rate, serum IL-10 level, and SIRT1 protein and mRNA expressions were considerably decreased in the model group (P<0.01). (2) In contrast to the model group, the blood glucose in the EA, moxibustion and EA+moxibustion groups, serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in the 4 treatment groups, as well as NF-κB p65 protein expression in the medication and EA+moxibustion groups, and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression and pIκ-Bα protein and mRNA expression in the 4 treatment groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05); while the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsive rate and IL-10 content in the 4 treatment groups, and SIRT1 protein and mRNA expression in the medication and EA+moxibustion groups were obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) The effects of EA+moxibustion were significantly superior to those of simple EA and moxibustion in increasing gastric emptying rate, IL-10, SIRT1 protein expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), and in lowering IL-8 and TNF-α contents, pIκ-Bα protein and mRNA expression and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). No significant differences were found among the 4 intervention groups in promoting the intestinal propulsive rate and among the EA, moxibustion and EA+moxibustion groups in lowering blood glucose (P>0.05). EA combined with Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion can effectively reduce the level of serum inflammatory factors and regulate SIRT1/NF-κB signal pathway in DGP rats, which may contribute to its function in improving gastrointestinal movement.

Galectin-3 and Interleukin-17: A potential role in the pathogenesis of human papilloma virus infection.

In many cases, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is self-limiting, as innate and adaptive cell-mediated immunity is needed for infection elimination; however, the inability of the immune system in some patients to clear the infection is a matter of debate. The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family cytokines play an important protective role in host immune response to infections, through maintaining immunity against specific pathogens, induction of antimicrobial proteins, and recruitment of neutrophils to sites of invasion. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) may be considered as a marker of viral infection as many studies reported its increased serum level in viral infections. To evaluate levels of serum Gal-3 and IL-17 in patients with verrucas and to explore the potential role of these markers in the pathogenesis of the disease. Fifty patients suffering from HPV Infection, and fifty healthy controls were included in this study. Serum levels of Gal-3 and IL-17 were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients' serum Gal-3 was significantly higher, while IL-17 was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls (p-value<0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between Gal-3 serum level and disease duration and number of warts. Significant negative correlation exists between IL-17 and Gal-3 levels. Our results indicate a potential role of both IL-17 and Gal-3 in the pathogenesis of warts and open a new opportunity in targeting these markers in the future in treating warts.

Lack of Association between Serum Interleukin-23 and Interleukin-27 Levels and Disease Activity in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies, resulting in tissue and organ damage. Recent studies have revealed that interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) may be therapeutically relevant in selected SLE manifestations. This study aimed to identify associations between serum IL-27 and IL-23 levels and disease activity in Polish patients with different manifestations of SLE: neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), and lupus nephritis (LN). Associations between interleukin levels and oligo-specific antibodies against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), dose of glucocorticoids, and type of treatment were also analyzed. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess anti-dsDNA antibodies and analyze the serum concentration of IL-27 and IL-23 from 72 patients aged 19–74 years with confirmed active SLE. Disease activity was measured using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI 2-K). No significant correlations between interleukin levels and SLEDAI score, anti-dsDNA, corticosteroid dose, or type of treatment were noted. Patients with NPSLE and LN presented the highest median scores of SLEDAI.

Investigating the Effects of Dapagliflozin on Cardiac Function, Inflammatory Response, and Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients with STEMI Complicated with T2DM after PCI.

Objective To explore the effect of dapagliflozin on cardiac function, inflammation, and cardiovascular outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) combined with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods 70 patients with STEMI and T2DM were divided into the control group (n = 35) and the observation group (n = 35). Before surgery, patients in both groups were given conventional treatments such as coronary expansion, antiplatelet, anticoagulation, and thrombolysis, and PCI was performed. After the operation, both groups were given conventional antiplatelet, anticoagulation, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic treatments. On this basis, the observation group was treated with dapagliflozin tablets for 24 weeks. We observe and compare the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial enzyme spectrum, inflammatory reaction, and occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of the two groups of patients before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the LVEDD and LVESD of the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the observation group was lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The LVEF of both groups was higher than that before treatment, and the observation group was higher than the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of two groups' patients' creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and troponin I (cTnI) were all lower than those before treatment, and the observation group patients were all lower than the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum myeloperoxidase (MPO), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment, and the observation group patients were all lower than the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, there was no statistical difference between the two groups of patients in cardiogenic death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and other adverse cardiovascular events (P > 0.05). But, the incidence of severe arrhythmia and heart failure in the observation group were both lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis showed that the median survival time without MACE in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Dapagliflozin treatment for patients with STEMI combined with T2DM after PCI can improve cardiac function to certain extent, reduce inflammation, and will reduce the incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Serum interleukin-17 expression in a group of Egyptian patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multi-organ systemic autoimmune disease. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a powerful proinflammatory cytokine that is involved in the development of several autoimmune diseases, including SLE. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the serum IL-17 expression in pediatric SLE and correlate this to the disease activity and other biomarkers of disease activity . Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with pediatric SLE were enrolled in the study and were classified according to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score into two subgroups; mild activity (SLEDAI <5) and moderate to severe activity (SLEDAI ≥ 5). Routine laboratory work-up of SLE was done. IL-17 level was assessed by ELISA in the patients’ group (n=36) as well as in 17 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. Results: Our patients were 32 females (88.9 %) and 4 males (11.1 %). Their mean age at enrollment was 13.7 ± 2.7 years. The median (IQR) serum IL-17 level was significantly higher in patients than controls [138 pg/nl (68.5-200.15) versus 8.6 pg/nl (5.98-11.55) respectively]. There was no significant correlation between serum levels of IL-17 levels and disease activity scores. SLE patients with mild activity were comparable to those with moderate to severe activity in terms of IL-17 expression. Conclusion: SLE in children is associated with a significant increase in serum IL-17, whatever the activity status is, suggesting a potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our conclusion is limited by the sample size.