Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of Preoperative Glucocorticoid Application on Vitreous Parthanatos-Related Protein Expression in Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Associated with Choroidal Detachment

Purpose The protein concentrations of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR), α-synuclein (α-SYN), monocyte chemotactic protein‑1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the vitreous of eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment (RRDCD) were observed and analyzed. Methods A total of 57 patients’ samples were included. 30 patients with RRD were set as the control group, 27 patients with RRDCD were set as the experimental group (16 patients with preoperative glucocorticosteroid (GC+) and 11 patients without preoperative glucocorticosteroid (GC−)). The levels of AIF, MIF, IL-1β, PARP-1, PAR, α-SYN, MCP-1 and TNF-α in vitreous of patients in the control and experimental groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The concentration of AIF in the vitreous was higher in the RRD group (9.96 ± 2.78 ng/ml) than in the RRDCD (GC+) group (7.65 ± 2.13 ng/ml, p = 0.006),the RRDCD (GC+) group was lower than the RRDCD (GC−) group (10.28 ± 2.81 ng/ml) (p = 0.013). The concentration of MIF in vitreous fluid was lower in the RRDCD (GC+) group (61.21 ± 17.56 ng/ml) than in the RRDCD (GC−) group (74.30 ± 9.66 ng/ml, p = 0.039). In the experimental group, the protein concentration of MCP-1 in the RRDCD (GC+) group was higher in the preoperative PVR grading C (284.93 ± 54.96 ng/ml) grade than in the D grade (225.94 ± 24.05 ng/ml) (p = 0.050); The protein concentration of MIF was lower in the RRDCD (GC+) group of patients with an ocular axis of <26 mm (56.19 ± 6.99 ng/ml) than in those with an ocular axis of ≥26 mm (76.26 ± 26.60 ng/ml, p = 0.043). Conclusion Low expression of Parthanatos-related proteins is present in the vitreous of patients with RRDCD (GC+), and preoperative treatment with glucocorticoids may reduce the expression of Parthanatos-related proteins.

Dysfunction of the Murine Liver with Aging and Its Improvement with the Continuous Consumption of Enterococcus faecalis EC-12.

Chronic inflammation is involved in the development of age-related diseases. Given its persistence, controlling chronic inflammation is essential for preventing age-related diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of Enterococcus faecalis EC-12 (EC-12), which has immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, on liver gene expression and aging phenomena in mice. Short-term EC-12 administration stimulated the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism in the liver. Furthermore, long-term EC-12 administration from 10 weeks to 1.5 years of age resulted in significant increases in blood interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 concentrations (both p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentration (p < 0.05). These results indicated pathologic improvement, such as suppression of fat degeneration in the liver. These results suggest that continuous EC-12 intake from a young age can suppress liver function abnormalities, which is one of the aging phenomena in old age, and contribute to health in old age.

Promising results of a clinical feasibility study: CIRBP as a potential biomarker in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Cold-inducible RNA binding Protein (CIRBP) has been shown to be a potent inflammatory mediator and could serve as a novel biomarker for inflammation. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and capillary leak syndrome (CLS) are frequent complications after pediatric cardiac surgery increasing morbidity, therefore early diagnosis and therapy is crucial. As CIRBP serum levels have not been analyzed in a pediatric population, we conducted a clinical feasibility establishing a customized magnetic bead panel analyzing CIRBP in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A prospective hypothesis generating observational clinical study was conducted at the German Heart Center Berlin during a period of 9 months starting in May 2020 (DRKS00020885, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00020885). Serum samples were obtained before the cardiac operation, upon arrival at the pediatric intensive care unit, 6 and 24 h after the operation in patients up to 18 years of age with congenital heart disease (CHD). Customized multiplex magnetic bead-based immunoassay panels were developed to analyze CIRBP, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), Syndecan-1 (SDC-1), Thrombomodulin (TM), Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in 25 µl serum using the Luminex MagPix® system. 19 patients representing a broad range of CHD (10 male patients, median age 2 years, 9 female patients, median age 3 years) were included in the feasibility study. CIRBP was detectable in the whole patient cohort. Relative to individual baseline values, CIRBP concentrations increased 6 h after operation and returned to baseline levels over time. IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1 concentrations were significantly increased after operation and except for MCP-1 concentrations stayed upregulated over time. SDC-1, TM, Ang-2, as well as FGF-23 concentrations were also significantly increased, whereas VEGF-A concentration was significantly decreased after surgery. Using customized magnetic bead panels, we were able to detect CIRBP in a minimal serum volume (25 µl) in all enrolled patients. To our knowledge this is the first clinical study to assess CIRBP serum concentrations in a pediatric population.

Estimation of blood-based biomarkers of glial activation related to neuroinflammation

BackgroundNeuroinflammation is a well-known feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and a blood-based test for estimating the levels of neuroinflammation would be expected. In this study, we examined and validated a model using blood-based biomarkers to predict the level of glial activation due to neuroinflammation, as estimated by 11C-DPA-713 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. MethodsWe included 15 patients with AD and 10 cognitively normal (CN) subjects. Stepwise backward deletion multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of the TSPO-binding potential (BPND) estimated by PET imaging. The independent variables were age, sex, diagnosis, apolipoprotein E4 positivity, body mass index and the serum concentration of blood-based biomarkers, including monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), fractalkine, chitinase 3-like protein-1 (CHI3L1), soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2), and clusterin. ResultsSex, diagnosis, and serum concentrations of MCP1 and sTREM2 were determined as predictors of TSPO-BPND in the Braak1-3 area. The serum concentrations of MCP1 and sTREM2 correlated positively with TSPO-BPND. In a leave one out (LOO) cross-validation (CV) analysis, the model gave a LOO CV R2 of 0.424, which indicated that this model can account for approximately 42.4% of the variance of brain TSPO-BPND. ConclusionsWe found that the model including serum MCP-1 and sTREM2 concentration and covariates of sex and diagnosis was the best for predicting brain TSPO-BPND. The detection of neuroinflammation in AD patients by blood-based biomarkers should be a sensitive and useful tool for making an early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Predictive Value of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in the Development of Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the proinflammatory monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the diagnosis of asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) was determined using clinical and laboratory parameters, and echocardiography was performed to estimate DD. Serum MCP-1 concentrations were elevated in PsA patients with DD diagnosed with ultrasound (median (25th percentile, 75th percentile): 366.6 pg/mL (283, 407.1 pg/mL) vs. 277.5 pg/mL (223.5, 319.1 pg/mL) in controls; P < 0.0017). PsA patients with serum MCP-1 concentration higher than the cut-off value of 347.6 pg/mL had a 7.74-fold higher chance of developing DD than PsA patients with lower serum MCP-1 concentrations (controls), with a specificity of 86.36% and sensitivity of 55%, as verified using ultrasound. The group with MCP-1 concentrations above the cut-off value also showed a higher late peak diastolic mitral inflow velocity, A-wave value (P = 0.000005), E/E′ ratio (P = 0.00005), and a lower E/A ratio (P = 0.000002), peak systolic left atrial reservoir strain, SA value (P = 0.0066), early peak diastolic displacement of the mitral septal annulus, E′ wave value (P = 0.003), than controls. Systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), LDL cholesterol concentration (P = 0.012), glucose concentration (P = 0.011), and DAPSA (P = 0.0000) increased in the PsA group with higher MCP-1 concentrations, although there were no differences in comorbidities and therapy between the groups compared. Thus, the serum MCP-1 concentration was a significant and independent prognostic indicator for asymptomatic DD in PsA patients (area under the curve = 0.730, P = 0.001). The DAPSA score in PsA patients might indicate the need for echocardiography and adjustment of anti-inflammatory treatment in terms of DD prevention.

Immunoregulatory Effect of Preventive Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acid in a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I Model in Mice.

ObjectiveComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is usually triggered by trauma or a surgical procedure, and it typically becomes an established one after an intense inflammatory process with chronic pain and edema as the main symptoms. Available treatments for CRPS have low efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and immunoregulatory effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on paw edema and anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophage phenotypes in the chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) preclinical model of CRPS-Type I.MethodsFemale Swiss mice were supplemented with omega-3, corn oil, or saline and then submitted to the CPIP model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Supplementation was carried out for 30 days prior to and up to 2 or 15 days after the induction of CPIP, according to experimental protocols. The supplementation protocol included 1,500 mg/kg of omega-3 or corn oil through an intragastric route (gavage). Paw edema, interleukin- (IL-) 4, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were then measured in the paw skin and muscle by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and macrophage phenotypes (M1 and M2) assessed in the paw muscle by Western blotting.ResultsThe CPIP model induced an increase in paw thickness up to 72 h post-I/R. Mice supplemented with omega-3 compared to the saline group displayed reduced edema but neither altered skin IL-4 or skin and muscle TGF-β1, TNF, and MCP-1 concentrations, nor did they exhibit significantly altered muscle macrophage phenotype on the 2nd-day post-CPIP. However, omega-3 supplementation reversed the I/R-related reduction in IL-4 in the paw muscle compared to groups supplemented with saline and corn oil. Furthermore, omega-3 promoted the reduction of IL-10 levels in the paw skin, compared to animals with lesions supplemented with saline, until the 2nd-day post-CPIP. On the 15th day post-CPIP, IL-10 was significantly increased in the muscle of animals supplemented with omega-3 compared to the saline group.ConclusionThe results suggest that omega-3 PUFA supplementation has anti-inflammatory effects in the CPIP model of CRPS-Type I, significantly reducing paw edema and regulating concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-10.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentrations and expression of women with endometriosis undergoing IVF cycles

To research the local action of endometriosis on follicular inflammatory microenvironment of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. A prospective case control study was organized at Kamal AL-Samarai IVF center (Baghdad/Iraq), January 2021 - May 2021. The study included (80) infertile women undergoing IVF cycles were split to two groups: Patients with endometriosis group (n = 40) and Patients without endometriosis group (n = 40). Follicular fluid (FF) and blood samples were gathered at the period of oocyte pick-up. Levels of MCP-1 mRNA were investigated with the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Concentrations of cytokines (monocyte chemo attractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)) were investigated in FF by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of MCP-1 was significantly (P = 0.00) higher in patients with endometriosis group (1.95 ± 0.69) compared with patients without endometriosis group (0.40 ± 0.15). The studied cytokines concentrations in FF of women with endometriosis group were significantly (P = 0.00) higher than those without endometriosis group: MCP-1 (548.07 ± 199.43 pg/ml vs. 45.98 ± 18.72 pg/ml), TNF-α (912.15 ± 316.12 pg/ml vs. 261.89 ± 90.69 pg/ml), IL-10 (258.94 ± 68.82 pg/ml vs. 52.12 ± 14.46 pg/ml). The immune milieu of FF of patients with endometriosis is modified, which could explain the effect of endometriosis on infertility. Furthermore, elevated MCP-1 expression in endometriosis patients suggesting systemic inflammatory changes.

Mammary Tumorigenesis and Metabolome in Male Adipose Specific Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Deficient MMTV-PyMT Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Male breast cancer, while uncommon, is a highly malignant disease. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is an adipokine; its concentration in adipose tissue is elevated in obesity. This study tested the hypothesis that adipose-derived MCP-1 contributes to male breast cancer. In a 2x2 design, male MMTV-PyMT mice with or without adipose-specific Mcp-1 knockout [designated as Mcp-1-/- or wild-type (WT)] were fed the AIN93G standard diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 25 weeks. Mcp-1-/- mice had lower adipose Mcp-1 expression than WT mice. Adipose Mcp-1 deficiency reduced plasma concentrations of MCP-1 in mice fed the HFD compared to their WT counterparts. Mcp-1-/- mice had a longer tumor latency (25.2 weeks vs. 18.0 weeks) and lower tumor incidence (19% vs. 56%), tumor progression (2317% vs. 4792%), and tumor weight (0.23 g vs. 0.64 g) than WT mice. Plasma metabolomics analysis identified 56 metabolites that differed among the four dietary groups, including 22 differed between Mcp-1-/- and WT mice. Pathway and network analyses along with discriminant analysis showed that pathways of amino acid and carbohydrate metabolisms are the most disturbed in MMTV-PyMT mice. In conclusion, adipose-derived MCP-1 contributes to mammary tumorigenesis in male MMTV-PyMT. The potential involvement of adipose-derived MCP-1 in metabolomics warrants further investigation on its role in causal relationships between cancer metabolism and mammary tumorigenesis in this male MMTV-PyMT model.

Abstract 2561: Tumorigenic and metabolomic impacts of adipose-derived monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in a model of obesity-enhanced, male breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer is a rare but aggressive disease in men. Approximately, 90% of all breast cancer in men are invasive carcinomas, 25% of which have distant metastasis at the time of clinical presentation. Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is an adipose-derived cytokine whose concentrations are elevated by obesity. This study tested the hypothesis that adipose-derived MCP-1 contributes to male breast cancer. In a 2x2 design, male MMTV-PyMT mice with or without adipose specific Mcp-1 knockdown [designated as Mcp-1-/- or wild-type (WT)] were fed the standard AIN93G diet or an obesogenic, high-fat diet (HFD) for 25 weeks. The AIN93G diet and HFD contained 16% and 45% of energy from soybean oil, respectively. Mcp-1-/- mice had lower adipose Mcp-1 expression than WT mice. Adipose Mcp-1 deficiency reduced plasma concentrations of MCP-1 in mice fed the HFD. Mice fed the HFD had a greater tumor progression rate than mice fed the AIN93G diet (4679% vs 2430%), regardless of genotype. Mcp-1-/- mice, compared to WT mice, had a longer tumor latency (25.2 weeks vs 18.0 weeks) and lower tumor incidence (19% vs 56%), tumor progression rate (2317% vs 4792%), and tumor weights (0.23 g vs 0.64 g). Metabolomic analysis of plasma identified 87 metabolites, 56 of which differed among the four groups, including 24 that differed between the diets and 22 that differed between the genotypes. Sparse partial least squares-discriminant analysis identified 10 major metabolites that were altered the most among the four groups. These included amino acids (alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine) and carbohydrate metabolites (fumaric acid, glucuronic acid, hexuronic acid, and malic acid). The integrated pathway analysis of the 87 identified metabolites showed that protein biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism pathways are the most disturbed in MMTV-PyMT mice. In conclusion, adipose-derived MCP-1 contributes to mammary tumorigenesis and alters metabolism in male MMTV-PyMT mice. Citation Format: Lin Yan, Sneha Sundaram, Bret M. Rust, Matthew J. Picklo, Michael R. Bukowski. Tumorigenic and metabolomic impacts of adipose-derived monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in a model of obesity-enhanced, male breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2561.

Ketogenic Diet Therapy for Intractable Epilepsy in Infantile Alexander Disease: A Small Case Series and Analyses of Astroglial Chemokines and Proinflammatory Cytokines

In infantile Alexander disease (iAxD), one of the serious symptoms is intractable epilepsy, and some reports have suggested that neuroinflammation may be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. Drug-resistant seizures adversely affect not only the quality of life of the caregivers and patients, but also patients’ lifespan. Thus, controlling epilepsy is clinically important. For intractable childhood epilepsy, ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) is well-established, but its effects on iAxD have not been characterized.Here, we describe the use of KDT in three iAxD patients experiencing drug-resistant seizures. In all three cases, the formerly intractable epilepsies were well controlled by KDT. However, the brain magnetic resonance imaging findings deteriorated even after the epilepsy was controlled. In addition, the concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and proinflammatory cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid of the patients remained still high. KDT is effective in controlling epilepsy in iAxD. Our results clinically support previous reports arguing the involvement of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of iAxD. Although KDT cannot prevent disease progression, earlier initiation might contribute to a better prognosis.

Aqueous Cytokine Expression and Higher Order OCT Biomarkers: Assessment of the Anatomic-Biologic Bridge in the IMAGINE DME Study

To identify biomarkers for predicting response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in diabetic macular edema (DME) and evaluate any links between cytokine expression and optical coherence tomography (OCT) phenotype. The IMAGINE is a post hoc image analysis and cytokine expression assessment of the Efficacy & Safety Trial of Intravitreal Injections Combined With PRP for CSME Secondary to Diabetes Mellitus (DAVE) randomized clinical trial. Subjects were categorized as anatomical responders or nonresponders, and within the responder group as rebounders and non-rebounders based on quantitative, longitudinal OCT criteria. Retinal layer and fluid features were extracted using an OCT machine-learning augmented segmentation platform. Responders were further sub-classified by rapidity of response. Aqueous concentrations of 54 cytokines were measured at multiple timepoints. Expression was compared between responder groups and correlated with OCT imaging biomarkers. Of the 24 eyes studied, 79% were anatomical responders with 38% super responders, 17% early responders, and 25% slow responders. Twenty-one percent were nonresponders. Super responders had increased baseline vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (880.0 pg/mL vs 245.4 pg/mL; P= .012) and decreased monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) (513.3 pg/mL vs 809.5 pg/mL; P= .0.042) concentrations compared with nonresponders. Interleukin-6 (-24.9 pg/mL vs 442.8 pg/mL; P= .032) concentrations increased among nonresponders during therapy. VEGF concentrations correlated with central subfield thickness (r= 0.49; P= .01). Panmacular retinal volume correlated with increased interleuckin-6 (r= 0.47; P= .02) and decreased MCP-1 (r=-0.45; P= .03). Matrix metallopeptidase-1 correlated with subretinal fluid volume (r= 0.50; P= .01). OCT imaging biomarkers correlated with both intraocular cytokines and responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy, which indicated a possible link to underlying pathways and their relevance to DME prognosis. Baseline concentrations of VEGF and MCP-1 are associated with anatomic response to anti-VEGF therapy.

Administration of S-allyl cysteine to neonatal rats modulates inflammatory biomarkers in high-fructose-fed rats in adulthood

Purpose: To investigate the potential prophylactic effect of S-allyl cysteine (SAC), found in garlic (Allium sativum), against the development of apro-inflammatory status induced by diet in neonatal rats later on in adulthood.Methods: Suckling Wistar rat pups (4-day-old; male = 21 and female = 21) were randomly allocated to either of 3 groups and orally gavaged daily with the following treatments from postnatal day (PND) 6– 20: group 1 (control) - 10 mL/kg distilled water; group 2 - 10 mL/kg of 20 % w/v fructose solution (FS) and group 3 - 10 mL/kg FS + SAC. The rat pups were weaned on PND 21, and given ad libitum access to standard rat chow and plain drinking up to PND 115. The rats were euthanized on PND 116 and plasma was collected for the determination of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)] using Bio-Plex Pro magnetic beadbased assays on Bio-Plex platform.Results: Oral administration of FS during suckling increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) plasma concentrations of IL-5, MCP-1 and VEGF in adult male rats, and plasma MCP-1 in adult female rats. Neonatal oral administration of SAC prevented FS-programmed increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines(p &lt; 0.05) later on in adulthood.Conclusion: Oral administration of SAC during the neonatal period protected against FS-induced proinflammatory status and thus, could possibly be exploited as a prophylactic or intervention agent againsta pro-inflammatory status induced by a high fructose diet.&#x0D; Keywords: S-Allyl cysteine, Fructose solution, Cytokines, Pro-inflammatory chemokines, Neonatal programming

Effect of Iron Deficiency on a Murine Model of Smoke-induced Emphysema.

Smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking susceptibility is important for the onset and development of COPD. We previously reported an association between serum iron concentrations and pulmonary function in male smokers. However, the mechanism governing smoking susceptibility in relation to iron deficiency is unclear; this study aimed to elucidate this mechanism. C57BL/6 male mice were fed an iron-deficient or normal diet and then exposed to cigarette smoke. BAL, histological analysis, and pulmonary function tests were performed after cigarette smoke exposure. Human alveolar type II epithelial A549 cells were treated with an iron chelator. Subsequently, A549 cells were exposed to cigarette smoke extract. In mice exposed to cigarette smoke for 2 weeks, the concentration of alveolar macrophages in the BAL fluid recovered from iron-deficient mice was significantly higher than that in normal diet mice. IL-6 and MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1) concentrations in the BAL fluid increased significantly from baseline in iron-deficient mice, but not in normal diet mice. In mice exposed to cigarette smoke for 8 weeks, the pathological mean linear intercepts, physiological total lung capacity, and functional residual capacity in the lungs of iron-deficient mice were significantly greater than in normal diet mice. Phosphorylation of NF-κB was enhanced in the lungs of iron-deficient mice exposed to cigarette smoke and in the iron-chelating A549 cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract. Iron deficiency exaggerated cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation, suggesting that it may accelerate COPD development.

A pilot study of biomarkers of oxidative stress in serum and schizophrenia

Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative damage and inflammation is present in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated the association between the serum concentrations of four typical oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers (monocyte chemotactic protein-1, heme oxygenase-1, interleukin-8, and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanine) and schizophrenia using a case-control study design. In total, 44 patients with schizophrenia and 45 normal controls from Shandong Province, China were recruited. Fasting blood samples were collected from all participants and the serum concentration of the four biomarkers were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-8 were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls, while there was no significant difference in the serum concentrations of heme oxygenase-1 and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanine. Moreover, the serum concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-8 in patients were positively correlated with severity of clinical symptoms. Dose–response relationships between serum biomarker concentrations and schizophrenia were observed. This study suggests that levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and interleukin-8 are increased in patients with schizophrenia and correlated with positive symptom severity.

Adipose monocyte chemotactic protein-1 deficiency reduces high-fat diet-enhanced mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-PyMT mice

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is an adipokine with demonstrated carcinogenic potential. However, there is a lack of evidence whether adipose-produced MCP-1 contributes to breast cancer. We tested the hypothesis that adipose-produced MCP-1 contributes to mammary tumorigenesis in this study. In a breast cancer model of mouse mammary tumor virus-polyomavirus middle T-antigen (MMTV-PyMT), mice with or without adipose MCP-1 knockout [designated as Mcp-1−/− or wild-type (WT)] were fed the standard AIN93G diet (16% of energy from soybean oil) or a high-fat diet (HFD, 45% of energy from soybean oil). Adipose MCP-1 knockout reduced Mcp-1 expression in adipose tissue and concentrations of MCP-1 in plasma. Mcp-1−/− mice fed the HFD had less body fat than their WT counterparts. Adipose MCP-1 knockout attenuated HFD-enhanced mammary tumorigenesis, evidenced by lower mammary tumor volume. Furthermore, Mcp-1−/− mice, regardless of diet, had a longer tumor latency and less tumor weight than WT mice. When fed the HFD, Mcp-1−/− mice, compared to WT mice, exhibited lower concentrations of insulin, leptin, resistin, vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatic growth factor in plasma. In summary, adipose MCP-1 deficiency attenuated HFD-enhanced MMTV-PyMT mammary tumorigenesis. This attenuation can be attributed to less body adiposity, improvement in insulin sensitivity and down-regulation in protumorigenic inflammation cytokines and angiogenic factors in Mcp-1−/− mice. It concludes that adipose-produced MCP-1 contributes to mammary tumorigenesis in the MMTV-PyMT mouse model.

Ultra-Protective Ventilation Reduces Biotrauma in Patients on Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Ventilator settings for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are currently set arbitrarily. The impact on serum and pulmonary biotrauma markers of the transition to ultra-protective ventilation settings following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation, and different mechanical ventilation strategies while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were investigated. Randomized clinical trial. Nine-month monocentric study. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. After starting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, patients were switched to the bi-level positive airway pressure mode with 1 second of 24 cm H2O high pressure and 2 seconds of 12 cm H2O low pressure for 24 hours. A computer-generated allocation sequence randomized patients to receive each of the following three experimental steps: 1) high pressure 24 cm H2O and low pressure 20 cm H2O (very high positive end-expiratory pressure-very low driving pressure); 2) high pressure 24 cm H2O and low pressure 5 cm H2O (low positive end-expiratory pressure-high driving pressure); and 3) high pressure 17 cm H2O and low pressure 5 cm H2O (low positive end-expiratory pressure-low driving pressure). Plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products, plasma interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were sampled preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation and after 12 hours at each step. Sixteen patients on ECMO after 7 days (1-11 d) of mechanical ventilation were included. "Ultra-protective" mechanical ventilation settings following ECMO initiation were associated with significantly lower plasma sRAGE, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentrations. Plasma sRAGE and cytokines were comparable within each on-ECMO experimental step, but the lowest bronchoalveolar lavage sRAGE levels were obtained at minimal driving pressure. ECMO allows ultra- protective ventilation, which combines significantly lower plateau pressure, tidalvolume, and driving pressure. This ventilation strategy significantly limited pulmonary biotrauma, which couldtherefore decrease ventilator-induced lung injury. However, the optimal ultra-protective ventilation strategy once ECMO is initiated remains undetermined and warrants further investigations. (Crit Care Med 2019; 47:1505-1512).

Changes in VEGF-related factors are associated with presence of inflammatory factors in carbohydrate metabolism disorders during pregnancy.

The aim of this study was to determine the action of molecules in carbohydrate metabolism disorders during pregnancy. The concentration of different types of cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the plasma were measured in 4 groups of women: Group I, normal pregnancy (n = 10); Group II, patients with gestational DM (n = 12); Group III, pregnant patients with preexisting DM (n = 16); and Group IV, diabetic non-pregnant women (n = 22). The plasma VEGF concentration was significantly higher in the women in Group IV than in other groups (P <0.01). The concentration of the soluble form of the VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) was significantly higher in Group I than in other groups (P <0.01). The concentration of soluble form of the VEGF receptor-2 (sVEGFR-2) was significantly lower in Groups I than in other groups (P <0.05). The concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and eotaxin were significantly lower in Group I than in Groups III and IV. The levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly higher in Group I than in Group IV. Both the VEGF-related molecules and the Inflammatory cytokines are altered in pregnant women with the carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

MiR-92a contributes to the cardiovascular disease development in diabetes mellitus through NF-κB and downstream inflammatory pathways.

To explore the role of microRNA-92a (miR-92a) during the development of cardiovascular disease (CAD) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, and to investigate its correlation with NF-κB and downstream inflammatory cytokines in diabetes mellitus-associated cardiovascular disease (DM-CAD). Expression of miR-92a in DM and DM-CAD patients was estimated by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to estimate the capability of miR-92a to discriminate between DM-CAD and DM patients. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein expression and serum concentrations of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were investigated. Correlations between miR-92a and NF-κB p65, inflammatory factors were assessed. Risk analysis based on miR-92a was performed for DM-CAD patients. MiR-92a expression was increased in DM-CAD group compared with both DM and healthy groups (all p<0.05). The expression of miR-92a was associated with FIB and HbA1c of DM-CAD patients. MiR-92a could be used to distinguish DM-CAD patients from DM patients with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.866. Moreover, miR-92a was demonstrated to be a risk factor for DM-CAD onset. Expression levels of NF-κB p65, ET-1, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 were all elevated in DM-CAD patients and shown positive correlations with miR-92a. Expression of miR-92a in DM-CAD patients is up-regulated, and serves as a potential marker to predict the CAD in DM patients. MiR-92a may contribute to the development of CAD through activation of NF-κB and downstream inflammatory pathways.

Hesperidin Effects on Gut Microbiota and Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in Healthy Rats

Hesperidin, found in citrus fruits, has shown a wide range of biological properties. Nonetheless, a more in-depth investigation is required on the effects on the immune system, and in particular, on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, together with its relationship with the gut microbiota. Therefore, we aimed to establish the influence of oral hesperidin administration on the intestinal lymphoid tissue and on the gut microbiota composition in healthy animals. Lewis rats were orally administrated 100 or 200 mg/kg hesperidin three times per week for four weeks. Microbiota composition and IgA-coated bacteria were determined in caecal content. Mesenteric lymph node lymphocyte (MLNL) composition and functionality were assessed. IgA, cytokines, and gene expression in the small intestine were quantified. Hesperidin administration resulted in a higher number of bacteria and IgA-coated bacteria, with changes in microbiota composition such as higher Lactobacillus proportion. Hesperidin was also able to increase the small intestine IgA content. These changes in the small intestine were accompanied by a decrease in interferon-γ and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentration. In addition, hesperidin increased the relative proportion of TCRαβ+ lymphocytes in MLNL. These results show the immunomodulatory actions of hesperidin on the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and reinforce its role as a prebiotic.

Exogenous ubiquitin reduces inflammatory response and preserves myocardial function 3 days post-ischemia-reperfusion injury.

β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation increases extracellular levels of ubiquitin (UB) in myocytes, and exogenous UB decreases β-AR-stimulated myocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. Here, we hypothesized that exogenous UB modulates the inflammatory response, thereby playing a protective role in cardiac remodeling after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. C57BL/6 mice infused with vehicle or UB (1 μg·g-1·h-1) were subjected to myocardial I/R injury. Functional and biochemical parameters of the heart were examined 3 days post-I/R. Heart weight-to-body weight ratios were similarly increased in I/R and UB + I/R groups. The area at risk and infarct size were significantly lower in UB + I/R versus I/R groups. Measurement of heart function using echocardiography revealed that I/R decreases percent fractional shortening and percent ejection fraction. However, the decrease in fractional shortening and ejection fraction was significantly lower in the UB + I/R group. The UB + I/R group displayed a significant decrease in inflammatory infiltrates, neutrophils, and macrophages versus the I/R group. Neutrophil activity was significantly lower in the UB + I/R group. Analysis of the concentration of a panel of 23 cytokines/chemokines in the serum using a Bio-Plex assay revealed a significantly lower concentration of IL-12 subunit p40 in the UB + I/R versus I/R group. The concentration of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was lower, whereas the concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α was significantly higher, in the UB+I/R group versus the sham group. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and activity of MMP-9 were higher in the UB + I/R group versus the I/R group. Levels of ubiquitinated proteins and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 expression were increased to a similar extent in both I/R groups. Thus, exogenous UB plays a protective role in myocardial remodeling post-I/R with effects on cardiac function, area at risk/infarct size, the inflammatory response, levels of serum cytokines/chemokines, and MMP expression and activity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors increases extracellular levels of ubiquitin (UB) in myocytes, and exogenous UB decreases β-adrenergic receptor-stimulated myocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. Here, we provide evidence that exogenous UB decreases the inflammatory response and preserves heart function 3 days after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Further identification of the molecular events involved in the anti-inflammatory role of exogenous UB may provide therapeutic targets for patients with ischemic heart disease.