Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Levels Research Articles

Thai traditional massage modulates urinary MCP-1 and relevant inflammatory biomarkers in lower urinary tract symptom patients.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia are a common complaint among elderly men worldwide. Our previous study reported alleviative efficacy of Thai traditional massage (TTM) on LUTS patients. However, underlying mechanism at cellular level remained elusive. Herein, we investigated the effect of TTM on urinary monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and associative inflammatory biomarkers. Forty-three patients were randomized into two groups: Tamsulosin (n=23) and TTM (n=20). The urinary MCP-1 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels as well as gene expression levels of MCP-1, Chemotactic protein receptor 2b (CCR2b), IFN-γ, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were evaluated before and after a four-week treatment. The urinary MCP-1 and IFN-γ levels as well as gene expression levels of MCP-1, CCR2b, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 were evaluated before and after treatment with Tamsulosin or TTM group. Urinary MCP-1 and IFN-γ levels and the expression levels of five genes from sedimented urine samples were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, respectively. We observed significant (p<0.05) reduction in the ratio of urinary MCP-1 and creatinine (Cr); MCP-1/Cr levels in subjects given only TTM. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) in IFN-γ/Cr levels in both groups. TTM group down-regulated the expression of IFN-γ whereas up-regulated IL-1β and TGF-β1 mRNA. Our findings suggested TTM had alleviative effects in LUTS patients, which were partially mediated by a reduction of urinary inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory gene expression.

Clinical and prognostic value of parameters of cytokine regulation in oxygen-dependent patients with the coronavirus disease COVID-19

Aim of the work is to find out the clinical and prognostic significance of cytokine regulation parameters in oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 coronavirus disease in dynamics of the disease. Material and methods. 78 oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 aged from 52 to 84 years were examined. All patients were examined and treated in accordance with the regulations in force at the relevant time. The patients were divided into groups: I group – 38 patients who recovered; II group – 40 patients with fatal outcome of the disease. In the blood serum of patients with COVID-19 and 20 healthy individuals, were determined by enzyme immunoassay the content of interleukin (IL) IL-2 (Elabscience, USA), IL-4 (Affymetrix eBioscience, Austria), IL-6 (Invitrogen, Austria), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) (Elabscience, USA). Statistical processing was performed in the Statistica 13 for Windows program (StatSoft Inc., No. JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J). Results. The content of IL-2 in the blood serum of oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 of both groups was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than in healthy individuals. IL-2 content was higher in patients of II group (p &lt; 0.001) than in patients of I group. In dynamics, a further increase in content of IL-2 was noted in patients of the II group (р &lt; 0.05). The diagnostic significance has been established of the increased level of IL-2 in assessing the high probability of the development of a fatal outcome of the disease during hospitalization (AUC = 0.698, p = 0.030) and in the dynamics of treatment (AUC = 0.745, p = 0.015). The content of IL-6 in the blood serum of oxygen-dependent patients with COVID-19 of both groups was also significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than in healthy individuals. However, the level of increase of this cytokine at the time of hospitalization did not have prognostic value regarding the risk of fatal outcome (AUC = 0.539, p = 0.562). In the dynamics of treatment, the content of IL-6 in blood serum continued to increase in patients of the II group (p &lt; 0.01). During this period of observation, a threshold level of increase IL-6 level was established, which indicates a high probability of the development of a fatal outcome in these patients (AUC = 0.850, p &lt; 0.001). The content of chemokine MCP-1 in blood serum at the time of hospitalization in patients of both groups was higher (p &lt; 0.01) than in healthy people. At the same time, the content of MCP-1 in patients of the II group was higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in the patients of the I group. The diagnostic significance of the increased level of MCP-1 was established, which indicated a high probability of the development of a fatal outcome during hospitalization. In dynamics, there was a tendency (p &gt; 0.05) to decrease its content (p &gt; 0.05), however, during this period of observation, MCP-1 did not have prognostic value. IL-4 turned out to be uninformative in prognostic terms for determining the probability of a fatal outcome of COVID-19. Conclusions. Changes in the parameters of cytokine regulation in patients with COVID-19 during the development of oxygen dependence are characterized by a significant increase content of IL-2, IL-6 and chemokine MCP-1 in blood serum. The level of increase of these cytokines has diagnostic value in determining the high probability of the development of a fatal outcome of the disease at certain stages of observation.

Effects of Amazake Produced with Different Aspergillus on Gut Barrier and Microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. To explore the preventive effects of dietary foods on IBD, we evaluated the effects of the traditional Japanese fermented beverage "Amazake" on gut barrier function in this study. Black koji Amazake (BA) derived from Aspergillus luchuensis MEM-C strain and yellow koji Amazake (YA) derived from Aspergillus oryzae were made in this study, and their nutrients were analyzed. Mice with mild gut barrier dysfunction induced by Western diet were administered with 10% of each Amazake for two months. Mice gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BA contained a higher amount of isomaltooligosaccharides, citric acid, and ferulic acid than YA. The animal data revealed that BA significantly induced the expressions of antioxidant factors and enzymes such as NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nfr2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2). The gut barrier protein, occludin, and fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) were also significantly enhanced by BA. Furthermore, the levels of serum endotoxin and hepatic monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were decreased in both the BA and YA groups. In gut microbiota, Lachnospiraceae was increased by BA while Akkermansia muciniphilia was increased by YA. Black koji Amazake contained a higher amount of isomaltooligosaccharides, citric acid, and ferulic acid than yellow koji Amazake and contributed to protecting gut barrier function to reduce endotoxin intrusion and inflammation.

Randomized controlled trial of ultra-protective vs. protective ventilation strategy in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients with refractory cardiogenic shock: a study protocol for the ultra-ECMO trial.

A protective or ultra-protective tidal volume strategy is widely applied to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The use of very low tidal volume has the potential to further redece ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI) comparde with a "normal" lung protective management. Plus, cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) caused by hydrostatic mechanisms in patients with cardiogenic shock has similar respiratory mechanics to those found in patients with ARDS. And no consensus exists on mechanical ventilation parameter settings in patients with VA-ECMO. The study aimed to investigate the impact of an ultra-protective tidal volume strategy on the 28-day ventilator-free day (VFD) number in VA-ECMO-supported patients with refractory cardiogenic shock, including cardiac arrest. The Ultra-ECMO trial is a randomized controlled, open-label, single-center prospective superiority trial. At the onset of ECMO initiation, we will divide patients randomly into an intervention group and a control group in a 1:1 ratio. The control group will adopt protective ventilation settings [initial tidal volume: 6 ml/kg of predicted body weight (PBW)] for ventilation, and the intervention group will adopt ultra-protective ventilation settings (initial tidal volume: 4 ml/kg of PBW) for ventilation. The procedure is expected to last 72 h, after which the ventilator settings will be at the intensivists' discretion. The primary outcome is the VFD number at 28 days after inclusion. The secondary outcomes will include respiratory mechanics; analgesic/sedation dosage; lung ultrasound score; interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid at the moment of enrollment (T0), 24, 48, and 72 h (T1, T2, and T3, respectively) after ECMO initiation; total time (in days) required for ECMO weaning; length of stay in the intensive care unit; total cost of hospitalization; amounts of resuscitative fluids; and in-hospital mortality. VA-ECMO-treated patients without ARDS possess abnormal lung function. CPE, thoracic compliance reduction, and poor pulmonary blood perfusion are frequently present, and these patients can more easily progress to ARDS. It seems that targeting the protective tidal volume can lower adverse outcome incidence rates, even in patients without ARDS. This trial seeks to answer the question of whether adopting an ultra-protective tidal volume strategy can lead to superior primary and secondary outcomes compared to adopting a protective tidal volume strategy in patients treated by VA-ECMO. The Ultra-ECMO trial will provide an innovative mechanical ventilation strategy for VA-ECMO-supported patients for improving treatment outcomes at biological and potentially clinical levels. ChiCTR2200067118.

The usability of MCP-1, fetuin-A, TAS, and TOS levels in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Our aims were to determine whether the levels of plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), fetuin-A, serum total antioxidant status (TAS), and serum total oxidant status (TOS) are cardiac biomarkers and to clarify their relationship with each other in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The study included 90 participants: 60 patients with AMI [30 with and 30 without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)] and 30 cardiac patients without AMI. The diagnostic values of serum Hs-cTnT, MCP-1, fetuin-A, TAS, and TOS levels in predicting AMI were evaluated statistically. Median levels of MCP-1 [120.10 ng/L (interquartile range: 76.94-230.54 ng/L)] and TOS [2.89 U/MI (IQR: 2.31-3.94 U/Ml)] were statistically higher, and median levels of fetuin-A [433.52 mg/L (IQR: 387.89-584.49 mg/L)] and TAS (3.10 ± 0.86 U/mL) were lower in patients with AMI than in controls. The parameter with the area under the curve (0.815), sensitivity (73.3%), and specificity (66.7%) closest to those of Hs-cTnT was fetuin-A, followed by MCP-1, TOS, and TAS, respectively. A one-unit increase in MCP-1 levels increased the probability of AMI by 1.023 times (p = 0.002). A one-unit increase in fetuin-A levels decreased the probability of AMI by 0.995 times (p = 0.003). A one-unit increase in serum TOS levels was 1.29 times more characteristic of STEMI than of NSTEMI (p = 0.044). MCP-1, oxidative stress parameters, and fetuin-A might support Hs-cTnT levels in the early diagnosis of AMI. Fetuin-A and MCP-1 levels may be independent risk factors for AMI, whereas TOS could be used to distinguish STEMI from NSTEMI.

Osteochondral allograft and xenograft immunogenicity decrease following ex vivo tissue culture

Introduction/ObjectiveOsteochondral allografting can be an effective option for the treatment of focal cartilage injuries. However, wide scale applicability of this technique is limited by availability of donor tissue. To overcome this limitation, osteochondral xenografting has been proposed as a potential alternative, but immune-mediated rejection precludes its clinical application at this time. We hypothesized that removing much of the marrow cell content through tissue culture would result in a decrease in xenograft immunogenicity. We believed this could be tested in a preclinical animal model. MethodsFresh porcine femoral condyles were harvested and cultured for 0, 14, or 28 days before coculture with either allogeneic enriched porcine T-cells or xenogeneic enriched equine T-cells for 5 days. After 5 days, these cocultures were pulsed with 5-ethynyl-2′deoxyuridine then analyzed by flow cytometry to assess the level of cell proliferation. Coculture supernatant samples were also collected to evaluate the levels of prostaglandin-E2 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) as markers of inflammation. ResultsThe osteochondral tissue induced significantly less T-cell proliferation, prostaglandin-E2, and MCP-1 production when the tissue had been cultured for either 14 or 28 days prior to the coculture assay (P < .0001). ConclusionsWe conclude that T-cell responses to either allogeneic or xenogeneic osteochondral tissues were significantly reduced by 14 days of preculture prior to exposure to T-cells.

Assessment of serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP 1) in patients with periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Background: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine expressed by inflammatory and endothelial cells. It has a crucial role in initiating, regulating, and mobilizing monocytes to active sites of periodontal inflammation. Its expression is also elevated in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli and tissue injury, both of which are linked to atherosclerotic lesions. Aim of the study: To determine the serum level of MCP-1 in patients with periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in comparison to healthy control and evaluate the biomarker's correlations with periodontal parameters. methods: This study enrolled 88 subjects, both males and females, ranging in age from 36-66 years old, and divided into four groups: 1ST group with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) without periodontal disease (25 patients), 2nd group with periodontitis and systemically healthy, (25 patients),3rdgroup having both ASCVD and periodontitis (25 patients), and the 4th is the control group without any systemic disease and with good oral hygiene (13 subjects). The clinical periodontal parameters plaque index (PL I), Bleeding on probing (BOP), Probing Pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were used to evaluate periodontal health status. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients were chosen after clinical examination by specialists and diagnoses confirmed with catheterization. Following clinical assessment, 5ml of venous blood was drawn from each participant MCP-1 levels in the blood were then measured using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: According to the findings of this study, the mean values of PLI and BOP were higher in periodontitis group and athero+periodontitis group than in athero group and control group, PPD and CAL mean values were greater in athero+periodontitis group than in periodontitis group. The serum level of MCP-1 was higher in athero+periodontitis group than in athero, periodontitis and control groups. Regarding the correlations between MCP-1 and clinical periodontal parameters. In periodontitis group there was a positive correlation with PPD and CAL and there was a positive correlation with CAL in athero+periodontitis. Conclusion: This study revealed that periodontitis with higher MCP-1 level may be linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Rat resistance to rheumatoid arthritis induction as a function of the early-phase adrenal-pineal crosstalk.

Chronic inflammatory diseases are triggered by causal stimuli that might occur long before the appearance of the symptoms. Increasing evidence suggests that these stimuli are necessary but not always sufficient to induce the diseases. The murine model of type II collagen emulsified in Freund's incomplete adjuvant (collagen-induced arthritis) to induce rheumatoid arthritis (RA) follows this pattern as some animals do not develop the chronically inflamed phenotype. Considering that in the immune-pineal axis (IPA) theory adrenal-pineal cross-talk adjusts early phases of inflammatory processes, we investigated whether differences in IPA activation could explain why some animals are resistant (RES) while others develop RA. We observed a similar increase in 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) excretion from day 3 to 13 in both RES and RA animals, followed by a significant decrease in RA animals. This pattern of aMT6s excretion positively correlated with plasma corticosterone (CORT) in RES animals. Additionally, RA animals presented a lower aMT6s/CORT ratio than saline-injected or RES animals. Plasmatic levels of tumour necrosis factor were similar in both groups, but interleukin (IL)-1β and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) levels were lower in RES compared to RA animals. IL-2 and IL-4 were decreased in RES animals compared to saline-injected animals. The aMT6s/CORT ratio inversely correlated with the paw thickness and the inflammatory score (levels of IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-2 and IL-4 combined). Thus, adrenocortical-pineal positive interaction is an early defence mechanism for avoiding inflammatory chronification. KEY POINTS: Immune-pineal axis imbalance is observed in early-phase rheumatoid arthritis development. Only resistant animals present a positive association between adrenal and pineal hormones. The 6-sulfatoxymelatonin/corticosterone ratio is decreased in animals that develop rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammatory score combining the levels of nocturnal interleukin (IL)-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, IL-2 and IL-4 presents a very strong positive correlation with the size of inflammatory lesion. The 6-sulfatoxymelatonin/corticosterone ratio presents a strong negative correlation with the inflammatory score and paw oedema size.

Prostate fibroblasts enhance androgen receptor splice variant 7 expression in prostate cancer cells

Androgen receptor splice variant (AR-V) expression has been associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression to castration-resistant PCaduring androgen deprivation therapy, which reduces androgen production and inhibits androgen action in PCa cells. However, the mechanisms whereby aberrant AR-V expression is increased in PCa are still largely unknown. Fibroblasts in tumor stroma influence PCa initiation and aggressiveness, and which may play a crucial role in eliciting genetic changes during malignant transformation in human prostate epithelium. Here, our aim was to determine whether prostate fibroblasts in tumor stroma induce aberrant AR-V7 expression in PCa cells under low androgen concentration. We performed in vitro experiments using androgen-sensitive, AR-positive PCa cell lines (LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells), commercially available prostate stromal cells (PrSC), and primary cultured prostate fibroblasts (pcPrF) from PCa specimens collected from biopsies of patients with advanced PCa. PCa cells were cocultured with each of the three fibroblast lines (PrSC, pcPrF-M37, and pcPrF-M48). The proliferation under low androgen concentration of LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells cocultured with PrSC, pcPrF-M37, or pcPrF-M48 was significantly increased compared to that of PCa cells cultured alone. Androgen receptor-full length (AR-FL) protein expression was increased in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells cocultured with PrSC, pcPrF-M37, or pcPrF-M48. AR-V7 protein expression was increased in 22Rv1 cells cocultured with PrSC, pcPrF-M37, or pcPrF-M48. Under low androgen concentration, AR-V7 protein expression was slightly detected in LNCaP cells cocultured with PrSC or pcPrF-M37. Cytokine array analysis revealed that monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in the conditioned medium of 22Rv1 cells cocultured with PrSC, pcPrF-M37, or pcPrF-M48 were increased under low androgen concentration. High IL-8 concentration (30 ng/ml) resulted in significantly increased protein expression of AR-FL, AR-V7, and phospho-NF-κB p65 in 22Rv1 cells. In contrast, IL-8 antibody (1 µg/ml) decreased AR-V7 protein expression in 22Rv1 cells cocultured with PrSC, pcPrF-M37, or pcPrF-M48. pcPrF from PCa specimens increase the expression of aberrant AR-V7 in PCa cells. IL-8 may be a target for preventing the expression of aberrant AR-Vs in PCa.

Hydroxychloroquine suppresses anti-GBM nephritis via inhibition of JNK/p38 MAPK signaling.

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis, characterized by glomerular crescent formation, requires early treatment because of poor prognosis. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug with known immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and autophagy inhibitory effects; it is recognized in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. However, its effect on anti-GBM nephritis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of HCQ on anti-GBM nephritis in rats. Seven-weeks-old male WKY rats were administered anti-GBM serum to induce anti-GBM nephritis. Either HCQ or vehicle control was administered from day 0 to day 7 after the induction of nephritis. Renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, proteinuria, and hematuria. Renal histological changes were assessed by PAS staining and Masson trichrome staining, and infiltration of macrophages was assessed by ED-1 staining. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was evaluated by western blotting, while chemokine and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using urine sample. HCQ treatment suppressed the decline in renal function. Histologically, extracapillary and intracapillary proliferations were observed from day 1, while fibrinoid necrosis and ED-1 positive cells were observed from day 3. Rats with anti-GBM nephritis showed high levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These changes were significantly suppressed following HCQ treatment. In addition, HCQ suppressed JNK/p38 MAPK phosphorylation. HCQ attenuates anti-GBM nephritis by exerting its anti-inflammatory effects via the inhibition of JNK/p38 MAPK activation, indicating its therapeutic potential against anti-GBM nephritis.

Evaluations of aqueous humor protein markers in different types of glaucoma.

To compare the concentrations of protein markers in aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG), acute primary angle closure (APAC), and cataract without glaucoma as the control group.AH samples were collected at the beginning of surgery from 82 eyes of 82 patients who were divided into POAG (n = 23), CACG (n = 21), APAC (n = 19), and cataract groups (n = 19). The expression levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in AH were detected using a microsphere-based immunoassay.The AH levels of TNF-α, MMP-2, MCP-1, IFN-γ, and TIMP-1 in the APAC and CACG groups were significantly higher than those in control eyes. Additionally, the AH levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and VEGF in the APAC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (CG). The interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in patients with POAG were significantly higher than those in control eyes, whereas the LT-α levels were significantly lower than those in control eyes. IL-6 levels were significantly correlated with the coefficient of variation (CV), whereas IL-6 levels were significantly negatively correlated with the frequency of hexagonal cells (HEX) and corneal endothelial cell density (CD).The levels of TNF-α, MMP-2, MCP-1, IFN-γ, TIMP-1, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and LT-α were different among the three types of glaucoma. These different types of glaucoma may be caused by various pathogeneses, which opens avenues for further investigation into the pathogenesis of glaucoma and discoveries new targets and pathways for the treatment of glaucoma.

Effects of ferulic acid on inflammation and autophagy levels in glomerular mesangial cells induced by high glucose

To investigate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of ferulic acid on diabetic nephropathy by observing the effects of ferulic acid on the level of inflammation and autophagy in glomerular mesangial cells induced by high glucose. SV40 MES 13 cells were cultured and randomly divided into the following groups: normal group (Control, 5.6 mmol/L glucose), mannitol group (Man, 30 mmol/L mannitol), high glucose group (HG, 30 mmol/L glucose), ferulic acid group (FA, 30 mmol/L glucose + 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 μmol/L ferulic acid), and the proliferation of SV40 MES 13 cells in each group was observed by MTT method. The levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 1β(IL-1β)in cell supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, LC3-II/I and p62 proteins in SV40 MES 13 cells were detected by Western blot. ①The proliferative activity of SV40 MES 13 cells was significantly higher in the HG group compared to the control group (P＜0.01), while the proliferative activity of SV40 MES 13 cells was decreased to different degrees in the FA group compared to the HG group (P＜0.05～0.01). ②Compared to the control group, the levels of TNF-α, MCP-1 and IL-1β were increased significantly in the cell supernatant of HG group (P＜0.01). Compared with the HG group, the levels of TNF-α, MCP-1 and IL-1β were decreased significantly in the FA group (P＜0.01). ③Compared with the control group, LC3-II/Ⅰ protein expression was decreased in the HG group, while the levels of p62, NLRP3 and IL-1β protein were increased significantly (P＜0.01). Compared with the HG group, the expression of LC3-II/Ⅰ protein was elevated significantly (P＜0.05) in the FA group, while the levels of p62, NLRP3 and IL-1β protein in the FA group were decreased significantly (P＜ 0.01). FA can inhibit the abnormal proliferation of SV40 MES 13 cells induced by high glucose. FA can protect glomerular mesangial cells by inhibiting inflammation and increasing the level of autophagy.

MCP1, CRP and Procalcitonin as Novel Diagnostic Markers in Cirrhotic Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

Background &amp; Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate serum c-reactive protein (CRP), ascitic procalcitonin (PCT) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study that included 199 patients with decompensated cirrhosis (101 with SBP and 98 without SBP). Patients were classified according to Child-Pugh criteria. Ascitic PCT and MCP-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum CRP, liver and renal functions were assessed. Results: Three markers are significantly elevated in SBP patients than those without ascites. Using the ROC curve at AUC 0.883 and a cut-off value of &gt;186 ng/ml, the diagnostic performance of ascitic MCP-1 level was higher than CRP (AUC 0.562) and ascitic fluid procalcitonin (AUC 0.751) in the diagnosis of SBP. The sensitivity and specificity were 86.15% and 79.59% at the cutoff of 186 ng/ml for MCP-1, 65.4 and 75.5 at ≥ 1 ng/ml for PCT, and 52.5 and 64.3, respectively for at 11.2 mg/dl CRP. Conclusion: Ascitic MCP-1 has a better diagnostic value with higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis SBP compared to CRP and procalcitonin which has higher diagnostic accuracy than CRP. Further studies with a large number will be necessary to evaluate the usefulness of these markers in diagnosis, follow-up and relation to morbidity and mortality of SBP patients.

MiR-128-3p inhibits high-glucose-induced peritoneal mesothelial cells fibrosis via PAK2/SyK/TGF-β1 axis.

To elucidate the mechanism of miR-128-3p in peritoneal fibrosis (PF). Peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) were dealt with high glucose (HG) for 3 days. The expressions of miR-128-3p, p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2), spleen tyrosine kinase (SyK), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were detected with quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in supernatant were measured by ELISA. Proteins of TGF-β1, SyK, PAK2, α-SMA, collagen I, vimentin, ERK/AP-1, and IκBα/NF-κB pathway related proteins were measured by Western blot. The correlation between miR-128-3p and PAK2 was found by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene analysis. miR-128-3p was decreased while PAK2, SyK, and TGF-β1 were increased in HG-induced PMCs. Moreover, miR-128-3p inhibited HG-induced fibrosis and inflammation in PMCs by targeting PAK2. PAK2 activated SyK, which induced TGF-β1 expression through ERK/AP-1 and IκBα/NF-κB pathways to promote HG-induced fibrosis of PMCs. miR-128-3p inhibited HG-induced PMCs fibrosis via PAK2/SyK/TGF-β1 axis.

Evaluation of Applicability of Novel Markers of Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Men.

There is a continuous worldwide increase in incidences of metabolic syndrome (MetS) reaching about a quarter of the world’s population. Thus, studies that allow for a robust diagnosis of MetS are of paramount importance from an economic and medical point of view. This study was carried out in a group of men diagnosed with MetS using consensus definition criteria that included the definitions of the International Diabetes Foundation and Diabetes Federation and the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The control group consisted of men for whom the parameters that define the MetS were in the norm. This study analyzed statistical differences between MetS and healthy men and the correlations between the set of 14 potential markers of MetS, that is, between body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, cortisol, adiponectin, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), adipsin, leptin, resistin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI)-1. This report revealed a significant difference between MetS and healthy men in most of the parameters studied. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between cortisol levels and body mass index was demonstrated. Furthermore, MCP-1 levels in men with MetS were significantly higher than their levels in healthy men. Finally, a strong positive correlation was also observed between adiponectin and adipsin in Mets men. Thus, this study reveals the potential usefulness of adiponectin, MCP-1, adipsin, leptin, resistin, and PAI-1 as markers of MetS in adult men.

Effect of add-on hydroxychloroquine therapy on serum proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

We investigated the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as an add-on treatment to immunosuppressants on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were measured immediately before and 3 months after treatment with oral HCQ. Among the 51 patients enrolled in the study, HCQ treatment led to significantly reduced serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-A, IL-1ra, and IL-2 (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0006; p = 0.0460, p = 0.0177; p < 0.0001; p = 0.0282, respectively) and to decreased (but not significantly) levels of MIP-1α (p = 0.0746). No significant changes were observed in the serum MCP-1 levels before and after HCQ administration (p = 0.1402). Our results suggest that an add-on HCQ treatment modulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines even in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with low disease activity.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, serum cytokines, and dementia among rural-dwelling older adults in China: Apopulation-based study.

Little is known about whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dementia or the role of serum proinflammatory cytokines in the association. We aimed to investigate the interrelationships of NAFLD, serum cytokines, and dementia among rural-dwelling older adults. This population-based cross-sectional study included 5129 participants (aged ≥60 years; 61.79% women) who were living in rural communities and examined in March 2018-September 2018. NAFLD was defined through transabdominal ultrasound examination in the absence of hepatitis B or excessive alcohol consumption. Serum cytokines were measured in a subsample (n=1686). Dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were diagnosed following international criteria. Data were analyzed with logistic regression and mediation models. Of the 5129 participants, 455 (8.87%) were detected with moderate-to-severe NAFLD, and 292 (5.69%) were diagnosed with dementia (188 with AD and 96 with VaD). The multivariable adjusted odds ratios associated with moderate-to-severe (vs. no-to-mild) NAFLD were 2.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41-3.49) for all-cause dementia, 1.88 (95% CI=1.01-3.50) for AD, and 2.62 (95% CI=1.33-5.17) for VaD. In the cytokine subsample, controlling for multiple potential confounders, moderate-to-severe NAFLD was significantly associated with higher levels of serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interleukin-17A, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (P &lt; 0.05). The mediation analysis showed that IL-6 mediated 12.56% of the association between NAFLD and VaD. Moderate-to-severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with dementia and AD, especially with VaD, among rural-dwelling Chinese older adults, in which the association with VaD is partly mediated by serum inflammatory cytokines.

Anti-inflammatory effect of essential oil from Amomum Tsaoko Crevost et Lemarie

Amomum Tsaoko Crevost et Lemarie is a kind of spices and traditional Chinese medicines with great commercial value. Traditional treatment often uses essential oils from Amomum Tsaoko in aromatherapy. In this study, researchers analyzed the composition of steam-distilled essential oil from Amomum tsaoko (ATEO) and evaluated its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. GC–MS identified a total of 33 volatile compounds, the majority of which were alcohol (1,8-cineole and nerol) and aldehyde ((2E)-2-decenal) compounds. Additionally, ATEO showed great anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. ATEO markedly inhibited the nitric oxide (NO) release, and decreased the expression level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, ATEO significantly reduced the expression of iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB p-p65 and p-ERK. These results suggested that ATEO has great anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, which will facilitate the development of ATEO as a functional food.

Evaluation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 level in serum of fertile and infertile women

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system characterized by inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (Venkatesh et al., 2014). Female infertility, as a complex disorder, may be caused by medical conditions including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis related infertility, ovulatory disorders, tubal factor infertility, and unexplained infertility(Gupta et al., 2014). Infertility affect approximately nine to fifteen percent of the childbearing population, and 55% of these influenced will seek medical help to achieve their desire to have children (Boivin et al., 2011).

Analysis of Biomarkers and Marginal Bone Loss in Platform-Switched and Nonplatform-Switched Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives To compare the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) biomarker levels, peri-implant status, and marginal bone level (MBL) differences of implants restored with randomly assigned nonplatform-switched (NPS) or platform-switched (PS) abutments. Methods Ninety-four implants in 27 subjects were included in this study. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in PICF, peri-implant health, and the change in the MBL were evaluated at the time of restoration (T1) and after 12 months (T2). Results The IL-1β levels decreased and the RANKL, OPG, and MCP-1 levels increased from T1 to T2 (P < 0.05) in both groups. RANKL/OPG ratio at T1, MCP-1 levels at T2, and the MCP-1 change from T1 to T2 were lower in the PS group than in the NPS group (P < 0.05). MBL change was lower (0.51 ± 0.31 mm) in the PS group than that (0.75 ± 0.29 mm) in the NPS group at T2 (P < 0.001). Peri-implant health status between the study groups was negligible. Conclusion PS was superior to NPS regarding the preservation of MBL. Higher MCP-1 levels, altered RANKL/OPG ratio, and lower OPG levels in the NPS group could be associated with subclinical peri-implant bone remodeling.