Regulation Of Inflammatory Activity Research Articles

Brucella abortus triggers the differential expression of immunomodulatory lncRNAs in infected murine macrophages.

The lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) are the most diverse group of non-coding RNAs and are involved in most biological processes including the immune response. While some of them have been recognized for their influence on the regulation of inflammatory activity, little is known in the context of infection by Brucella abortus, a pathogen that presents significant challenges due to its ability to manipulate and evade the host immune system. This study focuses on characterize the expression profile of LincRNA-cox2, Lethe, lincRNA-EPS, Malat1 and Gas5 during infection of macrophages by B. abortus. Using public raw RNA-seq datasets we constructed for a lncRNA expression profile in macrophages Brucella-infected. In addition, from public RNA-seq raw datasets of RAW264.7 cells infected with B. abortus we constructed a transcriptomic profile of lncRNAs in order to know the expression of the five immunomodulating lncRNAs studied here at 8 and 24 h post-infection. Finally, we performed in vitro infection assays in RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages to detect by qPCR changes in the expression of these lncRNAs at first 12 hours post infection, a key stage in the infection cycle where Brucella modulates the immune response to survive. Our results demonstrate that infection of macrophages with Brucella abortus, induces significant changes in the expression of LincRNA-Cox2, Lethe, LincRNA-EPS, Gas5, and Malat1. The change in the expression profile of these immunomodulatory lncRNAs in response to infection, suggest a potential involvement in the immune evasion strategy employed by Brucella to facilitate its intracellular survival.

Chemical characterization of balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorum) sprout extracts and their regulation of inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells.

The balloon flower (BF) is a potent natural source of phytochemical compounds and is associated with our health. The sprouting process is accompanied by significant changes in phytochemical compounds in comparison with their original plants. Even though many studies are conducted with BF, there are not yet reports of BF sprouts. In the present study, we determined the chemical composition and biological activity of BF sprouts that had been cultivated for 50 days. Kaempferol‐3‐O‐galactoside and 1‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid were identified as major components of whole BF sprouts. The leaves/stems of the sprouts had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and lower IC50 values in DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging assays than whole sprouts or roots. The roots of the sprouts had the highest polygalacin D content (1.44 mg/g). We also determined the effects of different parts of BF sprouts on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. When these cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their nitrite and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production increased. BF sprouts suppressed the LPS‐induced production of nitrite, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6 in a concentration‐dependent manner without causing any cytotoxic effects. Nitrite and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production were significantly inhibited by the roots and leaves/stems, respectively. The inhibitory effects of BF sprouts on LPS‐stimulated inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were associated with suppressed NF‐κB activation. These findings suggest that BF sprouts could be a valuable source of bioactive compounds and exert anti‐inflammatory effects due to their polygalacin D, deapi‐platycodin D3, and polyphenol content.

Gene expression profiles of TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its receptors death receptor 3 (DR3) and decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in multiple sclerosis

TL1A/DR3/DcR3 pathway is an important mediator of inflammatory responses and contributes to the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we analysed PBMC gene expression of these molecules in 30 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, 8 secondary progressive MS (SPMS), 9 primary progressive MS (PPMS), 11 clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients, and 16 healthy controls (HCs), to evaluate their biomarker potential in MS. The results showed significant decrease in TL1A expression in RRMS compared to other study groups. TL1A as a marker of inflammation, we found its higher expression among treatment näive RRMS patients as compared to HCs and among patients who were treated with DMTs. Moreover, TL1A expression was found to be associated with the clinical and MRI findings of MS patients suggesting its possible involvement in the establishment or preservation of immune system homeostasis or in the regulation of inflammatory activity. Taken together, these findings suggest the TL1A should be evaluated further for its potential as a candidate biomarker of inflammatory activity and the marker of therapeutic response to immunomodulatory treatments in MS.

Cathepsin S as a Biomarker: Where are We Now and What are the Future Challenges?

The cathepsins are a group of homologous proteases that can be found in a wide variety of cell types [1]. In the last decade, much attention has been given to one of the members of the cathepsin family, cathepsin S. It is a potent protease that degrades intracellular proteins engulfed by lysosomes, but also extracellular elements such as elastin, fibronectin, laminin and collagens [1]. Apart from its role in protein degradation, cathepsin S plays a crucial role in MHC class II antigen presentation [2]. In addition, experimental data suggest that there is a close interplay between cathepsin S and the regulation of inflammatory activity [2].