Serum Levels Of Interleukin-1β Research Articles

Investigation of the active ingredients and mechanism of Shuangling extract in dextran sulfate sodium salt induced ulcerative colitis mice based on network pharmacology and experimental verification.

To explore the pharmacodynamic effects and potential mechanisms of Shuangling extract against ulcerative colitis (UC). The bioinformatics method was used to predict the active ingredients and action targets of Shuangling extract against UC in mice. And the biological experiments such as serum biochemical indexes and histopathological staining were used to verify the pharmacological effect and mechanism of Shuangling extract against UC in mice. The Shuangling extract reduced the levels of seruminterleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-N), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other inflammatory factors in UC mice and inhibited the inflammatory response. AKT Serine/threonine Kinase 1 and IL-6 may be the main targets of the anti-UC action of Shuangling extract, and the TNF signaling pathway, Forkhead box O signaling pathway and T-cell receptor signaling pathway may be the main signaling pathways. The Shuangling extract could inhibit the inflammatory response induced by UC and regulate intestinal immune function through multiple targets and multiple channels, which provided a new option and theoretical basis for anti-UC.

Pentoxifylline as a Novel Add-on Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder in Adult Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Evidence indicates an association between immune dysregulation and major depressive disorder (MDD). Pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in depressive symptoms and pro-inflammatory markers after administration of PTX as an adjunctive agent to citalopram in patients with MDD. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to either citalopram (20 mg/day) plus placebo (twice daily) (n=50) or citalopram (20 mg/day) plus PTX (400 mg) (twice daily) (n=50). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAM-D-17) scores at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 and serum levels of interleukin1-β (IL-1-β), tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, IL-6, serotonin, IL-10, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at baseline and week 12 were evaluated. HAM-D-17 score in the PTX group significantly reduced in comparison to the control group after weeks 4, 6, 8,10, and 12 ((LSMD): - 2.193, p=0.021; - 2.597, p=0.036; - 2.916, p=0.019; - 4.336, p=0.005; and - 4.087, p=0.008, respectively). Patients who received PTX had a better response (83%) and remission rate (79%) compared to the placebo group (49% and 40%, p=0.006 and p=0.01, respectively). Moreover, the reduction in serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors and increase in serotonin and BDNF in the PTX group was significantly greater than in the placebo group (p<0.001). These findings support the safety and efficacy of PTX as an adjunctive antidepressant agent with anti-inflammatory effects in patients with MDD.

A Pilot Study of the Clinical Effectiveness of a Single Intra-Articular Injection of Stanozolol in Canines with Knee Degenerative Joint Disease and Its Correlation with Serum Interleukin-1β Levels.

Stanozolol shows promise as an anabolic and anti-catabolic agent for treating degenerative joint disease (DJD). This study assessed the clinical efficacy of a single intra-articular stanozolol injection in canine knees with DJD and its correlation with serum IL-1β levels. Thirty dogs (n = 30) were divided into a control group (CG, n = 10) and a study group (SG, n = 20) with DJD. Pain levels were assessed using the Brown query, and radiographs were taken at T0 and T3. IL-1β levels were quantified via ELISA. Apart from 2 patients, all showed reduced pain intensity, with 15 patients showing improvement at T1 and 3 patients at T2. A positive correlation (r = 0.84; p < 0.01) was found between pain level and IL-1β in 15 patients. No systemic effects were observed. Most patients (18/20) experienced reduced pain. This pilot study suggests stanozolol's potential in managing DJD in dogs. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and understand stanozolol's mechanism in DJD treatment.

Rat PKU Model Display Gender-Based Neuroinflammatory Changes: Proinflamatuary Cytokines and Lipid Peroxidation

Phenylketonuria (PKU) results from congenital defects of amino acid metabolism. Accumulated phenylalanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes permanent brain damage, but the neuro-pathophysiology underlying phenylketonuria is not fully understood. Chemically-induced rat phenylketonuria model of both genders was generated to examine the role of inflammatory response, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex. Our results showed that in phenylketonuria there was an increase in lipid peroxidation compared to controls, which was significantly different only in males (p&amp;lt;0.001). In male rat PKU groups, statistically significant differences were also observed in serum tryptophan (p&amp;lt;0.001) and interleukin-1β levels (p=0.014) as compared to male controls. In this study, gender-based changes in neuroinflammation and lipid peroxidation were reported for the first time in a PKU model.

Anti-gouty arthritis and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin nanoparticles in monosodium urate crystals induced Balb/C mice.

Gout is a metabolic condition characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in the synovial joints. These crystal depositions result in joint swelling and increased concentration of serum uric acid in blood. The commercially available drugs lower serum uric acid levels and reduce inflammation, but these standard therapies have many side effects.This study aimed to investigate anti-gout and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin nanoparticles (CNPs). For this purpose, CNPs were prepared by dissolving curcumin into dichloromethane. Then, gout was induced by injecting monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the ankle joint and in the intra-peritoneal cavity which caused ankle swelling and increased blood uric acid levels. CNPs in different concentrations (5, 10, and 20ppm) and allopurinol were orally administered. The MSU crystals increased the xanthine oxidase levels both in serum and the liver. Moreover, MSU crystals increased the serum levels of interleukin 1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, liver function tests markers, renal function tests markers, and lipid profiles. However, the administration of CNPs decreased the levels of all these variables. CNPs increased the serum high-density lipoprotein and interleukin-10 levels. Moreover, CNPs also reduced ankle swelling significantly. Hence, the levels ofxanthine oxidase, uric acid and ankle swelling were reduced significantly by oral administration of CNPs. Our findingsindicate that CNPs through their anti-inflammatory properties significantly alleviate gouty arthritis. Thus, the study concluded that CNPs can be developed as an efficient anti-gout agent with minimal side effects.

Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor ameliorates inflammatory response in polycystic ovary syndrome via inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, which often leads to female infertility. Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in the development of PCOS. Our study aimed to explore the impact of mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), a scientifically validated anti-inflammatory factor, on 99 diagnosed PCOS patients. We also investigated its effects on PCOS mice induced with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and KGN cells induced with dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Our findings revealed a decrease in serum MANF levels in PCOS patients, which were negatively associated with serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. The administration of recombinant human MANF (rhMANF) in PCOS mice demonstrated a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and monocytes/macrophages in both peripheral blood and ovarian tissues. Furthermore, the inclusion of rhMANF notably ameliorated DHEA-induced ovarian dysfunction and fibrosis by negatively regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-NLR family, pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. Additionally, in vitro experiments showed that the up-regulation of MANF offset DHT-induced inhibition of viability and apoptosis in KGN cells. Collectively, this study highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of MANF in PCOS and suggests its potential as a therapeutic approach for the management of PCOS.

Maternal serum interleukin-1β, FoxO1 and Sestrin2 levels in predicting preterm delivery

The study aimed to investigate whether serum IL-1β, FoxO1and Sesn2 concentrations differed between threatened preterm labor (TPL) and uncomplicated pregnancies. This study was conducted on 54 women with TPL pregnancies and 26 healthy pregnant women. The TPL group was further divided into two subgroups according to the gestational age at delivery. Patients who gave birth within 48–72 hours after the hospitalization were referred to as preterm delivery (PD) and those who gave birth at ≥37 weeks were referred to as term delivery (TD). Maternal levels of serum IL-1β, FoxO1 and Sesn2 were measured with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The mean maternal serum IL-1β and FoxO1 of PD were significantly higher than TD (p<.000*) and the control group (p < .000*). The mean maternal serum IL-1β, FoxO1 level of TD was significantly higher than the control group (p<.000*). The mean maternal serum Sesn2 levels of TD and the control group were significantly higher than the preterm group (p<.000*). The mean maternal serum Sesn2 level of the control group was significantly higher than the TD group (p <.000*). A negative correlation was found between serum concentration of serum IL-1β, and FoxO1 with the gestational week of delivery (r= −0.722, p< .000*for, IL-1β; r = −0.625, p < .000* for FoxO1). A positive correlation was found between the serum concentration of serum Sesn2 with the gestational week of delivery (r = 0.507, p<.000* for sesn2). High serum IL-1β, FoxO1 levels, and low Sesn2 levels may have the potential to be used as biomarkers for the differentiation of PD and TD.

The influence of occupational heat stress on serum inflammatory cytokines among traditional bakery workers in Iran.

Heat exposure exceeding the ISO7243:1989 standard limit can contribute to health problems among employees in a variety of workplaces. Ignoring heat standard requirements in hot working conditions such as bakeries results in physiologic and health problems, as well as an elevated risk of later illnesses. In this analytical case-control study, the serum levels of four inflammatory factors (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein) were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. 105 male artisan bakers (in four job classifications in bakeries and staff) were compared based on demographic characteristics and inflammatory factors. The findings of the study showed correlations between serum interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein levels and thermal exposure in the occupational environment and employment type. Moreover, some differences in serum level of interleukin-1β and job type were observed. Heat overexposure affected the increase of interleukin-1β and C-reactive protein secretion. As a result of years of working in high-temperature conditions, inflammation can lead to subsequent diseases in workers. To protect their health from this occupational hazard, additional safeguards are needed. Our recommendations could also be applied to overly hot work environments that may cause heat stress in workers.

NLRP3-inflammasome inhibition by MCC950 attenuates cardiac and pulmonary artery remodelling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AimsThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the NLRP3-inflammasome in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Main methodsSerum inflammatory cytokines were detected in patients with heart failure. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between serum inflammatory cytokines and left ventricular diastolic function. A ‘two-hit’ (metabolic stress and mechanical stress) mouse model of HFpEF was established. Furthermore, MCC950 was used to determine the role of NLRP3-inflammasome inhibition in cardiac and pulmonary artery remodelling in HFpEF mice. Key findingsCompared with heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, patients with HFpEF have significantly elevated serum inflammatory cytokine levels. Serum NLRP3 and interleukin-1β levels were positively correlated with the diastolic function of HFpEF. In the HFpEF mouse model, the inhibition of the NLRP3-inflammasome by MCC950 improved exercise intolerance, glucose intolerance, and left ventricular diastolic function, but had no significant effect on systolic function. Meanwhile, MCC950 attenuated the release of inflammatory cytokines, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Mechanistically, the potential protective effects of MCC950 are achieved by inhibiting activation of the NLRP3-IL-1β pathway and cascade expansion of downstream inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, the inhibition of NLRP3-inflammasome by MCC950 reduced pulmonary artery pressure and improved pulmonary artery remodelling in HFpEF. SignificanceThe NLRP3-inflammasome plays a considerable role in inflammation and cardiac and pulmonary artery remodelling in HFpEF by activating the cascade reaction of inflammatory cytokines. This study is the first to comprehensively elucidate the role of the NLRP3-inflammasome in HFpEF, and will provide reference for future study.

Significance of the rs754635 variant of the cholecystokinin gene in the development of obesity in children

So far, the possible influence of single nucleotide variants (SNV) of the cholecystokinin (CCK) gene on the likelihood of developing obesity and metabolic disorders in children has not been demonstrated. The aim of the study SNV associations of the CSK gene to predict the probability of obesity and personalize the development trajectory of various metabolic disorders associated with obesity in children. Materials and methods. 252 obese children aged 6-18 years were examined. The main group (n=152) was represented by children with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). The control group (n=100) consolidated of children with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Whole genome sequencing (CeGat, Germany) was performed in 31 children of the main and 21 children of the control group. Serum levels of interleukin-1β were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) method, interleukin-6 - by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Synevo, Ukraine. Results. The G allele of SNV rs754635 of the CCK gene was significantly more frequent among children with both MHO (t=10.93; p&lt;0.05) and MUO (t=12.96; p&lt;0.05) compared to healthy individuals. The G allele of SNV rs754635 of the CCK gene was associated with basal hyperglycemia (r=0.44) and impaired carbohydrate tolerance (r=0.33) in the MHO phenotype and with the atherogenicity index of the lipid spectrum (r=0.40) and was inversely correlated with the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) (r=-0.58) in children with MUO phenotype, p&lt;0.05. Conclusions. The G allele SNV rs754635 of the CCK gene is associated with obesity and the development of metabolic disorders. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of parents or their guardians was obtained for conducting research. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Boric Acid in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation in Rat Model.

This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of boric acid (BA) in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in rats, evaluating its biochemical and histopathological therapeutic effects.A KOA rat model was induced by injecting monosodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. Random assignment was performed for the experimental groups as follows: group-1(control), group-2(KOA control), group-3 (BA:4mg/kg, orally), group-4(BA:10mg/kg, orally), group-5(BA:4mg/kg, intra-articularly), and group-6(BA:10mg/kg, intra-articularly). The rats received 100 µL of BA intra-articularly on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 or 1mL orally once a day (5days/week) for 4weeks. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and activityofmatrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on knee joint samples using specific antibodies for IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS-2).Group-2 exhibited higher serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels and MMP-13 activity than group-1 (P < 0.05). However, IL-1β and TNF-α levels and MMP-13 activity were lower in all treatment groups than in group-2, with statistically significant reductions observed in groups-4, 5, and 6. Histopathologically, group-2 displayed joint space narrowing, cartilage degeneration, and deep fissures. Groups-5 and 6 demonstrated significant joint space enlargement, articular cartilage tissue regeneration, and immunostaining patterns similar to those in group-1. Immunohistochemically, group-2 showed significant increases in IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, and NOS-2 expression. However, all treatment groups exhibited reductions in these expression levels compared to group-2, with statistically significant decreases observed in groups-5 and 6 (P < 0.01).BA shows potential efficacy in reducing inflammation in experimental KOA model in rats. It may be a promising therapeutic agent for KOA, warranting further clinical studies for validation.

Evaluation of the relationship between serum interleukin-1β levels and expression of inflammasome-related genes in patients with COVID-19

BackgroundInflammasomes are a group of molecules that are strongly involved in causing inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3, and Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) as well as their association with serum level of interleukin (IL)-1β in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThirty COVID-19 patients and 30 healthy subjects (HS) were recruited. Peripheral blood specimens were collected from subjects to assess NLRP1, NLRP3, and ASC gene expression by Real time-PCR technique. Serum levels of IL-1β were also measured via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe findings showed no significant differences in serum IL-1β level between COVID-19 patients and the HS group. mRNA expression of ASC (P = 0.008) and NLRP1 (P = 0.03) gene had a significant increase in COVID-19 patients compared to HS, while there was no significant increase in the expression of NLRP3 between the studied group. There were significant correlations between patient’s data and expression levels of NLRP1, NLRP3, IL-1β, and ACS.ConclusionsNLRP1 and ASC may have a more critical role in the generation of the active form of IL-1β in COVID-19 patients compared to NLRP3. However, serum levels of IL-1β in patients did not show a significant increase, which may be due to the patient’s condition and the application of virus escape mechanisms through impaired NLRP3 expression and its malfunction.

Xiao-Ban-Xia decoction mitigates cisplatin-induced emesis via restoring PINK1/Parkin mediated mitophagy deficiency in a rat pica model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs a traditional Chinese anti-emetic formula, Xiao-Ban-Xia decoction (XBXD) was recorded in Golden Chamber, and has promising anti-emetic effect on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Aim of the studyThis study aimed to determine whether the underlying mechanism of XBXD against CINV is correlated to the restoration of cisplatin-induced PINK1/Parkin mediated mitophagy deficiency and mitigation of gastrointestinal inflammation. Materials and methodsThe rat pica model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin 6 mg/kg. The daily kaolin consumption, food intake and body weight were recorded every 24 h. The pathological damage of gastric antrum and ileum were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The levels of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-1β (IL-18) were detected by ELISA. The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) in gastric antrum and ileum was detected by Immunofluorescence staining. The levels of LC3II, P62/SQSTM1, PTEN-induced putative protein kinases (PINK1), E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin), AMP-dependent protein kinases (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and kelch like ECH Associated Protein 1 (Keap1) in gastric antrum and ileum were assayed by western blotting. ResultsAt 24 h and 72 h following cisplatin challenge, XBXD inhibited cisplatin-induced elevation of kaolin consumption, and improved the daily food intake and body weight loss in rats. Cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal histopathological damages were alleviated, and serum levels of ROS, IL-1β and IL-18 increases were mitigated following XBXD treatments. In gastric antrum and ileum, XBXD activated AMPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway and restored cisplatin-induced PINK1/Parkin mediated mitophagy deficiency. ConclusionsXBXD significantly ameliorated CINV in a cisplatin-induced rat pica model. The underlying anti-emetic mechanism of XBXD might be related to the activation of AMPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway and the restoration of cisplatin-induced PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy deficiency in the gastrointestinal tract.

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE EGYVIR ON RATS EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS; A PRECLINICAL STUDY FOR SARS-COV-2 TREATMENT

Background: The SARS-COV-2 is a worldwide pandemic problem. We developed a herbal extract with potent in-vitro virucidal, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects called EGIVIR. Our aim is to assess the bioavailability and cytotoxicity of EGYVIR on different organs and biological systems in Sprague Dawley rats as a model of experimental animals. Methods: 128 rats were divided into 16 groups (8 rats each), where Egyvir was assessed in oral doses of 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg body weight, and by inhalation in 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/kg body weight, four times/day, compared to the control groups. Results: The Egyvir had no significant effect on the blood pressure, pulse, motor activity, histological, hematological, and coagulation profiles. Also, the blood levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, blood glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphor kinase (CPK) were not significantly affected. Egyvir had no harmful effect on the kidney and liver functions, blood electrolytes levels and urinary levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride. There was no significant effect on the serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon- γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α). Additionally, there was no significant change in the levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonaldehyde (MDA) in comparison to the control groups (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Egyvir is considered a safe antiviral natural drug. It could be used for the treatment of SARS-COV-2 without any adverse effects when used with the recommended doses. However, these data are a preliminary step for validation in a clinical setting.

Effect of multi-glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii on renal injury in diabetic kidney disease rats through NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway

This study investigated the effect of multi-glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii(GTW) on renal injury in diabetic kidney disease(DKD) rats through Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteine-aspartic acid protease-1(caspase-1)/gsdermin D(GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway and the mechanism. To be specific, a total of 40 male SD rats were randomized into the normal group(n=8) and modeling group(n=34). In the modeling group, a high-sugar and high-fat diet and one-time intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ) were used to induce DKD in rats. After successful modeling, they were randomly classified into model group, valsartan(Diovan) group, and GTW group. Normal group and model group were given normal saline, and the valsartan group and GTW group received(ig) valsartan and GTW, respectively, for 6 weeks. Blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(Scr), alanine ami-notransferase(ALT), albumin(ALB), and 24 hours urinary total protein(24 h-UTP) were determined by biochemical tests. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining. Serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interleukin-18(IL-18) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis pathway-related proteins in renal tissue, and RT-PCR to determine the expression of pyroptosis pathway-related genes in renal tissue. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed high levels of BUN, Scr, ALT, and 24 h-UTP and serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18(P&lt;0.01), low level of ALB(P&lt;0.01), severe pathological damage to kidney, and high protein and mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD in renal tissue(P&lt;0.01). Compared with the model group, valsartan group and GTW group had low levels of BUN, Scr, ALT, and 24 h-UTP and serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18(P&lt;0.01), high level of ALB(P&lt;0.01), alleviation of the pathological damage to the kidney, and low protein and mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD in renal tissue(P&lt;0.01 or P&lt;0.05). GTW may inhibit pyroptosis by decreasing the expression of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD in renal tissue, thereby relieving the inflammatory response of DKD rats and the pathological injury of kidney.

Berberine improves negative symptoms and cognitive function in patients with chronic schizophrenia via anti-inflammatory effect: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundBased on the neuroinflammation hypothesis in schizophrenia and known anti-inflammatory effects of berberine, the aim of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of berberine in treating negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in adult patients with chronic schizophrenia.MethodsEnrolled participants were randomized to receive berberine or placebo for 3 months. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Trail-making Test A (TMT-A), Trail-making Test B (TMT-B), and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) were used to evaluate the negative symptoms and cognitive function at four-time points (baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd month). Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were used as inflammatory markers. 106 patients with per-protocol were analyzed, 56 in the experimental (berberine) group and 50 in the control (placebo) group.ResultsFrom baseline to month 3, patients receiving berberine demonstrated a decrease in total scores on clinical scales SANS, TMT-A and TMT-B and showed a serum level reduction of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α comparing with patients in the control group (P < 0.05). There were positive correlations between the change of serum IL-1β level and the change of SANS (r = 0.210, P = 0.039), TMT-A (r = 0.522, P < 0.001), and TMT-B (r = 0.811, P < 0.001); between the change of serum IL-6 level and the change of TMT-A (r = 0.562, P < 0.001), and TMT-B (r = 0.664, P < 0.001); between the change of serum TNF-α level and the change of TMT-B (r = 0.472, P < 0.001) after berberine treatment.ConclusionsBerberine is an anti-inflammatory agent that can potentially mitigate the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

CXCL12 and CXCR4 as Novel Biomarkers in Uric Acid-Induced Inflammation and Patients with Gouty Arthritis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 in patients with gout and uric acid-induced inflammation. A total of 40 patients with intercritical gout and 27 controls were consecutively enrolled. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, CXCL12, and CXCR4 were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene and protein expressions for these target molecules were measured in human U937 cells incubated with monosodium urate (MSU) crystals using a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Patients with intercritical gout showed higher serum IL-1β, IL-18, and CXCL12 levels, but not the serum CXCR4 level, than in the controls.The serum CXCR4 level in gout patients was associated with the serum IL-18 level, uric acid level, and uric acid/creatinine ratio (r = 0.331, p = 0.037; r = 0.346, p = 0.028; and r = 0.361, p = 0.022, respectively). U937 cells treated with MSU crystals significantly induced the CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression in addition to IL-1β and IL-18. In cells transfected with IL-1β siRNA or IL-18 siRNA, the CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression was downregulated compared with the non-transfected cells in MSU crystal-induced inflammation. In this study, we revealed that CXCL12 and CXCR4 were involved in the pathogenesis of uric acid-induced inflammation and gouty arthritis.

Loss of Sour Taste Is the Striking Feature among Four Basic Taste Qualities in Tunisian COVID-19 Patients.

Taste disorders (TDs) have been reported to be very common in patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In most of the hitherto conducted studies, a gustatory assessment was performed on the basis of surveys or self-reports by patients. The aim of our study was to undertake an objective assessment of four basic taste qualities by conducting tasting sessions that allowed detection thresholds in COVID-19 Tunisian patients and to study their associations with inflammation. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 89 patients aged between 21 to 70 years who had been diagnosed with COVID-19. We used Burghart taste strips to assess taste perception of the four taste qualities, i.e., sour, bitter, sweet, and salty. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Taste disorders were reported by 40.4% of the patients, while objective assessments revealed that 63.8% of participants were suffering from hypogeusia and/or ageusia. Sour taste was the most altered (70.8%) gustatory quality. Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly lower sour and bitter taste scores when compared to patients with minor/moderate forms. There was no significant association between serum inflammatory markers and taste disorders. However, the relationship between bitter and sweet taste qualities and IL-1β levels was significant (p = 0.018 and p = 0.041). Our results demonstrate the interest in the objective assessment of taste dysfunctions in COVID-19 patients.

Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous Extract of Spatholobi Caulis and Its Ameliorative Effect on CCl4 Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

The acute liver injury model of mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was used to explore the protective effect of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis on acute liver injury. Methods: The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids in the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Caulis spatholobi were determined, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS free radical scavenging rate and FRAP total reducing capacity. 30 C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into model group, bifendate group, the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis (n = 6). The animal model of acute liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ after 7 days with corresponding drugs. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by H&E staining. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The indexes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and antioxidant effects of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Results: Liver histomorphology observation showed that aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis could significantly improve liver cell injury and inflammatory cell infiltration, and significantly increased the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px antioxidant enzymes in liver, decreased the contents of MDA and ALT and AST in serum, significantly down-regulated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, and up-regulated the levels of IL-10 and other inflammatory factors. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Spatholobi Caulis can improve acute liver injury induced by CCl₄ in mice through improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index Score and Cytokine Levels in Chinese Pregnant Women during the Second and Third Trimesters

The impact of dietary inflammatory potential on serum cytokine concentrations in second and third trimesters of Chinese pregnant women is not clear. A total of 175 pregnant women from the Tianjin Maternal and Child Health Education and Service Cohort (TMCHESC) were included. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated based on 24-h food records. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the second and third trimesters were measured. The mean DII scores (mean ± SD) were -0.07 ± 1.65 and 0.06 ± 1.65 in the second and third trimesters, respectively. In the third trimester, IL-1β (p = 0.039) and MCP-1 (p = 0.035) levels decreased and then increased with increasing DII scores. IL-10 concentrations decreased in pregnant women whose DII scores increased between the second and third trimesters (p = 0.011). Thiamin and vitamin C were negatively correlated with MCP-1 (β = -0.879, and β = -0.003) and IL-6 (β = -0.602, and β = -0.002) levels in the third trimester. In conclusion, the DII score had a U-shaped association with cytokine levels during the third trimester. Changes in DII scores between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were correlated with cytokine levels during the third trimester.