Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Receptor Research Articles

An in silico study of the effects of chemical compounds in Petiveria alliacea leaf extract on inflammatory mediators

Background: Petiveria alliacea (P. alliacea) is a botanical species renowned for its bioactive compounds and is utilised for medicinal purposes worldwide. In Southwestern Nigeria, P. alliacea finds common application in herbal medicine to address diverse ailments, including diabetes due to chronic inflammation. Objective: This study investigates the drug-like molecular properties of chemical compounds in P. alliacea, targeting the interleukin one receptor (IL1R) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha receptor (TNFAR). Method: The target binding of the P. alliacea chemical compounds was evaluated through drug-likeness tests on the SCFBIO server. All compounds found in P. alliacea adhere to Lipinski’s Rule of Five, classifying them as drug-like molecules. Employing molecular docking simulations on PyRx v9.9.0, the interaction dynamics between P. alliacea ligands and IL1R and TNFAR were simulated. Result: Among the compounds found in P. alliacea, namely astilbin and isoarborinol, emerge as potential candidates for IL1R and TNFAR protein inhibitors due to their notably elevated negative binding affinity values and involve Van der Waals, hydrogen and alkyl bond interactions. Then, a response was elicited that was marked by diminished oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: P. alliacea has the potential to inhibit proinflammatory proteins, such as IL1R and TNFAR, due to its content, namely astilbin and isoarborinol.

Brief Report: Relationship Between Adiposity and Biomarkers of Aging and Frailty Among Adults Aging With HIV.

This study examined the relationships among adiposity, handgrip, physical function, inflammation (ie, senescence-associated secretory phenotype chemokines as biomarkers of aging and frailty), and sex hormones in aging people with HIV. This cross-sectional exploratory study included 150 people with HIV aged ≥40 years (67.3% of participants were male). Our measures included (1) body mass index and waist circumference as measures of adiposity; (2) handgrip as a measure of muscle strength; (3) short physical performance battery as a measure of physical function; (4) interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 also known as fractalkine as senescence-associated secretory phenotype chemokines; and (5) free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone as sex hormones. Quantile regression analyses were used to identify relationships among inflammatory markers and hormones with age, adiposity, handgrip, and physical function. Overall, 74% (n = 111) of participants were classified as overweight or obese and 53.3% (n = 80) presented with abdominal obesity. After controlling for age and sex, body mass index was positively associated with estradiol (β = 0.043, P < 0.01), and waist circumference was positively associated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (β = 2.151, P < 0.01). After controlling for sex, age was positively associated with C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (β = 0.024, P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II (β = 2.205, P = 0.01). After controlling for age and sex, short physical performance battery was negatively associated with dehydroepiandrosterone (β = -0.004, P = 0.01); no statistically significant associations were observed for handgrip. Adiposity levels and aging were associated with inflammation (ie, C-X-C motif chemokine 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein) among people with HIV aged 40 years and older.

Risk Factors for Bone Fractures in Patients With Comorbid Pathology

Patients with heart failure (HF) have elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), leading to macrophage activation, impaired microvascular function, changes in muscle contraction and fibrosis development. In addition, these proinflammatory cytokines promote bone resorption, thereby increasing the incidence of bone fractures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor types 1 and 2 (TNF-α-SR1 and TNF-α-SR2) on fracture probability in individuals with osteoporosis who have concurrent chronic heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was conducted on 178 women aged 50 to 65 years. Among these women, 48 were in group 1 and had both heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Group 2 included 93 patients with osteoporosis and heart failure and group 3 included 37 women with osteoporosis, heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Thirty-five postmenopausal women without any clinical and instrumental signs of cardiovascular pathology or osteoporosis were selected as the control group. The levels of TNF-α-SR1 and TNF-α-SR2 receptors in patient groups 1-3 were significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) than in the control group, as were their concentrations. In addition, it was found that the levels of both receptors were significantly higher in group 3 than in patients in groups 1 and 2. To evaluate the levels of TNF-α-SR1 and TNF-α-SR2, the data were divided into four quartiles (Q1-Q4) based on the increase in the concentrations of these markers. For TNF-α-SR2, an increasing risk gradient was observed, with the odds ratio (OR) for osteoporosis events increasing from 1.4 to 12.83, but the risk was statistically significant only for Q3-Q4. For Q4 TNF-α-SR1 levels, a significant increase in the risk of an adverse osteoporosis outcome at 36 months was also found (OR=5.25, p=0.038). In addition, the use of loop diuretics was found to be a predictor of high risk of osteoporotic fractures in patients with chronic HF (JR=6.29, 95% CI=1.45-17.26, p=0.015). Postmenopausal women with chronic HF and elevated levels of soluble TNF-α-SR1 and TNF-α-SR2 receptors are at higher risk for osteoporosis and adverse disease progression. In addition, the use of loop diuretics in these individuals is associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Cyclizine induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in macrophages through the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Cyclizine, an over-the-counter and prescription antihistamine, finds widespread application in the prevention and treatment of motion sickness, encompassing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, along with its effectiveness in managing vertigo. However, the overuse or misuse of cyclizine may lead to hallucinations, confusion, tachycardia, and hypertension. The molecular mechanisms underlying cyclizine-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis remain unclear. During the 24 h incubation duration, RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to different concentrations of cyclizine. Cytotoxicity was assessed through the lactate dehydrogenase assay. Flow cytometry employing annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide was utilized to evaluate apoptosis and necrosis. Caspase activity and mitochondrial dysfunction were evaluated through a fluorogenic substrate assay and JC-1 dye, respectively. Flow cytometry employing fluorogenic antibodies was utilized to evaluate the release of cytochrome c and expression of death receptor, including tumor necrosis factor-α receptor and Fas receptor. Western blotting was utilized to evaluate the expression of the Bcl2 and Bad apoptotic regulatory proteins. The findings unveiled from the present study demonstrated that cyclizine exerted a concentration-dependent effect on RAW264.7 macrophages, leading to the induction of cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and necrosis. This compound further activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, Bcl2/Bad exchange expression, cytochrome c liberation, and activation of caspases contained caspase 3, 8, and 9. Moreover, the activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was observed as cyclizine induced the upregulation of death receptors and increased caspase activities. Based on our investigations, it can be inferred that cyclizine prompts cytotoxicity and apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner by triggering both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.

Does perceived caloric and nutrient intake influence the acute effect of beverage consumption on cardiovascular function?

Our objective was to explore whether consuming the same high-fat/sugar beverage affects endothelial function differently depending on whether it is presented as "unhealthy" [accurate high calorie (kcal), fat, and sugar information displayed] versus "healthy" (inaccurate low kcal, fat, and sugar information displayed). Twenty-five, young (21 ± 2 yr), healthy, food-stress/shame-prone women completed three conditions: milkshake consumption (540 kcal, 80 g sugar, and 14 g fat) where correct, "unhealthy" nutritional information was shown to participants (milkshake condition), consumption of the same milkshake but with incorrect, "healthy" information shown to participants (100 kcal, 3 g sugar, and 4 g fat; sham-nutrishake condition), and water consumption (control condition). Pre- and postbeverage we assessed 1) endothelial function via standard brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD); 2) perceived shame, stress, beverage healthiness, and harm; and 3) blood (plasma) glucose, insulin, triglycerides and oral fluid cortisol, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) receptor binding. Glucose, triglycerides, and insulin increased in the milkshake and sham-nutrishake conditions (P < 0.05). The milkshake was perceived as less healthy (P < 0.001) and more harmful (P < 0.001) than the sham-nutrishake. Shame, stress, oral fluid cortisol and TNFα receptor binding did not increase postconsumption. FMD decreased after the milkshake condition (pre: 7.4 ± 3.3%; post-60 min: 4.9 ± 2.9%; post-90 min: 4.5 ± 3.1%, P < 0.001) but not the sham-nutrishake (pre: 5.7 ± 2.2%; post-60 min: 5.5 ± 2.6%; post-90 min: 5.0 ± 2.4%, P = 0.43) or control conditions (pre: 7.0 ± 2.6%; post-60 min: 6.6 ± 4.1%; post-90 min: 6.0 ± 3.2%, P = 0.29). Shear rate stimulus covariation did not alter FMD results. Lower perceived beverage healthiness was significantly associated with a greater reduction in FMD (ρ = 0.36, P = 0.002). In conclusion, a high-fat/sugar milkshake reduced FMD only when presented as high in fat, sugar, and calories. This suggests that perceptions about nutritional information contribute to the impact of food intake on endothelial function and that nocebo effects could be involved in cardiovascular disease etiology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This was the first study to investigate how perceived nutritional content influences the impact of a high-sugar/fat beverage on endothelial function. We found that a high-sugar/fat beverage only reduced endothelial function when it was presented to participants as high in calories, fat, and sugar. This suggests that perceived nutritional information contributes to the impact of high sugar and fat intake on endothelial function.

Dysfunction of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in major depressive disorder.

Despite mounting evidence demonstrates circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) quantitative changes in depression, no study has investigated cEPC functions in major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated the role of cEPC adhesive and apoptotic functions in MDD. We recruited 68 patients with MDD and 56 healthy controls (HCs). The depression symptoms, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, subjective cognitive dysfunction, quality of life, and functional disability were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS), Perceived Deficits Questionnaire-Depression, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), respectively. Working memory and executive function were assessed using a 2-back task and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Inflammatory marker (soluble interleukin-6 receptor, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-1), cEPC adhesive, and apoptotic levels were measured using in vitro assays. The MDD patients showed significantly lower cEPC adhesive levels than the HCs, and this difference in adhesive function remained statistically significant even after adjusting for inflammatory marker levels. The cEPC adhesion levels were in inverse correlations with commission and omission errors in 2-back task, the percent perseverative response and percent perseverative errors in WCST, and the DSSS and SDS scores, but in positive correlations with SF-12 physical and mental component scores. cEPC apoptotic levels did not differ significantly between the groups. The findings indicate that cEPC adhesive function is diminished in MDD and impacts various aspects of cognitive and psychosocial functions associated with the disorder.

Toll-like receptor 7 and tumor necrosis factor alpha polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases

ABSTRACT Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) susceptibility depends on a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Genes for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been incorporated into the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders. Our aim is to assess the association between TLR7 (rs179009) and TNF-α (rs1800629) polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disorders. One-hundred ninety-nine individuals, divided into 68 HT patients in group I, 57 GD patients in group II, and 74 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects in group III, underwent laboratory investigations, including the detection of TLR7 and TNF-α polymorphisms using real-time PCR technique. TLR7 (rs179009) genotypes, A/G and G/G, were significantly more prevalent in HT patients (group I) compared to normal controls. Meanwhile, TNF-α (rs1800629) genotypes in GD patients (group II) showed a six fold increase in the risk of the disease in the G/A and A/A genotypes. Our findings propose the fact that the polymorphisms of TLR7 (rs179009) play a role in the susceptibility and the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, whereas TNF-α (rs1800629) polymorphisms play a role in the susceptibility and development of Graves’ disease.

B40 and SiB39 fullerenes enhance the physicochemical features of curcumin and effectively improve its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities

In this paper, density functional theory calculations have been employed to study the interaction of curcumin through β-diketone- and enol- forms with the borospherene molecule (B40) and its silicon-doped variant (SiB39) for application as a nanocarrier for designing a drug delivery system. The obtained results from binding energies analysis indicated that the enol form (state II: −1.32 eV) and β-diketone form (state III: −2.51 eV) of curcumin prefers a strong polar covalent B-O and Si-O bonds through carbonyl groups after the interaction with B40 and SiB39 fullerenes. The boron fullerene doped with silicon atom improves the adsorption of β-diketone form and has higher binding energy values and increased dipole moment. So, SiB39 fullerene is more sensitive to the presence of β-diketone (state III: 76.84 %) and enol form is (state IV: 93.68 %) compared to the B40 fullerene due to the alteration in energy gap. According to molecular docking analysis the β-diketone curcumin conjugated with SiB39 (state III) and B40 fullerenes (state I) revealed the best binding affinity with the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) receptor (-8.9 kcal/mol) and the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) receptor (-8.8 kcal/mol). The anticancer activities of β-diketone curcumin conjugated B40 and SiB39 fullerenes improved in comparison with curumin towards Epidermal growth factor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 receptors. Molecular docking simulation analysis illustrated that the interaction of curcumin conjugated B40 and SiB39 fullerenes have great potential for the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities in contrast to Curcumin. Thus, the molecular docking and density functional theory analysis confirm that curcumin decorated B40 and SiB39 fullerenes have significant potential to be explored further in cancer and inflammation treatments.

Zinc Deficiency And sTNF-RII Are Associated With Worse COVID-19 Outcomes

BackgroundZinc (Zn) is known for its substantial involvement in the immune response as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Zn plasma levels’ clinical significance in coronavirus disease (COVID) diagnosis is not yet fully established. ObjectiveWe assessed the association between Zn deficiency, gut integrity, inflammation, and COVID-19 outcomes. MethodsA prospective observational cohort in which plasma Zn, soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor II (sTNF-RII) intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (IFABP; marker of intestinal integrity), and zonulin levels (intestinal permeability) were collected from participants during the acute phase of a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Zn was modeled as continuous and binary, categorized as Zn deficiency (Zn < 75 μg/dL) and Zn sufficiency (Zn ≥ 75 μg/dL). COVID-19 outcomes were classified according to the World Health Organization clinical progression scale. We used cumulative probit regression to assess if suboptimal Zn levels, gut, and inflammatory markers increase the likelihood of worse COVID-19 outcomes. ResultsZn deficiency was independently associated with 63% higher predicted odds of worse COVID outcomes. Increases in sTNF-RII {unadjusted odds ratio (uOR): 3.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.02, 5.82]} and zonulin [uOR: 1.83 (95% CI: 1.21, 2.76)] levels were associated with greater odds of worse COVID outcomes. IFABP was not associated with worse COVID outcomes [uOR: 1.12 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.53)] or acute Zn deficiency [uOR: 1.35 (95% CI: 0.79, 2.35)]. The adjusted predicted odds of worse COVID outcomes are 3-fold higher (P = 0.04) for every one-unit decrease in Zn and is more than 2 times greater odds of COVID severity (P = 0.01) for every 1-unit increase in sTNF-RII. ConclusionZn deficiency and inflammation were independently associated with greater odds of worse COVID outcomes.

Associations of TNF-RII rs1061622 With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Their Interplays on Serum Lipids Levels in Adolescents.

To verify effects of rs1061622 at tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II (TNF-RII) gene (TNF-RII) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its interactive effects with PTSD on serum lipids levels in adolescents. PTSD was measured by PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) in 699 adolescent survivors at 6 months after Wenchuan earthquake in China. A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay were utilized for TNF-RII rs1061622 genotyping followed by verification using DNA sequencing. Serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were tested using routine methods. G (deoxyguanine) allele carriers had higher PCL-C scores than TT (deoxythymidine) homozygotes in female subjects. Female adolescents had higher PCL-C scores than male subjects in TT homozygotes. Predictors of PTSD prevalence and severity were different between G allele carriers and TT homozygotes. Subjects with PTSD had lower TG, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and higher HDL-C than adolescents without PTSD in male G allele carriers. G allele carriers had higher TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C than TT homozygotes in male adolescents without PTSD, and lower TG and TG/HDL-C in male PTSD patients. G allele carriers had higher TG than TT homozygotes only in female adolescents without PTSD. These results suggest reciprocal actions of TNF-RII rs1061622 with other factors on PTSD severity, interplays of TNF-RII rs1061622 with PTSD on serum lipid levels, and novel treatment strategies for PTSD and comorbidities of PTSD with hyperlipidemia among adolescents with different genetic backgrounds of TNF-RII rs1061622 after experiencing traumatic events.

Essential Oils of the Leaves of Epaltes australis Less. and Lindera myrrha (Lour.) Merr.: Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Tyrosinase Inhibitory, and Molecular Docking Studies.

Epaltes australis Less. has been traditionally used to treat fever and snake bites, whereas Lindera myrrha (Lour.) Merr. is well-known for addressing colds, chest pain, indigestion, and worm infestations. This study marks the first report on the chemical compositions and biological potentials of essential oils extracted from the leaves of Epaltes australis and Lindera myrrha. Essential oils obtained by hydro-distillation were analysed using the GC/MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). E. australis exhibited a predominant presence of non-terpenic compounds (46.3 %), with thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether as the major compound, constituting 44.2 % of the oil. L. myrrha leaf oil contained a good proportion of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (56.8 %), with principal compounds including (E)-caryophyllene (22.2 %), ledene (9.7 %), selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one (9.6 %), and α-pinene (7.0 %). Both essential oils exhibited antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes, and Escherichia coli, and the fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis. L. myrrha leaf essential oil exhibited potent control over the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a MIC of 32 μg/mL. Additionally, L. myrrha leaf oil showed strong anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 value of 15.20 μg/mL by inhibiting NO (nitric oxide) production in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-stimulated RAW2647 murine macrophage cells. Regarding anti-tyrosinase activity, E. australis leaf oil showed the best monophenolase inhibition with the IC50 of 245.59 μg/mL, while L. myrrha leaf oil successfully inhibited diphenolase with the IC50 of 152.88 μg/mL. From molecular docking study, selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one showed the highest affinity for both COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) receptors. Hydrophobic interactions play a great role in the bindings of ligand-receptor complexes.

The pK56M ICAM1 HFpEF risk variant and inflammatory biomarkers

IntroductionThe ICAM1 variant rs5491 (p.K56M) is common among Black individuals and has been associated with risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The pathways by which rs5491 leads to HFpEF are not known. MethodsAmong Black individuals within the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we evaluated associations of rs5491 with 3 inflammatory biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1 [TNFR-1]). ResultsAmong 1558 Black participants (mean age 62 ± 10 y, 47 % female), each additional rs5491 allele was associated with higher hsCRP after covariate adjustment (β: 0.15, SE: 0.07, P = 0.02). Each additional rs5491 allele was associated with higher TNFR-1 (β: 0.06, SE: 0.02, P = 0.02), but not IL-6 (β: 0.04, SE: 0.04, P = 0.29). The association between rs5491 and HFpEF remained significant after adjustment for hsCRP. ConclusionIn Black individuals, rs5491 (p.K56M) is associated with higher hsCRP and higher TNFR-1, but not IL-6.

TNF-α–TNFR1 Signaling Mediates Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Apical Periodontitis

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of the proinflammatory axis TNF-α–TNFR1 in experimentally induced periapical inflammation and bone resorption in mice. MethodsAfter receiving Ethics Committee Approval (2019.1.139.58.0), experimental apical periodontitis was induced by means of inoculating oral microorganisms into the root canals of molars of mice. Genetically deficient tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-1 mice (TNFR1-/-; n = 50) response was compared with that of C57Bl6 wild-type mice (wild-type; n = 50) after 7, 14, 28, and 42 days. The analyses performed were micro–computed tomographic, histopathologic, histomicrobiological, and histometric evaluation, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey or Bonferroni tests (α = 5%). ResultsTNFR1-/- mice exhibited lower recruitment of neutrophils at 14, 28, and 42 days (P < .05), which resulted in reduced area and volume of apical periodontitis at 42 days (P < .05). The number of osteoclasts was also lower in TNFR1-/- animals at 14 and 42 days (P < .01), along with reduced synthesis of CTSK, MMP-9, and COX-2. Expression of RANKL, but not OPG, was reduced at 14 and 42 days (P < .001). The highest RANKL expression over OPG (ratio > 1) was found in wild-type animals at 7 (P < .0001) and 42 days (P < .001). ConclusionsPeriapical inflammation and bone resorption were exacerbated in wild-type animals compared with TNFR1-/- mice, demonstrating that the TNF-α–TNFR1 signaling pathway mediated catabolic events in bone after root canal contamination.

Golimumab for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Pharmacologic and Clinical Considerations.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic debilitating autoimmune condition, and when diagnosed in patients before the age of eighteen, it is considered pediatric polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Monoarticular or polyarticular psoriatic arthritis can be distinguished from other arthropathies by its unique cutaneous manifestations. With numerous treatments already in clinical practice, there are numerous options for treatment. The current literature indicates an elevated level of tumor necrosis factor is present in the epidermis of patients with psoriatic arthritis when compared with the general population. For this reason, anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies have become a hallmark option for psoriatic arthritis patients. Golimumab, a human monoclonal antibody tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) receptor antagonist, was chosen as the focus therapy for this investigation. The mechanism of action behind anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers involves the binding of human TNF-a soluble and transmembrane proteins to competitively inhibit TNF-a from binding to its cellular receptors. The present investigation evaluated current treatment options available for both juvenile- and adult-onset psoriatic arthritis and compared them with the efficacy seen with golimumab use. Pediatric patients included children ages 2-17, while adult populations included adults 18-83 years old. The Food and Drug Administration has approved golimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The results of four different studies reporting on the therapeutic effects and adverse events of golimumab use in psoriatic arthritis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and juvenile polyarticular arthritis were used for comparison. The meta-analysis referenced studies including children ages 2-17 with no reference mentioning children less than age 2. Based on the results of each study, it can be concluded that golimumab, a human monoclonal antibody that prevents the activation of cellular inflammatory reactions when it binds to the TNF-a receptor, is an effective option for patients with active psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and for patients who are no longer responding to their current treatment with adalimumab. Each study also reported minimal adverse events associated with golimumab use, and the drug can be safely used in the pediatric population.

Can sulforaphane alter growth performance, innate immunity and antioxidant capability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Huanghe var)?

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a plant extract with demonstrated immunity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its research on aquatic animals is still lacking. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the effects of SFN on growth performance, innate immunity and antioxidant capability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio Huanghe var). Fish (76.17 ± 0.23 g) were fed diets supplemented with five levels (0, 5 mg kg−1, 10 mg kg−1,15 mg kg−1 and 20 mg kg−1) of SFN for 8 weeks. The results indicated that fish fed 10 mg kg−1 SFN showed higher weight gain rate (P < 0.05) than the control group and the group of 15 mg kg−1 SFN. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in fish fed 10 mg kg−1 SFN than the group of 15 mg kg−1 SFN. Plasma complement component 4 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) contents, acid phosphatase activity, and liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, glutathione content, and interleukin-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and toll-like receptor 2 mRNA expressions all increased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary SFN levels from 0 to 10 mg kg−1, then decreased with further increasing SFN levels. Plasma TNF-α content increased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary SFN levels from 0 to 15 mg kg−1, then decreased with further increasing SFN levels. Plasma lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities both increased (P < 0.05) in response to dietary SFN levels from 0 to 5 mg kg−1, then decreased with further increasing SFN levels. Liver malonaldehyde content was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in fish fed 10 mg kg−1 SFN than other groups except for the 5 mg kg−1 SFN. Overall, these findings suggested that dietary SFN could promote growth, enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity, and the best benefit was obtained in fish fed 10 mg kg−1. These results encouraged further research of SFN as feed additive in aquaculture and provided basic data for the future application of SFN in aquatic animals.

Extracorporeal removal of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors for the treatment of advanced refractory solid tumors.

e14593 Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) has well-established anti-tumor effects including cytotoxicity against tumor vasculature. Past use of recombinant TNF to treat solid tumors resulted in unacceptable toxicities when given systemically but is successfully used in localized limb perfusion to treat melanoma and sarcomas. An alternative to promote endogenous TNF-mediated anticancer activity involves therapeutic apheresis to reduce the high concentrations of soluble TNF receptors (sTNF-Rs) produced by tumors, which sequester TNF and inhibit its tumoricidal effects. Methods: The LW-02 Column contains recombinant single-chain TNF, a capture ligand that selectively removes sTNF-Rs from plasma, covalently linked to a bead matrix. LW-02 Column Immunopheresis was evaluated in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma or triple negative breast cancer [NCT04142931]. LW-02 Column Immunopheresis was performed 3x/week, processing up to two plasma volumes for approximately 12 weeks as monotherapy (Cohort A, n = 6) or combined with nivolumab (Cohort B, n = 5). The study evaluated column performance, safety, clinical efficacy, and immunological biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment and blood. Results: The LW-02 Column effectively reduced sTNF-R plasma concentrations with capture efficiencies of 95.6% and 82.8% for sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2, respectively, at the 30-minute procedural time point. At the data cut-off (Sept 30, 2022), median overall survival (OS) was 34.7 and 44.4 weeks for all patients (n = 11) and patients treated for ≥4 weeks (n = 8) (the latter group was prespecified in the protocol), respectively. For Cohorts A and B, median OS was 34.7 weeks and 45.4 weeks, respectively, for patients treated for ≥4 weeks. Evaluation of safety showed that only 2 adverse events (AEs) of 95 total AEs (including 7 SAEs) were deemed possibly related to LW-02 Column treatment. Immunohistochemical evaluation of tumor biopsies obtained 10-14 weeks after initiating LW-02 Column Immunopheresis revealed increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+, HLA-DR+, and/or PD-1+ cells; 5/5 patients examined), and a reduced presence of tumor-associated macrophages (CD68+; 4/5 patients) compared to pretreatment biopsies. Preliminary immune profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (5 patients) revealed increased expression levels of transmembrane TNF-R1 and TNF-R2, suggestive of increased cellular TNF responsiveness, and increased expression of activation molecules HLA-DR and CD86 after 4 weeks of LW-02 Column monotherapy compared to pretreatment levels. Conclusions: LW-02 Column Immunopheresis achieved safe and effective depletion of sTNF-Rs from plasma of patients with solid tumors. Further studies will assess the clinical benefit profile of the LW-02 Column for resensitizing tumors to respond to immunotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT04142931 .

Associations between circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA, inflammatory markers, and cognitive and physical outcomes in community dwelling older adults

BackgroundDementia and frailty are common age-related syndromes often linked to chronic inflammation. Identifying the biological factors and pathways that contribute to chronic inflammation is crucial for developing new therapeutic targets. Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) has been proposed as an immune stimulator and potential predictor of mortality in acute illnesses. Dementia and frailty are both associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired cellular energetics, and cell death. The size and abundance of ccf-mtDNA fragments may indicate the mechanism of cell death: long fragments typically result from necrosis, while short fragments arise from apoptosis. We hypothesize that increased levels of necrosis-associated long ccf-mtDNA fragments and inflammatory markers in serum are linked to declines in cognitive and physical function, as well as increased mortality risk.ResultsOur study of 672 community-dwelling older adults revealed that inflammatory markers (C-Reactive Protein, soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha, tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 [sTNFR1], and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) positively correlated with ccf-mtDNA levels in serum. Although cross-sectional analysis revealed no significant associations between short and long ccf-mtDNA fragments, longitudinal analysis demonstrated a connection between higher long ccf-mtDNA fragments (necrosis-associated) and worsening composite gait scores over time. Additionally, increased mortality risk was observed only in individuals with elevated sTNFR1 levels.ConclusionIn a community dwelling cohort of older adults, there are cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between ccf-mtDNA and sTNFR1 with impaired physical and cognitive function and increased hazard of death. This work suggests a role for long ccf-mtDNA as a blood-based marker predictive of future physical decline.

Circulating markers of intestinal barrier injury and inflammation following exertion in hypobaric hypoxia

ABSTRACT Hypoxia induced intestinal barrier injury, microbial translocation, and local/systemic inflammation may contribute to high-altitude associated gastrointestinal complications or symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that six-hours of hypobaric hypoxia increases circulating markers of intestinal barrier injury and inflammation. A secondary aim was to determine if the changes in these markers were different between those with and without AMS. Thirteen participants were exposed to six hours of hypobaric hypoxia, simulating an altitude of 4572 m. Participants completed two 30-minute bouts of exercise during the early hours of hypoxic exposure to mimic typical activity required by those at high altitude. Pre- and post-exposure blood samples were assessed for circulating markers of intestinal barrier injury and inflammation. Data below are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median [interquartile range]. Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (Δ251 [103-410] pg•mL−1; p = 0.002, d = 0.32), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (Δ2 ± 2.4 μg•mL−1; p = 0.011; d = 0.48), tumor necrosis factor-α (Δ10.2 [3-42.2] pg•mL−1; p = 0.005; d = 0.25), interleukin-1β (Δ1.5 [0-6.7] pg•mL−1 p = 0.042; d = 0.18), and interleukin-1 receptor agonist (Δ3.4 [0.4-5.2] pg•mL−1 p = 0.002; d = 0.23) increased from pre- to post-hypoxia. Six of the 13 participants developed AMS; however, the pre- to post-hypoxia changes for each marker were not different between those with and without AMS (p > 0.05 for all indices). These data provide evidence that high altitude exposures can lead to intestinal barrier injury, which may be an important consideration for mountaineers, military personnel, wildland firefighters, and athletes who travel to high altitudes to perform physical work or exercise.

Anti-nucleolin aptamer, iSN04, inhibits the inflammatory responses in C2C12 myoblasts by modulating the β-catenin/NF-κB signaling pathway

A myogenetic oligodeoxynucleotide, iSN04, is the 18-base single-stranded DNA that acts as an anti-nucleolin aptamer. iSN04 has been reported to restore myogenic differentiation by suppressing inflammatory responses in myoblasts isolated from patients with diabetes or healthy myoblasts exposed to cancer-releasing factors. Thus, iSN04 is expected to be a nucleic acid drug for the muscle wasting associated with chronic diseases. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of iSN04 in the murine myoblast cell line C2C12. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands (Pam3CSK4 and FSL-1) induced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), resulting in upregulated expression of TNF-α and interleukin-6. Pre-treatment with iSN04 significantly suppressed these inflammatory responses by inhibiting the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin induced by TNF-α or TLR ligands. These results demonstrate that antagonizing nucleolin with iSN04 downregulates the inflammatory effect mediated by the β-catenin/NF-κB signaling pathway in C2C12 cells. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of iSN04 were also observed in the rat smooth muscle cell line A10 and the murine adipocyte-like fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1, suggesting that iSN04 may be useful in preventing inflammation induced by metabolic disorders.

Effects of Different Combinations of Sodium Butyrate, Medium-Chain Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on the Reproductive Performance of Sows and Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Intestinal Health of Their Offspring.

The aim of the study was to investigate the comparative effects of different combinations of sodium butyrate (SB), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the reproductive performances of sows, as well as on the biochemical parameters, oxidative statuses, and intestinal health of the sucking piglets. A total of 30 sows were randomly allocated to five treatments: (1) control diet (CON); (2) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs (SM); (3) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (SP); (4) CON with 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFAs (MP); (5) CON with 1 g/kg of coated SB, 7.75 g/kg of coated MCFAs and 68.2 g/kg of coated n-3 PUFA (SMP). The results showed that sows fed the SP, MP, and SMP diets had shorter weaning-to-estrus intervals than those fed the CON diet (p < 0.01). The piglets in the SM, SP, and MP groups showed higher increases in the plasma catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities than those of the CON group (p < 0.01). The diarrhea incidence of piglets in the SM, SP and SMP groups was lower than that of piglets in the CON group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the addition of SM, SP, MP, and SMP to the sow diets increased the contents of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, fat, and proteins in the colostrum (p < 0.01), as well as the plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.01) in the suckling piglets, whereas it decreased the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and toll-like receptor 4 in the jejunum mucosa of the piglets. The relative abundances of Prevotella, Coprococcus, and Blautia in the colonic digesta of the piglets were increased in the SM group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundances of Faecalibacterium increased in the SMP group (p < 0.05), compared with the CON group. The relative abundances of Collinsella, Blautia, and Bulleidia in the MP group were higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary combinations of fatty acids with different chain lengths have positive effects on the growth performances and intestinal health of suckling piglets.