Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Receptor Research Articles

Genetic variants in TNFA, LTA, TLR2 and TLR4 genes and risk of sepsis in patients with severe trauma: nested case-control study in a level-1 trauma centre in SERBIA.

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) represent important genetic risk factors for susceptibility to posttraumatic sepsis and a potential target for immunotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the association between 8 different SNVs within tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA), lymphotoxin alpha (LTA) and Toll-like receptor (TLR2 and TLR4) genes and the risk of posttraumatic sepsis. Nested case-control study was conducted in the emergency department of the Clinical Centre of Serbia including 228 traumatized patients (44 with sepsis and 184 without sepsis). To compare the results of trauma subjects with the data from the general population, a control group of 101 healthy persons was included in the study. Genotyping of TNFA (rs1800629 and rs361525), LTA (rs909253), TLR2 (rs3804099, rs4696480 and rs3804100), and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) was performed for all patients within all three groups using the real-time PCR method. MutationTaster database and in silico software SIFT were used to predict the variant pathogenic effect. Carriage of the G allele of the TNFA rs1800629 gene variant (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.06-4.16) and T allele-carriage of the TLR4 rs4986791 genetic variant (OR 3.02, 95%CI 1.31-6.57) were associated with significantly higher risk of sepsis in trauma patients when compared to the general population prone to sepsis and traumatized patients without developing a sepsis, respectively. Of these two variants, only variant in TLR4 gene (rs4986791) has been labeled as disease causing by both the MutationTaster database and the in-silico software SIFT, which further supports the role of this variant in various pathologies including sepsis. For the remaining six variants no significant association with the susceptibility to sepsis was detected. Carriage of the G allele of the TNFA rs1800629 gene variant and T allele-carriage of the TLR4 rs4986791 genetic variant confer significant risk of posttraumatic sepsis. TLR4 gene variants (rs4986790 and rs4986791) has been labelled as disease causing.

Molecular docking of anthocyanins and ternatin in Clitoria ternatea as coronavirus disease oral manifestation therapy.

Herbal active compound with immunoregulator ability is considered a potential therapy for COVID-19 oral manifestation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Meanwhile, anthocyanin and ternatin are the active compounds in Clitoria ternatea, which may act as a potential immunoregulator for COVID-19 therapy. The intention of this investigation was to investigate anthocyanin and ternatin as active compounds in C. ternatea that may be able to increase anti-inflammatory cytokine and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine and key proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study implemented bioinformatic approach to analyze anthocyanin and ternatin as active compounds in C. ternatea with anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines and antiviral examination history through blind molecular docking study (in silico). Moreover, anthocyanins and ternatin were obtained from PubChem database by minimizing ligand structure in PyRx software to increase the flexibility. RCSB database was employed for preparing the protein samples consisting of interleukin (IL)-6, SARS-CoV-2-ACE2 glycoprotein complex, tumor necrosis factor-α receptor (TNF-αR), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), IL-6, IL-10, and human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2). In addition, The PyMol sofware was used to sterilize the protein samples to obtain the molecular docking optimization. This investigation found that, in the molecular docking simulation, the anthocyanin and ternatin showed producing the negative binding affinity to the ACE2 domain which interacted with RBD glycoprotein SARS-CoV-2. Anthocyanin and ternatin were then predicted to be able to influence any inhibitory activity of TNF-αR, MMP-9, and IL-6; increase IL-10; and increase HBD2 binding affinity values negatively. It can be predicted through molecular docking that anthocyanin and ternatin as the active compounds in C. ternatea contribute as a potential agent for COVID-19 oral manifestation therapy.

Troxerutin Abrogates Ischemic/Reperfusion-Induced Brain Injury through Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Inflammation by Inhibiting the Expression of NLRP3 in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Cerebral ischemic reperfusion (I/R) infarction is mostly associated with serious brain injury, cognitive damage, and neurological deficits. The oxidative stress mechanisms in the neurological region lead to higher reactive oxygen species production followed by oxidative stress, inflammation of neurons, and death of brain cells. The current work aims to evaluate the effect of troxerutin (TXN) on cerebral injury stimulated by I/R-induced ischemic stroke and examines the mechanistic effect of TXN on neuroinflammation in the Sprague Dawley model. The experimental rats were randomized in to four groups: (i) sham control, (ii) I/R + vehicle, (iii) I/R + 10 mg/kg bw TXN, and (iv) I/R + 20 mg/kg bw TXN. In the TXN administration and control, groups were injected intraperitoneally 15 min before reperfusion and every day for 7 days, except the sham group. Orally administered TXN (10 and 20 mg/kg/bw) modulated the water content, lowered the infarct volume, and abrogated score defects of neuron and changes in the brain tissue sample. In our study, the TXN-stimulated cerebral injury exhibited leakage of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) of the neuronal sample of tissues and showed higher antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, the oxidized form of glutathione peroxidase, and the reduced form of glutathione levels. This biochemical result was additionally proved by histopathological assessment. Changes were made in antioxidant and inflammatory markers expressions interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-4, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, and cerebral induced rats. The overall findings showed that TXN protected the brain tissues from neuroinflammatory oxidative stress by reducing cerebral injury in Sprague Dawley rats. Further, the messenger RNA expression of cerebral I/R-induced animal tissues down-regulated NLRP3, caspase-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, ASC, IL-1β, and Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). Therefore, the TXN action on TLR3 induced brain stroke is an excellent therapeutic approach for brain damage.

β2-Microglobulin Identified as an Apoptosis-Inducing Factor and Its Characterization

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules play an important role in antigen presentation for induction of tumor as well as cellular and humoral immunities. Recent studies using anti-MHC antibodies demonstrated that antibodies specific for HLA class I molecules induced cellular activation and a type of apoptosis that may be distinct from Fas-dependent or TNFR (tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor)-dependent processes. We purified a previously untested apoptosis-inducing factor from HL-60 human leukemic cell-conditioned media to homogeneity and sequenced it. It was identified as beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m), which has been previously known as thymotaxin and is a part of the HLA class I antigen complex. beta(2)m acts on both T-leukemic cells and myeloid leukemic cells to induce apoptosis, which then activates caspase 1 and 3. Cross-linking studies showed that biotinilated beta(2)m recognized an epitope distinct from those recognized by the anti-HLA class I antibody, as reported previously. We demonstrated that beta(2)m plays a previously unrecognized and important role in regulating the elimination of tumor cells, which occurs as a result of the action of beta(2)m as an apoptosis-inducing factor.

Tumor Necrosis Factor α Receptor Type 1 Activation in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Contributes to Glutamate Signaling and Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension.

There are significant neurogenic and inflammatory influences on blood pressure, yet the role played by each of these processes in the development of hypertension is unclear. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has emerged as a critical modulator of blood pressure and neural plasticity; however, the mechanism by which TNFα signaling contributes to the development of hypertension is uncertain. We present evidence that following angiotensin II (AngII) infusion the TNFα type 1 receptor (TNFR1) plays a key role in heightened glutamate signaling in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a key central coordinator of blood pressure control. Fourteen day administration of a slow-pressor dose of AngII in male mice was associated with transcriptional and post-transcriptional (increased plasma membrane affiliation) regulation of TNFR1 in the PVN. Further, TNFR1 was shown to be critical for elevated NMDA-mediated excitatory currents in sympathoexcitatory PVN neurons following AngII infusion. Finally, silencing PVN TNFR1 prevented the increase in systolic blood pressure induced by AngII. These findings indicate that TNFR1 modulates a cellular pathway involving an increase in NMDA-mediated currents in the PVN following AngII infusion, suggesting a mechanism whereby TNFR1 activation contributes to hypertension via heightened hypothalamic glutamate-dependent signaling.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Inflammation is critical for the emergence of hypertension, yet the mechanisms by which inflammatory mediators contribute to this dysfunction are not clearly defined. We show that tumor necrosis factor α receptor 1 (TNFR1) in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), a critical neuroregulator of cardiovascular function, plays an important role in the development of hypertension in mice. In the PVN, TNFR1 expression and plasma membrane localization are upregulated during hypertension induced by angiotensin II (AngII). Further, TNFR1 activation was essential for NMDA signaling and the heightening NMDA currents during hypertension. Finally, TNFR1 silencing in the PVN inhibits elevated blood pressure induced by AngII. These results point to a critical role for hypothalamic TNFR1 signaling in hypertension.

Peripheral Markers of Depression.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, creating a high medical and socioeconomic burden. There is a growing interest in the biological underpinnings of depression, which are reflected by altered levels of biological markers. Among others, enhanced inflammation has been reported in MDD, as reflected by increased concentrations of inflammatory markers—C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and soluble interleukin-2 receptor. Oxidative and nitrosative stress also plays a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Notably, increased levels of lipid peroxidation markers are characteristic of MDD. Dysregulation of the stress axis, along with increased cortisol levels, have also been reported in MDD. Alterations in growth factors, with a significant decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and an increase in fibroblast growth factor-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations have also been found in MDD. Finally, kynurenine metabolites, increased glutamate and decreased total cholesterol also hold promise as reliable biomarkers for MDD. Research in the field of MDD biomarkers is hindered by insufficient understanding of MDD etiopathogenesis, substantial heterogeneity of the disorder, common co-morbidities and low specificity of biomarkers. The construction of biomarker panels and their evaluation with use of new technologies may have the potential to overcome the above mentioned obstacles.

Type 17 Immune Response Facilitates Progression of Inflammation and Correlates with Cognition in Stable Schizophrenia.

Dysregulation of the type 17 immune pathway has already been considered in schizophrenia and we previously measured decreased sera values of interleukin (IL)-17 in early stages. We further explored the possible correlation of IL-17 systemic levels with proinflammatory cytokines and cognitive scores and additionally analyzed the percentage of IL-17 producing lymphocytes in peripheral blood of patients with stable schizophrenia. We included 27 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (F20), after a three-month stable depot antipsychotic therapy (risperidone or paliperidone) and 18 healthy control subjects. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale of Schizophrenia and the Montreal-Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were conducted. Sera concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and soluble ST2 receptor (sST2) were measured. Flow cytometry and Natural Killer (NK) and T cell analyses were done in 10 patients and 10 healthy controls. Moderate positive correlation was established between IL-17 and TNF-α (r = 0.640; p = 0.001), IL-17 and IL-6 (r = 0.514; p = 0.006), IL-17 and sST2 (r = 0.394; p = 0.042). Furthermore, a positive correlation between the serum levels of IL-17 and MoCA scores was observed, especially with visuospatial and executive functioning, as well as language functioning and delayed recall (p < 0.05). Significantly higher percentage of IL-17 producing CD56+ NK cells was measured in peripheral blood of patients with schizophrenia in remission vs. healthy individuals (p = 0.001). The percentage of CD4+ T cells and CD4+ T cells that produce IL-17 was significantly increased in patients (p = 0.001). This study revealed the involvement of innate type 17 immune response in the progression of inflammation and this could be related to cognitive functioning in stable schizophrenia.

Antibodies crossreacting with human TNF-alfa receptor induced in the patients with coronary heart disease by Helicobacter pylori CagA positive strains

Abstract Introduction Coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. The hypothesis of autoimmune origin of CHD has been suggested. Chronic infection with gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori may induce antibodies, potentially autoreactive, due to molecular mimicry between H. pylori cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) protein and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α receptor (TNFR). Purpose To evaluate presence of antibodies against synthetic c peptide (P1), which mimics the common sequence of TNFR and H. pylori CagA, in the sera of CHD patients and healthy donors (HD), uninfected or infected with H. pylori. Furthermore, guinea pigs (Caviae porcellus), sensitive to H. pylori infection, were used to confirm the induction of antibodies crossreacting with TNFR by this pathogen. Material and methods Serum samples from CHD patients infected with H. pylori CagA(+) strain (43) or H.pylori CagA(−) strain (12), and uninfected HD (16) without symptoms of gastritis or CHD were selected. Moreover, the serum samples from control (10) or H. pylori infected guinea pigs, 7, 28 and 60 days from inoculation were used (10, 20, 10, respectively). The H. pylori status in humans was confirmed by 13C urea breath testing and anti-H. pylori antibody production whereas in Cavia porcellus by histological examination of gastric tissue, detection of H. pylori antigens in stool as well as serum anti-H. pylori antibodies. The ELISA assay with the surface H. pylori antigens – glycine acid extract (GE), recombinant CagA (IRIS, Siena, Italy), synthetic P1 or P2 peptides (Lipopharm, Gdansk, Poland), with or without common CagA/TNFR sequence, respectively, were used for detection of antibodies. Complement activation by P1-anti-P1 IgG complexes was determined by complement fixation assay with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) and anti-SRBC antibodies. Results :Anti-P1 IgG were detected only in CHD patients infected with H. pylori CagA(+) but not CagA(−) strain. Such antibodies were not detected in H. pylori uninfected HD. Anti-P1 IgG were found in the sera of Cavia porcellus infected with H. pylori, 7 and 28 but not 60 days from inoculation. This may suggest the clearance of such antibodies during the course of infection or their early deposition. The role of H. pylori in anti-P1 IgG induction was confirmed by deletion of such antibodies by absorption of sera, which were positive for anti-P1 IgG, with heat inactivated H. pylori. Anti-P1 IgG present in human and animal sera were biologically active. They formed the immune complexes (IC) with P1 in vitro, which were able to activate complement, suggesting a pro-inflammatory potential of such IC in vivo. Conclusions During H. pylori infection in CHD patients the CagA protein of this pathogen may induce antibodies cross reacting with TNFR. They can potentially increase the inflammatory response by IC dependent activation of complement or due to modulation of TNFR-driven cell signaling pathways. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Statutory Fund of University of Lodz, Poland

Targeting pivotal inflammatory pathways in COVID-19: A mechanistic review

As an emerging global health crisis, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been labeled a worldwide pandemic. Growing evidence is revealing further pathophysiological mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Amongst these dysregulated pathways inflammation seems to play a more critical role toward COVID-19 complications. In the present study, precise inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2, along with potential therapeutic candidates have been discussed.Prevailing evidence has indicated a close correlation of inflammatory cascades with severity, pathological progression, and organ damages in COVID-19 patients. From the mechanistic point of view, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β receptor, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor, toll-like receptor, receptor tyrosine kinases, growth factor receptor, Janus kinase/signal transducers and transcription pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin, cytokine storm and macrophage activation have shown to play critical roles in COVID-19 complications. So, there is an urgent need to provide novel mechanistic-based anti-inflammatory agents. This review highlights inflammatory signaling pathways of SARS-CoV-2. Several therapeutic targets and treatment strategies have also been provided in an attempt to tackle COVID-19 complications.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 deficiency in hepatocytes does not protect from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but attenuates insulin resistance in mice.

BACKGROUNDEnd-stage liver disease caused by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the second leading indication for liver transplantation. To date, only moderately effective pharmacotherapies exist to treat NASH. Understanding the pathogenesis of NASH is therefore crucial for the development of new therapies. The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is important for the progression of liver disease. TNF signaling via TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) has been hypothesized to be important for the development of NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma in whole-body knockout animal models.AIMTo investigate the role of TNFR1 signaling in hepatocytes for steatohepatitis development in a mouse model of diet-induced NASH.METHODSNASH was induced by a western-style fast-food diet in mice deficient for TNFR1 in hepatocytes (TNFR1ΔHEP) and their wild-type littermates (TNFR1fl/fl). Glucose tolerance was assessed after 18 wk and insulin resistance after 19 wk of feeding. After 20 wk mice were assessed for features of NASH and the metabolic syndrome such as liver weight, liver steatosis, liver fibrosis and markers of liver inflammation.RESULTSObesity, liver injury, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis was not different between TNFR1ΔHEP and TNFR1fl/fl mice. However, Tnfr1 deficiency in hepatocytes protected against glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that deficiency of TNFR1 signaling in hepatocytes does not protect from diet-induced NASH. However, improved insulin resistance in this model strengthens the role of the liver in glucose homeostasis.

High-glucose concentration aggravates TNF-alpha-induced cell viability reduction in human CD146-positive periodontal ligament cells via TNFR-1 gene demethylation.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in the destruction of periodontal soft tissue and the resorption of alveolar bone. Evidence indicates that in diabetic patients, hyperglycemia suppresses periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) functions and leads to difficulties in periodontal repair. The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which high-glucose concentrations aggravate cell viability reduction in human CD146-positive PDLCs (CD146+ PDLCs) under tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induction. CD146+ PDLCs were isolated from periodontal ligament tissues and treated in the absence or presence of 10 ng/ml of TNF-alpha and 30 mM glucose. Cell viability was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and Luminescent Cell Viability Assays. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor-1 (TNFR-1) protein and messenger RNA expression. Bisulfite and MassArray methylation analyses were used to analyze the methylation status of the TNFR-1 gene. Our results indicated that cell viability was reduced after treatment with a combination of both high-glucose concentration and TNF-alpha. Treatment with 30 mM glucose suppressed DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities and DNMT1 protein expression, and this was accompanied by the upregulation of TNFR-1. Additionally, we found that the CpG island located within the TNFR-1 gene was hypomethylated under 30 mM glucose conditions. S-adenosylmethionine, an established methyl donor, reversed TNFR-1 upregulation and restored cell viability against high-glucose concentration and TNF-alpha. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that high-glucose-induced CpG island hypomethylation within the TNFR-1 gene plays an essential role in TNFR-1 upregulation, and this further enhances the cell viability reduction of CD146+ PDLCs caused by TNF-alpha.

Clinical study of anti-human T cell porcine immunoglobulin with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc in the treatment of 35 cases of grade III/IV acute graft-versus-host disease after allo-HSCT

目的评估抗人T细胞猪免疫球蛋白（P-ATG）联合重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体-抗体融合蛋白（益赛普）治疗Ⅲ/Ⅳ度急性移植物抗宿主病（aGVHD）的疗效及安全性。方法对接受P-ATG（5 mg·kg−1·d−1×3～5 d，序贯5 mg/kg隔日1次～每周2次）联合益赛普（25 mg每周2次，儿童剂量减半）方案治疗的35例异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）后合并Ⅲ/Ⅳ度aGVHD患者进行回顾性分析。结果①35例Ⅲ/Ⅳ度aGVHD患者中，男21例，女14例，中位年龄10（3～54）岁。急性髓系白血病（AML）19例，急性淋巴细胞白血病（ALL）13例，重型再生障碍性贫血（SAA）、骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）、混合表型急性白血病（MPAL）各1例。②治疗28 d疗效评估：完全缓解（CR）12例（34.3％），部分缓解（PR）18例（51.4％），总有效率为85.7％（30/35），Ⅲ度aGVHD组总有效率高于Ⅳ度aGVHD组［100％（19/19）对68.8％（11/16），P＝0.004］。③治疗56 d疗效评估：CR 22例（62.9％），PR 5例（14.3％），总有效率为77.2％（27/35），Ⅲ度aGVHD组总有效率高于Ⅳ度aGVHD组［89.5％（17/19）对62.5％（10/16），P＝0.009］。④不良反应：35例患者输注P-ATG过程中均为发生发热、寒战、皮疹等不良反应，亦无明显肝肾功能损害发生。巨细胞病毒、EB病毒再激活率分别为77.1％（27/35）、22.9％（8/35），细菌感染发生率为48.6％（17/35）。⑤中位随访时间为13（1～55）个月，移植后1、2年的总生存率分别为（68.1±8.0）％、（64.3±8.4）％，Ⅲ度aGVHD组移植后1年总生存率高于Ⅳ度aGVHD组［（84.2±8.4）％对（47.6±13.1）％，χ2＝3.38，P＝0.05］。结论P-ATG联合重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体-抗体融合蛋白治疗allo-HSCT后Ⅲ/Ⅳ度aGVHD有较好的疗效和安全性。

Attenuating ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat cardiac transplantation by intracoronary infusion with siRNA cocktail solution.

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-8, and complement component 5a receptor (C5aR) are known to play a crucial role in the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in cardiac transplantation. We hypothesized that the intracoronary infusion of TNF-α, caspase-8, and C5aR small interfering RNAs (siRNA) would protect cardiac allograft function and improve graft survival from I/R injury-induced organ failure. I/R injury of cardiac allograft was induced by syngeneic rat cardiac transplantation, in which the transplanted hearts were infused with saline or different amounts of siRNA cocktail solution targeting TNF-α, caspase-8, and C5aR via coronary arteries, and subsequently subjected to 18 h of preservation at 4°C in histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) solution. The effects of siRNA cocktail solution on prolonged cold I/R injury were determined by assessing graft survival, histopathological changes, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The perfused siRNA cocktail solution successfully knocked down the expression of TNF-α, caspase-8, and C5aR in vitro and in vivo. Approximately 91.7% of control hearts that underwent 18 h of cold ischemia ceased their function after transplantation; however, 87.5% of cardiac allografts from the highest dose siRNA cocktail solution-pretreated hearts survived >14 days and exhibited minimal histological changes, with minimal cellular infiltration, interstitial edema, and inflammation and maximal reduced MPO activity and MDA concentration in the cardiac allograft. We demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of infusion of TNF-α, caspase-8, and C5aR siRNA via the intracoronary route as a promising strategy for gene silencing against I/R injury in cardiac transplantation.

Genetic variation implicates plasma angiopoietin-2 in the development of acute kidney injury sub-phenotypes

BackgroundWe previously identified two acute kidney injury (AKI) sub-phenotypes (AKI-SP1 and AKI-SP2) with different risk of poor clinical outcomes and response to vasopressor therapy. Plasma biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (tumor necrosis factor receptor-1, angiopoietin-1 and 2) differentiated the AKI sub-phenotypes. However, it is unknown whether these biomarkers are simply markers or causal mediators in the development of AKI sub-phenotypes.MethodsWe tested for associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1A genes and AKI- SP2 in 421 critically ill subjects of European ancestry. Top performing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (FDR < 0.05) were tested for cis-biomarker expression and whether genetic risk for AKI-SP2 is mediated through circulating biomarkers. We also completed in vitro studies using human kidney microvascular endothelial cells. Finally, we calculated the renal clearance of plasma biomarkers using 20 different timed urine collections.ResultsA genetic variant, rs2920656C > T, near ANGPT2 was associated with reduced risk of AKI-SP2 (odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31–0.66; adjusted FDR = 0.003) and decreased plasma angiopoietin-2 (p = 0.002). Causal inference analysis showed that for each minor allele (T) the risk of developing AKI-SP2 decreases by 16%. Plasma angiopoietin-2 mediated 41.5% of the rs2920656 related risk for AKI-SP2. Human kidney microvascular endothelial cells carrying the T allele of rs2920656 produced numerically lower levels of angiopoietin-2 although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Finally, analyses demonstrated that angiopoietin-2 is minimally renally cleared in critically ill subjects.ConclusionGenetic mediation analysis provides supportive evidence that angiopoietin-2 plays a causal role in risk for AKI-SP2.

重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体-抗体融合蛋白联合糖皮质激素治疗一例中毒性表皮坏死松解症

重组人Ⅱ型肿瘤坏死因子受体-抗体融合蛋白联合糖皮质激素治疗一例中毒性表皮坏死松解症

Characterization Of Muscle Inflammation Susceptibility: A Potential Prognostic Factor For Optimal Post-surgical Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Many individuals with end-stage osteoarthritis undergo elective total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) to relieve pain and improve mobility and quality of life. However, ~35% suffer long-term mobility impairment following surgery. Previously, we have shown this may be in part due to muscle inflammation susceptibility (MuIS(+)), an overt pro-inflammatory state localized to skeletal muscle surrounding the diseased joint, found in some but not all TKA/THA patients. PURPOSE: We are interrogating the hypotheses that a) MuIS(+/-) status will result in a differential perioperative expression profile that may partially explain low functional outcomes, and b) resistance training rehabilitation will more effectively overcome MuIS(+) status than usual care for effective recovery post-surgery. METHODS: Muscle samples were leveraged from our ongoing two-site, randomized, controlled trial (N=84). Participants were dichotomized to MuIS status (+/-) based on surgical (SX) muscle gene expression of Fn14 which drives pro-inflammatory signaling via NFκB. MuIS(+/-) samples were probed for pro-inflammatory gene and protein expression targets, and indices of skeletal muscle function. Preliminary perioperative comparisons were made using two-tailed T-tests; alpha P≤0.05. RESULTS: 84 participants (29M/55F; 62±8yrs; BMI 30.7±5.4kg/m2) undergoing THA/TKA were assessed. Thus far, 37 have been clustered as MuIS(+) (n=14, ~4-fold greater Fn14 mRNA) or MuIS(-) (n=23). SX thigh muscle mass (TMM), quadriceps power and torque were lower (P<0.05) than the contralateral limb (CTR). Additionally, skeletal muscle fibrosis and type II cross-sectional area were greater in the SX leg and MuIS(+) respectively (P<0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-α receptor and IL-6 trended higher in MuIS(+) (P>0.05). Phosphorylated (P)-RPS6 was lower in the SX leg and P-4E-BP1 was significantly lower in MuIS(+) (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest patients undergoing TKA/THA exhibit more inflammation on the SX limb, accompanied by lower TMM, torque and power. MuIS(+) leads to greater inflammation and blunted anabolic signaling, highlighting the profound impact of muscle inflammation and emphasizing the potential value in perioperative MuIS assessment to inform optimal post-surgical care. Grant: R01HD084124

The transition to family caregiving and its effect on biomarkers of inflammation

Chronic stress has been widely proposed to increase systemic inflammation, a pathway that may link stress with a heightened risk for many diseases. The chronic stress-inflammation relationship has been challenging to study in humans, however, and family caregiving has been identified as one type of stressful situation that might lead to increased inflammation. Previous studies of caregiving and inflammation have generally used small convenience samples, compared caregivers with poorly characterized control participants, and assessed inflammation only after caregivers provided care for extended periods of time. In the current project, changes over a 9-y period were examined on six circulating biomarkers of inflammation for 480 participants from a large population-based study. All participants reported no involvement in caregiving prior to the first biomarker assessment, and 239 participants then took on extensive and prolonged family caregiving responsibilities at some point prior to the second biomarker assessment. Incident caregivers were individually matched on multiple demographic and health history variables with participants who reported no caregiving responsibilities. Of the six biomarkers examined, only tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 showed a significantly greater increase in caregivers compared with controls. This effect was small (d = 0.14), and no effects were found for a subset of 45 caregivers who were living with a spouse with dementia. These results are consistent with recent meta-analytic findings and challenge the widespread belief that caregiving is a substantial risk factor for increased inflammation. Future research is warranted on factors that may account for stress resilience in family caregivers.

Increased Proinflammatory Cytokines, Executive Dysfunction, and Reduced Gray Matter Volumes In First-Episode Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder

BackgroundsThe association between systemic inflammation, executive dysfunction, and gray matter (GM) volume difference in first-episode affective disorders, including bipolar and major depressive disorders, is unclear. MethodsTwenty-two patients with first-episode bipolar disorder, 22 age- and sex-matched patients with first-episode major depressive disorder, and 22 matched controls were enrolled in our study; all patients underwent comprehensive assessments, including clinical assessment, executive function examination (Wisconsin card sorting test [WCST]), proinflammatory cytokine receptors (soluble interleukin-6 receptor and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1 [TNFR1]), and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to analyze the GM volume difference between bipolar and major depressive disorders. ResultsPatients with bipolar disorder were more likely to exhibit higher levels of TNFR1 (P = .038), more number of deficits in WCST (P < .05), and smaller GM volume in the middle frontal cortex (uncorrected voxel level P < .001) compared with those with major depressive disorder and healthy controls. Positive associations were observed between the middle frontal cortex volume, executive function, and the TNFR1 level. DiscussionGM volume reduction in the middle frontal cortex, a greater level of systemic inflammation, and executive dysfunction were observed in first-episode affective disorders, especially bipolar disorder. A positive correlation between middle frontal cortex volume, executive function, and the TNFR1 level may indicate a divergent effect of brain and systemic inflammation functioning in the early phase (first episode) of affective disorder.

Superior Inhibitory Efficacy of Butyrate over Propionate and Acetate Against Human Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis

Abstract Objectives Intake of fiber has beneficial properties for gut health. These effects may be due to the increased production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate during dietary fiber fermentation in the colon. We tested the hypothesis that butyrate exhibits a stronger inhibitory potential against colon cancer cell proliferation compared with acetate and propionate. Methods With a human HCT116 colon cancer cell culture model, we used cell cycle, apoptosis, PCR array, biochemical, western blotting and immunofluorescent assays to determine SCFAs’ inhibitory effects on HCT116 cell proliferation. Results We determined the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of SCFAs in HCT116 cell proliferation by examining cell growth curves. At 24- and 48- hour time points, IC50 (mM) concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate were [66.0 and 29.0], [9.2 and 3.6] and [2.5 and 1.3], respectively. Consistent with the greater anti-proliferative effect, butyrate exhibits &amp;gt;3-fold stronger potential for inducing cell cycle arrest (including c-Myc/p21 signaling) and apoptosis when compared with acetate and propionate. Subsequently, we focused on the effect of butyrate on apoptotic gene expression. Using a PCR array analysis, we identified 17 pro-apoptotic genes, 6 anti-apoptotic genes, and 4 cellular mediator genes with &amp;gt;1-fold increase or decrease in mRNA levels out of 93 apoptosis related genes in butyrate-treated HCT116 cells when compared with untreated HCT116 cells. These genes were mainly involved in the tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor, NFκB, caspase recruitment domain-containing protein and B-cell lymphoma-2 regulated pathways. Conclusions Collectively, we demonstrated a greater inhibitory efficacy of butyrate over propionate and acetate against human colon cancer cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Funding Sources This work was supported by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, research project 3062–51,000-056–00D.

Involvement of the Hsp70/TLR4/IL-6 and TNF-α pathways in delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a very common condition in athletes and individuals not accustomed to physical activity that occurs after moderate/high-intensity exercise sessions. The activation of microglial Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the spinal cord has been described to be important for the induction and maintenance of persistent pain. Based on that, we hypothesize that 70 kilodalton heat-shock protein (Hsp70), a mediator released by exercise, could activate microglial TLR4 in the spinal cord, releasing proinflammatory cytokines and contributing to the start of DOMS. In fact, we found that the knockout of TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), interleukin-6 (IL-6), or both tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor 1 and TNF-α receptor 2 in mice prevented the development of DOMS following acute aerobic exercise in contrast to the findings in male C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Furthermore, DOMS in exercised wild-type mice was also prevented after pre-treatment with microglia inhibitor, TLR4 antagonist, and anti-Hsp70 antibody. During exercise-induced DOMS, Hsp70 mRNA, TLR4 mRNA, and protein levels, as well as Iba-1 (a microglial marker), IL-6, and TNF-α protein levels, were increased in the muscle and/or spinal cord. Together, these findings suggest that Hsp70 released during exercise-induced DOMS activates the microglial TLR4/IL-6/TNF-α pathway in the spinal cord. Thus, the blockade of TLR4 activation may be a new strategy to prevent the development of DOMS before intense exercise.