Disentangling the effects of PTSD from Gulf War Illness in male veterans via a systems‑wide analysis of immune cell,cytokine,and symptom measures

Background:One-third of veterans returning from the 1990–1991 Gulf War reported a myriad of symptoms including cognitive dysfunction,skin rashes,musculoskeletal discomfort,and fatigue.This symptom cluster is now referred to as Gulf War Illness(GWI).As the underlying mechanisms of GWI have yet to be fully elucidated,diagnosis and treatment are based on symptomatic presentation.One confounding factor tied to the illness is the high presence of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).Previous research efforts have demonstrated that both GWI and PTSD are associated with immunological dysfunction.As such,this research endeavor aimed to provide insight into the complex relationship between GWI symptoms,cytokine presence,and immune cell populations to pinpoint the impact of PTSD on these measures in GWI.Methods:Symptom measures were gathered through the Multidimensional fatigue inventory(MFI)and 36-item short form health survey(SF-36)scales and biological measures were obtained through cytokine&cytometry analysis.Subgrouping was conducted using Davidson Trauma Scale scores and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(DSM)-5,into GWI with high probability of PTSD symptoms(GWIH)and GWI with low probability of PTSD symptoms(GWIL).Data was analyzed using analysis of variance(ANOVA)statistical analysis along with correlation graph analysis.We mapped correlations between immune cells and cytokine signaling measures,hormones and GWI symptom measures to identify patterns in regulation between the GWIH,GWIL,and healthy control groups.Results:GWI with comorbid PTSD symptoms resulted in poorer health outcomes compared with both healthy control(HC)and the GWIL subgroup.Significant differences were found in basophil levels of GWI compared with HC at peak exercise regardless of PTSD symptom comorbidity(ANOVA F=4.7,P=0.01)indicating its potential usage as a biomarker for general GWI from control.While the unique identification of GWI with PTSD symptoms was less clear,the GWIL subgroup was found to be delineated from both GWIH and HC on measures of IL-15 across an exercise challenge(ANOVA F>3.75,P<0.03).Additional differences in natural killer(NK)cell numbers and function highlight IL-15 as a potential biomarker of GWI in the absence of PTSD symptoms.Conclusions:We conclude that disentangling GWI and PTSD by defining trauma-based subgroups may aid in the identification of unique GWI biosignatures that can help to improve diagnosis and target treatment of GWI more effectively.

Predictive effect of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory cytokines on symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder

BACKGROUND Generalized anxiety disorder(GAD)is a relatively common mental disorder.Recently,inflammation,an important factor for the development of depression,has attracted increasing attention.Several studies have shown that inflammatory cytokines can affect the pathophysiological processes of several nervous system diseases.We hypothesized that there is a correlation between the levels of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated inflammatory cytokines and the clinical symptoms of GAD.AIM To investigate the predictive effect of LPS-stimulated inflammatory cytokines on symptoms of GAD.METHODS This was a cross-sectional study in which 89 patients with GAD diagnosed at The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022 and 70 individuals without anxiety and depression(controls)during the same period were included.Fasting venous blood was collected from all the subjects in heparin tubes,and another 3 ml of blood was supplemented with LPS(10 ng/ml).The plasma levels of 12 cytokines[Interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interferon(IFN)-γ,IL-17A,IL-12p70,and IFN-α]were detected.RESULTS Post-LPS stimulation,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,and TNF-αin both the control and GAD groups were significantly elevated above those in the nonstimulated groups,with IL-6 and IL-8 showing marked increases.Increases in IL-8 and TNF-αwere statistically significant in the GAD group(P<0.05).IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,and TNF-αwere found to be significantly correlated with Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)scores(P<0.05).A negative correlation was observed between IL-10 levels and HAMA scores.Further analysis revealed that TNF-αwas associated with mental anxiety,whereas IL-1β,IL-8,and IL-10 were associated with physical anxiety symptoms,with IL-10 showing a negative correlation with physical anxiety.IL-6 was associated with both mental and physical aspects of anxiety.CONCLUSION The physical symptoms of GAD are related to inflammatory factors.IL-1β,IL-8,IL-10,and TNF-a can be used as predictors of physical or mental anxiety in patients with GAD.

Interaction between serum inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cognitive function among first-episode schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia(SCZ)remains unclear.Accumulating studies showed that inflammatory-immune dysregulation and altered brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels play a crucial role in the psychopathology of SCZ.However,their association with cognitive dysfunction in first-episode SCZ patients has not been thoroughly investigated.AIM To explore the interaction effects between cognitive function and inflammatory cytokines and BDNF in first-episode SCZ.METHODS The current study is a cross-sectional case-control investigation that recruited 84 patients with first-episode SCZ(SCZ group)and 80 healthy controls(HCs group)at the Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital between August 2021 and September 2023.ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,and BDNF.The Chinese brief cognitive test(C-BCT)and the positive and negative syndrome scales were measured the severity of cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms.RESULTS Compared to the HC group,the SCZ group exhibited elevated IL-1βand IL-6 levels,decreased BDNF levels,and reduced C-BCT scores(all P<0.001).In SCZ,BDNF was negatively correlated with IL-6(r=-0.324,P<0.05).Information processing speed was negatively correlated with IL-6(r=-0.315,P<0.05)and positively with BDNF(r=0.290,P<0.05);attention,working memory,comprehensive ability,and executive function were negatively correlated with IL-1βand IL-6(all P<0.05)and positively with BDNF(all P<0.05).Multiple regression analysis showed IL-6 influenced C-BCT dimensions(β=-0.218 to-0.327,all P<0.05);attention and executive ability were influenced by IL-1β(β=-0.199 to-0.261,all P<0.05);comprehensive executive ability was influenced by BDNF(β=0.209,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that interrelationships between immune dysfunction and neurotrophic deficiency might underlie the pathological mechanisms of cognitive impairments in first-episode SCZ patients.

Advances in cytokine-mediated mechanisms for cardiac regeneration and repair post-myocardial infarction:a comprehensive review

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)has become the leading cause of death globally,imposing significant health and economic burdens.Among these,myocardial infarction(MI)is a predominant cause of mortality.Several animal studies have shown that cytokines participate in cardiac regeneration and repair by modulating cellular proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis post-MI.Here,we explored the crucial role of cytokines in cardiac regeneration and repair processes in experimental animal models,detailing how cytokines modulate cellular mechanisms involved in repairing cardiac tissue post myocardial infarction(MI).Specifically,it highlights the activation of cardiac stem cells and progenitors,the regulation of inflammatory responses to prevent excessive damage,and the involvement in matrix remodeling to ensure functional integrity of the heart.This comprehensive examination underscores the therapeutic potential of enhancing cytokine secretion to mitigate adverse effects and promote recovery following MI,offering insights into possible interventions that could improve patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Oligodendrocytes in central nervous system diseases:the effect of cytokine regulation

Cytokines including tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, interferons, and chemokines are abundantly produced in various diseases. As pleiotropic factors, cytokines are involved in nearly every aspect of cellular functions such as migration, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system and play critical roles in the conduction of action potentials, supply of metabolic components for axons, and other functions. Emerging evidence suggests that both oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells are vulnerable to cytokines released under pathological conditions. This review mainly summarizes the effects of cytokines on oligodendrocyte lineage cells in central nervous system diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the effects of cytokines on oligodendrocyte lineage cells contributes to our understanding of central nervous system diseases and offers insights into treatment strategies.

The secondary injury cascade after spinal cord injury:an analysis of local cytokine/chemokine regulation

After spinal cord injury,there is an extensive infiltration of immune cells,which exacerbates the injury and leads to further neural degeneration.Therefore,a major aim of current research involves targeting the immune response as a treatment for spinal cord injury.Although much research has been performed analyzing the complex inflammatory process following spinal cord injury,there remain major discrepancies within previous literature regarding the timeline of local cytokine regulation.The objectives of this study were to establish an overview of the timeline of cytokine regulation for 2 weeks after spinal cord injury,identify sexual dimorphisms in terms of cytokine levels,and determine local cytokines that significantly change based on the severity of spinal cord injury.Rats were inflicted with either a mild contusion,moderate contusion,severe contusion,or complete transection,7 mm of spinal cord centered on the injury was harvested at varying times post-injury,and tissue homogenates were analyzed with a Cytokine/Chemokine 27-Plex assay.Results demonstrated pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factorα,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6 were all upregulated after spinal cord injury,but returned to uninjured levels within approximately 24 hours post-injury,while chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 remained upregulated for days post-injury.In contrast,several anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors including interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor were downregulated by 7 days post-injury.After spinal cord injury,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,which specifically affects astrocytes involved in glial scar development,increased more than all other cytokines tested,reaching 26.9-fold higher than uninjured rats.After a mild injury,11 cytokines demonstrated sexual dimorphisms;however,after a severe contusion only leptin levels were different between female and male rats.In conclusion,pro-inflammatory cytokines initiate the inflammatory process and return to baseline within hours post-injury,chemokines continue to recruit immune cells for days post-injury,while anti-inflammatory cytokines are downregulated by a week post-injury,and sexual dimorphisms observed after mild injury subsided with more severe injuries.Results from this work define critical chemokines that influence immune cell infiltration and important cytokines involved in glial scar development after spinal cord injury,which are essential for researchers developing treatments targeting secondary damage after spinal cord injury.

Cytokine release syndrome triggered by programmed death 1 blockade(sintilimab)therapy in a psoriasis patient:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have demonstrated remarkable efficacy across diverse malignancies.Notably,in patients with advanced gastric cancer,the use of programmed death 1(PD-1)blockade has significantly prolonged overall survival,marking a pivotal advancement comparable to the impact of Herceptin over the past two decades.While the therapeutic benefits of ICIs are evident,the increasing use of immunotherapy has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events.CASE SUMMARY This article presents the case of a patient with advanced gastric cancer and chronic plaque psoriasis.Following sintilimab therapy,the patient developed severe rashes accompanied by cytokine release syndrome(CRS).Fortunately,effective management was achieved through the administration of glucocorticoid,tocilizumab,and acitretin,which resulted in favorable outcomes.CONCLUSION Glucocorticoid and tocilizumab therapy was effective in managing CRS after PD-1 blockade therapy for gastric cancer in a patient with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine and inflammatory cytokines,markers and mediators of coronary artery disease progression in diabetes

This editorial refers to the article“Comparative analysis of Nε-carboxymethyllysine and inflammatory markers in diabetic and non-diabetic coronary artery disease patients”,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes 2023 is based on glucose metabolism,advanced glycation end products(AGEs),inflammation and adiposity on diabetes and coronary artery disease(CAD).This study has included CAD patients who were stratified according to glycosylated hemoglobin higher than 6.5 and sex-matched.A higher prevalence of hypertension,dyslipidemia,and non-vegetarian diet were found in the diabetic group.These risk factors might influence body weight and adiposity and explain the increment of the left atrium.Although this data was not supported by the study.The diet can also explain the non-enzymatic reactions on lipids,proteins,or nucleic acids and consequently an increment of AGEs.These molecules can emit fluorescence.However,one of the non-fluorescent and most abundant AGEs is Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine(CML).Its association with coronary artery stenosis and severity in the diabetic group might suggest its role as a player in CAD progression.Thus,CML,after binding with its receptor(RAGE),can induce calcification cascade through reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinase.Moreover,this interaction AGE-RAGE can cause activation of the transcription nuclear factor-kb and induce inflammatory cytokines.It might explain the relationship between CML and pro-inflammatory cytokines in diabetic and CAD patients.Although this is a population from one center,the determination of CML and inflammatory cytokines might improve the diagnosis of severe and progressive CAD.Future and comparative studies among glycosylated hemoglobin,CML,and other AGE levels according to diagnosis and prognosis value might modify the clinical practice.Although these molecules are irreversible,they can act through a specific receptor inducing a signal transduction that might be modulated by inhibitors,antibodies,or siRNA.Further mechanistic studies might improve the development of future preventive therapies for diabetic patients.

Association of Cytokines with Clinical Indicators in Patients with Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators.Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),antiinfective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed.Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group.Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-αand IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cytokines in adolescents with subthreshold depression:a randomized controlled study

Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses.Moreover,anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide(LBP),derived from Goji berries,exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial,we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression.It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines.In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial,we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group.In the LBP group,adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP.A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents,comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group(15.36±2.06 years,3 men and 11 women)and 10 adolescents from the placebo group(14.9±1.6 years,2 men and 8 women).Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment,the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group.Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors,which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms.These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level,thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.

Indications of pro-inflammatory cytokines in laparoscopic and open liver resection for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Our clinical practice of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)had achieved better short-term and long-term benefits for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)over open liver resection(OLR),but the underlying mechanisms are not clear.This study was to find out whether systemic inflammation plays an important role.Methods:A total of 103 patients with early-stage HCC under liver resection were enrolled(LLR group,n=53;OLR group,n=50).The expression of 9 inflammatory cytokines in patients at preoperation,postoperative day 1(POD1)and POD7 was quantified by Luminex Multiplex assay.The relationships of the cytokines and the postoperative outcomes were compared between LLR and OLR.Results:Seven of the circulating cytokines were found to be significantly upregulated on POD1 after LLR or OLR compared to their preoperative levels.Compared to OLR,the POD1 levels of granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)in the LLR group were significantly lower.Higher POD1 levels of these cytokines were significantly correlated with longer operative time and higher volume of blood loss during operation.The levels of these cytokines were positively associated with postoperative liver injury,and the length of hospital stay.Importantly,a high level of IL-6 at POD1 was a risk factor for HCC recurrence and poor disease-free survival after liver resection.Conclusions:Significantly lower level of GM-CSF,IL-6,IL-8,and MCP-1 after liver resection represented a milder systemic inflammation which might be an important mechanism to offer better short-term and long-term outcomes in LLR over OLR.

Cytokine release syndrome induced by anti-programmed death-1 treatment in a psoriasis patient:A dark side of immune checkpoint inhibitors

In recent years,cancer immunotherapy has introduced novel treatments,such as monoclonal antibodies,which have facilitated targeted therapies against tumor cells.Programmed death-1(PD-1)is an immune checkpoint expressed in T cells that regulates the immune system’s activity to prevent over-activation and tissue damage caused by inflammation.However,PD-1 is also expressed in tumor cells and functions as an immune evasion mechanism,making it a therapeutic target to enhance the immune response and eliminate tumor cells.Consequently,immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have emerged as an option for certain tumor types.Nevertheless,blocking immune checkpoints can lead to immune-related adverse events(irAEs),such as psoriasis and cytokine release syndrome(CRS),as exemp-lified in the clinical case presented by Zhou et al involving a patient with adva-nced gastric cancer who received sintilimab,a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-1.Subsequently,the patient experienced exacerbation of psoriasis and CRS.The objective of this editorial article is to elucidate potential immunologic mechanisms that may contribute to the development of CRS and psoriasis in patients receiving ICIs.It is crucial to acknowledge that while ICIs offer superior safety and efficacy compared to conventional therapies,they can also manifest irAEs affecting the skin,gastrointestinal tract,or respiratory system.In severe cases,these irAEs can lead to life-threatening complications such as circulatory shock or multiorgan failure.Consequently,it is recommended that patients receiving ICIs undergo regular monitoring to identify and manage these adverse events effectively.

DNA Damage-driven Inflammatory Cytokines:Reprogramming of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Application of Oncotherapy

DNA damage occurs across tumorigenesis and tumor development.Tumor intrinsic DNA damage can not only increase the risk of mutations responsible for tumor generation but also initiate a cellular stress response to orchestrate the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME)and dominate tumor progression.Accumulating evidence documents that multiple signaling pathways,including cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes(cGAS-STING)and ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein/ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein(ATM/ATR),are activated downstream of DNA damage and they are associated with the secretion of diverse cytokines.These cytokines possess multifaced functions in the anti-tumor immune response.Thus,it is necessary to deeply interpret the complex TIME reshaped by damaged DNA and tumor-derived cytokines,critical for the development of effective tumor therapies.This manuscript comprehensively reviews the relationship between the DNA damage response and related cytokines in tumors and depicts the dual immunoregulatory roles of these cytokines.We also summarize clinical trials targeting signaling pathways and cytokines associated with DNA damage and provide future perspectives on emerging technologies.

Differential expression of plasma cytokines in sepsis patients and their clinical implications

BACKGROUND Sepsis,which is characterized by acute systemic inflammation and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality,presents a significant challenge in health care.Some scholars have found that the sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)and quick SOFA scores are not ideal for predicting severe sepsis and mortality.Microbial culture takes a long time(2-3 d)and provides no information for early diagnosis and treatment.Therefore,new diagnostic methods for sepsis need to be explored.AIM To assess cytokine levels in the plasma of sepsis patients and identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing sepsis.METHODS Ten sepsis patients admitted to the emergency department within 24 h of onset were enrolled as the observation group,whereas ten noninfected patients served as the control group.Of the 10 noninfected patients,9 hypertension combined with cerebral infarction,1 patients with vertiginous syndrome.Plasma Cytokines were measured using the Bio-Plex Pro^(TM)Human Chemokine Panel 40-plex.Differentially expressed cytokines in plasma of sepsis and nonsepsis patients were analyzed using Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses.RESULTS Interleukin(IL)-16,granulocyte-macrophage granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF),CX3CL1,CXCL9,CXCL16,CCL25,and CCL23 plasma levels were significantly increased in sepsis patients.GO analysis revealed that these cytokines were mainly associated with cellular structures such as intermediates,nuclear plaques,adhesion plaques,lateral plasma membranes,and cell matrix junctions.These genes were involved in various molecular functions,such as cytokine activity,receptor ligand activity,and signal receptor activator activity,contributing to various biological functions,such as leukocyte chemotaxis,migration,and chemotaxis.KEGG analysis indicated involvement in cytokine cytokine receptor interactions,chemokine signaling pathways,virus–protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors,and the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway.CONCLUSION Elevated serum levels of IL-16,GM-CSF,CX3CL1,CXCL9,CXCL16,CCL25,and CCL23 in sepsis patients suggest their potential as diagnostic biomarkers for sepsis.

Lentivirus Transduced T Cell Lines Response to Pro-Inflammatory and Antiviral Cytokines in the Presence of HIV

Various studies have attempted to understand HIV infection under a diverse range of stimulants including cytokine stimulation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, have been shown to reactivate HIV latency by inducing NF-κB mediated activation of the HIV LTR (long terminal repeats) that contain κB transcriptional binding sites. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α), an anti-viral cytokine, is not well studied as an inducer of HIV activation. However, previous work from our group has shown that HIV can block IFN-α signaling in CD4+ T cells presumably to allow for further viral replication. Initially using HEK 293T cells, we moved to CD4+ T cells lines to develop a system to determine how stimulation with different cytokines impacts signaling within T cell lines. We confirmed that in our system TNF-α triggers activation of NF-κB driven reporters but not in the presence of HIV. In addition, we show that the presence of HIV blocks IFN-α signaling. Taken together, our system demonstrates that HIV by TNF-α, will continue to block IFN-α signaling preventing it from impacting HIV activation. This system can now be used to screen for cytokine based and other molecule activators that may be influenced by the presence of HIV.

Advances in Cytokine Research and Therapeutic Strategies for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease with complex causes that are closely associated with environmental,genetic,and immune factors.However,the precise etiology and pathogenesis remain under investigation in clinical practice.Extensive research has demonstrated that cytokines play a pivotal role in the development,occurrence,and prognosis of UC,with an imbalance between pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory factors being a significant contributor.Given that UC is challenging to cure,therapeutic options such as hormones and aminosalicylic acid are commonly employed.While treatments including Western medicine,traditional Chinese medicine,and other approaches have shown some efficacy,substantial breakthroughs are still lacking.Cytokines,therefore,represent a critical focus in understanding the pathogenesis of UC.This review explores the therapeutic pathways of cytokines and their antagonists.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Various Cytokines in Otitis Media

The expression and clinical significance of relevant cytokines in otitis media (OM) are discussed, and the alterations to the pathological state of the otitis media mucosa are further understood through the study of cytokine transduction pathways. More and more studies have shown that relevant cell proliferation and inflammation progression pathways play a role in the development of otitis media, such as the Jun amino-terminal protein kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway, which are involved in the proliferation of the middle ear mucosa during otitis media, which affects the mucosal cilia, motor function, Eustachian tube function, and the mucosal ciliary function. These studies provide new ideas for the treatment of otitis media and further explore the feasibility of immunotherapy in the future treatment of otitis media. In this paper, we present a review of the latest research progress on the expression of various cytokines in otitis media.

Role of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral nerve injury

Inflammatory events occurring in the distal part of an injured peripheral nerve have, nowadays, a great resonance. Investigating the timing of action of the several cytokines in the important stages of Wallerian degeneration helps to understand the regenerative process and design pharmacologic intervention that promotes and expedites recovery. The complex and synergistic action of inflammatory cytokines finally promotes axonal regeneration. Cytokines can be divided into pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that upregulate and downregulate, respectively, the production of inflammatory mediators. While pro-inflammatory cytokines are expressed in the first phase of Wallerian degeneration and promote the recruitment of macrophages, anti-inflammatory cytokines are expressed after this recruitment and downregulate the production of all cytokines, thus determining the end of the process. In this review, we describe the major inflammatory cytokines involved in Wallerian degeneration and the early phases of nerve regeneration. In particular, we focus on interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-β, interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β.

Role of cytokine receptor-like factor 1 in hepatic stellate cells and fibrosis

AIM: To elucidate the role of cytokine receptor-like factor 1 (CRLF1) in hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis.

Distinct Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis after <i>in</i><i>Vitro</i>Blockade of Interleukin (IL)-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oJIA) is an antigen-driven and lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disorder with irregularity in the adaptive immune system. Auto reactive T cells, activated by cartilage-derived auto antigens, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ and IL-17. Failure of regulatory T cells leads to decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production and results in the loss of immune tolerance. This activation of innate and adaptive immunity stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Thus, inhibition of these cytokines is considered as an appropriate therapeutic strategy for oJIA. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the blockade of a single cytokine pathway in the present cytokine setting causes an unfavourable imbalance in the cytokine system or whether the blockade is sufficient to suppress the inflammatory condition. We examined the cytokine secretion after in vitro inhibition of IL-1 and TNF-α of patients with oJIA and healthy subjects. This single center cohort study consisted of oJIA affected children and control subjects. Cytokine profiles from cell culture supernatants were examined with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay by flow cytometry. Adalimumab prevents highly effective and very selective effect of the cytokine TNF-α. Due to its structure, the mode of action of etanercept is difficult to display. In addition, adalimumab and etanercept appear in vitro suppressive to IFN-γ. The efficiency of both substances is particularly supported by the increased secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. In contrast, anakinra unselectively inhibits the pro-inflammatory macrophage cytokines. To conclude, our observations suggest that inhibition of IL-1 or TNF-α may contribute to the unselective decline of other pro-inflammatory cytokines in oJIA patients. The selective anti-inflammatory effect of cytokine inhibitors is most likely supported by an increase of IL-4 or IL-10. It still remains to be elucidated whether the reduced IFN-γ secretion is maybe causative for the increased susceptibility to infections with opportunistic pathogens.