Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis induced by X-linked agammaglobulinemia:A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP)and X-linked agammaglobulinemia(XLA)are rare diseases in children.Many theories infer that immunodeficiency can induce PAP,but these reports are almost all review articles,and there is little clinical evidence.We report the case of a child with both PAP and XLA.CASE SUMMARY A 4-month-old boy sought medical treatment due to coughing and difficulty in breathing for>2 wk.He had been hospitalized multiple times due to respiratory infections and diarrhea.Chest computed tomography and alveolar lavage fluid showed typical PAP-related manifestations.Genetic testing confirmed that the boy also had XLA.Following total lung alveolar lavage and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy,the boy recovered and was discharged.During the follow-up period,the number of respiratory infections was significantly reduced,and PAP did not recur.CONCLUSION XLA can induce PAP and improving immune function contributes to the prognosis of children with this type of PAP.

Fasudil-modified macrophages reduce inflammation and regulate the immune response in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis is characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss caused by inflammatory cell activation and infiltration into the central nervous system.Macrophage polarization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,a traditional experimental model of multiple sclerosis.This study investigated the effect of Fasudil on macrophages and examined the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-modified macrophages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.We found that Fasudil induced the conversion of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type,as shown by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide,interleukin-12,and CD16/32 and increased expression of arginase-1,interleukin-10,CD14,and CD206,which was linked to inhibition of Rho kinase activity,decreased expression of toll-like receptors,nuclear factor-κB,and components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway,and generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6.Crucially,Fasudil-modified macrophages effectively decreased the impact of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,resulting in later onset of disease,lower symptom scores,less weight loss,and reduced demyelination compared with unmodified macrophages.In addition,Fasudil-modified macrophages decreased interleukin-17 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and CD16/32,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and interleukin-12 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,as well as increasing interleukin-10 expression on CD4^(+)T cells and arginase-1,CD206,and interleukin-10 expression on F4/80^(+)macrophages,which improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation.These findings suggest that Fasudil-modified macrophages may help treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the inflammatory response,thereby providing new insight into cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis.

Effect of tubastatin A on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages under hypoxia/ reoxygenation conditions

BACKGROUND:There are currently no effective drugs to mitigate the ischemia/reperfusion injury caused by fluid resuscitation after hemorrhagic shock(HS).The aim of this study was to explore the potential of the histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6)-specific inhibitor tubastatin A(TubA)to suppress nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in macrophages under hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)conditions.METHODS:The viability of RAW264.7 cells subjected to H/R after treatment with different concentrations of TubA was assessed using a cell-counting kit-8(CCK8)assay.Briefly,2.5μmol/L TubA was used with RAW264.7 cells under H/R condition.RAW264.7 cells were divided into three groups,namely the control,H/R,and TubA groups.The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the cells were detected using fluorescence microscopy.The protein expression of HDAC6,heat shock protein 90(Hsp90),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),NLRP3,gasdermin-D(GSDMD),Caspase-1,GSDMD-N,and Caspase-1 p20 was detected by western blotting.The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 in the supernatants were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:HDAC6,Hsp90,and iNOS expression levels were significantly higher(P<0.01)in the H/R group than in the control group,but lower in the TubA group than in the H/R group(P<0.05).When comparing the H/R group to the control group,ROS levels were significantly higher(P<0.01),but significantly reduced in the TubA group(P<0.05).The H/R group had higher NLRP3,GSDMD,Caspase-1,GSDMD-N,and Caspase-1 p20 expression levels than the control group(P<0.05),however,the TubA group had significantly lower expression levels than the H/R group(P<0.05).IL-1βand IL-18 levels in the supernatants were significantly higher in the H/R group compared to the control group(P<0.01),but significantly lower in the TubA group compared to the H/R group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:TubA inhibited the expression of HDAC6,Hsp90,and iNOS in macrophages subjected to H/R.This inhibition led to a decrease in the content of ROS in cells,which subsequently inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the secretion of IL-1βand IL-18.

Interactions between myoblasts and macrophages under high glucose milieus result in inflammatory response and impaired insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle handles about 80% of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and become the major organ occurring insulin resistance(IR).Many studies have confirmed the interactions between macrophages and skeletal muscle regulated the inflammation and regeneration of skeletal muscle.However,despite of the decades of research,whether macrophages infiltration and polarization in skeletal muscle under high glucose(HG)milieus results in the development of IR is yet to be elucidated.C2C12 myoblasts are well-established and excellent model to study myogenic regulation and its responses to stimulation.Further exploration of macrophages'role in myoblasts IR and the dynamics of their infiltration and polarization is warranted.AIM To evaluate interactions between myoblasts and macrophages under HG,and its effects on inflammation and IR in skeletal muscle.METHODS We detected the polarization status of macrophages infiltrated to skeletal muscles of IR mice by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining.Then,we developed an in vitro co-culture system to study the interactions between myoblasts and macrophages under HG milieus.The effects of myoblasts on macrophages were explored through morphological observation,CCK-8 assay,Flow Cytometry,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The mediation of macrophages to myogenesis and insulin sensitivity were detected by morphological observation,CCK-8 assay,Immunofluorescence,and 2-NBDG assay.RESULTS The F4/80 and co-localization of F4/80 and CD86 increased,and the myofiber size decreased in IR group(P<0.01,g=6.26).Compared to Mc group,F4/80+CD86+CD206-cells,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα),inerleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-6 decreased,and IL-10 increased in McM group(P<0.01,g>0.8).In McM+HG group,F4/80+CD86+CD206-cells,monocyte chemoattractant protein 1,TNFα,IL-1βand IL-6 were increased,and F4/80+CD206+CD86-cells and IL-10 were decreased compared with Mc+HG group and McM group(P<0.01,g>0.8).Compered to M group,myotube area,myotube number and E-MHC were increased in MMc group(P<0.01,g>0.8).In MMc+HG group,myotube area,myotube number,E-MHC,GLUT4 and glucose uptake were decreased compared with M+HG group and MMc group(P<0.01,g>0.8).CONCLUSION Interactions between myoblasts and macrophages under HG milieus results in inflammation and IR,which support that the macrophage may serve as a promising therapeutic target for skeletal muscle atrophy and IR.

miR-155/瘦素受体/AMPK轴在结核菌素诱导破骨细胞形成中的作用及机制

背景:破骨细胞异常活化在脊柱结核骨质破坏中起重要作用。在骨质疏松发病过程中,敲低miR-155通过增加瘦素受体的表达来激活磷酸腺苷依赖的蛋白激酶(AMP-dependent protein kinase,AMPK),进而抑制破骨细胞分化及骨吸收。但miR-155/瘦素受体/AMPK轴在脊柱结核骨质破坏中的作用尚不清楚。目的:研究miR-155/瘦素受体/AMPK轴在结核菌素诱导破骨细胞形成中的作用及机制。方法:培养单核巨噬细胞RAW264.7细胞,用不同浓度(1.0,2.5,5.0,10.0 IU/mL)结核菌素处理,转染阴性对照序列或miR-155抑制物、阴性对照siRNA序列或瘦素受体siRNA序列。采用抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶染色检测破骨细胞数量,荧光定量PCR检测miR-155 mRNA表达,Western blot检测瘦素受体、p-AMPK蛋白表达,双荧光素酶报告基因验证miR-155靶向瘦素受体。结果与结论:①与对照组比较,2.5,5.0,10.0 IU/mL结核菌素组破骨细胞数量、miR-155 mRNA表达水平明显增加,瘦素受体、p-AMPK蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05);②与阴性对照+5.0 IU/mL结核菌素组比较,miR-155抑制物+5.0 IU/mL结核菌素组破骨细胞数量、miR-155 mRNA表达水平明显降低,瘦素受体、p-AMPK蛋白表达水平明显增加(P<0.05);③与阴性对照组比较,miR-155抑制物组瘦素受体野生型双荧光素酶报告基因的荧光活力增加,miR-155模拟物组瘦素受体野生型双荧光素酶报告基因的荧光活力降低(P<0.05);④与阴性对照siRNA+miR-155抑制物+5.0 IU/mL结核菌素组比较,瘦素受体siRNA+miR-155抑制物+5.0 IU/mL结核菌素组miR-155 mRNA表达水平无明显变化(P>0.05),破骨细胞数量明显增加,瘦素受体、p-AMPK蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05);⑤结果表明,结核菌素通过增加miR-155表达抑制下游瘦素受体表达及AMPK激活,进而诱导破骨细胞形成。

Effect of dual targeting procyanidins nanoparticles on metabolomics of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory macrophages

Inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many inflammatory diseases.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect and metabolic behavior of the dual targeting procyanidins(PC)nanoparticles on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated inflammatory macrophages by metabolomics method.The double-targeting PC nanoparticles could specifi cally target both the CD44 receptor and mitochondria,while the single targeting PC-loaded nanoparticles that could target the CD44 receptor on the surface of macrophages.The double-targeting PC nanoparticles had better inhibitory effect than single-targeting PC nanoparticles on the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species overexpression induced by LPS.Amino acid metabolism,energy metabolism and purine metabolism were disordered in LPS-treated group,and metabolic pathway analysis indicated that the double-targeting PC nanoparticles reversed some of LPS impacts.The changes of these potential biomarkers and their corresponding pathways are helpful to further understand the mechanism of PC nanoparticles in alleviating inflammation,and promote their application in nutrition intervention.

Effect and mechanism of reactive oxygen species-mediated NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome activation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

BACKGROUND The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a significant component of the innate immune system that plays a vital role in the development of various parasitic diseases.However,its role in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis(HAE)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the NLRP3 inflammasome and its mechanism of activation in HAE.METHODS We assessed the expression of NLRP3,caspase-1,interleukin(IL)-1β,and IL-18 in the marginal zone and corresponding normal liver of 60 patients with HAE.A rat model of HAE was employed to investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the marginal zone of HAE.Transwell experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of Echinococcus multilocularis(E.multilocularis)in stimulating Kupffer cells and hepatocytes.Furthermore,immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to evaluate NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β,and IL-18 expression;flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and reactive oxygen species(ROS).RESULTS NLRP3 inflammasome activation was significantly associated with ROS.Inhibition of ROS production decreased NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1βpathway activation and mitigated hepatocyte damage and inflammation.CONCLUSION E.multilocularis induces hepatocyte damage and inflammation by activating the ROS-mediated NLRP3-caspase-1-IL-1βpathway in Kupffer cells,indicating that ROS may serve as a potential target for the treatment of HAE.

Voltage-dependent K^+-channel Responses during Activation and Damage in Alveolar Macrophages Induced by Quartz Particles

The roles of voltage-dependent K^＋ channels during activation and damage in alveolar macrophages （AMs） exposed to different silica particles were examined. Rat AMs were collected by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, and were adjusted to 5× 10^5/mL. After AMs were exposed to different concentrations （0, 25, 50, 100, 200 μg/mL） of quartz particles and 100 μg/mL amorphous silica particles for 24 h, the voltage-depended K^＋ current in AMs was measured by using patch clamp technique. Meanwhile the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and the viability of AMs were detected respectively. Patch clamp studies demonstrated that AMs possessed outward delayed and inward rectifying K^＋ current. Exposure to quartz particles increased the outward delayed K^＋ current but it had no effect on inward rectifier K^＋ current in AMs. Neither of the two K^＋ channels in AMs was affected by amorphous silica particles. Cytotoxicity test showed that both silica particles could damage AM membrane and result in significant leakage of LDH （P〈0.05）. MTT studies, however, showed that only quartz particles reduced viability of AMs （P〈0.05）. It is concluded that quartz parti- cles can activate the outward delayed K^＋ channel in AMs, which may act as an activating signal in AMs to initiate an inflammatory response during damage and necrosis in AMs induced by exposure to quartz particle. K^＋ channels do not contribute to the membrane damage of AMs.

Anti-inflammatory role of microRNA let-7c in LPS treated alveolar macrophages by targeting STAT3

Objective:To explore the expression of microRNA(miRNA) let-7c and its function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and alveolar macrophage cells.Methods:Real time PCR was performed to detect the expression of miRNA let-7c in the lung tissue of COPD patients and COPD model in mice.MiRNA let-7c was overexpresscd in alveolar macrophages isolated from mice and its effect was measured by the production of pro-inflammation cytokines and the protein level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) as well as phosphorylation level of STAT3 after LPS stimulation.Luciferase assay was used to detect the binding of miRNA let-7c and 3'UTR of STAT3.Results:MiRNA let-7c expression was significantly lower in patients with COPD compared with control group,and the similar result was found in COPD mice and LPS stimulated alveolar macrophages.Overexpression of miRNA lct-7c in alveolar macrophages inhibited LPS-induced increasing of tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β.Luciferase assay showed STAT3 was a targeting of miRNA lct-7c in alveolar macrophages.Conclusions:MiRNA lct-7c low expression in COPD can regulate inflammatory responses by targeting STAT3 in alveolar macrophage,which may provide a new target for COPD treatment strategies.

Atherosis-associated lnc_000048 activates PKR to enhance STAT1-mediated polarization of THP-1 macrophages to M1 phenotype

Our previous study has demonstrated that lnc_000048 is upregulated in large-artery atherosclerotic stroke and promotes atherosclerosis in ApoE^(-/-)mice.However,little is known about the role of lnc_000048 in classically activated macrophage(M1)polarization.In this study,we established THP-1-derived testing state macrophages(M0),M1 macrophages,and alternately activated macrophages(M2).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to verify the expression of marker genes and the expression of lnc_000048 in macrophages.Flow cytometry was used to detect phenotypic proteins(CD11b,CD38,CD80).We generated cell lines with lentivirus-mediated upregulation or downregulation of lnc_000048.Flow cytometry,western blot,and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that down-regulation of lnc_000048 reduced M1 macrophage polarization and the inflammation response,while over-expression of lnc_000048 led to the opposite effect.Western blot results indicated that lnc_000048 enhanced the activation of the STAT1 pathway and mediated the M1 macrophage polarization.Moreover,catRAPID prediction,RNA-pull down,and mass spectrometry were used to identify and screen the protein kinase RNA-activated(PKR),then catRAPID and RPIseq were used to predict the binding ability of lnc_000048 to PKR.Immunofluorescence(IF)-RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)double labeling was performed to verify the subcellular colocalization of lnc_000048 and PKR in the cytoplasm of M1 macrophage.We speculate that lnc_000048 may form stem-loop structure-specific binding and activate PKR by inducing its phosphorylation,leading to activation of STAT1 phosphorylation and thereby enhancing STAT1 pathway-mediated polarization of THP-1 macrophages to M1 and inflammatory factor expression.Taken together,these results reveal that the lnc_000048/PKR/STAT1 axis plays a crucial role in the polarization of M1 macrophages and may be a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis alleviation in stroke.

Effect of Mnk1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages

Objective:To investigate the effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase interaction serine kinase 1(Mnk1)gene deletion on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory response in mouse macrophages(Mφ)and the possible mechanism.Methods:Healthy male wildtype C57BL/6J(WT)and Mnk1 knockout(KO)mice were selected at 8-10 weeks of age and divided into WT+PBS,KO+PBS,WT+LPS and KO+LPS groups,and the serum levels of IL-1βwere measured by ELISA after 24 h intraperitoneal injection of PBS or LPS.The mRNA expression levels of IL-1βand Sprouty2(Spry2)in the spleen Mφwere measured by qRTPCR.Mφwas also extracted from the peritoneal cavity of two strains of mice for in vitro experiments to detect macrophage adhesion function and stimulated with equal volumes of LPS or PBS solution for 24 h,divided into WT+PBS group,KO+PBS group,WT+LPS group and KO+LPS group,and transfected with adenovirus expressing Spry2.qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of LFA-1α,IL-1β,iNOS,CD206,Arg1 and Spry2 in Mφ.Mnk1,ERK1/2,P-ERK1/2,P-p38,P-JNK and Spry2 protein levels in Mφwere detected by western blot.Results:In the in vivo experiments,the concentration of IL-1βin the serum of the KO+LPS group was more significantly elevated than that of the WT+LPS group in mice injected intraperitoneally with LPS.The expression level of splenic MφIL-1βwas higher and the mRNA expression level of Spry2 was decreased in the KO+LPS group compared to the WT+LPS group.In the in vitro experiments,the mRNA expression levels of IL-1βand iNOS were elevated and those of CD206,Arg1 and Spry2 were decreased in the KO+LPS group compared with the WT+LPS group;the expression of LFA-1αwas not significantly different in the WT+PBS and WT+LPS groups,while the expression level of LFA-1αwas significantly increased in the KO+LPS group compared with the WT+LPS group.The results of the macrophage adhesion function assay showed that the adhesion rate of Mφin the KO group was increased at several time points compared to the WT group.After LPS stimulation,the expression of MφSpry2 decreased in Mnk1 KO group compared to WT group,while the expression of P-ERK1/2 increased compared to WT group.After Mφwas transfected with adenovirus overexpressing Spry2 and stimulated with LPS,MφSpry2 expression increased in the KO+AdSpry2 group and P-ERK1/2 expression decreased significantly compared to KO+AdGFP.Conclusion:Mnk1 knockdown enhances LPS-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages,and the mechanism may be related to the involvement of Spry2,a substrate of Mnk1,in regulating macrophage function.

金合欢素通过调节Sirt1介导的AMPK/Nrf2信号通路改善肺炎链球菌感染引起的肺泡上皮细胞损伤

目的:探讨金合欢素通过调节沉默信息调节因子相关酶1(Sirt1)介导的5'-磷酸腺苷激活的蛋白激酶(AMPK)/核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)信号通路对肺炎链球菌(SP)感染引起的肺泡上皮细胞损伤的影响。方法:SP感染体外培养的肺泡上皮细胞A549建立细胞损伤模型,采用终浓度分别为0、5、25、50、100、150、200μmol/L的金合欢素处理,CCK-8检测各处理组细胞活力并筛选金合欢素最佳作用浓度。体外培养的A549细胞随机分为5组:对照组、模型组、金合欢素(150μmol/L)组、EX527(Sirt1抑制剂,40μmol/L)组、金合欢素(150μmol/L)+EX527组(40μmol/L),对照组不进行处理,其余各组以SP感染建立细胞损伤模型,150μmol/L金合欢素和40μmol/L EX527分别处理,CCK-8、流式细胞术分别检测各组细胞活力与凋亡率;试剂盒检测各组细胞活性氧(ROS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平及IL-10、IL-1β、TNF-α水平;免疫印迹法检测各组细胞增殖相关蛋白Ki-67、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、凋亡相关蛋白caspase-9、Bax表达、Sirt1与AMPK/Nrf2信号通路蛋白p-AMPK/AMPK、Nrf2表达。结果:与对照组比较,模型组A549细胞活力、SOD、IL-10水平、p-AMPK/AMPK、Sirt1、Nrf2、Ki-67与PCNA蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),凋亡率、MDA、LDH、ROS水平、IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高(P<0.05)。与模型组、金合欢素+EX527组分别比较,金合欢素组A549细胞活力、SOD、IL-10水平、p-AMPK/AMPK、Sirt1、Nrf2、Ki-67与PCNA蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05),凋亡率、MDA、LDH、ROS、IL-1β、TNF-α水平均降低(P<0.05);EX527组A549细胞活力、SOD、IL-10水平、p-AMPK/AMPK、Sirt1、Nrf2、Ki-67与PCNA蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05),凋亡率、MDA、LDH、ROS、IL-1β、TNF-α水平均升高(P<0.05)。结论:金合欢素可通过上调Sirt1表达激活AMPK/Nrf2信号,进而促进抗炎因子分泌,减少ROS和促炎因子产生,减轻炎症与氧化应激,最终缓解神经元损伤。

Neutrophil peptide 1 accelerates the clearance of degenerative axons during Wallerian degeneration by activating macrophages after peripheral nerve crush injury

Macrophages play an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration,but the specific mechanism of regeneration is still unclear.Our preliminary findings indicated that neutrophil peptide 1 is an innate immune peptide closely involved in peripheral nerve regeneration.However,the mechanism by which neutrophil peptide 1 enhances nerve regeneration remains unclear.This study was designed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil peptide 1 and macrophages in vivo and in vitro in peripheral nerve crush injury.The functions of RAW 264.7 cells we re elucidated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay,flow cytometry,migration assays,phagocytosis assays,immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Axonal debris phagocytosis was observed using the CUBIC(Clear,Unobstructed Brain/Body Imaging Cocktails and Computational analysis)optical clearing technique during Wallerian degeneration.Macrophage inflammatory factor expression in different polarization states was detected using a protein chip.The results showed that neutrophil peptide 1 promoted the prolife ration,migration and phagocytosis of macrophages,and CD206 expression on the surfa ce of macrophages,indicating M2 polarization.The axonal debris clearance rate during Wallerian degeneration was enhanced after neutrophil peptide 1 intervention.Neutrophil peptide 1 also downregulated inflammatory factors interleukin-1α,-6,-12,and tumor necrosis factor-αin invo and in vitro.Thus,the results suggest that neutrophil peptide 1 activates macrophages and accelerates Wallerian degeneration,which may be one mechanism by which neutrophil peptide 1 enhances peripheral nerve regeneration.

电针预处理对AMI小鼠心肌局部炎症及DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc信号通路的影响

目的观察内关穴电针预处理后急性心肌梗死小鼠(AMI)心功能、局部炎症水平及巨噬细胞M2型极化变化,并从调控DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc信号通路角度探讨其可能机制。方法将雄性C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组和电针组,每组10只。采用结扎冠状动脉左前降支制备心肌缺血模型。电针组接受双侧内关穴电针干预,疏密波,2/15 Hz,1 mA,每次20 min,每日1次,连续3 d,电针干预结束后30 min造模。采用超声心动图检测心脏射血分数(EF)和短轴收缩率(FS);HE、TUNEL染色观察小鼠心肌病理形态和心肌细胞凋亡;免疫组化和ELISA法检测梗死区心肌组织和外周血中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3的表达水平;流式细胞术检测心脏中巨噬细胞极化状态,Western blot法检测梗死心肌中DNA-PK、p-DNA-PK、Rictor、Myc的蛋白表达水平。结果与假手术组相比,模型组的EF、FS明显降低(P<0.0001),炎性细胞浸润明显,心肌细胞凋亡指数显著升高(P<0.001),心肌组织和血清中IL-1β、NLRP3、TNF-α表达上调(P<0.01,P<0.001),巨噬细胞百分比明显增加(P<0.001),M2型巨噬细胞百分比下降(P<0.0001),心肌组织中p-DNA-PK、Rictor和Myc蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05,P<0.0001);与模型组相比,电针组的EF、FS显著升高(P<0.0001),炎性细胞浸润减少,心肌细胞凋亡指数下降(P<0.01),心肌组织和血清中IL-1β、NLRP3、TNF-α表达下调(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),巨噬细胞百分比下降(P<0.05),M2型巨噬细胞百分比上升(P<0.01),心肌组织中p-DNA-PK、Rictor和Myc蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.0001)。结论电针预处理可能通过调控DNA-PK/Rictor/Myc信号通路,促进巨噬细胞M2极化,减轻局部炎症,减少心肌细胞凋亡,从而提高心功能,实现心肌保护效应。

Exosome-derived miR-146a-5p from decidual macrophages in preeclampsia inhibits the viability and invasive ability of trophoblast cells by targeting HIF1α

Objective:To investigate the effect of exosomes secreted by decidual macrophages on trophoblast cells and their molecular mechanism.Methods:The decidual tissues of patients with preeclampsia(PE)and normal-term pregnant women were collected.Macrophages were obtained by the density gradient method and then flow cell sorting,then the exosomes were extracted.The structure of the exosomes was observed by transmission electron microscope.The expression of CD63,a marker protein of the exocrine body,was detected by western blot,and the exosomes were identified.CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of exosomes on trophoblast cell viability.Transwell migration experiment was used to detect the influence on migration ability.The expression of miR-146a-5p in exosomes was detected by qPCR.The effect of exosomes on the expression of HIF1αprotein in trophoblasts was detected by western blot and detection of the binding site between miR-146a-5p and HIF1αby double luciferase reporter gene was conducted.Results:The exosomes of macrophages present a"cake"structure with a middle depression about 30-130 nm in diameter,and CD63 is highly expressed,which conforms to the characteristics of exosomes.Compared with the normal group,the exosomes of decidual macrophages in the PE group inhibited the activity and migration of trophoblast cells(P<0.001).The expression of miR-146a-5p in the exosomes of decidual macrophages in the PE decreased significantly,and after exosomes of PE decidual macrophages treating trophoblast cells,the protein expression of HIF1αin trophoblast cells was significantly increased.There are targeted binding sites between miR-146a-5p and HIF1α.Conclusion:PE decidual macrophage exosomes can inhibit the viability and migration of trophoblast cells,which may be related to the decreased expression of miR-146a-5p in exosomes,thus promoting HIF1αprotein expression of trophoblast cells.

The heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages and strategies to target it

Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)are emerging as targets for tumor therapy because of their primary role in promoting tumor progression.Several studies have been conducted to target TAMs by reducing their infiltration,depleting their numbers,and reversing their phenotypes to suppress tumor progression,leading to the development of drugs in preclinical and clinical trials.However,the heterogeneous characteristics of TAMs,including their ontogenetic and functional heterogeneity,limit their targeting.Therefore,in-depth exploration of the heterogeneity of TAMs,combined with immune checkpoint therapy or other therapeutic modalities could improve the efficiency of tumor treatment.This review focuses on the heterogeneous ontogeny and function of TAMs,as well as the current development of tumor therapies targeting TAMs and combination strategies.

Global trends in publications regarding macrophages-related diabetic foot ulcers in the last two decades

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are one of the most severe and popular complications of diabetes.The persistent non-healing of DFUs is the leading cause of amputation,which causes significant mental and financial stress to patients and their families.Macrophages are critical cells in wound healing and perform essential roles in all phases of wound healing.However,no studies have been carried out to systematically illustrate this area from a scientometric point of view.Although there have been some bibliometric studies on diabetes,reports focusing on the investigation of macrophages in DFUs are lacking.AIM To perform a bibliometric analysis to systematically assess the current state of research on macrophage-related DFUs.METHODS The publications of macrophage-related DFUs from January 1,2004,to December 31,2023,were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on January 9,2024.Four different analytical tools:VOSviewer(v1.6.19),CiteSpace(v6.2.R4),HistCite(v12.03.07),and Excel 2021 were used for the scientometric research.RESULTS A total of 330 articles on macrophage-related DFUs were retrieved.The most published countries,institutions,journals,and authors in this field were China,Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China,Wound Repair and Regeneration,and Aristidis Veves.Through the analysis of keyword co-occurrence networks,historical direct citation networks,thematic maps,and trend topics maps,we synthesized the prevailing research hotspots and emerging trends in this field.CONCLUSION Our bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of macrophage-related DFUs research and insights into promising upcoming research.

Polydatin ameliorates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating macrophage polarization

Background:Polydatin,a glucoside of resveratrol,has shown protective effects against various diseases.However,little is known about its effect on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury.This study aimed to elucidate whether polydatin protects liver against I/R-induced injury and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:After gavage feeding polydatin once daily for a week,mice underwent a partial hepatic I/R procedure.Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase(AST),hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)staining were used to evaluate liver injury.The severity related to the inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was also investigated.Furthermore,immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect macrophage polarization and the NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages.Results:Compared with the I/R group,polydatin pretreatment significantly attenuated I/R-induced liver damage and apoptosis.The oxidative stress marker(dihydroethidium fluorescence,malondialdehyde,superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase)and I/R related inflammatory cytokines(interleukin1β,interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α)were significantly suppressed after polydatin treatment.In addition,the result of immunofluorescence indicated that polydatin reduced the polarization of macrophages toward M1 macrophages both in vivo and in vitro.Western blotting showed that polydatin inhibited the pro-inflammatory function of RAW264.7 via down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.Conclusions:Polydatin protects the liver from I/R injury by remodeling macrophage polarization via NFκB signaling.

SWIR FluorescenceImaging In Vivo Monitoring and Evaluating Implanted M2 Macrophages in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Skeletal muscle has a robust regeneration ability that is impaired by severe injury,disease,and aging.resulting in a decline in skeletal muscle function.Therefore,improving skeletal muscle regeneration is a key challenge in treating skeletal muscle-related disorders.Owing to their significant role in tissue regeneration,implantation of M2 macrophages(M2MФ)has great potential for improving skeletal muscle regeneration.Here,we present a short-wave infrared(SWIR)fluorescence imaging technique to obtain more in vivo information for an in-depth evaluation of the skeletal muscle regeneration effect after M2MФtransplantation.SWIR fluorescence imaging was employed to track implanted M2MФin the injured skeletal muscle of mouse models.It is found that the implanted M2MФaccumulated at the injury site for two weeks.Then,SWIR fluorescence imaging of blood vessels showed that M2MФimplantation could improve the relative perfusion ratio on day 5(1.09±0.09 vs 0.85±0.05;p=0.01)and day 9(1.38±0.16 vs 0.95±0.03;p=0.01)post-injury,as well as augment the degree of skeletal muscle regencration on day 13 post-injury.Finally,multiple linear regression analyses determined that post-injury time and relative perfusion ratio could be used as predictive indicators to evaluate skeletal muscle regeneration.These results provide more in vivo details about M2MФin skeletal muscle regeneration and confirm that M2MФcould promote angiogenesis and improve the degree of skeletal muscle repair,which will guide the research and development of M2MФimplantation to improve skeletal muscle regeneration.

Sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides exert immunomodulatory potential on macrophages via Toll-like receptor 4 mediated MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways

The biological activity of plant polysaccharides can be enhanced by sulfated modification.In this study,the immunomodulatory effect of sulfated Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides(SCP3)on macrophages RAW264.7 and its potential molecular mechanism were investigated.Results showed that SCP3 at 25-100μg/m L increased viability and improved phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells.Meanwhile,SCP3 could activate mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathways,which increased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2,JNK,p38 and NF-κB p65,promoting secretion of cytokines tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),interleukin 6(IL-6)and nitric oxide(NO)as well as the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).In addition,Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)receptor inhibitors were able to block the production of NO and TNF-αby SCP3-stimulated macrophages.Based on Western blot analysis and validation using specific inhibitors against MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways,the results demonstrated that SCP3 induced macrophages activation and enhanced TNF-αand NO production via TLR4-mediated MAPK and NF-κB pathways.In summary,SCP3 has significant immunomodulatory potential.The underlying molecular mechanism was that SCP3 activates macrophages via TLR4 receptors to promote ROS production,which in turn activates the downstream MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and then increases the secretion levels of cytokines and NO.