C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5+CD8+T cells as immune regulators in hepatitis Be antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B under interferonalpha treatment

BACKGROUND C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5(CXCR5)+CD8+T cells represent a unique immune subset with dual roles,functioning as cytotoxic cells in persistent viral infections while promoting B cell responses.Despite their importance,the specific role of CXCR5+CD8+T cells in chronic hepatitis B(CHB),particularly during interferon-alpha(IFN-α)treatment,is not fully understood.This study aims to elucidate the relationship between CXCR5+CD8+T cells and sustained serologic response(SR)in patients undergoing 48 weeks of pegylated IFN-α(peg-IFN-α)treatment for CHB.AIM To elucidate the relationship between CXCR5+CD8+T cells and sustained SR in patients undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment for CHB.METHODS This study enrolled 60 patients with hepatitis Be antigen(HBeAg)-positive CHB undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment.Participants were assessed for eligibility based on criteria such as persistent HBsAg-positive status for at least six months,HBeAb-negative,hepatitis B virus DNA levels exceeding 2×104 copies/mL,and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal.Blood samples were collected at baseline and at weeks 12,24,48,and a 24-week treatment-free follow-up(week 72)to measure serum interleukin(IL)-21 concentration via ELISA and to analyze CXCR5 and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression on CD8+T cells by flow cytometry,CXCR5 is a chemokine receptor that directs immune cells to specific tissues,while PD-L1 is a protein that regulates immune responses by inhibiting T cell activity.RESULTS Patients with CHB exhibited significantly lower levels of circulating CXCR5+CD8+T cells compared to healthy controls(P<0.01).Notably,CXCR5+CD8+T cells were prominently expressed in patients who achieved sustained SR compared to non-SR(NSR).A significant correlation was observed between CXCR5 and PD-L1 expression(r=-0.189,P=0.002).However,there was no significant correlation between serum IL-21 levels and CXCR5+CD8+lymphocytes(r=-0.03,P=0.625)or serum ALT levels(r=0.026,P=0.678).CONCLUSION The enhanced expression of CXCR5+CD8+T cells in patients achieving HBeAg seroconversion during IFN-αtreatment suggests that these cells play a crucial role in antiviral immune responses against hepatitis B.This study highlights the potential of CXCR5+CD8+T cells as immune regulators in CHB,which may inform future therapeutic strategies to optimize antiviral treatments.

Exploring the role of interleukin-6 receptor blockade in epilepsy and associated neuropsychiatric conditions through a mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND The interplay between inflammation,immune dysregulation,and the onset of neurological disorders,including epilepsy,has become increasingly recognized.Interleukin(IL)-6,a pro-inflammatory cytokine,is suspected to not only mediate traditional inflammatory pathways but also contribute to neuroinflammatory responses that could underpin neuropsychiatric symptoms and broader psychiatric disorders in epilepsy patients.The role of IL-6 receptor(IL6R)blockade presents an intriguing target for therapeutic intervention due to its potential to attenuate these processes.neuropsychiatric conditions due to neuroinflammation.METHODS Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis employing single nucleotide poly-morphisms(SNPs)in the vicinity of the IL6R gene(total individuals=408225)was used to evaluate the putative causal relationship between IL6R blockade and epilepsy(total cases/controls=12891/312803),focal epilepsy(cases/controls=7526/399290),and generalized epilepsy(cases/controls=1413/399287).SNP weights were determined by their effect on C-reactive protein(CRP)levels and integrated using inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis as surrogates for IL6R effects.To address potential outlier and pleiotropic influences,sensitivity analyses were conducted employing a variety of MR methods under different modeling assumptions.RESULTS The genetic simulation targeting IL6R blockade revealed a modest but significant reduction in overall epilepsy risk[inverse variance weighting:Odds ratio(OR):0.827;95%confidence interval(CI):0.685-1.000;P=0.05].Subtype analysis showed variability,with no significant effect observed in generalized,focal,or specific childhood and juvenile epilepsy forms.Beyond the primary inflammatory marker CRP,the findings also suggested potential non-inflammatory pathways mediated by IL-6 signaling contributing to the neurobiological landscape of epilepsy,hinting at possible links to neuroinflammation,psychiatric symptoms,and associated mental disorders.CONCLUSION The investigation underscored a tentative causal relationship between IL6R blockade and decreased epilepsy incidence,likely mediated via complex neuroinflammatory pathways.These results encouraged further in-depth studies involving larger cohorts and multifaceted psychiatric assessments to corroborate these findings and more thoroughly delineate the neuro-psychiatric implications of IL-6 signaling in epilepsy.The exploration of IL6R blockade could herald a novel therapeutic avenue not just for seizure management but also for addressing the broader psychiatric and cognitive disturbances often associated with epilepsy.

Lactobacilli inhibit interleukin-8 production induced by Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide-activated Toll-like receptor 4

AIM： To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus bulgaricus （LBG） on the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） pathway and interleukin-8 （IL-8） production in SGC-7901 cells treated with Helicobacter pyloriSydney strain 1 lipopolysaccharide （HpyloriSS1-LPS）. METHODS： SGC-7901 cells were treated with HpyloriSS1-LPS in the presence or absence of pretreatment for 1 h with viable LBG or supernatant recovered from LBG culture MRS broth （LBG-s）. Cellular lysates were prepared for Western blot with anti-TLR4, anti-transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 （TAK1）, anti-phospho-TAK1, anti-nuclear factor κB （NF-κB）, anti-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38MAPK）, and anti-phospho-p38MAPK antibodies. The amount of IL-8 in cell culture medium was measured by ELISA. RESULTS： H pyloriSS1-LPS up-regulated the expression of TLR4, stimulated the phosphorylation of TAKI, subsequently enhanced the activation of NF- κB and the phosphorylation of p38MAPK in a time- dependent manner, leading to augmentation of IL-8 production in SGC-7901 cells. Viable LBG or LBG-s pretreatment attenuated the expression of TLR4, inhibited the phosphorylation of TAK1 and p38MAPK, prevented the activation of NF-κB, and consequently blocked IL-8 production.CONCLUSION： H py/oriSS1-LPS induces IL-8 production through activating TLR4 signaling in SGC-7901 cells and viable LBG or LBG-s prevents H pyloriSS1-LPS-mediated IL-8 production via inhibition of the TLR4 pathway.

METTL5 promotes cell proliferation,invasion,and migration by up-regulating Toll-like receptor 8 expression in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification represents the predominant alteration found in eukaryotic messenger RNA and plays a crucial role in the progression of various tumors.However,despite its significance,the comprehensive investigation of METTL5,a key m6A methyltransferase,in colorectal cancer(CRC)remains limited.AIM To investigate the role of METTL5 in CRC.METHODS We assessed METTL5 expression levels in clinical samples obtained from CRC patients as well as in CRC cell lines.To elucidate the downstream targets of METTL5,we performed RNA-sequencing analysis coupled with correlation analysis,leading us to identify Toll-like receptor 8(TLR8)as a potential downstream target.In vitro functional assessments of METTL5 and TLR8 were conducted using CCK-8 assays,scratch assays,as well as assays measuring cell migration and invasion.RESULTS Our findings reveal a pronounced upregulation of METTL5 expression in both CRC cells and tissues,which correlated significantly with an unfavorable prognosis.In vitro experiments unequivocally demonstrated the oncogenic role of METTL5,as evidenced by its promotion of CRC cell proliferation,invasion,and migration.Notably,we identified TLR8 as a downstream target of METTL5,and subsequent down-regulation of TLR8 led to a significant inhibition of CRC cell proliferation,invasion,and tumor growth.CONCLUSION The heightened expression of METTL5 in CRC is strongly associated with clinicopathological features and a poor prognosis,thereby underscoring its potential utility as a critical marker for facilitating early diagnosis and prognostication in CRC.

Neuroprotective effects of G9a inhibition through modulation of peroxisome-proliferator activator receptor gamma-dependent pathways by miR-128

Dysregulation of G9a,a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase,has been observed in Alzheimer’s disease and has been correlated with increased levels of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.Likewise,microRNAs are involved in many biological processes and diseases playing a key role in pathogenesis,especially in multifactorial diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.Therefore,our aim has been to provide partial insights into the interconnection between G9a,microRNAs,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.To better understand the biology of G9a,we compared the global microRNA expression between senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8(SAMP8)control mice and SAMP8 treated with G9a inhibitor UNC0642.We found a downregulation of miR-128 after a G9a inhibition treatment,which interestingly binds to the 3′untranslated region(3′-UTR)of peroxisome-proliferator activator receptor γ(PPARG)mRNA.Accordingly,Pparg gene expression levels were higher in the SAMP8 group treated with G9a inhibitor than in the SAMP8 control group.We also observed modulation of oxidative stress responses might be mainly driven Pparg after G9a inhibitor.To confirm these antioxidant effects,we treated primary neuron cell cultures with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidative insult.In this setting,treatment with G9a inhibitor increases both cell survival and antioxidant enzymes.Moreover,up-regulation of PPARγby G9a inhibitor could also increase the expression of genes involved in DNA damage responses and apoptosis.In addition,we also described that the PPARγ/AMPK axis partially explains the regulation of autophagy markers expression.Finally,PPARγ/GADD45αpotentially contributes to enhancing synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis after G9a inhibition.Altogether,we propose that pharmacological inhibition of G9a leads to a neuroprotective effect that could be due,at least in part,by the modulation of PPARγ-dependent pathways by miR-128.

Interleukin-6 in epilepsy and its neuropsychiatric comorbidities: How to bridge the gap

There is growing evidence that interleukin(IL)-6 plays an important role in neurological and psychiatric disorders.This editorial comments on the study published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Psychiatry,which employed Mendelian randomization to identify a causal relationship between IL-6 receptor blockade and decreased epilepsy incidence.The purpose of this editorial is to highlight the dual effects of IL-6 in epilepsy and its related neuropsychiatric comorbidities.IL-6 plays a critical role in the facilitation of epileptogenesis and maintenance of epileptic seizures and is implicated in neuroinflammatory proce-sses associated with epilepsy.Furthermore,IL-6 significantly influences mood regulation and cognitive dysfunction in patients with epilepsy,highlighting its involvement in neuropsychiatric comorbidities.In summary,IL-6 is not only a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of epilepsy but also significantly contributes to the emergence of epilepsy-related neuropsychiatric complications.Future resear-ch should prioritize elucidating the specific mechanisms by which IL-6 operates across different subtypes,stages and neuropsychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy,with the aim of developing more precise and effective interventions.Furthermore,the potential of IL-6 as a biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of epile-psy warrants further investigation.

Interleukin-17A facilitates tumor progression via upregulating programmed death ligand-1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an inflammation-associated tumor with a dismal prognosis.Immunotherapy has become an important treatment strategy for HCC,as immunity is closely related to inflammation in the tumor microenvir-onment.Inflammation regulates the expression of programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1)in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and affects im-munotherapy efficacy.Interleukin-17A(IL-17A)is involved in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and plays a protumor or antitumor role in different tumors.We hypothesized that IL-17A participates in tumor progression by affe-cting the level of immune checkpoint molecules in HCC.The upregulation of PD-L1 expression in HCC cells by IL-17A was assessed by reverse transcription PCR,western blotting,and flow cytometry.Mechanistic studies were conducted with gene knockout models and pathway inhibitors.The function of IL-17A in immune evasion was explored through coculture of T cells and HCC cells.The effects of IL-17A on the malignant biological behaviors of HCC cells were evaluated in vitro,and the antitumor effects of an IL-17A inhibitor and its synergistic effects with a PD-L1 inhibitor were studied in vivo.RESULTS IL-17A upregulated PD-L1 expression in HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner,whereas IL-17A receptor knockout or treatment with a small mothers against decapentaplegic 2 inhibitor diminished the PD-L1 expression induced by IL-17A.IL-17A enhanced the survival of HCC cells in the coculture system.IL-17A increased the viability,G2/M ratio,and migration of HCC cells and decreased the apoptotic index.Cyclin D1,VEGF,MMP9,and Bcl-1 expression increased after IL-17A treatment,whereas BAX expression decreased.The combination of IL-17A and PD-L1 inhibitors showed synergistic antitumor efficacy and increased cluster of differentiation 8+T lymphocyte infiltration in an HCC mouse model.CONCLUSION IL-17A upregulates PD-L1 expression via the IL-17A receptor/phosphorylation-small mothers against decapenta-plegic 2 signaling pathway in HCC cells.Blocking IL-17A enhances the therapeutic efficacy of PD-L1 antibodies in HCC in vivo.

Expression change of interleukin-8 gene in rabbit basilar artery after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective To study the expression change of interleukin-8 （IL-8） gene in the basilar artery of rabbit and the effect of IL-8 on the development of cerebral vasospasm induced by experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Methods Thirty five healthy Japanese White Rabbits were randomly divided into saline-control group and experimental group. The experimental group was subdivided into four groups, representing day 1, 4, 7 and 14 after the first blood injection of SAH. The delayed cerebral vasospasm （DCVS） model was established by double injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna. The expression change of cytokine IL-8 mRNA in the basilar artery was analyzed by RT- PCR. Results The expression of IL-8 gene increased on day 4-7 after the first blood injection of SAH compared with control （P 〈 0.001）, and decreased to normal on day 14. The expression of IL-8 gene in the SAH groups were positively correlated with the degree of basilar artery stenosis （r = 0.642, P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion The expression level of IL-8 gene in basilar arteries was intimately associated with the degree of cerebral vasospasm, suggesting that IL-8 may play an important role in the DCVS after SAH as an immunological inflammatory factor.

炎性因子IL-8、PCT、IL-2R与严重细菌性颅内感染GCS评分的关系及预测预后的价值

目的分析严重细菌性颅内感染患者炎性因子白介素-8(IL-8)、降钙素原(PCT)、白介素-2受体(IL-2R)与格拉斯哥昏迷量表(GCS)评分的关系,并探讨其预测预后的价值。方法前瞻性选取2020年1月至2023年1月平顶山市第一人民医院收治的80例严重颅内感染患者作为研究对象,根据GCS评分分为轻中度组(9~14分)32例和重度组(≤8分)48例。比较两组患者的GCS评分和血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平,采用Pearson相关系数分析血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平与GCS评分的相关性,并以格拉斯哥预后量表(GOS)评估预后情况,比较预后良好、预后不良患者的临床资料和血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平,通过Lasso回归筛选预后不良的预测因素,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R预测预后不良的价值,并比较含与不含血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R预测方案对预后不良的预测能力。结果重度组患者入院时血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平分别为(35.12±4.26)pg/mL、(11.83±2.26)pg/mL、(912.35±105.83)U/m L,明显高于轻中度组的(26.74±3.81)pg/m L、(8.49±2.03)pg/m L、(749.21±92.56)U/m L,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);Pearson相关系数分析结果显示,严重细菌性颅内感染患者入院时的血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平与GCS评分呈负相关(P<0.05);预后不良患者的年龄、机械通气占比、糖尿病占比、感染至入院时间、入院时血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平分别为(65.13±7.26)岁、67.57%、27.03%、(38.05±4.17)h、(40.12±4.81)pg/m L、(12.67±2.59)pg/m L、(951.46±121.49)U/mL,明显高于预后良好患者的(56.39±6.41)岁、41.86%、9.30%、(26.92±3.46)h、(24.59±3.95)pg/mL、(8.61±2.24)pg/mL、(757.28±97.28)U/mL,入院时GCS评分为(6.72±0.39)分,明显低于预后良好患者的(10.81±0.82)分,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);经Lasso回归分析结果显示,年龄、感染至入院时间、GCS评分、血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平均为预后不良的预测因素(P<0.05);经ROC分析结果显示,血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R预测预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.729、0.717、0.719;含炎性因子预测方案的AUC为0.933,不含炎性因子预测方案的AUC为0.811;经DeLong检验结果显示,与不含炎性因子预测方案比较,含炎性因子预测方案的AUC明显增大(P<0.05),净重新分类指数(NRI)、综合判别改善指数(IDI)均>0(P<0.05)。结论严重细菌性颅内感染患者血清IL-8、PCT、IL-2R水平与GCS评分存在明显负相关,且与预后转归密切相关,可为临床预测预后提供参考。

NapA蛋白诱导巨噬细胞分泌趋化因子单核细胞趋化蛋白1和白细胞介素8的机制

目的:研究幽门螺杆菌NapA蛋白诱导巨噬细胞分泌趋化因子单核细胞趋化蛋白1(monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,MCP-1)和白细胞介素8(interleukin-8,IL-8)的机制。方法:利用NapA蛋白处理巨噬细胞,然后使用ELISA法检测上清中MCP-1和IL-8的表达量。使用C29、ST2825、SB203580、SP600125以及PDTC和巨噬细胞预先共孵育1 h,分别抑制Toll样受体2(toll-like receptors 2,TLR2)、髓样分化因子(myeloid differentiation factor 88,MyD88)、核糖核酸酶p蛋白亚基p38(ribonuclease p-protein subunit p38,p38)、应激活化蛋白激酶(c-Jun N-terminal kinase,c-Jun)和核因子κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)的活性,然后再加入NapA蛋白孵育4 h,收集上清并检查其中MCP-1和IL-8的表达量。结果:NapA蛋白刺激巨噬细胞后,MCP-1和IL-8的表达量明显高于未处理组。利用抑制剂C29抑制TLR2的活性,NapA蛋白诱导的MCP-1和IL-8表达量降低。使用ST2825、PDTC以及SB203580分别抑制MyD88、NF-κB以及p38的活性,能够降低NapA蛋白诱导巨噬细胞分泌MCP-1和IL-8的能力,但是抑制c-Jun不影响NapA蛋白诱导巨噬细胞分泌MCP-1和IL-8。结论:幽门螺杆菌NapA蛋白通过TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB通路诱导巨噬细胞分泌MCP-1和IL-8。

急性胆囊炎患者胆囊切除术后血清CCK-8、TREM1水平与发生感染的关系

目的分析急性胆囊炎(AC)患者胆囊切除术后血清胆囊收缩素-8(CCK-8)、髓系细胞触发受体1(TREM1)水平与发生感染的关系。方法将该院2020年12月至2022年12月收治的70例胆囊切除术后发生感染的AC患者纳入研究组,66例胆囊切除术后未发生感染的AC患者纳入对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测血清CCK-8、TREM1水平。采用Pearson相关分析胆囊切除术后发生感染AC患者血清中CCK-8、TREM1水平与炎症因子水平的相关性。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清CCK-8、TREM1水平对AC患者胆囊切除术后发生感染的诊断价值。采用多因素Logistic回归分析AC患者胆囊切除术后感染的影响因素。结果研究组与对照组有胆囊结石、胆囊周边积液比例比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,研究组血清CCK-8水平明显降低,TREM1水平明显升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。研究组C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。胆囊切除术后发生感染的AC患者血清CCK-8水平与CRP、IL-8、TNF-α水平均呈负相关(P<0.05),TREM1水平与CRP、IL-8、TNF-α水平均呈正相关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,血清CCK-8与TREM1联合检测诊断AC患者胆囊切除术后发生感染的曲线下面积(AUC)明显大于CCK-8、TREM1单独检测的AUC(Z=5.703,P<0.001;Z=4.584,P<0.001)。有胆囊结石、胆囊周边积液及血清CCK-8水平降低、血清TREM1水平升高均为AC患者胆囊切除术后发生感染的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论胆囊切除术后发生感染的AC患者血清CCK-8水平降低,TREM1水平升高,二者联合检测能够提高对AC患者胆囊切除术后发生感染的诊断价值。

Plasma levels of tumor necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-6, -8 during orthotopic liver transplantation and their relations to postoperative pulmonary complications

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications after orthoto- pic liver transplantation (OLT) include high morbidity and mortality. Experimental data have suggested hepatic ische- mia and reperfusion are induced by pro-inflammatory cyto- kines. The high level of inflammatory cytokines might ad- ditionally influence pulmonary cappillary fluid filtration. The objectives of this study were to measure the concentra- tions of tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) during OLT and to in- vestigate the relationship between these cytokines and post- operative pulmonary complications. METHODS: Twenty-two patients undergoing OLT were divided into two groups according to whether they had postoperative pulmonary complications: group A consis- ting of 8 patients with postoperative pulmonary complica- tions , and group B consisting of 14 patients without post- operative pulmonary complications. Enzyme-linked im- munoassay (ELISA) was used to determine serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Blood samples were taken at the beginning of operation (T0 ), clamping and cross-clamping of the in- ferior cava and portal vein (T1, T2 ), 90 minutes and 3 hours after reperfusion (T3 , T4 ) and 24 hours after opera- tion (T5). RESULTS: The level of PaO2/FiO2 in group A was lower than that in group B ( P <0. 05 ). The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in the two groups increased rapidly at T2 , peaked at T3 , decreased rapidly after T3 until 24 hours after operation. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in group A were higher than those in group B at T2, T3, and T4(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: After un-clamping of the inferior cava and portal vein, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 increased may be related to pulmonary injury after he- patic ischemic reperfusion.

Interleukin-8 associates with adhesion,migration,invasion and chemosensitivity of human gastric cancer cells

AIM： To investigate the relationship between Interleu- kin-8 （IL-8） and proliferation, adhesion, migration, inva- sion and chemosensitivity of gastric cancer （GC） cells.

Helicobacter pylori and interleukin-8 in gastric cancer

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is a major etiological factor in the development of gastric cancer.Large-scale epidemiological studies have confirmed the strong association between H.pylori infection and both cancer development and progression.Interleukin-8(IL-8)is overexpressed in gastric mucosa exposed to H.pylori.The expression of IL-8 directly correlates with a poor prognosis in gastric cancer.IL-8 is multifunctional.In addition to its potent chemotactic activity,it can induce proliferation and migration of cancer cells.In this review,we focus on recent insights into the mechanisms of IL-8 signaling associated with gastric cancer.The relationship between IL-8 and H.pylori is discussed.We also summarize the current therapeutics against IL-8 in gastric cancer.

Xiaotan Sanjie decoction inhibits interleukin-8-induced metastatic potency in gastric cancer

AIM:To investigate the interaction between Xiaotan Sanjie(XTSJ) decoction and interleukin-8(IL-8) and its effect on adhesion,migration and invasion of SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells.METHODS:SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells were exposed to serum containing XTSJ decoction and/orIL-8(1 ng/m L).SGC-7901 cell adhesion to fibronectin,an extracellular matrix component,was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8.Migration and invasion abilities of SGC-7901 cells were detected by scratch wound and Transwell chamber assays.Then,protein(immunofluorescence and Western blot) and m RNA levels(quantitative polymerase chain reaction) of cluster of differentiation 44(CD44),a cell adhesion molecule,were measured in 72-h-cultured SGC-7901 cells.RESULTS:Cell adhesion was promoted by IL-8(P = 0.001),but was inhibited by XTSJ decoction(P = 0.0001).Similarly,IL-8 promoted SGC-7901 cell invasion(P = 0.003),and XTSJ decoction inhibited cell invasion(P = 0.001).IL-8 induced SGC-7901 cell migration,but this was inhibited by XTSJ decoction.IL-8 up-regulated CD44 protein(P = 0.028) and m RNA expression(P = 0.002),whereas XTSJ decoction inhibited CD44 protein expression(P = 0.0001),but not m RNA expression(P = 0.275).An interaction between XTSJ decoction and IL-8 was confirmed in the invasion(P = 0.001) and CD44 m RNA expression of SGC-7901 cells(P = 0.010),but not in cell adhesion(P = 0.051).CONCLUSION:XTSJ decoction may inhibit adhesion,migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells,which is partly associated with down-regulation of IL-8.

Interleukin-8, a promising predictor for prognosis of pancreatic cancer

AIM: To investigate the value of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, in predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Expression of IL-8 and its receptor CXCR1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry in pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum IL-8 levels in pancreatic cancer patients. Human pancreatic cancer tissues were heterotopically transplanted to the immune-deficiency mice to evaluate the effect of serum IL-8 on the tumorigenesis of the cancer samples.RESULTS: IL-8 and CXCR1 proteins were both overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples (55.6% and 65.4%, respectively) compared with the matched para-cancer tissues (25.9% and 12.3%, P < 0.01), or chronic pancreatitis (0% and 25%, P < 0.05). Serum IL-8 levels in pancreatic cancer patients (271.1 ± 187.7 ng/mL) were higher than in other digestive system tumors, such as gastric cancer (41.77 ± 9.11 ng/mL, P = 0.025), colorectal carcinoma (78.72 ± 80.60 ng/mL, P = 0.032) and hepatocellular carcinoma (59.60 ± 19.80 ng/mL, P = 0.016). In vivo tumorigenesis analysis further proved that tumor tissues from patients with higher serum IL-8 levels grew faster than those with lower IL-8 levels. CONCLUSION: IL-8 can be a fine serum marker for predicting the prognosis pancreatic cancer.

Lactobacillus plantarum inhibits epithelial barrier dysfunction and interleukin-8 secretion induced by tumor necrosis factor-a

AIM： To determine whether Lactobacillus plantarum can modify the deleterious effects of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） on intestinal epithelial cells. METHODS： Caco-2 cells were incubated with TNF-α alone or in the presence of L. plantarum. Transepithelial electrical resistance was used to measure epithelial barrier function. Interleukin 8 （IL-8） secretion by intestinal epithelial cells was measured using an ELISA. Cellular lysate proteins were immunoblotted using the anti-extracellular regulated kinase （ERK）, anti-phospho- ERK and anti-IκB-α. RESULTS： A TNF-α-induced decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance was inhibited by L. plantarum. TNF- α-induced IL-8 secretion was reduced by L. plantarum. L. plantarum inhibited the activation of ERK and the degradation of IκB-α in TNF-a-treated Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSION： Induction of epithelial barrier dysfunction and IL-8 secretion by TNF-α is inhibited byL. plantarum. Probiotics may preserve epithelial barrier function and inhibit the inflammatory response by altering the signal transduction pathway.

Interleukin-22 receptor 1 is expressed in multinucleated giant cells:A study on intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND It is challenging to distinguish intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease due to dynamic changes in epidemiology and similar clinical characteristics. Recent studies have shown that polymorphisms in genes involved in the interleukin (IL)- 23/IL-17 axis may affect intestinal mucosal immunity by affecting the differentiation of Th17 cells. AIM To investigate the specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the IL-23/IL-17 axis and possible pathways that affect susceptibility to intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. METHODS We analysed 133 patients with intestinal tuberculosis, 128 with Crohn’s disease, and 500 normal controls. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens or whole blood. Four SNPs in the IL23/Th17 axis (IL22 rs2227473, IL1β rs1143627, TGFβ rs4803455, and IL17 rs8193036) were genotyped with TaqMan assays. The transcriptional activity levels of different genotypes of rs2227473 were detected by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression of IL-22R1 in different intestinal diseases was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The A allele frequency of rs2227473 (P = 0.030, odds ratio = 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.95) showed an abnormal distribution between intestinal tuberculosis and healthy controls. The presence of the A allele was associated with a higher IL-22 transcriptional activity (P < 0.05). In addition, IL-22R1 was expressed in intestinal lymphoid tissues, especially under conditions of intestinal tuberculosis, and highly expressed in macrophage-derived Langhans giant cells. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of IL-22R1 in patients with Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis was significantly higher than that in patients with intestinal polyps and colon cancer (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION High IL-22 expression seems to be a protective factor for intestinal tuberculosis. IL-22R1 is expressed in Langhans giant cells, suggesting that the IL-22/IL-22R1 system links adaptive and innate immunity.

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its relation with antiHBc

AIM： To investigate the relationship between serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor （sIL-2R） level and anti-HBc in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. METHODS： Sera from 100 patients with chronic HBV infection and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. The patients were divided into group A [HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and anti-HBc （＋）, n = 50] and group B [HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and anti-HBc （-）, n = 50]. sIL-2R levels were determined using ELISA. HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were also detected. RESULTS： Serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic HBV infection than in healthy controls. Moreover, serum sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in patients with HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and antiHBc （＋） （976.56±213.51×10^3 U/L） than in patients with HBsAg （＋）, HBeAg （＋） and anti-HBc （-） （393.41±189.54 ×10^3 U/L, P〈 0.01）. A significant relationship was found between serum sIL-2R and ALT levels （P〈 0.01） in patients with chronic HBV infection, but there was no correlation between sIL-2R and HBV DNA levels. The anti-HBc status was significantly related to the age of patients （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： The high sIL-2R level is related to positive anti-HBc in chronic hepatitis B patients. Positive anti-HBc may be related to T-lymphocyte activation and negative anti-HBc may imply immune tolerance in these patients.

Changes in soluble interleukin-2 receptor level in serum and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen of infertile men caused by antisperm antibody

Aim: To explore the possible mechanisms of male infertility caused by antisperm antibody (AsAb). Methods: Thesoluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level in serum was analyzed by ELISA and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activi-ty in semen by phosphorus (Pi) assay. Results: The slL-2R level in serum was significantly higher and the Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen significantly lower in AsAb positive infertile men when compared with thecontrols. Conclusion: The AsAb titer varies with the slL-2R level in serum. A decrease in Na^+ -K^+ -exchangingATPase activity in semen may play a role in male infertility caused by AsAb.