Pro-resolving lipid mediator reduces amyloid-β42–induced gene expression in human monocyte–derived microglia

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte–derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42–induced Alzheimer's disease–like inflammation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data and secreted proteins in supernatants from the monocyte-derived microglia showed that the monocyte-derived microglia resembled Alzheimer's disease–like neuroinflammation in human brain microglia after incubation with amyloid-β42. Maresin 1 restored homeostasis by down-regulating inflammatory pathway related gene expression induced by amyloid-β42 in monocyte-derived microglia, protection of maresin 1 against the effects of amyloid-β42 is mediated by a re-balancing of inflammatory transcriptional networks in which modulation of gene transcription in the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway plays a major part. We pinpointed molecular targets that are associated with both neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic targets by maresin 1. In conclusion, monocyte-derived microglia represent a relevant in vitro microglial model for studies on Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation and drug response for individual patients. Maresin 1 ameliorates amyloid-β42–induced changes in several genes of importance in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.

Infiltration by monocytes of the central nervous system and its role in multiple sclerosis: reflections on therapeutic strategies

Mononuclear macrophage infiltration in the central nervous system is a prominent feature of neuroinflammation. Recent studies on the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis have highlighted the multiple roles of mononuclear macrophages in the neuroinflammatory process. Monocytes play a significant role in neuroinflammation, and managing neuroinflammation by manipulating peripheral monocytes stands out as an effective strategy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, leading to improved patient outcomes. This review outlines the steps involved in the entry of myeloid monocytes into the central nervous system that are targets for effective intervention: the activation of bone marrow hematopoiesis, migration of monocytes in the blood, and penetration of the blood–brain barrier by monocytes. Finally, we summarize the different monocyte subpopulations and their effects on the central nervous system based on phenotypic differences. As activated microglia resemble monocyte-derived macrophages, it is important to accurately identify the role of monocyte-derived macrophages in disease. Depending on the roles played by monocyte-derived macrophages at different stages of the disease, several of these processes can be interrupted to limit neuroinflammation and improve patient prognosis. Here, we discuss possible strategies to target monocytes in neurological diseases, focusing on three key aspects of monocyte infiltration into the central nervous system, to provide new ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Monocyte and macrophage function in respiratory viral infections

Pulmonary macrophages,such as tissue-resident alveolar and interstitial macrophages and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages,are the major macrophages present in the lungs during homeostasis and diseased conditions.While tissue-resident macrophages act as sentinels of the alveolar space and play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and immune regulation,recruited macrophages accumulate in the respiratory tract after acute viral infections.Despite sharing similar anatomical niches,these macrophages are distinct in terms of their origins,surface marker expression,and transcriptional profiles,which impart macrophages with distinguished characteristics in physi-ological and pathophysiological conditions.In this review,we summarize the current view on these macrophage populations,their shared functions,and what makes them distinct from each other in the context of homeostasis andrespiratoryviral infections.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Single-cell transcriptome profiling of sepsis identifies HLA-DR^(low)S100A^(high)monocytes with immunosuppressive function

Background Sustained yet intractable immunosuppression is commonly observed in septic patients,resulting in aggravated clinical outcomes.However,due to the substantial heterogeneity within septic patients,precise indicators in deciphering clinical trajectories and immunological alterations for septic patients remain largely lacking.Methods We adopted cross-species,single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)analysis based on two published datasets containing circulating immune cell profile of septic patients as well as immune cell atlas of murine model of sepsis.Flow cytometry,laser scanning confocal microscopy(LSCM)imaging and Western blotting were applied to identify the presence of S100A9^(+)monocytes at protein level.To interrogate the immunosuppressive function of this subset,splenic monocytes isolated from septic wild-type or S100a9^(–/–)mice were co-cultured with naive CD4^(+)T cells,followed by proliferative assay.Pharmacological inhibition of S100A9 was implemented using Paquinimod via oral gavage.Results scRNA-seq analysis of human sepsis revealed substantial heterogeneity in monocyte compartments following the onset of sepsis,for which distinct monocyte subsets were enriched in disparate subclusters of septic patients.We identified a unique monocyte subset characterized by high expression of S100A family genes and low expression of human leukocyte antigen DR(HLA-DR),which were prominently enriched in septic patients and might exert immunosuppressive function.By combining single-cell transcriptomics of murine model of sepsis with in vivo experiments,we uncovered a similar subtype of monocyte significantly associated with late sepsis and immunocompromised status of septic mice,corresponding to HLA-DR^(low)S100A^(high)monocytes in human sepsis.Moreover,we found that S100A9^(+)monocytes exhibited profound immunosuppressive function on CD4^(+)T cell immune response and blockade of S100A9 using Paquinimod could partially reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression.Conclusions This study identifies HLA-DR^(low)S100A^(high)monocytes correlated with immunosuppressive state upon septic challenge,inhibition of which can markedly mitigate sepsis-induced immune depression,thereby providing a novel therapeutic strategy for the management of sepsis.

Advancing our understanding of monocyte HLA-DR,S100A9,and the potential for individualized therapies in sepsis

By def inition, sepsis refers to a life threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to an infection[1]. More precisely, sepsis triggers a multifaceted response characterized by a simultaneous manifestation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory elements that disrupt mechanisms intended to maintain homeostasis. Initially, an overwhelming hyperinflammatory reaction ensues, resulting in tissue damage and organ dysfunction.

Role of monocytes and macrophages in experimental and human acute liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating clinical syndrome characterised by progressive encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and circulatory dysfunction, which commonly leads to multiorgan failure and death. Central to the pathogenesis of ALF is activation of the immune system with mobilisation of cellular effectors and massive production of cytokines. As key components of the innate immune system, monocytes and macrophages are postulated to play a central role in the initiation, progression and resolution of ALF. ALF in humans follows a rapidly progressive clinical course that poses inherent difficulties in delineating the role of these pivotal immune cells. Therefore, a number of experimental models have been used to study the pathogenesis of ALF. Here we consider the evidence from experimental and human studies of ALF on the role of monocytes and macrophages in acute hepatic injury and the ensuing extrahepatic manifestations, including functional monocyte deactivation and multiple organ failure.

Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic factor in peripheral whole blood samples of colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide.Therefore,it is critically important to identify new useful markers that can be easily obtained in routine practice.Inflammation is a crucial issue in the pathogenesis and development of cancer.AIM To evaluate the prognostic value of absolute monocyte count,monocyte to lymphocyte ratio(MLR),the combination of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR-PLR),and combined platelet and neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio(PLT-NLR)in peripheral blood samples of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 160 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgery,and 42 healthy controls.The status of absolute monocyte count,MLR,NLR-PLR and PLT-NLR was calculated on the basis of blood samples obtained before and after surgery.Haematologic factors were examined in correlation with the type of tumour growth,tumour size,histological type,percentage of mucinous component,grade of malignancy,Tumour-Node-Metastasis stage,venous,lymphatic and perineural invasion of cancer cells,status of lymph node invasion and the presence of cancer cell deposits.The Kaplan-Meier method and the long-rank test were used to compare survival curves.To determine independent prognostic factors,univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied.RESULTS The PLT-NLR status was correlated with tumour size and the presence of perineural invasion(P=0.015;P=-0.174,P=0.037).Moreover,high NLR-PLR and PLR-NLR ratios in the blood samples obtained after surgery were positively associated with histological type of cancer and percentage of the mucinous component(NLR-PLR:P=0.002;P=0.009;PLR-NLR status:P=0.002;P=0.007).The analysis of 5-year disease-free survival showed that the MLR of whole blood obtained after surgery[HR=2.903,95%CI:(1.368-6.158),P=0.005]and the status of lymph node metastasis[HR=0.813,95%CI:(0.653-1.013),P=0.050]were independent prognostic factors in colorectal cancer patients.CONCLUSION The postoperative MLR in whole blood samples can be used as an independent prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Monocytes and Effects of Native and Oxidized Very Low Density Lipoproteins

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), a potent chemoattractant, is thought to play an important role in migration of monocytes into atherosclerotic lesions. The present study was designed to investigate the capacity of human peripheral blood monocytes to express MCP-1 and effects of native very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and oxidized VLDL(OX-VLDL) on the expression. The total RNA was extracted from cultured monocytes, which were exposed to VLDL and OX-VLDL, and the media conditioned by monocytes were collected. MCP-1 mRNA expression was examined by Northern blot analysis. MCP-1 protein in conditioned media was determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results showed that monocytes can express MCP-1 after a 24 h incubation at 37℃，and the expression was markedly increased by a exposure to OX-VLDL, whereas the expression was slightly increased when exposed to VLDL. It suggests that the capacity of monocytes to produce MCP-1 that recruits and activates circulating monocytes may be of considerable importance in atherogenesis, and oxidation of VLDL enhances its potential to promote atherogenesis.

Essential role of monocytes and macrophages in the progression of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis(AP) is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas caused by an imbalance in factors involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis.Earliest events in AP occur within acinar cells accompanied by other principal contributors to the inflammatory response i.e.the endothelial cells,immunocytes(granulocytes,monocytes/macrophages,lymphocytes) and neutrophils.Monocytes/macrophages are important inflammatory mediators,involved in the pathophysiology of AP,known to reside in the peritoneal cavity(in the vicinity of the pancreas) and in peripancreatic tissue.Recent studies suggested that impaired clearance of injured acini by macrophages is associated with an altered cytokine reaction which may constitute a basis for progression of AP.This review focuses on the role of monocytes/macrophages in progression of AP and discusses f indings on the inflammatory process involved.

Prognostic significance of the pre-chemotherapy lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy

Background:As a surrogate marker of systemic inflammation,the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR) is an independent prognostic factor for various malignancies.This study investigated the prognostic significance of the pre-chemotherapy LMR in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC) receiving chemotherapy.Methods:The present study included newly diagnosed mCRC patients treated between January 2005 and December 2013 with FOLFOX chemotherapy,specifically oxaliplatin 180 mg/m^2 on day 1,with leucovorin 400 mg/m^2administered as a 2-hour infusion before the administration of 5-fluorouracil 400 mg/m^2 as an intravenous bolus injection,and 5-fluorouracil 2400 mg/m^2 as a 46-h infusion immediately after 5-fluorouracil bolus injection.The LMR was calculated as the absolute count of lymphocytes divided by the absolute count of monocytes.COX proportional hazards analysis was performed to evaluate the association of LMR with survival outcomes.Results:A total of 488 patients were included.Patients with high pre-chemotherapy LMR experienced significant improvements in progression-free survival(PFS,9.2 vs.7.6 months,P < 0.001) and overall survival(OS,19.4 vs.16.6 months,P < 0.001) compared with patients with low pre-chemotherapy LMR.Subsequent COX multivariate analysis showed that high pre-chemotherapy LMR(>3.11) was an independent favorable prognostic factor for PFS and OS.Additionally,patients whose LMR remained high(high-high subgroup),increased(low-high subgroup),or decreased(high-low subgroup) following chemotherapy showed better results in terms of PFS and OS than patients whose LMR remained low(low-low subgroup) after chemotherapy.Conclusions:For patients with previously untreated mCRC receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy,an elevated pre-chemotherapy LMR is an independent favorable prognostic factor for PFS and OS,and changes in the LMR before and after chemotherapy seem to predict the benefit of chemotherapy.

Effect of Danzhijiangtang capsule on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression in newly diagnosed diabetes subclinical vascular lesions

AIM:To investigate the effect of Danzhijiangtang capsule(DJC) on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) mRNA expression in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) subclinical vascular lesions.METHODS:Sixty-two patients with newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions were randomly divided into a control group and treatment group of 31 cases each.Oral antidiabetic therapy with routine western medicine was conducted in both groups,and the treatment group was additionally treated with DJCs.The treatment course for both groups was 12 wk.Before and after treatment,the total efficiency and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome score were calculated.The fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-h plasma glucose(2hPG),fasting insulin(FINS),insulin resistance index(IRI),hemoglobin(Hb)A1c,blood lipids,and hemorheology indices were determined.In addition,the levels of vascular endothelial growth factors including thrombomodulin(TM),von Willebrand factor(vWF),P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA were determined.RESULTS:After 12 wk of treatment,the TCM syndrome score was significantly decreased compared to before treatment in both groups.After treatment,FPG,2hPG,HbA1c,FINS,IRI,total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein,high-density lipoprotein,whole blood low shear specific viscosity,plasma specific viscosity,TM,vWF,P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA were significantly improved compared to before treatment in both groups.After treatment,the total efficiency and TCM syndrome score in the treatment group were better than in the control group.FINS,IRI,whole blood high shear specific viscosity,plasma specific viscosity,TM,vWF,P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA level in the treatment group were significantly reduced after treatment compared with control group.CONCLUSION:DJCs are efficacious in supplementing qi,nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation,and upregulate MCP-1 mRNA expression in patients with T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

Gasdermin D-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis expands inflammatory responses that aggravate acute liver failure by upregulating monocyte chemotactic protein 1/CC chemokine receptor-2 to recruit macrophages

BACKGROUND Massive hepatocyte death is the core event in acute liver failure(ALF).Gasdermin D(GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis is a type of highly inflammatory cell death.However,the role of hepatocyte pyroptosis and its mechanisms of expanding inflammatory responses in ALF are unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of GSDMD-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis through in vitro and in vivo experiments.METHODS The expression of pyroptosis pathway-associated proteins in liver tissues from ALF patients and a hepatocyte injury model was examined by Western blot.GSDMD short hairpin RNA(shRNA)was used to investigate the effects of downregulation of GSDMD on monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP1)and its receptor CC chemokine receptor-2(CCR2)in vitro.For in vivo experiments,we used GSDMD knockout mice to investigate the role and mechanism of GSDMD in a D-galactose/lipopolysaccharide(D-Galn/LPS)-induced ALF mouse model.RESULTS The levels of pyroptosis pathway-associated proteins in liver tissue from ALF patients and a hepatocyte injury model increased significantly.The level of GSDMD-N protein increased most obviously(P<0.001).In vitro,downregulation of GSDMD by shRNA decreased the cell inhibition rate and the levels of MCP1/CCR2 proteins(P<0.01).In vivo,GSDMD knockout dramatically eliminated inflammatory damage in the liver and improved the survival of DGaln/LPS-induced ALF mice(P<0.001).Unlike the mechanism of immune cell pyroptosis that involves releasing interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18,GSDMDmediated hepatocyte pyroptosis recruited macrophages via MCP1/CCR2 to aggravate hepatocyte death.However,this pathological process was inhibited after knocking down GSDMD.CONCLUSION GSDMD-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALF,recruiting macrophages to release inflammatory mediators by upregulating MCP1/CCR2 and leading to expansion of the inflammatory responses.GSDMD knockout can reduce hepatocyte death and inflammatory responses,thus alleviating ALF.

Molecular detection of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 polymorphism in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis patients

AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) promoter polymorphism(A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP).METHODS: Fifty patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and ascites were categorized into two groups; group Ⅰ included 25 patients with SBP and group Ⅱ included 25 patients free from SBP. In addition, a group of 20 healthy volunteers were included. We assessed the MCP-1 gene polymorphism and gene expression as well as interleukin(IL)-10 levels in both blood and ascitic fluid. RESULTS: A significant MCP-1 gene polymorphism was detected in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P = 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). Group Ⅰ was associated with a significantly higher frequency of AG genotype [control 8(40%) vs SBP 19(76.0%), P < 0.001], and group Ⅱ was associated with a significantly higher frequency of GG genotype when compared to healthy volunteers [control 1(5%) vs cirrhotic 16(64%), P < 0.001]. Accordingly, the frequency of G allele was significantly higher in both groups(Ⅰ and Ⅱ) [control 10(25%) vs SBP 27(54%), P < 0.001 and vs cirrhotic 37(74.0%), P < 0.001, respectively]. The total blood and ascetic fluid levels of IL-10 and MCP-1 gene expression were significantly higher in group Ⅰ than in group Ⅱ. Group Ⅰ showed significant reductions in the levels of MCP-1 gene expression and IL-10 in the whole blood and ascetic fluid after therapy. CONCLUSION: MCP-1 GG genotype and G allele may predispose HCV infected patients to a more progressive disease course, while AG genotype may increase the susceptibility to SBP. Patients carrying these genotypes should be under supervision to prevent or restrict further complications.

Specific function and modulation of teleost monocytes/macrophages: polarization and phagocytosis

Macrophages exist in most tissues and play a variety of functions in vertebrates.Teleost fish species are found in most aquatic environments throughout the world and are quite diverse for a group of vertebrate animals.Due to whole genome duplication and en vironme ntal adaptati on,teleost monocytes/macrophages possess a variety of different functions and modulations compared with those of mammals.A deeper understanding of teleost monocytes/macrophages in the immune system will not only help develop teleost-specific methods of disease prevention but will also help improve our understanding of the various immune mechanisms in mammals.In this review,we summarize the differences in polarizati on and phagocytosis of teleost and mammalian macrophages to improve our understanding of the various immune mechanisms in vertebrates.

FUCOIDIN INHIBITS OXIDIZED LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN FROM INDUCING HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONOCYTE EXPRESSION OF PROINFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES mRNA

Objective To study the significance of scavenger receptor class A(SR A)in mediating human peripheral blood monocyte to uptake oxidized low density lipoprotein(OxLDL) and promoting the atherosclerotic immuno pathological lesion in the local blood vessel. Methods With the Digoxenin labeled Oligonucleotide probes In situ Hybridization, this research investigated the effects of OxLDL on the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines including MCP 1, bFGF, PDGF and IL 10 in the human peripheral blood monocyte and whether fucoidin, a peculiarly inhibitory ligand for SR A, would influence this process. Results Monocyte was significantly increased the mRNA expression of MCP 1, bFGF, PDGF and IL 10 in a dose dependent manner after incubating with OxLDL (10,15,20,25,30?mg·L -1 , respectively)for 24 hours( P < 0.001 ). Fucoidin(50,100,150,200,250?mg·mL -1 , respectively)completely inhibited OxLDL(20?mg·L -1 )from inducing monocyte the mRNA expression of above proinflammatory cytokines( P < 0.001 ). Conclusion OxLDL can stimulate human peripheral blood monocyte to give expression to proinflammatory cytokines mRNA in a dose dependent manner, while a peculiarly inhibitory ligand for SR A fucoidin has an obviously opposed role.

Absolute monocyte and lymphocyte count prognostic score for patients with gastric cancer

AIM:To measure the prognostic significance of absolute monocyte count/absolute lymphocyte count prognostic score(AMLPS) in patients with gastric cancer.METHODS:We retrospectively examined the combination of absolute monocyte count(AMC) and absolute lymphocyte count(ALC) as prognostic variables in a cohort of 299 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2013 and were followed at a single institution.Both AMC and ALC were dichotomized into two groups using cut-off points determined by receiving operator characteristic curve analysis.An AMLPS was generated,which stratified patients into three risk groups:low risk(both low AMC and high ALC),intermediate risk(either high AMC or low ALC),and high risk(both high AMC and low ALC).The primary objective of the study was to validate the impact of AMLPS on both disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS),and the second objective was to assess the AMLPS as an independent prognostic factor for survival in comparison with known prognostic factors.RESULTS:Using data from the entire cohort,the most discriminative cut-off values of AMC and ALC selected on the receiver operating characteristic curve were 672.4/μL and 1734/μL for DFS and OS.AMLPS risk groups included 158(52.8%) patients in the lowrisk,128(42.8%) in the intermediate-risk,and 13(4.3%) in the high-risk group.With a median followup of 37.2 mo(range:1.7-91.4 mo),five-year DFS rates in the low-,intermediate-,and high-risk groups were 83.4%,78.7%,and 19.8%,respectively.And fiveyear OS rates in the low-,intermediate-,and high-risk groups were 89.3%,81.1%,and 14.4%,respectively.On multivariate analysis performed with patient- and tumor-related factors,we identified AMLPS,age,and pathologic tumor-node-metastasis stage as the most valuable prognostic factors impacting DFS and OS.CONCLUSION:AMLPS identified patients with a poor DFS and OS,and it was independent of age,pathologic stage,and various inflammatory markers.

Onset of Coronary Heart Disease is Associated with HCMV Infection and Increased CD14^+CD16^+Monocytes in a Population of Weifang,China

Objective To investigate the relationship between human cytomegalovirus(HCMV)infection and peripheral blood CD14+CD16+monocytes in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease(CHD),and to elucidate the mechanism of pathogenesis in CHD by analyzing the correlation between infection,inflammation,and CHD,to provide a basis for the prevention,evaluation,and treatment of the disease.Methods In total,192 patients with CHD were divided into three groups:latent CHD,angina pectoris,and myocardial infarction.HCMV-IgM and-IgG antibodies were assessed using ELISA;CD14+CD16+monocytes were counted using a five-type automated hematology analyzer;mononuclear cells were assessed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting;and an automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the levels of triglyceride,cholesterol,high-and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols,lipoprotein,hs-CRp and Hcy.Results The positive rates of HCMV-IgM and-IgG were significantly higher in the CHD groups than in the control group.HCMV infection affects lipid metabolism to promote immune and inflammatory responses.Conclusion HCMV infection has a specific correlation with the occurrence and development of CHD.The expression of CD14+CD16+mononuclear cells in the CHD group was increased accordingly and correlated with acute HCMV infection.Thus,HCMV antibody as well as peripheral blood CD14+CD16+mononuclear cells can be used to monitor the occurrence and development of CHD.

Mudskipper interleukin-34 modulates the functions of monocytes/macrophages via the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor 1

Interleukin-34(IL-34)is a novel cytokine that plays an important role in innate immunity and inflammatory processes by binding to the colonystimulating factor-1 receptor(CSF-1R).However,information on the function of IL-34 in fish remains limited.In the present study,we identified an IL-34 homolog from mudskippers(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris).In silico analysis showed that the mudskipper IL-34(BpIL-34)was similar to other known IL-34 variants in sequence and structure and was most closely related to an orange-spotted grouper(Epinephelus coioides)homolog.BpIL-34 transcripts were constitutively expressed in various tissues,with the highest level of expression found in the brain.Edwardsiella tarda infection significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of BpIL-34 in the mudskipper tissues.The recombinant mature BpIL-34 peptide(rBpIL-34)was purified and used to produce anti-rBpIL-34 IgG.Western blot analysis combined with PNGase F digestion revealed that native BpIL-34 in monocytes/macrophages(MOs/MФs)was N-glycosylated.In vitro,rBpIL-34 treatment enhanced the phagocytotic and bactericidal activity of mudskipper MOs/MФs,as well as the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factorα(BpTNF-α)and BpIL-1βin these cells.Furthermore,the knockdown of mudskipper CSF-1R1(BpCSF-1R1),but not mudskipper BpCSF-1R2,significantly inhibited the rBpIL-34-mediated enhanced effect on MO/MФfunction.In conclusion,our results indicate that mudskipper BpIL-34 modulates the functions of MOs/MФs via BpCSF-1R1.

Effects of Leptin on Expression of Acyl-coenzymeA:Cholesterol Acyltransferases-1 in Cultured Human Monocyte-macrophages

Summary: To investigate the effects of leptin on expression of acyl-coenzymeA:cholesterol acyltransferases-1 (ACAT-1) in monocyte-macrophage differentiation, human monocytic cells (THP-1) were cultured in RPMI 1640 and made to differentiate into macrophages under the incubation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 48 h. The cells were divided into 4 groups according to different intervention factors as follows: MCs cultured in RPMI1640 medium with 10 % FBS for 48 h served as MC group (control group), MCs cultured in medium with serum-free RPMI1640 containing 5 % BSA, 100 nmol/L PMA for 48 h as MP group, MCs cultured in RPMI1640 medium with 10 % FBS, 10 μmol/ml leptin for 48 h as leptin-MC group, and MCs cultured in medium with serum-free RPMI1640 containing 5 % BSA, 100 nmol/L PMA, and 10 μmol/ml leptin for 48 h as leptin-MP group. Immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were performed, respectively, to observe the effects of leptin on expression of ACAT-1 in the monocyte-macrophage differentiation. Our results showed that expression of ACAT-1 protein and mRNA in MP-group is two times that in MC-group (P<0.05), and the expression of ACAT-1 protein and mRNA increased by up to 4 folds in leptin-MP group as compared with that of MC group (P<0.01). Thus, our results support the idea that expression of ACAT-1 increases more in cultured human macrophages than in monocytes, and leptin can significantly promote ACAT-1 expression. It was concluded that high expression of ACAT-1 may accelerate the development of human atherogenesis,and leptin might participate in atherogenesis by increasing expression of ACAT-1.