Neferine inhibits the progression of diabetic nephropathy by modulating the miR-17-5p/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 axis

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Neferine(Nef)on diabetic nephropathy(DN)and to explore the mechanism of Nef in DN based on miRNA regulation theory.METHODS:A DN mouse model was constructed and treated with Nef.Serum creatinine(Crea),blood urea(UREA)and urinary albumin were measured in mice by kits,and renal histopathological changes and fibrosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining.Renal tissue superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activities were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western blotting was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)signaling pathway-related proteins in kidney tissues.Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)was used to detect the expression of miR-17-5p in kidney tissues.Subsequently,a DN in vitro model was constructed by high glucose culture of human mesangial cells(HMCs),cells were transfected with miR-17-5p mimic and/or treated with Nef,and we used q RTPCR to detect cellular miR-17 expression,flow cytometry to detect apoptosis,ELISAs to detect cellular SOD,MDA,and GSH-Px activities,Western blots to detect Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-related protein expression,and dual luciferase reporter gene assays to verify the targeting relationship between Nrf2 and miR-17-5p.RESULTS:Administration of Nef significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose,Crea,and UREA and the expression of miR-17-5p,improved renal histopathology and fibrosis,significantly reduced MDA levels,elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities,and activated Nrf2 expression in kidney tissues from mice with DN.Nrf2 is a post-transcriptional target of miR-17-5p.In HMCs transfected with miR-17-5p mimics,the m RNA and protein levels of Nrf2 were significantly suppressed.Furthermore,miR-17-5p overexpression and Nef intervention resulted in a significant increase in high glucose-induced apoptosis and MDA levels in HMCs and a significant decrease in the protein expression of HO-1 and Nrf2.CONCLUSION:Collectively,these results indicate that Nef has an ameliorative effect on DN,and the mechanism may be through the miR-17-5p/Nrf2 pathway.

Th17与慢性气道炎症性疾病

最近的研究发现了一种新的活化的CD4+T细胞亚群——Th17细胞亚群,它在慢性气道炎症性疾病的发生发展中发挥着重要的作用。Th17细胞亚群分泌产生的细胞因子IL-17可以通过诱导趋化因子CXCL8(IL-8)的释放,促进气道内中性粒细胞募集和激活,与慢性气道炎症性疾病的气道重塑密切相关。另外,Th17细胞亚群是一个与Th1和Th2细胞亚群不同的独立的分支,其分化不依赖于调节传统的Th1和Th2细胞亚群分化的细胞因子和转录因子。鉴于Th17细胞及其细胞因子在气道重塑及慢性气道炎症中的重要作用,本文就Th17与慢性气道炎症性疾病的研究作一综述。

The crucial roles of Th17-related cytokines/signal pathways in M. tuberculosis infection

Interleukin-17(IL-17),IL-21,IL-22 and IL-23 can be grouped as T helper 17(Th17)-related cytokines because they are either produced by Th17/Th22 cells or involved in their development.Here,we review Th17-related cytokines/Th17-like cells,networks/signals and their roles in immune responses or immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)infection.Published studies suggest that Th17-related cytokine pathways may be manipulated by Mtb microorganisms for their survival benefits in primary tuberculosis(TB).In addition,there is evidence that immune responses of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signal pathway and Th17-like T-cell subsets are dysregulated or destroyed in patients with TB.Furthermore,Mtb infection can impact upstream cytokines in the STAT3 pathway of Th17-like responses.Based on these findings,we discuss the need for future studies and the rationale for targeting Th17-related cytokines/signals as a potential adjunctive treatment.

Immune mediators in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer tissue is composed of both cancer cells and host cells.The milieu of host components that compose the tumor is termed the tumor microenvironment(TME).Host cells can be those derived from the tissue in which the tumor originates(e.g.,fibroblasts and endothelial cells)or those recruited,through chemotactic or other factors,to the tumor(e.g.,circulating immune cells).Some immune cells are key players in the TME and represent a large proportion of non-tumor cells found within the tumor.Immune cells can have both anti-tumor and pro-tumor activity.In addition,crosstalk between prostate cancer cells and immune cells affects immune cell functions.In this review,we focus on immune cells and cytokines that contribute to tumor progression.We discuss T-regulatory and T helper17 cells and macrophages as key modulators in prostate cancer progression.In addition,we discuss the roles of interleukin-6 and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand in modulating prostate cancer progression.This review highlights the concept that immune cells and cytokines offer a potentially promising target for prostate cancer therapy.

FOXO1 Alleviates Liver Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Th17/Treg Ratio through the AKT/Stat3/FOXO1 Pathway

Background and Aims:Hepatic ischemic reperfusion in-jury(IRI)occurring during surgery seriously affects patient prognosis.The specific mechanism of IRI has not been fully elucidated.The study aim was to explore the changes of in-flammatory environment,and the relationship of the Th17/Treg cell ratio and FOXO1 expression in hepatic IRI.Methods:Liver samples at different ischemic times were collected from patients and mice.The expression of inflammatory markers and FOXO1 in the liver was detected by western blotting and qPCR.Phenotypic changes of liver lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry.The AKT/Stat3/FOXO1 pathway was veri-fied by targeting AKT with GSK2141795.The role of FOXO1 in liver inflammation and changes in lymphocyte phenotype was confirmed by upregulating FOXO1 with resveratrol.Re-sults:Prolonged ischemic time aggravates liver injury in both humans and mouse models of hepatic IRI.IR-stress caused Th17/Treg imbalance and FOXO1 down-regulation by activat-ing the AKT/Stat3/FOXO1 signaling pathway.Upregulation of FOXO1 reversed the Th17/Treg cytokine imbalance and altered the inflammation environment in the liver.Conclusions:Liver IRI induced Th17/Treg imbalance.Upregulation of FOXO1 re-versed the imbalance and alleviated liver inflammation.