Induction of CXC chemokines in human mesenchymal stem cells by stimulation with secreted frizzled-related proteins through non-canonical Wnt signaling

AIM: To investigate the effect of secreted frizzledrelated proteins(s FRPs) on CXC chemokine expression in human mesenchymal stem cells(h MSCs).METHODS: CXC chemokines such as CXCL5 and CXCL8 are induced in h MSCs during differentiation with osteogenic differentiation medium(OGM) and may be involved in angiogenic stimulation during bone repair. h MSCs were treated with conditioned medium(CM) from L-cells expressing non-canonical Wnt5 a protein, or with control CM from wild type L-cells, or directly with s FRPs for up to 10 d in culture. m RNA expression levels of both CXCL5 and CXCL8 were quantitated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and secreted protein levels of these proteins determined by ELISA. Dose-(0-500 ng/m L) and time-response curves were generated for treatment with s FRP1. Signal transduction pathways were explored by western blot analysis with pan- or phosphorylation-specific antibodies, through use of specific pathway inhibitors, and through use of si RNAs targeting specific frizzled receptors(Fzd)-2 and 5 or thereceptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor-2(Ro R2) prior to treatment with s FRPs. RESULTS: CM from L-cells expressing Wnt5 a, a noncanonical Wnt, stimulated an increase in CXCL5 m RNA expression and protein secretion in comparison to control L-cell CM. s FRP1, which should inhibit both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling, surprisingly enhanced the expression of CXCL5 at 7 and 10 d. Dickkopf1, an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling prevented the s FRPstimulated induction of CXCL5 and actually inhibited basal levels of CXCL5 expression at 7 but not at 10 d post treatment. In addition, all four s FRPs isoforms induced CXCL8 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner with maximum expression at 7 d with treatment at 150 ng/m L. The largest increases in CXCL5 expression were seen from stimulation with s FRP1 or s FRP2. Analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the presence of OGM showed s FRP1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)(p44/42) maximally at 5 min after s FRP1 addition, earlier than that found in OGM alone. Addition of a phospholipase C(PLC) inhibitor also prevented s FRPstimulated increases in CXCL8 m RNA. si RNA technology targeting the Fzd-2 and 5 and the non-canonical Fzd co-receptor Ro R2 also significantly decreased s FRP1/2-stimulated CXCL8 m RNA levels.CONCLUSION: CXC chemokine expression in h MSCs is controlled in part by s FRPs signaling through noncanonical Wnt involving Fzd2/5 and the ERK and PLC pathways.

Involvement of CXCR3-associated Chemokines in MHV-3 Induced Fulminant Hepatic Failure

The role of chemokines in murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3) induced fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the role of the CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3)- associated chemokine [monokine induced by IFN-gamma (Mig/CXCL9) and interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10)] in the recruitment of intrahepatic lymphocytes and subsequent fulminant hepatic failure induced by MHV-3. Balb/cJ mice (6-8 weeks, female) were intraperitioneally injected with 100 PFU MHV-3.The proportions and numbers of T cells and NK cells as well as the expression of CXCR3 on T cells and NK cells in the liver, spleen and blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The hepatic mRNA level of the CXCR3-associated chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10) was detected by realtime PCR. A transwell migration assay was used to assess the chemotactic effect of MHV-3-infected hepatocytes on the splenic lymphocytes. Following MHV-3 infection, the number of hepatic NK cells and T cells and the frequencies of hepatic NK cells and T cells expressing CXCR3 increased markedly; however, in the spleen and peripheral blood, they both decreased significantly. Moreover, the hepatic mRNAs levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 were significantly elevated post infection. The transwell migration assay demonstrated that MHV-3-infected hepatocytes have the capacity to attract and recruit the splenic NK cells and T cells, and CXCL10 plays a key role in lymphocyte mobilization from the spleen. These results suggest that the CXCR3- associated chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10) may play animportant role in the recruitment of intrahepatic lymphocytes and subsequent necroinflammation and hepatic failure in MHV-3 infection.

CXC family of chemokines as prognostic or predictive biomarkers and possible drug targets in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women,worldwide. In the early stages of the disease, biomarkers predicting early relapse would improve survival rates.In metastatic patients, the use of predictive biomarkers could potentially result in more personalized treatments and better outcomes. The CXC family of chemokines(CXCL1 to 17) are small(8 to 10 kDa) secreted proteins that attract neutrophils and lymphocytes. These chemokines signal through chemokine receptors(CXCR) 1 to 8.Several studies have reported that these chemokines and receptors have a role in either the promotion or inhibition of cancer, depending on their capacity to suppress or stimulate the action of the immune system, respectively.In general terms, activation of the CXCR1/CXCR2 pathway or the CXCR4/CXCR7 pathway is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis; therefore,the specific inhibition of these receptors is a possible therapeutic strategy. On the other hand, the lesser known CXCR3 and CXCR5 axes are generally considered to be tumor suppressor signaling pathways, and their stimulation has been suggested as a way to fight cancer.These pathways have been studied in tumor tissues(using immunohistochemistry or measuring mRNA levels)or serum [using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) or multiplexing techniques], among other sample types. Common variants in genes encoding for the CXC chemokines have also been investigated as possible biomarkers of the disease. This review summarizes themost recent findings on the role of CXC chemokines and their receptors in CRC and discusses their possible value as prognostic or predictive biomarkers as well as the possibility of targeting them as a therapeutic strategy.

CXC chemokines and chemokine receptors in gastric cancer: From basic findings towards therapeutic targeting

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer,and the second-highest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Despite extensive research to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents,patients with advanced gastric cancer suffer from a poor quality of life and poor prognosis,and treatment is dependent mainly on conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.To improve the quality of life and survival of gastric cancer patients,a better understanding of the underlying molecular pathologies,and their application towards the development of novel targeted therapies,is urgently needed.Chemokines are a group of small proteins associated with cytoskeletal rearrangements,the directional migration of several cell types during development and physiology,and the host immune response via interactions with G-protein coupled receptors.There is also growing evidence to suggest that chemokines not only play a role in the immune system,but are also involved in the development and progression of tumors.In gastric cancer,CXC chemokines and chemokine receptors regulate the trafficking of cells in and out of the tumor microenvironment.CXC chemokines and their receptors can also directly influence tumorigenesis by modulating tumor transformation,survival,growth,invasion and metastasis,as well as indirectly by regulating angiogenesis,and tumor-leukocyte interactions.In this review,we will focus on the roles of CXC chemokines and their receptors in the development,progression,and metastasis of gastric tumors,and discuss their therapeutic potential for gastric cancer.

Mental disorders after myocardial infarction:potential mediator role for chemokines in heart-brain interaction?

Acute myocardial infarction(MI)remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the global communities.A prevailing topic that has attracted increasing attentions over the past few decades is the so-called heart-brain interaction,in particular following a major traumatic event such as MI.Increased prevalence of depression and other mental disorders has been recognized in cardiac patients after MI,coronary catheterization,or cardiothoracic surgeries.In this review,we focus on the potential pathogenic mechanisms and pre-clinical transcriptomic evidence for identifying potential mediators of post-MI depression.We first summarize the conventional mechanistic understanding that leads to the current clinical management of post-MI depression with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs)and cognitive behavior and exercise therapies.We further envisage a possible role played by certain chemokines,e.g.,Chemokine(C-X-C motif)ligand 12(CXCL12)and Chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL22),in serving as signaling molecules to connect the MI-induced heart damage to the pro-depressive changes in brain during the post-MI period.Future in-depth investigations into this chemokine hypothesis will be instrumental in developing new chemokine-targeted therapies for better management of the cardiac patients suffering from post-MI depression.

Foodborne toxin Aflatoxin B_(1)induced glomerular podocyte inflammation through proteolysis of RelA,downregulation of miR-9 and CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway

Aflatoxin B_(1)(AFB_(1))is a naturally-occurring mycotoxin and recognized as the most toxic foodborne toxin,particularly causing damages to kidney.Glomerular podocytes are terminally differentiated epithelial cells.AFB_(1)induces podocyte inflammation,proteinuria and renal dysfunction.Studying the mechanism of AFB_(1)-induced podocyte inflammation and murine kidney dysfunction,we detected that AFB_(1)increased ubiquitindependent degradation of the transcription factor RelA through enhanced interaction of RelA with E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif containing 7(TRIM7)in mouse podocyte clone-5(MPC-5)and mouse glomeruli.Reduction of RelA resulted in decreasing microRNA-9(miR-9)and activating the chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4),thioredoxin interacting protein(TXNIP),and NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3)signaling axis(CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway),leading to podocyte inflammation.We also determined that downregulation of miR-9 led to CXCR4 expression and the downstream TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway activation.Overexpression of miR-9 or deletion of CXCR4 suppressed AFB_(1)-induced CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway,resulting in alleviating podocyte inflammation and kidney dysfunction.Our findings indicated that ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of RelA,downregulation of miR-9,and activation of CXCR4/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway played an essential role in AFB_(1)-induced glomerular podocyte inflammation.Our study revealed a novel mechanism,via RelA,for the control of AFB_(1)’s nephrotoxicity,leading to an effective protection of food safety and public health.

Targeted migration of mesenchymal stem cells modified with CXCR4 to acute failing liver improves liver regeneration

AIM: To improve the colonization rate of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the liver and effect of MSC transplantation for acute liver failure (ALF).

Chemokines and hepatocellular carcinoma

Chemokines play a paramount role in tumor progres-sion. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, chemokines and their receptors play an intricate role. Currently, chemokines and their receptors such as the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis, CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis and the CCL20-CCR6 axis have received much research attention. Although a large number of studies show that these axes are strongly associated with HCC, the exact mechanism by which these axes promote the growth and progression of HCC remains unknown. In this paper, several chemokines and their receptor interactions in HCC progression, growth and metastasis and immune response to HCC are reviewed.

Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

The chemokine system consists of four different subclasses with over 50 chemokines and 19 receptors. Their functions in the immune system have been well elucidated and research during the last decades unveils their new roles in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). The chemokines and their receptors in the microenvironment influence the development of HCCby several aspects including:inflammation,effects on immune cells,angiogenesis,and direct effects on HCC cells. Regarding these aspects,pre-clinical research by targeting the chemokine system has yielded promising data,and these findings bring us new clues in the chemokine-based therapies for HCC.

Inflammatory microenvironment and expression of chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To study the inflammatory microenvironment and expression of chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in nude mice.METHODS:CBRH-7919 HCC cells were injected into the subcutaneous region of nude mice.Beginning two weeks after the challenge,tumor growth was measured every week for six weeks.The stromal microenvironment and inflammatory cell infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemistry in paired tumor and adjacent peritumoral samples,and macrophage phenotype was assessed using double-stain immunohistochemistry incorporating expression of an intracellular enzyme.A chemokine PCR array,comprised of 98 genes,was used to screen differential gene expressions,which were validated by Western blotting.Additionally,expression of identified chemokines was knocked-down by RNA interference,and the effect on tumor growth was assessed.RESULTS:Inflammatory cell infiltrates are a key feature of adjacent peritumoral tissues with increased macrophage,neutrophil,and T cell(specifically helperand activated subsets)infiltration.Macrophages within adjacent peritumoral tissues express inducible nitric oxide synthase,suggestive of a proinflammatory phenotype.Fifty-one genes were identified in tumor tissues during the progression period,including 50that were overexpressed(including CXCL1,CXCL2 and CXCL3)and three that were underexpressed(CXCR1,Ifg and Actb).RNA interference of CXCL1 in the CBRH-7919 cells decreased the growth of tumors in nude mice and inhibited expression of CXCL2,CXCL3and interleukin-1βprotein.CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that CXCL1plays a critical role in tumor growth and may serve as a potential molecular target for use in HCC therapy.

Role of chemokines and their receptors in viral persistence and liver damage during chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Chemokines produced in the liver during hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection induce migration of activated T cells from the periphery to infected parenchyma.The milieu of chemokines secreted by infected hepatocytes is predominantly associated with the T-helper cell/Tc1 T cell(Th1/Tc1) response.These chemokines consist of CCL3(macrophage inflammatory protein-1α;MIP-1α),CCL4(MIP-1β),CCL5(regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted;RANTES),CXCL10(interferon-γ-inducible protein-10;IP-10),CXCL11(interferon-inducible T-cell α chemoattractant;I-TAC),and CXCL9(monokine induced by interferon γ;Mig) and they recruit T cells expressing either CCR5 or CXCR3 chemokine receptors.Intrahepatic and peripheral blood levels of these chemokines are increased during chronic hepatitis C.The interaction between chemokines and their receptors is essential in recruiting HCV-specific T cells to control the infection.When the adaptive immune response fails in this task,non-specific T cells without the capacity to control the infection are also recruited to the liver,and these are ultimately responsible for the persistent hepatic damage.The modulation of chemokine receptor expression and chemokine secretion could be a viral escape mechanism to avoid specific T cell migration to the liver during the early phase of infection,and to maintain liver viability during the chronic phase,by impairing non-specific T cell migration.Some chemokines and their receptors correlate with liver damage,and CXCL10(IP-10) and CXCR3 levels have shown a clinical utility as predictors of treatment response outcome.The regulation of chemokines and their receptors could be a future potential therapeutic target to decrease liver inflammation and to increase specific T cell migration to the infected liver.

白内障患者房水血清中单核细胞趋化蛋白1 CXC趋化因子配体8检测水平及临床意义

目的检测白内障患者房水、血清中单核细胞趋化蛋白1(MCP-1)、CXC趋化因子配体8(CXCL8)水平,并探讨二者在白内障患者中的临床意义。方法选取2018年1月至2020年12月本院收治的白内障患者100例为研究对象,初发期26例,未成熟期33例,成熟期25例,过熟期16例;另同期选取眼外伤患者100例为对照组。收集比较2组患者一般资料;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定受试者房水、血清中MCP-1、CXCL8水平,氮蓝四唑光还原法检测超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,采用硫代巴比妥酸法检测丙二醛(MDA)含量,铁离子还原法检测活性氧簇(ROS)水平;采用Pearson相关性分析血清、房水中MCP-1、CXCL8水平与氧化应激损伤指标相关性。结果与对照组比较,白内障患者房水、血清中SOD水平明显降低(P<0.05),且随疾病进展(初发期、未成熟期、成熟期、过熟期)降低(P<0.05),MDA、ROS、MCP-1、CXCL8水平均明显升高(P<0.05),随疾病进展升高(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,白内障患者房水、血清中MCP-1与CXCL8均呈正相关(r=0.438、0.465,P均<0.05),二者与SOD均呈负相关(r=-0.609、-0.521;r=-0.612、-0.516;P均<0.05),与MDA(r=0.521、0.479;r=0.506,0.402;P均<0.05)、ROS(r=0.603、0.526;r=0.608、0.536;P均<0.05)均呈正相关。结论白内障患者房水、血清中MCP-1、CXCL8水平异常高表达,可能参与白内障发生发展,临床可以依据血清MCP-1、CXCL8水平评估白内障,为临床寻找治疗白内障新的防治靶点提供一定参考。

子宫内膜癌组织中趋化因子CXCL12及其受体 CXCR4表达水平研究

目的：观察子宫内膜癌组织中趋化因子 CXCL12及其受体 CXCR4表达水平，探讨其与子宫内膜癌患者临床病理特征相关性。方法收集2012年1月～2014年12月间入院接受手术的子宫内膜癌患者52例病理标本，年龄55.6±19.2岁，以正常子宫内膜26例为对照组，年龄52.3±16.5岁。采用免疫组化技术检测趋化因子 CXCL12及其受体 CX-CR4在子宫内膜癌组织中的表达情况，并分析它们与 FIGO 分期、细胞分化程度、淋巴结转移和病理类型等临床病理特征的关系。结果CXCL12和 CXCR4在子宫内膜癌组织中阳性表达率分别为76.92％和69.23％，而在正常子宫内膜组织中则分别为34.62％和30.77％，差异具有统计学意义（χ2＝11.826，P ＜0.01）。CXCR4的表达与子宫内膜癌细胞分化程度存在差异，有统计学意义（均 P ＜0.05），且与分化高低呈正相关（r＝0.386，P ＜0.05）。在子宫内膜癌组织中，除 CXCR4表达与细胞分化程度呈正相关外，CXCL12和 CXCR4表达与临床分期、淋巴结转移和病理类型无相关性（P ＞0.05）。结论CXCL12和 CXCR4在子宫内膜癌组织中表达明显升高，这可能在子宫内膜癌发生发展过程中发挥重要生物学作用。

Expression of Pref-1 and Related Chemokines during the Development of Rat Mesenteric Lymph Nodes

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Pref-1~＋ adipocyte progenitor cells to mobilize into mesenteric lymph nodes（MLNs） and the dynamic expression of related chemokines during the development of rat MLNs. Methods Immunohistochemical analyses were used to detect the expression of Pref-1 and related chemokines. Transmission electron microscopy（TEM） was used to observe the changes in ultrastructure of MLNs. Results Cells containing lipid droplets were found in all rat MLNs at embryonic day（E） 18.5, 2 and 6 weeks（w） after birth, and they were similar to fibroblastic reticular cells（FRCs） or follicular dendritic cells（FDCs） under TEM. Pref-1~＋ adipocyte progenitor cells were found in all MLNs. The expression level of Pref-1 was significantly increased at 2 w after birth and decreased at 6 w after birth. The tendency of Cxcl12 expression was consistent with that of Pref-1 and was positively correlated with the expression of Pref-1（P 〈 0.01; r = 0.897）. At E18.5, Cxcl13, and Ccr7 were significantly expressed in the MLN anlage, but the expression level of Ccl21 was low. The expression level of Cxcl13, Ccr7, and Ccl21 in MLN were significantly increased at 2 w after birth（P 〈 0.05）, while the expression of Ccr7 and Ccl21 were significantly decreased at 6 w after birth（P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion Adipocyte progenitor cells are involved in the rat MLNs development through differentiation into FRC and FDC. The expression of the relevant chemokines during the development of MLNs is dynamic and may be related to the maintenance of lymph nodes self-balance state.

血清VILIP-1 CXCL16联合ox-LDL预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者预后不良的价值

目的探讨血清VILIP-1、CXCL16结合ox-LDL预测急性缺血性脑卒中患者预后不良的价值。方法以2020-05—2021-12南阳市中心医院治疗的100例急性缺血性脑卒中患者为观察组,另取100例进行体检的健康者为对照组,采用酶联免疫法检测所有受试者血清VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL水平。依据患者的神经功能缺损情况进行量化评分,分为轻型组、中型组、重型组。采用改良Rankin量表评定患者半年内的临床预后情况,分为预后良好组、预后不良组,以患者临床预后为因变量,VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL为自变量拟合多分类或二分类Logistic回归方程,分析各指标对患者病情或临床预后的影响。结果与对照组相比,观察组血清VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL水平均显著升高(P<0.05)。与轻度组比较,中度组血清VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL水平升高(P<0.05);与中度组比较,重度组血清VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL水平升高(P<0.05)。与预后良好组比较,预后不良组血清VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL水平显著升高(P<0.05)。ILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL等均是影响急性脑卒中患者疾病分级及预后的独立危险因素。VILIP-1的AUC值为0.834,灵敏度69.45%,特异性80.29%;CXCL16的AUC值为0.830,灵敏度69.38%,特异性81.02%;ox-LDL的AUC值为0.824,灵敏度69.40%,特异性80.31%;联合检测的AUC值为0.938,灵敏度83.56%,特异性93.11%。结论血清VILIP-1、CXCL16、ox-LDL水平的异常变化与疾病分型和患者预后密切相关,联合检测在急性缺血性脑卒中诊断中效能良好。

慢性淋巴细胞白血病患者血清CXCL4 CXCL12和CCL13的表达及其临床意义

目的 探讨慢性淋巴细胞白血病患者血清CXC趋化因子4、CXC趋化因子12和CC趋化因子13的表达水平及临床意义.方法 将64例慢性淋巴细胞白血病患者设为观察组,50名健康体检者设为对照组.回顾性分析两组受试者的临床资料,采用实时定量逆转录法检测两组受试者的血清CXC趋化因子4、CXC趋化因子12和CC趋化因子13表达水平.结果 观察组CXC趋化因子4、CXC趋化因子12和CC趋化因子13的阳性率分别为73.4％ 、71.9％ 、75.0％,对照组各因子阳性率分别为4.0％ 、2.0％ 、0,观察组均显著高于对照组(P<0.01).观察组患者血清CXC趋化因子4、CXC趋化因子12和CC趋化因子13表达水平在不同年龄、性别、淋巴细胞绝对计数、血清乳酸脱氢酶、血清胸苷激酶1、β2微球蛋白方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),在不同Binet分期方面比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05或0.01).经Spersman直线相关分析发现,观察组患者血清CXC趋化因子4和CC趋化因子13的表达水平与Binet分期呈显著正相关(P<0.05),血清CXC趋化因子12与Binet分期呈显著负相关(P<0.05).结论 慢性淋巴细胞白血病患者血清中CXC趋化因子4、CXC趋化因子12和CC趋化因子13表达水平存在明显异常,这些趋化因子均参与慢性淋巴细胞白血病的发生、发展过程,对其表达水平的平衡监测可间接了解患者的免疫状态,判断病情变化,为患者预后及临床治疗提供参考.

甲状腺肿瘤微淋巴管生成因子-C CXCR4的表达与微淋巴管密度研究

目的探讨甲状腺肿瘤中微淋巴管生成因子(VEGF)-C、CXCR4的表达和微淋巴管密度(MLVD)及其意义。方法采用免疫组强化学检测100例甲状腺癌以及20例甲状腺腺瘤中VEGF-C、CXCR4的表达及D2-40标记的MLVD。结果甲状腺癌组VEGF-C和CXCR4的表达高于甲状腺腺瘤组;甲状腺癌淋巴结转移组VEGF-C和CXCR4的表达高于无淋巴结转移组;不同病理类型、不同分期的甲状腺癌中VEGF-C和CXCR4的表达不同;生存期不同的甲状腺癌中CXCR4的表达率不同;甲状腺癌伴淋巴结转移、无淋巴结转移及甲状腺腺瘤中MLVD不同,以上差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);VEGF-C与MLVD正相关(P<0.05);。结论VEGF-C、CXCR4及MLVD在甲状腺良恶性肿瘤的鉴别诊断、甲状腺癌淋巴结转移及预后判断中有重要价值。

Effects of Astragalus injection on chemokines, renal function and humoral immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate the effects of Astragalus Injection on inflammatory factors, chemokines, renal function and humoral immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods:80 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated in the department of respiratory medicine in our hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 40 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given levofloxacin treatment;and patients in the observation group were given astragalus injection combined with levofloxacin treatment. Before and after treatment, procalcitonin (PCT), interferon-γ (INF-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1 ), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), uric acid (UA) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG) levels were measured and compared between the patients in the two groups.Result: After treatment, the levels of PCT, INF-γ, MCP-1 and MIP-1 in serum of the patients in the two groups were significantly decreased, and the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG were significantly increased. The changes of the PCT, INF-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1 , IgA, IgM and IgG of patients in the observation group were significantly stronger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of BUN, SCr and UA in serum of patients in the two groups increased significantly. The serum levels of above indexes of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Astragalus injection can significantly relieve the inflammatory state of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, reduce the level of chemokines, enhance the renal function and immune function of patients. It has good clinical efficacy.

Expression of mRNA of chemokines and chemokine receptors and cytokines amount in the blood of healthy volunteers

Background: Chemokines are small proteins that activate immune system in normal and pathological conditions. The induction of chemotaxis is a well-established role of chemokines. Moreover chemokines are important mediators of angiogenesis, implantation of fetus, and maturation of immune cells. In human body many types of cells express chemokines and cytokines at level of gene and protein. In blood cells chemokine and chemokine receptors mRNA level is a one of crucial points of chemokine system condition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma concentration of cyto- kines and chemokines/chemokine receptors mRNA level in blood of healthy volunteers. Results: Gene expression of eotaxin, eotaxin-2, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP- 1β, RANTES, CCR1, CCR3, CCR5, CXCR1, and CXCR2 was measured in peripheral blood cells, as well as the concentration of IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, eotaxin, FGF-2, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF was evaluated in the plasma of 19 healthy individuals. We studied rela- tionship between mRNA levels of chemokines/recaptors and cytokine concentration in blood of healthy volunteers. Conclusion: These data are allowed to assess chemokines impact in the cytokine regulation of healthy subjects. These results indicate that chemokines and their receptors is diverse and redundant system of immune reactivity in response to internal and external challenges.