Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on liver health:Current understanding and future research directions

With continuous population and economic growth in the 21st century,plastic pollution is a major global issue.However,the health concern of microplastics/nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)decomposed from plastic wastes has drawn public attention only in the recent decade.This article summarizes recent works dedicated to understanding the impact of MPs/NPs on the liver-the largest digestive organ,which is one of the primary routes that MPs/NPs enter human bodies.The interrelated mechanisms including oxidative stress,hepatocyte energy re-distribution,cell death and autophagy,as well as immune responses and inflammation,were also featured.In addition,the disturbance of microbiome and gut-liver axis,and the association with clinical diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,steatohepatitis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis were briefly discussed.Finally,we discussed potential directions in regard to this trending topic,highlighted current challenges in research,and proposed possible solutions.

MiR-142-3p Regulates ILC1s by Targeting HMGB1 via the NF-κB Pathway in a Mouse Model of Early Pregnancy Loss

Objective Innate lymphoid cells(ILCs)are a class of newly discovered immunocytes.Group 1 ILCs(ILC1s)are identified in the decidua of humans and mice.High mobility group box 1(HMGB1)is predicted to be one of the target genes of miR-142-3p,which is closely related to pregnancy-related diseases.Furthermore,miR-142-3p and HMGB1 are involved in regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.This study aimed to examine the regulatory effect of miR-142-3p on ILC1s and the underlying mechanism involving HMGB1 and the NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods Mouse models of normal pregnancy and abortion were constructed,and the alterations of ILC1s,miR-142-3p,ILC1 transcription factor(T-bet),and pro-inflammatory cytokines of ILC1s(TNF-α,IFN-γand IL-2)were detected in mice from different groups.The targeting regulation of HMGB1 by miR-142-3p in ILC1s,and the expression of HMGB1 in normal pregnant mice and abortive mice were investigated.In addition,the regulatory effects of miR-142-3p and HMGB1 on ILC1s were detected in vitro by CCK-8,Annexin-V/PI,ELISA,and RT-PCR,respectively.Furthermore,changes of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ILC1s were examined in the different groups.For the in vivo studies,miR-142-3p-Agomir was injected in the uterus of abortive mice to evaluate the abortion rate and alterations of ILC1s at the maternal-fetal interface,and further detect the expression of HMGB1,pro-inflammatory cytokines,and the NF-κB signaling pathway.Results The number of ILC1s was significantly increased,the level of HMGB1 was significantly upregulated,and that of miR-142-3p was considerably downregulated in the abortive mice as compared with the normal pregnant mice(all P<0.05).In addition,miR-142-3p was found to drastically inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway(P<0.05).The number of ILC1s and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly downregulated and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited in the miR-142-3p Agomir group(all P<0.05).Conclusion miR-142-3p can regulate ILC1s by targeting HMGB1 via the NF-κB signaling pathway,and attenuate the inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface in abortive mice.

Use of an immunocapture device to detect cytokine release in discrete brain regions

Production of proinflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system is a key process in the neuroinflammatory response to trauma,infection,and neurodegenerative diseases(Kumar,2019).These intercellular signaling molecules play multiple roles in the immune response in the central nervous system including the orchestration of the sickness response to innate immune perturbations in the brain(Dantzer et al.,2008).

The role of innate immunity in diabetic nephropathy and their therapeutic consequences

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an enduring condition that leads to inflammation and affects a substantial number of individuals with diabetes worldwide. A gradual reduction in glomerular filtration and emergence of proteins in the urine are typical aspects of DN, ultimately resulting in renal failure. Mounting evidence suggests that immunological and inflammatory factors are crucial for the development of DN. Therefore, the activation of innate immunity by resident renal and immune cells is critical for initiating and perpetuating inflammation. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an important group of receptors that identify patterns and activate immune responses and inflammation. Meanwhile, inflammatory responses in the liver, pancreatic islets, and kidneys involve inflammasomes and chemokines that generate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the activation of the complement cascade can be triggered by glycated proteins. This review highlights recent findings elucidating how the innate immune system contributes to tissue fibrosis and organ dysfunction, ultimately leading to renal failure. This review also discusses innovative approaches that can be utilized to modulate the innate immune responses in DN for therapeutic purposes.

Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of a G-Type Lysozyme in Yellow Drum(Nibea albiflora)

Lysozyme(EC3.2.1.17)plays an important role in the immune response;as a nonspecific immune factor,it can resist causative agents.Lysozyme can be divided into c-type and g-type in fish.In a previous study,through genome-wide association analysis,the g-type lysozyme gene,which is named NaLyg in yellow drum(Nibea albiflora),was found to be a key candidate gene for disease resistance in response to Vibrio harveyi infection.The cDNA of NaLyg was 1025 bp,including four exons and three introns,and its open reading frame(ORF)had a full-length of 582 bp,encoding 193 amino acids.NaLyg was found to be conserved during evolution through bioinformatic analyses.The NaLyg protein possessed a sugar binding domain and three catalytic sites,including Glu71,Asp84 and Asp101.Quantitative qRT-PCR results confirmed that NaLyg gene mRNA was visibly increased after V.harveyi infection.The NaLyg protein purified by prokaryotic expression killed some gram-negative bacterial pathogens by inducing cell wall destruction,including V.harveyi,Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda.Moreover,the NaLyg protein killed two gram-positive bacteria,Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.Taken together,the experimental results suggested that the NaLyg protein of N.albiflora played an important role in fighting bacterial infections.

Astrocytes, reactive astrogliosis, and glial scar formation in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a global health crisis,causing significant death and disability worldwide.Neuroinflammation that follows traumatic brain injury has serious consequences for neuronal survival and cognitive impairments,with astrocytes involved in this response.Following traumatic brain injury,astrocytes rapidly become reactive,and astrogliosis propagates from the injury core to distant brain regions.Homeostatic astroglial proteins are downregulated near the traumatic brain injury core,while pro-inflammatory astroglial genes are overexpressed.This altered gene expression is considered a pathological remodeling of astrocytes that produces serious consequences for neuronal survival and cognitive recovery.In addition,glial scar formed by reactive astrocytes is initially necessary to limit immune cell infiltration,but in the long term impedes axonal reconnection and functional recovery.Current therapeutic strategies for traumatic brain injury are focused on preventing acute complications.Statins,cannabinoids,progesterone,beta-blockers,and cerebrolysin demonstrate neuroprotective benefits but most of them have not been studied in the context of astrocytes.In this review,we discuss the cell signaling pathways activated in reactive astrocytes following traumatic brain injury and we discuss some of the potential new strategies aimed to modulate astroglial responses in traumatic brain injury,especially using cell-targeted strategies with miRNAs or lncRNA,viral vectors,and repurposed drugs.

Interplay between mesenchymal stromal cells and the immune system after transplantation: implications for advanced cell therapy in the retina

Advanced mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases are widely investigated in preclinical models.Mesenchymal stromal cells are well positioned as therapeutics because they address the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration,namely trophic factor deprivation and neuroinflammation.Most studies have focused on the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation on neuronal survival or functional improvement.However,little attention has been paid to the interaction between mesenchymal stromal cells and the host immune system due to the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells and the long-held belief of the immunoprivileged status of the central nervous system.Here,we review the crosstalk between mesenchymal stromal cells and the immune system in general and in the context of the central nervous system,focusing on recent work in the retina and the importance of the type of transplantation.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis via the DR3 signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells

Inhibiting the death receptor 3(DR3)signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)presents a promising approach for promoting mucosal repair in individuals with ulcerative colitis(UC).Paeoniflorin,a prominent component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.,has demonstrated the ability to restore barrier function in UC mice,but the precise mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we aimed to delve into whether paeoniflorin may promote intestinal mucosal repair in chronic colitis by inhibiting DR3 signaling in ILC3s.C57BL/6 mice were subjected to random allocation into 7 distinct groups,namely the control group,the 2%dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)group,the paeoniflorin groups(25,50,and 100 mg/kg),the anti-tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A(anti-TL1A)antibody group,and the IgG group.We detected the expression of DR3 signaling pathway proteins and the proportion of ILC3s in the mouse colon using Western blot and flow cytometry,respectively.Meanwhile,DR3-overexpressing MNK-3 cells and 2%DSS-induced Rag1^(-/-)mice were used for verification.The results showed that paeoniflorin alleviated DSS-induced chronic colitis and repaired the intestinal mucosal barrier.Simultaneously,paeoniflorin inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s and regulated the content of cytokines(interleukin-17A,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and interleukin-22).Alternatively,paeoniflorin directly inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s to repair mucosal damage independently of the adaptive immune system.We additionally confirmed that paeoniflorin-conditioned medium(CM)restored the expression of tight junctions in Caco-2 cells via coculture.In conclusion,paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis by enhancing the intestinal barrier in an ILC3-dependent manner,and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the DR3 signaling pathway.

Pharmacological Investigation on the Qi-Invigorating Action of Schisandrin B: Effects on Mitochondrial ATP Generation in Multiple Tissues and Innate/Adaptive Immunity in Mice

Schisandrae Fructus, containing schisandrin B (Sch B) as its main active component, is recognized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its Qi-invigorating properties in the five visceral organs. Our laboratory has shown that the Qi-invigorating action of Chinese tonifying herbs is linked to increased mitochondrial ATP generation and an enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione redox status. To explore whether Sch B can exert Qi-invigorating actions across various tissues, we investigated the effects of Sch B treatment on mitochondrial ATP generation and glutathione redox status in multiple mouse tissues ex vivo. In line with TCM theory, which posits that Zheng Qi generation relies on the Qi function of the visceral organs, we also examined Sch B’s impact on natural killer cell activity and antigen-induced splenocyte proliferation, both serving as indirect measures of Zheng Qi. Our findings revealed that Sch B treatment consistently enhanced mitochondrial ATP generation and improved mitochondrial glutathione redox status in mouse tissues. This boost in mitochondrial function was associated with stimulated innate and adaptive immune responses, marked by increased natural killer cell activity and antigen-induced T/B cell proliferation, potentially through the increased generation of Zheng Qi.

Neutrophil-derived interleukin-17A participates in neuroinflammation induced by traumatic brain injury

After brain injury, infiltration and abnormal activation of neutrophils damages brain tissue and worsens inflammation, but the mediators that connect activated neutrophils with neuroinflammation have not yet been fully clarified. To identify regulators of neutrophil-mediated neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury, a mouse model of traumatic brain injury was established by controlled cortical impact. At 7 days post-injury(sub-acute phase), genome-wide transcriptomic data showed that interleukin 17 A-associated signaling pathways were markedly upregulated, suggesting that interleukin 17 A may be involved in neuroinflammation. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that interleukin 17 A was largely secreted by neutrophils rather than by glial cells and neurons. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappaB and Stat3, both of which are important effectors in interleukin 17 A-mediated proinflammatory responses, were significantly activated. Collectively, our findings suggest that neutrophil-derived interleukin 17 A participates in neutrophil-mediated neuroinflammation during the subacute phase of traumatic brain injury. Therefore, interleukin 17 A may be a promising therapeutic target for traumatic brain injury.

Immune and metabolic cross-links in the pathogenesis of comorbid non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

In recent years,there has been a steady growth of interest in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),which is associated with negative epidemiological data on the prevalence of the disease and its clinical significance.NAFLD is closely related to the metabolic syndrome and these relationships are the subject of active research.A growing body of evidence shows cross-linkages between metabolic abnormalities and the innate immune system in the development and progression of NAFLD.These links are bidirectional and largely still unclear,but a better understanding of them will improve the quality of diagnosis and management of patients.In addition,lipid metabolic disorders and the innate immune system link NAFLD with other diseases,such as atherosclerosis,which is of great clinical importance.

Cadmium(Cd)exposure through Hyphantria cunea pupae reduces the parasitic fitness of Chouioia cunea:A potential risk to its biocontrol efficiency

Heavy metal contamination has been regarded as an environmental variable that affects the efficiency of pest biological control,but the parasitic fitness of parasitoids under heavy metal stress is poorly understood.Herein,the effect of Cd exposure through the host pupa of Hyphantria cunea on the parasitic fitness of Chouioia cunea was investigated,and the mechanism by which Cd exposure affects the interaction between H.cunea and C.cunea from the perspective of innate immunity in host insect and the oxidative status in the parasitoid offspring was explored.Our results indicated that Cd can be transferred from the H.cunea pupae to the parasitoid offspring,and the transfer coefficient reflected biological amplification.There were no significant differences in the rates of parasitism success and offspring emergence between the untreated and Cd-treated groups.However,after parasitizing Cd-accumulated pupae,the parasitic fitness of offspring wasps(e.g.,the number,individual size and life span)decreased significantly.Under Cd exposure,the cellular and humoral immunity of H.cunea pupae decreased significantly.Compared with the untreated group,the H_(2)O_(2)content of parasitoid offspring in the Cd-treated group was significantly increased.Cd exposure significantly inhibited superoxide dismutase activity in parasitoid offspring,but the contents of ascorbic acid and glutathione were significantly increased by Cd stress.Taken together,these results indicate that Cd exposure reduces the cyclic utilization efficiency of C.cunea on H.cunea pupae.The oxidative status of parasitoid offspring triggered by Cd exposure could be responsible for the reduced parasitic fitness of C.cunea on Cd-accumulated H.cunea pupae.

Molecular identification and biochemical characteristics of a delta class glutathione S-transferase gene(FcδGST)from Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis

Glutathione S-transferases(GSTs)are a superfamily of multifunction enzymes involved in the regulation of redox homeostasis and innate immune responses against various pathogenic infections in marine invertebrates.In the present study,a delta class GST gene(designated as FcδGST)was cloned from Fenneropenaeus chinensis using rapid amplification of c DNA ends(RACE)technology.The complete cDNA sequence of FcδGST was 780 bp in length,which includes a 27-bp 5′non-coding region(UTR),a 117-bp 3′UTR,a 636-bp open reading frame(ORF),and a polyadenylate signal site(AATAAA)presented at the upstream of poly A tail.The FcδGST gene encoded 211 amino acids peptide,including a GST_N domain and a GST_C domain,and exhibited high similarity with previously reported delta GSTs.The predicted molecular mass of FcδGST protein was 23.39 kDa,and its theoretical isoelectric point(pI)was 5.34.The FcδGST mRNA transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all the tested tissues,with the highest expression level in hemocytes and hepatopancreas.During the stimulation of Vibrio anguillarum or white spot syndrome virus(WSSV),the m RNA expression of FcδGST in hemocytes and hepatopancreas revealed significant up-regulation.The purified recombinant FcδGST protein(designated as rFcδGST)exhibited specific catalytic activity against 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene(CDNB)substrate with relatively low stable enzymatic activities.These results indicated that FcδGST was a fragile but typical novel delta class GST member and potentially involved in the innate immune responses of F.chinensis.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Regulation Role of miR-144-5p in Intestinal Immunity of Japanese Flounder(Paralichthys olivaceus)

MicroRNAs(miRNAs),22-nucleotide-long micromanagers that guide the post-transcriptional regulation of a wide range of target genes,can theoretically be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for inflammatory reaction.In fish,miR-144-5p expression varies dramatically in response to the different bacterial infections and can regulate immunity-related genes to reduce the occurrence of inflammation.In this research,the regulation function of miR-144-5p to the intestinal innate immunity was udied in flounder Paralichthys olivaceus.The flounders were interfered by 2μg g^(-1) miR-144-5p antagomir and their tissues(intestine,liver and spleen)were harvested from the fish at 12 h post-injection.More than 60 million high-quality reads were collected.At 24 hours after miR-144-5p or miR-NC interference,a total of 2704 and 1823 different-expresion genes(DEGs)were identified in comparison with control group,respectively.The DEGs were enriched in a variety of immunity-related signaling pathways,including NOD-like receptor,Wnt and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways,according to GO and KEGG analyses.A total of 503 highly interacting DEGs engaged in 33 immunity-related signaling pathways were discovered using KEGG analyses.Additionally,5 hub genes were found by protein-protein interaction networks,which formed an intricate immune regulation network.Meanwhile,these hub genes were mostly involved in focal adhesion,Wnt signaling pathway,as well as the Intestinal Immune Network for IgT(IgA)Production Pathway.In conclusion,the loss of miR-144-5p can affect immunity-related genes and downstream signaling pathways.Our findings suggest that miR-144-5p is a modulator of gene networks and signaling pathways associated with intestinal innate immunity.

Differential Effects of Yin- and Yang-Chinese Tonifying Herbs on Innate and Adaptive Immunity

The present study investigated the effect of treatment with methanolic extracts of Yin- and Yang-Chinese tonifying herbs on concanavalin A (Con A)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated splenocyte proliferation (adaptive immunity) and natural killer (NK) cell activity (innate immunity) in an ex vivo mouse model. The results indicated that while treatment with most Yin herbal extracts potentiated the Con A/LPS-stimulated splenocyte proliferation, only Yang (but not Yin) herbal extracts stimulated NK cell activity. The differential effects of Yin- and Yang-Chinese tonifying herbs on innate and adaptive immunity are consistent with the Chinese medicine theory which depicts the Yin and Yang functional components of Zheng Qi (vital energy), with the Yang component being responsible for the first line of defense against invading microorganisms (i.e., innate immunity) and the Yin oner serving as a follow-up defensive response (adaptive immunity).

Involvement of Dectin-2 in the Innate Inflammatory Response Triggered by Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin

C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) are representative pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbial polysaccharides expressed on antigen-presenting cells. In the present study, we carried out further detailed analysis on the involvement of Dectin-2, a CLR that senses high mannose polysaccharide, in innate immune responses induced by influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA). Treatment of HA with periodate or PNGase F induced lower interleukin (IL)-12p40 secretion by conventional dendritic cells (DCs) compared with the untreated group. In contrast, treatment with O-glycosidase did not affect cytokine production. Green fluorescent protein expression in canonical Dectin-2-transducing cells was approximately 3% - 12% following HA stimulation, except with the A/H1N1pdm09 subtype HA. This expression was markedly reduced in cells possessing mutated amino acids in the carbohydrate recognition domain of Dectin-2, especially following stimulation with HA derived from the A/H3N2 subtype. Interferon (IFN)-α production from CD11c+Siglec-H+PDCA-1+ plasmacytoid DCs was significantly increased in Dectin-2 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice upon stimulation with HA except for the B/Yamagata lineage HA. These results suggested that Dectin-2 is involved in initiating inflammatory responses via mannose polysaccharide on HA. However, other mechanisms may function in the antiviral response, including the type I IFN axis.

Ma Shi Wen Tong and its Theory of Language

Ma Shi Wen Tong is a very influential book in the field of linguistics.Its theory of language is closely related to the social background of China at that time.The paper will deal with concept of language in this book from a cultural and historical perspective.

Complement and its role in innate and adaptive immune responses

The complement system plays a crucial role in the innate defense against common pathogens. Activation of complement leads to robust and efficient proteolytic cascades, which terminate in opsonization and lysis of the pathogen as well as in the generation of the classical inflammatory response through the production of potent proinflammatory molecules. More recently, however, the role of complement in the immune response has been expanded due to observations that link complement activation to adaptive immune responses. It is now appreciated that complement is a functional bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses that allows an integrated host defense to pathogenic challenges. As such, a study of its functions allows insight into the molecular underpinnings of host-pathogen interactions as well as the organization and orchestration of the host immune response. This review attempts to summarize the roles that complement plays in both innate and adaptive immune responses and the consequences of these interactions on host defense.

Pathophysiological role and therapeutic implications of inflammation in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes mellitus and its complications are becoming one of the most important health problems in the world. Diabetic nephropathy is now the main cause of end-stage renal disease. The mechanisms leading tothe development and progression of renal injury are not well known. Therefore, it is very important to f ind new pathogenic pathways to provide opportunities for early diagnosis and targets for novel treatments. At the present time, we know that activation of innate immunity with development of a chronic low grade inflammatory response is a recognized factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown the participation of different inflammatory molecules and pathways in the pathophysiology of this complication.

Etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases

Theories explaining the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） have been proposed ever since Crohn＇s disease （CD） and ulcerative colitis （UC） were recognized as the two major forms of the disease. Although the exact cause（s） and mechanisms of tissue damage in CD and UC have yet to be completely understood, enough progress has occurred to accept the following hypothesis as valid： IBD is an inappropriate immune response that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals as the result of a complex interaction among environmental factors, microbial factors, and the intestinal immune system. Among an almost endless list of environmental factors, smoking has been identified as a risk factor for CD and a protective factor for UC. Among microbial factors, no convincing evidence indicates that classical infectious agents cause IBD, while mounting evidence points to an abnormal immune response against the normal enteric flora as being of central importance. Gut inflammation is mediated by cells of the innate as well as adaptive immune systems, with the additional contribution of non-immune cells, such as epithelial, mesenchymal and endothelial cells, and platelets.