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.

6-Gingerol, asarinin, and deoxyschizandrin improve bronchial epithelium functions in an interleukin-13einduced BEAS-2B cell model

Objective:To explore the effects of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrindthe main components of Zingiber officinale(Willd.)Rosc.(Gan Jiang),Asarum heterotropoides f.var.mandshuricum(Maxim.)(Xi Xin),and Schisandra chinensis(Turcz.)Baill.(Wu Wei Zi),respectivelydon an interleukin(IL)-13einduced BEAS-2B cell model in vitro.Methods:The BEAS-2B cell model was established using 25 ng/mL IL-13 combined with 1%fetal bovine serum(FBS)in vitro.Mitoquinone mesylate(Mito-Q)treatment was used as a positive control group,and different concentrations of 6-gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were used to treat the models.The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was detected by flow cytometry.The expression levels of LC3B,Beclin1,adenosine 50-monophosphate(AMP)eactivated protein kinase(AMPK),phosphory-lated-AMPeactivated protein kinase(P-AMPK),dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1),and mitochondrial fusion protein 2(MFN2)were detected by Western blot.Mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)assay kit with JC-1 was utilized to detect the level of MMP.Results:The BEAS-2B cells exposed to 25 ng/mL IL-13 with 1%FBS showed an increased ROS level and a decreased MMP.6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin were able to downregulate ROS level and upregulate the MMP in the BEAS-2B model.Asarinin and deoxyschizandrin reduced the expression of autophagy protein LC3B,while deoxyschizandrin significantly increased the expression of DRP1 in the BEAS-2B model.Conclusion:6-Gingerol,asarinin,and deoxyschizandrin can reduce ROS generation and increase MMP,but have different regulatory effects on the expression of autophagy protein and mitochondrial mitotic protein.The three components have both synergistic and complementary effects in classic medicine compatibility.This study may provide an innovative strategy to reduce the lung inflammation related to IL-13.

血清sLOX-1、Apelin-13、YKL-40水平对急性脑梗死患者早期神经功能恶化的预测效能

目的探讨血清可溶性凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体-1(sLOX-1)、孤独G蛋白偶联受体配体-13(Apelin-13)、甲壳质酶蛋白-40(YKL-40)水平对急性脑梗死(ACI)患者早期神经功能恶化(END)的预测效能。方法选取2021年4月至2024年5月安阳市人民医院收治的219例ACI患者进行前瞻性研究,根据住院期间是否发生END分为END组(n=48)、无END组(n=171)。比较两组基线资料及血清s LOX-1、Apelin-13、YKL-40水平,采用Pearson法、偏相关性系数分析END组血清各指标与△美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分的相关性、偏相关性,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析各指标对END的预测价值,采用K-M生存曲线分析各指标表达水平对ACI预后的影响。结果END组患者入院时的NIHSS评分及血清sLOX-1、YKL-40水平分别为(12.96±4.20)分、(3.07±0.93)ng/mL、(119.38±25.76)μg/L,明显高于无END组的(9.17±3.00)分、(2.44±0.78)ng/mL、(87.52±19.43)μg/L,Apelin-1为(40.94±9.58)ng/mL,明显低于无END组的(48.63±12.31)ng/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);Pearson相关性分析结果显示,血清sLOX-1、YKL-40水平与△NIHSS评分呈正相关性(r=0.679、0.730,P<0.001),Apelin-13与之呈负相关性(r=-0.814,P<0.001);偏相关性分析结果显示,血清s LOX-1、YKL-40水平仍与△NIHSS评分呈正相关性,Apelin-13仍与之呈负相关性(P<0.001);ROC分析结果显示,s LOX-1、Apelin-13、YKL-40联合预测END的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.931(95%CI:0.889~0.961),优于单独预测价值;以Cut-off值为界,K-M生存曲线显示,血清sLOX-1、YKL-40高水平亚组不良预后率分别为27.66%、30.77%,明显高于低水平亚组的4.80%、5.67%,Apelin-13高水平亚组不良预后率为8.41%,明显低于低水平亚组的20.54%,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论sLOX-1、Apelin-13在急性ACI发生END患者血清中表达上调,YKL-40表达下调,且各指标水平均与预后相关,联合检测对END具有一定预测价值,可作为临床预测END、评估预后的辅助指标,并指导临床防治工作。

非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者血清IL-1RA、CTRP13和CK-18水平变化及其临床意义探讨

目的探讨非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)患者血清白细胞介素-1受体拮抗剂(IL-1RA)、补体C1q肿瘤坏死因子相关蛋白13(CTRP13)和细胞角蛋白18(CK-18)水平变化及其临床意义。方法2021年1月~2023年1月我院收治的67例NAFLD患者和55例健康体检者,经肝活检诊断肝脏脂肪变性分级,采用ELISA法检测血清IL-1RA、CTRP13和CK-18水平。应用多元Logistic回归分析危险因素。结果NAFLD组血清IL-1RA和CTRP13水平分别为(328.6±54.3)pg/ml和(2634.2±397.5)pg/ml,显著低于健康人组【分别为(673.1±125.4)pg/ml和(3425.7±423.8)pg/ml,P<0.05】,而血清CK-18水平为(15.2±3.1)ng/ml,显著高于健康人组【(3.9±0.7)ng/ml,P<0.05】;17例F3级肝脂肪变性患者血清IL-1RA和CTRP13水平分别为(256.3±47.6)pg/ml和(2056.3±308.4)pg/ml,显著低于29例F1级患者【分别为(388.3±59.4)pg/ml和(3071.5±409.3)pg/ml,P<0.05】或21例F2级患者【分别为(304.7±50.1)pg/ml和(2498.1±374.2)pg/ml,P<0.05】,而血清CK-18水平为(23.4±4.7)ng/ml,显著高于F1级患者【(8.1±1.3)ng/ml,P<0.05】或F2级患者【(18.5±2.9)ng/ml,P<0.05】;F3级肝脂肪变性患者肥胖、合并糖尿病、合并高脂血症、有代谢综合征家族史、血清IL-1RA≥256.5pg/ml、CTRP13≥2056.5pg/ml和CK-18≥21.6 ng/ml占比分别为70.6%、76.5%、88.2%、70.6%、35.3%、35.3%和70.6%,与50例F1/F2级的38.0%、42.0%、40.0%、30.0%、92.0%、80.0%和10.0%比,差异显著(P<0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析表明,肥胖【OR(95%)为2.0(1.1~3.6)】、合并糖尿病【OR(95%)为2.1(1.1~4.1)】、合并高脂血症【OR(95%)为1.6(1.0~2.6)】、IL-1RA【OR(95%)为0.5(0.3~0.9)】、CTRP13【OR(95%)为0.5(0.3~0.9)】和CK-18【OR(95%)为1.7(1.2~2.5)】为影响NAFLD患者肝脏脂肪变性程度的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论NAFLD患者血清IL-1RA、CTRP13和CK-18水平异常变化可能为评估肝脏脂肪变性程度提供一定的依据。

H型高血压患者血清DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度与其心血管功能及预后的关系

目的探究H型原发性高血压(高血压)患者血清诱骗受体3(decoy receptor 3,DcR3)、含1型血小板反应蛋白基序的去整合素金属蛋白酶13(A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with A thrombospondin type 1 motif member 13,ADAMTS13)浓度与其心血管功能及预后的关系。方法选取大庆市人民医院2020年6月至2022年6月收治的132例高血压患者作为观察对象,根据同型半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)浓度分为非H型高血压组40例和H型高血压组92例,根据预后情况将H型高血压患者分为预后良好组和预后不良组,并选择同期来大庆市人民医院健康体检的成年人70名作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验法检测受试者血清中DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度,Pearson法分析血清中DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度与心血管功能指标的相关性,多因素Logistic回归分析H型高血压患者1年预后不良的影响因素。绘制受试者工作特征曲线(receiver operating characteristic curve,ROC)分析血清DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度对H型高血压患者1年预后不良的预测价值。结果与对照组[(122.28±32.34)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)、(48.16±8.65)mmHg、(8.59±1.25)mm、(118.34±34.25)g/m2、(1.48±0.34)g/L、(57.15±14.94)mg/L、(1.45±0.31)、70.28%±15.21%]比较,H型高血压组患者的收缩压[(139.35±38.21)mmHg]、脉压[(57.37±11.75)mmHg]、左心室后壁厚度(posterior wall thickness,PWT)[(11.69±2.00)mm]以及左心室质量指数(left ventricular mass index,LVMI)[(148.54±38.22)g/m2]显著升高,DcR3[(0.74±0.19)g/L]、ADAMTS13浓度[(14.13±4.62)mg/L]、二尖瓣舒张早期血流峰值/二尖瓣舒张晚期血流峰值(E-peak to A-peak of the mitral flow spectrum,E/A)(0.65±0.13)、左心室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF)(64.26%±12.75%)显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);与非H型高血压组患者组比较,H型高血压组患者的DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度及E/A显著降低,LVMI显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。H型高血压组患者血清中DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度均与收缩压、脉压和LVMI呈负相关(P<0.05),而与E/A、LVEF呈正相关(P<0.05)。预后不良组患者的年龄显著高于预后良好组,E/A(0.38±0.07)、DcR3[(0.45±0.13)g/L]、ADAMTS13浓度[(8.45±2.11)mg/L]显著低于预后良好组[0.75±0.11、(0.85±0.27)g/L、(16.25±4.85)mg/L],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。DcR3、ADAMTS13是H型高血压患者预后不良的保护因素(P<0.05)。血清DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度单独及二者联合预测H型高血压患者1年发生预后不良的曲线下面积(area under the curve,AUC)分别为0.906、0.844、0.950。结论H型高血压疾病患者血清DcR3、ADAMTS13浓度降低,与心血管功能及预后密切相关,对该疾病的预后评估有重要价值。

TRIP13促进子宫内膜癌增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响及作用机制

目的:探讨甲状腺激素受体因子13(Thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13,TRIP13)对子宫内膜癌(Endometrial carcinoma,EC)增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响及调控机制。方法:分析TRIP13在子宫内膜癌中的表达模式;通过慢病毒敲减和质粒过表达调控子宫内膜癌细胞中TRIP13的表达量;通过CCK-8、Transwell迁移及侵袭实验观察TRIP13对子宫内膜癌细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力的影响;通过Western blot技术检测TRIP13表达水平的变化,并研究其对PI3K/Akt信号通路蛋白的影响。结果:癌症基因组图谱(The Cancer Genome Atlas,TCGA)分析发现,子宫内膜癌组织中TRIP13的表达水平显著高于正常子宫内膜组织(P<0.05);TRIP13的高表达与子宫内膜癌患者的低生存率呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。TRIP13过表达可促进子宫内膜癌细胞的增殖、迁移及侵袭能力(P<0.05),并上调p-PI3K、p-Akt的表达(P<0.05),而下调TRIP13后则可逆转上述结果。结论:TRIP13通过调控PI3K/Akt信号通路促进子宫内膜癌细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭。

嗅觉受体家族13亚家族C成员2在肝细胞癌中的表达及临床病理意义

目的探讨嗅觉受体家族13亚家族C成员2(olfactory receptor family 13 subfamily C member 2,OR13C2)在肝细胞癌(hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC)中的表达及临床病理意义。方法收集2017年8月至2022年3月于右江民族医学院附属医院进行手术切除治疗的HCC患者为研究对象,取石蜡包埋的癌组织及癌旁非癌肝组织适量,采用免疫组化染色EnVision二步法检测OR13C2在上述组织中的表达情况,通过Logistic回归模型分析OR13C2的表达与HCC组织学分级、癌旁肝纤维化等临床病理特征的相关性。结果OR13C2在HCC癌组织中的表达明显低于癌旁肝组织,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);HCC肿瘤组织中OR13C2的表达与HCC组织学分级差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),HCC中OR13C2的表达与HCC的组织学分级呈负相关(r=-0.213,P<0.05),OR13C2表达下调为肿瘤去分化风险因子(风险值为3.914,P<0.05);OR13C2在癌组织中的表达与HCC的发病年龄、性别、包膜侵犯、临床分期、乙型肝炎病毒感染、术前血清甲胎蛋白及微血管侵犯以及癌组织中Glypican-3、Arginase-1表达的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),OR13C2在癌旁肝组织中的表达与肝纤维化分期、慢性肝炎分级差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论HCC癌组织中OR13C2表达水平下调,这种下调与肿瘤的组织学分级负相关,是一个肿瘤去分化的风险因子。这些结果提示OR13C2表达失调在HCC发生中可能起一定的促进作用。

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.

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.

Production of interleukin-1β related to mammalian target of rapamycin/Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway during Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the mouse cornea

AIM：To elucidate the effect of rapamycin on regulating the production of interleukin（IL）-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus（A.fumigatus）-induced keratitis and to verify whether the expression of IL-1β in A.fumigatus keratitis is associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin（mT OR）/Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） signaling pathway.METHODS：Fungal keratitis mouse models of susceptible C57 BL/6 mice were established using A.fumigatus.The mice were subsequently treated with rapamycin.The protein levels of p-mT OR,TLR4,and IL-1β in normal and infected corneal tissue were measured by Western blot.The TLR4 and IL-1β m RNA levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.RESULTS：In C57 BL/6 mice,rapamycin treatment decreased the clinical scores and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine,IL-1β.The expression of TLR4,stimulated by A.fumigatus,was reduced as well when the mT OR signaling pathway was suppressed by rapamycin.CONCLUSION：Rapamycin is beneficial for the outcome of fungal keratitis and has an inhibitory effect expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.The inhibitory effect on IL-1β expression can be associated with the mT OR/TLR4 signaling pathway in A.fumigatus infection in mice.

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.

Tenascin C upregulates interleukin-6 expression in human cardiac myofibroblasts via toll-like receptor 4

AIM:To investigate the effect of Tenascin C(TNC)on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrixmetalloproteinases in human cardiac myofibroblasts(CMF).METHODS:CMF were isolated and cultured from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.Cultured cells were treated with either TNC(0.1μmol/L,24 h)or a recombinant protein corresponding to different domains of the TNC protein;fibrinogen-like globe(FBG)and fibronectin typeⅢ-like repeats(TNⅢ5-7)(both 1μmol/L,24 h).The expression of the proinflammatory cytokines;interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,TNFαand the matrix metalloproteinases;MMPs(MMP1,2,3,9,10,MT1-MMP)was assessed using real time RT-PCR and western blot analysis.RESULTS:TNC increased both IL-6 and MMP3(P<0.01)mR NA levels in cultured human CMF but had no significant effect on the other markers studied.The increase in IL-6 mR NA expression was mirrored by an increase in protein secretion as assessed by enzymelinked immunosorbant assay(P<0.01).Treating CMF with the recombinant protein FBG increased IL-6mR NA and protein(P<0.01)whereas the recombinant protein TNⅢ5-7 had no effect.Neither FBG nor TNⅢ5-7 had any significant effect on MMP3 expression.The expression of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)in human CMF was confirmed by real time RT-PCR,western blot and immunohistochemistry.Pre-incubation of cells with TLR4neutralising antisera attenuated the effect of both TNC and FBG on IL-6 mR NA and protein expression.CONCLUSION:TNC up-regulates IL-6 expression in human CMF,an effect mediated through the FBG domain of TNC and via the TLR4 receptor.

Effect evaluation of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist nanoparticles for mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

AIM: To study the efficacy of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation combined with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) for acute liver failure (ALF). METHODS: Chinese experimental miniature swine were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7), and all animals were given D-galactosamine (D-gal) to induce ALF. Group A animals were then injected with 40 mL saline via the portal vein 24 h after D-gal induction;Group B animals were injected with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra via the ear vein 18 h, 2 d and 4 d after D-gal induction; Group C received approximately 1 × 108 green fluorescence protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs (GFP-MSCs) suspended in 40 mL normal saline via the portal vein 24 h after D-gal induction; Group D animals were injected with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra via the ear vein 18 h after D-gal induction, MSCs transplantation was then carried out at 24 h after D-gal induction, and finally 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra was injected via the ear vein 1 d and 3 d after surgery as before. Liver function, serum inflammatory parameters and pathological changes were measured and the fate of MSCs was determined.RESULTS: The optimal efficiency of transfection (97%) was achieved at an multiplicity of infection of 80, as observed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (FCM). Over 90% of GFP-MSCs were identified as CD44+ CD90+ CD45-MSCs by FCM, which indicated that most GFP-MSCs retained MSCs characteristics. Biochemical assays, the levels of serum inflammatory parameters and histological results in Group D all showed a significant improvement in liver injury compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). The number of GFP-MSCs in Group D was also greater than that in Group B, and the long-term cell proliferation rate was also better in Group D than in the other groups.CONCLUSION: MSCs transplantation is useful in ALF, IL-1Ra plays an important role in alleviating the inflammatory condition, and combination therapy with MSCs transplantation and IL-1Ra is a promising treatment for ALF.

Fluence of Glucosidorum Tripterygii Totorum on joint and serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective The current study was designed to find out the effect of Glucosidorum Tripterygii Totorum (GTT) on the serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Method 29 patients with active AS were selected to take GTT (1mg per kg) three times a day for one year. After that, its curative effect was evaluated. The serum level of sIL-2R of these patients was measured by sandwich ELISA method and was compared with that of normal subjects. Result The serum level of sIL-2R in active AS patients was obviously higher than that of the non-active AS patients. (P<0.01). The total effective rate of GTT on AS was 89.6%, while clinical relief rate 27.6%, obvious effective rate 44.8%, effective rate 17.2% and non-effective rate 10.4%. The patients’ serum level of sIL-2R after therapy was significantly lower than that before therapy except patients with no effect. (P<0.05). Conclusion GTT has positive curative effect on active AS patients and could cause obvious decrease of the serum level of sIL-2R. The serum level of sIL-2R can be used as an important index of activity of AS and as a guide of therapy.

Interleukin-13 inhibits cytokines synthesis by blocking nuclear factor-κB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in human mesangial cells

Objective： Monocytes/macrophages, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are important in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Interleukin （IL） -13 has been shown to exert potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to investigate the effect of IL-13 on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and profibrogenic cytokines and the involved molecular mechanism in cultured human mesangial cells （HMCs）. Methods： The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and profibrogenic cytokines were determined by ribonuclease protection assay （RPA）. Activity of nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） and activa- tor protein-1 （AP-1） was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay （EMSA）. NF-κB subunit p65 nuclear transportation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） activity were assayed by immunoblot. Results： Recombinant IL-13 inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-u）, IL-1α, IL-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）, IL-8, and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） mRNA expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Lipopoly- sacchorides （LPS） dramatically increased NF-κB DNA binding activity of HMCs, which was inhibited by IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-activated NF-κB contained p50 and p65 dimers, but not c-Rel subunit. IL-13 blocked LPS-induced NF-κB subunit p65. LPS stimulated JNK/AP-1 activation, which was inhibited by IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion： IL-13 inhibits proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and profibrogenic cytokines synthesis by blocking NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 activation. These observations point to the importance of IL-13 in the modulation of inflammatory processes in the renal glomerulus.

Study of the Effect of Leeching on Plasma Endothelin and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.

Expression of Interleukin-15 and Its Receptor on the Surface of Stimulated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Summary： Human interleukin-15 （hIL-15） is an important cytokine to activate endothelial cells and can be regulated by many other cytokines. The aim of this study is to examine the ability of interferon-γ （IFN-γ）, and tumor necrosis factor-or （TNF-α to induce the production of human interleukin-15 （hIL-15） and IL-15 receptor （IL-15Rα by human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. The data are summarized as follows： 1. Northern blot revealed that IL-15 mRNA was up-regulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α 2. Intracellular IL-15 protein was visualized by fluorescence microscopy, whereas the expression of IL-15 on the surface of HUVECs was detected by fluorescence activated cell sorting （FACS）, and no detectable IL-15 in the medium was verified by ELISA. 3. IL-15Rα was detected on the surface of HUVECs by FACS after IFN-α and TNF-α stimulation, whereas Western blotting revealed that the elevated expression on surface IL-15Rα was not due to the increased protein expression. The conclusion demonstrated from our results is that IFN-α and TNF-α play an important role in regulating the expression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα on the surface of HUVECs.